Co-op City Times 01-04-2020

Have A Blessed T hre e Kin g s D ay

Vol. 55 No. 1

Year In Review, Part 2 If the first part of 2019 was marked in part by trouble in the house of Co-op City that necessitated the removal of a board director, the latter half of the year included instances of the community and its officials coming together to tackle some common problems that originated outside.

It was like it is for any family. Siblings can have problems with each other, but an attack on one from outside draws a response from everybody in the family.

The primary entity to find this out when it comes to Co-op City in the latter half of 2019 was the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

MTA Bus Redesign As reported in last week’s year in review, part one, the MTA unveiled its plans for redesigned bus routes and schedules for the Bronx in June. This redesign is the first stage in the authority’s plan to revamp bus service throughout the entire city with an eye toward making additions and subtractions in the name of efficiency and streamlining. For Co-op City, redesigning the buses in the MTA’s first draft plan looked a lot more like subtraction by subtraction, practically to the point of paralysis.

Most shareholders would have to transfer buses to get into or out of Co-op City. Some routes were curtailed short of Co-op City or otherwise rendered inaccessible to shareholders. Only one bus, the Bx23, would remain as providing service throughout Co-op City.

For a community built to rely on its bus service,

Saturday, January 4, 2020

Wind turbine crashes onto 500 Baychester lot, Bartow No injuries or loss of life reported

BY JASON CHIREVAS

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$1.25

The wind turbine at 500 Baychester Ave. collapsed Dec. 30, crushing a car parked on Bartow Avenue, right, and destroying an entire panel of the 60-foot monopole LED sign already on the property on the way down. Even before they collapsed, the sign and the wind turbine were growing concerns for residents in the area.

Photos by Toriea McCauseland

Strong winds and heavy rain Monday, Dec. 30, were too much for the turbine recently installed atop the large monopole at 500 Baychester Ave. At around 1:30 p.m., the top of the wind turbine fell apart, along with an adjoining pole, and landed on top of a car

BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND

2019 Kwanzaa Celebration

parked outside the small shopping center.

The fallen turbine left one vehicle crushed. While falling, the part of the turbine fell onto the neighboring 60-foot, three-sided LED billboard next to it. One entire panel of the sign fell between rows of parked cars in the 500 Baychester lot.

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Co-op City officials demand answers from DOB after wind turbine debacle Linda Berk

President’s Message

President, Riverbay Board of Directors

The Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City celebrates Kwanzaa during its annual event, with hundreds of guests from around the neighborhood and beyond, on Saturday, Dec. 28. (See story on page 3).

Photo by Toriea McCauseland

Dear fellow shareholders, was very real.

On Monday, Dec. 30, On Dec. 13, several of us 2019, our community averted met with representatives of what could have been a catthe Department of Buildings, astrophic incident with the a meeting coordinated by the collapse of the wind turbine quick movement of Second built on the property of 500 Vice President Rod Saunders.

Bartow Ave. It was only At that meeting, I expressed through grace that school was concern the wind turbine, out and holiday shopping was com- swirling a 50-foot structure over 125 pleted. The possibility for devastation (Continued on page 3)

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Co-op City Times / January 4, 2020

Year in review

remain as providing service throughout Co-op City.

For a community built to rely on its bus service, with no subway station as easily accessible, that had already suffered cuts a decade earlier, the MTA’s 2019 draft bus redesign plan proved to be a case of this far, no further for shareholders and Riverbay officials alike. Something had to be done. Immediately and emphatically.

The Riverbay Board of Directors called the community out to a rally in the Bartow Community Center’s room 31 on June 20. About 600 shareholders showed up, some of whom had to sit outside and look through the windows with the sound of the meeting piped out to them. Two things came from that meeting. First, the community would organize again, in one week, to show visiting MTA New York City Transit President Andy Byford it would not accept what the authority had in store for Co-op City’s buses. Second, at the behest of Riverbay Board President Linda Berk, an ad hoc committee of volunteers would be formed to counter and combat the MTA’s draft bus proposal.

A week later, on June 27, Mr. Byford became the first MTA official of his stature to visit Co-op City. After a meeting with Riverbay Board members and Management officials, Mr. Byford stepped into the courtyard outside the Bartow Community Center where about 1,000 shareholders were ready to meet him alongside city and state elected officials. Mr. Byford said he heard and understood Co-op City’s main issues with the proposed bus redesign plan, which he said was not “set in stone.” Mr. Byford closed June 27 by telling the community he would be willing to work with Co-op City to make changes to the plan that were feasible from a budgetary standpoint. If he didn’t, Mr. Byford told the 1,000 assembled, he knew Co-op City would just as soon see him transferred to another line of work.

Enter the Co-op City ad hoc committee on MTA bus cuts.

With shareholders Aaron Carnegie and Blossom Johns voted in as co-chairmen, and Riverbay Board members Bernard Cylich and Rod Saunders — two veterans of previous bus wars — providing leadership and support, the ad hoc committee began its work even before Mr. Byford’s historically significant visit.

Over the next few months, the committee determined the aptitudes and passions of its members and set about its goal of countering the MTA’s proposal on two primary fronts. One group of committee members was dedicated to getting the word out to the community about what was going on, and threatened to happen, with Co-op City’s buses and encourage participation in writing letters and filling out surveys designed to show the MTA how wrong it was about Co-op City’s bus

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Call:

transportation needs. While that was going on, another subcommittee of ad hoc members got to work researching and creating a counterproposal to the MTA’s plan. Not just a list of demands, the ad hoc subcommittee was able to produce, in a matter of several weeks, a full alternative to what the MTA was proposing with an eye toward the costs and feasibility of the changes.

Meanwhile, state Assemblymen Michael Benedetto kept the lines of communication with the MTA open, telling authority officials what Co-op City’s primary concerns were and advising them an alternative plan was on the way.

Everything came to a head at MTA headquarters in Manhattan Aug. 27, when Riverbay Board President Berk, the ad hoc co-chairs and select committee members met with Mr. Byford and other authority officials in a sort of summit. The committee gave Mr. Byford its proposal for Co-op City buses and got one back from the MTA transit president in return that addressed most of the issues committee members had worked to identify.

Back in Co-op City, the ad hoc committee met Aug. 29 and voted to accept the MTA’s new draft bus plan, which reversed or otherwise restored most of the damage Co-op City’s service the initial plan was slated to do and allowed ad hoc members to propose a number of additional tweaks Mr. Byford said the authority would entertain so long as they were with its operating budget.

At press time, the final version of the MTA’s Bronx bus redesign plan has yet to be finalized but, for Co-op City, what could have been a crippling set of cuts and reductions has been avoided. Messrs. Cylich and Saunders told the Co-op City Times how impressed they were with the ad hoc committee’s work, with Mr. Cylich adding the committee achieved a great victory; doing in months what no other Co-op City bus protest had done in years.

Things are quiet on the bus redesign front for now; the MTA’s changes are due to go into effect later this year. When they do, shareholders can be certain the ad hoc committee members will be watching.

Rezoning 500 Baychester As you’ve read elsewhere in the Times this week, it may be a moot point now but the other issue that’s united Co-op City against a common foe is the ongoing development of the lots at 500 Baychester Ave. Before the fan hit the street, as it were, this week, the effort was well underway to change the zoning at 500 Baychester from C7 — originally designed for amusement parks when Freedomland stood where Co-op City now does — to C8-2, which would preclude both wind turbines and 60-foot, three-sided LED signs as well as residential development.

Although Community Board 10 and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz have already signed off on the change — a proposal by City Councilman Andy King — the switch to a C8-2 zone at 500 Baychester has been criticized by some Riverbay officials, who argue the designation would allow too industrial a set of commercial possibilities — including crematoriums for both human and animal remains — for the site. Riverbay Board President Berk and Director Saunders wrote to Councilman King to persuade him to rescind his request for C8-2 zoning for 500 Baychester in favor of something more attuned to the existing development in the area, like C4, but they said they never heard back from the councilman concerning their request.

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Please Refrain From Littering.

• Participating in the Medicare Diabetic Shoe Program

Keep Co-op City Clean!

• Evening and Saturday appointments

Thank You!

“Se Habla Español”

718.671.7226 100 DeKruif Place

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

Co-op City Times / January 4, 2020

COMBING

Co-op City Times 2 n d President’s Report

Front Page

feet in the air, did not belong in a residential community. My question was, "What if it just spins off?" I was assured, as if I had just asked a foolish question, that was highly unlikely.

Seventeen days later, cameras captured what turned out to be just that.

It is important we keep the community informed and bring

you along in this fight to protect our shareholders and their children; to keep the wind turbine, and LED billboards, out of our community. The following is a letter sent to the DOB and copied to the many elected officials who are sworn to look out for the best interests of their constituents.

Stay tuned, more to come. . .

Smith, Buss & Jacob SLLP 733 YONKERS AVENUE, SUITE 200, YONKERS, NY 10704 T 914 476 0-600

Lot 110, and, as such, this turbine should not have been permitted nor constructed.

Our inspection of those records which are available online fails to show any data documenting the turbine’s compliance with the noise limitations imposed on wind turbines by Local Law 98 of 2019. That law provides that a turbine shall not create a sound level in excess of 5 db(A) above the ambient sound level, measured at the property line and at the nearest occupied building, which is owned

by Riverbay. Since a turbine can operate 24 hours a day, there should be readings documenting the ambient noise level at night and ensuring the turbine does not exceed those levels.

Further, the turbine may produce a strobe-light effect during the day on the adjoining multiple dwelling owned by Riverbay due to phenomenon known as “shadow flicker”.

This occurs from the spinning blades routinely blocking sunlight, which would otherwise fall unobstructed on the adjacent multiple dwelling just north of the site. This could be very disturbing to residential occupants. NYC DOB should have considered, and imposed shadow flicker limitations on, the operation of any turbine at this site. It did not.

The permitting and review process that allowed this structure to be erected was not transparent, nor did it consider the needs and safety of the community. It appears the owner began a permitting process in September 2013 for an illuminated sign. Over the next five years, the owner modified the application, changing the design, the foundation, the height, and eventually added a wind turbine to the monopole in August 2018. However, it does not appear the City ever reviewed the proposed 2 structure in accordance with its own rules governing wind turbines.

Accordingly, Riverbay is demanding that the NYC DOB maintain the existing Stop Work Order on the site until a full and complete review of what occurred can be completed. In addition, Riverbay is demanding NYC DOB prohibit any wind turbine structure on the site since such a use is incompatible with the existing neighborhood and demonstrably hazardous to pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

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Below follows a letter from the Riverbay General Counsel to the New York City Department of Buildings

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

NAMI Meeting

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) invites you to take advantage of a support group offered to our community. The next meeting is on Thursday, January 9 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in room 35 of the Einstein Community Center. NAMI is a grassroots organization that provides support, education, and advocacy for families and people of all ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds who live with mental illness. The support group gives individuals an opportunity to talk freely about their challenges without the fear of judgment and offer practical information for coping with stress.

The facilitator for NAMI’s sessions in Co-op City is former Riverbay Board member, Marie Smith. For more information about NAMI-NYC Metro Support Group and their classes email Helpline@naminyc.org or contact their helpline at 212-684-3264.

Co-op City traffic is increasing.

Please be sure to always follow posted speed limits and be alert for pedestrians.

Club articles should be emailed to cctimes@ riverbaycorp.com

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Jeffrey D. Buss, Esq. Partner T 914-476- 0600 jbuss@sbjlaw.com January 3, 2020

Honorable Werner R. deFoe, R.A. Bronx Borough Commissioner New York City Department of Buildings 1932 Arthur Avenue 5th Floor Bronx, NY 10457 Re: 500 Baychester Avenue, Block 5141 Lot 101

Dear Commissioner deFoe: This firm represents Riverbay Corporation, commonly known as “Co-op City.” We are writing to demand the Building Department maintain a full Stop Work Order and Vacate Order on the property known as 500 Baychester Ave., Bronx, N.Y., a/k/a Block 5141, Lot 101, until the monopole structure on said property is fully removed.

We are also requesting full disclosure by your Department on how permits were issued for this project, including copies of all plans and filings such as the Plot Plan, the location drawings and the anchorage drawings as well as all communications with the Department regarding this project, including records of all meetings, copies of all correspondence, and copies of any and all electronic data and communications regarding this project.

Co-op City owns a parcel of land immediately adjacent to 500 Baychester Ave. In addition, Co-op City owns a large multiple dwelling close to the site.

During the night of Dec. 11 2019, without any notice to the community or adjacent property owners, the owner of 500 Baychester Ave., erected a vertical axis wind turbine that stood approximately 245 feet tall — a 195’ 2” monopole with a 50’ wind turbine on top.

On Dec. 30, 2019, the wind turbine blew off the monopole, raining debris onto Co-op City’s property. In addition, the monopole partially collapsed, smashing parked cars and blocking a portion of Bartow Avenue. Fortunately, no one was injured and no debris fell onto the nearby interstate highway.

It is patently obvious such a large structure has no place in the busy Bartow Avenue retail corridor, nor adjacent to the large education park on Baychester Avenue. The structure, as built, did not comply with basic safety requirements.

Local law, as well as every nationally recognized design standard, requires wind turbines be constructed to withstand wind speeds of 130 mph. According tothe National Weather Bureau, no such wind existed in the Bronx on Dec. 30, 2019.

In addition, Section 3114.12 of Local Law 98-19 requires a wind turbine structure be set back one-half the combined height of the tower and turbine from the property line. That would require a set back from all property lines of approximately 122.5 feet. That is impossible on a lot that measures 140 by 145 feet. In fact, the monopole appears to be located within 50 feet of Riverbay’s adjoining property, Block 5141,

Linda Berk President, Riverbay Corporation cc: Honorable Bill de Blasio, Honorable Ruben Diaz, Honorable Jamaal Bailey, Honorable Michael Benedetto, Honorable Andy King, Honorable Jumaane D. Williams, Honorable Richard A. Carranza, Honorable Melanie La Rocca Mona Sengal, Esq.

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Year in review

Of course, all of this happened before the top of the wind turbine on the property — which sprouted into place in three days in December — broke off in the wind and crashed down first onto the 60-foot LED sign and then the parking lot at 500 Baychester as well as onto Bartow Avenue, crushing a car in the process but avoiding any human injuries. The city building department has ordered the lots vacated while repairs can be made to what’s left of the LED sign but a resolution to the proposed zoning change remains pending.

Councilman King suspended Andy King may have had other things on his mind when his office received Ms. Berk and Mr. Saunders’s letter, as he was weeks away from being suspended from the New York City Council for violations including misappropriation of council assets, creating a hostile work environment for staffers and retaliating against staffers he suspected of cooperating with the investigation into the other charges. Councilman King was suspended for 30 days and fined $15,000 after a 44-1 vote, with Mr. King as the only dissenter, Oct. 28.

Mr. King sued the city council in attempt to get a judge to first stop the council from voting on his charges, then to overturn the punishment for those charges. In state Supreme Court, Mr. King’s lawyers argued his constitutional right to due process was violated during the city council’s Ethics

Turbine

Co-op City Times / January 4, 2020 Committee investigation of him because the committee refused several requests for adjournments. Judge Arthur Engoron didn’t see things that way and granted the city’s motion to toss Mr. King’s suit of out court Dec. 9.

After serving his 30-day suspension, Mr. King’s lawyers told reporters he is working to pay the $15,000 fine and will cooperate with the city council’s appointed monitor, who will keep tabs on his office until the end of his term. Mr. King was also stripped of his committee assignments and ability to use discretionary funds as part of the Oct. 28 punishment.

Metro-North Penn Station access Not all the transportation news in 2019 was ominous for Co-op City as, earlier in the year, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a resolution of differences between the MTA and Amtrak, clearing the way for a $1.5 billion project to give people in the Bronx, the east side of Westchester County and points north direct access to Penn Station rather than riding into Grand Central Station and taking the Times Square Shuttle across and then a subway train one stop south.

In order to share with Co-op City, which will be host to one of four new Metro-North stations, what’s in store, the MTA hosted an expo in the Bartow center July 16 to show shareholders the plan so far as well as field questions about how it will work.

Expected to be completed in 2021, the (Continued from page 2)

(Continued from page 1)

Residents in Co-op City’s Building 15 could see fragments of what’s left of the turbine scattered on the small grassy area behind 500 Baychester that Riverbay owns. Parts of the turbine were also thrown across the street between Bartow and Baychester Avenues in the fall.

The three storefronts housed in the commercial property at 500 Baychester — Sherwin Williams pait, 7-11 and Drug Box — received notice to vacate the premises, which were deemed unsafe by New York’s City’s Department of Buildings. Even though the businesses were not physically affected by the collapse, the DOB determined the area is “too dangerous to occupy,” Press Secretary Andrew Rudansky told the Co-op City Times.

“Repairs need to be made to the damaged signs first before the vacate order can be lifted,” Mr. Rudansky said.

“The DOB can issue an Immediate Emergency Declaration, in which a structure will need to be removed/knocked down, but that is not yet the case regarding 500 Baychester Ave.” State Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, along with state Sen. Jamaal Bailey, was on the scene after the collapse, calling on department of buildings to act on the matter so that something similar won’t happen in the future.

Mr. Bailey shared those sentiments as his umbrella broke in real-time, showing how strong the winds were that afternoon.

“This wind is very serious,” the senator said. “A wind turbine should not be able to be taken down by the wind.” “My office will continue to monitor this situation, and I hope the owner of this turbine realizes Co-op City is no place for this type of structure.

Simply because one believes they can do something, they shouldn’t always do so.”

According to department of buildings Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Kunitz, “DOB inspectors were called to the site to investigate reports a monopole structure had partially collapsed. Our preliminary inspection at the scene found a wind turbine affixed to the monopole structure became unstable, causing a portion of the monopole structure to collapse. The DOB issued the property owner two Class-1 violations for failure to maintain both the monopole structure and the adjacent sign, and issued a full stopwork order.”

In 2018, Co-op City shareholders voiced their displeasure at the disruptions the LED signs at 500 Baychester have caused in their apartments, especially at night. The lack of sleep and the nature of advertisements, including alcohol, close to Education Park being influential to young children, were reasons among the reasons shareholders wanted the signs removed.

Unfortunately, thanks to a rezoning oversight more than 50 years ago after the failure of Freedomland, the signs were allowed to be constructed under the existing zoning at 500 Baychester.

Recently, at the request of City Councilman Andy King, the department of city planning proposed to rezone the area from a current C-7 to a C8-2, which would disallow any further large monopole signs on the lots at 500 Baychester. This request has been challenged by Riverbay Board Directors on Nov. 14, during a Uniform Land Use Review Procedure meeting at Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.’s office. Riverbay officials argued the C8-2 zone would allow more industrial type uses than would be appropriate for the surrounding area. Mr. Diaz approved the application to move forward in the rezoning process.

According to Mr. Rudansky, the owners of the property at 500 Baychester Ave. were ordered to hire a third-party engineer to assist with the removal of damaged sign along with submitting engineering reports on the remaining sign that was partially destroyed during the event. The DOB’s investigation is ongoing and “will remain onsite to oversee this work and ensure the safety of the public.”

There were no injuries reported during Monday’s incident.

project will see new Metro-North stations built in Co-op City’s Section 5 as well as Morris Park, Parkchester/Van Nest and Hunts Point, after which the trains will travel non-stop through Queens to arrive at Penn Station. Going north, Bronx riders of the new Metro-North line will be able to travel as far as Stamford, Connecticut.

Shareholder reaction to the Penn access project was generally positive at the July 16 expo, but state Sen. Jamaal Bailey told the Co-op City Times he has one significant concern as the project evolves. “[We must make] sure this increased access to transportation does not lead to gentrification,” Sen. Bailey said. “That is a major concern of mine. I want to make sure Co-op City remains affordable for the middle class, for the people who have lived here. This place is beautiful, and it will always be beautiful. It is an urban oasis in the concrete jungle, so to speak.”

Early voting and the 2019 election Before shareholders have ready access to Metro-North and Penn Station, all New Yorkers got access to early voting this year, as the nine days before election day were opened up for balloting following the passage of legislation Gov. Cuomo signed into law in January. The 2019 election was also the first for new voter registration scan cards and ereaders at the polls, replacing the old legers and signature lines.

In the Nov. 5 election, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, a Democrat, won another term in office, running unopposed.

Citywide, Democratic Public Advocate Jumaane Williams overcame Republican and Libertarian challengers in a special election to serve out the unexpired term of Letitia James, who left the position to

become the state attorney general.

Also in the latter half of 2019…

Laundry room refurbishment for all Co-op City buildings started in July and will continue into the New Year.

On Aug. 8, the New York State Department of Housing and Community Renewal approved a carrying charge increase for Co-op City shareholders of 1.9 percent beginning Sept. 1, 2019, and another 1.9 percent beginning Sept. 1, 2020.

The Riverbay Board of Directors voted Aug. 28 to look into what can be done with the waterfront property Co-op City owns along the Hutchinson River.

On Sept. 16, the Riverbay call center, under the direction of Associate Director Lutitia Matthias, opened with a mission to streamline and improve overall customer service.

The Co-op City power planet welcomed Nick Perez, a 30-year industry veteran and former U.S. Navy submariner, as its new operations and maintenance manager Sept. 13.

A vote by the Riverbay Board of Directors to remove parking attendants from Co-op City’s eight garages during overnight shifts at a savings of $800,000 proved controversial with some shareholders at the Board’s Sept. 18 open session but the measure remains in place at press time.

In late September, the Co-op City Department of Public Safety took steps to reduce the number of cars parking in the circular driveways outside the largest buildings, often using false handicap placards to do it.

In November, Riverbay appointed lifelong Co-op City resident Joshua Blake as the new janitorial director.

Come join us this New Year!

Start the year with one of these tours in mind.

Queen Mary Cruise – *NEW* 12 days, Caribbean from New York Dec. 22, 2020 – Jan. 3, 2021

Alaska Cruise – 8 day, August 27, 2021 Aruba Cruise – 12 days, Nov. 2020 Peru Guided Tour – Sept. 19, 2020 River Cruise, Amsterdam Germany, August 2020 *NEW*

Israel – Pilgrimage, guided tour to the Holy Land Oct. 29, 2020

Canadian Rockies by Train – Aug. 9–17, 2020 Tuscany & Italian Rivera Guided Tour August 2021

ALTOUR 1270 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020 TO CONTACT MONICA PLEASE CALL 212-497-7674 or cell 646-515-8702

Happy New Year!

Join us for refreshments and our first Meet and Greet January 11, 11 a.m.

St. Michael’s Church.

Bring A Friend!

It’s

HAPPENING in Co-op City!

Co-op City Times / January 4, 2020

2019 Kwanzaa Celebration

Radio personality Bob Law honored at annual Kwanzaa celebration

BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND The Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City presented its 23rd annual Kwanzaa celebration last Saturday, Dec. 28, in the Bartow Center.

Guests of all backgrounds dressed in their African attire filled room 31 as members of the coalition presented keynote speaker Bob Law with a leadership award. Riverbay Board Director Francine Reva Jones read the award’s inscription. “To Bob Law, for the many years of unswerving commitment, untiring dedication to the cultural and political development of Africans in America.”

Bob Law is a broadcaster and a leading voice known for his career discussing topics relevant to the black community.

“I’m pleased to see so many people here to celebrate Kwanzaa,” Law said. “We can have the ceremony, but don’t just settle for the celebration.

Don’t let the ceremony be all that you do or all that you represent. If we continually practiced the principles of Kwanzaa, we would be powerful people – economically, politically and so on.”

Law continued to focus on moving away from just participating in the celebration of Kwanzaa, and instead Broadcaster Bob Law was of celebrating how great African Americans use to be the keynote speaker at the 2019 Co-op City Kwanzaa – and still are. celebration.

He received a “It’s important to know our history… We come from leadership award for his great people, but it didn’t stop with your ancestors – we work in the curltural and are still great,” Mr. Law said. “It’s not a question of how political advancement of great we use to be; it’s how great we are and shall be.” Africans in America.

Prior to the award presentation, Riverbay Board Photo by Toriea McCauseland Director Kevin Lambright kicked-off the program as the master of ceremonies, selecting two volunteers from the audience to lead the room in song with “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” while the crowd joined in reading from their programs.

Next was the libations ceremony, in which guests shouted the names of loved ones and well-known African-American figures, honoring the spirits of those who’ve died After brief vendor introductions, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark spoke during the announcements portion of the program, thanking Co-op City for another four years in office.

Kids eagerly raised their hands when asked to be a part of the lighting ceremony, including 2-year-old Seven, who presented the seventh principle of Kwanzaa – Imani. Those who volunteered were gifted with books from the kid’s corner for their participation.

After that, guests joined in on the Kwanzaa feast, or Karamu, enjoying a variety of food and desserts. Then followed 10-year-old Amadi Bordain, who presented a poem called “The Origins of Things” by Listervelt Middleton. Finally, the Bokandeye African American Dance Theater closed out yet another year of Kwanzaa festivities with their cultural dance presentation, featuring African drummers and dancers.

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Co-op City Times / January 4, 2020

Happy New Year From our home to yours some thoughts or the New Year: Be so busy loving your life you have no time for hate, regret or fear.

“Take a leap of faith and begin this

Building 13 Association Reminder Our next building meeting will be held Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. We have special guests attending so save the date. Check the bulletin board for additional information

During the elevator renovation period, you can pick up your Co-op City Times from the lobby. Thank for your cooperation and patience.

We’re tentatively scheduled to receive new laundry room equipment early Jan-

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

Jason Chirevas Managing Editor

Toriea McCauseland Having fun at the Building 13 holiday party last Saturday with DJ Val. Thank you all and have a happy New Year

wondrous New Year by believing.” Sarah Ban Breathnach “We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called “Opportunity” and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.” -Edith Lovejoy Pierce Wishing all in the Co-op City Community and beyond a Happy, Safe and Healthy New Year

“Boys to Men:” Let’s talk We are requesting and need participation from men of all ages. Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Building 13 association room 100 Casals Place,rear of building. Hosted by Devon Sanders and Malik Lynch. Come and discuss a better reason to be better men. Be heard, understood and appreciated. Find your life’s purpose, your soul’s meaning

uary 2020.

We are located at: 100 Casals Place, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. Contacts: President Leslie Peterson at 718-320-1370 or daddpeterson@aol.com, or Gail Sharbaan, treasurer, at 718-671-3801. Our website is bldg13assoc.com or e-mail us at bthirteen.assoc@yahoo.com.

Thanks for making our team work.

—Leslie Peterson

Broun Place Town House Association

The best of New Year’s greetings to all. And with the New Year comes New Year’s resolutions. May one of your resolutions, not to be broken, be a plan to keep to good or better health habits. That would be in life, action and nutritionally.

By the way, it was just announced U.S. Rep. John Lewis, Democrat from Georgia and hero of the civil rights movement, has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Like Alex Trebek, it was picked up in his routine exam. It was my honor to talk and sit with Congressman Lewis when he visited Co-op City just before the campaign of Hillary Clinton. Like Mr. Trebek, the longtime congressman plans an all-out fight with this disease. Each of us must improve our life style and adopt better health habits.

JASA offers many opportunities to improve your lifestyle.

Have you seen the JASA holiday video? It is filled with the happy faces of local participants and activities. It’s my new year’s promise to get involved more. How about you?

Thank you to all the neighbors that put together a generous gift for our groundskeeper and thank you for signing-up or renewing your membership in our association. Those dues are necessary for acknowledging neighbors in times of hardship and illness and/or community matters. Your holiday lights and magic are truly warming up Broun Place.

Dec. 30, 2019, at 500 Bartow Ave., the wind turbine

became the target of the weather. It broke off completely.

There will likely be photos and a story in the Co-op City Times issue.

There has been no permanent action to enable smooth entry to I95 North or traffic across Bartow Avenue. We suggest going up Co-op City Boulevard. Avoid Bartow Avenue and exiting by Section 5. Exit from Connor Street left up Boston Road and left on Eastchester and across or I95 Service Road to cross up to Eastchester. Are you travelling north and need to come into Co-op City, go one exit further, exit and go around Baychester or Co-op City Boulevard? The double parking in Section 5 and all the buses make it a terrible mess and worse on weekends, stand-still traffic too.

In the future, something better must be done.

New charges for garage infractions are posted in Garage 6 in the foyer to the front exit, around from the elevator. We sincerely hope these will be enforced. We are happy to report the dumped car on the third floor has been removed.

You have a few more weeks to enjoy the Botanical Garden holiday train show exhibition. The display is extraordinary.

We will continue to work together and make new efforts into 2020.

Remember, keep dancing and we guarantee happy days ahead.

—Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

Junior Associate Editor

Jennifer Piovanetti Operations Manager

Ralph Henriquez

Production Manager

John Crow

New Media Producer

The Co-op City Times welcomes issueoriented 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.

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 in the Co-op City Times office in Room 21, Bartow Community Center, by 3 p.m. Monday to be considered for publication in that week’s edition. Views and opinions expressed in letters and Directors’ Viewpoint are solely the writer’s, and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times or Riverbay Corp.

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

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

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

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

We welcome your letters to the editor. If you would like your letter to be considered for publication, it must be signed. The Co-op City Times does not print anonymous or unsigned letters. Please include your address and phone number – which will be kept confidential – so the authenticity of the writer can be verified. Thank you.

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.

Important Notice to Shareholders of Building 28 A, B & C Building 28 A, B & C

Building 28 A, B & C 100, 120 & 140 Einstein Loop

Current Lease Expiration Date

Jan. 31, 2020

New 3 yr.

Expiration Date

Jan. 31, 2023

If the Co-op City Times Was Not Delivered: Call 347-439-5632 on Saturdays only, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Public Safety Report

Tips for safeguarding your auto

Co-op City Times / January 4, 2020

Co-op City has eight garages which offer parking for most residents who reside in the community. Most major garage construction projects have been completed, allowing residents the opportunity to park their vehicles in the Co-op City garages. Some residents may have been called from a waiting list while others are still waiting for their desired garage.

For persons who are new to parking in the garages or those who would like to brush up on garage etiquette and safety we provide these safety tips.

Auto crimes are often crimes of opportunity. The criminal may observe packages or other valuables inside your vehicle and chose to break into your vehicle. Try to avoid leaving packages in your auto even when shopping. If this is unavoidable place packages in the trunk and move your vehicle to another parking spot. Garage safety is important not only here in Co-op City but in all areas you may travel to.

Nationwide thefts of handheld global positioning systems have been on the rise. If you own one of these devices never leave it in your auto. Even under the seat or in the glove compartment are not safe options. Be sure to remove the windshield bracket from the window. Carry window cleaning wipes to remove the telltale circles from the windshield caused by the G.P.S. mounting bracket. Also remove any plug in adaptors from your auxiliary jack and close the jack cover when leaving your vehicle parked. It may just be a phone charger but the criminal may think something more valuable is stashed in your vehicle. Aside from stealing your items thieves will cause damage gaining entry to your vehicle.

Parking in the garages offers residents is a more dependable option than street parking. Co-op City’s eight garages are patrolled 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year by the public safety department. The department of public safety offers these safety tips and requests the assistance of residents in keeping the garages as safe as possible.

Co-op City’s eight garages have all exits locked with entry by key only for authorized persons who possess garage leases. The exits on all four corners as well as front and rear doors require a key to gain access. It is most important that residents make certain they close and lock the doors behind themselves. Garage parkers should also try not to open the door for anyone they do not know. It may seem rude not to hold the door, but granting access to persons who are not authorized presents a hazard to authorized parkers and their property.

It is essential that persons who park their vehicles in any of Co-op City’s parking facilities adhere to all traffic and safety rules. Speed limits must be obeyed at all times. Arrows and posted signs directing the flow of traffic must be followed at all times. Up and down ramps must only be utilized for their intended direction.

Even a short distance down an up ramp or up a down ramp with a turn into oncoming traffic can have disastrous consequences. What may seem like a shortcut can easily become a head on collision or worse.

Use caution not to hit walls or other cars when parking or pulling out of your spot. Always leave your tires facing straight ahead so there are no surprises when exiting your spot. Use care and courtesy when opening your doors when parked next to other vehicles. Garage rules and regulations are enforced by the Co-op City Department of Public Safety as well as the parking facilities department 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Speed bumps have also been added to garages to slow traffic down.

It is also important to insure that parkers do not park in a reserved spot or a

BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO

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 the end of the employment listings for specific directions.

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

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

(Continued on page 22)

Public Safety Blotter

Dec. 22 to Dec. 28, 2019 12/23/19 140 Alcott Place Two men were observed Trespassing. They were each issued a Criminal Court Summons and released.

12/22/19 4200 Hutchinson River Parkway FDNY responding to a shopping cart filled with debris on fire under the portico. This matter is under investigation by the fire marshall and CCPD. No property damage was reported and there were no injuries.

12/27/19 140 Elgar Place One man was observed smoking marijuana, a warrant check produced an outstanding warrant. The man was also in possession of several bags of marijuana.

He was issued a Criminal Court Summons and was returned to Bronx Criminal Court on his outstanding warrant.

12/28/19 Adler Place A dumpster pad was observed on fire. FDNY extinguished the fire. The matter is under investigation.

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(More Opportunities on page 22)

8

Co-op City Times / January 4, 2020

Director’s Viewpoint

Mary Pearson Secretary

The holidays went by in a blur. That’s what happens when all the early winter holidays coincide.

But that’s so last year. This year we’ve got 2020 vision. So what’s next? What will winter bring and/or bring back?

Four Kings Dontcha just love Three Kings’ Day? I can be quite a holiday card writing and gifting procrastinator, so it’s nice to know that the cards are merely fashionably late as long as they read Happy New Year; the presents are still timely as long as they arrive by January 6, and if weather interferes, an inperson visit can slide to a January 15, or later, celebration of Martin Luther King Day some years.

I used to blame Big Merch for moving MLK day all over the calendar, especially in a January 15 Tuesday-year when the day would get pushed all the way up to the 21st. Then I found out King’s January 15 birthday is always celebrated on the third Monday of January. I thought they just pushed it six days so people could save up some more money to spend.

Yes, that’s the kind of conspiracy theorist I am. The oligarchs only keep us around to buy stuff.

But no. There are rules for this sort of holiday.

Presidents Day is always celebrated on the third Monday of February and Columbus Day is steadfastly held on the second Monday in October even if each year more and more people call it Indigenous People’s Day instead. But nobody messes with Valentine’s Day — it’s on February 14, hell or high water.

This year there’s another reason to remember February 14. It’s the last day to change party affiliation to cast a presidential primary vote in April. Chocolates. Check. Flowers. Check. Change party affiliation. Check.

Four Elections You’ll need to be registered to vote in three of

Do You See What I See?

those 2020 elections: the April presidential primary, the June congressional primary, and the general election in the fall. And the other 2020 election? That’s the annual Riverbay Board of Directors election. But don’t just plan to vote in that one. Consider running!

Every year at least five director spots are up for grabs.

Think about it.

For Clarification Certain recent and future goings-on around Co-op City might need some explanation or expansion.

Co-op City Times Delivery: We will be paying for regular distribution of the Co-op City Times for a while, but soon, floor–by floor delivery will be replaced by in-house distribution. When the time comes, papers will be placed in spiffy new Lucite bins in the lobbies and community centers and such.

Now is the time to reach out to neighbors who don’t get around much anymore. When the time comes that individual floor deliveries stop, know which of your neighbors would appreciate a personal CCTimes delivery from you.

Water Front Development: The Board was recently presented with visions for a future waterfront park along Co-op City Blvd., south of the ball fields. Nothing has been decided as yet, and before any decisions are made there will be plenty of resident input considered.

Proactive Local Law 11: As a reminder — we need to keep our high-rise facades in shape, by city law. Every five years, buildings must be officially inspected for possibly dangerous loose chunks. If dangerous conditions are determined, bridging and fencing need to go up immediately. To avoid Section 1 through 4’s having to deal with the kind of premature “rats’ mazes” Section 5 has been enduring for years at this point, we (aka: management) pre-emptively undertook our own inspection. Suspicious materials were chipped off so that when the city inspectors do come by, bridging and fencing disruption will be kept to a safe minimum for our 25 northern building residents.

Public Advocate Forum: Any year in review will naturally be unable to mention every single item of

importance. There were, however, two Public Advocate forums held in 2019. At that second forum, an important promise was made by all participants, including the winner — Jumaane Williams. That promise: to reverse the discriminatory practice of express buses denying discount fares to seniors for eight hours each workday. Once the threatened express bus scheduling madness passes we need to once again take up the Senior Fair Fare crusade, demanding, with Mr. P.A’.s help, that the Senior Discount MetroCard is honored on express buses 24/7!

And For Auld Lang Syne Remember the MTA YouTube presentation I wrote about a week or so ago? [BxBNR Digital Open House — 12/12/2019]. In that video, MTA President Andy Byford repeatedly said that each eliminated stop on a line saved a grand total of … guess. Guess how much time he was looking to save by eliminating a stop. Twenty seconds. Twenty seconds!! Luckily we have kept every one of our bus stops within Co-op City. That feat was accomplished by every aboutto-be-inconvenienced rider hollering like crazy. Keep it up.

So now let’s take another look at the Bx29.

Is everyone aware that the people of City Island — for greater frequency and 24-hour service — opted to transform the Bx29 into a shuttle of sorts, which travels solely between City Island and Pelham Bay Station?

That trade-off cuts City Island off from Co-op City and vice versa. City Island riders will no longer have no-transfer, deep access to the Bay Plaza Mall adding considerable walking time and distance to their potential shoppers’ journeys. (I wonder if the City Island teens know City Island’s negotiators gave up their direct, autonomous access to the Mall!)

City Island will no longer have that deeper access, but by losing the Bx29, neither will Section 5. I wonder what Bay Plaza merchants feel about the Bx29 changes? Someone should alert them, dontcha think?

Happy New Year, everybody!You can reach me by voice or text at 718-219-2211 or by email at mpearson@riverbayboard.com.

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Co-op City Times / January 4, 2020

African American Association

Happy New Year from the AAA The classical expression in a short prayer for the New Year says, “Let the old year end with all of its curses and let the New Year begin with all of its blessings.” It is time to end all prejudices and substitute for them new friendships.

It is time to end old hatreds and substitute for them new love. It is time to end old frustrations and to substitute for them new hopes. Let us begin again.

The next gathering of the AAA will be Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020. Note: The change of date, i.e., usually every third Monday, is due in celebration of Martin Luther King Day. Join us in Room 15 of the Dreiser Center at 7 p.m. Please mark your calendars. We look forward to seeing you, with a friend and new member prospect. Membership is only $15/year for a single membership and only $25/year for your household. Email: aaaccpower@gmail.com or call us at 929-430-3255, The African American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, N.Y. 10475.

The African American Association sponsors the following programs for your participation: Belly dance classes Wednesdays, 7 p.m., Dreiser Center, room #2. For a nominal fee, you will have fun and stay in shape. Call Xonia, 646-301-9438 Evening line dance classes with Cynthia Dixon Dance to Soul, Latin and Gospel music on Thursdays, 7 p.m. in Dreiser Center, room 2; also first and third Tuesdays in Einstein Center, section 5, 6 p.m. Fees are minimal. Call Cynthia, 917-903-7073.

Salsa class Saturdays, 10:30 a.m., Dreiser Loop, room 1. Call Keith 917-561-6211.

Yoga and Zumba classes with Meena Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. in Dreiser Center room 2. Contact Meena at 917-863-1507.

Healing drum circle Saturdays 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Dreiser room 15, Call the AAA at 929-430-3255 —Michelle Marbury

NCNW President to Participate in 2020 Tournament of Roses Parade— National Council of Negro Women Inc. participated in the 2020 Rose Parade for the first time on Jan. 1, 2020. Johnnetta Betsch Cole, Ph.D. joined other women on the Rose Parade Float celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote. In 2018 Dr. Cole was elected National Chair and 7th President of NCNW – an organization of organizations with more than two million members. Since its founding in 1935

by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, NCNW has worked to expand voting rights and economic opportunity to all people, especially women of African descent.

Membership meeting – Our first membership meeting of 2020 will be held on Sunday, Jan. 12 at 3 p.m. in room 11 Dreiser Community Center.

This month is the last opportunity for members renewing their national dues to pay without incurring a late fee.

Please come with ideas of services we can bring to the Co-op City community and ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work! If you’re curious about

what we do, come visit with us on Sunday, Jan. 12.

Health tip – January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. Many women are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually. This disease can be prevented with vaccinations and regular Pap exams. Please speak with your health care professional about HPV and pap testing! For information and free testing, go to http://ow.ly/g3RQ30760mz or #CervicalHealthMonth.

Black History Month – Save the date, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, when we will have our 18th annual Black History Month Youth Celebration, co-sponsored with the Riverbay Fund. This free event will take place in Bartow Center, room 31 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Youth groups and young adults interested in volunteering to showcase their talent in song, dance, stepping, playing an instrument, poetry, spoken word, drama skit, etc. please call the NCNW Youth Committee at 917-399-2643.

Social Media – Remember you can find us on Facebook: NCNWCoopcity Bethune; Twitter: @NCNWCoop City; Instagram: NCNW Co-op City and email: www.ncnwco.opcity@gmail.com —Joyce Howard

National Council of Negro Women Inc.

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Building 19 Association

Hello, Building 19 family. Happy New Year! 2020 is finally here. May this New Year bring all of us greater joy and, more opportunities, to better our lives.

Speaking of 2020, I want to remind everyone this year is the national census.

As you know, our nation takes a count of its population every 10 years. Being counted is important because it provides the basis for reapportioning congressional seats, redistricting and distributing more than $675 billion in federal funds annually to support states, counties and communities’ vital programs including housing, education, transportation, employment, health care and public policy. So, make sure to answer your census survey when it comes in the mail in the upcoming months. The future of our community depends on it.

Our first committee meeting of the New Year will be held next Wednesday, Jan. 8 at 7:30 p.m. Later this month, our annual

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general meeting will be Friday, Jan. 17 at 7:30 p.m. Don’t forget the association will hold its election for the executive board during the general meeting. So please make sure to attend the two meetings, especially the second one. Both meetings will be held in the association room in the back of our building.

Finally, I want to acknowledge the kind act of a mystery person in our building.

Earlier this month, someone taped a dollar and a note near the elevator on my floor.

The dollar was added to the fund for the porters and I contributed four more dollars of my own money to augment the anonymous donation. Again, I say thank you to the unknown donor.

I’ll end my article with the following message from the note: “We all need a little more love. You deserve the best.”

Here’s to a great new year.

—Leon Tulton

Building 21 Association

Happy New Year from Building 21. Please be informed of the following dates; Holiday Decorations will be left up to enjoy through Monday, Jan. 6, The Epiphany/Little Christmas. Decorations come down Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

General session gathering Note: Fourth Thursday each month. Thursday, Jan. 23, open start time 7 p.m.

FYI, all funds collected are installed in the 21 Association’s bank account.

Funds collected for the association are used expressly for 21 Association gatherings.

Holiday gift collections — i.e., porters, lobby attendants etc. — are the responsibility of each floor individually and should be handled by the floor captains.

If you have questions regarding The 21 Association, you have three ways of gaining information. Email: 21association@gmail.com. Call: 347-504-1821.

Attend the monthly general meetings in “The Gathering Room,” in the rear of the B section at 7 p.m. Everyone from all buildings plan to come and join us at Building 21. Bring a friend. Each one of us, multiplied by all of us, equals a force for good.

See you around the neighborhood.

—Michelle Marbury

Building 24 Association

We wish all Co-op City residents, especially those in our great Building 24, a very happy and healthy New Year.

Our end-of-year pot luck was a lot of fun — good food, good music and good neighbors celebrated a goodbye to 2019 and a hearty welcome to 2020.

Our next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 16. All are welcome to meet your neighbors, hear from guest speakers and address issues affecting the building and the community.

Happy New Year!

—Bruce Silberman

Coalition to Save Affordable Housing

The coalition wishes all Co-op City residents a happy and healthy New Year and invites all cooperators to join us as we examine community issues and take part in affecting them.

Our next meeting will be on Monday, Jan. 13 at 7:30 p.m. in Bartow room 28.

Join us as we get the ball rolling for our 2020 Mardi Gras dance on Feb. 22.

—Bruce Silberman

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Happy New Year

Co-op City Times / January 4, 2020

Director’s Viewpoint

Daryl Johnson

I hope that everyone had a wonderful time during the recent holiday season. And, now, it’s time to welcome in the new year and to review a few things that will be happening in 2020.

New Waterfront Park – Co-op City Boulevard For many years, Co-op City Boulevard has been the worst looking area throughout our entire community. The area is plagued by broken down fences, overgrown bushes, busted up sidewalks, lots of debris, and interesting-looking trailers.

Previously, we talked about fixing up this area.

However, as you know, nothing happened. But, after some complaints and viewpoints, I’m glad to see that management is taking some action to clean up this area. Additionally, they hired Imbriano Quigley Landscape Architects, P.C. to transform this area into a waterfront park.

To start, let me state right now that this park is going to be a very expensive and time-consuming project. How much? Well, that depends on what we want to put into this park. For instance, here are a few items on the table: an adventure playground with walks, an amphitheater (this amphitheater can be designed to be a small outdoor circular area with surrounding elevated rows of seats), outdoor tennis courts, table tennis equipment, a picnic/stage pavilion, a lounge area, a boardwalk, a dog run, and lots of exercise equipment.

This park will probably cost around $8 million.

Expensive, right? Yes. But, again, it depends on what we want. For instance, some cooperators have stated that they want an area for dogs in Co-op City. Well, as cited above, a dog run for this area is estimated to cost $100,000. However, that price is small in comparison to some of the other items listed above.

Regardless, according to management, we’re going

to have to get some permits, reviews, and assessments before we do anything. So, here are some of the agencies that we will have to go through to get our permits: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the NYC Small Business Services. Next, we’ll have to get a NYS Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit.

Additionally, here is a list of the environmental reviews that could possibly affect this project: the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), or the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), or the City Environmental Quality Review (CEQR).

Thereafter, we’ll have to go through a NYC Waterfront Revitalization Program Consistency Assessment.

Now, although that area has been considered to be a dump, a lot of people might be surprised to learn that the water area and beyond are actually protected.

So, can we put up anything that we want in that area?

No. However, the cited list above seems to be reasonable for this park.

Bottom line: There will be a lot of exercise equipment along with other things to do in this park. Thereafter, you can sit down, relax, meditate, make new friends, or just look at the water. So, fixing up this area could be great for this community. However, as you can see, this waterfront park is going to cost a lot of money. Therefore, we need to see how these costs are going to affect our ongoing annual increases.

Board Committees Our bylaws state: “The object of the [Riverbay] Corporation is to construct and operate adequate, safe, and sanitary housing accommodations in accordance with cooperative principles. …” So, the main goal of a board director should harmonize with this mandate.

Now, some board directors have very busy jobs, loved ones, lots of outside activities, and lots of responsibilities. So, do you honestly think that other directors should try to impose their will on those busy volunteer directors? If the answer is no, then how is it that an imposing resolution can be created to have busy volunteer directors serving as a chair of a committee that is not focused on our overall housing objectives?

Look, I personally believe that a lot of the duties

Building 29 Association

On Friday, Dec. 13, the Building 29 Association had its annual holiday party.

Despite the inauspicious date, the party was well attended and a spectacular success.

Much of the credit goes to the abundance of delicious food, much of it homemade, but it was Frankie the DJ, who lives right in Building 29, who really made the celebration special!

Frankie played a wide variety of music, including my personal favorite, salsa, which pleased everyone. In fact, there was quite a bit of dancing before the evening was over, even inspiring an 87-year-old resident to get up and do some moves.

We thank all who came; Frankie, of course, Marie Smith and Marie Standford, who put up the festive decorations.

Finally, wishing all our cooperators a very Happy New Year, with good health and happiness.

—Katharine Wood

that are required of committees can be handled by management and their employees. For instance, committees are required to recommend matters to the board.

Thereafter, in most cases, the board will simply direct management to handle those matters. So, does it make sense to try to force busy volunteer board directors to chair these committees or do you think it would be better to have paid employees handling these duties?

Example: We have over 1,000 employees that work here. So, can some of these well-paid employees, with some of the best benefits in NYC, work with our cooperators to help develop a lot of activities for our community? If the answer is yes, then why was a resolution even considered to try to force busy volunteer directors to chair these activities?

Bottom line: Although that resolution was voted down, I want everyone to see that we need to change the way that we do things here. Personally, I believe in getting things done without any nonsense. So, working with other directors, we can have management accomplish what we need for our community. And, they will get paid and you will be very happy.

Beautiful Holiday Decorations You may not know it, but your beautiful decorations probably brought a lot of joy and happiness to a lot of people. So, I want to thank you for doing an outstanding job of decorating our community during this recent holiday season. Your love, kindness, hard work, and generosity are appreciated. So, please take a moment right now and think about the good things that you did here. Okay? Thank you.

Close God is good. So, let’s turn 2020 into a wonderful year.

Thank you.

Questions or comments? Please send a letter to Daryl H. Johnson, Riverbay Board Director, c/o Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475.

Also, please call me ONLY at 718-671-4544 if you would like to have a brief discussion with me. Okay, that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful week.

And, may God bless you and your family. Thank you.

Building 30 A and B Association

Hope everyone has a happy and wonderful New Year.

Today is the day when we take our decoration down from the lobbies. Come and join us. We will meet in the lobby of building 30B at 1 p.m.

Our first building meeting will be Wednesday, Jan. 15, with the door opening at 7 p.m. and the meeting starting at 7:30 p.m.

Our first Pokeno game of the year will be Friday, Jan. 10 with the door opening at 7 p.m. and the games starting at 7:30 p.m.

The first crochet meeting will be on Thursday, Jan. 9, with the door opening to the association room at 1 p.m.

For those celebrating birthdays, anniversaries or new additions, congratulations. Those who suffered a loss, our condolences.

Those who are under the weather, get well soon.

—Linda Werner

Section 4 Partnership

Co-op City Times / January 4, 2020

Happy 2020 from the Section 4 Partnership Help us continue this positive effort and reap the benefits of a united community.

You are already an important member of this team. You are a shareholder. You don’t have to live in Section 4. The Section 4 Partnership is making an important impact on the community of Co-op City each time we show up for events like Pioneer Day, the MTA rallies, July 3 fireworks, Hoops and Beats, the ice cream social, the grand opening of the Section 4 basketball courts and other notable events, meetings and gatherings.

Purveyors for good The Section 4 Partnership of Co-op City would like to thank the following, not only their sponsorship of our Christmas caroling parade float extravaganza, but their belief in us as purveyors for good. Thank you again to the following believers in us, as we strive to give our community, its shareholders and residents guidelines to spread unity in our community. Our thanks go out to; The Section 4 Building Associations, The Riverbay Fund, Dunkin Donuts, Bartow Liquors, Amalgamated Bank, Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, U.S. Rep. Eliot Engel and The Bay Plaza Chiropractic Group.

About the Section 4 Partnership The Section 4 Partnership is comprised of every Building in Co-op City that makes up the sectional geographic which is referred to as Co-op City’s Section 4 — Building 20, Asch Loop; Building 21, Bellamy Loop; Building 22, Co-op City Boulevard; buildings 23, 24, 25, Benchley Place, The Adler Place Townhouses, The Asch Loop Town Houses and The Broun Place Townhouses. Join us. Come and get involved.

Let’s show up! Let’s get it done!

Email: section4partnership@gmail.com. Phone: 347-915-4939 —Michelle Marbury

Building 14 Association

Throughout this holiday season, starting in November, we’ve had a chance as a building community to share in a holiday party, spread Thanksgiving wishes via our annual raffle and show the generosity of cooperators through a bountiful holiday gratuity collection for the building staff. Making all of this happen is a dedicated team of building association officers, supported by cooperators who volunteered to prepare and/or serve food at our harvest fest, to decorate the lobby for the each holiday and to sit in a chilly lobby to collect donations. A special thank you to association officers Sandy M., Peter G., and Darlene D. as well as cooperators Yvonne W., Deidre M., Gerri B., Maybell J., Arlene S., Karen M, Bernice C., Reese and Ella O. Just a note, the current holiday decorations will remain up until Three Kings Day on Jan 6.

In January, I will write an article to share what’s be discussed in building meetings about several issues raised by cooperators, including the elevator modernization, deteriorating ceiling in the basement the laundry room renovation, reserve spaces in parking garage and recruitment additional floor captains. In terms of activities, we’ll look at having game night on Friday nights to help folks avoid “cabinet fever” during the winter months and kick-off a financial savings plan for 2020. If you have any ideas, please feel free to share and, most importantly, help to execute them.

May the coming year be the best one ever! Be safe. Be kind. Be blessed.

—Josie Ferguson

Coalition of African American Churches and Community Organizations

The Coalition of African-American Churches and Community Organizations of Co-op City’s next general membership meeting will be Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020 at noon in the Dreiser Community Center, room 15. We are requesting all members to please attend. Please watch this column for further information. It is important two representatives should be sent from each organization to attend all coalition meetings.

The Coalition of African-American Churches and Community Organizations thanks everyone who came out and support our 23rd annual Kwanzaa Celebration on Saturday Dec. 28, 2019. Special thanks to the guest speaker, Brother Bob Law, Bokandeye African-American Dance Theater, Brother Kevin Lambright, Elder Francine Reva Jones and co-sponsors The Riverbay Fund, Speaker Carl E. Heastie, Assemblyman Michael Benedetto and Ms.Hattie Lucas.

Please inform the coalition of any suggestions you may have. Ms. Virginia Stewart is the president of the coalition. Phone 718-671-4506.

The coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to maintaining and improving the quality of life of cooperators while providing educational and culturally enriching programs for the community. We also act as one voice for all coalition members when there are issues of common concern and human rights. We also sponsor the Friends & Family Day Celebration, and the annual Kwanzaa celebration events. Both events are free for the community.

Members of the coalition include the following: African-American Association; Co-op City Baptist Church; Retirees of Dreiser Loop; Harriet Tubman Independent Democratic Club; NAACP, Co-op City Branch; St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church, American Legion Post 1871 and Faith at Work Christian Church.

Churches and organizations that desire to join the coalition may apply for membership by calling 718-671-4506 or 718-671-9610 for membership application, which should be returned with a letter on your church/organization’s letterhead and signed by the minister/president. Read the coalition’s weekly column for information about events and issues.

Remember, the coalition’s motto is coming together is the beginning, keeping together is progress and working together is success.

—Harman T. Leacock

Black Forum

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Emergency food pantry The pantry, located at 920 Baychester Ave., Building 1A, reopens Friday, Jan. 3, 2020, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Current guests are required to re-register at the pantry beginning Jan. 3. They must show a valid ID NYC card or a non- or driver’s license to remain in the emergency food program.

Please check back later for dates when new guests can register for the program.

Starting Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Co-op City United Methodist Church at 2350 Palmer Ave. will be the only distribution location for Section 5 Black Forum food pantry recipients. Guests who normally pick up food packages from New Vision Church will go to United Methodist Church beginning January 2020.

Defensive driving Next class: Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Dreiser Community Center room 4; Cost: $35/person. Please arrive 15 to 20 minutes early. Lower your liability insurance cost by 10% and remove up to four points from your driver’s license.

Checks and money orders can be made payable to ‘Black Forum of Co-op City’ and mailed to 920 Baychester Ave., Bronx, N.Y. 10475 at least one and a half weeks before class. Please include your name and phone number. Walk-ins are welcomed but only a $35 cash payment, exact change, please, will be accepted the day of the class; no checks. Please bring your current driver’s license and a pen. Call any time before 1 p.m. the day before class to register for seating priority. Kindly leave a brief message with your name and telephone number at 718-320-8035. The class location is subject to change, so please check back for updates and arrive early to class. Student arriving late may be denied entry into the class.

Sight & Sound ‘Queen Esther:’ Second payment due Jan. 24, 2020 Join us for Sight & Sound Theatre’s live epic biblical stage event of “Queen Esther” on Tuesday, April 21, 2020. Dining is at Shady Maple Smorgasbord, ranked No. 1 on TripAdvisor’s Quick Bites in East Earl, Pennsylvania list. Menu includes an all-you-can-eat full buffet including mouth-watering fried chicken, carved beef, baked fish, grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, homemade bread, salad bar, hot desserts and more! Shady Maple also has a gift shop and a 130,000square-foot farm market with an on-site smokehouse and locally grown produce.

Meal, show and transportation: $170. No refunds. Guests can pay all at once or in three installments: Nov. 15, 2019, $60; Jan. 24, 2020; $55, Feb. 21, 2020; $55.

The November payment reserves your seats. Please call 917-209-5334 or 718320-0033 if you have questions about the trip.

Contact us We look forward to hearing from you, coopcityblackforum@gmail.com.

—D. Illis

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Co-op City Times / January 4, 2020

Co-op City Times / January 4, 2020

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Co-op City Times / January 4, 2020

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2020: Let’s start this year with the right attitude Director’s Viewpoint

Leah Richardson

I would like to extend my warmest wishes for the holiday season. I hope this holiday season brings joy, peace and happiness to you and your family.

Leadership I am confronted at times by shareholders who aren’t crazy about having an organization dictate what they can and can’t do with their property. And they’re wary of living under bylaws that come with fines for violations. Cooperatives aren’t for everyone, but there are positives.

This leads to the importance of customer service.

In any business, the customer service department plays a pivotal role in the reputation of the corporation. While board members should always enforce their association’s rules and should abide by them as well, they also need to take care of their “customers.” I would like to thank management for their efforts in improving customer service to the shareholders of this community.

As such, consistency is the key. There should never be any inclination of “favoritism” when enforcing these rules. Initiatives such as publishing newsletters, social media, sending emails, posting up policies around the community’s common areas can serve as friendly reminders for those residents who are new to the community, or for owners who may have simply forgotten the rules and to offer advanced notification about meetings or events.

There should be a system in place for how shareholders submit questions, concerns or ideas, and how the Board (or Management) ensures they are addressed and not overlooked. Not only is it important for members to listen to the Board, but also for the Board to listen to the shareholders.

Understanding Not everyone will always agree with every rule or decision made. The goal is to meet the best interest of the community. Practicing transparency and explaining to the community how and why decisions are made can increase understanding and buyin. Let shareholders see how funds are being spent,

Blessings for Bianca

You are the light of our lives and we love you so very much. Wishing you God’s richest blessings as you continue to grow into the wonderful girl you are!

—Love from Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle and Mom

We are shareholders, not tenants!

Become involved in your building association!

why certain repairs or projects are being recomand service providers, everyone must do their part mended, and how these decisions affect them. The to keep things running smoothly. Understanding Board should also be open to listening to sharewhat the corporation is all about and how it operholders’ concerns about rules and regulations so ates can help shareholders to be a stronger asset to adjustments can be made if necessary or more explathe community. In addition, the Board must undernation given. stand the expectations placed on it as well. For assisFriendly Reminder tance in boosting the operations and creating a more Smoking Marijuana – It has been brought to my peace-loving community: attention that shareholders are smoking marijuana • Follow the Golden Rule, “Treat others as you in their apartments. Smoking in your apartment is would like to be treated.” not a violation, but the strong smell of marijuana • Do not refer to the Board as “they.” The direcseeps into the units and hallways of the building. tors are shareholders like you who also pay mainThe thick and pungent odor forces residents to open tenance and volunteer their time. their windows and contact the office regarding the • Remember you can’t fire your neighbors. Find odor. Some residents are very sensitive to the smell, ways to be neighborly. and this could be detrimental to some residents’ health.

• Give your Board the benefit of the doubt, they We have many federal and government employees are doing their best as volunteers. who live here, and this could potentially harm some• Do not assume the Board is incompetent or disone’s career if detected in a random drug test as they honest. Get involved in committees and be part of too inhale a high enough volume of the fumes. We the decision-making process. thank you for your cooperation and understanding • Remember the “my home is my castle” attitude in keeping our neighbors safe and healthy. does not work in a cooperative. Common interest Laundry Woes – I am constantly getting comliving means you also agreed to share control over plaints of people leaving their laundry in the the property. machines. Please remember that you are not the only • Be more knowledgeable, ask questions and person using these machines and that it is very imporattend Board meetings to be well informed. tant to set a timer when you have personal items *Acknowledge the Board may have more inforbeing washed or dried. Many times, clothing is being mation than you. This doesn’t mean the Board is left for hours and even overnight, forcing the next right, but it does mean you might not be correct in user to have to wait or remove the items themselves. your opinion.

People shouldn’t have to handle another individ• Be familiar with your community’s occupancy ual’s personal items, so please take this concern seriagreement, bylaws, rules and budget. ously and be mindful of your neighbors. Another • Find positive ways to enhance the image of your laundry woe involves washing pet items and dirty community. shoes in these shared machines. If you absolutely • Try to work out disputes with a neighbor before must use the machines for your pet’s items or dirty “legal action.” shoes, please wipe out the inside of the machine for • Avoid rushing to attorneys when you disagree excess hair, dander and dirt. Or you may purchase with the association, talk to the Board first. Look a pet laundry bag. Simply close the bag and wash for alternatives with an open mind. the items while they remain inside the bag. They • Find ways to thank your directors and commitwill clean and dry just fine. Again, these are shared tees for their service to your community…and Manmachines, and everyone should be respectful of those agement, too. coming in after them. Thanks.

Let’s all of us together have a nicer, more posiClosing tive 2020!

There are many moving parts when it comes to Happy New Year! managing an effective corporation. From Board I can be reached at lrichardson@riverbaymembers and shareholders to property managers board.com.

Co-op City Times / January 4, 2020

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

15

May the dawn of this New Year, bring new joys for you. May your new year be blessed with peace, prosperity and happiness too!

Travel events Price includes coach bus located on Dreiser Loop, front of H&R Block May 12, 2020, Tuesday, “I Left My Dignity in My Other Purse,” Hunterdon Hills Playhouse. Showtime: 11:30 a.m. Price: $85. Deposit ASAP to hold seat: $40. Balance due $45, no later than April 6, 2020. Contacts: Serita Grayson, 347564-5722 and Barbara Williams, 718-320-0500.

Theatre committee Price includes Van transport, from Dreiser Loop, front of Rehab Center Feb. 13, 2020, Thursday, “Five Guys Named Moe,” Westchester Broadway Theatre. Showtime: 11 a.m. Price: $80. Deposit to hold seat: $40. Balance due $40 no later than Mon. Jan. 6, 2020. Contact: Marie Green-Ryan, 718-671-4949.

We accept checks/money orders payable to Retirees of Dreiser Loop, along with your name and telephone number. Committee members will be available in the Dreiser club, room 19, 718-379-0377, on Mondays and/or Thursdays, 2:30

p.m. to 5 p.m.

The first meeting for the New Year is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 13, 2020; 1 p.m. in Dreiser Community Center, room 1. Please come and join the chapter. We need you to be included in letting our voice be heard for the issues related to AARP. Heartfelt condolences to the family of Willie Belle Streety, early recording secretary of Chapter #4997. Please contact Good and Welfare Coordinator Frances Wilson at 718-671-5493 if you have a family member who has passed or one of our members who is sick, in the hospital or in a nursing home.

2020 tour plans March 23 to 25, 2020: Del Lago Resort & Casino in Finger Lakes, N.Y. Three days, two nights; two hot breakfasts, two dinners; visit Ventosa Vineyards, a local winery; admission to the Corning Museum of Glass; visit the Muranda Cheese Co.; $60 free play, $100 deposit due ASAP. $399/person, double occupancy; add $165 for single; Final payment due Feb. 28, contact Judith, 718379-3370, or Hannah, 718-379-7962 April 8, 2020: “Queen Esther” at the Sight &Sound Theater with lunch at Good & Plenty; shopping at Tangers Outlet; includes motor coach transportation; $170/person; $50 non-refundable deposit due at sign-up. Contact Hannah, 718-379-7962, or Judith, 718-379-3370.

May 1 to 3, 2020: Passport, Washington, DC. Three days, two nights; visiting the various Embassies that open their doors to the public; sample the different cultures; taste the foods from around the world. $495/person, double; $634/single; $480/person, triple. Contact Judith, 718-379-3370, or Hannah 718379-7962.

July 16 to 19, 2020: Ocean City, Maryland. Four days, three nights; guided tour of Assateague Island; evening entertainment at the Red Rooster restaurant; sightseeing boat ride; shopping at Tanger Outlet; gambling at Ocean Downs Casino. $789/person, double; $1,064/single; $50 non-refundable deposit due when signing up. Contact Judith, 718-379-3370, or Hannah, 718-379-7962.

Attention When signing up for the above trips, please give your name, phone number and a deposit. Checks/money orders made payable to AARP Chapter 4997 with the name of the trip in the memo section of your check/money order. Room 0, Dreiser Community Center, is open Monday or Thursday, noon to 3 p.m. for checks to be dropped off in an envelope w/group/trip leader name. They may be mailed to the group/trip leader.

—Delores Debnam

Good and Welfare To our members and friends still under the weather, know you are thought of warmly and wished brighter days. Call Josephine Flowers, 718-320-0539, regarding illnesses and bereavements.

Keep in mind, our next Jazz Up Your Health With a Senior Spa Day will be in the New Year 2020, date to be determined. If interested in joining us, Call Claudette D., 718-379-4784 or Hattie L., 718-671-8449.

The Retirees need experienced, part-time, freelance drivers Potential drivers must have a CDL license with passenger endorsement and at least 3 years’ experience and a clean driving record. A stipend can be expected for each trip. This position requires transporting members and friends safely to and from special events within the Bronx as well as to outer boroughs. Please call C. Davis at 718-379-4784 and leave your name, telephone number and a brief message.

—Claudette Davis

AARP Chapter #4997

Appreciation I have enjoyed the good and the wonderful experience of the board members as well as the general membership of the American Legion family in the year 2019. Thus, I just want to say thank you for the stellar support you’ve given me, while serving as the commander of this noble organization. All the events we planned and those we did not plan but uptake this year were very successful, just because of the camaraderie that we brought into our meeting rooms.

This year’s Christmas celebration was one of its kinds as we have other individuals that came to celebrate with the veterans.

First, I want to specially thank the line dancers that came to perform during the get together for the very first time. I also want to give a shout out to

American Legion Post 1871

Raphael Echeveria who was there to entertain the guests by beating the African Konga drum. You are all appreciated. Above all, I want to thank every legionnaire/auxiliary who brought food and cake to make the event a joyous occasion. Thank you so very much.

The holiday season can be difficult sometimes for many, and problems can feel so magnified than it usually is. I want to reiterate the fact that as long as I am still the commander, veterans should endeavor to always feel free to let us be part of the situation that they are facing. Oftentimes, it might just be an issue of making calls to the right quarter that will get the problem solved. So, I want to make sure we employ the services of our agencies — NYC Department of Veterans’ Services and the department of veterans’ affairs to look into our cases. So,

I want to appeal to our comrades that If you or a veteran or family member you know needs help, please contact the post and we will be able to connect you with the resources necessary.

What you should know American Legion Post 1871 will be 50 years of its charter here in Co-op City in 2020. So, let us plug into the mood of the celebration as we cross over to the New Year. Our first general membership meeting at the legion post is Saturday, Jan. 18 by 11 a.m. while the auxiliary meets on Monday 13 by 11 a.m. at the Dreiser Loop. Call Frances Wilson at 718-671-5493 for details. In the same month, the mid-winter conference will take place from Jan. 24 through 26 in Albany, N.Y. members willing to go should mark their calendar and make plans ahead.

—Lsjc Adeyemi LaCrown TOBA

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Co-op City Times / January 4, 2020

Director’s Viewpoint

Claudia Sampson As we enter the second decade of the New Millennium, there are so many Board and Management accomplishments that have helped us close out the first decade with a loud cheer. In an effort to continue to re-focus attention on what worked, the positive aspects of collaborating as a housing cooperative, and to be mindful of what shareholders care most about, as chair of the Riverbay Fund, I recently conducted an appreciative inquiry with a small sampling of shareholders. Although not a scientific or representative survey, I was struck by the prescient and constructive feedback received.

One shareholder “wants to see a waterfront developed since it’s currently an eyesore…to include a skateboard area, a dog run, a picnic area for social gatherings, and an overpass for safe crossing.” Another dream shared was to see certain paths on the Green-

Looking Ahead to 2020

way carved out by intrepid feet, bikes and carts to be landscaped with benches and trees serving as oases where people can find respite as they journey back and forth. For anyone owning an electric car or truck or considering purchasing one (including me), this one warms my heart: adding charging stations in the garages. Kudos to President Berk for including this among her 2020 Co-op City To-Do List.

Coincidentally, at our December 18 Board business meeting, the Board received an architectural rendering of two waterfront options. They were not only impressive but also inspiring. Needless to say, nothing is written in stone. These are just ideas being brainstormed and will require full support of the community since we will need to actualize and fund this ambitious project. As for the paving of crossing paths on the Greenway, Management is looking into this suggestion and hopefully will be responsive.

Incidentally, there’s a new charging station in front of the new TD Bank and 7 Eleven on Bartow near Baychester. This is a missed opportunity for us since I’m quite sure that Tesla would’ve gladly paid for us

Building 25 Association

Hope to see you all at our holiday party tonight, remember it is in our meeting room.

We wish all neighbors born in January a happy birthday, and for those who has been under the weather, we hope you get better soon.

Our building association meets every third Tuesday of the month, generally from September through June. Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020, at 7:30 p.m., please keep an eye out for postings outside your elevators. If you cannot make it to meetings due to scheduling or other obstacles, please log onto our building email address at building25ca@gmail.com and

Building 27 Association

to install a couple on our property. There’s still time left to make this happen. My dream is for Co-op City to reduce its carbon footprint by becoming the first model Green affordable housing complex.

The work undertaken by the 15 Board d irectors is a yeoman’s task and requires not only assiduous planning, following appropriate protocol, and being diligently proactive but it also demands a great deal of support from each and every stakeholder. We must protect our homes, our precious investment!

Hear Ye! Listen Up! Ecoutez! Atencion!

Did you know the US Census is hiring! If you’re looking to earn a few extra dollars to pay off your holiday bills or just put some extra cash in your pockets, then go to: 2020Census.gov/jobs. Apply directly.

They’re paying very well in New York City for enumerators/listers. New York City must be included in the 2020 count and they’re recruiting staff to ensure everyone is counted once, only once, and accurately!

Wishing everyone a very productive and positive 2020!

I can be reached at csampson@riverbayboard.com.

address your concerns or comments to any or all members of Building 25 Association.

Friendly reminder, our building annual dues are $5 per family. We would like to thank the residents who have paid their annual dues. Dues are collected at our monthly meetings by Carol Eilets, treasurer or Celeste Stukes, assistant treasurer.

The following quote says it all: “Cheers to a New Year and another chance for us to get it right.” —Oprah Winfrey —Wanda Bailey

Building 35 Association

Hello neighbors, the colorful fall leaves are falling. Enjoying the sudden cold weather, wrap up accordThe holiday decorations will be removed from ingly. the lobby Monday, Jan. 6 at 7 p.m. The Youth Happy New Year 2020 Committee open house will be conducted SunTonight is the holiday party in Building 27C, the rear lobby in the association room, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Come day, Jan. 5. All youth should check flyer on floors on down and meet your neighbors. There will be tasty food, drinks, music, chats; most of all, feel free to for further information. introduce yourselves, we will be happy to see you.

—Bill Gordon The Building 27 Association is comprised of you, our neighbors. When a household pays only $5 annually in dues, it allows you to become a proud member of the association. So welcome and enjoy our annual party so that we can meet you and welcome you also encourage you to become involved in your building and community. There is much work to be done. Of course it won’t be much talk about this, but just want to let you know what this association represents, you our neighbors. So let’s party.

Happy birthday to all in this month. The best of health to all. Contact Lydia Rondon at 718-583-3040 Family Owned and Operated to share news of an illness, or the death of a neighbor.

• Large Chapel • Pre-need counseling Pray for peace within our nation, that we will be on premises granted a leader who will respect the people and the • Out of town services laws of this wonderful nation, now more than ever.

• Ample Parking Be kind, be thoughtful, be genuine but, most of on premises A dignified funeral every family can afford.

• Cremations all, be thankful.

• Casket Showroom —H.Overman All areas are handicapped accessible on premises

Personalized & Professional Care • 53 Years Serving Our Community Worldwide Shipping including Caribbean, Africa & South America

718-231-7647 Call 24 Hours

Fax: 718-231-7665

NOW WEBCASTING TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS ABROAD

www.mccalls.net • director@mccalls.net 4035 Bronxwood Avenue, Bronx, N.Y.

Serving all cultures & faiths

Co-op Insurance

17

Co-op City Times / January 4, 2020

The Wright Agency: Serving Co-op City for 39 Years!

Riverbay Requires Current Co-op Shareholders to Obtain Coverage!

Your Co-op is an Investment Worth Protecting!

P r o t e c t i o n T o C o v e r Yo u r B e l o n g i n g s A g a i n s t : • Fire & Smoke • Water damage from plumbing

We O f f e r :

• Low Premiums • Protective Device Discounts • Auto-Home Discounts

• Guest medical protection • Certain personal liabilities

• Theft Coverage • And so much more!

Other Li nes o f Insu rance: • Auto • Homeowners • Life

Lo w Ra te s Fo r T h e E n t i r e Ye a r !

Licensed Staff

Not Pictured:

Nichola Ferguson Licensed Insurance Agent

Lawrence Newkirk Life Insurance Specialist

Albert Issifu Licensed Insurance Agent

America Borda Licensed Insurance Agent

Polly Heckstall Sr. Account Representative

Sandra Goldsmith Licensed Insurance Agent

The Wright Agency

Anthony Wright Agency Owner

FREE NOTARY SERVICE FOR ALL CO-OP CITY RESIDENTS!

We Are Conveniently Located Only Blocks From Co-op City!

Hours: Monday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

1435 East Gun Hill Road (near Eastchester Road)

718-671-8000 Call Us Today!

Courteous Staff!

Convenient Hours!

18

Co-op City Times / January 4, 2020

Bartow Mon., Jan. 6 Tues., Jan. 7

Wed., Jan. 8 Thu., Jan. 9 Fri., Jan. 10

Einstein

MENU

Dreiser

Alternate Kosher Meals are also available Room 7 unless otherwise noted Crochet & Knitting 10 a.m. - noon Word Games 9:30-11a.m.

Library 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session Library 9:30 a.m.-1p.m.

Line Dancing 10 a.m. - 11 a.m., rm. 45 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Juice Health & Wellness Support Around The Lunch Table 11:30 a.m. Stay Well Exercise 10 a.m. - 11 a.m., rm. 2 Hamburger Group 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Basic Cell Phone & iPad training 11a.m. Lettuce, tomato, onion Word Search 11 a.m. - noon Turkey w/gravy Mind Teasers Noon - 1 p.m., rm. 4 Garlic & Rosemary YOGA w/Peggy 11a.m. - noon, Bingo 1 p.m. - 3 p.m., rm. 35 Collard greens potatoes JASA main office Diabetes Support Group 2nd Mon. - Diabetes Support Group 1 p.m. – Last Garlic mashed Monday of the month salad Carrot Arthritis Exercises11 a.m. - noon 1 p.m., rm. 49 potatoes Hamburger bun Bereavement Counseling 1 p.m., rm. 8 Computer Class for Beg. 9:30 a.m., Gentle Yoga 1:15 p.m. - 2 p.m., rm. 2 Card Games 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Fresh Fruit Int. 10:30 a.m. & Adv. 11:30 a.m.

Alt: Egg salad Dominoes 2:30 p.m.

Intermediate Yoga 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Juice Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session Word Games 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Baked breaded 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Baked breaded fish chicken cutlet Social Worker Royvi 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Health & Wellness Support Group Alert & Alive 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Homemade w/mushroom gravy Cultural Dance 10:30-11:30 a.m., rm. 2 Walking Club 10:30 a.m. tomato sauce 10-11 a.m.

Barley Computer Class 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Prince Edward blend Pasta Primavera Caregiver Support Group 1:30 p.m.

Mind Teasers 12-1p.m., rm. 4 vegetables Steamed broccoli Zumba 1-2 p.m., Aud A 1st & 3rd Tues., JASA main office Karaoke by Steven 1p.m., rm. 45 Whole wheat bread & Cauliflower Matinee Tuesday 1 p.m.

Fresh fruit Card Games 2-4 p.m.

Social Worker Royvi 1-4 p.m.

Alt: Spanish style omelette

Room 31 unless otherwise noted

Blood Pressure Every 1st & 3rd Wed., 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Games 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Stay Well Exercise 10 a.m. -11 am Line Dancing 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Card Games 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Dominos 2:30 p.m.

NORC Computer Class Bartow main office 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Smartphone Class: Beginner – 12:30 p.m.

– 1:30 p.m.; Inter. 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.; Bartow Main office

Room 49 unless otherwise noted

Dominos 10 a.m., rm. 45 Spelling Bee 10 a.m.

Body in motion w/Ola 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Spanish Practice Class 10:30 a.m.

Zumba 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., rm. 4

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Sewing 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Tai Chi 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., rm. 10 Art Class 1-3 p.m.

Yoga 2 p.m. - 3 p.m., rm. 2

Kosher

Non-Kosher

Juice Pepper steak Steamed white rice Oriental blend vegetables Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit Alt: Tuna salad

Jerk chicken Rice & beans Cabbage w/shredded carrots

Juice Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Moroccan salmon Brown rice Blood Pressure 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Steamed green 1st & 3rd, rm. 8 beans Line Dancing 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Aud. A Whole wheat bread Piano Sing Along 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Fresh fruit Drama Club 1:30 - 4 p.m Alt: Chicken salad Dominos 10 a.m., rm. 45 Men’s Line Dancing 9 -10 a.m.

Crochet & Knitting 10 a.m.-noon Juice Art 10 a.m., rm.

45 Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session Roasted chicken Word Games 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Bingo 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

9:30-10; 11 a.m. - noon Kasha Varnishkas Women’s Line Dancing 10-11:30 a.m. Pokeno 2-4 p.m., rm. 35 Meditative Moments 11 a.m. - noon, rm. 8 Steamed cabbage Blood Pressure 2nd & 4th Fri., 10 Chat Session 10 a.m.

Pokeno 3rd Fri., 1- 2:30 p.m.

Whole wheat bread 11:30 a.m., rm. 45 Piano Sing-along 11 a.m.-noon Bingo rm. 7, 1 -3 p.m.

Fresh fruit Free Oil Painting Classes rm. 38, Yoga w/Peggy 11 a.m. - noon, rm. 2 Alt: Gefilte fish Card Games 2-4 p.m.

10 – 11:30 a.m.

Library 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Word Games 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Crochet & Knitting 10 a.m. 11a.m.

Card Games 2-4 p.m.

Dominos 10 a.m., rm. 45 Grandparent Connection Meeting 1st Thurs., rm. 40, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Arthritis Exercise 11 a.m., rm. 45 Spelling Bee 11 a.m.

Word Search 11 a.m. - noon Karaoke by Steven 1 p.m. rm. 45

For information, please call: (718) 320-2066

(Schedule subject to change without notice) Payments for trips at the Bartow office can be made Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. only Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, the NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation.

JASA WELCOMES EVERYONE AGE 60 AND OLDER! Payments for trips can be made at all 3 centers.

Trip registration policy: there will be no refunds for all trips. All trips include roundtrip transportation– JASA will not accept checks under $5. All trips must be paid in advance. Drivers will no longer accept money for trips on the bus!

(FREE) LiveOn NY - SCRIE/SNAP (Food Stamps) Assistance – Fri., Jan. 10th & 24th, Feb. 7th & 21st - 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - JASA Main Office 2049, Bartow Ave. - No appointments! Walkins! First come! First served! Please make copies of your documents before coming to the office.

(Free) Paint & Sip – Thurs., Jan. 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th - JASA Main Office - 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Space is limited, Only 12 participants. Join us for this painting class, have fun while you paint on canvas. No experience necessary.

Juice will be served – To register call 718-320-2066.

Central Ave. – Wed., Jan. 8th - $13.00 - Christmas Tree store, Trader Joe’s and Amazing Savings – Bartow 8:30 a.m., Einstein – 8:45 a.m. & Dreiser 9:00 a.m. There is a Shoprite right next door to Amazing Savings.

Aldi/Home Depot – Wed., Jan. 8th - $3.00 - Bartow - 9:30 a.m. - Einstein – 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser - 10:00 a.m.

Walmart –Thurs., Jan. 9th - $15.00 – Bartow - 8:30 a.m. – Einstein - 8:45 a.m. and Dreiser 9:00 a.m.

Costco – Thurs., Jan. 9th - $5.00 - Bartow - 9:30 a.m.

- Einstein – 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser - 10:00 a.m.

Oven baked pork chops Sautéed Green beans Sweet baked yams

Chicken Parmesan Penne Broccoli w/toasted garlic

Fee for lunch is $2.00; $5.00 for guest

*Menu subject to change without notice.

Alternate Kosher Meals are also available Bartow Center (929) 399-1394 Dreiser Center (718) 320-1345 • Einstein Center (718) 671-5161

ALL meals served w/margarine and fresh milk

Upcoming Events/Trips

Wegman’s Supermarket, Brooklyn New York – Tues., Jan. 14th – $10.00 – Bartow – 8:30 a.m. – Einstein 8:45 a.m. - Dreiser – 9:00 a.m. – Wait List.

Fairway/BJ’s – Wed., Jan. 15th - $4.00 - Bartow 9:30 a.m. - Einstein – 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser - 10:00 a.m.

Medicare Presentation – Wed., Jan 15th – 11:00 a.m.

- 12:00 p.m. -177 Dreiser Loop – rm. 4. Want to learn how voice technology can keep you connected to your community? Join us for a free presentation – “Introducing Your Connected Community” (Alexa project) - JASA Main office 2049 Bartow Avenue – Fri., Jan. 17th, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Due to limited seating in the Bartow main office please call to register. Only 40 seats available – 718-320-2066 - Dreiser Loop Senior Center, 177 Dreiser Loop – rm. 4 – Jan., 17th 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

50 seats available.

St. Mary’s Pool – $3.00 – Fri, Jan. 17th, Mon., Jan. 27th - Pool aerobics for seniors – 10 a.m. – noon. Bartow - 8:30 a.m., Einstein - 8:45 a.m. & Dreiser – 9:00 a.m.

JASA will be closed Mon., January 20th in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday.

Empire Casino – Tues., Jan. 21st - $5.00 - Bartow 9:00 a.m. - Einstein – 9:15 a.m. & Dreiser – 9:30 a.m.

IKEA - Christmas Tree Store/Bed Bath and Beyond –Thurs., Jan. 23rd - $15.00 – Bartow – 9:00 a.m. – Einstein – 9:15 a.m. & Dreiser – 9:30 a.m.

Shoprite - New Rochelle – Mon., Jan. 27th $4.00 - Bartow - 9:30 a.m. - Einstein – 9:45 a.m. &

Dreiser - 10:00 a.m.

Walmart –Thurs., Jan. 30th - $15.00 – Bartow 8:30 a.m. – Einstein - 8:45 a.m. and Dreiser 9:00 a.m.

Tina Turner – Broadway Show, Lunt Fontanne Theatre, rear orchestra center and far side seating – $145.00 – Wed., Feb. 12, 2020 - Pickups: Bartow - 11:15 a.m., Dreiser - 11:30 a.m., Einstein - 11:45 a.m., Motor Coach Bus - Payment deadline Fri., Nov, 29, 2019 - Wait List.

JASA Bartow Valentine’s Day Party – Fri., Feb. 14th at the Bartow Sr. Ctr. – 2049 Bartow Ave, rm.

31 - 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Tickets will be sold at all 3 senior centers – $5.00 -Tickets will not be sold at the door! DJ - TBA Co-op City NORC & Einstein Senior Center Presents “Soul Train” a Black History Month celebration featuring Ola & the Olettes – Wed., Feb. 19th - $5.00 at the Einstein Sr. Ctr. rm. 45 – 11 a.m.

- 2:00 p.m. – Menu: baked chicken, BBQ ribs, potato salad, corn on the cob, garden salad & rolls – Tickets will be sold at all 3 Senior Centers – Tickets will not be sold at the door!

Sight and Sound - Queen Esther, Thurs., April 23, 2020 - $155.00 – Center stage seats - Family style lunch at Good and Plenty restaurant. Pickups: Bartow - 8:00 a.m., Dreiser - 8:15 a.m., Einstein - 8:30 a.m.

Motor Coach Bus - Payment deadline Fri., Jan. 10, 2020 – Wait List.

Circle of Christ Church Iglesia Circulo De Cristo

Co-op City Times / January 4, 2020

147 Dreiser Loop, lower level, Bronx, N.Y. 10475 Come as you are

Faith in God Church and Bible Institute

Psalm 122:1 I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”

If you are looking for a place of worship in the local area aimed at teaching the transforming word of God, Circle of Christ Church invites you to fellowship with us. We are a non-denominational, multicultural and loving church that accepts you just the way you are. Senior Pastor Elisamuel Colón and the body of Christ are committed to love people into a life changing-liberating relationship with God. We are located at 147 Dreiser Loop, patio level.

Our Sunday services are in Spanish and English. We have an anointed worship team and dance ministry that minister regularly. The English service has bible-centered nursery program and children’s church, where children are ministered to from the cradle to 12 years of age. Please see our schedule below and follow us on Facebook and our website, circleofchristchurch.com.

Circle of Christ Church responds to Isaiah 68:10, which says: Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. We have a food pantry that serves the community and we offer family counseling based on need. If you are interested please contact us at 347-945-1992 or on Facebook at Circle of Christ Church.

English Services Tuesday prayer 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Wednesday 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., prayer/Bible study Thursday 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Friday 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Operation Grace Youth Service, 7 p.m.

Saturday 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., young adults Sunday service 11 a.m.

Servicios en Español Salmos 122:1 Yo me alegré con los que me decían, “a la casa de Jehova iremos”.

Nuestros servicios dominicales son en español e inglés. Tenemos un equipo de adoración ungido y un ministerio de danza que ministran regularmente. El servicio de inglés tiene una iglesia infantil centrada en la biblia y un programa de guardería donde se atiende a los niños desde la cuna hasta los 12 años de edad. Tenemos ministerios para todas las edades. Consulte nuestro programa a continuación y síganos en Facebook y en nuestro sitio web circleofchristchurch.com.

Distribuimos alimentos y ofrecemos asesoramiento familiar según las necesidades. Si está interesado, contáctenos al 347-945-1992 o en Facebook Circle of Christ Church.

Domingo:Culto de Adoración de 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Jueves Oración y Estudio Bíblico de 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

—Nancy Rodriguez

Evangelist Vernon Little greets everyone in the name of Jesus, that name which is above every name. We want you to know you are welcome in this house of the Lord! It is His house by ownership, it is our house by stewardship and it can be your house by membership; so come on in and join with us. May God bless you in this house!

The Holy Spirit provides what we need to follow Jesus in obedience. In the big and little things, the spirit motivates us to confidently by faith do what will honor God and reveal our love for Him and others.

Let’s look at scripture to support this.

John 14:15-21 says: 15 “If you love me, keep my commands.

16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me.

19

Because I live, you also will live.

20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.

21 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”

Invitation Sweet Hour of Prayer is today at 3 p.m. Sunday school is tomorrow at 10 a.m. Our Sunday Morning worship service is at 11 a.m. We have clothing items available that were donated to the church.

If interested in picking some up, stop by the church in the 11 o’clock hour on Sunday. Every third Sunday following the morning worship, we serve Holy Communion.

Vernon Little has an EP on the market.

It’s titled ‘Double Minded’. It’s a fusion of gospel, R&B, and rap. He also has videos on YouTube. His music encourages, inspires and informs.

We are located at 171 Dreiser Loop in section 1. Our phone is 347-276-4925.

Jesus loves you, and so do we! Happy New Year.

—Vernon Little

Scheduling Activities Calendar

20

Co-op City Times / January 4, 2020

Co-op City Times / January 4, 2020

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church

The congregation of St. Joseph’s cordially invites you and your family to worship with us in Co-op City at 155 Dreiser Loop, lower level. All are welcome.

Weekly schedule Sunday service with Holy Communion and Sunday school are both at 9 a.m.

Every fourth Sunday, our children participate in the reading of the lessons and every Fifth Sunday, our young adults assist in the service.

We look forward to welcoming you to church tomorrow, Sunday, Jan. 5, at 9 a.m. when we will celebrate the second Sunday after Christmas. Father Simeon Johnson, our supply priest, will be the preacher and celebrant.

Please join us Wednesdays, except Jan. 1, for an uplifting midday service starting promptly at noon.

On Thursdays, except Jan. 2, Father Johnson will be available for telephone calls and visitations, interactive discussions on various topics in the bible 11 a.m. to noon, followed by a short noonday service.

Choir rehearsal is Thursdays at 7 p.m., and we are always looking for new members.

Group activities The Episcopal Church Women meet immediately after service on the first Sunday in each month. All women in the church are invited to attend and participate in planning the activities of the church.

The men hold their meeting after service on the second Sunday of each month.

Upcoming fundraising events Please stay tuned for our 2020 fund raising events. Thanks to all our mem-

bers and friends who have supported our fund raising activities throughout the year. We look forward to your continued support in the coming year.

General information To those celebrating birthdays during the month of January, we wish you all a happy birthday and best wishes for many more.

To the sick and shut-in, we have you in our prayers and wish you a speedy recovery.

New pledge cards for the year 2020 are now available. Please collect yours, pray on your ability to pledge, then complete and return them to the church as soon as possible. Bear in mind that a workable budget depends largely on your commitment.

Outreach program Our church supports the feeding program at Grace Episcopal Church in West Farms. This program is in desperate need of food. At St. Joseph’s, we collect nonperishable food items on an ongoing basis. Please remember to donate. A special thank you to all our friends and neighbors who have been responding to this request.

For additional information on all of the above, please call the church at 718320-0844. You may also visit our website, stjosephsepcbronx.org, for more information relating to St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church, Co-op City, Bronx, New York.

“Happy are they who dwell in your house! They will always be praising you.” —Psalm 84:3 —Merville Chambers

When you discourage someone from seeking God you take on a devilish position. Our arch enemy, the devil, is an adversary, liar and usurper of God’s glory.

He enjoys discouraging people and shaming them. When you do the same things, you tear down God’s image in a person and make them feel less than who God says they are. You must stop this behavior.

Romans 2:1 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 14:4 Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall.

And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.

The issue is not merely one of judging but of condemning and disheartening someone from being their best. To dishearten someone means to take their heart out – it weakens their resolve and makes them feel like giving up.

Matthew 16:23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

Jesus corrected Peter by calling him by the attitude he was portraying – a satanic role. We are not called to stop people from serving, we are to encourage them and help if we can.

Job 2:9 Job’s wife said to him, “Are

you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!”

Job’s wife encouraged him to curse God. She had also lived with the death and loss that Job had but she discarded God and wanted Job to do the same. She no longer cared.

2 Samuel 6:16 As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she despised him in her heart.

David’s wife was embarrassed at his display of worship to God and disparaged him. Rather than joining him in honoring God she put him down. You lie when you say you honor God and then you belittle and downgrade those close to you that are trying to honor Him. She could have joined him and been blessed with him but chose not to.

2 Corinthians 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Sunday services are at 11 a.m. in Bartow Community Center room 28. Contact Open Door Ministries by text, 917-3344407, or email, opendoorministries.net.

—Pastor Luis Ramos

Open Door Ministries

“Encourager or discourager” Full sermon at the Open Door Ministries YouTube channel

Pentecostal Tabernacle

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Pentecostal Tabernacle 100 Co-op City Blvd. Building 22A, main lobby, Bronx, N.Y 10475 Tel. 718-324-0334 or 718-320-4218 You are invited to attend services on the following days.

Sundays: Sunday school for all age group starts 10:30 a.m.

Worship service starts at 11:45 a.m.

Wednesdays: Prayer and fasting service will be held in the morning starting at 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Regular prayer meeting and Bible will be held every Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m.

Friday: Youth service starts at 7:30 p.m.

Focus: God is touched by the problems and difficulties of His people, and He will rescue them from oppression.

Exodus 6, 6 -7 Wherefore, say unto the children of Israel, I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgements.

And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.

While leading bleating sheep along the backside of the desert, and after arriving at Mount Horeb, Moses witnessed an amazing sight, a burning bush that was not burned by fire. A voice addressed Moses from the bush commanding to remove his sandals for he is standing on holy ground. There God revealed himself to Moses and gave him the command to go and tell Pharaoh to let my people go. The Hebrew children had been reduced to slavery in a foreign nation; the pathetic cry of the Hebrews had not gone unnoticed. A loving compassionate God delivered them by raising up a miracle man Moses. God providentially rescued Moses from certain death as an infant, allowed him to be raised in the Egyptians palace, received proper nursing care and later received very good Education. However, Moses had to leave Egypt and spend several years in the wilderness caring for his father in law’s sheep’s. Then God called him and prepared him with a miraculous ministry, (Exodus 6:13, 30) And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, and gave them a charge unto the children of Israel, and unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring the children of Israel out the land of Egypt.

And Moses said before the Lord, Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me?

God sent Moses to Pharaoh to secure the release of the Israelite slaves, obstinately refusing to comply with Moses request, Pharaoh saw his kingdom ruined around him

by God’s judgments. After the death of the firstborn of the Egyptians, Pharaoh ordered the Hebrews to leave. However, he pursued them, and his army was destroyed in the red sea. Today God still hear our cry for help, and He knows our emotional and physical pain. And he will hear and deliver us.

—Rev. R.Sibblies

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Opportunities

Co-op City Times / January 4, 2020 (Continued from page 7)

Public Safety

(Continued from page 7)

handicapped spot. Both garages 5 and 7 have reserved parking on the second floor in addition to the first floor and the ramps leading to the second floor. Illegal parking subjects the vehicle to the risk of being towed or having a Community Complaint issued. There are some additional handicapped spots being added to some of the garages. Please look on the ground for a reserved spot or a handicapped designation before parking in a spot.

The Co-op City Department of Public Safety deploys uniformed officers in vehicles, in scooters, on bicycles and on foot to patrol garages and their perimeters. Garages patrols are conducted around the clock. Foot sweeps of garages allow officers to conduct thorough and methodical inspections. Detectives in plain clothes are also utilized to patrol the garages. Video surveillance is also in use within the garages. Upgrading and expansion of video surveillance is ongoing. If you are ever involved in a motor vehicle accident in the garage be sure to notify NYPD and the department of public safety immediately. Failure to do so can result in an arrest and/or suspension of garage parking privileges.

Reports of suspicious persons or activities are investigated promptly. Any persons observed in the garage may be asked to provide identification, including vehicle registration for a vehicle parked in the garage. Persons observed within the garages without a valid reason can be placed under arrest and receive a Universal Summons for Trespass. Arrests can also be made for crimes including grand larceny auto, burglary or possession of burglars tools. If the arrested person is a Co-op City resident, a Co-op City Community Complaint, which carries a monetary fine, can also be issued in connection with the arrest.

It is most important that garage parkers notify the department of public safety at 718-671-3050, 911 and the garage attendant if they observe any suspicious persons or activity in the garages. Suspicious activity near vehicles parked on the street should also be reported. Even if you see something that just does not seem right, it is best to call immediately. Your intuition that something is wrong usually is just that and is always worth investigating. Residents whose windows face the roof of a garage have often called in suspicious activity around vehicles. Observations by residents have yielded many arrests over the years.

Evangelical UM Church

Open Doors, open hearts and open minds

You’re always welcome in God’s House, your house! We are a Bible centered congregation with spirit-filled worship, offering a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship and service to God and our community. We are a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and bilingual congregation, all are welcome! Services are held at 2350 Palmer Ave., across from Building 30. Parking is available.

Our pastor is Rev. Arnaldo Sánchez-Orta. Telephone: 718-320-3795 Email: coopcityevangelicalumc@gmail.com.

Schedule for Sundays, come and receive a blessing Jan. 5, 2020, regular Sunday service hours, English 9:30 a.m. and Spanish 11:30 a.m., bilingual Service will be held on Jan. 12, at 10 a.m.

Children Sunday school: 9:45 a.m. Bring your children, they will have a great time while learning God’s word. Adult Sunday Bible study: English, 8:45 a.m., Spanish, 10 a.m.

English prayer/Bible study night & Spanish pÇrayer/Bible study afternoon: Tuesday Spanish prayer/Bible study: Noon to 2 p.m., Tuesday evening Bible study: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday English prayer service: 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Come let’s pray together! “Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day.” 1 Kings 8:28b (NIV) Friday night is Fun Night for youth ages 13 to 21, 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

This is a great time for the youth of our community to learn God’s word, enjoy each other’s company and make new friends. There will also be many activities.

Exciting things are happening.

Food Pantry will re-open Jan. 5, 2020 Food pantry distribution center at our church serves buildings 26 A, B and C; 30 A and B; 31 A and B, 34, 35 and the Earhart Townhouses. Ongoing registration and distribution of food is on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Those registering must present one of the following government issued up-to-date ID’s showing a 10475 zip code: driver, non-driver, or NYC ID. Anyone 18 or older can register. Only one participant per household may register.

Health education workshop Join us for upcoming health education workshop: “Exercise Your Mind” on Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 2 p.m. at your local community church, Co-op City UMC, 2350 Palmer Ave. Entrance ramp on Boller Avenue, parking lot entrance is on Palmer Avenue.

Sight & Sound Theatre trip Come, Join us to see the new theatre show of “Queen Esther” on Friday, April 17, 2020. Trip includes: Visit/shop at Kitchen Kettle Village, “Queen Esther” at Sight & Sound and dinner at Miller’s Smorgasbord. Cost: $203 p.p., Children 5 to 12 yrs., $153.Payments can be made as follows: Pay in full or three payments plan, Deposit of $75 p.p. to hold seat. Checks payable to: Co-op City United Methodist Church can be mailed to 2350 Palmer Ave., Bronx, N.Y. 10475. For more information, contact: Barbara, 347-603-7473, or church, 718-320-3795, if no answer, leave a detailed message and someone will get back to you ASAP. —Marilyn Méndez-González

Co-op City Times / January 4, 2020

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Happy New Year! Now that the hustle and bustle of the holidays are behind us, we can now kick back and relax, and welcome the new year, and the many new adventures it brings.

Lobby decoration We want to thank Mr. Walden and Elsie Sanchez for their help in decorating the lobby. Many cooperators complimented on how beautiful the lobby looked.

Holiday collection We want to thank all the building cooperators for their generous contributions to the 2019 building holiday collection. The results were posted in the lobby and will be posted again. All persons that received the money were pleased and thanked all the cooperators.

Toy drive A big thanks to all the building cooperators that gave toys to the 2019 toy drive. The toy drive was hugely successful. All the toys collected were turned over to the CCPD Toy Drive.

Open table meeting At December’s open-table meeting, the biggest complaint was cooperators leaving large boxes and other large items in the compactor rooms. All large items are to be taken down to the basement. Greasy, stained boxes are to be disposed of down the garbage chute. When depositing garbage in the chute, check to make sure it has dropped.

The table in the compactor room is to be used to stack magazines and newspapers. Recyclable items, like plastic, glass, and metal, should be placed in the plastic bag. If a cooperator makes a mess in the compactor room, they are to clean it up immediately. By following these simple rules, we can ensure that our compactor rooms will be orderly and clean.

Another big issue that came up at the meeting was the slamming of apartment doors. Please be courteous and don’t slam your apartment door. When you slam your door, it affects your neighbors on your floor and your neighbors above and below you. Let’s all work together to maintain our quality of life in our building.

Laundry room There have been numerous complaints about cooperators leaving their clothes in the washers and dryers. The laundry room is somewhat like an assembly line when the process is slowed down or stopped; it breaks the flow. Be mindful of your time; be available to take your clothes out of the washer and dryer after it has finished. Let’s keep the laundry room flowing.

Annual holiday gathering On Dec. 28, Building 8 Association held its fourth annual holiday gathering. The event included plenty of delicious food and beautiful music, all hosted in a lovely atmosphere.

We thank all the building Cooperators that came out to partake in this joyous event.

Building 8 Association board members…

Lee Rivers, president Azalea McDavid, vice-president Denise Kirklan Jennifer Sullivan, treasurer …wish everyone a prosperous, healthy New Year —Lee Rivers

Building 14 Association

PAINTING

CLEANING SERVICES

SPOONER

Building 8 Association

12/28

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Throughout the recent holiday season, starting in November, we’ve had a chance as a building community to share in a holiday party, spread Thanksgiving wishes via our annual raffle and show the generosity of cooperators through a bountiful holiday gratuity collection for the building staff. Making all of this happen is a dedicated team of building association officers, supported by cooperators who volunteered to prepare and/or serve food at our harvest fest, to decorate the lobby for the each holiday and to sit in a chilly lobby to collect donations.

A special thank you to association officers Sandy McMichael, Peter Garcia and Darlene Dove as well as cooperators Yvonne Weekes, Deidre Manigault, Gerri Bennett, Maybell Jenkins, Arlene S., Karen M, Bernice Clarke, Reese and Ella Owens. Just a note, the holiday decorations will remain up until Three Kings Day, this Monday.

In coming publications, I will write an article to share what’s be discussed in building meetings around several issues raised by cooperators, including elevator modernization, deteriorating ceiling in the basement, the laundry room renovation, reserve spaces in the parking garage and recruitment of additional floor captains.

In terms of activities, we’ll look at having Game Night on Fridays to help folks avoid cabin fever during the winter months and kick-off a money/financial management series for 2020. If you have any ideas, please feel free to share and, most importantly, be willing to help to execute them.

May the coming year be the best one ever! Be safe. Be kind. Stay Blessed.

—Josie Ferguson

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Co-op City Times / January 4, 2020

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