Co-op City Times 01-17-26 by Co-op City Times

Less Than 7,000 Co-op City Households Have Applied for STAR Program

By ROZAAN BOONE

Although all Co-op City households are eligible for the New York State School Tax Relief (STAR) program, less than 7,000 households have applied.

The STAR program offers a tax reduction or credit for school property tax relief, and the New York State program offers two types of benefits, Basic and Enhanced STAR.

The deadline to apply is March 1, although new applicants and those reapplying should register as soon as possible.

The STAR program is available to owners of a house, cooperative apartment, condominium or other property that they live in or use as their primary residence.

There is no age limit to receive Basic STAR, and the total annual household income of the owner(s) must not exceed $500,000.

Enhanced STAR, however, is available to property owners who are age 65 or older as of December 31 of the exemption year. If the property is jointly owned by a married couple or siblings, only one owner has to be 65 years or older. For 2025 benefits, the household’s total annual income could not exceed $107,300; for this year, 2026, the total income limit will be $110,750 or less.

All Enhanced STAR recipients must participate in the Enhanced STAR Income Verification Program (IVP) only in the first year that they apply for the STAR program. In subsequent years, an Enhanced STAR applicant will not have to verify their income; the state Tax Department will conduct the verification.

Prior to 2016, STAR was available as a property tax exemption. However since 2016, new applicants for the STAR program can only receive a

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ATTENTION SHAREHOLDERS

Bike racks are for temporary use ONLY. They are not for permanent storage.

Any bikes secured to these racks will be removed within 24 hours of observance.

Service

Change for 4 and 5 Train Ongoing Through February

By BRANDON ORTIZ

From Monday, January 5, until Friday, February 20, overnight service for the 4 and 5 trains will be affected because of track switch replacement work. During the hours of 11:45 p.m. and 5 a.m., the 4 train will operate in two separate sections: one section running from the Woodlawn station to 149-Street Grand Concourse, and one section between 3 Av.–138 St. along the 6 line in the Bronx to New Lots Avenue in Brooklyn making all local stops.

Notably, the service changes will also occur on weekends between January 23 and February 23 starting from 9:45 p.m. on Fridays until 5 a.m. on Mondays, except for Presidents’ Day weekend when the service change will

extend to 5 a.m. on Tuesday, February 17.

During the weekend service changes, the 5 train will operate as a shuttle between E 180 Street and Dyre Avenue. Additionally, the MTA will offer free shuttle buses between 149 St.–Grand Concourse and 3 Av.–138 St. during service changes.

Riders should also keep in mind that “while most 4 and 5 trains will operate their normal weekday routes, some rush hour 4 trains will be rerouted to 3 Av.–138 St. (6 train line), and some rush hour 5 trains will operate on the 2 line between 149 St.–Grand Concourse and Nevins St. These changes are expected to occur between Monday, January 26, and Friday, February 20, according to the MTA.

State and City Partner to Deliver 2-Care Program

By BRANDON ORTIZ

New York City announced on January 8 that it will partner with the State to provide free childcare for two-year olds.

Governor Kathy Hochul joined Mayor Zohran Mamdani to deliver the news about the new program, which is called 2-Care. For the next two years, the State will fully fund 2-Care as part of Mayor Mamdani’s four-year implementation plan. The first year of implementation will focus on what the Mayor’s Office called “high-need areas,” and ultimately expand to all interested families by 2029.

In tandem with the implementation of the 2-Care program, Governor Hochul’s administration will provide support to strengthen the city’s cur-

rent 3K program and help it reach a level of universal access for all eligible New York City children.

New York will also launch a brand new department called the Office of Child Care and Early Education that will directly oversee the implementation of high-quality universal childcare statewide. Gov. Hochul’s 2026 State of the State Address outlined her goal of providing affordable childcare for an additional 100,000 families in New York. Going one step further, the Governor also touched on her desire to deliver affordable universal Pre-K childcare for all families statewide by the 2028-2029 school year.

Governor Hochul later emphasized her commitment to bringing affordable childcare to New York families

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Governor Hochul

Delivers 2026

State of the State Address

By BRANDON ORTIZ

Governor Hochul delivered her 2026 State of the State Address on January 13, outlining several areas her administration will focus on in the coming months.

From making New York more affordable to supporting students statewide, Gov. Hochul introduced numerous proposals during her State of the State Address this week.

Starting with improving affordability, the Governor announced that New York would increase funding for childcare by $1.7 billion as the State moves toward delivering affordable universal childcare for all children un-

der five years of age. Part of that initiative will see Gov. Hochul working in collaboration with Mayor Zohran Mamdani to provide free childcare for New York City two-year olds, which the Mayor is calling the “2-Care program.” The State will also continue supporting the city’s existing 3-K program in an effort to ultimately reach all families citywide.

Gov. Hochul also delivered some news for New York’s Rent Freeze programs by proposing an increase to the income eligibility limit for those programs. For CUNY and SUNY students, the Governor proposed freezing tuition rates for the seventh year in a

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Riverbay Holiday closing and CCTimes deadline notice

The Riverbay administrative offices will be closed on Monday, January 19, in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Because of the holiday-shortened work week, all material, including directors’ viewpoints, submitted for publication in the upcoming Saturday, January 24th issue of the Co-op City Times, must be submitted before 9 a.m. on Tuesday, January 20. Material received after 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 20, will be accommodated as space allows in the Saturday, Jan. 24th issue of the Co-op City Times. Submissions should be emailed to cctimes@riverbaycorp.com.

We wish our readers a memorable and safe Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

STAR Program–––––

(Continued from page 1)

credit, administered by New York State. Over time, applicants who receive the credit may receive a larger benefit amount as the value of the credit can increase by up to 2% annually. The STAR exemption, on the other hand, remains fixed. Since the amount of the STAR benefit depends on your local school tax rate and property value, New York City households eligible for the 2025-2026 Basic STAR exemption can expect to see between $269-278 applied towards their school property tax bill. Those who filed to receive a credit instead of the exemption can expect a slightly higher amount, between $350-$600 depending on their local school tax rate and other factors.

Seniors receiving the 2025-2026 Enhanced STAR exemption may see around $640-$660 and those who opted for the credit may see payments in the $700$1,500 range, depending on their school tax local tax rates and other factors.

Typically, shareholders in Mitchel-Lama developments have their STAR benefits disbursed to the housing corporation along with a report from the City of New York identifying the eligible households and the amount of their respective credit. That saving is then passed along by management to the respective shareholders in the form of reduced carrying charges. This year, eligible shareholders in Co-op City will see the saving reflected on their March 2026 carrying charge statement which will be reduced by the amount of their STAR benefit.

Basic or Enhanced STAR disbursement is not automatic — it must be filed for. Once you are approved to receive STAR, there is no need to reapply each year unless you move. In that case, the property owner should reapply for STAR at the new address. This can be done online at www.tax.ny.gov/star, or by calling the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance at (518) 457-2036, M-F, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

2-Care Program––––– (Continued

from page 1)

during her joint announcement with Mayor Mamdani.

“There’s one thing that every family in New York can agree on, the cost of childcare is simply too high. As New York’s first mom Governor, fighting for New York’s families has always been at the core of my agenda. Since taking office, I’ve put families front and center, fighting to make our state more affordable and laying the groundwork to deliver universal childcare. Today, I’m proud to partner with Mayor Mamdani and leaders across our state to make this a reality, turning that foundation into a concrete roadmap that will transform the lives of working parents and kids across our state,” Gov. Hochul said on January 13.

During his remarks, Mayor Mamdani highlighted the significance of the city and state working together to serve New Yorkers.

“Over the past 14 months, a movement was born to fight for a city where every New Yorker could afford a life of dignity and every family could afford to raise their kids. Today, Governor Hochul and I meet that movement as we celebrate our joint commitment to universal child care,” Mayor Mamdani said. “This victory represents much more than a triumph of city and state government working in partnership—it is proof that when New Yorkers come together, we can transform the way government serves working families.”

On Wednesday of this week, the Mayor joined newly appointed New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) Chancellor Kamar Samuels to announce the opening of both 3-K and Pre-K applications.

Below is a list for each deadline, including the kindergarten application, according to NYCPS:

1.3-K: Deadline of Friday, February 27 and offers are released on Thursday, May 19.

2.Pre-K: Deadline of Friday, February 27 and offers are released on Tuesday, May 12.

3.Kindergarten: Deadline of Friday, January 23 and offers are released on Tuesday, March 31.

To apply, parents can go online to MySchools.nyc, call 718-935-2009 or visit a Family Welcome Center. Family Welcome Centers are important resources that help families with the admissions and enrollment process. For Co-op City shareholders and parents, the Family Welcome Center in the Bronx that deals with Co-op City’s school district, District 11, is located at 1230 Zerega Avenue, Room 24, Bronx, NY 10462. The Family Welcome Center serving District 11 can also be reached via email at: ZeregaFWC@schools.nyc.gov.

Shareholders can also use the state’s Homeowner Benefit Portal to create an account and register for STAR or update their STAR registration, among things. Access the portal at https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/homeowner-benefit-portal.htm, or use https://on.ny.gov/49K6hJf, or scan the QR code at right to connect:

Homeowners who received the STAR exemption prior to 2016, but lost the benefit, or those who would like to transition from the STAR exemption to the STAR credit, can do so through the NY Department of Taxation and Finance using the information above.

To start your STAR registration, be sure to have the following information at hand:

• Names and Social Security of all owners of your apartment

• Number of shares you own and the specific date of purchase of your apartment. (If you cannot locate your stock certificate, you can obtain this information from the Riverbay Finance department.)

• 2024 federal or state tax returns. To locate your federal adjusted gross income, go to line 19 on the NY Tax return (IT-201) and on the federal tax form (1040), go to line 37. (Applicants filing for the 2026 STAR will need their 2024 tax return.)

• Social Security award letter, pension statement, IRA, bank statements with your interest amount and any other income information.

• If your co-op unit is in a Trust, have the Title of the Trust handy as well as names of all owners and others living in the apartment along with their date of birth.

If you were not required to file a 2024 income tax return, you must provide the following, if applicable:

• Total income (wages, salaries, tips, etc.)

• Taxable interest income and dividends

•Unemployment compensation

• Total pensions and annuities

• Social Security benefits

• All other income

Co-op City shareholders will also need the following information to complete their STAR application:

• Cooperators who live in Sections 1-4, and in the Adler, Asch, Cooper, Debs, DeFoe and Broun Place townhouses – “Block #: 5141; Lot#: 120.

• Cooperators who live in Section 5 and the Earhart Lane townhouses –Block#: 5135; Lot: 51.

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Next Coffee with Mike

Assemblyman Michael Benedetto invites shareholders to join him at the pizzeria in Section 5 on Saturday, January 24, 9:30-10:30 a.m., for the next “Coffee with Mike.” This is an opportunity for shareholders to meet with the Assemblyman and discuss pertinent matters of concern. All are invited.

Black History Month Celebration

On February 12, at 12 p.m., in the Dreiser Auditorium, Assemblyman Michael Benedetto will host a program honoring Black History Month. Come out to enjoy live music, performances, lunch, and special guest speaker NYS Assembly Majority Leader Hon. Crystal Peoples-Stokes. To RSVP, email grayr@nyassembly. gov or call 718-320-2220.

Super Bowl Watch Party

Join us for a Super Bowl Watch Party on Sunday, February 8, at 4 p.m., in the Dreiser auditorium. Bring out your family and friends to enjoy this exciting event. Show off your creative skills and design your own tablegate (tables will be supplied). The Best Creative Superbowl Table will win a gift card. To RSVP, email community@riverbaycorp.com.

Be An Engaged Shareholder

Shareholders are encouraged to submit input on how to improve services and service delivery as well as other ideas that impact the quality of life of Co-op City residents.

If you have a suggestion you’d like to share with the Riverbay Board and/or Management, visit the Home page of the ofﬁcial Coop City website, coopcity.com, scroll down to the bottom and click on the “Comments & Suggestions” link.

Hochul Address –––––

(Continued from page 1) row.

Public safety was another key facet of the Governor’s 2026 State of the State Address. On January 7, Gov. Hochul detailed her proposal to curb the proliferation of 3-D printed guns, also referred to as ghost guns because they lack serial numbers. Specifically, “the new legislation would establish criminal penalties for the manufacture of 3D-printed firearms and order minimum safety standards to be established for 3D printer manufacturers to block the production of firearms and firearm components,” the Governor’s Office said on January 7. “The proposed legislation would also require gun manufacturers to design their pistols so they cannot be quickly and easily modified into illegal machine guns, and require police departments and sheriffs’ offices to report recoveries of all 3D printed guns to the state,” the Governor’s Office went on to say.

Part of the Governor’s list of proposals centered around ensuring the safety of both consumers and workers, especially online. To that end, New York will establish a new department called the Office of Digital Innovation, Governance, Integrity and Trust (DIGIT), which will be tasked with serving “as a central, authoritative body for digital safety and technological governance,” according to the Governor’s Office. New York will also work to rein in the data broker industry with new legislation that would require all data brokers in New York to register with the State as data brokers, in addition to creating a streamlined and centralized process where New Yorkers can request data brokers to delete specific categories of their personal information.

Governor Hochul also wants to regulate AI-generated

2nd Front Page

content more closely with legislation requiring such content to have a label detailing its origin and creation. In an attempt to preserve the integrity of elections, Gov. Hochul’s Ofﬁce said they will push new legislation “to ban non-consensual deepfakes in speciﬁed periods leading up to elections, including depictions of opposition candidates.”

During her State of the State Address, the Governor remained resolute in her commitment to supporting New York families.

“I’ve said from the beginning: Your family is my fight. And in this moment, when the future feels full of promise, but under real threat: your future is my fight as well. I fight everyday to make life more affordable, keep people safe, and expand opportunity — not shrink it. My 2026 State of the State lays out a clear, actionable plan to meet the challenges families face today, while preparing New York for the road ahead,” Gov. Hochul said on January 13.

Following the Governor’s State of the State Address, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson said, “Today, Governor Kathy Hochul’s State of the State Address outlined a clear, forward-looking agenda focused on affordability, public safety, and protecting New Yorkers during a time of continued economic and social uncertainty. As we enter the new year, I commend Governor Hochul’s leadership and commitment to delivering meaningful solutions for working families and communities across our state…I look forward to continuing to work in partnership with Governor Hochul, our State legislative colleagues, and City leaders to ensure these commitments translate into meaningful outcomes for Bronx residents and families across New York State.”

NYC DOT Begins Activating Additional Red Light Cameras to Protect New Yorkers at City Intersections

City to begin activating red light cameras at 50 new intersections each week for the next five weeks, with goal of reaching 600 intersections by end of 2026

New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Mike Flynn announced last week that NYC DOT has begun activating additional red light cameras across the city to protect New Yorkers as they travel through intersections. NYC DOT will activate red light cameras at 50 new intersections per week over the next ﬁve weeks.

Prior to the expansion that is now underway, red light cameras were in place at just 150 intersections—the maximum previously allowed under state law. The state legislature authorized the city to expand red light cameras to a total of 600 intersections. NYC DOT will complete the expansion to all 600 intersections by the end of 2026.

“Red light running is one of the most dangerous behaviors on our city’s streets and puts all New Yorkers at risk. That is why we are taking immediate action to ramp up the city’s red light camera program,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “These cameras have reduced red light running 73 percent in the intersections where they are installed, and we will pair this heightened enforcement with ambitious street redesigns to make our streets safer.”

The city’s red light camera program has operated for 30 years and is highly effective. Where cameras have been installed, NYC DOT recorded a 73% decline in red-light running, a 65% decline in T-bone crashes, and a 49% drop in rear-end collisions. These cameras help crack down on the most dangerous drivers on city streets; vehicles that re-

ceive ﬁve or more red light camera violations in a year are more than 100 times more likely to be involved in a crash that kills or seriously injures someone.

The program has also proven to change driver behavior and prevent repeat offenders. In 2023, 94% of vehicles caught running a red light received no more than one or two violations. Fewer than 0.5% of vehicles received ﬁve or more violations.

Additional cameras will be placed at intersections across the ﬁve boroughs based on criteria including crash history.

“New Yorkers should not have to fear for their lives every time they cross the street,” said State Senator Andrew Gounardes. “I passed the law to expand the red light camera program for a simple reason – we know it works. The reality is, most drivers don’t run red lights. But those drivers, along with everyone else, are safer when the ones who do are held accountable. Decades of data makes it clear these cameras reduce crashes and save lives. Thanks to DOT for implementing this important program so more New Yorkers are safe on our streets, however they get around.”

“This expansion of red light cameras in NYC will ensure the safety of many New Yorkers for years to come. It is proven that these cameras have reduced collisions, decreased the frequency of drivers running red lights, and improved overall driver behavior,” said Assemblymember (Continued on page 9)

Attorney

General James Demands Answers from Instacart about Algorithmic Pricing Instacart Must Disclose Algorithmic Pricing Under New York Law

New York Attorney General Letitia James reported last week that her ofﬁce has sent a letter to the online grocery shopping platform Instacart demanding more information about its use of algorithmic pricing and price-setting experiments after a recent report revealed Instacart users were being charged signiﬁcantly different prices for the same products.

In December 2025, Groundwork Collaborative and Consumer Reports released a detailed study showing Instacart was varying prices for the same product, with some shoppers seeing prices that were up to 23% higher for the exact same products in the same store at the same time. New York’s recent Algorithmic Pricing Disclosure Act requires companies to clearly and conspicuously state when they are using consumers’ personal data to affect prices. Attorney General James warned Instacart that it may be violating the law, and requested detailed information on the pricing experiments highlighted in the recent report and Instacart’s efforts to comply with the Algorithmic Pricing Disclosure Act.

“Charging different prices for the exact same products leaves shoppers feeling cheated and threatens to raise costs at a time when consumers are already paying too much at the grocery store,” said Attorney General James. “New Yorkers deserve fair prices and clear disclosures about how companies are using their personal information. Instacart’s pricing experiments raise serious concerns about its use of algorithmic pricing, and I will not hesitate to take action to enforce our laws and protect consumers.”

The study by Groundwork Collaborative and Consumer Reports assigned 437 shoppers across four cities to add items to their Instacart shopping carts and measure the prices displayed. Nearly three-quarters of the grocery items in the experiment were offered to shoppers at multiple prices on Instacart, with a 13% average difference between the highest and lowest prices for a single good. The experiment revealed that these price differences could translate to $1,200 per year in additional costs for a typical family of four. Following the study’s publication, Instacart announced that it was ending all “item price tests” but suggested that its partners, including grocery stores and food brands, could continue to test different types of promotions and discounts for its customers on the platform.

New York’s Algorithmic Pricing Disclosure Act took effect on November 10, 2025, and requires most companies that use algorithmic pricing, also known as surveillance pricing, to disclose that they use customers’ personal data to set individualized prices. Businesses must include a clear disclosure prominently displayed near prices stating, “THIS PRICE WAS SET BY AN ALGORITHM USING YOUR PERSONAL DATA.” In the letter, Attorney General James warns Instacart that its disclosures – which are buried on a page only accessible by clicking on ﬁne print text and are not clearly displayed near product prices –may not be complying with the law.

Attorney General James is demanding detailed information from Instacart about its price-setting tactics, including:

•Its agreements with its retail and food brand partners concerning price setting, discounts, and automated tools to run price experiments on shoppers.

•The automated tools used by Instacart and its partners to adjust prices and discounts, including how consumer data may be used for these price changes.

•Instacart’s price experiments, including the ones revealed by the Groundwork Collaborative and Consumer Reports study.

•Instacart and its partners’ use of algorithmic pricing and their efforts to comply with New York’s disclosure requirements.

In November 2025, Attorney General James released a consumer alert warning New Yorkers about algorithmic pricing and encouraging businesses to follow the law to disclose their use of algorithmic pricing.

Proper Reporting of Service Requests for Laundry Machines

Riverbay laundry facilities offer modern, state-of-the-art washers and dryers provided by CSC.

To report inoperable washers and dryers, shareholders should:

1. Download and use the CSC app. You’ll need the machine number which is afﬁxed to the front of the machine.

2. Call CSC at 1-877-264-6622 and report the inoperable machine. You’ll need the machine number. CSC will then generate a work order to send out a repair specialist.

3. Submit an online service request to CSC at www.cscsw.com

Riverbay Janitorial supervisors inspect the laundry rooms daily. Out-of-service machines are identiﬁed, cross-referenced, and reported to CSC for repairs.

Shareholders can assist in the identiﬁcation of inoperable laundry machines by ﬁlling out the yellow repair card and placing it into the slot at the front of the machine. Thank you for your cooperation. —Riverbay Management

JANUARY 2026 | FREE Programs

DSNY: Calling All Artists – Paint A DSNY Collection Truck!

“Trucks of Art” Program Highlights Sustainability and Honors New York’s Strongest

The New York City Department of Sanitation, in collaboration with the Sanitation Foundation, has announced that Trucks of Art — a paid opportunity for artists to creatively paint an entire collection truck — is back!

DSNY is welcoming all artists — professional, amateur and aspiring — to submit applications to transform a 46,000-pound collection vehicle into a work of art. Priority will be given to proposals that celebrate keeping NYC clean, sustainability, and the DSNY workforce. To promote sustainability, artists are encouraged to use paints that would otherwise be discarded or recycled.

“Sanitation trucks have become part of our city’s streetscape, and today we announce a third opportunity for local artists to reimagine these trucks as 400 square feet of metal canvas and transform them into roving works of art,” said Acting Commissioner Javier Lojan. “Previous Trucks of Art are still on collection routes in all five boroughs, and we are thrilled to be adding five more to our fleet this spring.”

Full details for the Trucks of Art project, including submission information is available in the Request for Expressions of Interest at nyc.gov/TruckArt

Those interested in applying should fill out an application, including design mock-ups, and submit via the online application. Selected artists will be paid a stipend of up to $1,500 by the Sanitation Foundation.

“The Sanitation Foundation is proud to partner with DSNY on Trucks of Art 2026, a program that brings artists, communities, and Sanitation workers together in a highly visible and meaningful way. These trucks carry more than waste – they carry stories of creativity, sustainability and civic pride across all five boroughs.”

A new DMV office opened in the Bronx, NY in October 2025. This new office is located at 610 Exterior Street on the sixth floor of the Bronx Terminal Market, and operates weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. If planning to go in-person, the DMV recommends making a reservation first. To make a reservation, visit tinyurl.com/2p9nndrk, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on “Make a Reservation.”

The new Bronx DMV Office offers services such as upgrading to a REAL ID or Enhanced Driver’s License photo document, renewing a photo document, changing information on a current photo document or obtaining a New York Non-Driver ID.

The deadline to submit applications is Sunday, February 8, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. The Department and the Sanitation Foundation, along with special guests, will choose the finalists. Paint will be provided, and trucks will be painted in April.

Non-artistic New Yorkers can also be involved. The Department is asking residents to support this initiative by dropping off their unwanted paints (cans, sprays, tubes) at the Department’s Special Waste Drop-off Locations Artists will select the paints they’ll need, and the rest will be recycled or properly disposed.

In the Bronx, the DSNY Special Waste Drop-Off site is located at Hunts Point, Farragut Street and the East River, next to the Fulton Fish Market. Enter on Farragut Street, off Food Center Drive. The site is open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please be aware that drop-of sites are do-it-yourself. DSNY staff are available for instruction and assistance. You may be asked for proof of NYC residency.

This is the Department’s third iteration of the Trucks of Art program; trucks were previously painted in 2019 and 2022.

The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) keeps New York City clean, safe, and healthy by collecting, recycling, and disposing of waste, cleaning streets, attacking the scourge of illegal dumping, and clearing snow and ice. The department operates 59 district garages and manages a fleet of more than 2,000 rear-loading collection trucks, 450 mechanical brooms, 705 salt spreaders, and several dozen bike lane operations machines. With the highest wintertime uniformed headcount in 20 years, DSNY is more equipped than ever to remove snow and ice from the approximately 19,000 lane-miles of city streets.

Get Involved!

Co-op City is your home. If you have talents, knowledge and expertise that can be helpful and improve the quality of life in Co-op City, share your ideas. Vote in the annual Board election, join a Board committee, write to Riverbay Management or pen a letter to the editor.

DEC Seeks Public Input on Draft Policy to Improve Access to Outdoor Recreation for People With Disabilities

New Policy Provides Framework for Identifying Opportunities for the Use of Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton has announced the release of a draft Commissioner Policy to improve access to the outdoors for people with mobility disabilities.

The proposed policy guides the use of Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMDs) on DEC-managed lands by consolidating and streamlining several existing DEC policies and procedures and establishes a framework to identify new opportunities for the use of OPDMDs by people with mobility disabilities.

“DEC manages nearly 5 million acres of land to conserve natural resources while providing diverse outdoor recreational opportunities, from hiking and bicycling, to camping and hunting,” Commissioner Lefton said. “Forests and natural areas provide physical and mental health benefits to millions of New Yorkers and this proposed policy would improve transparency and help ensure those benefits are available to people of all abilities.”

DEC welcomes all visitors to explore State lands and is committed to providing an ever-increasing range of accessible outdoor recreation opportunities. The new policy is part of DEC’s ongoing efforts to making reasonable modifications to the State’s general policies, practices, and procedures to ensure that people with disabilities are afforded equitable access, without taking any action that would fundamentally alter the nature of its programs, services, or activities.

OPDMDs are battery or fuel-powered devices, other than wheelchairs, used for locomotion – including golf

carts, scooters, e-bikes, and other personal mobility devices. DEC currently administers an accommodation program for people with mobility disabilities and is committed to advancing accessibility for people with disabilities.

The new draft policy is intended to replace Commissioner Policy 3 (Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities), continuing the permitted opportunities identified under that policy for cars, trucks, and ATVs, while also expanding opportunities for a wider range of devices.

The proposal provides clear information about public recreation opportunities that allow OPDMD uses in select locations across the state, provide guidance for evaluating additional device uses over time. The proposal also identifies areas of DEC-managed lands where certain categories of OPDMDs would not be allowed due to public safety issues, risks to natural resources, or other concerns.

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

Danielle Cruz Managing Editor

Brandi Simpson Junior Associate Editor

Ralph Henriquez Production Manager

Nathen Valadez New Media Producer

Sheldon Green

Written comments on the draft policy will be accepted through March 9, 2026. DEC is also hosting a virtual public meeting on Wednesday, February 4, at 6 p.m. for those interested in learning more. To register for the public meeting, or to access the draft policy and provide comments, visit DEC’s website, https://tinyurl.com/3jn747pw, or scan the QR code here:

For information about DEC’s accessible recreation destinations and explore the range of wheelchair-accessible opportunities statewide, including an interactive online map to identify accessible features on DEC lands, visit DEC’s website.

Iglesia Cristina Marcos 16:15

135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 33, Bronx, NY 10475.

Que la paz del Señor esté con ustedes.

Iglesia Cristiana Marcos 16:15 les hace una cordial invitación a la comunidad hispana a congregarse con nosotros.

Somos una congregación pequeña, pero nuestra hospitalidad y amor superan nuestro tamaño. Estamos buscando nuevos miembros que vengan y se unan a nosotros. Hoy en día muchos se sienten cómodos viendo los servicios de adoración en línea, lo cual está bien, pero experimentar el poderoso movimiento del Espíritu Santo mientras uno está en la iglesia es una experiencia hermosa que no se puede comparar. A través del poder del Espíritu Santo, los creyentes son salvos, llenos, sellados y santificados.

Salmo 118:26: “Bendito el que viene en el nombre de Jehová; Desde la casa de Jehová os bendecimos.”

Únase a nosotros mientras alabamos, oramos y celebramos el amor de nuestro Señor y Salvador. Nuestra iglesia se encuentra en el centro comunitario de 135 Einstein Loop, Segundo piso, Salón #33. También pueden vernos en vivo los domingos a través de nuestra página de Facebook: “Iglesia Cristiana Marcos.”

Horario de Servicios

Lunes: Estudios Bíblicos telefónico: 8 p.m. (564-8885521; Código: 696248)

Martes/Viernes: Estudios Bíblicos Zoom: 8 p.m. (ID 3447367643; Código: 3jEJ2W)

Jueves: Estudios Bíblicos telefónico: Ingles, 8 p.m. (564888-5521; Código:696248)

Domingos – Culto de Adoración, 11:30 a.m.

La Santa Cena es el 1er Domingo del mes

Que Dios le bendiga y recuerda que Cristo te ama. May the peace of the Lord be with you.

Iglesia Cristiana Marcos 16:15 cordially invites the Hispanic community to come gather and worship with us.

We are a small congregation, but our hospitality and love surpasses our size. Today, many are comfortable watching worship services online, which is fine, but to experience the powerful movement of the Holy Spirit while in church is a beautiful experience that cannot be compared. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are saved, filled, sealed, and sanctified.

Psalm 118:26: “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you.”

Come join us as we praise, pray and celebrate the love of our Lord and Savior. Our church is located at 135 Einstein Loop Community Center, second floor, Rm. 33. You can also watch us live on Sundays via our Facebook page: “Iglesia Cristiana Marcos 16:15.”

Services Offered

Monday: Spanish Bible Studies/phone at 8 p.m. (564888-5521; Code: 696248)

Tuesday / Friday: Zoom Spanish Bible Studies at 8 p.m. (ID 3447367643; Code: 3jEJ2W)

Thursday: English Telephone Bible Studies at 8 p.m. (564-888-5521; Code: 696248)

Sundays: Worship Service, 11:30 a.m.

Holy Communion is the 1st Sunday of the month. God bless you and remember, Jesus loves you. –Blanca Santana

Notice to Shareholders...

When renting a community center room, a photo I.D. with your Co-op City address is required.

Important Notice to Shareholders of Building 8

Article SIXTH of your Occupancy Agreement provides, in part, that your lease automatically renews for an additional three (3) year period. You need to do nothing if you want your lease to extend for another three (3) year period. If you will be moving out at the end of your lease, notify Riverbay, in writing, Attention: Sales Support Office, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475, ninety (90) days prior to lease expiration.

Building 8

100 DeKruif Place

Current Lease

Expiration Date: April 30, 2026

New 3-Year

Expiration Date: April 30, 2029

Multi-Media Advertising Manager

Brandon Ortiz Media Assistant

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

Writers will be limited to one letter per topic. Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Letters cannot exceed 350 words. Ideally, they should be typed. All letters must be submitted to the Co-op City Times by 3 p.m. Monday to be considered for publication in that week’s edition. Email cctimes@riverbaycorp.com or mail to 2049 Bartow Ave., Room 21, Bronx, NY 10475.

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

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

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

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

New Capital One Settlement Results in $34M in Restitution and Better Interest Rates for New Yorkers

On Monday, January 12, 2026, New York Attorney General Letitia James commended a new settlement that will require Capital One to provide $425M in restitution and better interest rates for its 360 Savings customers who were cheated out of higher interest payments on their savings accounts for years.

After Attorney General James led a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general in opposing an earlier proposed class action settlement that did not deliver enough for Capital One customers who were wronged, this new settlement more than doubles the value of the earlier one. Attorney General James sued Capital One in May 2025 for misleading its 360 Savings customers to avoid paying them higher interest rates.

“Capital One customers were counting on growing their savings accounts, but their bank misled them and cheated them out of valuable interest payments for years,” said Attorney General James. “Today, we are delivering justice for those customers nationwide and ensuring that they will receive the higher interest rates they were originally promised. I look forward to seeing this settlement approved and will always ﬁght to ensure New Yorkers are treated fairly by their banks.”

Capital One marketed its 360 Savings accounts as “high interest” accounts with “one of the nation’s best savings rates” that would earn its customers more than an average savings account. However, while interest rates rose nationwide beginning in 2022, Capital One kept the interest rates for its 360 Savings accounts artiﬁcially low. Instead, Capital One created “360 Performance Savings,” a nearly identical type of savings account that provided much higher interest rates than 360 Savings – at one point, more than 14 times higher. Last May, Attorney General James sued Capital One for misleading its 360 Savings account customers about the interest rates they would receive, allowing the bank to avoid paying the high interest rates that it promised.

In September 2025, Attorney General James led a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general in ﬁling an amicus brief opposing a proposed class action settlement that would have shortchanged 360 Savings customers. The proposed settlement would have delivered less than $300 million in restitution payments while allowing Capital One to continue to underpay 360 Savings customers’ interest. After Attorney General James and the coalition raised objections to this settlement, the court rejected it.

Capital One has now agreed to a new settlement that would deliver substantially more for 360 Savings customers. The settlement, which was preliminarily approved by the court on Jan. 12 will require Capital One to pay $425M in restitution, including an estimated $34M to New Yorkers who

Public Safety Blotter

January 5, 2026 – January 10, 2026

January 06, 2026

100 Aldrich Street – While conducting a building inspection, CCPD observed a cooperator loitering on the sixth-ﬂoor stairwell smoking a marijuana cigarette. The cooperator was issued a Community Complaint for loitering on the stairwell and a second Community Complaint for smoking in the building.

January 07, 2026

140 Carver Loop – While conducting a building inspection, CCPD observed a cooperator loitering on the twenty-six-ﬂoor stairwell smoking a marijuana cigarette. The cooperator was issued a Community Complaint for loitering on the stairwell and a second Community Complaint for smoking in the building.

January 08, 2026

120 Aldrich Street – A cooperator reported returning to their parked vehicle and observing two suspects tampering with their vehicle. As the cooperator approached the vehicle, both males ﬂed the area in a white vehicle. NYPD was notiﬁed of the incident along with the damage to the cooperator’s vehicle.

January 09, 2026

120 Alcott Place – While

conducting a post condition check, CCPD observed an individual who was visiting a relative loitering on the twenty-third ﬂoor stairwell and smoking a marijuana cigarette. The shareholder who the individual was visiting was issued a Community Complaint for loitering and a second Community Compliant for the individual smoking in the building.

January 10, 2026

Side of 920 Baychester Avenue – A cooperator reported returning to their parked vehicle and observing that the catalytic converter was removed from the vehicle by an unknown suspect. NYPD was notiﬁed by the cooperator for reporting purposes.

140 Benchley Place – While conducting a building inspection, CCPD observed several large items sitting in front of the elevator as if moving out. The shareholder who owned the items was issued a Community Complaint for the Move In/Move Out violation.

100 Donizetti Place – A cooperator reported being assaulted by a family member who retrieved a knife, causing an injury. After the attack, the family member ﬂed the scene. The knife was recovered by CCPD and vouchered at the 45th Pct.

had 360 Savings accounts. The settlement will also require Capital One to match 360 Savings and 360 Performance Savings interest rates, erasing the misleading two-tiered system of accounts at the heart of Attorney General James’ lawsuit and providing an estimated $530M to consumers nationwide in future additional interest. The Ofﬁce of the Attorney General (OAG) will voluntarily dismiss its lawsuit if the revised class action settlement receives ﬁnal approval from the court and goes into effect.

Distribution of unsolicited advertisements in Co-op City

Co-op City is private property and therefore prohibits distribution of unsolicited advertising material to shareholders’ homes and/or property, including cars parked in the development’s eight (8) garages.

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

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

Thank you for your cooperation.

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.

Director’s Viewpoint Mary Pearson, Assistant Secretary

Four Kings Month

The Holiday Season is over. Finished. Kaput. That’s a wrap. New Year’s Day and done. Okay, well maybe it got stretched out a bit more to include Three Kings Day, but that, too, is now long gone.

But not in Puerto Rico, it isn’t. That’s what my neighbor told me just a few days ago. The holidays are not done yet, said she. At first, I thought she was feeding me a line of malarkey, so I asked AI. AI didn’t know what she was talking about, but as we all know, AI doesn’t know everything. So, I checked with AI’s teacher – Wikipedia.

Turns out, the Three Kings Day extension of Christmas does indeed enjoy an eight-day extension of its own. It runs from January 7th through the 14th, and even after that, according to some, comes another eight days in honor of San Sebastián. Party on, people of Puerto Rico! I hope everyone had a happy Octavitas.

Back here on the mainland, MLK Day is also getting its own typical extension. Though Martin Luther King Jr.’s actual birthday was last Thursday, January 15th, the reverend doctor will be celebrated on Monday, the 19th – the traditional third Monday of January. That’s thanks to the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968 which pushes national holidays around to make three-day weekends… sometimes. The system is actually not all that uniform after all. But what is consistent about this particular national holiday, more than any that came before, is its aspirational bent. MLK Day is the one that most closely calls for the people of the United States to continue the work of forming a more perfect union.

Now that Four Kings Month is wrapping up, it’s time for Co-op City citizens to get down to business. The call has gone out to Board members to throw their hats in the ring to take on the thankless task of chairing the 2026 Election Committee. By most standards, our recent elections have not gone very well, but last year took the cake. One of the most overlooked reasons for 2025’s SNAFU Board election was our technical difficulties – the

unusual activity in our communications system.

But the overarching problem of our elections is that the rules are squirrely. I, as well as many other shareholders throughout the years, have made endless suggestions for a more perfect Riverbay election.

Here come mine, one more time.

1.) Choose the Election Committee at random from a pool of volunteers composed of officers from building associations and community organizations, excluding sitting Board directors except to serve in an advisory capacity. (Extensive details to follow.) 2.) Switch to an all-paper-ballot, vote-bymail election. No electronics, thank you very much. 3.) Attempt to pattern a shortened election period based on the length of civic Early Voting by strategically ramping up enthusiasm for the election. 4.) Solicit and print shareholders’ questions – to be used or not – in the Co-op City Times along with each issue’s candidates articles preceding each upcoming candidates’ forum. 5.) Pick the best of what worked from past campaigns – such as enlisting the League of Women Voters. 6.) Pick a ballot envelope color and stick to it. I’d choose purple (I’d always choose purple) but green has been the go-to color for the past few years, so…. 7.) Make like Paul Revere: The Election is Coming! The Election is Coming! The waving of the (probably) green envelopes is not optional. Balloons would also be mandatory. 8.) Give it just a few days post-mailing, then before the ballots can get buried amidst the junk mail, start the robocall barrage: Look for your Riverbay Board Election Ballot in the GREEN (or whatever) Envelope. 9.) Prominently display VOTE! posters of the candidates’ pictures and articles, both on the lobby walls and (over and over and over) on our CCTV channels along with promptly prepared replays of the Forums. 10.) Consistently give cooperators the opportunity, for whatever reason, religious or otherwise, to return a ballot simply for the purpose of reaching a quorum. 11.) Post daily tallies: one if by robocall, two if by flyer. And step on it!!

Black Forum

Emergency Food Pantry: 920 Baychester Ave., Bldg. 1A (opposite basketball court). The pantry is open on Thursday and Friday from 11a.m.-12:45 p.m. for grocery distribution. Guests are eligible to pick up food once a month. All guests must present a pantry card, at least four to six clean shopping bags with handles and a shopping cart to receive food. We will not place food in black bags because they pose a safety hazard. Section 5 guests should visit the Co-op City United Methodist Church at 2350 Palmer Avenue to pick up groceries. This distribution site is open Thursdays from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. The groceries are supplied by and distributed by Black Forum. Religious afﬁliation is not required. For the safety of our staff and other guests, mask-wearing is required when picking up food.

To ensure the well-being of our staff, volunteers, and all guests, we reserve the right to refuse service to anyone who engages in disruptive or aggressive behavior. We will also cease service if an individual poses a risk to the safety of our staff or other guests.

New Client Registration & Re-Certiﬁcation for Returners

New client registration and returning client re-certification will reopen January 8 through April 2026. To register or re-certify, individuals must be 18 years or older and present a valid IDNYC card, NY State Driver’s License, or NY State Non-Driver’s License only. All household members must be present with valid identification and reside within the 10475 zip code. The intake forms will only include the number of household members who are able to show up in person at the office. Please bring a mid-sized to large shopping cart and clean shopping bags for grocery pickup. All current pantry guests must re-certify to continue receiving food assistance. New guests and those who previously registered but did not re-certify in 2025 are also welcome to register.

Those living in Sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 should register or re-certify at 920 Baychester Avenue. Section 5 residents should go to 2350 Palmer Avenue. Call 311 to apply for a free IDNYC card. All guests must join the line to receive any information. Please do not approach the entrance door. A staff member will come to you.

Fundraisers & Fun!

Support our community with a fun day out! Your participation in our events will help cover the rent, insurance, and supplies needed to provide the com-

State Budget Announcements. The state budget season is upon us. A Bronx Senate Delegation Virtual Budget Forum will be held on Thursday, January 22, at 6:00 p.m. Panelists include four Bronx senators of special interest to many of us Coop City residents: our own Jamaal Bailey of SD36; Nathalia Fernandez, whose Senate District 34 includes the strip of land south-of-the-tracks; Robert Jackson (SD31) who introduced the reparations bill a couple of years ago; and Gustavo Rivera (SD22) Champion of the New York Health Act (NYHA). Bronx constituents are invited to share their priorities for the upcoming budget season. If you’d like to provide spoken testimony during the forum you must register. (E-mail me for the QR registration link.) The other choice is to submit your budget suggestions via ceilema@nysenate.gov.

I’m looking for funding for south-of-the-tracks parking and access to the coming Metro-North railroad station.

I’m also hoping that asking for money to spread the word about the NYHA will inspire the bill’s co-signers to consider becoming its champions.

D&AC Corner. A member of the Disability and Accommodations Committee informs us about A Call to Action to put some money into the state budget so that the Durable Medical Parity Bill, vetoed for lack of funds, gets a second chance to help thousands of New Yorkers: Durable medical equipment includes wheelchairs, orthotics and prosthetics, respirators, catheters and other medical equipment are hard to get do to stagnant Medicaid reimbursement rates.

Sounds like a job for the 1/22/26 State Budget Forum.

Count it up as an MLK day of service task, because, as the good doctor professed: “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and inhumane because it often results in physical death.”

Happy Four Kings Month, everybody. Have a good one; MPearson@RiverbayBoard.com/718219-2211.

munity with free nutritious food and household supplies. For trip interest only, please call 917-209-5334 or 929-464-5520:

Atlantic City Tropicana Casino – Saturday, June 27. Total: $70. Casino Rebate: $20. We’re accepting payments now through April 30. No refunds. Sight & Sound’s JOSHUA & Shady Maple Smorgasbord Dining – Friday, August 21. Total: $225. We’re accepting three payments of $75 each now. First payment to hold your seat was due 10/24/2025, second payment is due 02/14/2026, third payment is due 04/18/26. Please be prompt with payments. No refunds.

D. Illis

COME

Cold Weather Ahead

Winter can be an especially challenging season for family caregivers and the loved ones they support. Colder temperatures, shorter days, and limited outdoor activity can affect both physical health and emotional well-being. During these months, taking care of yourself is not a luxury; it is a vital part of providing safe, compassionate, and consistent care.

For caregivers, winter often brings increased fatigue and stress. Slippery weather, disrupted routines, and seasonal illnesses can add to an already demanding role. One of the most important steps you can take is to protect your own health. Dress warmly, get enough rest, and stay hydrated, even when you don’t feel thirsty. Eating balanced meals with warm, nourishing foods can help maintain energy and strengthen your immune system.

Emotional well-being is just as important as physical health. Winter can intensify feelings of isolation or sadness, especially when daylight is limited. Shorter days and colder weather may limit social interaction, making it even more important to stay connected. Phone calls, virtual visits, or brief check-ins with friends and family can help reduce loneliness. Taking short breaks, even a few minutes of quiet time, deep breathing, or listening to music, can help reset

Additional Cameras –––––

(Continued from page 3)

Jeffrey Dinowitz. “My legislation to increase the amount of red light cameras in our ﬁve boroughs has shown to be essential in keeping our streets safe. I applaud the NYC DOT for activating these new red light cameras swiftly and smoothly. By 2026, 600 intersections will be upgraded, improving public safety in countless neighborhoods. If you don’t want a red light camera ticket, stop for a red light. These cameras will save lives.”

“The data on red light cameras couldn’t be more clear – they change driver behavior and save lives,” said Councilmember Lincoln Restler. “The City Council was proud to help lead the way on life-saving legislation to quadruple the number of red light cameras in NYC, and now under the leadership of Mayor Mamdani and Commissioner Flynn, we will ﬁnally have cameras installed at 600 dangerous intersections to make our communities safer.”

“Keeping New Yorkers safe at dangerous intersections must always be the priority, and any tool used to do that should be deployed thoughtfully and transparently,” said Councilmember Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. “As the City expands red light cameras, it’s critical that placements are driven by crash data, paired with strong street design improvements, and regularly evaluated to ensure they are reducing injuries. I look forward to our continued partnership with the Department of Transportation to ensure this rollout delivers real safety beneﬁts and is implemented equitably.”

“Red light cameras save lives — and expanding this critical program will make streets and intersections safer across New York,” said Ben Furnas, executive director of Transportation Alternatives. “For years, we’ve had red light cameras at just 150 intersections in New York City, and we’ve fought to reauthorize and expand this program. We’re grateful to our legislators in Albany for passing this legislation, the governor for signing this bill to expand an already successful program, and DOT for upgrading hundreds of intersections with this technology. As we work towards reaching Vision Zero, we need every tool at our disposal, and red light cameras are an essential part of that work.”

“In 2017, I was struck by a turning driver on New Year’s Eve as I was crossing the street in Lower Manhattan. I continue to experience the physical and psychological trauma caused by this crash. We must take action to prevent others from living the confusion and pain of loss and serious injury caused by car crashes,” said Families for Safe Streets Co-chair Kate Brockwehl. “Red light cameras are a quick and commonsense solution to preventing crashes and tragedy on our streets. We wholeheartedly support increasing the size and scope of the City’s red light camera program, and we look forward to working with DOT to expand other street safety initiatives across the ﬁve boroughs.”

“Red light cameras save lives. They’re incredibly effective at changing behaviors, and they’re a powerful tool in making our streets more secure,” said Sara Lind, co-executive director at Open Plans. “Expanding the program to the full extent allowed by law will reduce crashes and avoid further tragic deaths. We commend DOT for taking action to keep New Yorkers moving safely around the city.”

“Regional Plan Association (RPA) applauds NYC DOT’s continued efforts to equitably enhance the safety of New York City streets,” said Tiffany-Ann Taylor, VP of Transportation at RPA. “Activating these additional cameras expands the DOT’s ability to reduce crashes and avoidable trafﬁc violence by tracking down dangerous drivers to hold them accountable. RPA continues to support the DOT in changing driver behavior to get the city closer to its Vision Zero goals.”

Hammering after 6 p.m., vacuuming after 9 p.m., music or TVs played very loudly at any hour, doors slamming at all hours... these are just a few examples of what can disturb the peace of fellow cooperators. Noise complaints may lead to a ﬁne. Please, let’s work together to make Co-op City a peaceful community. —CSO Department

your mood and reduce stress.

Your loved one may also feel the effects of winter. Limited mobility, chronic conditions, or cognitive challenges can worsen when routines change. Maintaining a consistent daily schedule can provide comfort and stability. Ensure living spaces are warm, well-lit, and safe to prevent falls. Encouraging gentle indoor movement, such as stretching or light exercises, can help maintain circulation and mobility. Winter can also intensify feelings of isolation. Shorter days and colder weather may limit social interaction, making it even more important to stay connected. Winter will not last forever, and taking small, thoughtful steps now can make the season feel more manageable. Mental stimulation is equally important. Winter is a good time to engage in meaningful indoor activities like reading together, listening to music, looking through photo albums, or working on simple crafts. These activities can lift spirits and strengthen your connection with your loved one.

Finally, winter is a good season to plan ahead. Review medications, reﬁll prescriptions early, and prepare for weather-related emergencies. If possible, explore respite care or community resources that can offer temporary relief and support. By caring for yourself during the winter months, you are better equipped to care for your loved one. A healthy, supported caregiver creates a warmer, safer environment no matter how cold it is outside.

––Diane Cooper

Building 26 Association

Happy New Year, Building 26!

As we step into a brand-new year, we are reminded that January is not only a fresh start, but also a season of change. And while change can sometimes feel uncomfortable, it can also be powerful and transformative. As we move forward together, we hope that 2026 brings growth, healing, connection, and good health to you and your loved ones. May this be a year where positive changes mentioned turn into meaningful moments for all of us.

We are excited to kick off the year with a full calendar of programs and opportunities designed to support wellness, community, and togetherness here in Building 26.

Yummy & Healthy January Food Distribution

Our Yummy & Healthy initiative continues this month with two distribution days:

• January 17, at 11:30 a.m. – This will be a special distribution featuring a guest, giveaways, and plenty of health-related information and resources.

• January 31, at 11:30 a.m. – Distribution only.

These events are part of our ongoing effort to encourage healthy eating and access to resources for our community.

New: Fitness & Wellness Sessions

We are excited to pilot free workout sessions open to anyone interested, as we gauge interest for offering more in the future.

• Zumba:

o January 22 & January 29, at 6:15 a.m.

o Location: 26B Association Room

• HIIT Training:

o January 23 & January 30, at 12 p.m.

o Location: 26B Association Room

Participants are welcome to bring a mat and a pair of weights if they have them, though it is not required. A limited number of mats will be available. All ﬁtness levels are welcome.

General Meeting

Join us for our January General Meeting on Thursday, January 29, at 7 p.m. This is a great opportunity to stay informed, share concerns, hear updates, and help shape what’s ahead for Building 26.

Golden G.A.N.G.

Our Golden Gang gathering will take place on Friday, January 30. This program is dedicated to creating space for our seniors to connect, socialize, and enjoy supportive community time together. More details will be shared directly with participants.

Sensory Smiles Program

Sensory Smiles is open to all children of all abilities and ages. The program focuses on sensory play, structured activities, and inclusive experiences supported by caring and trained volunteers. Space is limited, and registration is required to hold your child’s place.

Upcoming Sensory Smiles events include:

• Valentine’s Card Making – Sunday, February 8, at 11 a.m.

• Sensory Smiles Science Day – Sunday, March 8, at 11 a.m.

• Easter Egg Hunt – Saturday, April 4, at 11 a.m. Stay Connected

If you have information you’d like to share, such as a birthday, a neighbor who is sick, or someone who may be homebound, please reach out to us. Community care starts with communication. Email is at CoopcityTA26@gmail.com

Here’s to a healthy, connected, and transformative year ahead. Happy New Year, Building 26!

––Tanya Cruz-Cooke

Director

’s Viewpoint Daryl Johnson

Let’s Maintain Our Community

Co-op City is one of the best communities in NYC. Therefore, we must work together in a positive manner to keep it that way.

Live Properly

We have 15,320 apartments here. And, we have around 50,000 cooperators living in these apartments. Therefore, we can make a good choice to live and treat each other in a proper manner. Or, we can make other choices and cause problems here. So, with this understanding, let’s see what’s been happening in some areas of our community.

Don’t Throw Objects Out The Window

At times, some cooperators might make poor choices in reference to their conduct. For example, there have been complaints about someone throwing “soiled wipes and soiled adult diapers” out of their window in Building 21B.

According to a letter from Riverbay, can you believe that those soiled wipes and diapers affected the “balconies, window ledges” of several apartments in that building? Furthermore, can you believe that this situation is so bad that it has affected the “exterior areas” of that building? Horrible!!!

Yes, this matter is being investigated. So, when the person is caught, the letter states that this “matter will be handled in accordance with Riverbay’s policies and procedures.”

Therefore, the person that’s committing these terrible acts can expect to receive several community complaints. Then, they can expect to face some heavy legal actions. And, of course, those actions will include receiving some documents from the Housing Court.

Bottom line: Unfortunately, some folks in other neighborhoods will not think twice about throwing diapers and other matters out of their windows. But, this extremely bad practice cannot and will not go on in our community. Therefore, taking shareholders to Housing Court is a part of the policies that Riverbay must employ to handle these outrageous cases.

Lastly, some folks might think that an eviction will not affect them. However, they will see that smart landlords and management companies will

conduct a thorough background check on prospective tenants. So, what do you think that they will say when they see that a prospective tenant was evicted for throwing objects like soiled adult diapers out of a window?

Pharmacy Stores – Reality Hits Home

There was a recent inquiry about trying to get a big pharmacy store into Bartow. So, would we accept that type of business in our Bartow Mall? Absolutely! We would welcome a big pharmacy store and other good businesses here.

The rents in Bartow are set at reasonable levels. Therefore, good businesses here can make good money. However, this matter with rent levels changes big time outside of our property. So, are the rents in Bartow keeping some companies from opening a business here? No!

Therefore, we have to expand our thoughts to look at other possible reasons why some companies are refusing to open a big store in some communities. For instance, can we look at theft and criminal activities as other possible reasons? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. But, these problems are not just isolated to our community.

Years ago, some big companies had pharmacy stores all over NYC. Then, they were faced with tremendous levels of shoplifting and criminal activities. In fact, there are cases wherein some folks would go into some pharmacy stores with huge bags. Then, they would ﬁll up those bags with merchandise and walk out the store.

Now, did we have similar cases in Co-op City? Yes! For instance, some folks would go into several stores in our community with the sole purpose of stealing merchandise. Then, without a care in the world, they would walk out the store.

Now, is it possible that some children noticed these activities? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. In fact, some children have visited some of our stores and stole merchandise. Then, they ran out of these stores.

Bottom line: Some stores are completely fed up with folks stealing merchandise. So, they’ve stepped up their tactics by using artiﬁcial intelligence soft-

Building 9 Association

Greetings, Building 9 Association family and friends. The world around us is changing rapidly. Stay alert. Be adaptable. Remain in alignment.

With change in mind, we are honoring a ‘Changing of the Guard.’ Wanda Randall has served on the Building 9 Association Executive Board since 2018, in one capacity or another. Most recently, she served as our Vice President. Wanda has been the backbone of our association (in my absence and in my presence). All will miss her, but no one as much as I will miss her. We send blessings of love and light to Wanda as she enters the next chapter of her life journey. Thank you, Wanda, for your tireless dedication to the Building 9 Association family.

A suspect in the Christmas Day ‘shots ﬁred’ incident has been identiﬁed through the collaboration of NYPD and CCPD. Kudos to our law enforcement partners.

The unauthorized use of the bike rack outside Bldg. 9A is being addressed by CCPD. Only two of the original six remain. Management agreed to address the problem of package deliveries being left on our lobby ﬂoors.

Our annual ‘Members-Only’ New Year Celebration is scheduled for Saturday, January 24, at 6 p.m. It is our opportunity the show appreciation to our dues-paying members for their dedicated support throughout the year. Please join us in our association room located in Building 9 B-side, rear of lobby. All other social events, classes, meetings, and trips are open to everyone.

The January 29th meeting is designated for the sole purpose of the bi-annual election. We encourage all members to join us and to cast your vote. You may nominate yourself or any other eligible member for an ofﬁce on our Executive Board. Nominees must be present at the time of nomination in order to accept the nomination.

All executive board ofﬁces will be vacated and open for nomination. As per our bylaws, eligibility for nomination to any ofﬁce requires the payment of annual membership dues in the two most recent consecutive years and your attendance at three or more meetings in each of the two most recent calendar

ware to capture these thefts in real time. In fact, store managers in some communities are now getting alerts on their phone as soon as a possible theft is about to occur. Then, they’re reviewing the video on their phone to see what happened.

We have a wonderful community here. So, I want to encourage everyone to please make good choices to never steal products when you go into a store. Also, please have conversations with your children about living a good life and avoiding bad conduct. Sure, you and your children might see children and other folks acting out in many locations.

However, we have to focus on teaching good and honorable qualities to our children. Then, we have to teach them to avoid bad conduct. This way, they can make a positive difference wherever they go. Is that a blessing? Yes! God is good.

Close

Please know that people care about you, your family, and our entire community. So, please, let’s work together and build each other up in a positive manner. 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 email address: 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 any type of 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. Please stay strong and do not fall for any type of scam.

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

years. See you there.

Our annual Art/Paint Class with Denise & Valerie is scheduled for Saturday, February 21, at 7 p.m. We plan to create personalized Mardi Gras masks. Ask anyone who has attended in the past, it is quite an enjoyable experience. Refreshments will be served. It is a fundraiser at $25 per person. Please RSVP with me or any other executive board member. Your support will be appreciated.

The annual Global African Women’s Day Gala is scheduled for March 16. More details to follow.

We plan to resume Bingo on Wednesdays beginning in March.

Our annual membership drive is scheduled for April 2026.

Our Annual Volunteer Recognition dinner is scheduled for May 21.

The annual Back-to-School Rafﬂe and Pizza Party is scheduled for August - September 2026.

This is a new year, a new beginning. Things will change for the better (if we insist on change).

–Linda Collins

National Council of Negro Women

NCNW Co-op City Section – The enthusiasm of a new year pervaded our ﬁrst membership meeting of 2026 on Sunday, January 11, in Rm.11, Dreiser Community Center. Our membership meetings are both in-person and on Zoom for members who are not able to come out. All members had received the president’s agenda for the meeting and are enthusiastic about the early plans for the new year.

Information Technology Committee – The webinar on January 28, at 6:30 p.m., on Zoom, produced by our Information Technology Committee, will bring us up to date about “What Is Artiﬁcial Intelligence?” We all have so many questions about, “How is it being used?” “Is it only for students or will the older generation use it as well,” and other such questions. This webinar will be open to the public, not just our membership. If you’re interested, register with this link: https://shorturl. at/LLwsO. If you have questions or concerns, contact the IT Committee at ncnwcoopcityit@gmail.com.

Youth Committee – Save the date, Saturday, February 28, when we will have our 25th Annual Black History Month Youth Celebration, co-sponsored with the Riverbay Fund. Youth groups and young adults interested in volunteering to showcase their talents in song, dance, stepping, playing an instrument, poetry, spoken word, drama skit, etc., please contact us at ncnwcoopcityyouth@gmail.com. We are reaching out in the event your school/organization would like to participate in our celebration.

Women Represent – In April, we will be combining Women’s History Month (March) with National Poetry Month (April) with a production of “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf,” the choreopoem by Ntozake Shange. The chair of this committee is looking for seven actors to appear in this choreopoem. If you think that you might be interested in a role in this performance, please contact Camille Worrell at worrellsworth@aol.com. A Broadway background is not necessary!!

NCNW Youth Group – The NCNW Co-op City Youth Group kicked off the year with their Vision in Motion Workshop, an interactive experience where youth rotated through guided stations focused on reflection, goal setting, and planning the new year ahead. Participants explored their dreams and future goals, identified potential barriers, recognized the support systems that help them succeed, and defined clear first steps toward action. Each youth created a foldable Vision Map to take home and revisit throughout the year. The workshop took place on Saturday, January 10, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., in Rm. 11, in the Dreiser Community Center. These young women, ages 9 to 18, are learning to lead, empower, and advocate for women of African descent, their families and communities. If you know, or are such a young woman, and might be interested in our group, please email Nikita Singletary, Third Vice President at, ncnwcoopcityyouth@gmail.com.

Social Media – Remember you can ﬁnd us on our website: www.ncnwcoopcitysection.com; on Instagram: NCNW Co-op City and email: ncnwco. opcity@gmail.com.

–Joyce Howard

Parking and Bike Enforcements

Co-op City Public Safety Department (CCPD) is cracking down on illegally parked vehicles without proper agency placards on display. These vehicles will be ticketed.

In addition, bicycles and motorbikes chained to light poles and fences around the community will be removed. Bike owners are advised to utilize the bike racks installed at the front of residential buildings and at the community centers.

Please note that bike racks installed at the front of residential buildings and at the community centers are for temporary use ONLY. They are not permanent storage and bikes secured to bike racks will be removed within 24 hours of observation.

Thank you for your cooperation as we work to maintain the quality of life of Co-op City shareholders.

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

Greetings, members and friends.

We hope this article ﬁnds everyone doing well.

Thank you to all who attended our general membership meeting on Wednesday, January 7. Your attendance made the meeting a success. We welcomed three new members, Ceclia Brown, Patricia Davis and Beverly Marks (L-R in photo at left) and we wished all our January birthday members a happy birthday. Two birthday members, Barbra Richardson and Lexa Mingo, were present at the meeting, and are pictured at right (L-R).

Hunterdon

Hills Playhouse –

Canceled. This February 6th trip has been canceled. Refunds will soon be issued to those who made payments for this trip. Serita will notify you when your refund check is ready.

Wind Creek Casino – A trip to Wind Creek is being planned in March. Serita will announce the date and ticket price soon.

Theater Committee – The Theater Committee has a few tickets to see “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” on Broadway on Wednesday, May 13, at 2 p.m. Ticket price is $150 and includes transportation to and from the theater via the RODL’s van. The van will pick up in front of H&R Block at 11:30 a.m. and will leave promptly at 12 p.m. Questions may be addressed to Francine Reva Jones at 718-671-5957.

Sight and Sound “Joshua” – Seats are still available. Tuesday, June 2. Show at 11 a.m. and lunch to follow at 2:30 p.m. at Miller’s Smorgasbord. Ticket price is $225. The bus will pick up at 6:30 a.m. in front of H&R Block and will depart promptly at 7 a.m. A deposit of $50 is due now to reserve a seat. Contact Serita at 347-564-5722 with any questions.

Happy Birthday – Cheers to all our January birthday celebrants. Best wishes for the addition of another candle on your birthday cake. We wish you a happy birthday with peace, love, and happiness throughout the year.

Condolences – Please continue to pray for our bereaved members and their families.

Good and Welfare – Please continue to pray for our members who are sick or shut in. Please notify Lorraine Parker at 718-671-6403 of any member illnesses or deaths.

Membership Committee – Annual membership dues are $25 and are now being collected for 2026. Personal checks payable to the “Retirees of Dreiser Loop” can be mailed to: Retirees of Dreiser Loop, 177 Dreiser Loop, Rm. 19, Bronx, NY 10475. Questions may be addressed to Mary at 718-655-9170.

General Meeting – Our next general membership meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 4, at 1 p.m., in the Dreiser Center Auditorium C. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend.

–Georgianna Rodriguez

Care Is Not Accidental: Protecting the Beauty We Call Home

There are moments so small that they almost pass us by, but if we are paying attention, they tell a much larger story.

Recently, my brother, Theron Marbury, and I went to retrieve a package from the drop-off location at the rear of our building. As we approached the area, my shopping cart suddenly jammed. I looked down to see why—and to my dismay, the gravel beneath the portico was littered with discarded food: chicken bones and half-eaten chicken legs, intentionally thrown and intentionally left behind.

My ﬁrst reaction was disbelief. Then disgust. I instinctively bent down to begin picking them up—but before I could, my brother quietly beat me to it. No commentary. No judgment. Just action. And that moment stayed with me.

The question isn’t simply why would someone do this?

The real question is deeper—and more important: What does it say about how we see our home, and our responsibility to it?

Co-op City is not merely a collection of buildings. It is a campus—one of the most thoughtfully designed and carefully maintained residential communities in the Northeast Bronx. Its beauty did not happen by accident. It exists because of systems, standards, and people who work every single day to preserve it.

There is a structure in place to care for this com-

munity: porters who clean our walkways, sanitation teams who manage waste, Grounds crews who tend to our green spaces, supervisors who coordinate it all, and policies designed to keep our campus safe, healthy, and welcoming. These systems represent planning, investment, and accountability.

But here is the truth we do not say often enough: Those systems were never meant to replace personal responsibility. They were built to support it.

When trash is tossed aside instead of disposed of properly, it doesn’t simply disappear—it becomes someone else’s burden. The same is true when laundry room etiquette is ignored. These shared spaces are meant to serve everyone, yet neglect attracts pests, degrades common areas, and creates frustration where cooperation should exist. Over time, those small acts of disregard quietly erode the pride we say we have in where we live.

Carelessness is never isolated—it multiplies. But so does care.

That is why my brother’s simple act mattered. It reminded me that stewardship doesn’t require a title, a vote, or a directive. It requires awareness. Respect. And a willingness to step in—even when no one is watching.

We often speak about holding “Management” or “the corporation” accountable, and rightly so. But accountability is a two-way street. A beautiful campus is sustained not only by rules and workers, but by residents who understand that this is our shared space. This is about more than cleanliness. It is about culture.

Pride, Respect, Care, Belonging

When we take pride in our surroundings, we reinforce safety. When we respect common areas, we strengthen the community. When we model care, we teach the next generation what belonging truly looks like. Our children are always watching. Our neighbors are always learning. And every action— whether careless or considerate—sets a standard. So yes, I bring this up because it matters. I talk about this because it reﬂects who we are. And it is important because the beauty of Co-op City is not guaranteed—it is maintained, one decision at a time.

This is our home: We Must Honor it

Let us honor the structure that exists by doing our part within it. Let us treat our campus as the home it is, not just a place we pass through. And let us remember that pride is not something we say— it is something we demonstrate.

Because communities don’t stay beautiful by chance.

They stay beautiful because people choose to care.

Thank you for your eyes on my viewpoint.

I can be reached at mmarbury@riverbayboard. com. Let us continue to support the people and partnerships that protect this community. Let us stay engaged, informed, and united around the shared goal of safety, pride, respect, care, and belonging.

Because trust is built not just in words, but in action—and Co-op City deserves nothing less.

“Don’t Sit Out—step In. You Can’t Win What You Refuse to Fight For. Choose to care.”

Building 27 Association

We wish all our neighbors and community a happy, safe, and prosperous new year, 2026. We must keep faith and hope alive.

The Building Association gathering went well, one of the best. We thank our neighbors for attending such a lively gathering, some for the first time; they all appeared to enjoy themselves and are supportive of their building association in terms of contributing to donations of dues and holiday staffing gifts, as well as attending the meetings. We again thank our faithful officers and volunteers for their service: Bldg. A – Aaron Carnegie, Wanda Dobson, Ardele Frank, Robert, Nelson Sweeting (prayer). Bldg. B – Thalia Roach, Sharon Sargent, Lydia Rondon, Hattie Overman. Bldg. C – Evelyn Brown. We thank those who remembered our sick and shutin and brought them to the party or took them food. We are grateful and thankful for the support

ators, advise your delivery person to utilize the bike racks installed at the front of residential buildings and the community center. Otherwise, the bicycles and motorbikes can be removed if chained to light poles and fences around the community. Cars parked without proper placards will be ticketed.

Happy Birthday to all celebrating this month. To those in bereavement, you have our sincere sympathy. We wish you all the best of health and safety. You may contact Lydia Rondon at 718-583-3040 if a neighbor is deceased, is sick, or transferred to a nursing home.

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be change until it is faced.” –James Ballwin –H. Overman

Photos of shareholders enjoying the Building 27 New Year gathering. There were delicious food and good company as neighbors got together to welcome the new year and break bread.

of our neighbors, for there would be no association without your help and assistance.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day – January 19, at 3 p.m., at the Church of New Vision, located at 115 Einstein Loop, Section 5, in observance and reﬂection as we honor Dr. King’s messages of peace, justice, and compassion so urgently needed in such a time as this in our country and world.

Bldg. Association Meeting – January 22 at 7 p.m., in Building C rear lobby. Hope to see you there; there may be a guest, and ﬂiers will be posted. Don’t forget to share your ideas, opinions, or thoughts about the building or community as a whole.

Verizon Representatives – are still in all three building lobbies; we have no information as to when this will end. The representatives are in our buildings to share the news that FIOS is now in Co-op City to advise more about the Verizon Fiber-Optic network.

Deliveries – The bikes are no longer allowed to enter the buildings. Bike racks have been provided, and we want to avoid being subjected to building safety violations and ﬁnes.

Parking And Bike Enforcements – Cooper-

WHISTLEBLOWER ANONYMOUS HOTLINE

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

Call the following independent third party whistleblower hotline at 1-833290-0009 (English); or 1-800-216-1288 (Spanish);

Email: reports@lighthouse-services. com; or Send a fax to (215) 689-3885 (the email or fax must include “Riverbay” in the subject of the report).

JASA Birthday Celebration

On Thursday, January 8, JASA OAC celebrated the birthday of members born in the months of October, November and December. Attendees enjoyed an afternoon of music, dancing, food and good company. Special “thank you” to Ms. Ann Moncrieffe, Program Director of JASA Bartow OAC. Also, special thank you to all the Volunteers Helpers, Food Committee, Decorating Committee, DJ Kasino, and his Assistant DJ Chubb Dog. Last, but not least, our very own photographer, “Lovely Grant. –Yvonne Grant

Photos by Lovely Grant

Building 15B Association

Hello, neighbors.

Happy New Year to all of you. We wish our neighbors good health, happiness, and a prosperous year ahead.

Our next Building Association meeting will be on Thursday, January 22, at 7 p.m. in our meeting room in the rear lobby of Building 15B.

We will have a guest speaker, our new Jr. Property Manager, Kiana Bartley. Please come down to our meeting. If you have any questions or concerns, she will gladly answer them.

We would like to welcome any new cooperators to the building and invite them to join us at our meeting. Please make every effort to attend and bring a neighbor with you. Refreshments will be served, and we will also have a 50/50 raffle. If you have any questions or concerns, you can send an email to building15bassoc@gmail.com.

Thank you.

–Sandy Krasnove

Building 25 Association

Greetings, Building 25 families and friends. We wish you a happy Saturday and week ahead. Best wishes for a happy birthday to individuals celebrating their birthday this week. May your special day bring you abundant joy. We also extend congratulations and best wishes to those celebrating other extraordinary events this week. Cheers!

We honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and pray for peace. January 19 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It is a holiday and hopefully we will find a way to be of service and participate in events in remembrance of his work for civil rights and peace.

Sick and Shut-ins: We pray for your strength and comfort.

Condolences: We extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Ana M. Marrero (Annie), and to all other families who lost a loved one recently.

Building Association Meeting: Our next building association meeting is Tuesday, January 20, at 7:30 p.m., in the meeting room under the portico. Mr. Mark Giacoia, Janitorial Supervisor, is our guest. Please attend this meeting and get first-hand information about the responsibilities of our Janitorial staff. There will be an opportunity to ask questions, express your concerns, and make suggestions for improvement in areas that cooperators may consider not being optimally maintained.

In the event you are unable to attend the meeting, please contact Building 25 Cooperators’ Association via email at: building25association@gmail.com to share your ideas and concerns. Your building association strives to advocate on your behalf for problem resolution. We welcome your input and support. Please join your building association. The annual dues are $5 per family. We look forward to seeing you at the meeting. Light refreshments will be available.

Have a safe week everyone!

–Evelyn Herbert

Building 10 Association

Greetings, fellow cooperators.

New Cooperators – Welcome, all new cooperators. We look forward to seeing you at the next general membership meeting.

Post-Holiday Celebration – Last week, I thanked everyone who helped make the post-holiday celebration a success, however I forgot one person. I would like to thank Edmund, my husband, for all the help he gives to the Building 10 Association.

General Membership Meeting – Our next general membership meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 22, at 7 p.m. in the Association Room located in the rear of Building 10B. Doors will open at 6:45 p.m. Our guest speaker will be Mr. Won Kim, director of Janitorial Services for the Riverbay Corporation. All questions must be submitted by 7 p.m. on the date of the meeting. Paper and pens will be available. We are looking forward to seeing everyone. Light refreshments will be served.

Tip of the Week – Laundry room etiquette: Please refrain from using the carts, benches, and tables for dirty laundry. Check all pockets before placing clothing in the washing machines. Remove your laundry from the washers and dryers promptly at the completion of the cycle. Keep our laundry clean. You can report broken machines at www.cscsw.com or call 877-264-6622.

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 on theiranonymous tip 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 or drop a note in the suggestion box in the laundry. Please note all submitted questions and comments will be answered at the monthly association meeting. 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. “Some days you have to create your own sunshine.”

Have a great week.

–Jewel Crawford-Duncan

Building 22 Association

Welcome to the first association meeting starting this year on January 26, 7 p.m., at 120 Co-op City Blvd., on the first floor. If you’re interested in being on the board, we will be voting for all offices; please come, bring all ideas, and join us. If you’re a new cooperator, welcome. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is January 19. Check the Co-op City Times for future information and events to celebrate his birthday.

Compactor Room: Continue to follow the instructions to eliminate the invitation to bugs. Be a thoughtful neighbor.

Laundry Room Etiquette: Please read the etiquette board and follow the instructions. Keep harmony.

Happy birthday to all. Prayers to all who lost loved ones. Please check on the sick and shut-ins.

If you see something, say something. Blessings to all.

–Betty Leak

Building 13 Association

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of our most inexhaustible proficient leaders. Born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, his birthday will be celebrated this upcoming Monday, January 19, 2026. Dr. King lost his life pursuing democracy, fairness, and inclusion for all, based on the content of one’s character and not the color of their skin. On April 4, 1968, his life was taken by an assassin but his memory, legacy, and spirit live on. Happy BirthdayDr. King.

Building 13 wants to welcome all newcomers to our fantastic community and especially those who are new to our 13 family.

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.

• A plurality vote shall be required to elect.

• The newly elected officers’ term shall commence April 1, following installations and shall be for a term of two (2) years.

Guidelines for Eligibility and Election for office will be as follows:

1. Must be a shareholder as indicated on the stock certificate.

2. Shareholder must have paid Association dues in each of the two calendar years immediately preceding the election, and

3. Shareholder must have attended at least three General Membership meetings in each of two calendar years immediately preceding this election.

4. There will be one vote per household unit by the individual who was a shareholder

NOTE: Voting guidelines will be posted on the bulletin board located in the lobby.

In case some shareholders missed our meeting regarding eligibility for STAR, SCRIE and DRIE we have some information that you can retrieve at the next Association meeting. Almost everyone in Co-op City should be getting that extra check from Basic STAR. Apply once and done.

Is there something special you want to share about your homeland? We want to learn and get to know each other better.

We encourage each member of our building to participate. Be assured that you are always welcome to join our meetings and events. Become a member to get updates and emails from the Association that enable you tostay in the know of what’s happening inourcommunity. The success of our Association depends on active participation from residents. Stay informed and voice your concerns. Share your ideas and help shape the future of our community.

Our Building is a non-profit 501c3 and we are thankful for the consideration of our Councilman Kevin Riley and the NYC Council’s supportempowering local groups to meet crucial needsand offercultural programs.

“Some people think they are in community, but they are only in proximity. True community requires commitment and openness. It is a willingness to extend yourself to encounter and know the other.” –David Spangler

Visit our Facebook page at: Building 13 Association Inc. Co-op City 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

Director’s Viewpoint Leslie

Peterson

Buildings & Grounds and Residential Sales Committees Updates

This is my ﬁrst viewpoint for the new year so ﬁrst and foremost a HAPPY NEW YEAR to all but especially my Co-op City community. We hope the year ahead brings good health, opportunity, prosperity and continued strength to our community as we work together toward a brighter future.

Although he was born on the 15th, in a couple of days his birthday will be celebrated throughout the country. Let us always remember to keep our history, our leaders and our commitment for justice front and center. As he stated, “The time is always right to do right” and that true greatness lies in service.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of our most inexhaustible proﬁcient leaders. Born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia, his birthday will be celebrated this upcoming Monday, January 19, 2026. Dr King lost his life pursuing democracy, fairness and inclusion for all, based on the content of one’s character and not the color of their skin. On April 4, 1968, his life was taken by an assassin but his memory, legacy and spirit live on. Happy Birthday, Dr. King.

Committee Information

This year, I have been honored to again chair the Building and Grounds Committee and the Residential Sales Committee and Restoration (vacant units). Below is the summary and key items discussed at that meeting held in January.

Meeting Summary for Building and Grounds Zoom Meeting

Key takeaways:

• Building and Grounds Committee discussed maintenance issues across Co-op City buildings, including compactor room cleaning, signage placement, and hopper door repairs

• Several departments (Janitorial, Maintenance, CSO, Grounds) provided updates on ongoing projects and addressed resident concerns

• New license agreements for building association rooms will be distributed with updated con-

tact information for directors and managers

• Snow removal procedures were discussed with concerns about recent performance

• Building inspections are conducted quarterly by CSO managers and monthly by janitorial supervisors

Meeting Summary for Residential Sales and Restoration (vacant units)

In December, a meeting for Residential Sales was held with a quick recap of what was discussed:

The Sales Committee meeting focused on reviewing the organization’s structure and discussing the end-of-November performance metrics, including vacant apartments and restoration progress. The team addressed various operational challenges including application processing, supply chain delays for restoration materials, and plumbing issues, while also exploring solutions like extended pilot programs and potential automation of the waiting list system. The conversation ended with discussions about transitioning to an online application system and plans for future meetings to address legal considerations and policy modiﬁcations.

As of December 31, 2025, there were 234 vacant units.

At the time of this writing, the agenda is prepared for the upcoming January meeting with plans to review where we are in the process with the following updates:

• 3D video of Units

• Information regarding the online ﬁllable Residential Sales applications with payment (discuss notary issue and possible remedy)

• Succession one-page ﬁllable form when request is made

• Attorney Jeff Buss to attend the meeting to discuss with the Sales Committee members and Sales team his idea about creating a package for applicants nearing the top of the list with updated information on qualiﬁcations and bank loan requirements.

• Elaborate on the Sales application approv-

Cooperators United

Riverbay Management has responded to our request to hold vendors responsible for the chaos their contracted delivery service providers are causing in our buildings. Management has agreed to contact the vendors. I thank Management for their prompt and supportive response. We are still in discussion.

I attended the 45th Pct. Community Council meeting on Thursday, Jan. 8. The Commanding Officer advised that, in collaboration with our CCPD, a suspect was positively identified in the Debs Place/Dreiser Loop ‘shots fired’ incident on Christmas day.

NYPD Domestic Violence units will dress in business attire when conducting follow-up visits on active cases to protect the dignity and privacy of victims.

While burglaries and larcenies were up in the precinct in the last 28 days, take into consideration that it was holiday season. There were a couple of arrests made of proliﬁc offenders who are suspected in multiple cases. That fact may have accounted for part of the overall increase in criminal activity in the area during this same period.

Funding for additional street cameras for precincts from City and State representatives is expected to result in additional cameras in Co-op City to “cover existing blind spots.” Junius Williams was acknowledged for his tireless advocacy for street cameras since 2015.

Captain Torres has been helpful in having personal bikes removed from the bike stands in front of our buildings that are reserved for delivery persons only. If you are still seeing the same bikes at the bike stands for days, please call CCPD to have them removed.

al process.

• Updates on handling the subletting process and at what point does Legal get involved in the subletting process.

There are some items that we will discuss as we proceed. These items were requested during meetings but will be addressed when the weather and season changes.

In December, a special workshop about School Tax Relief (STAR) was held.The facilitator answered shareholders’ questions about ﬁling for the STAR or Enhanced STAR beneﬁt but also the importance of changing from receiving the exemption to receiving the credit. Most Co-op City residents are eligible for STAR.

STAR: For years, we have been trying to get shareholders to put a little bit of extra money in their pocket. While many folks are doing that, quite a few are not because they have still not applied to receive STAR (School Tax Relief) credit. It is open to Mitchell-Lama developments. New members are sent a check that goes directly to you. In addition, if you currently receive the exemption on your carrying charge, you can change to have the check sent directly to you. To apply for STAR or Enhanced STAR credit, visit the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance’s Homeowner Beneﬁts Portal or call (518) 457-2036.

A brief discussion was also be held regarding SCRIE and DRIE. The New York City Rent Freeze Program can freeze your rent and protect you from future increases. The Rent Freeze Program includes the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) and the Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE). DON’T LEAVE MONEY ON THE TABLE.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. –Margaret Mead I am pleased to be of service to the community. I can be reached by e-mail at lpeterson@riverbayboard.com.

In discussions with our state and local officials about the recent ban on interior public space holiday decorating, at this point, it appears that FDNY and NYS DHCR have acted judiciously to protect life and property in our community. It appears that high rise buildings pose a unique threat in fire prevention, fire safety, and firefighting. Stay tuned.

Thanks to Michael Ambo, director, Grounds department, for the team he has assembled. Please contact Mr. Ambo for assistance to remove outdoor holiday lights from approved Riverbay property.

The new leasing agreements for Association rooms and other meeting spaces were delayed due to technical difﬁculties. At this time, lease agreements are expected to be hand-delivered on or about Monday, January 12.

Our next meeting of Cooperators United will be Monday, January 26, at 7:00 p.m., Rm. 31, Bartow Center. Our Executive Board election will be held at that time. All ofﬁces will be open for nomination.

All duly-elected Building Association and Townhouse Association presidents who paid their dues in 2025 are eligible to nominate candidates, to be nominated as candidates, and to vote in the election. Our election will be administered by closed paper ballots. Please be an informed and involved voter. It is important that we insist that the primary goal of leadership is to support the Association presidents as they strive to address shareholder and community concerns. Representation matters. Intention and motive matter.

This is a new year, a new beginning. Things will change (if we insist on change).

–Linda Collins

Fire Safety Tip –– Avoid Overloading Outlets

Overloaded electrical outlets are among the leading causes of fatal residential ﬁres. Avoid overloading by never plugging more than two appliances into an outlet at once or “piggybacking” extra appliances on extension cords or wall outlets. Also, avoid using counterfeit UL-certiﬁed products that can be purchased at many discount stores.

Be Smart, Be Safe!

NAACP

The NAACP marches to defend democracy and combat racism and discrimination in communities across the country.Located in the Einstein Community Center, Rm. 36, we meet the fourth Sunday of the month at 3 p.m. The office hours are Monday & Wednesday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

NAACP Condemns Trump Administration Plans to Begin Wage Garnishment for Defaulted Student Loan Borrowers – The NAACP and other advocacy organizations sent a letter to Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon urging the department to reconsider implementing wage garnishment for defaulted student loans borrowers. The letter comes after yearslong fight by the NAACP, advocating for student debt cancellation. The Association recognizes that far too many borrowers are forced to choose between repaying their student loans and meeting basic needs. Wage garnishment eliminates the choice entirely. Borrowers will then be left to struggle to afford life necessities such as groceries, rent, transportation, childcare, and healthcare, which are all essential to survival.

NAACP Urges Senate to Act After House Passes Bill to Restore ACA Premium Tax Credits – President and CEO Derrick Johnson sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) urging the Senate to swiftly pass legislation already approved by the House that would restore enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits, which expired on December 31, 2025. Without immediate congressional action, millions of Americans are facing sharply higher health insurance premiums in 2026 – premiums that have already more than doubled for many Marketplace enrollees – putting coverage out of reach for working families and risking widespread loss of insurance. Independent analyses project that as many as 8,800 preventable deaths could occur annually due to the resulting health and economic devastation. For more information go to: naacp.org

Watch & Listen: Our Culture, Our Stories on the NAACP+ YouTube channel.

Looking to make an even greater impact? Become a champion for change and join us to keep advancing Annual membership: Adult: $30; Youth: $10; Silver Life: $750. Make ck/mo. payable to: NAACP Co-op City. Our mailing address is NAACP Co-op City, 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 36, Bronx, NY 10475. To become a member online, go to: www.naacp.org membership. Select Coop City (2210) and join. To leave a message, call the officephone at: 718-3203210 or email: naacpccity2210@gmail.com.

–Brenda Brown

Building 6 Association

Happy Saturday, neighbors. I hope when you read this, it finds you in good standing. Today’s Picasso 6 Paint Party is postponed due to the Youth Chair Dr. Gabby’s grandmother passing away. We want to send her our sincerest condolences, and we are here for moral support. A makeup date will be posted shortly. Ladies, please save the date, Saturday, February 7, for a pre-Valentines Day pamper party with complimentary hand massages and facials by Evelyn Santiago, from 3-8 p.m. RSVP is mandatory via President Lassiter, 347-366-7690. Only 25 slots are available, and it is open to all Co-op City residents. Light refreshments will be served.

Compactor Room Etiquette: Never place raw garbage down the chute. All recyclables must be rinsed out and placed into the clear bag. Bulk boxes and household items must be taken down to the basement Ash Cart room. Several compactor rooms have been seen as an eyesore. Be responsible neighbors. Clutter, debris, and food particles give an invitation to vermin and roaches. Don’t be a litterbug.

Laundry Room Etiquette: Please remove your load within 15 minutes of completion. Don’t hog all the machines, be courteous. Never spray aerosol disinfectants into the machine; it could ignite a fire. Children under 13 must be supervised while in the laundry room; it’s not a playground. All used detergent bottles, lint, and used dryer sheets must be placed into their properly marked receptacle.

If anyone in your household is experiencing a mental health crisis, please dial 988. As the saying goes, if you see something, you say something. Call 718-671-3050 or dial 911. CCPD is our first line of defense against criminals and unsavory behavior. If you don’t feel comfortable conveying your identity, tell the dispatch you wish to remain anonymous. Neighbors, at the monthly open Board of Directors meeting, we implore you to show up and speak out. This is our home; you must be in the game to win. We are shareholders; let’s act like it. As always, we pray for safety over all.

“We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” No community can survive being divided into opposing groups. There must be one over-arching set of values that everyone agrees to first. Without this, the whole house falls into itself because of the lack of defining tenants. –Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Lauren K. Lassiter

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Coalition of African American Churches & Community Organizations

The Coalition of African American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City, Inc. had its first meeting in the new year, especially after celebrating its 29th pre-Kwanzaa celebration in December 2025. The meeting was held via Zoom on January 13, 12:00 p.m. It was well attended by member organizations which were represented by their respective delegates or representatives. Organizations represented include, but not limited to: African American Association (AAA): Adeyemi LaCrown Oloruntoba, Francine Jones; Co-op City Baptist Church: Ted Byrd, Min. Jermaine Antonetty; Coalition to Save Affordable Housing (CTSAH); Retirees of Dreiser Loop: Dorothy Chambers-Byrd, Hattie Overman; St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church: Merville Chambers.

Immediately after the meeting was called to order by President LaCrown Toba at 12:05 p.m., Minister Jermaine Antonetty led us in prayer and the minutes of the meeting held in November were adopted accordingly. Treasurer Daisy Young reported on the financial activities of the Coalition during the event, and everything was in order.

Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration Review

Everyone was pleased with the assistance from Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson who sponsored the food for the event. She was also the keynote speaker and we appreciated that. The president noted that other organizations promised to partner with the Coalition, but the request came so late that they could not joined in. Thus, President Toba advised that next time, the Coalition should send out solicitation letters sooner. Dr. Toba thanked Jermaine for the great performance by his band. He also thanked Daisy, Merville, Grace and other assistants for their help.

It was observed at the event that member organizations could not make necessary donations because it was taken out of the flyer. Dr. Toba explained that the flyer was edited by the Borough President’s office when their information was added. As usual, four elders were nominated and awarded for the Griot Award at the last event. Jermaine thought that more people should have been awarded to include the youth. The president and the house applauded the idea and promise to modify the award aspect of the program to include a youth category during the celebration. So, in 2026, the Coalition agreed to include about two other categories to the event.

It was also observed that the number of individuals who volunteered at the last event was so small. Thus, it was agreed that at the next event, tables would be assigned to member organizations before the public.

At the close of the meeting, the issue of membership was discussed and representation of organizations in the Coalition. The issue was deferred to the bylaws of the organization and would be clarified at the next meeting. The African American Association announced the observance of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend of Service which will occur on MLK Day, Monday, Jan. 19, at 3 p.m. at the Church of New Vision.

–Adeyemi LaCrown Toba

Director’s Viewpoint

Lynette Wright

Shareholders Over Sublessors

Good day, Co-op City.

Subletting is a problem that plagues Mitchell-Lama developments. Way too many of us, in Co-op City and beyond, have reported known and blatant subletting. And yet, it continues just as shamelessly as ever. This is an issue that has plagued Mitchell-Lama developments since their inception. In meetings between Director Leslie Peterson, Management representatives, General Counsel and I, we discussed the roadblocks that the corporation faces. However, instead of complaining about it, let’s use our power to do something about it. As per usual, we’ll go deep into the weeds with citations. As I’ve said since grade school, my opinion doesn’t matter. What matters are the facts.

Rules For Thee, But Not For Me Riverbay Corporation’s Occupancy Agreement states: “The Members covenants and agrees…not to sell, assign, transfer, mortgage, encumber, or create any charge upon this Agreement, nor sublet the leased premises or any part thereof or suffer the same to be used for any business, commercial or professional purposes or for any purpose other than as a private dwelling apartment for the primary residence of the member and his immediate family. The Member further agrees that no boarders or permanent guests shall be permitted.” Basically, this legally binding document that all shareholders sign means Co-op City is for invested families. Not renters, not random family members who fell on hard times; shareholders who sacriﬁced time and money to live here and are recognized as owners and occupants by NYS Department of Taxation and Finance. This policy is also in accordance with NYS Compiled Codes Rules & Regulations title 9 §§ 17275.3, which states that if the “tenant, cooperator or other individual does not occupy the dwelling unit as his or her primary residence” or if the “tenant, cooperator, or other individual willingly misrepresents or concealed any material fact which would affect eligibility for admissions or continued occupancy or rent or maintenance charges to be paid,” these are grounds for termination of the occupancy agreement.

What is infuriating is that we previously implemented an Amnesty Program, twice, which allowed illegal subletter a two-month period to come forward and have shares transferred to them from the subletting shareholder. After the two months, Riverbay Management would return to evicting those who broke the occupancy agreement. This occurred despite having occupancy rates above 99%, an indication that Co-op City was still desirable, and that any shareholder evicted for subletting would allow for someone on the years-long wait list to be provided a home. Currently, we have a three-to-eight-year waiting list of over 6,000 applicants. Additionally, I feel NYS Homes and Community Renewal was complicit by approving this program, contradicting the terms of our occupancy agreement, which they also previously approved, as well as the NYS laws for housing developments under the Limited Profit Housing Act (e.g. Mitchell-Lama developments) that state that subletting of apartments is illegal. To me, this isn’t about compassion. It’s overt aiding and abetting.

Change the Law!

Real Property Actions & Proceedings, Article 7 (Summary Processing to Recover Possession of Real Property), Section 753, Subdivision 4 (RPAPL § 753(4)) states, “in the event that such processing is based on a claim that the tenant or lessee has breached a provision of the lease, the court shall grant a 30-day stay of issuance of the warrant, during which time the respondent may correct such breach.” To apply this to what’s currently happening and oversimplify it, we, shareholders, have been reporting subletting claims to Riverbay Management, who then investigates and, if conﬁrmed, sends the information to General Counsel (the Legal department). The General Counsel then gathers the evidence, sends the shareholder the required “Notice to Cure” letter, and, if not cured within 10 days, puts in an eviction claim with Housing/Landlord Court, which costs money that we can never recover. Once the case is in front of a judge, generally, they invoke RPAPL § 753(4), meaning that the shareholder will

Goose Island Seniors

We are collecting membership dues for 2026. The price $30. Our charter buses will be going back to making stops on Asch Loop.

Mohegan Sun Casino – This Thurs., Jan. 22, in Uncasville, CT. Price, $70; no bonus, no food vouchers. Bus arrivals: Einstein Loop, 8:15 a.m.; Asch Loop at 8:40 a.m., and Dreiser Loop, 8:50 a.m. Balance is due.

Goose Island Valentine Party – Fri., Feb. 13, in our club room 39. Members only. Covered dish. Bring something or $20 donation at door.

Wind Creek Casino – Thu., Feb. 19, in Bethlehem, PA. Price, $70; bonus, $25 for play. Bus arrivals: Einstein Loop, 7:45 a.m., Asch Loop at 8:10 a.m., and Dreiser Loop, 8:20 a.m. Balance due: Jan. 28. Foxwoods Casino and Tanger Outlet – Tues., Mar. 10, in Mashantucket, CT. No bonus, no meal voucher. Price, $70. Bus arrivals: Einstein Loop, 7:45 a.m., Asch Loop, 8:10 a.m. and Dreiser Loop, 8:20 a.m. Balance due: Feb. 18. Sight and Sound “Joshua” – Thu., Mar. 26, in Lancaster, PA. Lunch at Golden Corral, then 3 p.m. show. Price, $215; $50 deposit to hold seat. Bal. due, Mar. 4. Bus arrivals: Einstein Loop, 8:45 a.m., Dreiser Loop, 9:10 a.m., Asch Loop, 9:20 a.m. Payment due: Feb. 19.

Resort World Casino, Monticello, NY– Tues., Apr. 14. Price, $70. Bonus, $25 slot play, $15 food voucher. Balance due: Mar. 25.

Atlantic City – Adults only. May 14, Jun. 25, Jul. 14, Aug. 11, Sep. 10. Sight and Sound “Joshua” – Pre-Mother’s Day, Sat., May 9th in Lancaster, PA. Lunch at Millers Smorgasbord, then show at 3 p.m. Price $245. Orchestra seats. Call 646-579-1701.

Norwegian Greek Isle Cruise – May 18-27. Price $3293-3,945. Call: 646579-1701.

Niagara Falls and Toronto Trip – July 6-10. Roundtrip transportation, breakfasts, dinners, hotel and tours included. Single, $1199; double, $979. Call: 646-579-1701.

Wind Creek Casino – Bethlehem, PA. Tue. Oct. 6. Price, $70; bonus, $25 for play.

Resort World Casino, Monticello, NY– Tues., Nov. 10. Price, $70; bonus, $25 slot play, $15 food voucher.

Notary – with Yvonne Menefee, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Bingo – Mon., Wed. and Fri., 1:15 p. m.-3:30 p. m. Members only. Ad-

have 30-days toreturn to the apartment as their primary residence. This is casually known as the “Right to Cure,” meaning that because a shareholder has broken a clause in their occupancy agreement, they have the right toresolve the issue; however, that’s not what happens. Management investigates that the person is back intheir apartment within the 30-days, the case is generally dropped, and then the sublessor and/or their family move/s back shortly after. This is a loophole that permits opportunists to exploit us for individual gain at the risk of communal dissolvement and ﬁ nancial hardship.

RPAPL § 753(4) needs to change to exclude Mitchell-Lama developments speci ﬁ c to subletting. We should contact our State Representatives, Assemblyman Michael Bennedetto and Senator Jamaal Bailey, as well as Speaker of the Assembly, Carl Heastie, and let them know that, if they present a change to this law, we support them to ensure the sanctity of communities like ours; communities that deserve to be protected by the law, not victimized by it; communities that care about the quality of our neighborhood in addition to the cost. Exploiters who no longer live here should not have rights above that of law-abiding shareholders who simply want to keep their homes affordable and safeguard our social fabric. When an apartment is not vacated, we pay for it because it’s not inspected and updated, and the equity is not paid up to the current amount. As taxpayers, we are also allowing sublessors to avoid paying taxes on rental income for an already tax subsidized space. Any tolerance towards this is an allowance ofclear illegal action that hurts us all. So please, continue reporting anonymously to the Legal Department and CSO We hear you, we see you, and need your help in keeping our community safe and affordable for all. But to make a difference, we need your voices to encourage this law to change and begin to stop the damage that subletting has caused.

Next week, I will go into more detail into the reasons that subletting is not only a social risk, but also a ﬁ nancial illegality for us as taxpayers. Stay warm and see you next week.

mission: $5 for 3 cards; $0.25 for each additional card; 12 games and jackpot. Refreshments.

Game day – Tue. and Thu. between 1 p.m.-5 p. m. Dominoes, movies, socializing, and more. Members only. Refreshments.

To all Members: Happy Birthday to our members who celebrate their birthday in the month of January: Tessa West, Mary Roach, Yolanda Jones, Othelia Jones, Leona Weeden, Carol Eldridge, Delores Shivers, Roselyn Jackson, Alma Cruz, Sarah Arteaga, Barbra Richardson, Zulma Medina and Joan Wilson. Sick and Shut-in – Mary Pilla, our former president, sends her love to everyone. Call her at 718- 753-1816.

Our club is at 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 39, Bronx NY 10475, at the Section 5 Community Center. Phone: 718-379-9613, Stephen’s cell, 347-847-1941 (Zelle available). Our email address is goose.island@optonline.net. Cash App: $StephenCarlSr. Membership dues are $30 annually.

Good health to all.

—Stephen Roberts, Sr.

Be Respectful of Your Neighbors

Please be aware that not all disabilities are visible, so be considerate and respectful of all members of the community.

Telling Others About Jesus

19 Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. 20 He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Messiah.” John 1:19-20 (NIV)

John the Apostle shows us a powerful example of sharing our faith through the witness of John the Baptist. When questioned by religious leaders, John was clear about who he was not. He refused attention or status and instead pointed beyond himself to Jesus, the true Messiah. This teaches us that sharing our faith is not about promoting ourselves, but about directing others to Christ.

John boldly declared that Jesus is “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). His message was simple, honest, and centered on who Jesus is and what He came to do. He also shared his personal testimony of seeing the Spirit descend on Jesus, conﬁrming His identity. Like John, we are called to point others to Jesus and let Him be seen through our words and lives. Join us next week as we continue our series on The Gospel According to John.

Newsong Church

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, & 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 – Every Sunday at 11a.m., 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.” We sing to bring glory and honor to God and celebrate who He is and what He’s doing in our church!

Newsong Deaf Church, Rm. 35 – Our deaf worship experience is in ASL so that our deaf and hearing impaired can worship and fellowship in their own language!

Kidsong, Rm. 49 – We’ve created a place where children can have fun and learn about Jesus on their

Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City

It is with deep regret and profound sorrow that the Traditional Synagogue announces the passing of its longtime member and former treasurer, Marilyn Sherman. Marilyn was a pillar of our community and instrumental in the continued success of the synagogue. The congregation also wishes to extend its condolences to Marilyn’s sons, Howard and Jeff Sherman. The Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City would greatly appreciate a donation made in memory of Marilyn Sherman.

The synagogue would appreciate donations to keep our shul open. If you would like to help, go to www.Gofundme.com/Traditional-Synagogue-of-Co-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 has services on Saturday morning starting at 10 a.m. After service, we serve hot/cold kiddush meal. 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 and is handicap accessible, no steps. Phone # 718-379-6920. Office hours are Thursday and Sunday from 12 p.m. 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 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, January 17, at 5:49 p.m.

Candle Lighting for Friday, January 23, at 4:43 p.m.

Good and Welfare: The congregation welcomes donations in honor or memory of a loved one. Any amount is greatly appreciated. For information about the congregation and its services, please call 646- 285-1206.

To all Members: Happy Birthday to Saul Weber and all our members who will be celebrating their birthday in January. Please send me your name 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

Garage Reminders:

• Follow Speed Limit - 5MPH

• Observe One-Way and Do Not Enter Signs

• Park Centered Within Lines/Not Angled or Taking Two Spots

• Watch For Pedestrians – Turn Corners Slowly

• Avoid Walking Down the Middle of Ramps or Lanes

• Be Mindful of Your Surroundings at All Times.

own level!

Against The Flow – Every Friday at 6:30 p.m., Rm. 42. ATF 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 ATF, our goal is to graduate students into a lifetime of following Jesus.

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.

Mailing Address: 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 42; Phone: 917-342 2559; Email: CentralTeam@ newsongchurchnyc.org.

Prayer Request Line: Text “Prayer” to 877899-7323

Website: www.newsongchurchnyc.org

Social Media: Facebook/IG/X: @newsongchurchbx; YouTube: Newsong Church NYC. —Pastor Mike Tolone

Greater Love Refuge Ministries, Inc

“Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 14:18-19 Spiritual Food for Thought: This is not a time to rehearse your most embarrassing moments. What happened in the past does not deﬁne you. What does deﬁne you is what you do as you move forward. Leave it behind and strive to be the best version of yourself possible. That does not mean you will never have another instance of personal horror, but it does mean that you are an overcomer.

Are you looking for a church home where God is worshipped in Spirit and Truth? We invite you to worship with our Church family, Greater Love Refuge Ministries, Inc., every Sunday at 11:30 a.m. Greater Love is conveniently located at 900 Co-op City Blvd. (Bldg. 2A, ground ﬂoor), Bronx, NY 10475. Our telephone number is 347-920-5607. We are a non-denominational, multi-generational, teaching, preaching, faith & Bible-way Ministry. At Greater Love, you’ll ﬁnd a supportive and friendly atmosphere; come as you are—no expectations, just a warm welcome.

Sunday morning Bible class begins at 10:15 a.m. sharp. All are invited to our powerful teaching with Presiding Elder Carol Landrum. While our classes are multigenerational, youth sessions (ages 8 – 17) are held every third and ﬁfth Sunday morning (next youth class: tomorrow).

Are you or someone you know in need of prayer? We invite you to join our weekly prayer line every Wednesday afternoon at 12:30-1 p.m., and Thursday evening beginning at 8 p.m. You are welcome to listen quietly, bring a testimony of praise, a Scripture reading, a song or a speciﬁc prayer request. The call-in number is 351-999-3024; no access code required. As a general courtesy, please mute your phone upon entry and when not speaking. Our 21-day period of consecration through prayer and fasting began on Sunday, January 11, and ends on January 31. During this time, we will host a 30-minute scripture short and prayer (listen only mode) from 6 a.m.-6:30 a.m., on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday; all invited.

Our monthly virtual Women’s Bible Study series with Minister Alecia Benjamin resumes on Wednesday, January 21, from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Join us on Zoom, Mtg # 5906971593.

We are asking for donations of non-perishable food items for our “Joseph Storehouse” (formerly the Two Fish and Five Loaves Food pantry). Donations can be dropped at the church.

Save the Date: Saturday, February 14, the Seasoned Saints Ministry will host an afternoon Valentine’s Day Love Fellowship (Fun, Laughter & Soup for the Soul) from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Free refreshments will be provided, and Valentine’s Day gifts will be given to all attendees. Please call the church to RSVP and leave a message.

Grace & Peace.

—Presiding Elder Carol Landrum

If you have knowledge or a concern of possible violations of law, accounting irregularities, or other suspected wrongdoing affecting Riverbay, you are encouraged to report it to law enforcement, or you may report it through an anonymoushotline by the following methods: Go to an independent website, www.lighthouse-services. com/riverbaycorp to complete an online disclosure form; Call the following independent third party whistleblower hotline at 1-833-290-0009 (English); or 1-800-216-1288 (Spanish); Email: reports@lighthouse-services.com; or Send a fax to (215) 689-3885 (the email or fax must include “Riverbay” in the subject of the report).

The Church of St. Thomas The Apostle

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 invite you 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 is Covenant Sunday. This is our annual opportunity to celebrate and afﬁrm that we give our lives and choices to God. The words that we speak are of great importance. Rather than using our words for strife and gossip, let us use them to afﬁrm our love and service for God. “He that shall rule his tongue shall live without strife.” –Ecclesiasticus 19:6

Congregational Meeting: The annual meeting of the membership of The Church of St. Thomas The Apostle, Inc. will be held on January 18, following a brief service for Covenant Sunday beginning at 11a.m.

Covenant Sunday, January 18, 2026:

● 11 a.m. – Communion Service

● Annual Congregational Meeting following the service

Bible Lessons:

● Colossians 1:9-18

● Luke 7:2-10

Prayer: O Lord Christ, we thank thee that it hath pleased thee to draw us into wondrous fellowship with thee through thy mystical body the church, and we pray that all who profess and call themselves Christians may grow into the fullness of thy love, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life, O thou great king of love, to whom be praise and adoration from men and from the angel host. Amen.

–Rev. Dorian Miceli

Church of the New Vision

Greetings, in the name of our Lord and Savior 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, New York 10475. Church phone 718-671-8746 and Pastor’s phone 914-522-5039.

Our Scripture of Meditation for 2026 is:Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Come Fellowship with us: Sunday School for adults and youths begin at 9:30 a.m.

Sunday morning worship service is 11 a.m. All are welcome. Fasting, prayer, and meditation are the last Wednesday of each month.

Daily Noon Day Prayer Line: 12-12:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Wednesday Night Bible Study and Prayer from 7-8 p.m. The conference call line number is 646-769-9900; Access Code: 3099088#. Please mute your phone.

Worship Message: “There is a Place for Those Who Walk with God.”

Scripture Lesson: Psalms 91:1-16 NLT, “I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be ﬁlled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High. My enemies retreated; they staggered and died when you appeared. For you have judged my favor; from your throne you have judged with fairness. You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked; you have erased their names forever. The enemy is ﬁnished, in endless ruins: the cities you uprooted are now forgotten. But the LORD reigns forever, executing judgement from his throne. He will judge the world with justice and rule the nations with fairness. The LORD is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust you, for you, O LORD, do not abandon those who search you.” (continue reading Psalms 91:11-16; Psalms 46:1; 91:14)

Save the Dates

Saturday, January 31 – Prayer Breakfast, 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Wednesday, February 18 – 40 days fast begins, ends on Resurrection Sunday.

Saturday, February 21 – Black History Month Celebration, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Women’s Fellowship-Women’s Retreat – Spruce Lake Retreat & Conference Center, PA. Thursday, Sept. 24-Saturday, Sept. 26. Two nights/three-day accommodations (double occupancy), ﬁve meals, R/T motor-coach transportation. Secure your reservation with a non-refundable deposit of $50. First deposit is due February 8; second deposit of $150 due April 19; ﬁnal payment due August 16. For further information, contact: Sis. L. Scott at 718-671-2623, Sis. S. James at 917-667-4229 or Sis. H. Smith at 718-708-5035.

We continue to pray for a speedy recovery for the sick and shut-in; grace, mercy, strength, comfort, healing, and condolences to families who lost loved ones and good health and wellness for all.

Please mail contributions, tithes, and offerings to: Church of the New vision, P.O. Box 75-3037, Einstein Station, Bronx, New York 10475. Thank you. –Brenda Brown

Co-op City is Your Home! Get involved with your building association, join a Board Committee and/or community group, or write a Letter to the Editor about quality of life concerns!

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 11a.m., in-person and on Zoom or YouTube. Sunday School classes for all ages is held at 9:30 a.m. We are located at 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 50 (lower level), Bronx, NY 10475. Telephone: 718-320-3774. Email: ccbc135@optimum.net or coopcitybc@gmail.com. Website: www.coopcitybaptistchurch.org. Masks are optional.

Zoom information: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/9623430102 or Zoom Telephone Conference Line: 646-568-7788, Meeting ID: 962 343 0102#, Password: 788175#. Or go to YouTube, search for “Co-op City Baptist Church” and watch us there.

The church’s free conference call line dial-in number is 857-357-0254; Access Code is 660065#.

This Week’s Events: Wednesday Bible Study Classes at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. are on Zoom. Prayer Warriors Prayer Service on Thursday is at 12 p.m. and will be on the church conference call line. On Thursday at 2 p.m., the Circle of Grace Knit and Crochet Ministry will meet in person at the church in Rm. 51. Friday Mid-Morning Prayer Service at 10 a.m. is on the church conference call line.

Our next Food Giveaway will be distributed on Friday, January 23, from 2-5 p.m., at 135 Einstein Loop. Please remember to bring your own bag, and perhaps a cart. Some products can be heavy. Everyone is welcome.

“GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

The Co-op City Baptist Church exists to glorify God and to establish a living community of people who follow the teachings of Jesus the Christ through worship, prayer, Bible Study and fellowship. We seek to meet the spiritual and physical needs of the Church through ministry.

–Marilyn C. Williams

Circle of Christ Church

Iglesia Circulo de Cristo

God is concerned about his Weight (Glory)

Opportunity – A favorable time to participate in, accomplish, or achieve a goal.

In life, we are all given opportunities to participate in different activities. They may be educational, theological, or even physical. Whatever we choose to do or not to do determines how our character develops. The less you do; the less you mature and grow.

Revelation 3:7-8, “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one shuts, and what he shuts no one opens. 8 I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door no one can shut. I know you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.”

God is concerned for His glory, the weight ascribed to Him. Our actions do not lessen God’s glory, that’s impossible! But we dishonor God before others and diminish his glory in their eyes. The danger is in dishonoring God and, therefore, inspiring blasphemy.

2 Samuel 12:13, “Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan replied, “The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. 14 But because by doing this you have shown utter contempt for the Lord, the son born to you will die.”

David gave an opportunity for God to be blasphemed. He made God to be less than who he was. We do the same thing when we engage in behaviors that show lack of faith. Our sin does not affect God, but it can hurt others.

Moses misrepresented God before the people. Numbers 20:12, “But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, ‘Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.’”

Aaron’s sons presented inappropriate fire before God’s altar. Leviticus 10:1, “Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, contrary to his command. 2 So fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord.”

In this new year, what are the opportunities the Lord has placed before you? Maybe some things were left undone from last year, complete them. Perhaps you need to offer or accept forgiveness, do it. Give God the glory due His name by actively honoring Him.

Schedule

147 Dreiser Loop (Lower Level)

In January 2025, all ministries will be engaged in prayer and reorganization. First Sunday of the month, Bilingual Communion Service is at 10:30 a.m.

Sunday : Spanish, 9:30 a.m., & English Service 11:30 a.m.

Wednesday: Nonperishable food distribution, 12-2 ,p.m.

Thursday: Prayer/Bible Study, 6:30-8 p.m.

Friday: Youth Service, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Blessings in Christ, –Pastor Luis F. Ramos Jr.

JASA Co-op City NORC Program Invites You for These In-Person & Virtual Activities

Bartow OAC Trip to Sight & Sound to see “Joshua” Thursday, 3/19. Lunch at the Amish all-you-can-eat Shady Maple costs $230;. $50 deposit is required to sign up, and payments are at the Bartow OAC ONLY

Walk Group at NORC office on every Tues., 10 a.m.

Computer Class In-person on Wed., 4-5 p.m. at the Bartow NORC ofc.

Spanish Classes, Thurs., 2-3 p.m. at the NORC ofc. Jan. 2026 Bartow OAC Food Shopping Trips –Walmart, NJ, 1/20, $12; Stew Leonard, 1/21,$6; Wegman’s,

1/22, $12; COSTCO, 1/30, $6.

Free Tax Preparation for seniors in the JASA NORC ofc., 2049 Bartow Ave. starting 2/2/26. Income limit up to $66,000. Mon’s only from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Call 718- 3202066 for an appt.

Dreiser OAC. Please join us every Wed. Caringkind: The Heart of Alzheimer’s Caregiving Rep. will be in the Bartow main ofc. every 3rd Mon. of the month, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. for Alzheimer & Dementia Consultation/Health Care Proxy & Power of Attorney Consulta-

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.

Trip: Studio Museum, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Mindful Mornings Tai-Chi, 9-10 a.m.

BARTOW CENTER CLOSED

Walk w/Odessa (On Winter Break)

Blood Pressure w/Gertie & Phyllis, 12-1 p.m. (1st & 3rd Tues.)

Health & Wellness w/Ann, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Smart/phone & Tablet Class w/Julesa, 1:45-2:45 p.m.

Stretch & Tone w/ Ola, 10-11

a.m.

Bodies in Motion w/ Ola, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Line Dancing w/Cynthia, Wed. & Fri., 12:30-1:45 p.m. Board Games, 1-2 p.m.

Arthritis exercise w/Damien, 10-11:15 a.m.

Visual Arts w/Laura via Zoom, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Knitting/Crocheting w/Lynne & Betty, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Card Games w/Frankie, 3:304:30 p.m.

Massage Therapy, 10 a.m.-12

p.m.

tion & other services. Please call 646-744-2921 for an appt. Technology Class – Thurs., 6:30-7:30 p.m. Dial in number: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 862 5043 9695, Passcode: 896989.

Line Dance with Bartow Swingers – Wed. & Fri., 121:00 p.m., 177 Dreiser Loop, Aud. A. Notary – JASA NORC Office, Weds. & Thurs., 10 a.m.1 p.m. Call 718-320-2066 for an appt. Notary – Dreiser OAC, Weds. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Call 718320-1345 for an appt.; Rm. 7.

Fee for lunch is $2.00 & $5.00 for guest ALL meals served w/margarine and fresh milk Menu subject to change without notice. Bartow Center (929) 399-1394

Dreiser Center (718) 320-1345 Einstein Center (718) 671-5161

LUNCH & DINNER MENUS

Alternate Kosher Meals are available

LUNCH: KOSHER: (Plant Based) Scallion

Weekend Recap Discussion, 9-10 a.m.

Ginger Tofu Stir Fry, Pearled Barley, Capri Blend Vegetables; NON-KOSHER: Beef

Manicure, 10:30 a.m-12 p.m.

Massage Therapy, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Manicure,10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Line Dance with Cynthia, 12:30 p.m.-1:45 p.m.

Line Dance w/Cynthia, 12:301:45 p.m.

Drama Club w/Dazee Windley, 2-4:30 p.m., Bartow OAC, Rm. 31

Drama Club w/Dazee Windley 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m., in Bartow OAC, Rm. 31

Dinner Hour, 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Intergenerational Arts & Crafts w/Denise, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Salsa with Rasheem,10 a.m.11 a.m., Dreiser, 2nd floor Word Games, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Bingo on Satur days, 1:30-3:30 p.m. in the back of JASA NORC Of fice

Line Dance, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Book Club, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

CLOSED FOR MLK Jr. Day

Ageless Facials & Self Care, 1-3 p.m. (Appts. only)

Movies w/Dennis: “Selma”

Current Events, 10-11 a.m.

Never Too Old to Learn Spanish, 10-11 a.m.

Bridge to Care Arthritis Exercise w/Damien, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Technology Lab w/Steve, 1-2 p.m.

Stretch & Tone w/Ola, 10-11

a.m.

Bodies in Motion w/Ola, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Board Games, 1-2 p.m.

Visual Arts, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Salsa Dance w/George, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Chit & Chat, 1-2 p.m. Fit For Life Exercise w/Gail, 1-2 p.m.

Studio Museum (Harlem), 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Coloring for Calmness, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Su Casa Art w/Tijay, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Chess Club, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Blood Pressure Screening, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Health & Wellness 2.0 – Celebrating Each Other, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Health & Wellness 2.0- “Gratitude & Purpose Awareness,” 11:00 a.m.12 p.m.

Let’s Get It on Zumba, 1-2 p.m.

Let’s Get It on Zumba, 1 p.m.-2 p.m.

Piano Sing Along Lessons, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 2 (twice a month)

CLOSED FOR MLK Jr. Day

Crafts w/Roselen, Rm. 4, 1-3 p.m.

Art w/Gerry, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 2 Crafts w/Roselen, 1-2 p.m. Leisure Games w/Clara, 1-3:30 p.m., Rm. 2 Zumba w/Ola, 1-2 p.m., Aud. A Tai Chi w/Jimmy, 2-3 p.m., Aud. A Computer & Tablet class w/Ralph, 6:30-7:30 p.m. (virtual)

Leisure TV, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Arthritis Exercise w/Damion, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Aud. A Technology Class w/Steve, 1:152:15 p.m.

Morning News Discussion, 1011 a.m.

Cardio Exercise w/Gail, 11 a.m.12 p.m., Aud. A Body in Motion w/Ola, 1-2 p.m., Aud. A Leisure Games w/Clara, 1-3:30 p.m., Rm. 2

Leisure TV, 2-4 p.m.

Sewing Class w/Joy, 9-11 a.m., Rm. 2

Walmart (Monroe, NY), 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Coney Island Beach/Boardwalk, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Hamburger, Baked Red Potato Wedges, Cooked Cabbage w Shredded, Carrots

CLOSED FOR MLK Jr. Day

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: No Dinner Served

NON-KOSHER: No Dinner Served

LUNCH: Moroccan Salmon, Roasted Potatoes & Vegetables; NONKOSHER: Baked Fish w/Sweet & Sour Sauce, Pasta, Normandy Blend

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

LUNCH: KOSHER: Baked Breaded Fish, Baked Potato, Steamed Sliced Carrots, Orange; NON-KOSHER: Spanish Style Beef Homemade Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Broccoli, Apple

LUNCH : KOSHER: Beef Meatloaf, Baked Brown Rice Pilaf, Sautéed String Beans; NON-KOSHER: Chicken Breast & Rice, Boiled Southern Greens

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: Beef Meatloaf, Brown Rice, Sautéed String Beans, Apple; NON-KOSHER: Baked Fish in Sweet & Sour Sauce, Pasta, Normandy Blend Vegetable, Orange

LUNCH: KOSHER: (Plant Based) Cuban Black Beans, Yellow Rice, Vegetables Mix; NONKOSHER: (Plant Based) Aromatic Pumpkin & Chickpea Curry, White Rice, Italian Cut Green Beans

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER : Breaded Vegetable Cutlet, Yellow Rice, Steamed Mixed Vegetable, Orange; NON-KOSHER : Arroz con Pollo (Chicken Breast and Rice), Boiled Southern Greens, Apple

Alert & Alive w/Cathy & Essie, 10-11 a.m., Rm. 4

Sewing Class w/Joy, 9-11 a.m., Rm. 2

Knitting /Crocheting w/Loretta 10-12 p.m.

LUNCH : KOSHER: Roasted Chicken Legs, Spinach Noddle Kugel, Spiced Mixed Vegetables; NON-KOSHER: Jerk Chicken, Black Beans & Rice, Italian Blend Vegetables

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

Alert & Alive w/Cathy & Essie, 10-11 a.m., Rm. 4

Knitting & Crocheting w/Loretta, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Line Dance w/Sassy, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Aud. A Bingo w/Gay, 1-2:50 p.m., Rm. 2

Line Dance w/Sassy, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Aud. A Bingo, 1-2:50 p.m.

Menu fee for lunch is $2 & $5 for guest. ALL meals served with 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 can be made where noted, Mon.–Fri., 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 2-4 p.m. only.

Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, the NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation

Must be 60 or older to become a JASA participant.

KOSHER: Roasted Chicken, Spinach Noodle Kugel, Steamed Mixed Vegetables, Peach | PLUS 10 GRAB AND GO; NONKOSHER: Curried Chick Pea w/ Pumpkin, White Rice, Italian Cut Green Beans, Banana

Saturday: Lunch served at 12:30 p.m. until finished: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: Moroccan Salmon, Roasted Potatoes & Vegetables, Kiwi; NON-KOSHER: Jerk Chicken, Black Beans & Rice, Italian Blend Vegetables, Orange

Bartow Room 31 unless otherwise noted

Einstein Room 49 unless otherwise noted

Dreiser Room 7 unless otherwise

Pentecostal Tabernacle

Located at 100 Co-op City Blvd., Building 22A Bronx, NY 10475.

For more information or inquiries, please contact us at any of the following numbers: 718-324-0334, 718-320-4218, or 646-806-9449.

We warmly invite everyone to join us on the scheduled days for our gatherings and services:

• Sunday morning worship service will be held at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary.

• Wednesday morning prayer and fasting service and all-night services will be held online. To join, call 727-731-4156.

• Bible Study and prayer meeting: Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. This gathering is a time aside for members and visitors to come together in fellowship.

• Friday: Worship Service will be held at 7:30 p.m.

Focus: Prayer of Repentance, Psalm 51:1-13

“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving kindness, according unto the multitude of thy tender mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity and cleanse me from my sins. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight, that thou mightiest be justified when thou judgest. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts, and in hidden part thou shall make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean, wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness, that the bones that thou hast broken may Rejoyce. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation: and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then I will teach transgressors thy way: and sinners shall be converted unto thee.”

David took personal responsibility for his sin.

In Psalm 51:1-3, David stated, “I acknowledge my transgression.” The word “acknowledge” means more than just admit; rather it involves realizing or discovering one sinfulness so that one becomes of his nature and is confronted by its reality. This was the result of Nathan’s declaration thou art the man. The first step in real repentance is recognizing the true nature of sin and accepting responsibility for one’s transgression. He stated that his sins are ever before him. Whenever some repents, he cannot hide from the sins within him.

David asked God to purge him with hyssop, and it will make him clean and wash him so that he can be made whither than snow. He is requesting joy and gladness the bones that were broken may Rejoyce. David knows the relationship that he has with God and cannot afford to lose it because of his sinful nature. He realized that God knows his heart and knows all about the murder and adultery that he has committed.

One writer stated that you cannot hide from God. His eyes are watching you. Rev. R. Sibblies

Co-op City United Methodist Church IEMU de Co-op City

Open Doors, Open Hearts, and Open Minds.

Come and visit us – We are a multi-ethnic and bilingual, Bible-centered congregation with spirit-filled worship. Services are held in-person at 2350 Palmer Avenue across from Building 30. Parking is available. You can also participate with us via Zoom (904 4685745) or Facebook live (UMC Coop City). ––Pastor, Rev. Sara Girón-Ortiz

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” —Lamentations 3:22–23

“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.” —Psalm 34:17

Each new year often begins with fresh hopes and expectations. We long for happiness, prosperity, and peace. Yet the reality is that every year carries both joy and sorrow, triumphs and trials. For some, the turning of the calendar feels like a new beginning; for others, it only magnifies the weight of grief, loss or uncertainty.

But Scripture reminds us that God is not surprised by what lies ahead. He already knows the path we will walk, and He promises to meet us with mercies that are new every morning. His compassion is not rationed out in yearly portions—it is renewed daily, sufficient for each step we take.

This means we don’t have to live chained to yesterday’s regrets or paralyzed by tomorrow’s worries. God’s mercies are for today. When we cry out in our weakness, He hears us. When we face challenges, He delivers us—not always by removing the trial, but by sustaining us through it with His faithful love.

No matter how last year ended or how this year began, take heart— the Lord is with us and He is for us. He holds your 2026 in His hands, and His plans for you are good. You don’t have to carry the weight of the whole year or have every step figured out. You don’t need to know today how you’ll face the hard dates or navigate the challenges ahead. Rest in this truth: God is faithful. His mercies are new each morning, not to erase your past or dismiss your pain, but to meet you right where you are and give you the grace you need—one day at a time.

So, as we step into this year, whether with excitement or fear, we can rest in the assurance that His mercies will meet us each morning. We don’t need to carry the burden of the whole year at once. We simply need to trust Him for today, pray for His strength, and walk forward in hope.

Come and Receive a Blessing: All are Welcome!

New Bible Study coming soon. Stay tuned for details.

Thursdays: Pantry and in-person Prayer Meeting at 11 a.m. Upcoming Events – Save The Dates

Sunday, January 18: English Service at 11:15 a.m.

Escuela Dominical at 11:15 a.m. Servicio en Español at 12:30 p.m.

G. Abadia

Community Protestant Church

Rev. Dr. Calvin E. Owens and the Community Protestant Church family welcome you to worship with us. We are located at 2053 Asch Loop, Bronx, NY 10475; 718-862-9172, fax: 718-671-4416 or email: Administration@thecpcchurch.org. Worship Schedule

In-person Sunday Morning Worship – 11 a.m.; Sunday School at 9:15 a.m.

Every Wednesday – “Hour of Power Noon Day Prayer,” 12 p.m. on the conference call line: 712-432-3900; Access Code: 343284#. Every Wednesday – 7 p.m. Bible Study online via Zoom. Log in on Zoom.com or dial One Tap Mobile: 646-931-3860 or 929-205-6099. Meeting ID: 837 7258 6522.

Save the Date

Saturday, March 28, at 10:30 a.m., Prayer and Praise Brunch. Tickets: $40, hosted by the Shepherd’s Ministry.

God’s presence is always near when His people gather. The Praise Team opened morning worship with music and song. Prayer requests were made and testimonies shared thanking the Lord for His grace and His mercy. Deacon Samuel Wilson, Jr. served as worship leader. DIT Tyron Brown spoke to God then read Proverbs 3:110. We welcomed and invited Minister Troy Murray to the pulpit where he sang, “I Made It” and “I Need Thee.” Then we heard the word from our guest, Rev. Winnie Walker, Assistant Pastor at Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church. Rev. Walker preached, “It’s Time to Build,” taken from Ecclesiastes 3:3. She said we must build on our foundation and be obedient to God in 2026. Yes! Rev. Alrick Joseph, Pastor, Mt. Lebanon, was also there and he led altar call. We are thankful! We welcome you to come, hear the good news of Jesus, worship and experience all the new possibilities at Community Protestant, a church of love and understanding. Our Sundays begin with Adult Sunday School promptly at 9:15 a.m. On Wednesdays, join “Hour of Power Noon Day Prayer” on the conference call line at 12 p.m. and virtual Bible Study at 6:45 p.m.

To all sick and homebound members, please know your presence is missed and we are praying for your healing. We extend our heartfelt condolences to all who are in a season of mourning. We send our very best Happy Birthday greetings to everyone celebrating their birthday this month.

“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.” –Proverbs 3:3

––Lexa M. Mingo