Co-op City Times 08-15-26

Vol. 61 No. 32

August 15, 2026

$1.25

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Quorum Obtained; Riverbay Board Election Moves to Next Stage

count the ballots and the preliminary results will be The initial voting period in the Board election bepresented to the 2026 Election Committee, chaired gan on Wednesday, May 20, and was scheduled to end YesElections informed the 2026 Riverbay Elecby Board Director Mary Pearson. Those results will on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. The first election extention Committee on Friday, Aug. 14, that the company be certified by the Committee in accordance with the sion pushed the voting deadline to Friday, July 31. had received 5,149 ballots, 108 more than required to procedures outlined in the 2026 Election Rules and At the Board’s July 22nd meeting, the Riverbay make the required quorum in the Board election. Regulations, publicly disseminated to the communiBoard approved Emergency Resolution 26-52 auThis marks an important milestone in the annuty and published in the next issue of the Co-op City thorizing a second extension of the election to Aual voting process to elect members to the Riverbay Times. gust 31, or an earlier date that a quorum is obtained. Board of Directors, and allows the election process This year’s quorum was obtained after approxiAt that meeting, the Board also approved a second to move forward towards completion. mately 12 weeks of voting and required two voting mailing of ballots to more than 10,000 households A total of 5,041 ballots were required for this extensions before the number of ballots to validate that had not participated in the Board election or year’s quorum. As of Thursday evening, Aug. 13, the election – 5,041 – were received, a requirement whose ballots had not been properly returned in both 4,848 ballots had been received by YesElections, of the Riverbay Bylaws. leaving 193 ballots outstanding for the quorum. By (Continued on page 2) mid-day Friday, Aug. 14, YesElections updated the count as ballot envelopes received by US Mail were scanned. At that point, 69 ballots were outstanding. Later that afternoon, after a scheduled ballot pick-up from the election ballot drop boxes located in the three community centers in Co-op City was completed, YesElections informed the Election Committee that 5,149 ballots had been received. With the ballot threshold obtained, the election can progress to the remaining steps necessary to officially certify the results. It’s over. We know it in our bones that quorum has doesn’t explain why I absolutely know that we have YesElections will proceed to open and been reached, we just don’t have the actual proof yet. reached the magic number of 5,041 (or more). I’ll give you more gory details in a minute but even Here’s the reason. The Friday, 8/8, total left us needwhen the numbers are officially posted and that numing 337 ballots. That number barely budged downward ber says that 5,041 (or more) Business Reply Enveall week with a mere 19 counted on Monday, 8/10, and lopes have been returned and verified, it still won’t one more counted on Wednesday, 8/12. truly be over. I learned early in this ballot counting process not to Shareholders were informed that the new Why not? Because no one has touched the ballots trust the number one, not to trust when a single ballot is address for carrying charge payments to be yet. Ballots aren’t opened until a quorum has been posted for the day. Most likely, it means: mail has been mailed to Flagstar would be included on the reached, and even if we get that actual number by press retrieved but it’s too late to count it tonight so we’ll do upcoming September 2026 carrying charge time, the ballots will still stay tucked inside their Secret it tomorrow. statements. Flagstar is still in the implemenBallot Envelopes until Monday. That’s what happened in May. The very first spreadtation stage and therefore the information And here’s why. Guess whose motorcade brought sheet report from YesElections posted a single ballot was not released on the August carrying NYC and Long Island to a standstill on Friday, 8/14? reply on 5/21 but along came 5/22 with 375, first thing charge statements as previously advised. The courier who does the drop box pick up got caught in the morning. As reported last month, Flagstar commuup in it and by noon we still hadn’t heard if he’d gotten Yes. I learned the meaning of a single YesElection nicated to Riverbay Management that sevto the boxes or not. posting in May but it really didn’t look like it applied eral changes are being made to the monthly I realize that a traffi c jam causing a day’s delay (Continued on page 5) carrying charge payment procedures. One such change will result in the discontinuation of courier service to pick up payment Registering for an Online envelopes from Riverbay Corporation. As a result, starting next month (September), all Carrying Charge Account payment envelopes must be mailed directly (Step-by-Step Guide) to the bank. Drop boxes currently available in the three community centers will no lonCo-op City shareholders can pay their ger be available. monthly carrying charge invoices online In addition to paying your monthly car- through the Zego.com (formerly PayLease) rying charge by mail, payments can also be website and app. Visit the Zego website at made electronically by registering for an www.gozego.com or the official Riverbay account with Zego. You may download the website, www.coopcity.com, then scroll to the Zego Resident mobile app to your Android bottom left of the Home page and click on the or iOS device and register your account. “GoZego” link. Once on the Zego website: To begin, visit the official Zego portal at 1. Click on “Resident/Homeowner Login” gozego.com and click on “Resident Login” at the top right of the Home page. at the top navigation bar. Select “Create Ac2. Select “Don’t have an account? Create count” or “Register” and follow the prompts one now.” to set up your account. Zego offers payment 3. Select “Renter.” flexibility to fit your preference. You may 4. On the “Renter’s page, DO NOT sign up submit your monthly carrying charge payfor a bill from your management compament via eCheck (ACH) by connecting your ny. Instead, “Search for Your Property.” checking or savings accounts directly using Enter your property address, for examsecure Account Connect bank verification, ple, 140 Asch Loop. Hit “Search.” or payment by credit or debit card. Avoid late 5. Click on the link titled, “This is my Propcharges by setting up AutoPay. erty,” highlighted in green. More information will be forthcoming as 6. You should now be in the “Choose an opreleased by Flagstar. tion below to Pay Now” page. Scroll to —Riverbay Finance Department (Continued on page 4) By ROZAAN BOONE

Report from the Election Committee Is it or Isn’t it?

Carrying Charge Payment Update

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Co-op City Times / August 15, 2026

Election Update ––––– (Continued from page 1)

Zego ––––– (Continued from page 1)

of the envelopes provided. That second mailing of ballots took place last Wednesday, August 5. This year, shareholders of record as of April 1, 2026, were voting to elect five members to the Riverbay Board of Directors to each serve a three-year term. The 11 official candidates competing in the election were Michelle Marbury, Rod Saunders, Monique Coleman, Andrea Leslie, Idalia Reyes, Yanira D. Jaime, Aaron Carnegie, Lynette Wright, Nero Graham, Darnell Lopez and Keith Logan. Shareholders also had the option to vote “for quorum only” if they did not wish to support candidates. In addition, there was a referendum question on the ballot regarding how vacancies on the Board are filled. The Riverbay Bylaws stipulate that vacancies on the Board that result from the death, resignation or removal of a Board director elected by shareholders would be filled by the unelected candidate who received the highest number of votes in the most recent Board election. That individual, once sworn in, would serve until the next Board election. The proposed amendment to the Riverbay Bylaws on how Board vacancies are filled, and therefore the reason for the referendum question on the ballot this year, sought shareholders’ approval to amend the Bylaws so that the individual who is seated to fill a vacancy on the Board of Directors may serve out the unexpired term of the director they are replacing, instead of serving only until the next Board election, at which point, they have to run again, if they wish to remain on the Board. The referendum question required a “Yes” or “No” vote, or could be left blank. The annual Meeting of Shareholders took place on Wednesday, May 20, at 7 p.m. in Rm. 31 of the Bartow Center. Voting in the 2026 Board election was conducted by mail in, absentee ballot, in accordance with Private Housing Finance Law 13-c, as interpreted by New York State Homes and Community Renewal Housing Management Memo #2023-B-11, dated September 24, 2023. Shareholders had two options to return their completed ballots – by US Mail using the pre-addressed, postage-paid envelope provided in the ballot envelope, or by dropping the return ballot envelope into one of the official Riverbay ballot drop boxes located in each of the three community centers. The ballots were then picked up by the election vendor and transported to their facility for processing. Information about the remaining dates on the 2026 election calendar will be forthcoming as they become available from the 2026 Election Committee. According to Emergency Resolution 26-52, the Committee will certify the election results one week after the quorum is obtained; the deadline to challenge the results of the election is at 5 p.m. on the eighth day after quorum is obtained, and the swearing in of the newly elected members of the Board will take place no less than 15 days after a quorum is obtained.

the second box “Create your Account” and hit “Get Started.” 7. Input your account number from your carrying charge statement and click on “Proceed with Registration.” 8. Select your name from the drop-down list, add your email address and choose a strong password to protect your account. In the box below, titled “Please Select Referrer,” select “Talked to Property Manager” or “Other.” Next, check box to confirm name of the accountholder is accurate and agree to the terms of use. Hit “Create Account” to proceed to the next page. 9. Your account balance will show up along with options to pay. You may select one of two available options: a) One-time payment – You must log in to pay your carrying charge invoice monthly b) Autopay – Your payment will be deducted monthly from a checking or savings account. There is no fee associated with this option. Please note: If “Autopay” is selected, choose “Variable,” not “Fixed.” • Payment can also be made with a credit card – fee contingent on the amount being paid, OR • By debit card – There is a $7.69 fee associated with this option. For customer support, you may contact Zego’s Call Center at (866)7295327 (Select Option #1). This service is available around-the-clock, seven days a week.

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Co-op City Times / August 15, 2026

Co-op City Times COMBING

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

Coffee with Mike Shareholders are invited to join Assemblyman Michael Benedetto at the pizzeria in Section 5 today, Sat., August 15, 9:3010:30 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.

Co-op City Shred Fest In partnership with Riverbay Corporation, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson and Council Member Kevin C. Riley are co-sponsoring the return of Shred Fest on: • Wednesday, August 26, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., on the Section 5 Greenway, 12 Erskine Pl. NOTE: There is a three shopping bag/box limit. Paper only. First come, first served.

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MTA Expands Open Stroller Program By BRANDON ORTIZ

Parents with strollers will have dedicated space on all local and select bus service routes going forward after the MTA announced an expansion to the Open Stroller Program on August 6. This program allocates space on each bus where parents or caregivers can ride without needing to fold their stroller. MTA workers are currently retrofitting older buses with the new dedicated areas for strollers “either as an open space near the rear door or as a space created by flipping up two side-by-side seats, depending on the bus model,” the MTA said on August 6. Since 2024, the MTA has only procured buses that include dedicated stroller space. New York State lawmakers provided the MTA with a $1.5 million grant to expand the Open Stroller program, which initially launched as a pilot back in 2022 along seven routes. In 2024, the pilot expanded to more than 1000 buses along 57 routes. MTA officials expect the rollout of stroller space on all buses to conclude by the end of 2026. Each designated stroller area will have a decal to mark the space for one stroller. On some buses, the designated area will be near the rear door or a pair of flip seats adjacent to the back door. In related local bus news, the MTA and the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) officially started construction on the Tremont Avenue busway this week. This project will bring a mile of new busway and an additional quarter

mile of new bus lane along Tremont Avenue for the 39,000 daily commuters who rely on this busy corridor in the Bronx. Bx36 bus service travels along Tremont Avenue and often travels at speeds as slowly as five miles per hour. Following the Tremont Avenue redesign, the city hopes to increase bus speeds by up to 60%. After instal- A designated stroller area on a local M11 lation, there will bus. This version features flip seats where be an eastbound parents or caregivers can park their strollbusway from er. Other buses will have a designated Third Avenue to area near the rear door Southern Bou- Photo courtesy of the MTA levard, as well as a westbound busway from Southern Boulevard to Belmont Avenue. The project will also include an offset shared bus-and-bike lane eastbound extending from Webster Avenue to Third Avenue. Busways will operate seven days a week, beginning at 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. (Continued on page 16)

NYC City Council Will Launch Review of e-Bike Safety By BRANDON ORTIZ

New York City Council members will conduct a sweeping review of e-Bike and e-Scooter safety in September. This review will culminate in a comprehensive hearing on September 30 where City Council members will discuss legislative solutions to issues involving e-bike and e-scooter safety, as well as review the current laws in place. With the rise of electric micromobility devices, the Council cited concerns from New Yorkers about illegal devices that have been documented going unsafely fast in addition to reported crashes involving e-Bikes or e-Scooters that have injured and, in some instances, killed people. During this hearing, the City Council will listen Velocity Track Club to “testimony from city agencies, transportation and public safety experts, advocates, workers, and Velocity Track Club will be members of the public as it evaluates a wide range hosting their annual orientation of approaches to improving safety on New York on Tuesday, August 25, from City’s streets,” as explained by the Council. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Einstein There are nine initial bills that will be considCommunity Center, Rm. 38. Inered during September’s hearing. Here is a brief terested children must have a rundown on each one and how they might impact parent/guardian present. Come e-Bike and e-Scooter safety if ultimately passed, out to meet the team & coaches. according to the City Council: Limited garage parking is avail• Introduction 950 – To improve oversight able for $6. Garage tickets must of delivery companies, this legislation be validated at the orientation. would require those services to apply for For more information, call 914a business license from the Department 441-6196 or visit www.velocityof Consumer and Worker Protection. track.org. • Introduction 244 – Prohibits the sale and rental of class three bikes with electric asRead & Follow sist. Violators could be subject to a civil penalty of up to $2000. Class three bikes the Co-op Times Online are e-Bikes that include electronic assisTo read and follow the Co-op City tance up to speeds of 25 miles per hour, Times electronically, per the New York Department of Motor log in to the Issuu Vehicles. platform by typ• Introduction 124 – This bill would create ing in “issuu.com/ a task force that would study alternatives cctimes,” or scan for improving the safety of street designs the QR code here to and infrastructure. connect. • Introduction 78 – Requires third-party delivery app services to submit driver data such as location, delivery time and It’s ID numbers to the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. HAPPENING in • Introduction 110 – If passed, this Co-op City! legislation would expand commercial

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bicycle safety laws to include devices such as e-bikes, mopeds and motorcycles. Introduction 787 – Requires the NYPD to release public reports on their targeted traffic (Continued on page 16)

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Co-op City Times / August 15, 2026

CONSUMER ALERT: NY Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection Provides Tips for Safely Buying Secondhand Products

The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection has provided consumers with tips for safe secondhand and thrift shopping. Thrifting has become a regular part of many consumers’ shopping habits in recent years. This practice can help save money and the environment, but consumers should take important steps to avoid dangerous and recalled products. “Many New York consumers shop secondhand for bargains, unique vintage or antique wares, to keep products out of landfills, and even for the simple thrill of the hunt,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “As affordability is becoming a priority for many families, the number of New Yorkers looking to lower costs is increasing and thrift shopping is on the rise. Keep these NYS Division of Consumer Protection tips in mind so your good deal doesn’t put you or your family’s safety and health at risk.” New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “Secondhand shopping can be a great way to save money, yet we do need to be vigilant regarding any safety concerns. Items like cribs, car seats and children’s products can look perfectly fine but no longer meet current safety standards or may have been recalled altogether. Before you buy, take a few minutes to check for recalls and inspect items closely — it’s a small step that can prevent a serious injury.” New York State Office of Children and Family Services Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden said, “As families and individuals grapple with inflation and competing priorities for spending, thrift shops offer opportunities to purchase affordable items that meet their basic needs. Yet, it is critically important to make sure that anything purchased, whether new or secondhand, meets current health and safety guidelines to avoid any risk of injury or death. We thank Governor Hochul and the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection for educating New Yorkers on the risks of ‘thrifting,’ particularly when consumers are looking to buy items like cribs, changing tables, car seats, and strollers for babies and children. Families who are struggling to secure basic needs may call the OCFS HEARS Family Line at 1-888-55HEARS for assistance from caring specialists who will connect individuals and families to services including food pantries, clothing closets, housing assistance, medical and behavioral health care services, parenting education, and child care.” Economic reports indicate that the resale market has been increasing significantly in the last few years, with economic pressures cited as the primary driver of that increase. It only takes a few minutes to check for key safety risks that ensure your “new-to-you” purchases are safe and functional. Here are some tips: Avoid Purchasing These Items Secondhand • Infant sleep products: Cribs, basinets, mattresses and toddler beds pose critical safety risks due to wear and tear and outdated safety regulations. If you must use a secondhand crib, ensure it was made after June 2011 to meet current U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) guidelines. • Infant loungers and nursing pillows: New safety regulations were enacted by the CPSC to ban soft, sloped, or contoured surfaces in newly manufactured loungers. Older second-hand models lack these updated designs and may have sagging fabric or softened foam, further increasing the risk of suffocation or positional asphyxiation. • Durable infant or toddler products, including play yards, walkers, highchairs, toddler bed rails and bath seats • Helmets • Car seats, booster seats and strollers • Smoke detectors, surge protectors and lithium-ion batteries • Non-stick cookware. Many products have expiration dates and many no longer meet federal safety standards. Used products can potentially cause injury or death depending on the type, age, and quality of the product. Always research a product before buying secondhand, because there is no safety guarantee for used products. Tips For Safely Shopping Secondhand • Check for recalls: Recalled items can cause injury or death. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website, www.cpsc.gov/Recalls, provides information on recalls and safety warnings. Never buy or use any item with an active recall or CPSC product safety warning. • Watch out for counterfeits: Fakes or replicas of brand-name products could mean you overpay for lower quality. Depending on the product, the lower quality material and construction could also create safety risks. • Carefully examine hard to clean products: Items that have small, difficult to clean parts or that cannot be properly cleaned and disinfected, like plush furniture or woven or porous items, should be carefully examined before purchasing to ensure that they are in reasonably good condition. • Keep kids safe when shopping for clothes: • Check children’s clothes for secure drawstrings: Long drawstrings can become choking hazards or cause other injuries if the string gets caught on the child’s surroundings. See the Division’s drawstring safety guide for more information to ensure clothes use drawstrings safely. • Pay attention to damage: Check for any loose buttons, claps, or decorations that can detach and become a choking hazard. Be wary of set-in stains or other signs of damage that you might not be able to fix. • Properly clean, sanitize and inspect: Check the garment label and either machine wash, hand wash or steam clothing to disinfect and remove any allergens from the fabric. • Anchor furniture for safety: Secondhand furniture can be heavy and may be unsteady. Prevent dangerous tip-overs by securing free-standing furniture pieces like bookcases, dressers, TV stands, and shelving units to the wall with anchoring hardware. Most secondhand furniture will not include an anchoring kit, but you can purchase your own for under $15. See www.anchorit.gov/ for more tips on anchor-

ing furniture. • Watch out for lead: There were no federal regulations on lead before 1971, so be wary of vintage furniture, glassware, and ceramics over 50 years old. Not all vintage items contain lead paint, but the safest strategy is to assume painted items that appear to be more than 50 years old contain lead unless they have been tested. • Choose electronics safely: Appliances and devices with faulty electronic parts can cause fires. Make sure all wires and outlet plugs are fully intact without any fraying, cracking, or other damage. Never buy lithium-ion batteries secondhand. • Avoid damaged kitchenware: Carefully check for cracks, chips, peeling, or damaged coatings. These are signs that the item is not food safe. Avoid items with small, difficult to clean parts if you plan to cook or eat with them. • Check for bed bugs: Inspect nooks and crannies of all furniture you’re interested in. Bed bugs can be found in both hard and soft furniture. When shopping in-store, ask what treatment is being done to prevent bedbugs. • Toys to Avoid or Examine Closely • Avoid vintage plastics: Products manufactured before the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act restrictions in 2008 often contain high levels of lead or toxic heavy metals which can leach out or be ingested. • Avoid teething items, pacifiers, or bath toys: Babies learn by putting objects in their mouth. Many of these items can trap moisture, mold, and bacteria, exposing children to unwanted pathogens. • Avoid water beads: Water beads were a popular children’s toy for many years, but they pose a danger to young children and can be deadly if ingested. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently banned most water beads from being sold as toys and strongly warns against keeping them in homes with kids under five years old, as swallowing them can cause life-threatening intestinal blockages that require surgery. • Avoid choking hazards and loose parts: Check over toys to make sure all attached pieces are securely in place and not at risk of falling off. Any loose parts can become • Be careful with magnets: Never buy a toy with loose or missing magnetic pieces. Magnets are severely dangerous if ingested and have caused internal injuries and deaths. Avoid buying magnetic jewelry secondhand as they may have been manufactured before key safety standards went into effect in 2022. • Skip items that cannot be easily sanitized. It is critical to consider hygiene and safety when shopping for secondhand toys. Don’t thrift for toys that can’t be thoroughly washed or sanitized.

DR. LEWIS WOLSTEIN Podiatrist – Foot Specialist

Celebrating 51 years and counting in Co-op City • Practicing in Co-op City since 1975 • Board Certified in Foot Surgery • ALL conditions of the foot treated • Evening and Saturday appointments • Most health insurance plans accepted Se Habla Español

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Building 8 • Ground Floor Section 1 • Co-op City • Bronx, NY 10475

Co-op City Times / August 15, 2026

Committee ––––– (Continued from page 1) to August. The Thursday, 8/13 postings revealed nothing new. That is…until 4:30 p.m. And then boom, 124 new ones came out of the blue (or out of the U.S. Postal mailbag). And here we are today, Friday, 8/14, 1:00 p.m. Wham – 123 new arrivals! That leaves us just 70 to be retrieved from the last drop box pick up and get them scanned and counted – whenever you-know-who’s motorcade allows. There are two weeks of super-charged Business Reply envelopes sitting in our three official drop boxes, one in each community center, waiting to be processed. By super-charged, I refer to the final tactic and the secret weapon: The August carrying charge statement insert and the second-mailing both reminding our 10,400 non-participating shareholders to vote. Our other secret-weapon, Tobias Garcia, after learning we were 193 envelopes away from a finished election suggested the new wave of returned ballots was due to the second mailing. I replied it was debatable but the increased response was at least partially due to the carrying charge insert’s effect. The insert arrived in our mailboxes on Saturday, August 1st; the new ballots arrived on Monday, August 10. Did the shareholders who failed to participate the first time suddenly go: OMG! I have to send this in IMMEDIATELY! There’s really no way of knowing which method spurred the influx of ballots; no way of judging the insert’s ability to get out the vote. Or is there? Why yes, indeed there is! The first mailing spelled quorum wrong. The spelling was corrected for the second mailing. Once the election’s been certified, separating the quoroms from the quorums could reveal all. But who would do all that? Guess. On Monday, those envelopes will be opened and sorted and determined to count for more than quorum, they’ll be counted for the candidate results. We won’t know today who won and by how much. But we do know we’re at 5,041 minus 69 and counting. Yes, a solitary extra vote just arrived and we all know what that means. (No. We don’t, actually.) But we do know: It’s over. And if it looks like a quorum and walks like a quorum and quacks like a quorum… Congratulations, everybody. —Mary Pearson, Chair 2026 Election Committee

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Co-op City Times / August 15, 2026

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

– • Letters to the Editor • – Some Suggestions for Future Board Elections

To the Editor: Some suggestions for the future Riverbay Board of Directors’ elections: 1) First of all, get rid of that word “quorum.” I can’t begin to tell you how many people have no idea what that means. (Maybe just write ‘not selecting anyone.’) 2) Get rid of that double envelope thing. I think it is very confusing for many (as was evidenced by the number of people who did not use the two envelopes). I realize that some would say it is for security, but voters’ identity would still be hidden, and I can’t believe anyone would

hijack the ballots. 3) And perhaps this might be the most effective...enlist the help of the many churches in the area. Perhaps in a few sentences, they can state to the congregation how important responding to the election is to the viability of Co-op City and to the community welfare. A lot of people could be directly reached in this way. Alas, it is all too evident that apathy and lack of knowledge will continue to make elections a nightmare -- but it doesn’t have to be! Maybe give these things a try. —Katharine Wood

IMPORTANT SAFETY REMINDER: Keep Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms Installed and Operational Shareholders are reminded that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide/smoke alarm combination devices are required life-safety equipment and must remain installed and in proper working condition at all times. The safety of every Co-op City resident depends on everyone doing their part to maintain a safe living environment. These devices are not optional. Working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms provide critical early warnings that can save lives by alerting residents to potential fires or dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. Keeping these devices operational protects not only you and your family, but also your neighbors and the emergency responders who may be called upon to assist during an emergency. Shareholders are also reminded that they must provide access for the installation, inspection, testing, or replacement of these required safety devices whenever necessary. Removing, disabling, or refusing the installation or replacement of smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detectors creates an unacceptable safety hazard for the entire building community. Failure to allow required life-safety equipment to be installed or maintained may result in further action, including the issue of a community complaint. Please help keep Co-op City safe by ensuring that all required smoke and carbon monoxide alarm devices remain installed, unobstructed, and functioning properly at all times. —Riverbay Management

Riverbay Telephone System Call Center: (718) 320-3300 Press 1 if you have a Public Safety emergency Press 2 to to reach the Call Center – (which still handles Maintenance, Restorations and Inspections) Press 3 to schedule Extermination Services Press 4 to reach Cooperator Services Office Press 5 to reach the Rent Bookkeeper Press 6 to reach Parking, Storage Facilities, Rental of Community Rooms & Commercial Leasing

Press 7 to reach Residential Sales Press 8 to reach Co-op City Times Press 9 to Dial by Directory To repeat these options press 0. Stay on the line to speak to an Operator. These are other numbers that may be of use for shareholders: MATV (Master Antenna) - Ext: 3529 Coinmach Laundry - (800) 734-8851 Cablevision - (718) 617-3500

Important Notice: Shareholders of Bldg. 15, Debs & Cooper Pl. Townhouses

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 15 A&B 100 & 120 Aldrich Street

Current Lease Expiration Date: November 30, 2026

New 3-Year Expiration Date: November 30, 2029

Debs Place Townhouses Cooper Place Townhouses

November 30, 2026

November 30, 2029

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

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. Scan the QR code to read the Co-op City Times online on Issuu.com

Co-op City Times / August 15, 2026

Public Safety Blotter August 2, 2026 – August 7, 2026

August 04, 2026 120 Alcott Place – CCPD reported that a food delivery worker returning to his parked scooter after making a delivery observed that the scooter had been removed from the parking space by an unknown suspect without his permission. August 05, 2026 140 Elgar Place – CCPD responded to a call of a fire in the basement laundry room. FDNY was also present on the scene and corrected the condition of a dryer with electrical issues. August 06, 2026 691 Co-op City Boulevard – CCPD reported that a cooperator walking past a business in Peartree Mall was struck in the face causing an injury to his left eye. The unidentified suspect fled the scene. Baychester and Donizetti Place – CCPD reported that a cooperator

was struck in the face by a suspect causing redness to his face while he was exiting an MTA bus. The unidentified suspect fled the scene. August 07, 2026 120 Elgar Place – CCPD responded to a call of individuals in the hallway. Upon arrival, CCPD observed a male juvenile and his female friend loitering in the hallway. The shareholder of record for the male juvenile was issued a Community Complaint for Loitering. August 08, 2026 140 DeKruif Place – CCPD responded to a call of a family dispute. Upon arrival and investigation, the son of the female shareholder reported being physically assaulted by her son causing physical pain. The son was placed under arrest and charged with the assault.

Co-op City Department of Public Safety (718) 671-3050 • www.ccpd.us. If you SEE something, SAY something!

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

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

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

For employment opportunities, please visit these following sites: www.Indeed.com https://indeedhi.re/ 3SgTKEr

www.Glassdoor.com

www.ZipRecruiter.com

https://bit.ly/3SgI9Go

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Candidates may review full position descriptions and apply at any site. Current Riverbay employees should submit a transfer request and resumé directly to the HR department. Thank you for your interest in working for Riverbay Corporation.

7

Clean Inks, Dirty Money: How Check Washing Schemes Are Draining Bank Accounts By NATHEN VALADEZ

From local neighborhood mailboxes in the Bronx to suburban communities across the nation, criminal networks are using household chemicals to erase paper checks, driving a massive surge in mail fraud. Financial institutions, local police departments, and federal law enforcement agencies across the United States are raising the alarm over a sharp resurgence in “check washing,” a low-tech form of fraud that has re-emerged as a multi-billion-dollar threat to personal and business finances nationwide. According to the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), investigators recover more than $1 billion in counterfeit checks and money orders every single year. Organized syndicates and local scammers target outgoing mail deposited in unlocked residential mailboxes and public USPS blue collection boxes, intercepting paper checks before they reach their intended destinations. The nationwide issue hit close to home in March of last year following high-profile enforcement actions in New York. In one case, law enforcement arrested a 58 year old Bronx man, charging him with stealing at least 14 checks passing through the postal system. According to police records, John Dematteo intercepted paper checks in transit, chemically stripped the ink, and fraudulently cashed them, swindling victims out of more than $20,000. Among those impacted were an 86-year-old Bay Shore resident who lost roughly $17,000 and a 73-year-old Patchogue woman whose account was drained of over $3,000. In May 2025, a 31-year old Yonkers woman, Jahnine Wolinsky, was arrested and charged in a $1.9M check washing scheme. The scheme was discovered in April 2024 when Yonkers police responded to a medical emergency at the woman’s apartment. Police uncovered 49 US Treasury tax refund checks totaling $1,175,000 and 16 personal checks amounting to $60,000, and check washing chemical and tools. The Westfair Business Journal reported that the woman’s criminal conduct lasted three years and while she and her co-conspirators (her boyfriend and sister) netted $993,007, their intention was to obtain more than $1.9M. Wolinsky pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and three counts of false statements in August 2025. She was sentenced by US District Judge Kenneth Karas in October 2025 to 34 months in prison. According to the prosecutor in the Wolinsky case, non-mandatory sentencing guidelines called for 63 to 78 months in prison. However, due to mitigating circumstances that were redacted in her sentencing letter, the prosecutor instead recommended 34 months. These arrests follow a string of similar incidents across New York City

and Long Island, prompting the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and the NYPD to warn residents that their outgoing mail may be actively targeted. Similar cases were reported in Bowling Green, Ohio; Loudoun County, Virginia; and across North Carolina, among other states, demonstrate that check washing affects rural communities, suburban towns, and major metropolitan hubs alike. According to the Department of Justice, check washing sentences in New York depend on the total financial loss and specific charges. State-level grand larceny and forgery convictions carry penalties ranging from probation up to 15 years for a Class C felony ($50,000 to $1,000,000) and up to 25 years for amounts exceeding $1M. Federal bank fraud and identity theft charges can yield sentences over 15 years. How Chemical Erasure Transforms Legitimate Checks Check washing involves stealing paper checks from the mail and soaking or wiping them with common household solvents such as acetone, bleach, or nail polish remover. These liquids erase the handwritten ink that specifies the recipient’s name and payment amount, while leaving the account holder’s genuine signature and bank routing numbers intact. Once the ink dissolves and the check dries, fraudsters rewrite the payee line to name themselves or an accomplice (“money mule”) and dramatically inflate the dollar amount, often altering a $25 utility payment into a multi-thousand-dollar withdrawal. In high-profile municipal cases, routine payments for local bills, such as property tax payments sent to government agencies, have been intercepted and cashed fraudulently for tens of thousands of dollars. Scammers also scan washed checks to generate dozens of printed duplicate copies on blank check stock. “A simple check dropped into an unmonitored mailbox can easily turn into a loss of hundreds or thousands of dollars before the victim even realizes the mail was intercepted,” financial consumer security specialists noted in recent alerts published by regional banking institutions. Because washed checks feature authentic signatures and valid banking details, automated bank clearing systems frequently process them without raising immediate red flags. Victims often discover the theft weeks later when reviewing online banking statements or receiving past-due notices from intended payees. Recovering stolen funds can turn into a months-long administrative battle between victims, local precinct financial crime units, and bank fraud departments. Essential Protection Measures for Consumers To mitigate the risk of falling victim to check washing schemes, federal (Continued on page 8)

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Co-op City Times / August 15, 2026

Director’s Viewpoint – Daryl Johnson

National Night Out? On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, the NYPD held their 43rd National Night Out Against Crime event at 70 locations across NYC. However, did you notice that the event in Co-op City was only named National Night Out? What Are We Against? The NYPD states that their event is “an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships to help make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. It seeks to strengthen the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement, fostering a true sense of community.” We have a lot of nonsense going on here. So, we need to make it known to everyone that we’re against crime. Therefore, I want to focus on some disturbing issues that have been going on here. This first issue involves someone (let’s call them person A) walking up to a completely innocent and blameless person. Then, without provocation, person A takes his fist and violently punches the person—male or female—in the face. Now, is it possible that person A might have a mental illness? Yes. However, the real issue is if we’re going to allow this nonsense to go on in our community? From my perspective, the answer has to be no. Look, under no circumstance can we tolerate someone violently assaulting another person here. If you remember, a guy walked up to me not too long ago. Then, he wanted a fist-bump. So, being that I’m known throughout our community, we bumped fists together. Therefore, that response should have been enough as a greeting. But, then, can you believe that the guy then asked: “Can I get a hug?” So, my response was: “no.” And, that’s when this guy became aggressive. So, at that point, I thought this incident was going to escalate. Then, I thought that I was going to go to jail. However, I decided to tell the guy to back off. So, the guy made a smart choice and walked away from me.

Fortunately, these incidents don’t happen every day. Nevertheless, the NYPD has some good online advice to protect you in these types of situations. So, please try to review their advice as soon as possible. Another big problem that we have here is with the way that some people are handling their dog. Can you believe that some dogs have violently bitten some of our residents? Can you believe that a lady was screaming in fear because a pitbull was allowed to get near her? What would you do if someone’s dog bit you while you were in the hallway or on an elevator? What would you do if your young child was riding a bike and a dog on an extended leash was near your child? Yes, residents can work with Riverbay to legally bring a dog here. But, then dog owners need to understand that owning and caring for a dog comes with a lot of responsibilities. Bottom line: There are a lot of lawyers that will gladly handle these types of cases. Thereafter, they will file a tremendous lawsuit against someone that allowed their dog to bite or injure someone. NYC has a leash law that says: “All dogs in public places in New York City must be leashed. The leash can’t be longer than 6 feet.” But, how many times have you gone outside and saw dogs on a leash that was longer than 6 feet? Violation? Will a lawyer incorporate that violation into a lawsuit? Absolutely! Who Was That Guy? There is an online video of a man knocking on doors in our community. So, an investigation was conducted. Then, it turned out that the man was trying to get residents to join a cable service. However, this company knows that their workers cannot knock on our doors. Therefore, this type of conduct has to stop. Pay That Fare In 2024, lots of passengers didn’t pay their fare. So, can you believe that the MTA lost $1 billion just in that one year? According to a report, here are the losses that the MTA faced in 2024: 1. They lost $568 million in unpaid bus fares; 2. They lost

Check Washing Schemes –––– (Continued from page 7) inspectors and banking security managers recommend taking several practical precautions: • Use Gel Ink Pens: Write checks using dark, indelible gel ink pens. Gel ink contains pigments that bind permanently to paper fibers, making chemical erasure nearly impossible compared to standard ballpoint ink. • Deposit Mail Securely: Hand-deliver mail containing checks directly inside a U.S. Post Office building or hand it directly to a mail carrier. Avoid leaving outgoing checks in unlocked residential mailboxes or dropping them in public blue collection boxes after the last scheduled collection time. • Monitor Accounts Frequently: Review online banking portals and digital statements daily. Setting up mobile app alerts for cleared checks allows account holders to flag fraudulent transactions immediately. • Adopt Electronic Payment Alternatives: Utilize secure online bill pay, ACH transfers, or peer-to-peer digital payment systems for recurring bills to eliminate paper checks. What to Do If You Are Targeted If you suspect a check you mailed was intercepted, washed, or fraudulently cashed, act immediately: 1. Notify Your Bank: Contact your bank’s fraud department right away to place a freeze on affected accounts and file an official fraud affidavit. 2. File Federal & Police Reports: Report the theft to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at uspis.gov or by calling 1-877-876-2455 and submit a report with your local police department or precinct. 3. Contact Credit Bureaus: Place a fraud alert on your credit profile with major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) if sensitive banking or identity data was compromised.

MTA Real-Time Service Updates

The most up-to-date information on MTA service status is always available at mta.info. For immediate notice of service changes, sign up for real-time email or text notifications at cloud.info.mta.org/create-mta-service-alerts or download the official MTA app. For weekend subway service changes, subscribe to the weekly digest at cloud.info.mta.org/weekender

$350 million in unpaid subway fares; 3. They lost $46 million or more in unpaid commuter rail tickets; and 4. They lost $51 million or more in unpaid tolls. Therefore, lots of undercover police officers are busting people for not paying their fare. In the 1st quarter of 2026, they arrested 3,l88 people for subway fare evasion. Additionally, they issued 26,267 civil summonses for subway fare evasion during this same period. Bottom line: A lot of people are simply walking onto busses without paying their fare. So, yes, they should now reconsider their conduct and always pay their fare before they’re confronted by NYPD officers. Close The MTA has a Reduced-Fare Program for seniors and people with disabilities. Additionally, they have the Fair Fares NYC program for low-income residents aged 18–64. So, please check out these programs. 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.

9

Co-op City Times / August 15, 2026

New Yorkers Reminded to Be Cautious in Charitable Giving for Colombia Earthquake Relief New York Attorney General Letitia James has provided guidance to New Yorkers looking to support relief efforts following the devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Colombia on Monday, August 10. Attorney General James warns New Yorkers to be wary of sham charities that may take advantage of their concern and bad actors who misrepresent themselves as being associated with a charity. Attorney General James also encourages everyone to ensure they are donating to legitimate charitable efforts and organizations. “My heart breaks for all those impacted by this devastating earthquake in Colombia and their families and loved ones at home here in New York,” said Attorney General James. “As New Yorkers generously seek to support relief efforts, I urge them to be careful of sham charities and make sure they are giving to trustworthy organizations and groups. I encourage anyone who experiences any issues when donating to contact my office.” Fraudulent organizations can try to prey on New Yorkers’ good intentions, especially following natural disasters. Given the significant impact of the earthquake in Colombia, it is essential for New Yorkers to be informed as they seek to help those in need. The Attorney General offers the following tips to ensure donations are safe and effective: • Solicited by Email? Find Out Who Is Soliciting. If you receive a solicitation by email, find out who is behind that email address. Contact the charity whose name is in the email or visit its website to find out if the email is really from the charity. Do not give personal information or your credit card number in response to an email solicitation unless you have checked out the charity. • Be Careful When Giving Through Social Media or Other Fundraising Sites. Before giving through social media or fundraising sites, research the identity of the organizer of the fundraising efforts and ask the same questions you would of a charity. Online platforms that host groups and individuals soliciting for causes may not thoroughly vet those who use their service. Donors should only give to campaigns conducted by people whom they know. Donors also should take a close look at the site’s Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Terms and Conditions to see what fees will be charged. Also, don’t assume that charities recommended on social media sites, blogs, or other websites have already been vetted. Research the charity to confirm that the charity is aware of the campaign and has given its approval for the use of its name or logo. If available, sign up for updates from the campaign organizer to keep abreast of how contributions to the campaign are being spent. • Check Before Giving. Donate to charities you are familiar with and carefully review information about the charity before you give. Check a website like Disaster Philanthropy to find out which charities are at the aid forefront. When donating to international disaster relief, choose a reputable organization working in the affected area. Agencies such as the American Red Cross and the United Nations offer valuable information on the best ways to lend support overseas. Most charities are required to register and file financial reports with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) Charities Bureau if they solicit contributions from New Yorkers. Check OAG’s website for financial reports of charities or ask the charity directly for its reports. • Ask How Your Donation Will Be Used. Find out how the charity plans to use your donation, including the services and individuals your donation will support. Find out more than just the cause. Find out what organization or entity will receive the money and what programs it conducts or what services it provides. Find out how much of the organization’s budget supports its mission. All charities have administrative expenses but be wary if these costs outweigh the amount spent on relief. • Look Into Newly Formed Organizations Carefully. Often, in the

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aftermath of tragedies, new organizations emerge to meet community needs. While most of these organizations are well-intentioned, and some may provide innovative forms of assistance, some may not have the experience or infrastructure to follow through on their promises, and some may turn out to be scams. • Exercise Caution Before You Text a Contribution. Check the charity’s website or call the charity to confirm it has authorized contributions to be made via text message. • Don’t Give Cash or Gift Cards, or Wire Money. Give directly to the charity either by check made payable to the organization or through the charity’s website. • Be Careful About Personal Information. Be cautious before giving credit card or personal information over the phone, by text message, or via the internet. In all cases, make sure you are familiar with the organization to which you give such information and check to see that the fundraising campaign is legitimate. Report Suspicious Organizations. If you believe an organization is misrepresenting its work or that a fundraising or charitable scam is taking place, please file a complaint with the Charities Bureau or email complaints@ag.ny. gov.

BP Gibson’s Bronx Summer Concert Series at Orchard Beach Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson’s Bronx Summer Concert Series at Orchard Beach continues this weekend with live music and performance by Tribute to Ismael Miranda featuring Herman Olivera, Hip Hop Jibarito, and Los Hermanos Colón, with sounds by DJ Ralphie Mercado. Invite your family and friends to the Orchard Beach pavilion on Sunday, August 16, 1-5 p.m. The event is free and open to all, offering a joyful, safe gathering space to celebrate music, culture, and the energy of the borough at our beloved Bronx Riveria.

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10

Co-op City Times / August 15, 2026

NYC, TDF Announce Thousands of Free and Low-Cost Broadway Tickets for High School Students to Close Out Summer This week, NYC Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and the Theatre Development Fund (TDF) announced that New York City high school students will have the opportunity to receive thousands of free and low-cost tickets to Broadway Two Strangers and Off-Broadway shows through the end of summer and into the fall. Starting on Thursday, Aug. 13, high school students can enter a lottery to receive free tickets to one of seven marquee Broadway shows: Buena Vista Social Club; In the Heights (New York City Center); School Girls Or, The African Mean Girls Play; Stranger Things: The First Shadow; The Lost Boys; The Great Gatsby and Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York). The lottery will remain open through Monday, Aug. 17, at 10 a.m., and selected students will be able to claim up to two tickets. High school students can enter the lottery at on. nyc.gov/Broadway. Every student who enters the lottery will automatically receive a free, two-month TDF membership, giving them access to deeply discounted tickets to Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Off-Off Broadway shows, as well as music, museums and dance. Discounted tickets typically range from $20 to $40, giving students the opportunity to experience a wide range of performances across the city. Students can claim Bunea Vista their free TDF Membership and download their digital membership cards even after the lottery has ended; free two-month TDF memberships will remain available through Sept. 13 at on.nyc.gov/Broadway.

“In a city overflowing with extraordinary art and culture, every young person should have the opportunity to experience those moments, regardless of what’s in their bank account,” said Mayor Mamdani. “That’s why, in partnership with TDF, we’re offering more than 2,000 free tickets to some of Broadway’s most exciting shows, along with discounted tickets to many more. We want every high school student to have the opportunity to explore this city, experience incredible art and discover something that stays with them long after the curtain falls.” “At TDF, we believe that theatre is the birthright of every New Yorker, and since our founding in 1968, we have welcomed close to 70 million theatregoers with low-cost and free admissions to Broadway and NYC theatre,” said Deeksha Gaur, TDF’s Executive Director. “We believe that individuals and societies are healthier when residents have access to art. That is why we are deeply grateful to Mayor Mamdani for partnering with TDF on this essential opportunity for New York City high schoolers. We—along with our incredible industry partners—look forward to facilitating a lifelong relationship with the arts for these young New Yorkers, leading to joyful, transformative experiences while strengthening the fabric of our great city.” TDF Membership will also give New York City high school students the opportunity to visit some of New York City’s most iconic cultural institutions for free or at deeply discounted rates by showing their TDF Membership card. Participating organizations include: • American Museum of Natural History • Brooklyn Botanical Garden • Brooklyn Museum • Carnegie Hall • Flushing Town Hall • Historic Richmond Town • Jamaica Center for the Arts and Learning • Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts • Louis Armstrong House Museum • MoMA PS1 • Museum of Jewish Heritage • New York City Ballet • New York City Center • New York Hall of Science • New York Botanical Garden • Pregones/Puerto Rican Traveling Theater • Queens Botanical Garden

• Snug Harbor Cultural Center • Staten Island Museum • The Bronx Museum • The Metropolitan Museum of Art • The Public Theater/NY Shakespeare Festival • Wave Hill Public Garden & Cultural Center • Wildlife Conservation Society “Art and culture belong to every New Yorker, and we want young people to know that our city’s stages, galleries and cultural centers are theirs, too,” said NYC Cultural Affairs Commissioner Diya Vij. “As students head back to school, there’s no better time to discover something new with friends, be inspired and experience the energy of the arts. New York City is the cultural capital of the world—but more importantly, it’s your city, and these free tickets are your The Lost Boys invitation to embrace it.” “In a cultural center as vibrant as New York City, every young person should have the opportunity to experience the arts, and that includes our city’s incredible Broadway performances,” said Chancellor Kamar Samuels. “We’re thrilled to partner with Mayor Mamdani and TDF to make these experiences more accessible to our students, while giving them a chance to discover new stories, perspectives, and possibilities. This is what it means to use our city as a classroom and to give our students the enriching cultural opportunities they deserve.” Any New York City student in grades 9 through 12 is eligible for the free, two-month TDF membership and Great Gatsby the Broadway ticket Photos courtesy of the TDF giveaway.

Co-op City Times / August 15, 2026

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Co-op City Times / August 15, 2026

Proper Reporting of Service Requests for Laundry Machines Riverbay laundry facilities offer state-of-the-art washers and dryers provided by CSC. To report inoperable washers and dryers, shareholders should: 1. Download and use the CSC app. You’ll need the machine number which is affixed to the front of the machine.

OR 2. Call CSC at 1-877-264-6622 and report the inoperable machine. You’ll need the machine number. CSC will then generate a work order to send out a repair specialist. OR 3. Submit an online service request to CSC at www.cscsw.com. Riverbay Janitorial supervisors inspect the laundry rooms daily. Out-of-service machines are identified, cross-referenced, and reported to CSC for repairs.

Shareholders can assist in the identification of inoperable laundry machines by filling out the yellow repair card and placing it into the slot at the front of

the machine. Thank you for your cooperation. —Riverbay Management

Co-op City Times / August 15, 2026

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Co-op City Times / August 15, 2026

Next Mile NYC Expanded to Connect New Yorkers on Probation to Careers in the High-Paying Trucking Industry New York City has expanded the successful Next Mile NYC Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training program to eligible New Yorkers on probation creating a direct pathway from community supervision to stable, family-sustaining careers in the commercial trucking industry. The new partnership extends Next Mile NYC to more than 11,000 New Yorkers currently under DOP supervision across the five boroughs, building on the program’s success serving justice-involved New Yorkers in the community and its March 2026 expansion to people in custody on Rikers Island. “Public safety is built by creating the conditions that allow people to establish stable lives,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “Expanding Next Mile NYC means thousands more New Yorkers on probation will have access to good-paying jobs, a pathway to long-term stability and the chance to provide for their families. When we invest in opportunity, we reduce recidivism, strengthen our economy and make our city safer for all.” “Expanding Next Mile NYC ensures more New Yorkers have the chance to gain valuable skills, secure stable employment, and successfully reintegrate into their communities. That is how we build safer neighborhoods and stronger futures,” said Sharun Goodwin, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Probation. “Every person deserves the opportunity to write a new chapter. At the Department of Probation, we see the potential in the people we serve every day, and we know that access to meaningful employment can change the trajectory of a life.” Through workforce development organization Emerge Career, participants complete a 40-hour online CDL training course, earn their Commercial Learner’s Permits (CLPs), receive behind-the-wheel instruction and take the New York State CDL road test. Graduates also receive job placement support connecting them with employers offering salaries ranging from $70,000 to $125,000. Since launching in 2025, Next Mile NYC has delivered measurable, life-changing results: • 306 participants have earned CLPs and 187 have obtained CDLs. • 111 participants have secured full-time employment, earning an average salary of $73,573 and a median salary of $75,000. Another 74 graduates have pending job offers. • Zero participants have reported being rearrested. • 94% of participants who completed behind-thewheel training earned a CDL. • 97% of participants who earned a CDL received a job offer within six months. The expansion reflects Mayor Mamdani’s commitment to creating economic opportunity for justice-involved New Yorkers while meeting the City’s workforce needs. Reaching people while they are on probation gives them access to stable employment at a critical moment, helping them successfully complete community supervision, support their families and avoid future involvement with the criminal legal system. In March 2026, the Mayor announced the expansion of Next Mile NYC in partnership with the Department of Correction, allowing eligible people on Rikers Island to begin online coursework while in custody before transitioning to behind-the-wheel instruction, licensing and job placement after release. Since that expansion, 66 people have enrolled in the program and 22 have successfully completed the online training. “We are thrilled to expand our existing partnership

Join the Givans Creek Preservation Coalition Shareholders concerned about the city’s proposal to improve access to Givan Creek Woods are invited to join a coalition of fellow shareholders advocating for preservation of this natural woodland area, and for shareholders’ voice to be heard at the decision-making table. The Save Givans Creek Woods Coalition can be reached at savegcwoods@ gmail.com. Scan the QR Code below to sign the petition or go to Change.org/Rconsider the Givans Creek Park Development Proposal.

with MOCJ and DOC to bring real, tangible second chances — rooted in careers, not just credentials — to New Yorkers on probation,” said Zo Orchingwa, co-founder and co-CEO of Emerge Career. “Our vision is to harness technology to open pathways to skilled trades careers that begin before release, not just after. This isn’t a checkbox initiative or training that leads nowhere. Next Mile NYC is a real jobs and reentry program, built to change lives and deliver outcomes.” Formerly incarcerated people face persistently high unemployment, while industries such as trucking continue to significant workforce shortages. At the same time, research shows that access to stable employment is one of the strongest predictors of successful reentry and reduced recidivism. By connecting New Yorkers to careers that provide immediate, family-sustaining wages, Next Mile NYC is helping break the cycle of incarceration, strengthening the city’s workforce and making neighborhoods safer. To apply for the Next Mile NYC program online, visit https://bit.ly/4fpsmzD, or scan the QR code.

Co-op City Times / August 15, 2026

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Western Union to Maintain Services & Fair Pricing in New York Following Acquisition of Internex

The Western Union Company (Western Union) has agreed to maintain its services for communities throughout New York following New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) approval of Western Union’s acquisition of Intermex. Western Union assured the New York State Attorney General’s Office and DFS that it will continue availability and fair pricing of critical financial services in New York. Western Union must maintain locations throughout the state, continue to offer remittance services, and cap fee increases for three years after it acquires Intermex, ensuring New Yorkers will continue to have reliable access to its services. “New Yorkers rely on Western Union to support their families and send money to loved ones across the globe,” said Attorney General Letitia James. “We are taking action to ensure that this merger does not threaten remittance services that working families need. I thank Governor Hochul and Acting Superintendent Asrow for their work to secure this plan to keep Western Union affordable and available to communities throughout New York.” “Every New Yorker deserves reliable and affordable access to the financial services they rely on to support their families,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “As Western Union moves forward with this acquisition, my administration is ensuring that critical remittance services will remain available in communities across the state while protecting consumers from unfair fee increases. I thank Attorney General James for her partnership in delivering this important agreement for New Yorkers.” “DFS is focused on protecting the availability of affordable and accessible financial services for all New Yorkers,” said DFS Acting Superintendent Kaitlin Asrow. “The commitment secured in partnership with the Attorney General’s Office advances that work by ensuring New Yorkers have the same access to critical remittance services following the acquisition of Intermex.” Western Union is a multinational financial services company that allows its customers to send money to more than 200 countries and territories through its website and apps, or over the counter at any of its roughly 3,000 licensed agent locations throughout New York. Intermex serves more than 6,000 New York consumers per year, allowing them to send money to more than 60 countries through

its online apps and licensed retail locations, including branches in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Westchester County, and on Long Island. Intermex focuses on remittance services to Latin America and the Caribbean. After acquiring Intermex, Western Union will control a significant share of New York customers’ retail remittances to six countries: Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Peru. Under agreements with DFS and the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), Western Union is barred from using its acquisition of Intermex to reduce services available to New York consumers who remit money to those six countries for three years. Intermex’s locations will remain open and transition to Western Union branding. Specifically, Western Union must take the following actions: • Maintain at least the same physical presence in ZIP codes where Intermex locations are operating at the time of acquisition; • Offer retail remittance services for New York customers to Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Peru at each of those locations; and • Limit price increases on retail services to only those that keep pace with inflation. Western Union will also provide reports to DFS for three years that include: • A list of service terminations at retail locations and reasons for termination; • All customer communications regarding service availability and pricing; and • The number and amount of retail and digital remittance services at each location by method and country of destination, as well as the fee schedule for those services. Western Union must also pay for an independent, DFS-approved auditor to conduct an audit one year after the acquisition to ensure compliance with the conditions of the agreement. As its regulator, DFS will continue to supervise the conduct of Western Union including its compliance with the agreement. The OAG will be able to take enforcement action or extend the terms of the agreement if Western Union is found to have breached its terms.

NYC to Cover All Out-of-Pocket Child Care Costs for Families Receiving Child Care Subsidies City Hall announced this week that New York City will make child care comThis announcement follows the submission of more than 5,700 applications pletely free for all families receiving child care assistance through vouchers and for the City’s first-ever free 2-K program, which will provide universal child contracts across New York City. The policy will benefit approximately 22,000 care to families regardless of income or immigration status. Demand for 2-K was low-income families who currently receive subsidized childcare through the nearly three times the number of available seats, underscoring the need to expand Child Care Assistance Program and pay a sliding-scale fee. access to affordable, high-quality care. Mayor Mamdani has made expanding Beginning in September, the Mamdani Administration will cover the $5.2M child care access a priority of his first year in office. in annual out-of-pocket costs those families currently pay for care. Funding has In April, Mayor Mamdani announced that the City’s 2-K programming would been baselined in the budget at $6.24M beginning in FY28. be full-day and full-year. The administration has also advanced work on the City’s “For thousands of families, a weekly child care fee means another bill they first free child care pilot program and opened seven previously vacant provider simply can’t afford. Making that care truly free can make all the difference,” said sites to create 240 additional 3-K seats, as part of a broader rollout of 2,000 new Mayor Mamdani. “As part of our promise to deliver universal child care, we are 3-K seats across all five boroughs. eliminating these fees for families receiving child care assistance across the city. No family should have to choose between staying in the city they love and affording care for their child. This is another step toward making affordable child care something every New York family can count on.” “The rising cost of child care is one of the single Family Owned and Operated largest expenses facing families across New York,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “That’s why I was • Large Chapel • Pre-need counseling proud to stand with Mayor Mamdani in January to on premises announce that we would put New York on a path to • Out of town services • Ample Parking universal child care. The State has since allocated on premises $1.2 billion to support and expand the City’s child A dignified funeral every family can afford • Cremations care infrastructure, an investment that is already • Casket Showroom All areas are handicapped accessible paying dividends for working families. This comon premises mitment is one more way we are putting money Amid ongoing concerns about the Coronavirus COVID-19, McCall’s Bronxwood Funeral Home is back in New Yorkers’ pockets, putting families first closely monitoring the latest reports from the CDC and is fully committed to providing the funeral and and ensuring they have the resources they need to memorial services you expect without interruption, in a clean and hygenic environment. thrive.” The Child Care Assistance Program provides Personalized & Professional Care • 58 Years Serving Our Community subsidized child care for eligible children ages 6 weeks through 13 years old and through age 19 Worldwide Shipping including Caribbean, Africa & South America for children with disabilities. Funded through the State’s Child Care Assistance Program, more than 100,000 children currently receive vouchers in New York City, while several thousand more infants, toddlers, and preschoolers access extended-day care through City contracts. The City is required to charge eligible families a fee on a sliding scale, Serving all Call which approximately 22,000 families currently pay. cultures 24 LIVE STREAMING WORLDWIDE. Beginning in September, the Mamdani AdministraHours & faiths tion will cover these costs for all families, making their care completely free. Families who currently www.mccalls.net • director@mccalls.net receive subsidized care will not need to take any ad4035 Bronxwood Avenue, Bronx, N.Y. ditional action.

718-231-7647 Fax: 718-231-7665

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Co-op City Times / August 15, 2026

Summer EBT Available for Parents By BRANDON ORTIZ

Parents have until September 8 to apply for this year’s round of Summer EBT benefits. This program is designed to support low-income families with children buy groceries during the summer months when schools are closed. While most eligible children will automatically receive Summer EBT benefits, some families may need to apply. Children between the ages of 6 and 16 who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Temporary Assistance benefits, or who are currently enrolled in Medicaid during the eligibility period of July 1, 2025 and September 8, 2026 automatically receive their Summer EBT benefits. Additionally, children who are certified for the National School Lunch Program, which offers free or reduced-priced meals, also automatically receive Summer EBT benefits. Students who are not automatically enrolled and need to apply must attend a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program and their family must have an annual household income at or below 185% of the federal poverty line. Here’s a quick rundown on what the income limits are per household size: • Household size of one: $29,526 • Household size of two: $40,034 • Household size of three: $50,452 • Household size of four: $61,050 • Household size of five: $71,558 To apply for Summer EBT benefits, families can go online to tinyurl. com/2s4y3n9y. Per the New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), Summer EBT benefits are issued once per year in the full amount of $120 for each eligible child and are loaded automatically onto the child’s EBT card. Families should keep in mind Summer EBT benefits expire in 122 days from their issue date. Children who are new to the program will receive a Summer EBT card in the mail. Families should be aware that this card will be used each subsequent year their child is eligible for the program, so OTDA advises families not to throw out the card and instead store it safely. For replacement cards, families can visit tinyurl.com/3sfxpf7y and follow the steps to receive a new card. Summer EBT benefits cannot be replaced if they are stolen, so OTDA reminds families to be wary of card skimmers that can allow bad actors access to a benefits holder’s account. Scammers may also try to steal a benefits holder’s PIN, but neither New York State, County or EBT staff will ever ask for this information.

MTA Expands ––––– (Continued from page 3) Only buses, trucks with six or more wheels, emergency vehicles and Access-ARide vehicles will be permitted to drive along the full corridor during the operational hours. All other vehicles, such as taxis and for-hire vehicles, “may enter from side streets for local access but must leave the corridor at the next available right turn,” per the Mayor’s Office. Another important aspect of the redesign is improving pedestrian safety along Tremont Avenue. Data collected by DOT from 2020 to 2024 showed nearly 630 people sustained injuries in crashes along this Bronx corridor, 46 people sustained severe injuries, and four individuals lost their lives, according to the Mayor’s Office. To address the situation, DOT will add “painted sidewalk extensions that shorten pedestrian crossing distances and naturally slow turning drivers. Intersections were selected based on crash history and to accommodate traffic pattern changes resulting from Tremont Avenue’s redesign,” as explained by the Mayor’s Office. “Painted sidewalk extensions will be reinforced with plastic flex posts, granite blocks and bicycle parking to deter illegal parking,” the Mayor’s Office went on to say.

e-Bike Safety Review––––– (Continued from page 3) enforcement efforts, including details on location choices, the kinds of

violations issued to e-Bikes or e-Scooters, plus data on how enforcement efforts have influenced overall safety when compared to similar times without targeted enforcement. • Introduction 389 – This bill would require all third-party food delivery services to ensure that any mopeds used by their drivers are properly registered. • Resolution 44 – This resolution calls for increasing penalties for leaving the scene of an e-Bike or e-Scooter accident and calls for the New York State Legislature to include e-Bikes in related existing laws. • Introduction 95 – Requires the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection to work alongside the Department of Transportation in order to develop and disseminate materials used to operate mopeds. If passed, this bill would also require moped retailers to sell these materials. In the coming weeks, the City Council plans to announce several additional bills related to e-Bike safety such as a trade-in program for unsafe devices, increased consumer protections, stronger overall enforcement and potential infrastructure changes that deter high-speed riding. Data referenced by the City Council showed that there have been over 500 e-Bike collisions this year, leading to a 31.7% increase compared to the same time last year.

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Co-op City Times / August 15, 2026

Black Forum Emergency Food Pantry 920 Baychester Ave., Bldg. 1A (opposite basketball court). The pantry is open on Thursday and Friday from 11 a.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 Thursdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The groceries are supplied 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 Guest Registration & Re-Certification for Returners Registration for new clients and recertification for returners closed on April 30, 2026. We thank everyone for their patience as we navigated through the process. Closure The 920 Baychester Ave. location will be closed during the week of August 16–22. Please come on August 13 or 14 for your monthly package instead. We will also be closed on August 28. Please come on August 27 instead to collect your monthly package.

Rivers Run I have not spent nearly as much time at Rivers Run this summer as I would have liked. When I do make it to the garden, it is wonderful to see everyone, catch up, and see what is growing. Unfortunately, the mosquitoes seem equally happy to see me, and I suffer for those visits long after I leave! We plan to give the garden a little extra attention before this weekend so that hopefully the mosquitoes will be less enthusiastic about joining us. And we have a good weekend ahead. Visitors to Rivers Run will be able to take home some of the garden’s bounty. We will be giving away herbs, mint, and bitter melon while supplies last. If you have never cooked with bitter melon, perhaps this is your opportunity to take some home and try something new. We are also pleased to welcome one of our local churches, which will be holding a Paint and Chat fundraiser at the garden. There is something special about seeing Rivers Run used not only for growing food and flowers, but also as a place where people can gather, create, laugh, and support one another. That has always been part of the spirit of Rivers Run. We grow vegetables. We grow herbs and flowers. But most importantly, we grow community. Stop by this weekend, say hello, take home something fresh, and enjoy the garden. And hopefully, the mosquitoes will not enjoy you! Please tell your friends and family about this amazing place where we not only grow fruits and vegetables, but we also grow knowledge and friendships. Rivers Run Community Garden is a movement towards improved mental and physical health. We provide all types of workshops including nutrition, meditation, edible and medicinal wilds identification, planting, construction, and crafting. We are the outdoor classroom for the local schools, daycares as well as residents and neighbors. We are a place of beauty and peace. Visit. Stay. Experience us. Rivers Run is open: • Tuesdays: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. • Saturdays & Sundays: 12 a.m. to 5 p.m. Membership requirements: $20 per year fee and 20 hours of work. There is a waiting list for beds. Members who are actively fulfilling the 20 hours of volunteer work requirement are moved up on the waiting list. Volunteers are welcome. If you’d like to reach out to us, please email us at Rivers_run@yahoo.com or call Denise Shelley at 917-232-2982 or me at 718-671-3801. Mailing address for dues (checks only): 100 Casals Pl #32K, Bronx, NY 10475. —Gail Sharbaan

Produce Distribution Black Forum (920 Baychester) is distributing to all registered pantry guests fresh produce on Tuesday, August 25, from 11 a.m. until items run out (which can happen at any time). No monthly pick-ups on that day – no exceptions. Please bring five to six clean/sturdy bags, your 2026 pantry card, and a sizable shopping cart. Fundraisers & Fun! Sight & Sound Trip Reminder (Aug. 21) – Bus boarding/departure times (sharp): 920 Baychester Ave. (6:40/6:55 a.m.); Asch Loop (7:05/7:20 a.m.); Einstein Community Center (7:30/7:40 a.m.). Please arrive early; the bus will not wait. Theater rules strictly prohibit electronics, filming, and bags over 9”x12” (small bags subject to search). Bring a light jacket for the chilly theater, and a small cooler to leave on the bus for Shady Maple farmers market purchases. We look forward to seeing you! Wind Creek Casino – We are pleased to announce a trip to Wind Creek Casino on Saturday, November 14, 2026. Cost: $70; Casino Rebate: $25. We’re collecting payments now. Final payment is due by October 23, 2026. Please make checks payable to Black Forum of Co-op City. Please be aware that there are no refunds or transfers, and seats will be assigned only once full payment is received. Bake Sale! – Indulge your sweet tooth for a great cause! Join us for a Bake Sale coming this August. Date is TBA. All proceeds benefit the Black Forum of Co-op City Food Pantry, so we can continue feeding the community. Contact us: coopcityblackforum@gmail.com. —D. Illis

African-American Association of Co-op City Association’s Board Meeting As we continue to enjoy the summer, the association will be holding its strategic development and planning meeting to examine the programs for the new year starting September 2026. The meeting is scheduled for Sunday, August 16, at the association meeting place on Dreiser Loop by 3 p.m. All executive members and members at-large are expected to attend this meeting. The meeting will provide a template for the organizational scheme of doing business and activities to be considered after the summer session is over. 2001 Durban World Conference Anniversary August 29 will mark the 25th Anniversary of the 2001 Durban World Conference Against Racism where the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade was first declared a crime against humanity. For the first time, the African American Association of Co-op City, by the resolution of the general membership at its June 2026 meeting, will be participating in the nationwide rallies commemorating the 25th anniversary of

the event that took place in 2001. This will be held here in Co-op City at a press conference to shine the light and engage the community in such a situation. The press conference is planned for Saturday, August 29, at the Bartow Mall parking lot area at 9:30 a.m. We are using this opportunity to invite the public to the press conference where several speakers who are well informed about this issue will take the stage. If there is any time to seek reparation, it is now. Thus, we encourage the community to come out to support the press conference. The association is encouraging its members and the community to come out on Saturday, August 22, at 3 p.m. at the Drammeh Center, 140 DeKruif Place, Building 6, for the commemoration of the historic occasion with Sister Iman Drammeh who co-produced the film documentary on “Durban 400.” It is the only featured-length film made about the UN world conference against racism and the issue of reparations. —Toba Adeyemi LaCrown

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

Greetings, members and friends, We are already in the eighth month of the year and, as the saying goes, “time flies when you’re having fun.” We hope you have been enjoying your summer thus far. August 20th Van Trip – to Walmart in Secaucus, NJ, $15. Please call the Retirees’ office at 718-3790377. Trip Committee – Serita Grayson is planning the following trips for the remainder of this year and for next year. Serita will soon provide the specifics and prices for these excursions. 2026 Friday, September 25 – Phillips Crabfest & Baltimore Inner Harbor. Tuesday, October 20 – The Brownstone, Ace in the Hole Luncheon Show; Tribute to Lionel Richie and the Commodores. November – Wind Creek Casino (date to be announced). 2027 Wednesday, April 28 – White Plains Theater to see “9 to 5.” August 8 to 14 – Chicago trip to visit the Obama

Presidential Library. Happy Birthday – Cheers to all the August birthday celebrants. We wish all the August Leo’s and Virgo’s happy birthday. May you enjoy peace, love, and happiness throughout the year. Condolences – We extend our condolences to Carolyn Lemon on the recent loss of her sister, Cressandra Collins. Our condolences also go out to Georgianna Rodriguez on the loss of her sister, Clara B. O’Neal. Please keep the Lemon/Collins family and the Rodriguez/O’Neal families in your thoughts and prayers. Good and Welfare – Our healing prayers continue to Anthony Cox and we continue to keep Jay McKenzie and Leonard Murrell in our thoughts and prayers. Please notify Lorraine Parker at 718-6716403 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 general membership meetings will resume in September. The date to be announced soon. —Georgianna Rodriguez

We are shareholders, not tenants! Become involved in your building association!

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Co-op City Times / August 15 , 2026

NAACP Co-op City Branch The NAACP marches to defend democracy and combat racism and discrimination in communities across the country. Located in the Einstein Community Center, Rm. 36, we meet the fourth Sunday of the month at 3 p.m. Office hours are Monday & Wednesday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Co-op City Night Out Against Crime: Our branch’s Criminal Justice chair thanks Riverbay Corporation, CCPD, and our elected officials for their partnership celebrating our community. Summer Sunset Cruise: Our Sunset Cruise will set sail on Friday, September 11, leaving from the World’s Fair Marina at 7 p.m., returning at 11:30 p.m. Includes Buffet Dinner (braised beef short ribs, lemon Sole stuffed with crabmeat and chicken du jour and a vegetarian entrée (cash bar); $160 per person, payment (non-refundable). Free parking is available. The bus is now full. If you drive and want to go, call: NAACP at 718-320-3210, Jacquie at 917-217-6363 or the Building13 Facebook page. NAACP Launches Historic $20M Campaign to Mobilize Black Voters for Midterms: Derrick Johnson, President & CEO of the NAACP, said in

a statement, “We’re launching this campaign on our nation’s 250th anniversary – and investing more than we’ve ever invested in a midterm cycle – because this is a pivotal moment for our democracy.” “The future of this country needs to finally serve the people, and not the wealthy at the top who couldn’t care less about those who actually built this nation with blood, sweat, and tears.” The Importance of Mid-Term General Elections: Midterm General Elections are all about Congress. While Presidential General Elections are every four years, the Midterm elections fall in between at the 2-year mark. “General” election basically means it is an election that happens in all states and territories at the same time. The Midterm Primaries determined the nominees who would run; the Midterm General Election on the second Tuesday in November is the actual voting date. Congress is the Legislative Branch of our government, made up of 435 members of the House of Representatives and 100 Senators. Congress provides a check and balance on the Executive Branch of our government, led by the President and Vice

President. A change in the composition of Congress can create a dramatic power shift in the function of an administration. In 2026, all 435 seats in the U.S. House, plus 35 U.S. Senate seats will be decided across the states. Are You Registered? Check online at: VOTE NYC or Call: 1-866868-3692. Make sure your name was not purged. New to Co-op City? You need to update and supply your new residence. Today, we march. Tomorrow, we organize. In November, WE VOTE! Looking to make an even greater impact? Become a champion for change and join us to keep advancing. Annual membership – Adult: $30; Youth: $10; Silver Life: $1,000. Make ck/mo. payable to: NAACP Co-op City. Mailing address: NAACP Coop City, 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 36, Bronx, NY 10475. To become a member online, go to: www. naacp.org membership. Select Co-op City (2210) and join. Office phone at 718-320-3210 or email: naacpccity2210@gmail.com. —Brenda Brown

AARP Chapter #4997 This has been the worst summer, weather-wise, in our memory. We have had massive storms with flooding, unbearable heat, fluctuating temperatures, and outbreaks of various illnesses all through the country. Our hope is that all our families have come through in good health. We are moving on to the normal scheduled lifestyles now that this summer is over. Resorts World Casino trip is accepting final reservations for October 14, 2026. We will leave from 169 Dreiser Loop at 7:15 a.m., going to the special showing of “The Supremes Reflections Tribute to Diana Ross and the Supremes.” You will enjoy the show, buffet lunch and a trip to the casino with a $25 slot play. Upon return, we will stop in all three Co-op City locations: Bartow, Einstein and Dreiser Loop, for your convenience. The cost is $199 per person, and you can also purchase trip insurance. Please contact Ms. Stanton, 332-999-3485; Ms. Brown, 718-379-7962; Ms. Sangrosse, 347-409-1362, or Ms. Kearse, 347-6936848 for information and reservations. We are also accepting reservations for our first “Holiday Celebration” on December 1, 2026, at the Eastwood Manor from 12 p.m.-5 p.m. The cost to start off your holiday festivities is $125 and includes buffet, open bar, live DJ music, and the opportunity to have more treasured holiday events with family and friends. Please contact Ms. Polite, 718-320-4278; Ms. Almond, 646-262-2157, or Ms. Odom, 347-678-0745, to make reservations or get more information. Additional flyers will be available in our office. As of the printing of this article, we will have completed our 10th year of Inter-

generational Tech Training with students from the Summer Youth Employment Program. Our thanks to Ms. Cooper, director of Caregivers Outreach Mentorship Program, for their leadership and participation with the program. Once again, we had excellent students, with patience and ability to assist our seniors. The program ended on Thursday, August 13. Our office hours will now return to 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday–Thursday, 177 Dreiser Loop, Rm. “0;” 718-320-1946; aarp4997@gmail.com. When you contact us during off hours, please leave a message and you will be contacted on our next business day. As an organization and community, we believe that voting is a right that we should all take advantage of for our own quality of life. The Riverbay Board of Directors has still not reached a quorum. If we participate in the same way with the midterm elections in November, our quality of life will get even worse. Voting is a right and a responsibility we all need to participate in, every time. We send our condolences to Ms. Stanton on the loss of her husband; Ms. Henry, our president, for the loss of her brother; and Ms. Mavens for the loss of her sister. We will keep them all in our prayers. On a personal note, sending healing prayers to Clay, my nephew, who recently suffered a stroke. Please contact Mrs. Wilson, 718-671-5493; Ms. Washington, 718-877-5194, or Ms. Harris, 718-379-2298, to share information here. We are here to serve – not to be served. —Ann Purnell

Goose Island Seniors 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 39, Bronx, NY 10475. Until further notice, do not make checks out to Goose Island Seniors. If you have to write a check, make it to “Stephen Roberts.” Raise Your Voice Concert – for “Make Me Wanna Holla” at the L10 Cultural Center, Lafayette Ave., Brooklyn, NY. Aug. 29. Price: $40 for transportation and show. Einstein Loop, 12 p.m.; Asch Loop, 12:15 p.m., and Dreiser Loop at 12:30 p.m. For reservation, call 646-579-1701. Resorts Atlantic City – Thurs., Sept. 10. Adults only. Price: $70; bonus, $18 slot play. Bus arriving at Einstein Loop, 8:15 a.m.; Asch Loop, 8:40 a.m.; and Dreiser Loop, 8:50 a.m. Balance due: Aug. 10. Goose Island Fall Party – Friday, Sept. 18, at 1 p.m. in our club, Rm. 39. Members only. Covered dish. Bring something, or $20 donation. Become a member. $15 until January 2027. Membership dues, $30 yearly. Wind Creek Casino – Bethlehem, PA; Tues., Oct. 6. Price: $70; bonus, $25 for slot play. Resort World Casino – Monticello, NY; Tues., Nov. 10. Price: $70; bonus, $25 slot play, $15 food voucher. One Day Shopping Trip – Lancaster, PA; Nov. 14. Call 646579-1701. Toy Drive – Dec. 6. Donate a toy. DJ, music, entertainment, food and more; $20 entrance fee. Call 646-579-1701. Paris 2027 – April 21-27, 2027. Prices start at $4,400. Call 646579-1701. Chicago Obama Pres. Center 2027 – Date change: June 7-11, 2027. Call 646-579-1701. Notary – with Yvonne Menefee, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Bingo – Mon. Wed. and Fri., 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Members only. Admission: $5 for 3 cards; $0.25 each additional card; 12 games and jackpot. Refreshments. Game Day – Tues. and Thurs. between 1-5 p.m. Dominoes, movies, socializing and more. Members only. Refreshments. Saturday Bingo – Every Sat. at 1 p.m. in the Goose Island Se-

niors Club, Rm. 39 (135 Einstein Loop, Section 5). Members only. Become a member; $15 until January 2027. Price: $0.25 a card each game, seven games. Entrance Fee: $1. Refreshments: $1. To All Members: Happy Birthday to our members who celebrate their birthday in the month of August: Annete McLeod, Stephanie Verni, Elayne Gubitose, Marvine Hollman, Susan Mondesire, Carrie Boone, Archangel Ortiz, Paulette Hill, Deborah Mack, Patricia Watts-Mayo, Gina Tull, Shirley Green, Angel Rondon and Cheryl Weeks. Birthday Cake celebration on Wed., Aug. 19. Sick and Shut-in – Myrna Witherspoon, 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: 347-847-1941 (Zelle available). Our email address is goose.island@optonline.net. Cash App: $StephenCarlSr. Membership dues: $30 annually. Good health to all . —Stephen Roberts, Sr.

Co-op City Times / August 15, 2026

19

Broun Place Townhouse Association

Building 10 Association

Good afternoon, Broun Place cooperators. Have you submitted your Riverbay Board of Directors ballot? This is your annual responsibility; it is not a big deal. Even if you lost your green envelope, you can request a replacement. Just do it. We only have just over 300 ballots to go. Happy Birthday to our great neighbor, Gwen Roberts. She is an awesome human being. We are very happy to celebrate her birthday and be her neighbor. Additionally, it’s the Lazaar’s 30th wedding anniversary. That’s us and our 30th means very much for us especially since it is the second time around and we are commemorating with family and friends. Have you a special celebration coming up? Please let us know and we will put it in our column. Ask your neighbors and friends: Have you voted in this year’s Riverbay Board of Directors election? Please do not complain that “we don’t have enough money for a new project” when extra money is required. Read about the candidates, choose your representatives, and send in your ballot. We must make the quorum. Now is the time to vote. It’s required. Who makes the important decisions on issues in Co-op City? Answer: The Board of Directors. If you boycott voting, you can’t complain. Use your green envelope, vote. A quick review of what the green envelope is for. It is to hold your ballot, so let’s do it. Understand, this is your opportunity to identify that you understand your responsibilities as a Mitchell-Lama cooperator. Additionally, it is very important to take the time to recognize and praise residents who have earned commendations for their participation in Broun Place and Co-op City. We will remember Wendell and Carolyn Nathaniel who have just relocated after close to 50 years in Broun Place. Carolyn served as secretary on the Broun Place Association Board and did an excellent job. An issue behind the scenes is water ponding in our cul-de-sac. Letters have gone back and forth between agencies and departments. The determination is that, at this point, neither Riverbay nor the city agency is accepting the responsibility to reconstruct this gutter so the water doesn’t back up. We would like to meet the new Broun Place cooperators. Please introduce yourselves and submit photos of your gardens and activities in Broun Place. Did you hear? Ms. Donna Young has passed. She was a Riverbay employee during the 1990’s–2000’s. Donna worked in Human Resources, Residential Sales, and the Power Plant, leaving a truly lasting mark on Co-op City. She was an exceptional Riverbay Corporation employee. We were fortunate to work with her. Our sincere condolences go to her partner, brothers, family, and many friends. May all of us suffering from illness regain our health and strength. Before you know it, Labor Day will be here, and the new school year begun. After the election, we will set up a meeting. I am available to you. —Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

Greetings, fellow cooperators. New Cooperators – Welcome, all new cooperators. We look forward to seeing you at the next general membership meeting. Riverbay Board of Directors Annual Election – The annual election cycle for the Riverbay Board of Directors has been extended. A second mailing went out on August 5 to shareholders who did not vote or there was a problem with your ballot. Look out for a white envelope with a green line. Please vote so that we can reach quorum. If, for any reason, you do not want to vote, please check the quorum box. If a quorum is not reached, the voting will be extended again and the money comes out of our pocket because we are Riverbay. Let your voice be heard. Vote!!! Let’s do this, Building 10!!! Reminder of the Week: Cooking Oil Disposal – Please place used cooking oil in a container and place in the compactor room for collection by the porter. Do not pour cooking oil down the drain as the oil will clog the pipes and cause a back-up. If You See Something, Say Something – For emergencies, call Co-op City Public Safety at 718-671-3050 and NYPD at 911. For non-emergencies, call 311. You can also contact CCPD at their anonymous tips hotline: 718-8796311. 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 at Building10Assoc@gmail.com or drop a note in the suggestion box in the laundry. Please note all submitted questions and comments will be answered at the monthly association meeting. We are also on Facebook, “Building 10 “ABC” Association.” Like our page and get notified of all the happenings in and around Building 10. We would like to wish all who are born this month an incredibly happy birthday. Celebrating an anniversary this month? Happy Anniversary! To the homebound and sick, we wish you a speedy recovery. To all who have lost a loved one recently, we offer our deepest condolences. “Never regret anything that made you smile.” ––Mark Twain Have a great week. —Jewel Crawford-Duncan

Building 33 Association Resident Updates Thank you to all of the residents who have supported the Building 33 Association by paying their annual dues. Building dues are $10 per apartment and help support community events, educational programming, association operations, technology, equipment, and other initiatives for Building 33 residents. Residents may pay by cash, Zelle, or Tap-to-Pay. Zelle: office@wearebuilding33. org. Additional lobby collection opportunities will continue to be announced. Building 33 Learning Series – Planning continues for our upcoming Building 33 Learning Series, a series of educational workshops designed to provide residents with useful information on practical, everyday topics. Sessions being developed include estate planning, artificial intelligence (AI), insurance, tax preparation and planning, investing and more. We are currently looking for knowledgeable and qualified individuals who may be interested in leading one of these educational sessions. If you have expertise in one of these areas or know someone who may be a good fit, we would love to hear from you. Building 33 residents who have paid their annual association dues will be able to attend the Learning Series at no additional cost. Additional participation options will also be available for residents who have not paid dues and for residents from other Co-op City buildings. More details will be announced as presenters and dates are confirmed. Building Movie Night – Join us on Saturday, August 29 in the Building 33 Association Room for our next double-feature Movie Night. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” beginning at 6 p.m. After a short intermission, “The Day After Tomorrow,” will begin. Come down, grab a seat, meet some neighbors and enjoy movie night with us. Our next Building 33 Association meeting will be held on Thursday, August 27. Representatives from the New York State Division of Consumer Protection will join us for a presentation on identity theft and scams. We encourage residents to come out and take advantage of this informative community presentation. Stay Connected For updates, meeting information, community news, upcoming events and more visit: www.WeAreBuilding33.org. Questions, suggestions, or interested in participating in the learning series? contact@wearebuilding33.org. —Tobias Garcia

The deadline for submitting club articles is Mondays at 5 p.m.

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. Interim Priest: Rev. Margaret Tuttle. In-person worship service for The Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost will be conducted at the church on Sunday, August 16, at 9 a.m. as well as via teleconference. To participate by teleconference, dial 1-425-436-6344, Access Code: 509-898, followed by the # sign. Please be reminded that the noonday prayer service will be on summer break for the month of August. Pledge Cards for 2026 are available. Please collect, complete and return yours to the church as soon as possible. We know that you want to help your church and it is on these cards that you tell us about your talents, areas of interest, and expertise. Events and Fundraising Activities Summer Break: Month of August – The following will be on summer break: Our weekday noonday prayer service, the choir (they will not robe), and there will be no Vestry nor ECW meetings. However, if there is an emergency, please call the church phone number, 718-320-0844, and if there is no answer, leave a message. P.S: Our usual in-person Sunday Morning Worship Service will continue at 9 a.m. Friday, August 21: The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) of St. Joseph’s is hosting an Essex Steam Train & Riverboat trip to Connecticut, including lunch. The bus departs promptly at 8 a.m. from in front of the Rehab Center, 145 Dreiser Loop, Co-op City. The cost is $175 per person. At this point, we now have a full bus and all outstanding balances should have been paid already. Our heartfelt thanks to you for your support. If you have any questions, including about the lunch menu, please contact Valrie, 347-200-5850. Saturday, September 26: Save the date for our Annual Dinner Sale at the church starting at 12 p.m. until sold out. Sunday, October 4: Women’s Sunday and Fellowship. Condolences: Our thoughts and prayers go out to all our bereaved members, families and friends who have recently lost loved ones. Remember to keep them in your prayers. Sick and Shut-in: We extend our well wishes and prayers for a speedy recovery. If possible, please visit them, call them on the phone or send them a card. Birthday Greetings: Best wishes and blessings to everyone celebrating a birthday this month. We continue to collect only food (cans and dry goods) for the pantry at Grace Episcopal Church, West Farms. If you can, please contribute to those in need. “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good: his mercy endures forever.” (Psalm 118:1) Grace and Peace! —Merville Chambers

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Co-op City Times / August 15, 2026

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

Bartow OAC Shopping Trips: Aug. 26 – Trader Joe’s. Price: $6. Aug. 28 – Costco. Price: 6. Einstein OAC Senior Day Picnic & BBQ, Roberto Clemente State Park, August 27, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Price: $25 pp. Walk Group at NORC office on every Tuesday at 10 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 & within the OACs. Dreiser OAC. Please join us every

Sat., August 22

Fri., August 21

Thurs., August 20 Wed., August 19 Tues., August 18 Mon., August 17

Bartow

Wednesday. Caringkind: The Heart of Alzheimer’s Caregiving Rep. will be in the Bartow main office every third Monday of the month, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., for Alzheimer & Dementia Consultation/Health Care Proxy & Power of Attorney Consultation & other services. Please cCall 646-744-2921 for an appt. Technology Class – Thurs. 3-4 p.m. at the Bartow NORC Office (in person). Line Dance with Bartow Swingers – Wed. & Fri., 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.,

Einstein

in Rm. 7. Call 718-320-1345 for an appt.

Beware of Telephone Scammers If you receive a telephone call demanding immediate payment using a pre-paid card, wire transfer or bitcoin, even if your Caller ID identifies a legitimate business, HANG UP and report the call. Do not divulge personal information such as Social Security number, bank account number, date of birth or any other information. Be smart, be safe!

Dreiser

Room 31 unless otherwise noted

Room 49 unless otherwise noted

Room 7 unless otherwise noted

BARTOW CENTER CLOSED ON MONDAYS

TRIP: Walmart, 9:45 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, “Toy Story 5,” 1-3 p.m.

Weekend Recap Discussion 9-10 a.m. Stay Well Exercise w/Denise, 1011 a.m., Aud. A (On Break) Piano Sing Along Class w/ Tomlin (Biweekly), 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 2 Afternoon Movie: G20, 1-4 p.m.

Walk w/Odessa, 9:30-10:30 a.m. (On Break Until 9/15) Blood Pressure w/Phyllis, 12-1 p.m. (1st & 3rd Tues.) Health & Wellness w/Ann, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. (On Break Until 9/8)

Two options are available

LUNCH:

Meal One: Cozy Lentil & Veggie Soup, White Rice, Roasted Broccoli Meal Two: Southwestern Black Bean Fajitas, White Rice, Roasted Broccoli

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

No Dinner Served on Mondays

KOSHER (Plant Based): Breaded Vegetable Cutlet, Garlic Rosemary Potatoes, Cole Slaw, Canned Pineapple; NON-KOSHER: Chickpea Power Bowl, Classic Macaroni Salad, Orange LUNCH:

TRIP: Staten Island Ferry, 10 a.m.-4 Never Too Old to Learn p.m. Spanish, 10-11 a.m. Current Events, 10-11 a.m. Bridge to Care Arthritis ExArt w/Gerry, 11 a.m.-12 p.m, Rm. 2 ercise w/Damion, 11 a.m.-12 Zumba w/Ola, 1-2 p.m., Aud. A Leisure Games, 1-3:30 p.m., Rm. 2 p.m. Tai Chi w/ Jimmy, 2-3 p.m., Aud. A Bingo, 1-2 p.m. (Biweekly)

Hair Cuts & Styling, 9 a.m.-11 a.m. (appt. only) Stay Well Exercise w/Odessa, Stretch & Tone w/Ola, 10-11 a.m. 10-11 a.m. (On Break until Aqua Aerobics, 10-12 p.m. (off 9/16) site) Line Dancing w/Cynthia, Bodies In Motion w/Ola, 11 Wed. & Fri., 12:30-1:45 p.m. a.m.-12 p.m. Board Games, 1-2 p.m. Technology w/Jimmy, 1-2 p.m. Arthritis Exercise w/Damion, 10-11:15 a.m. Virtual Arts w/Laura via Zoom, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Knitting/Crocheting w/Lynne & Betty, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Card Games w/Frankie, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

LUNCH & DINNER MENUS

Current Events, 9-10 a.m. Arthritis Exercise w/Damion, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Aud. A Bead & Jewelry w/Brenda, 11 a.m.12 p.m. (On Break until Sept.) Lunch/ August Birthday Celebration, 12 p.m.-1 p.m. Afternoon of Card Games, 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Drama Club w/Amelia, 1-3 p.m., Rm. 2 (On Break)

Trip: Coney Island, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Visual Arts, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Leisure TV, 9 a.m.-10 a.m. Salsa Dance w/George, 11 Cardio Exercise w/Gail, 11 a.m.12 p.m., Aud. A a.m.-12 p.m. Crochet & Knitting w/Sarah, Body in Motion w/ Ola, 1-2 p.m., Aud. A (Biweekly) 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Leisure Games w/Clara, 1-3:30 p.m., Rm. 2

Walmart (Monroe, NY), 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Massage Therapy, 10 a.m.-12 Coloring for Calmness, 9:30-10:30 Trip: Bowling, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Massage Therapy, Coney Island Beach/Boardwalk, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. a.m. Coloring for Calmness, 9:30Sewing Class w/Joy, 9-11 a.m. p.m. Su Casa Art w/Tijay, 10 a.m.-12 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Manicure, 10:30 a.m-12 p.m. 10:30 a.m. Alert and Alivew/Joy, w/Cathy anda.m., Essie,Rm. 10-11 Sewing Class 9-11 2 p.m. Manicure, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Chess Club, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. a.m., Rm. 4 (On Break until Sept.) Knitting /Crocheting w/Loretta Line Dance with Cynthia, Chess 10 a.m.-12 p.m.10:30 Knitting Blood Club, Pressure Screening, Line Dance w/Cynthia, 10-12&p.m. Crocheting, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. 12:30 p.m.-1:45 p.m. Blood Pressure Screening, Alert & Alive w/Cathy & Essie, a.m.-12 p.m. Line Dance w/Sassy, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., 12:30-1:30 p.m. Drama Club w/Dazee Windley 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.Habits w/Leo, Aud. 10-11 a.m., Rm. 4 Healthy Sleeping A Theater Arts w/Dazee Windley, 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m., in Bartow Health & Wellness w/Sassy, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. 2.0 – Celebrat- Line Bingo,Dance 1 p.m.-2:50 p.m., Rm. 2 (Biweekly) 2-4 p.m., Bartow OAC, Rm. 31 ing OAC, Rm.in31 Each Other, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Aud. A Let’s Get It on Zumba, 1-2 p.m. Dinner Hour, 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Let’s Get It on Zumba, 1 p.m.-2 p.m. Bingo, 1-2:50 p.m. Menu fee for lunch is $2 & $5 for guest. ALL meals served with margarine and fresh milk. Menu subject to change without notice. For information, please call: (718) 320-2066. Schedule subject to change without notice. Salsa with Rasheem, 10 a.m.-11 a.m., Payments for trips can be made where noted, Mon.–Fri., 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Dreiser, 2nd floor. Word Games, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and 2-4 p.m. only. Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, the Bingo on Saturdays, 1:30-3:30 p.m. NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation. in the back of JASA NORC Office. Intergenerational Arts & Crafts w/ Denise, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. (On Break until 9/19)

Must be 60 or older to become a JASA participant.

Meal One: Baked Chicken Thighs, Mexican Confetti Rice, Black Bean Soup, Italian Blend Vegetables Meal Two: Citrus Braised Pork Shoulder, Mexican Confetti Rice, Black Bean Soup, Italian Blend Vegetables

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

Meal One: Cozy Lentil & Veggie Soup, Perfect White Rice, Roasted Broccoli, Orange; Meal Two: Stew Beans (Habichuelas Guisadas), Perfect White Rice, Garden Salad, Orange

LUNCH:

Meal One: Beef Empanada, Boiled Southern Greens, Garlic Mashed Potatoes; Meal Two: Baked Fish w/Garlic Sauce, Boiled Southern Greens, Garlic Mashed Potatoes

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

Meal One: Baked Chicken Thighs, Mexican Confetti Rice, Black Bean Soup, Italian Blend Vegetables, Banana; Meal Two: Baked Chicken Quarters, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Spinach, Banana

LUNCH: Meal One: Lemon Chicken, Brown Rice, California Blend Vegetables; Meal Two: Chinese Style Pork, Brown Rice, California Blend Vegetables DINNER: BARTOW ONLY Meal One: Beef Empanada, Boiled Southern Greens, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Orange; Meal Two: Pernil (Roasted Pork Shoulder), Arroz con Gandules (Mexican Brown Rice w/ Pigeon Peas), Roasted Broccoli Orange LUNCH:

Meal One: Baked Ziti w/Turkey, Garlic & Rosemary Roasted Potatoes, Roasted Broccoli; Meal Two: BBQ Chicken Leg Quarters, Garlic & Rosemary Roasted Potatoes, Roasted Broccoli

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY Meal One: Lemon Chicken, Brown Rice, California Blend Vegetables, Apple; Meal Two: Beef Hamburger w/Whole Wheat Bun, Lettuce & Tomato, Roasted Sweet Potato Fries, Apple

Saturday: Lunch served at 12:30 p.m. until finished: BARTOW ONLY Meal One: Baked Ziti w/ turkey (Dairyfree), Roasted Broccoli, Banana; Meal Two: Asopao de Pollo (Puerto Rican Chicken), Garlic & Rosemary Roasted Potatoes, Steamed Collard Greens, Banana

21

Co-op City Times / August 15, 2026

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. Seeking God in the Wilderness – Psalm 63 Psalm 63 emerges from the harsh Judean wilderness—a dry, rugged region where water is scarce, shade is limited, and danger is constant. In this setting, every physical need presses upon David: thirst, shelter, protection, and rest. Yet it is precisely here, in a place of vulnerability, that David models how to seek God with earnest longing. The wilderness becomes a picture of our own seasons of loneliness, fear, and emotional strain. David begins with a declaration of desire: “O God, You are my God; earnestly I seek You” (Psalm 63:1). Though his body aches for water and safety, he chooses to rise early and seek God’s presence first. His spiritual thirst becomes more urgent than his physical needs. In verse 2, David remembers being in God’s sanctuary and witnessing His power and glory. What he has seen of God in the past strengthens him in the present. Verses 3–8 reveal the depth of David’s confidence. He proclaims that God’s steadfast love is better than life. This conviction leads him to praise, lift his hands, sing with joy, and cling tightly to God. Even in the wilderness, David experiences satisfaction—a fullness of soul rooted not in circumstances but in God’s faithfulness. His posture is one of worship, gratitude, and trust. Finally, in verses 9–11, David expresses unwavering assurance in God’s de-

liverance. Though danger surrounds him, he rests in the truth that God will act in His time. Practical Applications • Begin your day by seeking God before the world’s noise—emails, news, and social media—reaches you. • Remember what God has done. Offer verbal praise, lift your hands, and sing even in trials. • At night, reflect on God’s faithfulness and end your day with gratitude. • Trust God’s deliverance. He is working even in your wilderness. May God draw us close to Him in every wilderness we face, satisfying our souls with His presence and guiding us with His steadfast love. Come and Receive a Blessing: All are welcome! Bible Study – Will resume in September. Thursdays: Pantry at 11 a.m. In-Person Prayer Meeting – New time at 10 a.m. Upcoming Events – Save The Dates Sunday, August 16: Bilingual Service at 11 a.m. Escuela Dominical at 10 a.m. New: English Sunday School at 10 a.m. Free Vacation Bible School: August 17-21; open to children in the community. Free Biometrics and Health Screening: Saturday, October 10, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. New: In July and August all Sunday Worship Services will be bilingual, beginning at 11 a.m. with Prayer Time. —G. Abadia

Building 13 Association

Co-op City Baptist Church

It seems as though summer just started and just like that we are already in the second week of August. Building Associations on hiatus are resuming their activities. We are no exception, so I will mention some events you can put on your calendar now. Summer Sunset Cruise: Our Sunset Cruise will set sail on Friday, September 11. It leaves from the World’s Fair Marina at 7 p.m., returning at 11:30 p.m. Includes buffet dinner (braised beef short ribs, lemon Sole stuffed with crabmeat and chicken du jour and a vegetarian entrée) and a cash bar. Price: $160 per person (payment is non-refundable). The charter bus is currently full; however, free parking is available. There will be three pick-up stops: Dreiser, Bartow and Einstein. In the next couple of weeks, we will advise the time and address of the pick-up location. Make sure you provided your contact information. For additional info., call NAACP at 718-320-3210 or Jacquie at 917-2176363. Building Picture: It has been a while since we last took our building picture. Due to illness and other unforeseen circumstances, we had to cancel last year on a couple of occasions. As of now, our building group picture is scheduled for Sunday, September 20, at 4 p.m. in the front of the building. Please be prompt. Association Meeting: On Tuesday, September 22, as we reconvene for our first meeting after the summer hiatus. We are pleased to announce that the Riverbay Corporation management company’s General Manager, Mr. Marvin Walton, will be joining us to share important property updates and answer your questions. Our meeting will commence at 7 p.m. and end at 8:30 p.m. in the association room located in the rear of the building under the portico. Refreshments will be served and all are welcome to attend. Women Keeping It Real: Yes! You have asked, we have listened and we are back, Saturday, September 26, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. It has been a while since we’ve held our meetings but we are glad to say we are resuming with fun questions, conversations and engaging topics about everything and anything. You must be at a minimum of 18 years old to join the meeting and the maximum, well that’s personal! We will have real conversations, make real connections and have real growth. So, let’s keep it real together. Bring a friend. All are welcome from near and far! You don’t want to miss this. If you are celebrating a birthday or anniversary this month, enjoy and have many more. To those who are under the weather or homebound, we wish a speedy recovery (Wendell) and to those who have lost a loved one, our condolences. “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

Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invite you to join us for Worship Service tomorrow at 9 a.m., in-person and on Zoom or YouTube. We have summer hours with one service at 9 a.m. Our regular 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. services will resume on Sunday, September 20. The attire during the summer is casual dress. 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#. All of our weekly events, including our Sunday School Classes, Bible Study Classes, Prayer Services and other activities, are on hiatus for the summer and will resume in September. There will not be any food giveaways during the month of August. Our next food giveaway will be distributed on Friday, September 11, from 2-5 p.m., at 135 Einstein Loop, in front of the Einstein Center. Please remember to bring your own bag, and perhaps a cart. Some products can be heavy. Everyone is welcome. Amen Ministries, Inc., in collaboration with the Co-op City Baptist Church, presents a Health and Praise “FREE” Biometric Health Screening. This will be a day of hope, healing and worship. This event will be held on Saturday, September 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the church. You must register by Sunday, August 30. There will be a gospel concert, free food and shirt giveaways for participants. For further information, kindly contact Pastor Michael Adolphus at his email address: amenministriesrev314@gmail.com, or the church at the number listed above. Our church’s 55th Anniversary will be celebrated with a banquet on Saturday, November 14, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Surf Club On The Sound, located in New Rochelle, NY. The ticket price is $155. There is a payment plan available. Bus transportation will be provided at a separate cost of $25 (separate check). For further information, kindly contact the church. “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

REMINDER – Roof Access Prohibited Shareholders are reminded that the Occupancy Agreement prohibits shareholders and their guests from going onto the roofs of Co-op City residential buildings. Failure to adhere to this rule will result in a Community Complaint fine.

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.

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Co-op City Times / August 15, 2026

Pentecostal Tabernacle The Pentecostal Tabernacle is located at 100 Coop City Blvd., Building 22 A, Bronx, NY 10475. Worship Services and Gatherings You are invited to join us in worship on the following days: Worship Service: 10-11:30 a.m. in the sanctuary. Sunday School 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer Meeting: Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Friday Evangelistic Service: 7:30 p.m. All night services will be held online. To join, please call 727-731-4156. The Birth and Mission of Jesus A reflection on St.Luke 2:6-17 and the Message of Christ’s Arrival. His Birth: The Humility of the Messiah The birth of Jesus reveals how the Messiah humbled Himself to become the Savior who would transform the world. He came, bringing peace and good news to all people, showing that His mission was for everyone, regardless of status or position. Description of (St. Luke 2:6-17)

(Verse 7-11) “And she brought forth her firstborn son, wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manager, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, fear not for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” The Humble Birth of Jesus Jesus entered the world during a Roman census, not in a palace or an extravagant home, but in a simple manger. This humble setting underscores the nature of His arrival and the humility that characterized His life and mission. The Shepherds’ Announcement The news of Jesus’s birth was first shared by shepherds, who became the first messengers of this miraculous event. Their role highlights the sig-

nificance of the Savior’s arrival—not announced among the powerful, but to ordinary people, carrying a message of peace and good news for all. By humbling Himself in this way, Jesus began His world-changing mission. The Universal Reach of Jesus’ Mission Jesus’s coming was not for the rich and famous alone but extended to the very poor in society. He did not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance, as stated in St. Luke 5:32. His heart’s desire was to reach everyone who needed Him, like blind Bartimaeus, the beggar from Jericho, described in Mark 10:46-52. Bartimaeus cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Despite being told by those around him to be quiet, he called out louder. Jesus stopped, called him, and Bartimaeus threw aside his cloak, jumped to his feet, and approached Jesus. Knowing what he needed, Bartimaeus asked Jesus to restore his sight. Jesus saw his faith and said, “Go, your faith has healed you.” Instantly, Bartimaeus received his sight and followed Jesus along. —Rev. R. Sibblies

Circle of Christ Church Iglesia Circulo de Cristo

The Fruit of the Godly Galatians 5:16-17 “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.” 24 “Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Walking by the Spirit is living a life that breathes out Jesus in every step. It is not merely memorizing Bible verses but living the Bible daily. It is constant crucifying of all that pulls us away from God. It is walking with the Holy Spirit and examining ourselves by the Word. Matthew 7:15-16 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit, you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?” Those who engage in gossip, slander, deceitful words, and are easily offended are guided by their

flesh and Satan. They have forgotten their redemption and have a narrow and carnal focus. Unfortunately, they have deprived their spirit of God’s Spirit and are fruitless. Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” The fruit of the Spirit comes directly from God to those that acknowledge that God is the owner of their lives. They have forsaken the flesh and are not looking for applause but for God’s glory. They display God by their outward behavior. They reflect God in everything. 2 Timothy 1:6-7 “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” We must keep the fire of the Holy Spirit burning at a high level. We can get tired, drained, and un-

Church of The Vision

Greetings, in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Church of the New Vision and Sr. Pastor Kenneth Hodge welcome you to worship with us at 115 Einstein Loop North, Bronx, New York 10475. Church phone, 718671-8746, 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 begins at 9:30 a.m. Sunday morning worship service is at 11 a.m. All are welcome. Fasting, prayer, and meditation is the last Wednesday of each month. Daily Noon Day Prayer Line: 12-12:30 p.m., Monday–Friday. The Wednesday Evening Bible Study and Prayer Line, 7-8 p.m., is on summer hiatus until further notice. The conference call line number is 646-769-9900; Access Code: 3099088#. Please mute your phone. Worship Message: “Live Above the Line.” Scripture: Philippians 3:13-14 KJV “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling

of God in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 10:9; Proverbs 24:16; 1 Colossians 3:23; John 3:16) Thank you, Elder Mike Aldophus of Amen Ministries, for the word. Save the Dates Saturday, August 22 – Evangelism Ministry will hold a community give-back, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Women’s Fellowship-Women’s Retreat – Spruce Lake Retreat & Conference Center, PA; Sept. 24-26, 2026. All rooms are booked. For information, contact: Sis. L. Scott at 718-6712623, Sis. S. James at 917-667-4229, or Sis. H. Smith at 718-708-5035. Come cruise with us on the Carnival Firenze, July 21-29, 2027. Celebration Key, Grand Bahamas; Half Moon Cay, Bahamas; Grand Turk. Interior: $1,280. Deluxe Ocean View: $1,520. Balcony: $1,745. Deposit $300. Final payment due April 11, 2027. Contact: Sis. S. James & Sis. H. Smith at numbers listed above. 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 and good health and wellness for all. Please mail contributions, tithes, and offerings to: Church of the New Vision, P.O. Box 75-3037, Bronx, New York 10475. —Brenda Brown

focused but must continually return to the fact that those in the Spirit are gifted by God, not for a time, but for all time. Our conduct demonstrates to the world who we are in Jesus. Romans 8:8-9 “Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.” Summer Schedule – 147 Dreiser Loop First Sunday of the month, bilingual Communion Service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday: Spanish Service at 9:30 a.m., & English Service at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday: Nonperishable food distribution, 12-2 p.m. Thursday: Prayer/Bible Study, 6:30-8 p.m. Friday: Youth Service, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Blessings in Christ. —Pastor Luis F. Ramos, Jr.

Drammeh Center

On Saturday, August 22, at 3 p.m., in recognition of the upcoming 25th anniversary of the Durban conference in South Africa, the Drammeh Center will screen the documentary film, “Durban 400.” It is the only feature-length film made about the historic UN World Conference Against Racism and the issue of Reparations. The film follows a grassroots coalition of four hundred political activists, educators, and students who without any kind of governmental support, traveled from the United States to Durban, South Africa, to demand reparations for crimes committed against African people through the trans-Atlantic “slave trade” and slavery. Through their lobbying efforts, the issue of Reparations was placed squarely before an international governmental body, including countries directly involved in the slave trade. Shotin cinema verité style, directed and co-produced by award-winning filmmaker veteran Alfred Santana, and Iman Drammeh, executive producer, “Durban 400” became required viewing for Multicultural Studies at Fairfield University in 2005, University of Dayton School of Law, and continues to screen internationally, including a high-level viewing at the Hague, seat of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Join us for a soulful conversation, light bites and refreshments. Seating is very limited. Advanced ticket reservation is required. Registration link for “Durban 400,” Sat., August 22, at 3 p.m.: https://bit.ly/3RTTrmJ Contact: drammehcenter@gmail.com. —Mary E. Brown

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Co-op City Times / August 15, 2026

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