Co-op City Times 04-18-26

Eleven Candidates Certi ed for 2026 Riverbay Board Election

By ROZAAN BOONE

The field is set for this year’s Riverbay Board of Directors election with 11 candidates officially certified to run for seats on the governing body of Co-op City.

The Riverbay Legal department completed its review of the prospective candidates’ qualifying election packages this week and the 2026 Election Committee certified that 11 of the 12 prospective candidates met the necessary qualifications following the process, which included verification of eligibility requirements such as residency, financial standing, background check, and other required documentation.

The 2026 certified candidates are:

• Idalia Reyes

• Lynette Wright

• Monique Coleman

• Darnell Lopez

• Michelle Marbury

• Nero Graham

• Andrea Leslie

• Keith Logan

• Rod Saunders

• Aaron Carnegie

• Yanira D. Jaime

The candidates will now move into the campaign phase, where they are expected to present their platforms, engage with shareholders, and outline their visions for the future of Co-op City.

Shareholders can expect campaign materials, election supplements to be published, candidates’ forums, and opportunities to hear directly from those seeking office in the coming weeks.

Beginning on Saturday, May 2, the Co-op City Times will publish the first of three consecutive

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2025 Electronic Income Affidavit Now Live!

Dear Shareholders,

2025 Income A davit

BY DANIELLE CRUZ

Shareholders in need of assistance with filing the paper version of the 2025 Income Affidavit before the April 30th deadline are encouraged to attend the third and final Income Affidavit Help Session on Tuesday, April 21, in the Bartow Center, Rm. 31, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Shareholders attending the help session should bring their 2025 Income Affidavit form, along with a photo ID, the 2025 Tax Returns for everyone required to sign the affidavit, and proof of insurance. A limited number of notaries will be available during the morning session; however, additional notaries will be available from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Shareholders also have the option to file an electronic version of the 2025 Income Affidavit, which is available now on the Riverbay website at https:// bit.ly/4aw5CeP. As of Sunday, April 12, 1,064 shareholders have registered to electronically file their income affidavits and 642 electronic income affidavits have been successfully submitted.

2026 Riverbay Board of Directors Election

• NOTICE •

Our Certified Candidates are ready to compete for a seat on the Board. What would you like to ask them?

Forum #1

• Einstein Center • Room 45

Saturday • May 2nd • 3pm

Send your Questions for the Candidates to: Riverbay2026Election@RiverbayCorp.com

The 2025 Electronic Income Affidavit is now available to all shareholders. The system has been upgraded to make registration and submission faster, easier, and more convenient for all shareholders.

Online FAQ and How To Video:

To learn more about the electronic income affidavit process, shareholders are encouraged to visit https://bit.ly/4aw5CeP to view:

1. An online “how to” video that walks you through the entire process, from registration to submitting your completed 2025 Income Affidavit

2. Online FAQs.

Go-Live Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026

The new registration link is available on the Riverbay portal.

What You Need to Use the Electronic Income Affidavit process

To ensure you can complete your registration without delay, please have the following ready:

1. Your account number (also known as your TCODE)

2. A copy of the first page of your current insurance policy and NYS tax return, if applicable

3. First Name, Last Name, and email address for each household member 18 or older.

A fillable pdf of the 2025 Income Affidavit form is also available on the Riverbay website. To access it, visit https:// coopcity.com, click on the “Resources” tab and then select “Finance” from the (Continued on page 2)

Participatory Budgeting Voting Closes April 19

By BRANDON ORTIZ

New Yorkers have until Sunday, April 19, to have their voices heard in this year’s Participatory Budgeting Vote Week.

As residents of City Council District 12, Co-op City shareholders who are 11 years old and older can vote on how their district will make use of $1 million in funding. This year’s ballot has six projects and voters can pick up to three projects they feel are deserving. Visit tinyurl.com/4dc49xrt to vote in this year’s Participatory Budgeting Vote Week.

Here is a quick rundown of the six projects on this year’s ballot, as outlined by the New York City Council:

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New Zego Online Payment

Process

Zego/Paylease will be introducing PLAID to its online payment portal. PLAID provides a secure method for shareholders to link their bank accounts directly to ZEGO/Paylease using their existing online banking credentials. During each transaction, PLAID verifies account status and available funds. If a shareholder has insufficient funds in their bank accounts, the payment will be automatically declined, protecting the corporation from NSF losses and preventing related bounced check fees for shareholders. Adding PLAID to the online payment process is important and also timely since Riverbay has experienced an increase in the number of bounced checks and chargebacks during the past several months.

Once implemented, all new shareholders will be required to add the PLAID bank account connect feature. When a resident attempts to add a bank account, they will be prompted to authenticate through PLAID.

To learn more about PLAID, an overview video is available at https://bit.ly/417qkNQ or by scanning the QR code here:

Implementation of PLAID for Riverbay shareholders is expected to begin in June 2026 and will roll out in phases, beginning with new residents, followed by one-time payers, and eventually expanding to all Zego users.

Affidavit

drop-down menu. Instructions on how to complete the form can also be found there.

Completed 2025 Income Affidavit paper forms can be deposited into the carrying charge boxes in the community centers or delivered to the Riverbay Finance department at 2049 Bartow Avenue. The form can also be scanned along with supporting documents, including proof of homeowner’s insurance, and emailed to RiverbayFinance@riverbaycorp.com

Paper income affidavits can also be submitted by mail to the following address: Riverbay Corporation, Finance Department, Attention: 2025 Income Affidavit, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475.

All paper income affidavits must be notarized. JASA also offers notary services on Wednesdays and Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shareholders can call 718-320-2066 to set up an appointment at the JASA NORC office at the Bartow Center and 718-320-1345 to set up an appointment at the JASA Dreiser OAC office.

Shareholders opting to file their 2025 Income Affidavit electronically can familiarize themselves with the process by watching an instructional “How To” video and reading the Frequently Asked Questions guide on the Riverbay website at https://bit.ly/4aw5CeP.

To register to receive an electronic version of the 2025 Income Affidavit form, shareholders will need to have their T-code ready. The T-code is your account number found at the upper right-hand corner of your monthly carrying charge statement. Shareholders will be required to identify their building and apartment. The system will cross check account numbers with building and apartment numbers and inaccuracies will be flagged for the shareholder to correct before being allowed to move forward with the process.

Once the shareholder has registered, they will then receive an email from DocuSign to verify their ID. This step replaces the notary requirement needed to file the paper income affidavit. Shareholders will be required to go through a “knowledge based” ID verification process to securely verify their identity prior to accessing the Income Affidavit electronic form.

While filling out the electronic form, shareholders will also have to upload their proof of insurance. To upload the insurance document, shareholders should click the paper clip icon located at the bottom left-hand side of the screen. After, click “upload a file” and then select the files to be uploaded and click “open.” Once the document is uploaded, click “done” to complete the file upload.

Questions about the electronic filing process can be sent to incomeaffidavit@riverbaycorp.com and questions about the paper filing process can be sent

to RiverbayFinance@riverbaycorp.com. Any questions regarding the insurance documentation should be addressed to the Risk Management department at 718-320-3300, Ext. 3388.

The filing deadline for the 2025 Income Affidavit is Wednesday, April 30, 2026.

GM Marvin L. Walton Celebrates Three Year Anniversary

General Manager Marvin L. Walton celebrated three years at Riverbay Corporation on April 16, 2026. In honor of this milestone, he was presented with a plaque in recognition of his leadership, service, and commitment.

“When you're doing what you love, you will love to do it,” said GM Walton. “When you get up in the morning, you're excited about where you go and I can honestly tell you all that I enjoy driving in the morning, because I really feel strongly that I'm with a team that makes a difference and we will continue to make a difference. So, thank you all.”

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Coffee with Mike

Shareholders are invited to join Assemblyman Michael Benedetto at the pizzeria in Section 5 today, April 18, 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.

Next CB #10 Board/ Public Hearing in Co-op City

Community Board #10’s monthly General Board/Public Hearing will take place at 2049 Bartow Avenue, Room 31, on Thursday, May 21, at 7 p.m.

This meeting will be highlighted by a public hearing on the McDonald’s at 2010 Bartow Avenue. The restaurant will undergo a full reconstruction to modernize the dining experience as well as re-construct its drivethrough.

McDonald’s is seeking CB #10’s advisory approval as part of its application before the City of New York Board of Standards and Appeals. The restaurant will still have over 30 seats for dining. The drive-through will accommodate 11 vehicles in its queue. There will still be 10 parking spaces in front of the restaurant.

Please note that this is standard procedure for any restaurant or bank that has a drivethrough. Normally, they all need the advisement of their local community board. For additional information, please contact CB #10 at (718) 892-1161 or email bx10@cb.nyc.gov.

Photo of the Week

Want to showcase your talents? See any cool sights around the community? The Co-op City Times is looking for submissions to our new “Photo of the Week” feature!

To submit your photo, email cctimes@riverbaycorp.com with the subject line “Photo of the Week.” Photos (one photo per submission; must be a JPEG file), and accompanied by a short, 1-2 sentence caption.

Former Congressman Eliot Engel Dies at 79

Longtime US representative Had Ties to Co-op City

Eliot Engel, a veteran Bronx lawmaker who served more than three decades in Congress, passed away on Friday, April 10, at the age of 79. According to family statements, he died in the Bronx after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease, closing a public service career that spanned more than 44 years.

A Democrat first elected to Congress in 1988, Engel represented parts of the Bronx and southern Westchester County for 16 terms, from 1989 to 2021. Over the course of his tenure, he rose to become Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, where he played a key role in shaping US foreign policy and advocating for human rights around the world.

Known for his deep ties to the Bronx, Engel’s district included Co-op City, one of the nation’s largest cooperative housing developments where he lived with his young family in the 1970’s and 1980’s before moving to Riverdale in the mid-1990’s. With his connection to the community dating back decades, Engel was counted among its notable residents, reflecting his close relationship with working- and middle-class constituents in the area.

Before his time in Congress, Engel served in the New York State Assembly and worked as a teacher and guidance counselor. Colleagues and public officials have remembered him as a “tireless advocate” who never lost sight of the needs of his district, even as his work took him onto the global stage. Engel’s legacy in communities like Co-op City and across the Bronx is marked by decades of constituent service, advocacy and a commitment to public life that leaves a lasting imprint on New York politics.

NYC Announces New Consumer Protection Rules

By BRANDON ORTIZ

New York City is attempting to strengthen consumer protection with an executive order designed to simplify online subscriptions.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani and New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DWCP) Commissioner Samuel Levine made the announcement together on April 9. Executive Order 10, which is also referred to as the “Fighting Subscription Tricks and Traps” order, aims to take on what the Mayor’s Office called “deceptive subscription practices.” In their announcement, Mayor Mamdani and Commissioner Levine highlighted a new addition to the executive order that would bolster New York’s ability to cancel subscriptions.

Specifically, the addition would equip the DWCP with the authority to enforce and ensure that consumers in New York City can easily cancel subscriptions. Violators of this rule are “liable for restitution to harmed consumers and civil penalties, with fines starting at $525,” according to the Mayor’s Office. Fines can go up to a maximum of $3,500 for repeat violators. Additionally, this rule will also require that companies clearly disclose how consumers can cancel their subscription and any terms that apply. Subscription services must also disclose their renewal details, potential monthly charges and any timelines related to promotional offers, so consumers know exactly when free trials conclude.

New Yorkers can provide feedback on the proposed rule until Friday, May 8, both online or during a virtual public hearing. The next scheduled virtual public hearing is May 8 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., and participants can connect using the link provided by the City Council: tinyurl. com/23kdh7e8 or by calling 646-893-7101 and entering phone conference ID number 554 484 200#. Alternatively, individuals can also submit a comment online at tinyurl.com/3kf7h6sk.

Mayor Mamdani discussed the reasoning behind the city’s move to strengthen consumer protection rules in regards to subscriptions on April 9.

“Subscription traps are just another way that big corporations extract hard-earned money from working people,” said Mayor Mamdani. “In our city, we’re drawing a clear line: if you can sign up with a click, you must be able to cancel with one.”

Back on January 5, Mayor Mamdani officially introduced Executive Order 10 initially authorizing DWCP to “prioritize monitoring, investigating, and taking enforcement action against . . . subscription-related practices . . . that deceive or mislead consumers,” as well as requiring DWCP to “take appropriate actions to combat subscription tricks and traps,” as explained by the Mayor’s Office.

Other states like Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota and Utah have already passed laws that require subscription services to provide an easy mechanism for cancellation.

Report from the 2026 Riverbay Election Committee

Starting where we left off last week, by any stretch of the exaggeration, the number of those attending the April 8th Info-Zoom was indeed closer to a handful than 300.

Moving right along, let’s talk about what’s up now and what’s up next.

Twelve prospective candidates handed in their application packets by this past Monday, April 13th, as required. Today, Saturday, April 18th, in these very pages, you should see a list of your certified 2026 Riverbay Board Election Candidates. What’s up first?

Candidates’ Forum #1 scheduled for Saturday, May 2nd, at 3:00 p.m. in Einstein Community Center’s Room 45.

More details will follow, but what we need from you right now is your Questions for the Candidates

Any pressing issues you would like addressed? Don’t worry if your issue has been brought up again and again over the years. Eventually, something will get resolved regarding Co-op City’s perennial number one concern: dog pooh.

No matter what questions you may want to present to the cndidates, the Committee would like you to please consider this: first-timers running for the Board may not have the insider information that sitting Board members or past members would have.

Naturally, any prospective Board candidate should have a well-informed understanding of how our community works. After all, we have 16 years of weekly records of our goings-on available at issuu.com/cctimes to scour.

And scoured they have been. Scoured for lists of questions from past election campaign years: What’s your vision of the future of Co-op City? How will you increase community engagement? How would you get the community to turn out to vote? How well do you work with others? What are your special skills? What’s your management style? What would you do differently than other directors who have come before you?

But now we ask you, dear neighbors: What’s important to you? As long as it goes beyond: Could you swing by and fix my sink? I say: ask it!

Send those everything-but-the-kitchen-sink questions to Riverbay2026Election@RiverbayCorp.com

But what if email is still not your thing? Feel free to send a text or leave a voice mail message at 718-219-2211 to have your fleshed-out or lightning-round-worthy question be recognized and perhaps put to the candidates in time for the first of the three Candidates’ Forums coming up in the month of May.

Again, the first Forum will be held in Einstein (5/2 at 3 p.m.), the second in Dreiser (5/6 at 7 p.m.), and the third at Bartow (5/11 at 7 p.m.)

Save the dates, attend, ponder, nosh. Because once the formal part of each after-

DR. LEWIS WOLSTEIN

noon or evening has finished, the Meet & Greet & Eat portion for some one-on-one grilling of the wannabes begins.

And when all that’s done, and the ballots are sent out – just a few days later – be prepared to go to work. That’s when you, dear neighbors, will be enlisted to gently remind your fellow shareholders – by lingering in the lobby, shaking a pompom, waving a flyer, pointing at an election display – that The Ballots Are Coming The Ballots Are Coming. The Ballots Are Here!

But not yet.

In the meantime, please send us those Questions for the Candidates, and have a great week.

Thank you!

Mary Pearson Chair, 2026 Election Committee

2026 Riverbay Board Election Schedule

Saturday, May 2 Publication by Co-op City Times of first Election Supplement

Saturday, May 2 First Election Forum, 3 p.m., In-person & broadcast live from Einstein Center

Wednesday, May 6 Second Election Forum, 7 p.m., In-person & broadcast live from Dreiser Center

Saturday, May 9 Publication by Co-op City Times of second Election Supplement

Monday, May 11 Third Election Forum, 7 p.m., In-person & broadcast live from Bartow Center

Saturday, May 16 Publication by Co-op City Times of third Election Supplement

Wednesday, May 20 Annual Meeting, 7 p.m., Bartow Center, Rm. 31, In-person & absentee voting begins at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, July 1 Election Period & Voting ends unless Qurum not obtained (see extended voting period), or at 9 p.m. on an earlier day, if Election Committee certifies a quorum

Election Committee Public Meeting and Announce Final Vote Count of Ballots, Rm. 31, Bartow Center, 7 p.m.; In-person & broadcast

Thursday, July 2 Public & Electronic Posting of Official Results, 10 a.m. Deadline to file challenges (5 p.m.)

EXTENDED VOTING PERIOD (IF NO QUORUM)

Wed., July 1 – Fri., July 31 Continue election until July 31 at 9 p.m., or 9 p.m. on an earlier day, if Election Committee certifies a Quorum

A Local Legend That Will Forever Be Missed

I met Eliot Engel in high school at Evander Childs H.S. In Co-op City, my family and I met up with Eliot and his family four months after we moved here in 1977, and we have been close friends for the last 49 years.

When Eliot became a congressman, he was a resident of Section 4 in Co-op City. He was one of the first representatives that we had from our community to represent our community. He was young, nice, mannerable and people knew that he cared about the community. This was evident from our first meeting at the Co-op City Democratic Club where then-City Councilman Steve Kaufman had brought us to consider joining. We were amazed that a man of Eliot’s stature so easily grabbed our hands in a welcoming handshake, asked us to join the club, which we did, and proceeded to introduce us to members of the community, and of the club.

In 1992, Eliot told Bill Clinton that he needed Co-op City if he wanted to win NY and Clinton came to Dreiser and went on to win the Presidency. Eliot worked alongside major D.C. change-makers… He was a change-maker. He came with some good ideas, and he wanted to see people improve this community.

For us, it is most important to understand that there are a lot of people in this country who reach fame and power and they lose their commitment to family. That in no way describes former Congressman Eliot L. Engel, a true leader in government, whether it was as a member of the Assembly or of Congress.

Eliot supported and paid for student government trips for students from District 11 to go to Washington, DC and learn the legislative process as well as tour the Capitol. He provided his fellow members of Congress to come and sit in the Capitol with the students and listen to students lobby such members of Congress as the late Congressman Charles Rangel, former Congressman Joe Crowley and Senator Chuck Schumer.

Eliot had an office in Dreiser Center, Rm. 3. He didn’t refuse anybody and tried to help everybody. He liked to do what he could to help people, everything from getting assistance in school to helping people with their apartments, and sometimes called Riverbay to let them know what was going on. He was a guy who liked to make people laugh, and he took time to come to our meetings with ideas on what we can do to improve our community.

In the 1986 Riverbay Board of Directors’ election, he supported a team of candidates that included me, which averted giving shareholders a 60% maintenance increase to pay for the underground infrastructure system that delivers heat, hot water and air conditioning to all apartments and townhouses in Co-op City. At the same time, as an Assembly Member, he got the state to fund a majority of the project which took the financial burden off shareholders. Years later, he advocated for Co-op City during the HUD mortgage refinancing negotiations.

He was also instrumental in making sure that Co-op City had multiple representatives on our community school board in District 11.

Eliot did all he could to improve Co-op City. When constituents would come

into the office to ask for help, if he was present, he found himself immersed in their personal life, helping! He made suggestions and he did what he could to make an effective change in people’s lives. He was a big proponent of bringing stores into Bay Plaza, so that the people of Co-op City wouldn’t have to travel far outside of the community for their essentials. He made sure that a notary was always available in his Dreiser office so that Co-op City residents would have a free place to go to have their Income Affidavits notarized, or anything really that they needed notarized could get done at no cost to his constituents. He tried not to turn anybody away. He was everyone’s advocate. He was my boss, and he was instrumental getting me elected as female district leader in the 82nd Assembly District, Part A, in 1992. Most importantly, he was my friend! We are all going to miss him.

Our deepest sympathies go out to his wife, Pat; his daughter, Julia, and his sons, Jonathan and Philip, in their time of grief.

—Shirley J. Saunders & Family

Parking within 15’ of a fire hydrant in NYC is illegal, and carries a fine of $115. There is no permit which allows parking in a “No Standing” or Fire zone.

APRIL 2026 | FREE Programs

Participatory Budgeting

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1. Libraries: $250,000 for new technology upgrades for all libraries in District 12.

2. Street Repairs: $250,000 for street repaving along key corridors in District 12.

3. Exercise Room Repair at ASE: $250,000 to upgrade the Academy for Scholarship and Entrepreneurship’s exercise room.

4. Dance Room Upgrade at Bronx Preparatory Academy: $200,000 to fully upgrade the dance studio at Bronx Preparatory Academy.

5. Basketball Court Revamp: $450,000 for the repavement of the Stars and Stripes basketball court plus installation of new backboards.

6. Tree Guards: $50,000 to install tree guards between East 217th Street and 222nd Street.

In total, $22 million will be divided between the 22 participating districts and the winning projects will be included in the 2027 city budget. Before reaching this year’s ballot, New Yorkers who attended various neighborhood assemblies and budget delegate meetings throughout last fall and winter proposed the projects. Participatory budgeting projects are designed to improve neighborhood infrastructure, and this year marks the 15th year that the New York City Council has administered the process.

City Council Speaker Julie Menin lauded the participatory budgeting process for providing a voice for local communities.

“Participatory Budgeting Vote Week is proof that the best ideas for our neighborhoods come from the people who live in them,” said Speaker Menin. “When New Yorkers have a direct say in how public dollars are spent, we get a stronger, more responsive city.”

Kevin Riley, City Councilmember for District 12, echoed the Speaker’s thoughts, highlighting the importance of civic engagement.

“Participatory Budgeting is one of the most impactful ways we advance equity and community-driven investment across our city,” said Councilmember Riley. “By opening the process to residents as young as 11, we are creating real pathways for civic engagement and ensuring our budget reflects lived experiences. This is how we build trust, strengthen communities, and deliver investments that truly matter.”

During last year’s Participatory Voting Week, residents of District 12 voted on three projects to improve community infrastructure. Specifically, $250,000 for NYPD security cameras in Co-op City, $1,000,000 for upgrades to Truman Highschool’s fitness center and $200,000 for technology upgrades at Baychester Middle School.

Help NYC Sanitation Catch Illegal Dumpers & Be Eligible for a Financial Reward

With illegal dumping summonses up more than 20% in the last fiscal year, the Department of Sanitation reminds New Yorkers they can receive a significant bounty for helping the Department catch criminals who dump on our neighborhoods.

“Too often, crooked contractors steal our public space by dumping materials in streets, lots and sidewalks that they perceive to be out of the way,” said Acting New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) Commissioner Javier Lojan. “We are catching more and more of these criminals with in-person surveillance and an expanded network of hidden cameras — and we also welcome assistance from the everyday New Yorkers who know these neighborhoods best. Provide us valuable information to catch these criminals, and you could be eligible for half the $4,000 fine.”

DSNY has two bounty programs that provide awards to people who witness and report illegal dumping:

• Illegal Dumping Award Program: Complete an affidavit and/or submit a video after witnessing illegal dumping. When the lawbreaker is fined, the witness is eligible for 50% of the fine that the City collects. If the lawbreaker challenges the ticket at the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) hearing, the witness must attend. Videos can be emailed to IllegalDumpingTips@dsny.nyc.

gov.

• Illegal Dumping Tip Program: Anyone who tips off the City – so that we can catch an illegal dumper in the act – is eligible for a reward of up to 50% of the fine collected. The tipster’s identity remains confidential so he or she won’t have to appear at a hearing.

Note that illegal dumping is distinct from littering, as it refers specifically to dumping from a vehicle. If you witness illegal dumping, a video of the dumping taking place is most helpful to the Department, with a clear picture of the license plate. Do not approach or engage with the dumpers.

Those caught dumping materials on our neighborhoods have their vehicles impounded, and face summonses that begin at $4,000, plus the cost of cleaning.

In the last three years, DSNY deployed a network of more than 300 hidden cameras to catch illegal dumpers. In Fiscal Year 2025, the Department issued 21% more summonses for illegal dumping than the previous fiscal year, for a total of 872, and impounded 417 illegal dumping vehicles, a 46% increase over Fiscal Year 2024.

The Department has cleaned at least one million pounds of material left by illegal dumpers in the last year – and the total may be two to three times that. DSNY needs New Yorker’s help to stop this criminal theft of public space.

Important Notice to Shareholders of Building 11 A, B & C

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 11 A, B & C 100, 120 & 140 Carver Loop

Expiration Date: July 31, 2026

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 Multi-Media Advertising Manager

Brandon Ortiz Media Assistant

Alice Moreno

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.

Public Safety Blotter

April 5, 2016 – April 16, 2026

April 05, 2026

4140 Hutchinson River Parkway – CCPD responded to a motor vehicle accident where a non-resident was intoxicated. While driving his motor vehicle, he crashed and damaged three parked vehicles. The driver was apprehended, placed under arrest, and charged with Driving While Ability Impaired and processed at the 45th Precinct.

April 08, 2026

99 Earhart Lane – CCPD responded to Garage 8 for a call of a vandalized vehicle. Upon arrival, a cooperator reported that upon returning to her vehicle, she observed that several expensive items had been removed from the outside of her vehicle by an unknown suspect. NYPD was also

notified by the cooperator.

April 09, 2026

99 Darrow Place – CCPD and FDNY responded to a call of a fire in front of Garage 2. Upon arrival, FDNY extinguished a garbage can that was on fire with no damage to property.

April 11, 2026

140 Casals Place – CCPD responded to a male banging and kicking on this mother’s apartment door. Upon arrival, CCPD spoke with the shareholder, who stated that the suspect did not live with her. The suspect was then placed under arrest and was found to be in possession of a large knife. The suspect was charged with trespassing and possession of the knife and was issued two Criminal Court summonses and released.

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.

NYPD Program Aims to Protect Vulnerable New Yorkers

The New York City Police Department is continuing its efforts to safeguard vulnerable members of the community through the Kevin and Avonte Program, an initiative designed to reduce injuries and fatalities among individuals with dementia and developmental disabilities who may wander away from safe environments.

The program provides enrolled individuals with a “Safe Home” silicone wristband, which contains a unique identification number and a dedicated help line. This tool allows first responders to quickly identify a person and connect them with their family or caregiver.

When a responder encounters someone wearing the wristband, they can call the help line and provide the ID number printed on it. NYPD’s Missing Persons Squad then uses that information to identify the individual and notify their emergency contacts.

Those interested in enrolling a loved one in the program can contact the NYPD Missing Persons Squad at One Police Plaza in New York City.

• Phone: 212-694-7781

• Email: missingpersonssquad@nypd.org

To enroll, caregivers will have to provide the following information to the NYPD:

• Personal details about the individual

• A recent photograph

• Contact information for a family member or caretaker

Once enrolled, the individual’s information is securely stored in a database that is accessible only to the NYPD’s Missing Persons Squad and Operations Unit, ensuring privacy and limited access.

After enrollment, the individual receives the Safe Home wristband, which they can wear daily as a precautionary measure.

Participants can also be removed from the database at any time, giving families flexibility and control over their involvement.

Alert: Graffiti vandalism

If you witness anyone tagging or spraying graffiti on Co-op City property, notify Public Safety immediately at 718-671-3050. If your cell phone is handy, snap a photo and send it to Public Safety.

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

Daryl Johnson

Don’t Start Violent Confrontations

Have you seen the recent reports of some workers that were violently attacked while doing their job? For instance, there were reports of bus drivers, other MTA workers, police officers, and other workers that were attacked by violent individuals. Then, our CCPD department recently published accounts of alleged robberies and other acts of violence in our community.

Avoid Violence

We have a lot of bus drivers, MTA workers, police officers, and other workers that live in Co-op City. They’re our neighbors and our friends. So, would we ever want anyone to assault or commit other crimes against them? No! Therefore, can we expand this concept to similar workers in other communities? Absolutely!

Look, there might come a time when a dispute or an incident might occur on a bus, a train station, or somewhere else. So, how should we handle that matter? Should the first thought be to act out in an aggressive and violent manner towards them? No! But, unfortunately, some folks might make a choice to violently act out even when little matters arise.

For instance, what should happen if a bus driver were to ask someone to simply pay their bus fare? Should that passenger start yelling, threatening, and assaulting that driver? What would you do if a police officer pulled you over for an alleged motor vehicle violation? Would you respond in an aggressive and violent manner? In both cases, the answer should be no.

Should we respect and follow the law to avoid these issues? Absolutely. Furthermore, we should do our best to be peaceful when these situations arise. Now, does that mean that we’re going to let people walk all over us? Never! But, we should defend our actions in a peaceful manner. Furthermore, we might have to challenge an alleged violation in a court of law. However, the key here is to not escalate a matter into a violent confrontation.

Bottom line: Co-op City is a community that is comprised of good people. Nevertheless, we will have problems here and in other places. But, we have to always remember to set a good example when we deal with everyone. Thank you.

Towing Illegally Parked Vehicles

Riverbay has placed no-parking signs on certain areas of our community. In fact, these signs clearly state: ‘No parking or standing. Unauthorized vehicles will be towed at owner’s expense.’ Regardless,

some folks are disregarding these signs and they’re parking in these areas. Moments later, though, they learn that Riverbay has enforced their policy against their vehicle.

In Bay Plaza, some folks have parked their vehicle in front of the stores. Then, within a matter of minutes, a tow truck has picked up their vehicle.

There have been lots of complaints about drivers dumping their big trucks in some areas near Co-op City and in other areas of the Bronx. Thereafter, can you believe that some of these drivers removed their license plates to avoid tickets? Terrible! So, thankfully, Assemblyman Michael Benedetto recently received an $800,000 grant to purchase a 50ton tow truck. And, now, these big trucks can be towed from these areas.

NYC Will Get Four New Jails

Did you know that there were plans to close Rikers Island by next year, 2027? Yes or no, it’s not going to happen this soon. In fact, Mayor Zohran Mamdani has declared that it is “practically impossible” to close Rikers by next year.

Currently, plans are being reviewed to build jails in four boroughs of NYC. The number of beds for these new jails will be for 3,300 inmates. However, there are about 7,000 inmates on Rikers Island right now.

At a budgeted cost of $2.9 billion, the jail in the Bronx will be built on 141st and Bruckner Boulevard possibly in 2031. The jail in Brooklyn is also budgeted to cost $2.9 billion. The jail in the Chinatown section of Manhattan is budgeted to cost $3.7 billion. And, the jail in Queens is budgeted to cost $3.9 billion.

The current plans for these jails include educational and vocational programs. Also, therapeutic services are listed in the plans. Plus, the inmates are supposed to have their own room.

According to a NYC statement, “The borough-based system will strengthen connections to families, attorneys, courts, medical and mental health care, and faith and community-based organizations. Being closer to home and transit will enhance the network of support systems for people who are detained and help

Have Something to Say to Riverbay?

If you have a comment or suggestion to share with Riverbay Corporation, don’t just tell it to your neighbors. Submit it through the proper channels to be impactful.

Comments and suggestions from shareholders can be submitted by visiting the official Co-op City website at coopcity.com, scrolling to the bottom of the Home page to “Useful Links” and clicking on “Send Comments & Suggestions.” Scan the QR code here to be connected to the home page.

Please note that comments and suggestions are properly vetted prior to implementation to determine accuracy, benefit to Riverbay Corporation and shareholders, and adherence to applicable laws and rules, among other factors.

A Message from the Parking Department:

Please SLOW DOWN and heed traffic signs within the garages. Driving fast in these areas is dangerous and can cause damage to your vehicle, damage to other vehicles or injury to pedestrians.

Please use caution!

prevent reincarceration.”

NYC’s Leash Law

The law in NYC states: “All dogs in public places in New York City must be leashed. The leash can’t be longer than 6 feet. You can report an unleashed dog in a park, an apartment building, and other public places.”

Please also call our Public Safety department at 718-671-3050 for unleashed dogs. Thanks. Close

There are lots of laws in NYC. So, please, let’s be respectful and follow these laws. 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.

Co-op City Democratic Club

Remembering Congressman Engel

In life, sometimes we have the distinct pleasure of knowing some extremely amazing people. Congressman Eliot L. Engel was one of those people. Born and raised, from Evander Childs HS to raising his family. He was The Bronx. He was Co-op City. He could always be found advocating for the people of Co-op City not only as a Representative, but also as a long-time Section 4 shareholder. He was also a member of our esteemed Co-op City Democratic Club and attended meetings regularly.

In 1992, he worked with the district leader, Shirley Saunders, to bring Bill Clinton to Dreiser so that he could address the community. He loved helping others and that shone through in his philanthropic and legislative work. His Co-op City office had an open door policy. He believed everyone deserved to have the opportunity to have their voice heard. He also believed in fellowship and enjoyed seeing people enjoy themselves. His annual Holiday party was something legislators, local elected officials, and constituents alike looked forward to. Kids would often be spotted running around, and being a family man himself, those kids included his own son, Jonathan Engel; his nieces and nephews, as well as current City Councilman Eric Dinowitz, and current Coop City Democratic Club Vice President Kelly Saunders.

Not only did he host coat drives and canned food drives, but he also fiercely advocated for immigration reform, and fairness. He supported keeping families together with the Central American Family Protection and Reunification Act as well as the Dream Act. He became the chairman of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee in 2019. Not only did immigration reform run through his blood; it was passed down to his daughter, Julia Engel, who is a fierce immigration lawyer.

He was also a prominent proponent of education and educational fairness and equality. As a senior member of the House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee, he granted the College of Mount St. Vincent an over $200,000 grant under the minority science and engineering improvement program. He was an amazing leader, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He will forever be missed.

The next Co-op City Democratic Club meeting will be Tuesday, April 21, in the Bartow community center, Rm. 28 at 6:30 p.m. —Kelly Saunders

Building 10 Association

Greetings, fellow cooperators.

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

General Membership Meeting – Our next general membership meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 23, 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. Marvin L. Walton, Executive General Manager 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.

Building 10 Association Dues – The collection of building association dues for 2026 has begun. Building association dues are $10 per apartment. You can bring your dues to the building association meeting or give them to any executive board member. Please note, the money collected is used for association-related expenses, i.e. flyers, meeting and party supplies, and refreshments, etc.

Reminder 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, other shareholders are waiting to use the machines. 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 at theiranonymous tip hotline:718-8796311.

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 atBuilding10Assoc@gmail.comor 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.

“All dreams are within reach. All you have to do is keep moving towards them.” –Viola Davis

Have a great week.

—Jewel Crawford-Duncan

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

Greetings, members and friends.

Hello, sunshine! April is in the air and spring has finally sprung. April is working its magic. The trees are budding and the flowers are blooming.

Please Note: The bus pick up location for all RODL trips will be in Dreiser Loop, in front of H&R Block. The contact person for trips is Serita Greyson at 347-564-5722. The theater contact person is Francine Jones at 718-671-5957. Theater Committee – “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” on May 6 and May 20. The van will pick up at 11:30 a.m. and we will leave promptly at 12 p.m., no exceptions.

Scholarship Committee – May 15 is the deadline for completed applications to be submitted. Questions can be addressed to JoAnn Harris at 718-7109082.

Sight and Sound “Joshua” – Seats are still available; Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Show at 11 a.m. and lunch to follow at 2:30 p.m. at Miller’s Smorgasbord. Ticket price is $225. Bus pick up time is 6:30 a.m. and will depart promptly at 7 a.m. Final payments are due on or before May 6. Serita will be available in Rm. 19 on Tuesday, April 21, from 1-3 p.m., to accept payments.

June Luncheon – Wednesday, June 10, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the Marina del Rey. Ticket price is $130 and tickets are now on sale. Transportation is included on a first-paid, first-seated basis. Contact Daisy Young at 917-2927010, Ted Byrd at 917-797-9230, or Lillian Odom at 347-678-0745 for tickets and information.

Happy Birthday – Cheers to all our April birthday celebrants. We wish you a happy birthday with peace, love, and happiness throughout the year. Condolences – Please continue to keep all our bereaved members in your thoughts and prayers.

Good and Welfare – Get well wishes to Jesse Birth and Gay Brown. Please continue to keep Jay McKenzie, Leonard Murrel, and James Stanton in prayer. We continue to pray for all 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. Questions may be addressed to Mary at 718-655-9170.

General Meeting – Our next general membership meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 6, at 1 p.m. in the Dreiser Center, Auditorium C. We look forward to seeing you there.

—Georgianna Rodriguez

Building 13 Association

This is a reminder that a permit is needed to move items (whether coming in or out) that require the use of the elevator. Recently, someone was moving large boxes out of the building. The lobby was crowded with boxes and residents were impeded from getting their mail and getting to the elevator. Please contact Public Safety if you see this occurring.

Affidavit: We are currently entering into the Annual Affidavit season. Beginning April 1, 2026, the process went live, so this procedure can be completed online and requires no notarized signature. The time is now to attempt this method. Going forward, it will become the normal process. It eliminates vast amounts of paper, stress and is quick and easy. Whether by electronic or paper the return date is APRIL 30, 2026.

Building Collection Dates: A notice is in the bulletin board informing you when our building dues will be collected: April 13, 14, 15, 18, 20, 21, 22, and April 25, 2026. Check the bulletin board for times. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact our vice president (see below).

Summer Fun Day

Section 2 Summer Fun Day will be held on June 27 from 12-5 p.m. near Carver Loop and Casals Place. Please see the notice in the bulletin board to secure your table. Thus far, we have received additional sponsorship from McCalls Bronxwood Funeral Home, Bob’s Discount Furniture and the Goodyear Tire Store, and Attorney Stephen Kaufman.

FYI: 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.

Invited to the most recent Building and Grounds meeting was Director Egan Anders from the Power Plant who explained that hot water was disrupted in multiple buildings from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 5, due to a pump motor failure, with a redundant system not available due to a recent leak.

The success of our association depends on active participation from residents.

“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” —Coretta Scott King

Visit our Facebook Page at: “Building 13 Association Inc. Co-op City” or visit our website at: https://www.bldg13assoc.com or e-mail us at building13assoc@yahoo.com. Contacts: Leslie Peterson, president, at 718-320-1370 or Wendell Mattison, VP, at 917-330-1380. Thank you for supporting our team.

—Leslie Peterson

Election Supplements in which the candidates will outline their qualifications for a seat on the Riverbay Board as well as their campaign platforms.

On Saturday, May 2, the Election Committee will host the first Candidates’ Forum at 3 p.m. in Rm. 45 at the Einstein Center. The other two official Candidates’ Forums will take place at Dreiser Auditorium B at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6; followed by the final forum on Monday, May 11, at 7 p.m. in Rm. 31 at the Bartow Center. The forums will be in-person and broadcast live on the in-house tv channel, also known as the Crawler, which is available on channel 591 for Altice/ Optimum subscribers, and channel 12 for master antenna subscribers.

2026 Certified Candidates

Riverbay Board of Directors’ Election

1. Idalia Reyes

2. Lynette Wright

3. Monique Coleman

4. Darnell Lopez

5. Michelle Marbury

6. Nero Graham

7. Andrea Leslie

8. Keith Logan

9. Rod Saunders

10. Aaron Carnegie

11. Yanira D. Jaime

At the Candidates’ Orientation meeting to be held on Monday, April 20, the qualified candidates will receive instructions for running their campaigns from the 2026 Election Committee, chaired by Board Director Mary Pearson, and General Counsel Buss. The candidates will also receive the Co-op City Times editorial guidelines for the three election supplements to be published on Saturday, May 2; Saturday, May 9; and Saturday, May 16, 2026. The candidates will also have an opportunity to pose questions to the Election Committee. They will participate in a random drawing of names to determine their order on the ballot, in the first Election Supplement and at the Candidates’ Forums. Candidates’ names will be rotated on the 2026 Election Ballot and also in the two remaining issues of the Election Supplements to give each candidate the chance to be among the first five profiles featured in at least one of the three election issues of the newspaper.

In-person voting begins at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, at the Annual Meeting to be held in Rm. 31 at Bartow Center. In-person and absentee voting will continue until Friday, July 31.

also be read online at issuu.com/cctimes, on the Home page of the Riverbay website at coopcity. com, and on X, Threads and Bluesky, @coopcitytimes. You can also use your phone camera to scan to QR code affixed to the newspaper bins in your lobby or on the front page of the Co-op City Times. All election material submitted for publication is reviewed by the Election Committee and General Counsel prior to publication making it imperative for candidates to adhere to the newspaper’s editorial deadlines established for the election supplements. Candidates are encouraged to submit their statements, headshots and ad copy electronically to the Co-op City Times. Submissions can also be hand delivered to the Co-op City Times’ office, Room 21, in the Bartow Center.

Current Board directors who write viewpoints during the election period must also adhere to the 5 p.m. Monday deadline during the election period. Sitting Board directors are allowed one viewpoint in which they endorse candidates in the annual Board election.

The election process is monitored by the 2026 Election Committee to ensure all candidates and their supporters abide by the Election Rules and Regulations and that the process is fair to all candidates.

The Annual Shareholders’ Meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 7 p.m. in Rm. 31 at the Bartow Center. In-person and absentee voting for five directors of the Riverbay Corporation will commence at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, and will continue until Friday, July 31, 2026, or until quorum is achieved.

The Election Committee invites shareholders to submit questions to be asked of the candidates at the election forums. Submissions can be emailed to riverbay2026election@riverbaycorp.com.

Physical copies of the Co-op City Times can be picked up in the lobbies of the high-rise buildings and in the three community centers. The newspaper can

The annual Board election is expected to draw interest from shareholders, given the Board’s critical role in shaping policies, overseeing finances and guiding major decisions that impact the community’s more than 42,000 residents.

The Riverbay Board of Directors consists of 15 members, with five seats up for election each year as part of its staggered governance structure, except for instances where the sixth-place finisher in the previous Board election was seated because a sitting director existed the Board prior to their term expiring. In this case, the Riverbay By-laws requires the director who was seated in place of the exiting director to run in the next annual Board election in order to remain on the Board and complete the term of the director they replaced. This results in six vacancies on the Board at the next annual Board election.

On this year’s election ballot, there will be a referendum question on filling vacancies on the Riverbay Board to ensure that shareholders only vote for five directors each year going forward. This would allow a sixth-place finisher in the previous Board election who was seated to complete the term of an exiting director to remain on the Board without having to run in the next Board election

There will be one vote per unit by shareholders of record as of April 1, 2026. Shareholders are voting to fill five seats on the Riverbay Board. All five incumbent directors are seeking re-election to the Board.

This year’s quorum requires 5,041 certified election ballots.

The Election Committee will release additional details about voting procedures, including key dates, ballot mailing and voting methods in the coming week. Shareholders are encouraged to participate actively in the election process by staying informed and casting their Board election ballot. Strong voter participation is essential to ensuring that the Board reflects the diverse voices and priorities of Co-op City shareholders.

By DANIELLE CRUZ

Elder Fraud Awareness and Prevention

From scam phone calls and texts, to phishing and spam emails, scam artists are coming up with thousands of new scams each year. While anybody can be a victim of a scam, certain vulnerable populations, like seniors, are more likely to be targeted by scammers. On average nationally, 1 in 10 seniors falls victim to identity theft each year.

According to a report released by the Federal Trade Commission in 2024, Americans aged 60 years and older reported losing more than $1.9 billion to fraud in 2023. However, because most frauds and scams are not reported, the FTC estimates that the overall cost of fraud may be as high as $61.5 billion.

The report also found that adults 80 and older reported losing a median of $1,450 to fraud, while adults in their 70’s reported a median loss of $804. The number of older adults reporting losses of $100,000 or more has also tripled since 2020.

The FTC report also found that some of the top scams impacting older adults were tech support scams, prize, lottery or sweepstakes scams, friend or family impersonation scams, and investment scams.

Tech Support Scams

Have you ever received a phone call, email, or pop-up telling you that there is a serious problem with your computer or cellphone? Before you continue the conversation, or click on a pop-up, be aware that scammers will often pretend to be from a well-known tech company and use lots of technical terms to confuse and convince you that the problem with your computer or cellphone is real. What they are really looking for is access to your money, personal information, and data.

According to the FTC, if you get a call from someone claiming that your computer has a problem, hang up. Any tech support call you don’t expect is a scam, even if the number looks legitimate. These scammers will often use a fake caller ID to look like a local business or trusted company and trick people into picking up.

If you get a pop-up message on your computer or phone prompting you to call tech support, ignore it. If you are worried about your tech potentially having a virus or any other problem, call the security software company directly. You can also download legitimate security software to scan your computer for any malware or viruses and delete anything the software says is a problem.

You should also never give someone your password or allow anyone remote access to your computer, which will give scammers direct access to all the information stored on your computer. If you have shared your password with a scammer, make sure to change that password on every account that uses it. Remember to also use unique passwords.

If a scammer convinced you to pay for a fake service, ask your bank to reverse

the charges, and check your statement for any charges you did not approve. You should also keep checking your statements monthly to make sure the scammer does not try to re-charge you.

Prize, Lottery or Sweepstakes Scams

Another way scammers will trick individuals is by calling, emailing, or sending a letter to tell you that you won a sweepstakes, lottery, or prize. They will then ask you to pay them or give them your account information to receive the prize.

Scammers will often pretend to be from well-known companies that run real sweepstakes or even pretend to be a part of the government to sound official. But no real sweepstakes company or government agency will contact you to ask for money so you can claim a prize.

If you are unsure if the prize is real or a scam, contact the sweepstake company directly to find out the truth. Make sure to look up the company’s contact information yourself, do not rely on the person who reached out to you to provide you with the correct contact information.

Also never click on any links, text messages, or pop-ups that claim you have won a prize or sweepstakes. Clicking on those links can allow the scammers access to your personal information or allow them access to download malware onto your device.

According to the FTC, there are three ways to tell if the prize is a scam or not.

The first sign is that you have to pay to get your prize. Real prizes are free. So, if someone tells you to pay a fee to get your prize, you are dealing with a scammer. And if they ask you to pay by wiring money, sending cash, or paying with gift cards or cryptocurrency to get your prize, do not do it. Scammers use these payments because they are harder to track, and it is almost impossible to get your money back.

The second sign that you are dealing with a scammer is that they will tell you that paying a fee will increase your odds of winning. But real sweepstakes are free and winning is by chance. It is illegal for someone to ask you to pay to increase your odds of winning. Only a scammer will do that.

The third sign is that they will ask you for your financial information. You should never have to give someone your bank account or credit card number to claim any prize or sweepstake. If they ask for this information, do not give it to them.

Friend or

Family Impersonation Scams

Scammers have also started to pose as family members or a close friend and will call claiming that they need money to get out of trouble.

If you ever receive a call or a text from someone claiming to be a family member or a friend, the FTC cautions against trusting them, even if it sounds like your family member or friend. Scammers are good at faking it and will play with your emotions to get you to act quickly to help your family or friend. They are counting on you to pay without stopping to verify the emergency. Some scammers will also use artificial intelligence to clone your loved one’s voice. They might also pretend to be a lawyer, police officer, or doctor to make the emergency sound more convincing.

If you do receive a call from someone claiming that your loved one is in trouble and in need of money, here are some tips from the FTC on what to do, Firstly, resist the pressure to send money immediately. Instead, you should hang up or tell the person that you will call them right back. If you do not feel comfortable hanging up, try asking a question only the real person would know the answer to, like “What kind of dog do you have?” or “Where did you spend Thanksgiving last year?”

Secondly, you should directly call the person who is supposedly in trouble or message another family member or friend to verify if they are in trouble. You should always verify with someone else, even if the caller says to keep it a secret.

Investment Scams

Investment scammers will often convince you to invest in the financial markets, cryptocurrency, real estate, or precious metals and coins. They will claim that these investments will make you rich quick and are risk-free. According to the FTC, these scams will sometimes offer free training or seminars, but quickly lead to hefty fees for additional training or coaching that promise to increase your success.

If you are pitched a program that promises to help you invest your money, you should first do your own research and resist the pressure to commit quickly. Scammers will pressure you to act fast by telling you that space is limited or that you are getting a special deal.

You should also look up the name of the company or program and look for any reviews or complaints. Other people’s experience with the company can also let you know if it is an investment scam.

You should also be wary of anyone who downplays the risk of an investment or who acts like you do not need to worry about potentially losing your money. Scammers want you to think the opportunity is risk-free, but it is not.

Scammers will also reach out to people through social media and offer opportunities to invest in cryptocurrency. They will then direct you to a fake website and after they have gotten your money, they will shut down the website and disappear with your money.

The FTC also cautions that you should never pay someone who insists that you pay with cryptocurrency, a wire transfer service like Western Union or MoneyGram, a payment app, or a gift card. You should also never deposit a check and send money back to someone.

Remember to never give any sensitive personal information to anyone outside of your family or trusted advisors. If you are the victim of a scam, you can report it to the FTC by visiting ReportFraud.ftc.gov or by calling the FTC’s Consumer Response Center at 877-382-4357.

You can also contact the New York State Department of Consumer Protection at www.dos.ny.gov, or the Attorney General’s Office at www.ag.ny.gov to report it.

To help filter out unwanted scam phone calls, you can also to place your personal phone number on the Do Not Call Registry by calling 888-382-1222 or visiting www.donotcall.gov.

National Council of Negro Women

Women Represent – On Saturday, April 25, the Bronx goes Broadway! To celebrate Women’s History Month (March) and National Poetry Month (April), we will be presenting a production of “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf,” the choreopoem by Ntozake Shange. With music and dance movements, it tells the story of seven women who have suffered oppression in our society. For this reason, it is recommended for an audience of only those 17+ years of age. The piece is a series of separate poems choreographed to music, that weaves interconnected stories of love, empowerment, struggle and loss into a complex representation of sisterhood. The play, when it opened in 1976 on Broadway, was only the second play by a Black woman to reach Broadway. In 1976, it was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Play and in 2022, the Broadway production was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play. Come join us in the Dreiser Community Center, Rm. 4, at 2 p.m. for a thrilling adaptation of a play that was adapted as a book, a television film, and a theatrical film. You’ll listen and reflect, laugh a little, and maybe shed a few tears as these dynamic ladies, each with their own style, present readings from the play. Contact Camille Worrell at worrellswords@aol.com for more information. You won’t have to pay Broadway prices – it’s free!

ing environmental responsibility and neighborhood pride. Youth participants, alongside dedicated advisors and group leaders, spent the day clearing litter, beautifying shared spaces, and reinforcing the importance of collective action. The event not only contributed to a cleaner, greener community, but also served as a hands-on learning experience, encouraging young people to take an active role in caring for their environment.

Health Committee – Hooray! The Saturday morning GirlTrek group will be returning with the spring walking season today, Saturday morning, April 18, at 9 a.m.! The weather is perfect for a delightful half hour walk with a fun group of women on the Greenway. If you missed it today, don’t miss it again next Saturday! For more information, contact co-chairs Keisha Keelen at 917697-4854 or Farah Martin at 917-806-2534. Our Health Committee sponsors these walks together as a shared mission of health, unity and Black girl power. NCNW Youth Group – In honor of Earth Month, members of our Youth Group came together for an energizing community clean up aimed at promot-

On March 31st, our Youth Group president, Brianna, and first vice president, Danniyella, presented as panelists on a NCNW National webinar, “Beyond the Smoke; Protecting Our Health and Our Future,” in partnership with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. This impactful event brought together young leaders from across the country to raise awareness about the effects of tobacco and nicotine use on our health and communities. We are so proud of Brianna and Danniyella.

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

City Hosts Helmet and Bike Light Giveaways in the Bronx

By Alice Moreno

With the Springtime season starting, more people are opting for outdoor activities, such as bike riding. NYC Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, alongside the New York Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Mike Flynn, will offer New Yorkers free bicycle helmets and lights for people of all ages from April to June throughout the five boroughs. Each helmet will be fitted on each person, to ensure the right fit. “A safe bike ride is a good bike ride,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Safe cycling starts with the right gear, like a well-fit helmet and bike light, and I’m excited to partner with elected officials across New York City to make sure cyclists of all ages have

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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.

the tools and knowledge they need to move safely through our streets.”

In the Bronx, the giveaways will be held on the following dates:

• Bike helmet: May 17, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m., at Spuyten Duyvil Playground

• Bike light: May 4, 4 p.m.-7 p.m., at Willis Avenue Bridge bike path & East 135th Street

• Bike light: May 8, 4 p.m.-7 p.m., at 2063 University Avenue (across from Bronx Community College)

Bicycle safety is important to consider. Here are some tips to keep you and your child safe while riding:

• Wear the proper gear, such as helmets.

• Stay focused and alert: pay attention to ve-

hicles, especially when turning on the street.

• Avoid distractions, such as headphones, texting, or phone calls.

• Check your tires for air before riding.

• Make sure that your bike has a white headlight and red taillight – they are required by law!

• When riding at night, wear something reflective.

• Never ride against traffic

Building 9 Association

Greetings, Building 9 Association family and friends.The warm weather has finally arrived.

The 2026 Building 9 Association Annual Membership Drive is underway. Our membership dues remain at $10 per family, per year. The Nine Diamonds will be set up in both lobbies Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays throughout April. Please stop at the tables to support your Building 9 Association membership as we strive to inform, engage, and to protect you, the shareholders, our neighbors.I thank our Nine Diamonds: Janet Yarrell, Evelyn Mavins, Shirley McCann, Wanda Randall, Barbara Cloud, Elizabeth Wong-Manning, Marva Malone, Darlene Walker-Reid, Pam Bryan, Gabriella Concepcion, Dinora Tirado, and Linda Collins.

Our resident Public Notary, Barbara Cloud, will be available to notarize Income Affidavit documents on Thursday, April 23, from 5-7 p.m. Please bring current, valid identification with you for each person. The fee is $2 per signature. We thank Barbara Cloud for her continued commitment to serving our friends and neighbors.

African-American Association of Co-op City

Condolences are extended to the African-American Association president, Dr. Adeyemi LaCrown Toba, on the loss of his uncle. We wish him safe travels to and from the home-going services.

On April 19, in recognition of Financial Literacy Month, the Association will present professionals in the field of finance to speak to you about recommended financial resources. This will take place at the Association’s General Membership Meeting on Sunday, April 19, at 3 p.m. in the Dreiser Community Center, 177 Dreiser Loop, Rm. 15. There will be representatives from TD Bank, Primerica, and LPL Financial. Also, this exposure is excellent information for tweens, teens and young adults to help in planning for their future. It is never too early to learn more about financial planning. So, try to bring a young person with you.

Pokeno has returned to Building 9. Ida “Mitzi” Cleare is back with more fun facts.We always have a fun afternoon trying to get rich quick!

I thank this week’s players: Mitzi Cleare, Evelyn Mavins, Shirley McCann, Janet Yarrell,Wanda Randall, Barbara Cloud, and Linda Collins. I was remiss in omitting the names of the prior week’s players: Evelyn Mavins, Janet Yarrell, Shirley McCann, Wanda Randall, Mitzi Cleare, Honey Robinson, Yvonne Boone, Linda Collins, and Theresa (9 B-side).

Our next scheduled game will be Wednesday, April 22, at 1 p.m. Please join us.

Our next general membership meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 30, at 7 p.m., in our association room located in Building 9 B-side, rear of lobby.

CCPD Chief of Department Andre Waring will be our guest speaker. Chief Waring will introduce the new Community Affairs Unit, his vision for community policing, and provide an update on community safety and security for the upcoming summer and beyond. Please join us with your constructive comments and concerns.

Noise complaints have three main components for shareholders: time of day, duration, volume.

Dogs barking for a duration of timeafter 10 p.m. is a problem for your neighbors. Please be mindful.

Remember, the lobby trash receptacles are not to be used for your discarded food and food containers. The smell of food attracts vermin.

Please, promptly remove your laundry from the machines in our laundry room. The next person is just as busy as you are. Please pick up your dryer sheets. They present a slip and fall hazard for your neighbors.

“Cooperation is always more powerful than competition.” —Bob Proctor

—Linda Collins

Building 14 Association

Greetings, Building 14 shareholders!

Spring is trying to make a breakthrough! Folks are starting to come out of hibernation, and we would love to see you on April 30th for our Building Association meeting at 7:30 p.m. Here are a couple of items to make note of:

• Riverbay Income Affidavits – Affidavits will be notarized in the building lobby. It is free for those 65 and older, and $5 for all others. The dates are today, Saturday, April 18, 12:00-3:00 p.m.; Friday, April 24, 4:00-7:00 p.m.; and Wednesday, April 29, after work hours, 5:30-7:00 p.m.

• Building Association Meeting – Thursday, April 30, 7:30 p.m. Association Room. Tentative agenda: Quality of Life: House Rules – what is required and expected of Riverbay departments and cooperators when it comes to keeping our building and community safe, clean, and respectful as neighbors.

• Health & Wellness Fair – Saturday, April 25, starting at 2:00 p.m., hosted by Building 18. Register by today, April 18, building28association@gmail. com, include your name, address, and phone/email.

• Section 2 Summer Fun Day – This year’s Summer Fun Day block party will be on Saturday, June 27, from 12:00-5:00 p.m. Table reservations are available. See flyer in the lobby.

Mark your calendar for these upcoming events. Looking forward to seeing you on Thursday, April 30. Email comments or concerns to assocbldg14@ gmail.com. Be well.

—Josie Ferguson

On April 11, the Association presented its 22nd Annual Wholistic Health and Wellness Fair. Following the libation ceremony, Sister Nfr KaRaa gave a lecture on nutrition and the way advertisements and social media manipulate our ways of perceiving what is desirable to eat and what is marginalized. She discussed the politics of the inequities between different communities regarding the quality and diversity of foods made available.She also challenged the audience to try produce and products they are not familiar with and shared some to explore as well as ways to prepare them.She also shared the way various types of water are used and healthier ways to consume water.

Next, there was a presentation of Tai Chi and Qi Gong and the audience was engaged in some basic Tai Chi and breathing exercises. This demonstration was followed by a lecture on the electromagnetic frequencies of the human body and the ways you can balance it utilizingsettings in nature to help balance yourself, such as various types of nature walks, sound therapy, breathing, etc.There were many questions, answers and testimonials.

During the break, everyone enjoyed vegetable patties and tossed salad. Fruits and nuts were provided by one of the vendors; another vendor sold holistic creams, fragrances and clothing; and a third vendor performed massages.

Thank you to our friends and neighbors who attended the event. We were pleased that they learned about the benefits of a plant-based diet. We take this opportunity to thank the Riverbay Fund, Inc., the Coalition to Save Affortable Housing, and the Central Caribbean Bakery for their support. Also, thanks to the Association’s Committee that organized the event, including, Francine Jones, Nfr KaRaa, Bridget Bonaparte, Denise Gerrald and Xonia Wilson; with assistance from Charles Okpara, Ellen Boone and Donna Ashe. We could not have done it without you.

—Francine Jones

Building 33 Association Updates for Residents

As we move further into April, the Building 33 Association continues working on improving communication, enhancing shared spaces, and building stronger connections within our community.

Free Income Affidavit Notary Service – Monday, April 20

A notary will be available in the Building 33 lobby on Monday, April 20, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Mr. Tremaine will be on-site to provide free notarization for Income Affidavits.

This service is specifically being offered to assist residents with completing their Income Affidavit paperwork.

Please be sure to bring a valid government-issued ID.

Resident Info Sheet – Stay Connected

We are continuing to build out our resident contact list and encourage everyone to complete the Building 33 Resident Information Sheet.

By signing up, you can:

* Receive text message updates for urgent notices (water outages, emergencies, etc.)

* Receive email updates for meetings, events, and community news

* Stay informed on important building updates

Forms are available both online and in paper format.

Residents can complete the form online by visiting: www.WeAreBuilding33.org.

If you haven’t completed one yet, we strongly encourage you to do so.

Association Room Improvements Underway

We are currently coordinating with the Maintenance Department to install cabinets and a sink in the Building 33 Association room.

Work is expected to begin this week. These improvements will make it easier to host events and better utilize the space moving forward.

In addition, we were able to secure a 50-inch television that was generously being given away by a resident from another section. This will be added to the association room as part of the overall upgrades.

To avoid disruptions, upcoming events will be postponed until the work is completed so we can fully take advantage of the upgraded space.

We appreciate your patience and look forward to bringing more events to the building soon.

We’re Looking for a Treasurer

The Building 33 Association is currently seeking a treasurer.

If you are interested in supporting the association and getting more involved in the community, please reach out to us.

Community Engagement

We are continuing to create more opportunities for residents to share feedback and be part of the conversation.

Each response submitted will count as one entry into a small Building 33 raffle.

The raffle will take place at our April 23rd meeting — winners must be present to claim their prize.

Engagement Question of the Week: How long have you lived in Building 33?

Text or leave a voicemail at 929-949-5232

(Please include your name and apartment number)

Your responses help us better understand and connect with our community. Stay Connected

Visit our website for updates, notices, announcements, and more: www. WeAreBuilding33.org

For questions or to get involved, email us at: contact@WeAreBuilding33. org

Next Meeting: Thursday, April 23, at 7 p.m.

All residents are encouraged to attend, stay informed, and get involved.

—Tobias Garcia

Building 15B Association

Hello, neighbors.

We would like to invite you to our next Building Association meeting that will be on Thursday, April 23, at 7 p.m., in our meeting room in the rear lobby of Building 15B.

We will have a guest speaker, Mr. Romualdo Ferrer, Community Account Manager, Bronx Optimum Communities. This will be a good opportunity to ask any questions or concerns and make suggestions for any improvements.

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. 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 27 Association

Spring is in the air, we are appreciative of the nice weather and look forward to our beautiful display of plants, trees and flowers by the Grounds department. Collection of Dues – Dues were collected (only $5 per apartment) on Thursday, April 9. We want the shareholders to know that their Building 27 Association appreciates their support in all three buildings. The association collects $5 once a year, which helps to provide for the cost of printer ink, paper, etc., and various refreshments for our monthly meetings. Thank you to our faithful members who always volunteer when we need them. From Building A, Nelson, Adele and Wanda. From Building B, Thalia, Sharon, Mamie Lydia, Fred Wanda and Hattie. From Building C, Evelyn, and Shirley. After all, there is no association without the members and volunteers. Again, thank you.

Movie: “Sarah’s Oil” – Movie will be April 18. Doors will open at 2 p.m. and the movie will start at 3 p.m. Entry is $10 and includes drinks and snacks. A true story of the life of an 11-year-old African American girl who became a millionaire after oil is discovered on her allotted land.

Deliveries – Bikes are still being brought into the buildings and on our elevators. Riverbay/CSO should send notices to each store owner advising them. As we were in the lobby collecting dues, just about every delivery personnel brought their bike into the building and onto the elevator. We did advise at least three to four to use the bike rack outside of the building.

Resolutions – We would like to suggest that a resolution be submitted by the Riverbay Board that requests that letters be sent to our local stores notifying the owners that e-Bikes are not allowed within our buildings, period.

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

“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” —Coretta Scott King

—H. Overman

Building 25 Association

Hello, Building 25 cooperators! Happy birthday to those of you celebrating this week. May your special day be filled with joy and happiness. Cheers!

Sick and Shut-ins: We are thinking of you, and sending you warm wishes for improved health, and comfortable days ahead.

Condolences: We extend our deepest sympathy to the families who have recently experienced the loss of a loved one and wish them comfort and peace during this challenging time.

Reminders:

2025 Income Affidavits, electronic or paper filing, are due April 30. Convector maintenance: Air conditioning season is approaching fast. We encourage shareholders to ensure that each convector in their apartment is in good working condition. This will help to prevent water leaks. Maintenance staff is available Monday–Friday: 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., until May 16, 2026, to help senior shareholders and disabled shareholders with this task, upon request, 718379-3300.

Building Association Meeting: Our next building association meeting is April 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the meeting room under the portico. It is time for election of officers for our building’s cooperators association and we need to form a Nominating Committee. We extend an invitation for committee participation and encourage active members of the association that are in good standing to attend this month’s meeting if you wish to be on the Nominating Committee. Nominations are for: president, vice president, treasurer, recording secretary and corresponding secretary. Please help us complete this process efficiently.

If 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.

We wish everyone a safe and productive week.

—Evelyn Herbert

Black Forum

Emergency Food Pantry

920 Baychester Ave., Bldg. 1A (opposite basketball court). The pantry is open on Thursday and Friday from 11a.m.-12:30 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 on 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

Last Call – April is the last month 10475 community members can register or re-certify for pantry services in 2026. Please present a valid IDNYC card, NY State Driver’s License, or NY State Non-Driver’s License only.

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!

Black Forum is happy to announce the pick up times for the Saturday, June 27, Tropicana Atlantic City trip: 920 Baychester Ave. at 8:40 a.m.; Asch Loop (behind library) at 9:10 a.m.; 135 Einstein Loop (outside community center) at 9:30 a.m.Please be early. Also, remember your assigned seat to ensure a quickdeparture. Welookforward to seeing you!

Joshua at Sight & Sound and Shady Maple Smorgasbord: Friday, August 21. The $225 total covers a full day of inspiration and dining. With only a few seats left, secure your spot now. Final payments are due on or before April 18. All bookings are non-refundable. Call 917-209-5334 or 929-464-5520. Contact Us: coopcityblackforum@gmail.com —D. Illis

AARP Chapter #4997

There is no time better than now to become involved in the process of voting and make a difference in the way our world is governed. Voting is the first step to making the changes in our government from what it is now to what it should be.

The Tour Committee is ready for our first one-day trip for the year. On April 23, we will be travelling to Connecticut for “The Black-Eyed Sally’s Jazz and Blues Show.” The bus will leave from Dreiser Loop (near H&R Block), and you should plan to arrive no later than 8:30 a.m. since we will be leaving on time without delay. There will be a southern-style luncheon and a stop at Foxwoods Casino before you return home. We sincerely hope that all enjoy the show, luncheon, casino and expected great weather.

Riverbay has sent out Annual Income Affidavits to all cooperators to be completed and returned by April 30. Again, this year, AARP will be offering notary services for free to our friends and neighbors. Dates and times are as follows: Monday, April 13, 20, 27, 2026, from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Wednesday, April 15, 22, 29, 2026, from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. All family members who are required to sign the affidavit must be present and have valid and current identification. Remember, this is a free service from AARP, it is a first-come firstserved basis so bring your patience and pleasant attitude. Our normal business times are Monday–Thursday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at 177 Dreiser Loop, second floor, Rm. 0. Phone: 718-320-1946. Email: aarp4997@gmail.com. When you reach out, please leave a message and you will be contacted on our next business day. AARP Chapter #4997 wishes to extend our condolences to the family of our former Congressman Eliot Engel who recently passed away. Mr. Engel was always supportive and concerned about the community and its needs. He served for over 30 years and we will miss his presence. Mr. Guzman, AARP State Representative, has informed us that they cannot provide a bus to Albany from Co-op City; scheduling is the reason. We will be in contact with him for future excursions and events so as not to be excluded. Our Health and Wellness Committee is informing us that the members are now on the positive part of their personal journey to good health. We continue to send our prayers and best wishes for all to improve and get healthy whether we have mentioned them by name or not. You are still in our prayers. Contact Mrs. Wilson, 718-671-5493, Ms. Washington, 718-877-5194, or Ms. Harris, 718-379-2298. Please note, in the article for last week, there were several errors made in the telephone numbers listed. Ms. Gertrude Stanton should be 718-320-8079 and 332-999-3485; Ms. Harris should be 718-379-2298; Ms. Brown should be 718-379-7962. Keep in mind, I am truly a work-in-progress, thank you.

We are here to serve—not to be served.

—Ann

Purnell

Building 6 Association

Happy Saturday, neighbors. I hope when you read this it finds you in good standing. Every apartment received a white paper with information on convector cleaning and a sign-up sheet for the Co-op City Emergency Alert System. If any Seenager or neighbor with a disability needs help with cleaning out the convectors, please call 718-320-3300, prompt #2. The service will be available from 4/6/26 through 5/15/26, Monday through Friday, 8-4 p.m. Filter replacements are available at the CSO office for $4. Preventative maintenance can offset a lot of issues when transferring from heat to AC. Also, the Phone Tree Emergency Alert System form needs to be filled out and returned to CSO. We implore all neighbors to do so. On Tuesday, April 28, the front lobby mobile notary for income affidavits will be available from 5-7 p.m. All adults must bring their NYS ID for signatures. This complimentary service is provided by Presidents Lassiter and Tremaine O’Garro. Kudos to Mr. Ambo and the Riverbay Grounds department for sprucing up the landscaping. We forecast a beautiful array of flowers this spring.

Neighbors, please keep up the good housekeeping in the compactor and laundry rooms. We aim to keep a clean home, so don’t be a litterbug.

If anyone in your home is experiencing a mental health crisis, please dial 988. The hotline is available 24/7. As the saying goes, if you see something, say something. Call CCPD at 718-671-3050 or call NYPD at 911. Several teenagers were seen being disruptive, horsing around, and smoking marijuana underneath the back portico. CCPD was called and several officers were dispatched to the building. Thank you to the officers who swiftly contained and controlled the disturbance. Our quality of life cannot be diminished to a few reckless individuals who don’t respect the CommUNITY. We are shareholders; let’s act like so. Protect your investment. As always, we pray for safety over all. God speed.

“Community and connection are really what make life. It’s the relationships, the self-connection, and the community that create so much meaning in life!”

—Lauren K. Lassiter

Goose Island Seniors

Goose Island Pizza Party – Members only. Fri., April 29, half-time during Bingo, 2-2:45 p.m., 45 mins.

Sight and Sound “Joshua” – Pre-Mother’s Day, Sat., May 9, in Lancaster, PA. Lunch at Millers Smorgasbord, then show at 3 p.m. Price: $245. Orchestra seats. Call: 646-579-1701.

Resorts Atlantic City – Thurs., May 14. Adults only. Price: $70; bonus, $18 slot play. Bus arriving at Einstein Loop 8:15 a.m., Asch Loop at 8:40 a.m., and Dreiser Loop at 8:50 a.m. Balance due: April 13.

Norwegian Greek Isle Cruise – May 18-27. Price: $3293-3945. Call: 646-579-1701.

Goose Island Seniors Indoor Picnic Party – Fri., June 5, at 1 p.m. in our club, Rm. 39. Members only. Covered dish. Bring something or $20 at door. Members with birthdays in June enter for free.

Tropicana Atlantic City – Thurs., June 11. Adults only. Price: $70; bonus, $10 slot play. Bus arriving at Einstein Loop 8:15 a.m., Asch Loop at 8:40 a.m., and Dreiser Loop at 8:50 a.m. Balance due: May 18.

Niagara Falls and Toronto Trip – July 6-10. Sold out.

Resorts Atlantic City – Tues., July 14. Adults only. Price: $70; bonus, $10 slot play. Bus arriving at Einstein Loop at 8:15 a.m., Asch Loop at 8:40 a.m., and Dreiser Loop at 8:50 a.m. Balance due: June 15.

Nordic Lodge & Foxwood Casino – Sat., Aug. 1. Price: $230. Call: 646579-1701.

Tropicana Atlantic City – Tues., Aug. 11. Adults only. Price: $70; bonus, $10 slot play. Bus arriving Einstein Loop 8:15 a.m. Asch Loop 8:40 a.m. and Dreiser Loop 8:50 a.m. Balance Due: July 13.

Resorts Atlantic City – Thurs., Sept. 10. Adults only. Price: $70, bonus, $18 slot play. Bus arriving at Einstein Loop at 8:15 a.m., Asch Loop at 8:40 a.m., and Dreiser Loop at 8:50 a.m. Balance due: Aug.10.

Wind Creek Casino – Bethlehem PA; Tues., 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 from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Bingo – Mon., Wed., and Fri., 1:15 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Members only. Admission: $5 for 3 cards; $0.25 for each additional card. Twelve games and jackpot. Refreshments.

Game Day – Tues. and Thurs., between 1-5 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 April: Niles Flanders, Octavio Cruz (Deceased), Wendy Berch, Dolores Wynn, Isilda Modeste, Jenaro Colon-Rodriguez, Alfonso Gonzalez, Ione Foote, Gloria Colon, Brenda Bonner and Valerie Francis-Williams.

Sick and Shut-in – Aida Gonzalez, Sandra Cortez-Johnson, and Araida (Greta) Feliciano.

Our club is located at 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 39, Bronx NY 10475, the Section 5 Community Center. Phone: 718-379-9613; Stephen’s cell: 347847-1941 (Zelle available). Our email address is goose.island@optonline.net. Cash App: $StephenCarlSr. Membership dues $30 annually.

Good health to all —Stephen Roberts, Sr.

Iglesia Cristiana Marcos 16:15

Spring is a season when the world seems to come back to life, bringing with it sunshine and gladness. But some of us suffer from the winter blues where we are prone to anxiety and worry.

The Bible gives us a specific cure for this—and that is to trust God and turn our worries and anxieties over to Him.

God’s presence in the dark times gives you a light that no winter can extinguish.

John 8:12 “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said,‘I amthe light of the world.Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’”

Please join us on Sundays. We are located at 135 Einstein Loop Community Center, second floor, Rm. 33. We also have live worship service on our Facebook page on Sundays at 11:30 a.m. Services Offered

Monday: Spanish Telephone Bible Studies, 8 p.m. (564-888-5521; Code: 696248)

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

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

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

Holy Communion is the first Sunday of the month.

God bless you and remember, Jesus loves you.

La primavera es una tiempo en la que el mundo parece volver a la vida, trayendo consigo luz solar y alegría. Sin embargo, algunos de nosotros padecemos la melancolía invernal, un estado en el que somos propensos a la ansiedad y la preocupación.

La Biblia nos ofrece una cura específica para esto: confiar en Dios y entregarle nuestras preocupaciones y ansiedades.

La presencia de Dios en los tiempos oscuros te brinda una Luz que ningún invierno puede extinguir.

Juan 8:12 “Una vez más Jesús se dirigió a la gente y dijo: ‘Yo soy la luz del mundo. El que me sigue no andará en oscuridad, sino que tendrá la luz de la vida.’”

Por favor, acompáñenos los domingos. Estamos ubicados en el 135 Einstein Loop Community Center, 2.º piso, Sala 33. También transmitimos nuestro ser-

Cooperators United

Greetings, fellow Building Association and Townhouse Association presidents.

Thank you to everyone who responded to the call to improve our community waterfront. The Hutchinson River Restoration Project Earth Month Community Clean up at Erskine Place in Section 5 on Sunday, April 12, was a terrific opportunity for families and neighbors to experience community improvement at a core level. Thank you to all who responded to the call to come out. Thank you to our secretary, Deborah Henry, for disseminating the information as soon as we received it. Thank you to CCPD for coming out to support the effort as well.

Our next scheduled membership meeting will be held on Monday, April 27, at 7 p.m., in the Bartow Center, Rm. 31. It will be our first 2026 post-election membership meeting. Please join us. Safety and security is always top of mind in our community. With summer break approaching, the recent “mall brawl” at Bay Plaza, and increased incidents of criminal activity in the community, it seems wise to tackle this issue as a priority. That being said, CCPD Chief Andre Waring will be our guest speaker for that evening. Chief Waring will introduce the Community Affairs Unit for the benefit of all Building Association and Townhouse Association presidents who have yet to meet them. Please, bring your questions and your concerns.

As per our by-laws, Cooperators United meets September through May. We are scheduled to meet on the last Monday of each month barring extenuating circumstances. Our May meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 18, due to the Memorial Day holiday on Monday, May 25.

Riverbay Corporation Income Affidavits are due April 30.Please remind your association members to complete and submit the paper document or the online document on or before April 30 to ensure they are not assessed a penalty for late submission. Please be reminded that paper submissions require a Notary Public stamp. Online submissions do NOT require a Notary Public stamp.

Please review and sign your association room lease agreements as well as the association’s executive board officer list.Should you have any questions or concerns, please speak with Ms. Aldea. If you will recall, Leslie Peterson and I met with Ms. Aldea in April 2024 to discuss the original iteration of the then new lease agreements. We were able to have almost all of the language our CU members found questionable in the agreement removed. At that time, we were told, and we informed the CU membership, that the language that was not removed from the final version of the association room lease agreement, was left in by the Legal department in their effort to protect the Corporation in cases of dispute.

The Co-op City Cancer Risk Study group has been invited to attend the Montefiore-Einstein & NYC Ring Community Engagement and Primary Care Convocation.

The convocation will be held on Tuesday, April 14. It is our hope that the “community engagement” segment of their presentation will help us to better serve the Co-op City community as we move forward with the pilot program.

“Cooperation is always better than competition.” —Bob Proctor

—Linda Collins

vicio de adoración en vivo a través de nuestra página de Facebook los domingos a las 11:30 a.m.

Servicios Ofrecidos

Lunes: Estudios Bíblicos telefónico, 8 p.m. (564-888-5521; Código: 696248)

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

Jueves: Estudios Bíblicos telefónico/Ingles, 8 p.m. (564-888-5521; 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.

—Blanca Santana

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 on the fourth Sunday of the month at 3 p.m. The office hours are Monday & Wednesday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

25th Amendment: For the first time in its history, the NAACP CEO and President Derrick Johnson, called for the amendment to be invoked stating, “This president is unfit, unwell, and unhinged. The rhetoric and behavior we are witnessing from Trump isn’t just alarming, it’s dangerous…Trump must be immediately removed from office.”

NAACP Co-op City Branch General Membership Meeting: April 26 at 3 p.m.

Let’s Discuss – What is the 25th Amendment? Key reason for the Amendment? Why was it needed? Has it ever been used? Join the conversation! Also, Sunset Cruise information update. All are welcome. Our doors are open and bring a guest or two.

The 117th NAACP National Convention will be held in Chicago, July 18-22, 2026. Registration opens in April. For more information on registration and convention housing, go to: naacp.org/convention/hotel.

Pay Attention: To the Executive Order signed by President Trump limiting mail-in voting ahead of the 2026 US Elections: “NAACP President Derrick Johnson called Trump’s action hypocritical and unconstitutional. “Shocking… the mail-in president restricts mail-in voting. A hypocrite, as always,” Johnson said. “Not only is his order unconstitutional, it’s unserious. This order will not stand. His attempts to silence us will only make us louder – with our voices and our votes.”

Watch the Birthright Citizenship Fight: “There is nothing Donald Trump won’t try to bulldoze and rebuild in this divisive image, not even our Constitution,” NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson said. “For more than a century, birthright citizenship has ensured that everyone born in this country is recognized as fully American, without exception or qualification. This administration’s blatantly unconstitutional executive order has invited chaos, sanctioned racial and ethnic profiling, and placed countless families at risk of exclusion in the only home they have ever known.”

“The NAACP will continue to fight to protect citizenship as a fundamental civil right and to ensure that our nation does not reverse course from its progress to equality and belonging.”

Today we march. Tomorrow, we organize. In November, WE VOTE! Follow us on Facebook: “Co-op City NAACP”

Looking to make an even greater impact?Become a champion for change and join us tokeep advancing Annual membership: Adult: $30; Youth: $10; Silver Life: $1000. Make ck/mo. payable to: NAACP Co-op City. Mailing Address: 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 office phone at: 718-3203210 or email: naacpccity2210@gmail.com

—Brenda Brown

Report scam calls. Tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov

Learn more at ftc.gov/calls

Building 5 Association

Want to make change/Make a difference?

If you want to make a change or make a difference, consider the Building 5 Association elections for officers. All positions are open: president, vice president, treasurer, secretary and sergeant at arms. Current Building 5 Association members eligible can submit their names via our email: building5association@gmail.com or attend one of our upcoming meetings. The meetings are on Tuesday, April 21, and Tuesday, May 19. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. Nominees must attend the above meetings. We encourage all cooperators to join and become engaged. Your voice counts, your voice matters.

The Building 5 Association will begin collection for membership dues. We encourage every family to join the building association. Membership dues will remain the same, $7 per family for the year and collections will begin the week of April 21. Signs will be posted in all buildings with the schedules for collections. If you wish to volunteer, you may submit your name to our president Deborah Lowden.

Education is an important tool for all our young people. The Building 5 Association believes we have an obligation to support our graduating seniors. We will be asking our cooperators to consider donating to our Academic Achievement Awards Program. We are looking to provide a monetary award to three graduating seniors in June 2027. The seniors who wish to participate in the awards program will be given the information on how to apply during the school year. The information will be posted in all three buildings and we expect to present these awards in June 2027.

A reminder to all seniors and people with disabilities, if you need your convectors checked, you can call and make an appointment during the months of April and May.

—Joyce Duncan

Newsong Church

Jesus the Bread of Life

“Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.’” John 6:32-33

In John 6:22–47, the crowd follows Jesus after witnessing the miracle of the loaves, seeking more physical provision. But Jesus redirects their focus from temporary satisfaction to eternal truth. He urges them not to work for food that spoils, but for the food that endures to eternal life, Himself. Jesus reveals that the true bread from heaven is not a thing, but a Person.

“I am the Bread of Life,” He declares, offering lasting satisfaction to every soul that believes. Many struggled to accept this, focused only on earthly needs. Still, Jesus makes it clear: eternal life is found through faith in Him alone.

Are you seeking Jesus for what He can give, or for who He is? Turn your heart fully toward Him, trust His words, and receive the life only He can provide.

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 11 a.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 own level!

Against The Flow: Every Friday at 6:30 p.m. in 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.

Contact Us:

Mailing Address: 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 42

Phone: 917-342-2559

Email: CentralTeam@newsongchurchnyc.org

Prayer Request Line: Text “Prayer” to 877-899-7323

Website: www.newsongchurchnyc.org

Social Media: Facebook/IG/X: @newsongchurchbx; YouTube: Newsong Church NYC.

—Pastor Mike Tolone

Building 19 Association

Greetings, fellow cooperators.

This is a reminder that we are having a Bake Sale on Saturday, April 18, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. We will be selling delicious cakes and cookies. This sale is in support of the Francis Williams Scholarship fund, for which a member of Building 19 graduating from high school, going to college, or trade school will be eligible to apply for a $500.00 scholarship. We invite everyone to come and join us.

We also plan to have Optimum Cable/Fios visit in May 2026 to discuss the fiber services they have been providing to the community. The date is to be determined; therefore, look for our emails or article in the Co-op City Times. Our goal is to ensure that these services meet our expectations with fair pricing. As we are all aware, there are choices available in Co-op City, and members need to understand those options to make informed decisions.

Questions or comments can be sent to bldg19ssoc@gmail.com. We also have a suggestion box in the lobby dedicated to your feedback and ideas.

The 45th Precinct Council will be visiting Co-op City on Thursday, May 7, at the Bartow Center, Rm. 31. Join them as they discuss safety issues and crime statistics within the confines of the 45th. Meet your Q-Team officers dedicated to serving our area. Your attendance is important as a member of this community.

Finally, happy birthday to everyone celebrating in April! We hope the start of your new year is a great adventure.

Shareholders First — We Matter

—Sonia Feliciano

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. You may contact us by phone: 718-862-9172, fax: 718-671-4416 or email: Administration@thecpcchurch.org.

Worship Schedule

In-person Sunday Morning Worship at 11 a.m.; Sunday School at 9:15 a.m. Every Wednesday – “Hour of Power Noon Day Prayer” at 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: 886 1355 3980S

Save The Date

Sunday, May 3

11 a.m. – Pastor’s Birthday Celebration; Guest preacher, Bishop Paul Lloyd

3:30 p.m. – Shepherd’s Ministry Anniversary; Guest preacher, Rev. Frank Hawkins

Pre Anniversary Service

The Year of Jubilee

Tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. with Rev. Helena Tyson, Franklin Avenue Baptist Church

Sunday, May 31, at 3:30 p.m. – Rev. Dr. Thomas Johnson, Canaan Baptist Church, Harlem Opening 50th Anniversary Services

Sunday, November 1, at 11 a.m. – Rev. Audrey Jones, Friendly Baptist Church, Bronx

3:30 p.m. – Rev. Carl L. Washington III, Pilgrim Baptist Church, Nyack

Closing 50th Anniversary Services

Sunday, November 8, 11 a.m. Rev. Dr. Edgar Howard, Manhattan Baptist Church, NYC

3:30 p.m. – Rev. Dr. Theresa Lloyd, White Rock Baptist Church, NYC

“A 50th Jubilee Celebration of Pastoral Leadership.” The Community Protestant Church family is proud to announce that Rev. Dr. Calvin E. Owens is celebrating his 60th year in ministry and his 50th year as our pastor. We are so excited that we are hailing this milestone as “The Year of Jubilee.” You are hereby invited to be our special guest at one or all of the pre anniversary services and events planned in his honor.

The Praise Team readied the congregation for worship. DIT Tyron Brown prayed and read Luke 9:1-6. We welcomed Rev. Sterling Hawkins, Pastor, Church of the Meek, Harlem, to the pulpit. Godson of our late sister, Dorothy Cates, he sang, “I’m on the Battlefield,” before preaching, “All In for Christ,” Matthew 28:16. Rev. Hawkins said Jesus’ resurrection tells us it’s time to go out and make disciples. It’s time to fellowship. The church doors opened and there was one to come! Hallelujah! Father Reid performed the closing prayer and benediction. Worship with us. Hear the good news of Jesus and experience all the new possibilities at Community Protestant, a church of love and understanding.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Sister Shirley Ward-El on the passing of her daughter, Kimarie Rahman Bey; to Sister Delores Wynn and Sister Janice Hoyett on the passing of sister and aunt Sandra Dreares. Our get well prayers to all sick and homebound members. We also lift up Andrea Dawkins in prayer. Happy birthday to everyone celebrating.

“Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.” Matthew 28:16

—Lexa M. Mingo

Pentecostal Tabernacle

Service Information and Spiritual Focus

Pentecostal Tabernacle is located at 100 Co-op City, Building 22A, Bronx, NY 10475. For inquiries or assistance, you are welcome to reach out to us at 718-324-0334, 718-320-4218, or 646-806-9449.

Service Schedule

Sunday Worship Service: Our main worship service is held every Sunday at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary.

We invite all to join us in praise and fellowship.

Wednesday Prayer and Fasting Service: Every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. To join online, call 7270-731-4156 as we gather for a dedicated time of prayer and fasting, seeking God's presence and guidance.

Wednesday Evening Bible Study and Prayer Meeting at 7:30 p.m. Join us as we study the Word of God together and spend time in communal prayer, strengthening our faith and understanding.

Friday Worship Service: We come together for worship every Friday at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome to participate in uplifting praise and spiritual encouragement.

For any services beginning at 7:30 p.m., you can join us in worship by calling 727-731-4156.

Spiritual Focus: A Transformed Life

At Pentecostal Tabernacle, our central spiritual focus is the pursuit of a transformed life. We believe every believer is called to transformation through the power of God, experiencing victory in Christ Jesus. This calling is grounded in the teachings of Romans 12:1-3. which urge us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God. By renewing our minds, we discern

Two Promises

God's perfect will for our lives and grow in faith and obedience.

Scripture Foundation: Romans 12:1-3

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”

Living Out the Gospel

God’s plan for humanity’s salvation is eternal and completed through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, offering everyone the chance for a new beginning. The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans outlines humanity’s need for deliverance and the hope of restoration. In Romans 12, Paul gives practical direction for applying these truths, encouraging believers to let the gospel shape their daily lives.

While understanding essential doctrines such as faith, justification, and divine guidance is important, the scriptures call us to move beyond theory and embrace a life marked by real transformation and commitment. This transformation changes how we live and interact with others, reflecting Christ in our actions and relationships.

Daily study and meditation on scripture are crucial. Through God’s Word, we receive grace, strength, joy, and peace to overcome life’s challenges. God’s grace is always sufficient to sustain us.

—Rev. R. Sibblies

Circle of Christ Church

Luke as a good historian gives the details on the first coming of Christ, his return to heaven, the promise of the Holy spirit, and Jesus’ promise to return.

Acts 1:1-5

“In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. Once, while eating with them, he gave them this command: ‘Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’”

Jesus met with them during forty days and gave further instruction. The Apostles wanted more details; Jesus focuses them on the mission.

Acts 1:6-8

“They gathered around him and asked, ‘Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He said: ‘It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’”

Jesus exposes them to the trinity working in concert to fulfill the mission he gave them. It’s been two thousand years and the message has not changed. It is not more complicated. It is simply to testify.

Acts 1: 9-11 “After saying this, he was taken up before their eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. ‘Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why do you stand looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.’” We have to stop looking up and start looking around. If you have Holy Spirit power there is a spiritual compulsion to bring others to salvation. Do it as God empowers you.

Schedule (147 Dreiser Loop)

Join us April 29 from 6:45-8 p.m. for Worship Wednesday, a time of praise and prayer.

First Sunday of the month, bilingual Communion Service at 10:30 a.m.

Sunday: Spanish Service at 9:30 a.m. and English Service at 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday: Prayer at 10 a.m. and Bible Study at 12 p.m.

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

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

Friday: Spanish Bible Study at 12 p.m. and Youth Service, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Saturday: Women’s Fellowship, second Saturday, 12-3 p.m.

Young Adults, third Saturday, 12-3 p.m.

Men’s Fellowship, fourth Saturday, 12-3 p.m.

Blessings in Christ.

—Pastor Luis F. Ramos Jr.

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 at 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, 7-8 p.m. The conference call line number is 646769-9900; Access Code: 3099088#. Please mute your phone.

Worship Message “Fear Not Nor Be Afraid”

Scripture Lesson: 2 Timothy 1-7 KJV “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; when I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and love, and of sound mind.”

Save the Dates

Sunday, May 17 – Join us for 11 a.m. service. Women’s Day, we ask all women to wear white.

Wednesday, August 12 – Sight & Sound Theatre, “Joshua,” includes R/T Transportation, all you can eat smorgasbord at Shady Maple Farm Market.

Deposit is $50 to secure your seat.

Women’s Fellowship-Women’s Retreat – Spruce Lake Retreat & Conference Center, PA; Thursday, Sept. 24-26, 2026. Standard Rooms: PP Double: $500, Triple: $440, Single: $680; includes two-nights/three-days (double occupancy), six meals, R/T motor-coach transportation, retreat materials. Secure your reservation with a non-refundable deposit of $50. Double/$100. Second deposit $150 is due April 19. Final payment is due August 16. For further information, contact: Sis. L. Scott at 718-671-2623, Sis. S. James at 917-6674229, or Sis. H. Smith at 718-708-5035.

Continue to pray for speedy recovery for the sick and shut-in. Grace, mercy, strength, comfort, healing, and condolences to families who lost loved ones.

Good health and wellness for all.

Please mail contributions, tithes, and offerings to: Church of the New Vision, P.O. Box 75-3037, Bronx, NY 10475.

Brenda

Brown

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.

Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City

The synagogue would appreciate donations to keep our shul open. If you would like to help, go towww.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 a hot/cold kiddush meal. Entrance to our synagogue for Saturday services is on the side door of Building 27B.

General Information: The Traditional Synagogue is located in Section 5, 120 Erdman Place, in the rear lobby of 27B. It is on the ground floor of Building 27B and it 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 by10a.m., so we can take out the Torah.

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

Sabbath Ends on Saturday, April 25, at 8:30 p.m.

Candle Lighting for Friday,April 24, at 7:17 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 Birthdayto all our memberswho will be celebrating their birthday in April. 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

April is Stress Awareness Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the impact stress has on our daily lives and encouraging healthier ways to cope with it. In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become a common experience for many people, often woven into work demands, personal responsibilities, and the constant flow of information. While a certain level of stress can motivate us to meet deadlines or respond to challenges, prolonged or unmanaged stress can take a serious toll on both mental and physical health.

One of the key goals of Stress Awareness Month is to help individuals identify the signs of stress early. These signs can vary widely, ranging from irritability, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating to physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, or disrupted sleep. By becoming more aware of how stress shows up, people can take proactive steps to manage it before it escalates into burnout or more serious health concerns.

Another important focus is breaking the stigma around talking about stress and mental health. Many people feel pressure to appear in control or resilient at all times, which can prevent them from seeking help. Stress Awareness Month encourages open conversations, whether with friends, family, or professionals, to normalize the experience and create supportive environments where people feel comfortable sharing what they’re going through.

Practical stress management strategies are also emphasized during this month. Simple habits can make a meaningful difference. Regular physical activity, even something as small as a daily walk, can help release built-up tension and improve mood. Mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing or meditation, can bring attention back to the present moment and reduce feelings of overwhelm. Additionally, maintaining a balanced routine with adequate sleep, healthy nutrition, and time for relaxation is essential for resilience.

Workplaces and schools often participate in Stress Awareness Month by promoting wellness initiatives, offering resources, or encouraging breaks and self-care. These efforts highlight the importance of both individual responsibility and collective support in managing stress. When organizations prioritize well-being, they create environments where people can perform at their best without sacrificing their health.

Stress Awareness Month serves as a reminder that stress is a natural part of life, but it doesn’t have to control it. By increasing awareness, encouraging honest conversations, and adopting healthy coping strategies, individuals can build stronger foundations for long-term well-being. Taking even small steps during April can lead to lasting changes, helping people feel more balanced, focused, and equipped to handle life’s challenges beyond the month itself.

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” Psalm 29:11

—Diane Cooper

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

“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.” —John 20:19–20

Jesus died and rose again so that all who believe in Him may have a meaningful relationship with God the Father and the promise of eternal life. Yet, His resurrection is not only a promise for the future—it is also a source of peace and joy for troubled hearts today.

When the disciples hid behind locked doors, paralyzed by fear, Jesus came and stood among them. His first words were: “Peace be with you.” This was not a casual greeting but a divine gift calming their anxiety, transforming fear into joy, and establishing a new foundation of hope and purpose

Notice that Jesus entered right into the middle of their fear. Locked doors could not keep Him out. He did not wait for the disciples to muster courage or faith; instead, His presence gave them the faith they needed. His promise in John 14:27 is fulfilled by His appearance to the disciples: “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

This peace is not automatic. It is a gift from God, received by welcoming Christ Himself. He is our peace. If you have the living Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then His peace is yours. He still comes to us when we cry out in fear, when we seek Him in the midst of trials, anxiety, or sorrow.

This peace is not dependent on circumstances; it is rooted in relationship with Christ. Whatever life may bring, His promise of peace remains steady and everlasting. It is a source of joy, strength, and hope—and it is ours to accept.

May you welcome His peace into your heart today. The risen Christ still enters locked rooms of fear and uncertainty, and He still speaks peace into anxious hearts.

Come and Receive a Blessing:All are Welcome!

Bible Study on Wednesday at 7 p.m. via Zoom: 904-468-5745. Book: Ezra Thursdays: Pantry and in-person Prayer Meeting at 11 a.m.

Baptism And Membership Classes: Thursdays from 1-3 p.m. See Rev. Sara Upcoming Events – Save The Dates Sunday, April 19 – English Service at 11:15 a.m. Escuela Dominical at 11:15 a.m. Servicio en Español at 12:30 p.m.

—G. Abadia

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

Bartow OAC April Food Shopping Trips – Trader Joe’s: 4/22, $6.

Common Pantry will be at Bartow on April 28 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

JASA Bartow OAC Mother’s Day Show at the Timber Point Country Club in Great River, NY, on May 7. Dancing, DJ, and time at the Tanger outlet. Cost: $155. Och’s Apple Orchard, Warwick, NY, August 27, 2026. Cost: $45, includes lunch. Payments to be made at the Bartow Center only

Caesar Resort and Casino Atlantic City on June 6. Cost: $65 ($10 slot play back). Deposit: $30 to sign up

JASA Einstein OAC Essex Steam Train Riverboat on Thurs., July 9. One day. Cost: $165 (Payment plan: $55 due 4/20, 5/18, 6/8). Payments can be made on Mondays only!

Senior Day, Holiday Hill, CT, on Tuesday August 25. One day. Cost: $145 (Payment plan: $48 due 5/14, 6/15, 7/13.) Payments can be made on Mondays only!

Steel Drum Class – Funded by the Solomon family at

BARTOW CENTER CLOSED

Walk w/Odessa, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

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/Liz, 1:45-2:45 p.m.

Stay Well Exercise w/Odessa, 10-11 a.m.

Line Dancing w/Cynthia, Wed. & Fri., 12:30-1:45 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.

Computer Learning Class, 1:30-2:30 p.m. (Starts April 7)

Card Games w/Frankie, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

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

NORC office on Weds. at 1 p.m.

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

In-Person Computer Class – Thurs. from 3-4 p.m. at the Bartow NORC office.

Spanish Classes – Thurs. from 2-3 p.m. at the NORC office.

Painting Classes at the NORC ofc starting Mon., March 23rd, at 10:30 a.m.

JASA provides comprehensive emotional wellness support for older adults ages 60+ residing in Co-op City. Our services include individual, family, and group therapy, as well as medication management, delivered both in person and via telehealth. We offer on-site care at the NORC office, Einstein office and within the OACs.

Free Tax Preparation for seniors in the JASA NORC office, 2049 Bartow Ave., starting 2/2/26. Income limit up to $66,000. Mondays only from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Call: 718320-2066 for an appt.

SU CASA Program is back at Dreiser OAC. Join us starting April 9 at 1:15 p.m. in Rm. 2, for Hip-Hop Memory

& Story Circle: Honoring Elders’ Stories Through Rhythm, Conversation, & Collaborative Creative Expression. NORC Annual Health Fair – May 13 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Music, BP screenings, raffles, and giveaways. To order lunch, call 718-320-1345 by 5/1/26.

Caringkind: The Heart of Alzheimer’s Caregiving Rep. will be in the Bartow main office every third Mon. of the month from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. for Alzheimer & Dementia Consultation/Health Care Proxy & Power of Attorney Consultation and 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. from 12-1 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 – Tues. 1-3 p.m. in Rm. 7. Call 718-320-1345 for an appt

LUNCH & DINNER MENUS

Alternate Kosher Meals are available

Trip: Walmart, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

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

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

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

Movies w/Dennis: “One Battle After Another,” 1-3 p.m.

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

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

Bingo, 1-2p.m.

Stretch & Tone w/Ola, 10-11 a.m.

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

Aqua Aerobics, 1-3 p.m. (off site) Board Games, 1-2 p.m. Technology w/Jimmy, 1-2 p.m.

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

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

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

Crochet & Knitting w/Sarah, 2-4 p.m.

Weekend Recap Discussion, 9-10

a.m.

Stay Well Exercise w/Denise, 10-11 a.m., Aud. A Piano Sing Along Class, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 2 (Twice a month) Fall Prevention Presentation w/Teresa, 1-2 p.m., Rm. 4

Leisure Games w/Clara, 2-3:30 p.m.

Trip: Derfner Museum, 9:45 a.m.-2 p.m.

Current Events, 10-11 a.m. Art w/Gerry, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Leisure Games w/Clara, 1-3:30 p.m., Rm. 2

Zumba w/Ola, 1-2 p.m., Aud. A Crafts w/Roselen, 1-2 p.m.

Tai Chi w/Jimmy, 2-3 p.m., Aud. A Computer & Tablet class w/Ralph, 6:307:30 p.m. (virtual)

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

Arthritis Exercise w/Damion, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Aud. A

Bead & Jewelry w/Brenda, 11 a.m.12 p.m., Rm. 4

Technology class w/Steve, 1:15-2:15 p.m.

Drama Club w/Amelia, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Rm. 2

Morning News Discussions, 10-11

a.m.

Cardio Exercise w/Gail, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Aud. A Hip-Hop Memory & Story Circle w/Su Casa Artist Ricardo, 1:15-2:15 p.m., Rm. 2

Body in Motion w/Ola, 1-2 p.m., Aud. A Leisure TV, 2-4 p.m.

LUNCH : KOSHER: Moroccan Salmon, Rice w Vegetables, Vegetable Mix

NON-KOSHER: Beef Meat Sauce w/Pepper & Onions, White Rice & Quinoa, Steamed Green Beans

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: No Dinner Served

NON-KOSHER: No Dinner Served

LUNCH: KOSHER Breaded Vegetable Cutlet, Garlic & Rosemary Roasted Potatoes, Cole Slaw

NON-KOSHER: Buffalo Chick Pea Power Grain Bowl, Macaroni Salad

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: Chicken Gumbo, Mediterranean Cous Cous, Steamed Green Beans, Orange NON-KOSHER : Beef Meat Chili, Rice/Quinoa, Steamed Green Beans, Apple

LUNCH : KOSHER: Chicken Gumbo, Mediterranean Couscous, Steamed Green Beans NON-KOSHER: Jerk Fish, Black Beans & rice, Steamed Kale

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: Breaded Vegetable Cutlet, Garlic Rosemary Roasted Potatoes, Cole Slaw, Canned Pineapple NON-KOSHER: Chick Pea Power Bowl, Classic Macaroni Salad, Orange

LUNCH: KOSHER: Beef Meatballs in Tomato Sauce, Spaghetti, Capri Blend Vegetables

NON-KOSHER: Sweet & Sour Pork w/Pineapples, Baked Red Potato Wedges, Steamed Sliced Carrots

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: Beef Meatballs in Tomato Sauce, Spaghetti, Capri Blend Vegetables, Orange NON-KOSHER: Jerk Fish, Black Bean and Rice, Steam Kale, Apple

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

Manicure, 10:30 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

Coloring for Calmness, 9:3010:30 a.m.

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

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

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

p.m.

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

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

Blood Pressure Screening, 10:30 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, 11 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.

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

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

Trip: Katz Deli, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sewing Class w/Joy, 9-11 a.m., Rm. 2 Alert and Alive w/Cathy and Essie, 10-11 a.m., Rm. 4

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

LUNCH: KOSHER: Baked Chicken Quarters, Potato Kugel, Normandy Blend

NON-KOSHER: Curried Chicken Legs, White Rice, Cooked Cabbage w/Shredded Carrots

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

Knitting & Crocheting, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

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

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

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.

KOSHER: Baked Chicken, Potato Kugel or Rice, Normandy Blend Vegetables, Canned Sliced Peaches PLUS 10 Grab & Go NON-KOSHER: Sweet and Sour Pork w/Pineapple, Baked Red Potato wedges, Steamed Sliced Carrots, Banana

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

KOSHER: Tuna Salad, Potato salad, Health Salad, Apple NON-KOSHER: Curried Chicken, White Rice, Cooked Cabbage and Shredded Carrots, Orange

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church

St. Joseph’s is located at 155 Dreiser Loop, lower level, Co-op City, Bronx, NY 10475. Email: stjosephsepc@aol.com. Church phone number: 718-320-0844.

We are currently receiving names for Confirmation and Reception.

In-person worship service for the Third Sunday of Easter will be conducted at the church on Sunday, April 19, at 9 a.m., as well as via teleconference.

Please tune in for the noonday prayer service each week, Mondays through Fridays. To participate by teleconference, please dial 1-425-436-6344; Access Code: 509-898, followed by the # sign.

Pledge Cards for 2026 are now available at the church. Please tell us about your talents, areas of interest, and expertise.

Events and Fundraising Activities

Sunday, May 10: Mother’s Day (Mark your calendar now)

Saturday, May 30: St. Joseph’s Day Luncheon at the Eastwood Manor located at 3371 Eastchester Road, Bronx, NY 10469. Cocktail Hour: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Luncheon: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Adults: $150; Children 12 and under: $60. Tickets for the luncheon and raffle are now available. Please contact Valrie at 347-200-5850.

Sunday, June 21: Bishop’s visitation.

Condolences: Our thoughts and prayers go out to all our bereaved members, families, and friends who have recently lost loved ones.

We continue to collect only cans and non-perishable dry goods for the pantry at Grace Episcopal Church, West Farms.

“O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!” (Psalm 95:1)

Grace and Peace!

—Tanya Blanchette

Get Involved!

The Church of St. Thomas The Apostle

177 Dreiser Loop, second floor, Rm. 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)

The Third Sunday of Easter, April 19, 2026

● 11 a.m., Communion Service.

● Fellowship with light refreshments following the service.

Bible Lessons:

● Acts 2:14, and 36-41

● Psalm 116:1-4 and 12-19

● 1 Peter 1:17-23

● Luke 24:13-35

Prayer: O LORD Christ, by whose eternal Sacrifice we exist, and in whose victory we triumph, grant that, in joy or in sorrow, we may never lose our grateful memory of Thine unchanging love, who livest and reignest God throughout all ages of ages. Amen.

—Rev. Dorian Miceli

Redeemed Seventh Day Church

The Church Without Walls

Have you ever heard of “the church without walls?” This describes the church that goes to the people, serving the community through acts of love rather than just waiting for people to come to a service. A “church without walls” is a missional, community-focused approach where ministry extends beyond the physical building, emphasizing that the church is the people, not a structure. It focuses on outreach and making faith accessible to the surrounding community by removing social, cultural, or physical barriers to worship.

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 at coopcity.com. Join your Building Association, contact Riverbay Management or write a letter to the editor. In addition, be sure to VOTE in the annual Riverbay Board of Directors election. It is your responsibility as a cooperator to participate in the election and to remain engaged and informed.

In Mark 16:15 Jesus said, “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel.” That means the church is called to go out into the community and minister to those who need the gospel. It’s called “the church without walls.” It’s bringing the church to you, to serve your needs.

The Redeemed Seventh Day Church of Co-op City is pleased to announce that beginning Saturday, May 2, between 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., we will be out in the Section 5 Co-op City community. We will be conducting family oriented Evangelistic programs. You will see us out on the playgrounds, the walkways, and even the streets. We will be giving out literature, flyers, activity books for kids, and much more, all for free.

Please feel free to come and join us in this spiritually filled event. We are looking forward to seeing as many of our neighbors and friends as we seek to fulfill the commission of spreading the gospel of Jesus.

—Ruth Anderson

Co-op City Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invite you to join us for Worship Service tomorrow at 8 a.m., in-person only, and at 11 a.m., in-person and on Zoom 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 at 12 p.m. is 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. and the 7:30 p.m. Friday Evening Prayer Service are on the church conference call line.

Our next food giveaway will be distributed on Friday, April 24, 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.

Our combined Men’s and Women’s Day Service will be celebrated on Sunday, April 26, during the 11 a.m. service. The guest preacher will be Elder Ernest Thomas of the Historic Kelly Temple Church of God in Christ, Harlem, NY. The colors are white with a touch of purple. Everyone is invited.

Save The Dates: Our church’s 55th Anniversary will be celebrated starting with a service on Friday night, November 13, followed by a banquet on Saturday, November 14, and ending with services all day on Sunday, November 15. The banquet on Saturday, November 14, will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Surf Club On The Sound, located at 280 Davenport Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10805. The ticket price is $155. Bus transportation will be provided at a separate cost of $25. The theme is “CCBC: Thriving in Excellence for 55 Years” from 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NKJV). We invite everyone to participate in this special weekend. For further information, kindly contact the church at 718-320-3774.

“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