Co-op City Times 01/10/09 by Co-op City Times

Co-op City Times / January 10, 2009

Vol. 45 No. 2

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Energy tax credit not applicable to 2008 tax returns, but will resume for 2009 BY BILL STUTTIG Thousands of shareholders who took advantage of the federal energy tax credit on their 2007 tax returns will not be able to do so on their 2008 returns because the federal government program has expired. However, shareholders will be able to again claim the credit on their 2009 returns next year because the tax credit was included as part of the “Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008,” Riverbay’s Department of Finance said this week. Riverbay’s Director of Finance, Peter Merola, said this week that the corporation’s tax auditors informed them that shareholders will once again be eligible for the credit next year based on Riverbay’s energy efficient home improvements installed in the cooperative, specifically the new windows and doors which will continue to be installed throughout the development over the next year. “Each shareholder is entitled to their proportionate share of the credit based on

their apartment size and the number of shares owed,” Merola explained. “The credit is based on new windows and terrace doors that will be installed throughout Co-op City during 2009.” Merola added, “Because Riverbay Corporation is a housing cooperative, all shareholders share the tax benefit proportionately. This means that even though you may not have had new windows or a terrace door installed in 2009, as a shareholder in Riverbay Corporation, you are eligible for a proportionate share of the energy tax credit.” The amount of the credit varies by the size of the apartment. For the 2007 return, the smallest apartment (3 rooms) was entitled to a federal tax credit of $52.97 and the largest apartment (7 rooms) was entitled to a credit of $123.61. The amount of credit that can be taken next year will be determined by the total value of the window and door replacement (Continued on page 2)

Public hearings on MTA fare increases begin next week BY BILL STUTTIG Straphangers here and elsewhere who are upset because they will likely be paying between 25% to 33% more to get to and from work each day will have the chance to voice their displeasure when the MTA begins a series of public hearing this week on their proposed fare increases and service cuts. On December 16th, the MTA Board approved a plan to close what it claims to be a $1.2 billion budget gap. By passing what some call a drastic plan, the MTA is seemingly intent on passing the responsibility for closing the supposed gap squarely on to the shoulders of riders also struggling with an economy in recession. For thousands of Co-op City residents dependent on public transportation to get to and from work, this will likely mean express bus fares rising from $5 to $6.25 and from $2 to as much as $3 on standard bus and subway service. Anne Craig, a Section 5 resident who depends of the express bus to get to and from her Manhattan job each day, said last month, “We are not getting raises at work because of the economy, our carrying charges here will be going up soon and now it may cost me more to get to work. I

am being hit from all sides and I don’t know what to do.” Arthur Taub, a leading transportation advocate for the community for the last three decades said that thousands here are in the same situation as Craig and their only hope of reducing some of the financial burden being placed on them by the MTA is to voice their displeasure at one of several hearings scheduled for the tri-state area over the next three weeks. “I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to go on record and speak out against this increase and also the cuts in service planned for the system,” Taub said. The MTA’s plan does not only include significant fare increases for both regular and express service, Taub reminded residents here, but the likelihood of less frequent service on the express bus line, the elimination of all student reduced fares on all express bus runs and the reduction of the off-peak eligibility period for seniors and disabled riding the express bus. The off peak discount period presently begins at 9 a.m. in the northeast Bronx, but under the proposed plan, it will be pushed back to 10 a.m. (Continued on page 2)

25¢

Shareholders sound off against carrying charge increases BY BILL STUTTIG More than 100 shareholders attended a public hearing Friday morning in Dreiser Community Center to voice their objection to the carrying charge increase projected to go into effect on February 1. Based on a two-year budget recently approved by the Riverbay Board of

Directors, Riverbay projected the need for a 6% increase effective on February 1 of this year and a 4.5% increase effective February 1, 2010. The state Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) reviewed the Riverbay budget and amended the (Continued on page 4)

Denise A. C. Snyder, Housing and Community Renewal Manager for DHCR, oversaw Friday’s hearing for the state and said that all shareholders’ feedback will be taken into account as DHCR decides on the projected carrying charge increases for Co-op City. Photo by Bill Stuttig

Se e pag e 2 for in form at ion o n R i v e r b a y ’s n e w c a l l c e n te r.

Negotiations with Cablevision still ongoing; MATV subscribers will not be blacked out in February BY ROZAAN BOONE With the turn of the new year and the fast approaching February 17th deadline for the national switch over to digital television service, Riverbay continues to reassure anxious shareholders who receive their television reception from the master antenna that they will not experience service interruptions. “The negotiations are looking good and we expect to have some type of agreement within the next two week,” said Joe Boiko, Riverbay’s Ombudsman. “Essentially, Riverbay has told Cablevision that come February 17, we expect the MATV to continue working or else be turned over to Riverbay, in which case, Riverbay will do the necessary upgrade to the master antenna to ensure continued service to shareholders

without the need for converter boxes.” Boiko said that as the MATV system is designed now, converter boxes will not work on it . “This is the reason why we have been advising cooperators on the master antenna not to purchase the converter boxes all along,” said Boiko. “We understand the concerns and needs of all cooperators that having television service is a way of life, a way of communication and we will not allow the system to go down where they will not have service.” Boiko said that as long as Cablevision has ownership of the master antenna, Riverbay cannot make any modifications to the system until the negotiations are (Continued on page 11)

Co-op City Times / January 10, 2009

Tax Credit work to be done in 2009. However, there is a $200 ceiling on the total amount of credit that can be claimed by any one shareholder over the course of the multi-year project so a shareholder that received a credit of more than $100 last year may not be eligible to receive the full amount of the credit that can be claimed if the sum of the two credits exceeds $200. Shareholders with smaller homes will likely be able to claim the full amount next year because the total amount of the credit they will be eligible for will not exceed $200 in all probability based on the amount of window and door replacement work scheduled to be per-

CLASSIFIEDS

(Continued from page 1)

formed in 2009. Merola said that next January, shareholders will be informed of the exact amount of credit that will be eligible to claim based on the size of their home. Just as was done last year, a chart will be published in the Co-op City Times next January informing residents of the exact amount of tax credit that can be claimed for their size apartment based on the total value of work performed in the entire community this year, 2009. In order to file for the credit next year, the shareholder must file federal form 1040 and with that, file federal tax form 5695 to apply for the credit. The energy

tax credit is not available to any taxpayer in the nation this year. All shareholders will be eligible for the tax credit next year so long as the amount of federal taxes they paid in 2009 exceeds the value of the credit. Under the Federal 2005 Energy Policy Act, taxpayers received up to a 10% tax credit for improving the energy efficiency of existing homes. A subsection of the law related specifically to cooperatives says that “a tenant-stockholder in a cooperative housing corporation shall be treated as having made his tenant-stockholder’s proportionate share of any expenditure of such corporation.”

While the decision was made to expire that federal energy tax credit for 2008, the credit was reestablished as part of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, passed by Congress and signed into law by President George Bush on October 3rd, 2008. The replacement of 130,000 old windows throughout Co-op City is part of the historic $240 million reconstruction of the community that was made possible by the refinancing agreement reached with New York Community Bank in 2004. The window replacement portion of that overhaul reconstruction will total $57.9 million in material and labor when completed.

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granted a chance to be heard that evening. Residents wishing to register should call (212) 878-7483. Speaking time is limited to three minutes a speaker. For those shy about speaking in public or not able to physically attend the hearings, comments can be filed via the MTA website: www.mta.info, or by mailing their prepared statements to: Douglas Sussman, Director of MTA Community Affairs, 347 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10017. The hearing to be held at Lehman College is by far the most convenient to those traveling from Co-op City, but numerous other hearings are scheduled throughout the tri-state area over the next three weeks. The first hearing, which might be convenient to those residents working in Manhattan, will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14th in the Hilton Hotel’s Trianon Ballroom, 1335 Avenue of the America’s (6th Avenue). A hearing will

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resources will grow in the coming months so that this budget can be amended before it is implemented.” The MTA is lobbying for the state legislature to provide additional financial aid and adopt other measures proposed by former MTA Chairman Richard Ravitch who would raise additional revenues for the MTA. These proposals include placing tolls on all bridges leading to Manhattan and increasing payroll taxes on all New York City employers with the additional revenue generated by those taxes going directly to the MTA. Mayor Michael Bloomberg has also expressed hope that the state legislature would reconsider his congestion pricing concept, charging drivers to enter midtown Manhattan, which he said would raise revenues that could eliminate the need for the fare increases and service cuts. The state legislature failed to pass the Mayor’s congestion pricing concept last Spring.

Cooperator Services Offices: CSO 1 (Bldgs. 1-14, Carver, Debs and Defoe Pl. Townhouses) Maintenance Service: (718) 320-3453, Dreiser Center, Rm. 6 CSO II (Bldgs. 15-25: Adler, Asch, and Broun Place Townhouses) Maintenance Service: (718) 320-3403, Bartow Center, Rm. B CSO III (Bldgs. 26-35: Earhart Lane Townhouses) Maintenance Service: (718) 320- 3591, Einstein Center, Rm. 37

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be held on Tuesday, January 20th in Queens at the Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel at 135-20 39th Avenue, Flushing, Queens and on January 21st at the Garden City Hotel, 45 Seventh Street in Garden City. In Westchester, the hearing will be held on January 28th at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, 198 Central Avenue. In Brooklyn, the hearing will be held on January 28th at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge, 333 Adams Street. In Rockland County, the hearing will be held on February 2nd at the Palisades Center, 1000 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack, New York. MTA Chairman H. Dale Hemmerdinger said in a statement following last month’s near unanimous vote to approve the proposed budget, “Today, we fulfilled our requirement to adopt a balanced budget within the constraints of existing resources and those resources are simply not great enough. Our fervent hope is that available

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The plan also calls for the elimination of entire bus routes serving communities surrounding Co-op City including Pelham Bay, Country Club and City Island. Each borough will suffer the elimination of several bus routes and several subway stops, and up to 42 subway station booths. The changes will also affect drivers, as well as commuters. Under the plan, tolls on bridges crossing between boroughs will rise to $7 in each direction, including the nearby Throgs Neck Bridge, Whitestone Bridge and the RFK Bridge (formerly the Triborough Bridge). Taub said that he has already registered to speak out at the hearing to take place on February 4th in the Bronx at Lehman College’s Lovinger Theater, 250 Bedford Park Blvd. West. All hearings begin at 6 p.m. and residents can register to speak anytime up until 9 p.m., according to the MTA’s public notice. But Taub advises residents to reserve time to speak in advance to be assured that they will be

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Co-op City Times / January 10, 2009

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Cooperator Services Offices CSO 1 (Bldgs. 1-14, Carver, Debs and Defoe Pl. Townhouses) Maintenance Service: (718) 320-3453, Dreiser Center, Rm. 6 CSO II (Bldgs. 15-25: Adler, Asch, and Broun Place Townhouses) Maintenance Service: (718) 320-3403, Bartow Center, Rm. B CSO III (Bldgs. 26-35: Earhart Lane Townhouses)

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Combing Co-op City Evening with the Arts at Truman HS Harry S. Truman High School’s Fine Arts Department invites everyone to experience the talents of the students in the painting, ceramics, digital photography, jazz band, and culinary arts programs on Wednesday, January 14, 5-7 p.m. The exhibit will be held in the second floor gallery, north side, 750 Baychester Avenue, Bronx, N.Y. There is a $2 suggested donation and refreshments will be served.

Caregiver support program in Co-op City The Jewish Association for Services for the Aged is hosting a support program for caregivers designed to help Co-op City residents who are charged with providing care for a loved one who is unable to care for him or herself. Participants share their feelings and information and resources with other caregivers. The program meets from 1 to 2 p.m. every other Tuesday in Room 31 of the Bartow Community Center. For registration information, call Frank Farkas at 718-365-4044.

FRONT PA G E

Local elected officials to host Inauguration Day celebration in Co-op City To mark the historic election of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States, Assemblyman Michael R. Benedetto and Congressman Joseph Crowley are inviting residents of Co-op City to a special viewing of the inauguration ceremony on January 20th in Dreiser Community Center. “The inauguration of Barack Obama is such an historic event that many of us wish to view it in a communal setting,” said Assemblyman Benedetto. “This is the political equivalent of the Super Bowl.” With that concept in mind, Assemblyman Benedetto and Congressman Crowley, with the cooperation of Cablevision, have planned the celebration which will be held in the Dreiser Community Center. The inauguration ceremony will be broadcast on flat screen panels, and refreshments will be served prior to the event.

“Congressman Crowley and I were very moved by the way people in Co-op City mobilized in support of this historic campaign. The turn-out on election day was

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substantial and I do not see a better way of marking this day than by coming together on inauguration day,” concluded Assemblyman Benedetto. On election day, Tuesday, November 4, 2008, Co-op City residents began lining up more than an hour before the polls opened at 6 a.m. and by the time the polls finally opened, there were people in the hall, down the steps, out the door, and down the block. Nevertheless, despite the frigid morning temperature and endless lines, no one minded the long wait because it was something that most of them had waited a lifetime for anyway — the chance to elect an African American President of the United States. Senator Barack Obama of Illinois became the first African-American (Continued on page 24)

12th annual Kwanzaa Celebration in Co-op City The Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City held its 12th annual “Kwanzaa Celebration” on Saturday, December 27. The program was very well attended, and featured Guest Speaker, Hon. Kaba Hiawatha Kamene (Cultural Performance Activist). The Ellie Minor Dancers, Section 5 Teen Center Dancers, and

Harambee Drummers were also featured during the celebration. There was also a Karamu Feast. Kwanzaa is the seven-day (December 26 - January 1) African celebration of family, community and culture as personified in African "First Fruits" or harvest celebrations. Kwanzaa incorporates the spirit, value and practice of Ingathering, Reverence,

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Montefiore Community Center offers pre-school child care Mosholu Montefiore Community Center has openings for pre-school children at its day care centers for children ages 1 to 5 years of age between the hours of 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for working parents. Classes are taught by pre-school teachers chosen for their skills, as well as their warmth in relating to young children. Centers are located at the main building, 3450 Dekalb Avenue and Gun Hill Road; the North Side Annex, located at 3512 Dekalb Avenue; the Rochambeau Avenue Center located between 204th and 206th Street. The Co-op City branch is located at 100A Aldrich Street, and the Hutchinson River Center is in Section 5 of Co-op City. For further information, call (718) 882-4000, Ext. 0 or visit www.mmcc.org.

Evelyn Turner teaches the children the Kwanzaa Principles.

The Section Five Teen Center delights the attendees with their African dance.

The Harambee Drummers put on a great performance.

Friends and neighbors serve food for the Karamu Feast.

Co-op City Times / January 10, 2009

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Church of the Savior

(Continued from page 1)

projected increase up to 7.04% for both 2009 and 2010. Denise Snyder, Housing and Community Renewal Manager for DHCR, oversaw the meeting and announced that residents who qualify for Section 8, SCRIE (Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption) or DRIE (Disabled Rent Increase Exemption) will not be subject to the increase and seniors and disabled who apply and are accepted within 90 days of the increase will also be exempt from the increase retroactively. All seniors, 62 years of age or older, making less than $28,000 a year are eligible for SCRIE. Peter Merola, Riverbay’s Director of Finance, explained to the shareholders in attendance that the need for the increases are based on rising operating costs in four key areas: labor, energy costs, increasing water and sewer taxes and increasing debt service particularly as Riverbay’s mortgage rates increase from 5.2 % to 6.2% as the corporation begins paying down the principle on the $480 million refinancing in October of this year. Merola added that Riverbay’s energy costs, specifically fuel and electricity, have increased by more than $14 million over the last two years. While most of the more than two dozen shareholders who spoke did not directly refute Merola’s figures, many had issues with the way funds were being spent and suggested that inefficiencies in spending were the cause of some of the increased expenditures. Long time resident Gloria Wharton questioned the cogeneration project and whether long delays in its completion are the reason why expenditures have increased. While Merola explained that the costs associated with building the cogeneration are not included in the projected budget and have no effect on the projected increase, General Manager Vernon Cooper said that

when the plant begins generating electricity, it will bring an additional $1.5 million per month in savings and extra income to the corporation. Cooper added that the reason for the delay in approval of the cogeneration program is three-fold: Riverbay; the outside contractor, Fresh Meadow; and outside regulating agencies. He said that it is hoped that the plant can begin generating electricity by next month with full operation by late spring. Bernard Cylich charged, as he has at other meetings in the past, that management has wasted money by unnecessarily using outside contractors for painting and asbestos abatement work. Cooper refuted Cylish’s claims stating that the asbestos abatement work requires a high level of specialized training not available among current in-house staff. He also said that by using an outside painting contractor rather than in-house painters, Riverbay is able to have the work performed on an as needed basis rather than keeping a set number of painters on staff full-time during slow times, as well as busy. Cooper also refuted Cylich’s claim that hiring a single general manager rather than a professional management firm would be more cost effective. Cooper said that using a single general manager, as Riverbay has done in the past, would still require numerous consultants to be brought in to assist the general manager at great cost to the housing company. He added that in the past, Co-op City has relied on solo general managers and this has proven unsuccessful as evidenced by the more than 25 general managers who came and went in the 30 years prior to Marion Scott Real Estate Inc. being brought on board in 1999. Some shareholders brought up areas where they believe Riverbay could save operating expenditures, such as getting rid of the lobby attendant pro-

gram. One shareholder requested that the matter of keeping the lobby attendant program be brought to a referendum to determine if shareholders still wanted it. Shareholder Joe Cassese asked what accounts for the difference between Riverbay’s figures which project a 6% and 4.5% increase, respectively, and the state’s figures which project a more than 7% increase both years. Both Merola and Ron Geffs, an accountant with DHCR who helps oversee Riverbay’s books, said that the difference is that DHCR requires that 3% of the revenue collected by the housing company go into a reserve fund. Merola said that in trying to keep the increases as low as possible for the shareholders, the Riverbay budget did not include replenishing reserves to that same extent. Geffs added that as the state reviews all the material being presented in opposition to the increase, the 3% requirement can be modified. Board Director Cleve Taylor, who made a point of reminding shareholders that Riverbay will need to refinance again in 2020 even after it successfully meets the terms of the refinancing agreement made with New York Community Bank in 2004, asked the state to consider stipulating that Riverbay management’s contract be put out to bid in light of Marion Scott Real Estate Inc. operating here without a DHCR approved contract over the last several years. Snyder agreed to pass Taylor’s request on to the DHCR Commissioner for consideration. Shareholder Peter Greenbaum charged DHCR officials with arrogance for requesting such a steep increase especially since many of the community’s expenditures over the years were to fix construction defects that were created under the division’s supervision.

Evelyn Turner suggested that DHCR consider flipping Riverbay’s projected increases so that shareholders could face the 4.5% increase during this first year when the overall economy in still struggling and then institute the higher increase next year in hopes that President Barack Obama’s economic stimulus package would by then have eased some of the financial burdens facing residents here and elsewhere. At one point in the meeting, Snyder took issue with a comment that she and her colleagues did not understand the burdens they are facing because they don’t live here. Snyder strongly stated that she too is a resident of a MitchellLama development and knows firsthand the pressures that residents here are facing. She added that she also oversees many other hearings regarding state supervised housing developments and regularly sees residents who face much steeper increases than what are being projected for Co-op City. Riverbay Board President Othelia Jones concluded the meeting by thanking all the shareholders who participated and making note of the many good points that were raised during the three hour session. She added that she still believes that Co-op City is the best housing buy in the city given all the services that residents here receive, ensuring a consistent and quality standard of living. Snyder told residents that comments could still be submitted to the Division for consideration this weekend before the DHCR Commissioner’s office makes its final determination on Co-op City’s increase. Comments should be mailed to Ricardo Cabodevilla, Housing Management Representative, New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal, Housing Management Bureau, 25 Beaver Street – 6th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10004.

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Rev. Dr. Robert A. Smith, Jr., Pastor, Lady Theresa M. Smith, co-founder, and Rev. McMillian, Assistant Pastor, and the Church of the Savior family extend an invitation to every person to worship with us. We are a non-denominational, interracial, intercultural, intergenerational fellowship of believers. We care about you, not your W2. We are not church as usual. Come as you are, we leave the judging to God.

Church of the Savior is located at 120 DeKruif Place – street level, (under Building #7 near Dreiser Loop). Take the 26, 28, 30 or QBX1 to Dreiser Loop and DeKruif Pl. Church of the Savior family extends happy New Year to the entire community. Our love goes out to every person. Feel free to contact us at 718-320-0002, if we can assist you in anyway. Dr. Sm it h’s ser m on top ic: “Just call

Him.” T hough t for th e Week – “The promised land is always on the other side of the wilderness.” Week ly Act ivit y – Thursday – 1:15 p.m., a support group available to persons who grieve the death of a spouse, significant other, child, brother, sister or treasured friend. All sessions are confidential. A caring environment awaits you.

Up coming E vent s – Saturday, January 24, 10:00-3:00 – Church of the Savior hosts a blood drive for the New York Blood Center. Drieser Loop Community Center. You can save a life with the gift of blood. April 16 and April 17 - Spring Revival featuring Rev. Dr. Sheldon Williams, Senior Pastor Co-op City Baptist Church, will be our revivalist. Services begin at 7:00 p.m. Come and be blessed by this man of God.

Evangelical Church of Co-op City – UMC We would like to take this opportunity to wish all our members and friends a very happy and healthy New Year, and most of all a blessed one, because the Lord has many blessing to give out to all who believe. The Evangelical Church of Co-op City (Iglesia Evangelica de Co-op City) would like to welcome everyone to come to our services every Sunday. 9 a.m. is the English Service, 10:30 a.m. is the Children’s Service, Youth Service (12 -19 yrs.) and Adult Bible Classes in both English & Spanish. At 11:30 a.m. is the Spanish Service. Every first Sunday of the month is

Open Door s, Open H ea r ts a n d Open Min ds a bilingual service at 10 a.m., also For more information, call (718) 671part of the bilingual service is the 1033, Monday thru Friday, between 2:30 communion service. p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Come and join us in a great time Motorcycle Ministry of rejoicing and spiritual uplifting. If you feel your calling is to go out into All services are at the church build- the highways and bi-ways to aid and suping, 2350 Palmer Avenue, across the port our brothers and sisters in ministry or street from Building 30. Come and maybe curious about what we are doing see what the Lord can do in your life then by all means, please call William at and worship with us in our beautiful (646) 528-6181 or e-mail him at sanctuary. willove42@yahoo.com. Membership is After School Program open to all. You can still register your children for What a blessing. May the peace, joy the after school program. The after school and love of, Jesus Christ be with you program is in Room 43 in the Einstein always. Community Center at 135 Einstein Loop. Your Brother in Christ, William Rivera,

Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invite the community to join us tomorrow for worship service at 8:00 a.m. worship and at 11:00 a.m. Sunday School for adults and children will be held at 9:15 a.m. Bible class and prayer service is held on Wednesdays at 12 p.m. Bible study also is held on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. Prayer Service is held on Fridays at noon and at 7:30 p.m. We are located at 135 Einstein Loop, Room 50 on the lower level. Our telephone number is 718-320-3774. We invite you to worship, study, and pray with us. Visit us on the web at www.coopcitybaptistchurch.org to find our about our ministries and programs. For your travel needs, please visit www.ccbctravel.com.

On Sunday, January 24th, we will have our Installation of Officers service at 3:30 p.m. The guest speaker will be Rev. Dr. Larry Washington, Pastor of Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church in Huntington, Long Island. Everyone is invited to attend this service. “ Sa ve t h e Da t e” - Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10, for the Ultimate Dining Cruise. We are inviting everyone to join us for dinner on the “Elegant Spirit Cruises” hosted by the Building Fund Ministry of the Co-op City Baptist Church. The cruise will be a three hour tour of the beautiful New York Skyline. Price: adults (aged 12 and above) - $125; children age 2 -12 - $55. We invite you to join us for good food, good music and good fellowship. A $25 non-refundable

Christian Motorcyclist Association Road Captain, New York City Chapter. NEOS Program (12 to 19 Years old) The NEOS Program is for youth of 12 to 19 years. The teens will be doing art, music, dance and plays, all in a setting of love and caring, while learning what the Lord can do in their lives. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the program starts promptly at 8:00 p.m. every Friday night. Children Ministries (4 to 11 years old) We have started Kids for Jesus (K4J) every last Saturday of the month from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Kids will have a great time. —R ev. M ilca Alva r ez-P la u d

Co-op City Baptist Church down payment is required. Final payment is due April 1. For further information, call the church at 718 320-3774. The Scholarship Ministry invites you to join them on a five day French Canadian Tour August 3 - 8. Two days will be spent in Montreal and two days in Quebec. Seven meals are included. Enjoy guided tours of Quebec City and the Beaupre Coast, visits to Marie‘s Bread Oven, Montreal’s Olympic Park and the Copper Museum, as well as admission to Notre Dame Academy, St. Joseph’s Oratory and the Biodome. The cost of the trip is $995 single occupancy, $775 double occupancy and $725 triple occupancy. A $100 deposit is required by February 15. For additional information, call the church. The Co-op City Intergenerational

Outreach Center’s Saturday Tutoring Program offers small group tutoring for students in the 2nd to 5th grades in English Language Arts, Math and Science. We will be offering preparation for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Math State tests which will be held in March. Tutoring is held from 3 to 5 p.m. at 135 Einstein Loop, Room 51 (lower level). Tuition is $50 a month. Registration is held during program hours the first two weeks of each month. For additional information, call 718-671- 8449 or 917620-2859. The Co-op City Baptist Church family extends wishes for a happy, healthy, prosperous, and BLESSED New Year to the Co-op City community. —Hattie L. Lucas

For news or to advertise, call the Co-op City Times at 320-3375.

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Co-op City Times / January 10, 2009

Reflections by Rabbi Solomon I. Berl Spiritual Leader of Young Israel Synagogue Four years have passed since Israel withdrew from Gaza in an effort to reassure Palestinians of the Jewish state's willingness to exchange land for peace. Since that time, Hamas and Palestinian militants in the strip have launched more than 6,000 rockets and mortars at innocent Israelis. Surely the U. S. would never accept Canadian terrorist attacks on upstate New Yorkers without a prompt response. This is our government's duty; to protect us. Why can't Israel do the same without being labeled the bad guy? Everyone has a right to live in peace and security. The residents of Sderot and

Inauguration

Ashkelon have not known peace in four years. Until the last two weeks, Israel refrained from fighting back with no legitimate response from the international community. The UN Human Rights Council, a farce of an organization, comprised almost entirely of members of the Arab League yet to condemn Hamas’ attacks on innocent Israelis. As Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livnfi told the world, “enough is enough.” We must react to people who fire on us. That is how all other countries would act, and that is what we must do.

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President of the United States after the polls closed that evening, capturing 52 % of Americans’ votes and in the end, took 364 electoral votes. On the other hand, Senator John McCain, the Republican contender, received 173. But for many Co-op City shareholders who participated in the historic election, they knew when they saw the long lines outside the polling places here and all

over the nation that morning that Obama’s message had resonated not only with them, but with millions of others and change was on the way. President-elect Obama’s opening lines from his acceptance speech on election night must have spoken right to the heart of Co-op City’s voters when he asked, “Is there anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where

Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club The Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club will hold its regular scheduled monthly meeting on Thursday, January 15, in the Bartow Center, Room # 28 at 7:30 p.m. It is requested that all members attend this very important meeting, as items of extreme importance will be discussed regarding our plans for the New Year. Come and help us prepare for new ventures for the upcoming year. The Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club cordially invites you to attend the 6th Annual St. Valentine’s Day Dance on Saturday, February 14, in the Dreiser Loop Auditorium B. The cost is $30 per person (including set-ups). The time is 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. Music will be provided by DJ Carol Productions. For ticket information, please contact Barbara Irby at 379-9294, Gloria

Clarke at 379-5430, or Sylvia Polite at 320-2837. A good time will be had by all on this annual observance of Valentine’s Day. The club extends get well wishes to those members who are and have been ill and are recovering. Our hearts and prayers are with you for a total recuperation. Best wishes are also extended to those members who are celebrating a birthday, anniversary or special event during the month of January. The club welcomes and encourages new membership. Dues are $12 per person, per year. If you are interested in joining the club, you may send a check or money order to E.R.D.C., Box 300, Bronx, NY 10475. —Geor ge T. C la r ke

Castle Hill Funeral Directors, Inc. George Farr — Funeral Director “The Bronx Jewish Community Memorial Chapel” 1528 Castle Hill Avenue Bronx, New York 10462

Saturday services are continuing, weather permitting. Our thanks to those people who attended services this past Saturday. Please try to attend whenever possible. We would like to remind our members and any Jewish people in Co-op City looking for a conservative synagogue that all are welcome to our Saturday 9 a.m. service. Try to take a

Saturday and come to services when you can. Donations are always in order. Frieda will be in the office Monday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Get well wishes to all who are ill. For information regarding the synagogue or questions, please get in touch with Frieda Epstein at 671-3679. --F r ied a E p st ein

CCJC Sisterhood Monday game days will continue as usual for your pleasure. There is always room for new players, canasta, mahjong, rummy-O, etc. For a $3 donation, you can enjoy com-

pany and refreshments. Hoping to meet to new players and members. You may call Frieda for any other information at 718-671-3679. —F r ied a E p st ein

all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy? Tonight is your answer. “It is the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in

their lives because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference.” Seating for the inauguration viewing is limited and those wishing to attend must reserve a ticket by calling (718) 931-1400. Doors for the event will open at 10:30 a.m. in Dreiser Community Center, Auditorium A, B & C.

Past achievements cultivate a sense of accomplishment. Understandably, the community can take pleasure in the fact that we were able to secure a one-half billion dollar loan from New York Community Bank and successfully pay off our mortgage to NY HFA. Our garages have been repaired and reopened easing the burden of finding street parking for thousands of cooperators. It is an undeniable fact that clearing away these types of major concerns was satisfying; but it is also a fact that these actions are now behind us – history. Completion of current community projects and concerns requires effective handling of today’s challenges. The most important detail, always first in line, is to set specific goals and standards of acceptance. The Board, management, and Board committees must work collectively to set suitable goals and establish and sustain quality standards. M e a n in g f u l A ct io n Co-op City is an ‘un-municipalized’ city of 50,000-plus people. Our community, because of size and population, requires vast quantities of material and employs hundreds of workers. Committees are the microscopes through which the Board can view all business operations and processes. The current Board committees are seeking ways to understand today’s issues and to ask the right questions that will identify methods to improve Riverbay Corporation’s business practices and procedures.

Director’s Viewpoint

Khalil Abdul-Wahhab First Vice President

However, changing habits and procedures that have developed over decades cannot happen overnight; setting things right will take time, diligence, patience, and most of all – attention to detail. Every initiative must be both reasonable and equitable for every cooperator. Making the proper choices requires the effort and input from all Board Directors. I will continue to work with my Board colleagues to establish effective and lasting policies that satisfy the on-going needs and concerns of our community. Making the proper choices requires effort and input from all Board Directors. I will continue to work with my Board colleagues to establish effective and lasting policies that satisfy the on-going needs and concerns of our community. Q u a lit y T h ou gh t s, I d ea s, a n d Su ggest ion s The Board and management, respectively, have the ultimate responsibility for setting policy and for han-

dling the operations of Co-op City; but the only way to insure that the community’s concerns are fully and satisfactorily dealt with is through direct input from cooperators. I have received informative letters and e-mails that were positive in perspective, and forward thinking. What was important about these correspondences was that they did not complain in generalities or describe the cooperator’s concern with unfocused cynicism; each correspondence clearly stated the cooperator’s concern, idea or suggestion. One letter provided ideas about windmill and solar power with consideration of the associated cost savings that these energy-generating alternatives might provide. Although that idea is valid for future consideration, we, as a community, must direct our attention to getting the current co-generation project completed. The successful operation of the co-generation plant will supply efficient power, less pollution, fuel savings, and the ability to sell energy. In full production operation, the “co-gen” plant will positively affect Riverbay Corporation’s revenue stream and benefit all cooperators. Another letter spoke about poor customer support that a cooperator had received from a service vendor. Because the cooperator was clear about the nature of the problem, it was possible to supply some specific advice: when making a call into a service vendor (or into Riverbay

offices – CSO, Maintenance, etc.) about an issue or concern, always ask for and write down the name of the responding person and the date/time of your call. In that way, you will have the appropriate reference information to either give a compliment or effectively lodge a complaint about the service that you received. I have gotten other e-mails and letters about ways to improve the community’s appearance, general security, traffic flow, parking, and youth programs. Each of these communications offered considered action and/or provided details for ways to implement a stated goal. T h a n k You I appreciate every letter and e-mail that I receive, whether it is a compliment or a criticism. Your letters supply heightened focus on the true concerns of the community and underline the areas for consideration to maintain/improve the quality of life in the Co-op City. Thank you to all of the cooperators who have supplied their concerns, opinions, ideas, and/or suggestions. Your guiding voices are always welcomed. If you see something, say something. Share your suggestions, complaints, or special concerns with me. Send letters to Khalil AbdulWahhab, c/o Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475 or address e-mail to k wa h h a b 10475@ h ot m a i l.com .

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Letters to the Editor

To t h e E d it or : We wish each of you a happy new year and prosperity and good health in 2009! We stand in opposition to the proposed 6% increase for February 1, 2009 and the 4.5% increase to become effective on February 1, 2010. Our reasoning is quite simple—the lack of oversight and transparency are paramount to our opposition. Deregulations and lack of oversight

by our government has had an enormous impact on our economy. Homelessness abounds, we cannot take a chance in these crucial times, and there must be accountability for all expenditures. We are reasonable people and recognize that everything is increasing. However, when you look at the failed large investments -- cogenerational plant, overruns on the garages, borrowing from the Reserve

Fund, we must have more than veiled descriptions. We need accountability, restructuring with our bidding process, and an independent auditor to ensure that we are receiving maximum return on our investment. Our home is our investment and we can ill-affordable to stand still while others spend our money. —Judy Roberson/ Cheryl Simmons-Oliver

costs ten times the cost of the general manger they replaced. For twenty years prior to the hiring of the Marion Scott Real Estate Company by the former Board President who has since been convicted and jailed for bribery and kickbacks, Co-op City was managed by an inhouse general manager. The popular, effective, and far less expensive General Manager was working here under terms of a three year Riverbay contract when he was replaced by the Marion Scott Company which was brought in and directed to undercut his authority. Secon d : Save at least $2 million a year by restoring in-house painting with skilled Riverbay staff, ending out-sourcing. Management’s unwillingness to manage twenty in-house painters underlines the case for replacing them with a hands-on

Though vestiges of institutional discrimination still linger, November '04 registered a profound cultural and political advance for the American nation. For the first time, an elected president financed his campaign mainly with grass roots money, and after winning is encouraging grass roots support in helping him govern. Working folks have every reason to be

in-house manager. T h ir d : Go in-house with the floor asbestos abatement program — at least another $2 million saving. F in a lly: All outsourced work should be examined for cost effectiveness. Work such as installation of wood floors – giving only one example — could produce substantial savings if performed in-house. While such potential savings are ignored, proposed carrying charge increases are unjustifiable and we oppose them. We appealed to DHCR to insist that the Riverbay Board takes steps – other than carrying charge increases — that are available to insure solvency, maintain a decent level of maintenance and obviate the need for carrying charge increases. —Bernard Cylich

jubilant over Obama's election! The government Bush is leaving is piled high with mess. It'll take a giant broom to clean it out. The incoming administration has invited thousands of community groups that worked for the Obama election to forward issue and program suggestions and we have. —Azelia M cDavid

Please submit your articles for clubs and organizations via email to:

cctimes@riverbaycorp.com Building Lease Renewal Notice Important Notice to Shareholders of Building 20, 100, 120 and 140 Asch Loop, regarding Lease Renewal Article SIXTH of your to submit for either a one (1) year be moving out at the end of your Occupancy Agreement provides, or two (2) year lease. You must lease, notify Riverbay, in writing, in part, that your lease automati- submit your completed form for a Attention: Sales Support Office, cally renews for an additional three short-term lease no later than thir- 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY (3) year period. You need to do ty (30) days before the expiration 10475, ninety (90) days prior to nothing if you want your lease to of your present lease. If you will lease expiration. extend for another three New Three (3) Year Late Date to Request (3) year period. If you Current Lease either a One (1) or Expiration Date desire a lease of less Expiration Date Two (2) Year Lease than three (3) years, Building 20 you may call 718-320April 30, 2009 April 30, 2012 March 31, 2009 100, 120 & 140 3373 to request a form Asch Loop

Derek Alger

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Historic election of new president To t h e E d it or : The election of Obama is extraordinary in many ways. It has happened in a nation whose history includes centuries of legitimized slavery that ended only after a bloody civil war; a history which until only thirty years ago included white supremacist rule of the southern states where segregation was brutally enforced.

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Mary Ann Sowah

The need for change To t h e E d it or : Co-op City residents might resign themselves to the latest carrying charge increases even as they are losing jobs and paying more to meet costs of living, if they were convinced it was necessary to keep our housing company solvent and to retain a decent level of services. There are numerous savings that the Board could effect to obviate the need for a good portion – if not all — of the proposed increases. The Co-op City Coalition to Save Affordable Housing submitted the following proposals to DHCR: F ir st : Replacement of the real estate managing firm with an in-house general manager would save one million dollars a year. The current managing company

Church of God’s Children

Co-op City Times

Opposition to carrying charge increase

Co-op City Times / January 10, 2009

Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar Advertising Sales

Church of God’s Children and its pastors, Archbishop Angelo and Bishop Nancy Rosario, invite you to come and worship with us every Sunday at 1:00 p.m. for a great time with our Lord and Savior. We are at 127 Dreiser Loop – shopping center, lower level near the Montefiore Health Center. 718-790-9120. Sunday Bible School for all ages – 11:15 a.m. Sunday Worship Service – 1 p.m. Sunday – Worship for Spanish speaking congregants 9:30 a.m. Sunday Bible Studies for adults, youth & children - Spanish 9:30 a.m.; English 11:30 a.m. Tuesday – Bible Studies – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday –Prayer Hour – 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.; 12-Step fellowship at 159 Dreiser

Loop. Friday – Spiritual Warfare Bible Studies – 7:00 p.m. March 12, 13, 14 we will be at the Southeast Texas Spiritual Warfare Conference in Beaumont, Texas at the MCM Elegante Hotel, presenting workshops on spiritual warfare. For information and registration, go to www.spiritualwarfareteam.com, you can register online. Wed., Jan 14 – there will be a Bronx Clergy Task Force Meeting at 11:00 a.m. at 198 E. 161 Street – 2nd floor. Read 1 John 5:16: If we are not heedful and pay no attention to the way the Spirit of God works in us, we will become spiritual hypocrites. We see where other people are failing, and then we take our discernment

Deborah Harris

The Retirees welcome new members, so come join us. Annual dues of $20 are being accepted now for 2009. We are located at 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 19, Bronx, NY 10475 in Co-op City. Monthly meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month in the Dreiser Community Center, Auditorium A at 1:30 p.m. For information regarding all trips and events, you may call 718-379-0377.

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES FOR 2009: THEATER TRIPS: January 24, 2009: Doo Wop Night at Lehman College, $55 The bus will leave from the front of the Deli on Dreiser Loop at 7:00 p.m. April 25, 2009: Dionne Warwick at Queen’s College, $57 For information and reservations, see the Theater Committee in Room 19 on

DR. LEWIS WOLSTEIN Podiatrist — Foot Specialist • Practicing Podiatric Medicine and Surgery in Co-op City since 1975.

Thursday afternoons. Join the Retirees on a trip to The Sight and Sound Theater in April. Watch this column for details. SAVE T H E DAT E ! The Retirees presents an exciting trip to Las Vegas, May 27 – June 10. The trip features deluxe motorcoach transportation, 14 nights lodging including 4 consecutive nights in a Las Vegas Casino hotel, 18 meals, gaming and sight-seeing on the famous Vegas Strip and

• ALL conditions of the foot treated.

much more. All for only $1225 per person, double occupancy. There are a few seats left. Reserve now and insure your place for this wonderful experience. The third payment is due now. For information and reservations, call Eleanora Jones @ 718671-5707. To notify the Retirees of illness or bereavement, contact Elinor Gordon at 718-379-8755. —Virginia Stewart

GENERAL DENTISTRY including

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responsibility for those souls before Him and form the mind of Christ about them (read Philippians 2:5). We should intercede in accordance with what God says He will give us, namely, “life for those who commit sin not leading to death.” It is not that we are able to bring God into contact with our minds, but that we awaken ourselves to the point where God is able to convey His mind to us regarding the people for whom we intercede. Can Jesus Christ see the agony of His soul in us? He can’t unless we are so closely identified with Him that we have His view concerning the people for whom we pray. May we learn to intercede so wholeheartedly, that Jesus Christ will be completely and overwhelmingly satisfied with us as intercessors. —Bishop Nancy Rosario

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

Editorial Assistant

The Co-op City Times welcomes issue-oriented letters to the editor to be considered for publication. All letters, in prose, not poetry, must be addressed to the editor, not to third parties. All letters must be handsigned 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. And to give every one a chance, we will limit writers to one published letter every 30 days. Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Letters cannot exceed 350 words. Ideally, they should be typed. All letters must be in the Co-op City Times office in Room 21, Bartow Community Center, by 3 p.m. every Monday to be considered for publication in that week’s edition. Views and opinions expressed in letters 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 Corporation 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 Coop City Times must be obtained in writing from Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Ave., Bronx, New York 10475.

and turn it into comments of ridicule and criticism, instead of turning it into intercession on their behalf. God reveals this truth about others to us not through the sharpness of our minds but through the direct penetration of His Spirit. If we are not attentive, we will be completely unaware of the sources of the discernment God has given us, becoming critical of others and forgetting that God says, “…he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death.” Be careful that you don’t become a hypocrite by spending all your time trying to get others right with God before you worship Him yourself. One of the most subtle and illusive burdens God ever places on us as saints is this burden of discernment concerning others. He gives us discernment so that we may accept the

Dr. Lewis Wolstein

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For APPOINTMENT or INFORMATION Call:

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The Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City, Young Israel of Baychester, Section 5, 115 Einstein Loop, welcomes you to pray with them. NO T E : Regular office hours on Wednesday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and on Sunday 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Candle lighting on Friday, January 16 is no later than 4:35 p.m. Shabbat ends today, Saturday, January 10 at 5:30 p.m.

Co-op City Times / January 10, 2009

Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City

Building 9 Association

Coming Events: The community is always welcome to attend our various functions and enjoy a great day of fun and friendship. Saturday, January 10 at 4 p.m.—Rabbi Daniel Kroengold’s Class Sunday, January 18 at 1:30 p.m. — Sisterhood is sponsoring a card and dessert party Monday, February 2 at 1:00 p.m.— Sisterhood General Membership Meeting

Sunday, February 15 at 1:30 p.m.— Sisterhood sponsors an afternoon of Bingo. Good and Welfare: Happy Birthday and Anniversary greetings to all who are celebrating during January. We all are wishing a very Happy Birthday on January 19 to Adele Elliot. Have many more for lots of years to come. Adele has not been feeling too good lately and finds it difficult being cooped up. She

would appreciate hearing from you and having a visit via telephone. Please give her a call every so often. Thank you! We have a new religious leader. His name is Rabbi Daniel Kronengold. Last Friday evening was his first service conducted at our Traditional Synagogue. We look forward to his words of wisdom and his guidance. Welcome! Shalom! —Miriam Evelyn Berlofsky

Christian fraternity called FBIC (Firm Believers in Christ). The fraternity will be geared towards teaching men to take responsibility in the care and development of their families and community. We also have the Tahilla Karar Praise Dance Ministry, which seeks young people of the community to come and join that they may learn to praise God and express themselves through the art of praise dance in our yearly Gospel Concerts. We meet at: 177 Dreiser Loop Community Center, Room 10.

Order of Services Sunday School – 11:30 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship – 12:00 p.m. Wednesday night Bible Study – 7:30 p.m. Family night – 7:30 (on selected Friday’s) Children’s Church – every 2nd Sunday of every month Communion – every 1st Sunday of every month Announcements 2/17 – Pastor Anthony Davis sponsors a “Boys’ night out” by taking the young men of Harvest to Madison Square

Garden to see the Knicks vs. The San Antonio Spurs at 7:30. 4/18 – Harvest Restoration presents: The “Ten Bridesmaids” play in the Dreiser Loop Auditorium. Tickets: $10 (Time: TBA) 5/9 – Harvest Restoration, along with JAIS Entertainment Enterprises, co-sponsors a Gospel Jam in the Dreiser Loop Auditorium. Tickets: $10 (Time: TBA) For more information, please log on to our website at: www.harvestrestoration.org or call us at (718) 690-4974. —Pastor Anthony Davis

Sisterhood of Young Israel of Co-op City The Sisterhood of Young Israel of Coop City wants to remind you that Mah Jong, 2009 cards are now on sale. The last day in which to make a reservation is

January 23, 2009, after that date no reservations will be accepted. If you are interested in Mah Jong, to reserve your card, please call Dottie now at 718-671-3535.

Building 24 Association Happy, happy, happy new year!!! You who have made new year’s resolution, start to keep them; others who made no such commitments, start living as you have been and hope you can do better than last year. I am one who will live by that formula (Smile) I didn‘t wish you the holiday seasons wishes at* the last writing; that was because I was so blinded and excited by our glorious Xmas Tree and lobby decorations, I really forgot. BUT, I know you had plenty of season greetings because I saw presents being brought in and your carrying out yours; so you had a Happy Holiday. Our year is starting off slowly; there was a flood in our meeting room just as the holiday started. This situation has not been corrected as yet, so we will have to postpone

a meeting until this situation has been cleared. IN THE MEANTIME - YOU CAN START THINKING ABOUT WHERE WE AS AN Association can go for this new year. Your present board members are starting to rebel because we can’t seem to be reaching you as Co-Operators and our neighbors. So to that end, we want you to start thinking about how you can get some new blood into the board members by holding an election and volunteering to work for a new, moving, Association. Yes, we have tried to get a new Board, but for some reason it never gets off the floor. New Year -New Board. Life is a Goal - can we achieve it with a new board??? Our Challenge is still in effect. —Celestine Withey

The cost is $7 for the Standard print, and $8 for the large print. We continue to extend invitation to all Jewish women to become part of the

Sisterhood. Age and language are no barriers to your joining with us, making new friends and renewing old ones. —Trudy Kaufman

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at this affair. We are in the new year, a year of change and it’s important that we all do our share to be a part of this change, by showing respect, kindness, and understanding toward one another. We are a community of different backgrounds and cultures, but we share something in common and that is our home here in Co-op City. Special thanks to our dedicated

cooperator, who took the time to decorate both lobbies 9A and 9B, an exceptional job, well done. The lobby expressed the holiday spirit quite well. I wish each and every one a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year. Building 9 Association’s meeting will be held on January 15 at 7 p.m., guest speaker is our building president. We are looking forward to seeing you there. It’s important

to attend the association meetings as much as possible. The association is as strong as you are. Your participation in activities promotes unity and an interest in where you live, so please let us get this year started off on a positive note, by taking an interest in where you live by bringing in ideas, suggestions and comments to the association meetings. All are welcome. —Eloise Peterson

Building 33 Association

Harvest Restoration Ministries Pastor Anthony Davis and Pastor Andrée Davis, co-founders of Harvest Restoration Ministries, Inc., extend to you a warm invitation to come and worship the Lord Jesus Christ with us. We are a community oriented nondenominational church that preaches and teaches the Bible in an exegetical style. Our focus is to teach members of the ministry to use biblical doctrines in a practical sense to be a blessing to both the home and the community. We are establishing nursing home ministries in the local area, as well as a

The Building Association held their first holiday get together to end the old year and to welcome a new year. I would like to thank Olga Cavalcante for her kindness in giving me a big hand to set things up, serve the food and, of course, to clean up. I also would like to thank those cooperators who took a moment of their time to share a cup of coffee, food, and small talk. Some of our youth participated

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The board of Building 33 wishes all of the cooperators a happy and prosperous New Year. This is a new year and we have to start getting down to business. This year, we will be electing a new board of directors. So if there is anyone who would like a position, please come aboard. We like to invite people of interest to our building meetings. If there is anyone

that you would like to talk to, please let me know so we can get in touch with them. This year, we need to be more interested in the things going on in the building. We’ve put together a little survey for you to fill out to get a better idea of the things that interest you. Please return it. The Co-op City Coalition for Obama is having a pre-Inauguration Victory Dance,

Sunday, January 18th, Dreiser Community Center Auditorium B. Time: 5-10 p.m. Call Hattie for tickets, 718-320-8254. Donation: $25. Hot Buffet - B.Y.O.B. Also, they still have 4 seats left for the Washington trip on Tuesday, Jan. 20th. Our next building meeting will be Tuesday, Jan. 27th, 7 p.m. Please come down and give your support. I notice

there are always papers left at the elevators, which means there are a lot of you who do not read the Co-op City Times. That could be why you do not know what is going on. Bend down, pick up the paper, read it. A lot of community information is in there. Get well wishes to the sick and shut-in. —Pa t r icia Bon a p a r t e

Building 13 Association The first meeting of the year will be on Thursday, January 22 at 7 p.m. in the back of the building (in the Voting Room). Have you heard? Building 13 Association is going to see Ain’t Misbehavin’ at Lehman Performance Center on Saturday, May 16, featuring American Idol winner Ruben Studdard

and Frenchie Davis. To get your tickets, contact: 1) Leslie Peterson at (718) 320-1370 2) Lorraine Holmes at (917) 207-8648 3) Robin Frazier at (646) 579-5766 for tickets. Please observe the following qualityof-life regulations:

a) NO DOG is allowed in the apartment; b) NO LOITERING in the lobby and on the stairways. c) NO SELLING in the lobby. Period. d) NO VANDALIZING the stairs and the elevators. Unannounced “Police sweeps” are conducted day and night to enforce these rules.

Report any criminal activities to the 45th Precinct at (718) 822-5411 and/or Riverbay Public Safety at (718) 320-3050. For all NYC non-emergency inquiries, call 3-1-1. NEW - For traffic updates, call 5-1-1. “If you see something, say something.” —Olubiyi Sehindemi (Mr. B)

Single Source Single Source is not just for singles. It’s a single source whose goal is to create an atmosphere for healthy fun for the over 50. A modern organization that demonstrates that high quality activities can be designed to help live an exciting, healthy life in spite of the aging process. YOU DON’T STOP BECAUSE YOU GET OLD; YOU GET OLD BECAUSE YOU STOP SATURDAY SITES: (1) On Saturday, January 24, come with us to Fulton Avenue in Brooklyn to visit the SIMMONS COLLECTION AFRICAN ARTS MUSEUM and dine at the Joloff Restaurant, a traditional West African Senegalese restaurant. The price for the museum and transportation is $33 (the bus leaves from Einstein at 9:30.) Please pay Ellie immediately if you are

still interested. (2) On Saturday, Feb. 28: Spend a unique afternoon at the day-at-the races at the clubhouse at Aqueduct ($75). This is a fundraiser for South African children (See 2010 travel info. under the travel club.) The Trac-pace luncheon menu offers appetizer: soup/salad; entree: pot roast/ Caesar salad/ Triple Crown salad/Mojito crabcake sandwich/Cubano chicken sandwich; desserts: apple tartlet, strawberry shortcake, tartufo. Bus leaves Einstein, 10:30 a.m., 135 Einstein Loop, Co-op City, Bronx, NY. Contact Ellie. The Travel Club: (1) June 2 -7, NYS Senior Games, Cortland, NY. Approximately $500 (non-refundable) includes lodging, most meals, transportation, registration, games (except bowling & golf). (2) October, Las Vegas,

NV, AARP Convention plus. Come with me. (3) SOUTH AFRICA 2010 Waiting list? Newly interested? Contact me immediately. TO GET ON THE LIST. First come, first serve…Taking 42 people. AARP 55 Alive Driver Safety Program for people over 50, 10% insurance discount. $12 AARP MEMBERS/$14 NON MEMBERS. Mon., 2/9, 1 p.m. to 5, & Tues., 2/10, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (691003 at the Amer Legion). Call Ellie for application. Next class Tues., 4/7, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. & Thurs., 4/9, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Exercise classes to promote a healthy and fit existence. Thurs., 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Handi-flex exercise for the handicapped. ***NEW!!!! LINE DANCING AT THE FIVE POINT CULTURAL COM-

MUNITY CENTER, Mondays, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., starts January 26. See the Single Source Television show on Sundays on CABLEVISION (Bronxnet Cable), Channel 68, 7:30 p.m. Filler: Tues. & Sundays, 4 a.m. Mon./Wed./Thurs./Fri., 6 a.m. Walking Club groups meet Mon. - Fri.: 5:30 a.m., Bldg. 33; 6:45 a.m., Gloria Wise Center (Einstein); 6:45 a.m., Bldg. 31B; 7:15 a.m., Casals. Need more information? Call Ellie. The C&C (Camera /Computer) Discussion Club, Jan. 7, 5 to 7 p.m. Ellie’s house. Call Ellie if interested, 718-379-4429. SINGLE SOURCE PRODUCTIONS, P.O. Box 377, BRONX, NY 10475; 718379-4429; imaminor377@yahoo.com. —Ellie Minor

Co-op City Times / January 10, 2009

My thoughts I have debated with myself about whether or not to write this viewpoint. Maybe I am naïve, but the day I cannot or do not learn from life’s events or others, please put me out to pasture. I am referring to the special meeting of the Riverbay Board of Directors in November, 2008. Understandably, the Director who was insulted by the presentation done by a Marion Scott personnel had no idea that these kinds of presentations are a part of the corporation’s history. Upon investigation, I found that these seminars/conferences were done in the 80’s and 90’s to educate Board members of their duties, responsibilities, rules and regulations, according to the manuals sponsored by the Housing Division of the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR). Alonzo Newton was the chair of the Board’s Research Committee in 20052006 to set up a seminar/conference to disperse information from DHCR’s

Director’s Viewpoint

Eleanor Bailey Assistant Treasurer

manuals to Board members. After numerous interviews before the committee and the Board, one was chosen to do the presentation and then the Board voted for it to be held in abeyance for the proposed project. Yes, we were given a thick binder. To me, it is a blessing because now I do not have to go on the internet or the library for information concerning New York State Housing. Now in my possession is “The Private Housing Finance Law,” “Management’s Rules and Regulations,” “Rent Collection Rules” and a copy of Marion Scott Real Estate’s contract. At the beginning of this meeting, a presentation by President Jones stated the reason for requesting the presenta-

tion was that quite a number of Board members had forgotten a part of the pledge they had taken at their installation. Namely that they pledge to obey the rules and regulations of the cooperative and to work with the other 14 members of the Board of Directors as a whole to develop and oversee policy for the good of the entire Co-op City community. My opinion: We, the Board members, should not interfere with the day-to-day managerial operations of Co-op City, particularly when the majority of the Board had voted for a position. A Board member should not make a decision which would controvert the Board’s position. Yes, at this special meeting, management presented the rules and regulations from the manuals from DHCR for a Board of Directors under their jurisdiction. Election to the Riverbay Board of Directors does not give one expertise. Time spent on the Board does give one

WEEKLY SCHEDULE knowledge of what has happened, but still doesn’t guarantee expertise. On our Board, we have members who have something to say about everything and do. Then, there are those who realize that it is foolish to repeat what has been already said. So, they do not get their names in the minutes. My opinion again: Open vs. closed Board meeting—debatable still? Open meetings will not force or guarantee Board members to be any more transparent than they are, but I would like to see Board meetings on closed circuit television. It would allow shareholders who cannot travel to Bartow the ability to see and hear the action. You cannot beat that coverage. For those who are using our MATV (the antenna service) do not go for Cablevisions’ deals if this is out of your pocket. Riverbay is meeting with Cablevision to take over service for you to continue to have television reception in February, 2009. Notification will be given.

FDNY’s Fire Saftey Tips: PORTABLE F IRE EXT INGUI SHER S The proper use of portable fire extinguishers can extinguish many fires while they are still small. You should be aware, however, that the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) should be notified without delay as soon as any fire is discovered. The FDNY regulates the number, type, and placement of the portable fire extinguishers that are required for any build-

ing. These portable fire extinguishers are an important part of an overall fire safety program. It is important to keep in mind that the successful use of portable fire extinguishers depends on the following: · the portable fire extinguishers are properly located and in working order. · the portable fire extinguishers are of the correct type. · the fire is discovered while still

INJURED ON THE JOB?

small enough for use of the portable fire extinguishers to be effective. · the fire is discovered by persons who are ready, willing, and able to use the portable fire extinguishers. Also, you should know that portable fire extinguishers are valuable for immediate use on small fires. They contain a limited amount of extinguishing material and need to be used properly so that this

material is not wasted. In some cases, OSHA may require that an employer provide education to its employees on how to use the portable fire extinguishers that are located in the workplace. Generally, operation instructions are provided on the side of the fire extinguisher. They clearly describe how to use the extinguisher in case of an emergency.

BUILDING & TOWNHOUSE ASSOCIATIONS Coalition to Save Affordable Housing, Mon., 1/12; 7:30 pm Bartow Room 28

Defoe Townhouse Association, Tues., 1/13; 7:00 pm Dreiser Loop Room 2

Debs Place Association, Thurs., 1/15; 6:00 pm Dreiser Loop Room 1

CULTURE & ARTS African-American Yoga Practice, Thurs., 1/15; 6:30 pm Dreiser Room 2

EDUCATION Black Forum Defensive Drivers Course, Sat., 1/17; Dreiser Room 8

HOBBIES Co-op City Duplicate Bridge, Wed., 1/14; 6:00 pm Dreiser Room 9

POLITICAL Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club, Thurs., 1/15; Bartow Room 28

RELIGIOUS Circle of Christ Church, Fri., 1/16; 6:00 pm Bartow Room 31 & Sun., 1/18; 9:00 am Bartow Room 31

Church of the New Vision Bible Study, Sun., 1/18; 9:00 am Einstein Rm. 38

Faith @ Work Christian Church, Bible Study Church Service Sun., 1/18; 8:00 am Dreiser Rm 8 Iglesia Cristiana Marcos 16:15, Sun., 1/18; 10:00 am Einstein Room 35 Greater Love Baptist Church, Sun., 1/18; 2:30 pm Dreiser Rm. 1 Harvest Restoration Ministries, Wed., 1/14; 6:00 pm, Fri., 1/16; 6:00 pm & Sun., 1/18; 10:00 am Dreiser Rm. 10

SENIORS Seniors Nutrition Program, Mon -Fri., 1/12; - 1/16; 8:00 am Bartow Rm. 31, Dreiser Rm. 4; Einstein Rm. 49

AARP Peachtree Chapter 4997 Meeting, Mon., 1/12; 11:00 am Dreiser Aud. A

SERVICE & CIVIC Weight Watchers Nutrition Program, Tues., 1/13; 5:00 pm

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!

SPORTS Black Forum Aerobics & Track Practice, Mon., 1/12; & Wed.,

Protecting the Rights of the Injured Worker since 1991. Please call us for a FREE consultation about your: Workplace Injuries Motor Vehicle Accidents Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Medical Malpractice

AARP Chapter #4997 F YI : First meeting of the new year is MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 1 p.m., in Auditorium “A” in Dreiser Community Center. F YI -2: AARP presents Vegas @50+ 2009 National Event and Expo, scheduled from October 22 – 24, at the Sands Expo & Convention Center; Las Vegas, NV “where the party never stops.” You must register in order to get concert and tour tickets. Call for registration and housing, 1-800-883-2784; visit www.aarp.org/aarp/events/Life_at_50 Las_Vegas/ for additional information. Do it now! To notify the AARP Peachtree Chapter of illness or bereavement, contact Frances Wilson, (718) 671-5493. 2009 AC T I VI T I E S: January 15, 2009 (Thursday) – Atlantic City Casino w/an American Bandstand Review; $45/person with $20 in coins and $5 food voucher. Check-in at 7:30 a.m. in front of the Library (Asch Loop). Call Wini, 718-671-6386 for details. May 6 – 9 – Washington, DC to visit the Spy and Media Museum; and a show at the Kennedy Theater w/2 meals; $770/double; $980/single. Contact Daisy,

718-671-3241. June 10 (Wednesday) – Dine on the Rip Van Winkle Flyer thru the Catskill Mountains with shopping at Woodbury Commons - $85/person. Contact Daisy, 718-671-3241. August 30 – September 6 – Navigator of the Seas (Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines) – Ports of Call: Rome, Genoa (Italy), Nice (France), Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca (Spain) and Sardinia, Rome (Italy); includes cruise, roundtrip air from JFK Airport, taxes and insurance; PASSPORT REQUIRED; Deposit $250 NOW DUE; Additional information to be given at the January 12, AARP Chapter meeting. Contact Jean, (718) 379-3742, or Wini, (718) 671-6386. R E M E M BE R : All trips, 2 or more days, must be completely paid 45 days before departure. You don’t have to be a member of AARP to reserve any of the trips listed. Signing your name for a trip does not insure you a seat on the bus — your “PAYMENT” will hold a seat for you. First come, first seated, so be prompt with your promise to pay or lose your spot. —Delor es A. Deb na m

Goose Island Seniors Wednesday, January 14 - Bingo game in Room 38 at 1:30 p.m. for members only. Admission is $2. Refreshment served. Tuesday, January 27—Atlantic City to Showboat Casino. Price is $27. Rebate is $25, plus $5 towards food. Pick-up time is 8 a.m. at our 3 usual bus stops--Einstein Center, Asch Loop (back of library) and Dreiser Loop. Goose Island Seniors is opened for new members. Dues are only $12 per

year. Come and see Ann or Mary for more information, 718-379-9613, or come to Room 39 at 135 Einstein Center, Monday-Thursday, l0 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Come and join our happy group for only $12 a year. Speedy recovery to our members, Florences Barnes and Micky Weineberg. GOOD HEALTH TO ALL. —M a r y P illa

Dreiser Rm. 4

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• • • •

Co-op City Times / January 10, 2009

• • • •

Construction Accidents Slip and Falls Occupational Diseases Prescription Drug Defects

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1/14; 5:30 pm Dreiser Loop Aud. A,B,C New York Lyons Athletic Club, Tues., 1/13; & Thurs., 1/15; 5:30 pm Einstein Room 45 Zodiac Track Team, Tues., 1/13; & Thurs., 1/15; 6:00 pm Dreiser Aud. A, B, C

Baychester Library Events Adult Film • Today, Saturday, January 10, 17, 24 & 31 • 2:00 pm • Game On – Monday, January 12, 26 • 3:00 p.m. for all ages Teens Tag — Tuesday, January 13, 20 • 4:00 p.m. Adults Computer Classes — Wednesday, January 14 • 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 19 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day — Library Closed Tuesday, January 20 — President Barack Obama’s Inauguration Kids Reading Aloud — Wednesday, January 14 & 21 • 3:30 p.m. Chess for Everyone — Thursday, January 15, 22, 29 • 3:30 pm

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FREE ADMISSION TO ALL

Handicapped Adults Association The van operates Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays, from 9:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Call 718-320-2069 to make your reservations. We have an Invacare P/2 motorized wheelchair for sale. Stop by the office and check it out. Sunday, February 8--We will be holding our annual Chinese luncheon. Watch this column for further details. Our Flea Market is open all year around, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. We have many items for sale. There are all occasion cards for 25 each, soft covered

books 5 for $1 and hard covered books for $1 each. For a nominal donation, you can purchase in-memory-of or in-honorof cards. New merchandise comes in steadily, so come in and look around. As of January 1, dues is due. If you wish to join our organization, come into the office and fill out a membership application. Dues for the year is $12. Get well wishes to those who are ill. Pennies, pennies, pennies--bring them into the office. —Ar len e Der m a n sk y

Einstein Cancer Fund A very happy, healthy new year is wished to one and all and may the spirit of good will continue throughout the year. Happy birthday to all celebrating this month. Monday, January 12 - Showboat Casino. Cost per person is $25 with a cash bonus of $25 and a $5 food voucher. Time of pick-up is at 8 a.m. starting at Einstein Loop with the usual stops

following. Please bring your casino card along with a valid photo I.D. For the above trip, please call Mildred at (718) 320-0288, Lydia at (718) 671-3005 or Loretta at (718) 6712958 for the above as well as for memorial cards. Our prayers of healing and good health is wished to all. —Lyd ia R u a s

Have A Healthy & Prosperous New Year!

Co-op City Times / January 10, 2009

Bartow

Gloria Wise

Dreiser

Kosher

Date:

Monday, January 12

Apple Juice,

Alert & Alive 10:00 in rm. 31 Bingo 10:00 in rm. 31 Dominos 12:30 in Rm. 31

Dominoes 10:00 in rm. 49 Bingo 1:00 in Rm. 49 Bereavement Support Group 1:15pm in Rm. 34

Crochet & Knitting 9am Rm. 7 Stay Well Exercise 10:00 in rm. 2 Walking Club 11:00 in rm. 7

Tuesday, January 13

Current Events

Alert & Alive

Tai Chi

Bingo

11:00 in rm. 49

Bingo

11:00 in rm. 31

Bingo

10:00 in rm. 4

Dominos

1:00 in rm. 49

Cultural Dancing

10:30 in rm. 31

Advance Line Dancing cancelled

10:30 Aud. A

Dominoes

Wednesday, January 14

10:00 in rm. 49

Stay Well Exercise

Spelling Bee

10-11, rm. 31

10:00 in rm. 49

Line Dancing 11-12, rm. 31

Spanish Practice Class

1:00 in rm. 7

Word Games

10:30 in rm. 35

Merry Melodies

cancelled until further notice

Tai Chi 11:00 in rm. 2

Art

cancelled until further notice

12:30 in rm. 31

Dominoes 10:30 in rm. 31 Bingo 11:00 in rm. 31 Merry Melodies cancelled until further notice

Dominoes 10:00 in rm. 49 Stay Well 10:00 in rm.45 Line Dancing 10:00 in Aud. A (at Dreiser) Bingo 1:00 pm in rm. 49

Line Dancing 10:00 in Aud. A “Handi-Flex” 1:00 p.m. in Aud. A Bereavement Sup. Grp. 1:15 pm in Church of the Savior Drama Club 1:30 in rm. 7

Friday, January 16

“Movie Madness”

Soups, Breads and Desserts

Stuffed Cabbage, Orzo, Brussels sprouts

Whole Wheat Bread, Fresh Oranges

Fruited Chicken, Sweet potato, Italian blend

Rye Bread, Fruit Cocktail

Homemade Turkey Loaf w/gravy, Broccoli Florets, Mashed Potato

Whole Wheat Bread, Apricot Halves

BBQ Chicken, Spanish Rice, Glazed carrots

Rye Bread, Applesauce

Homemade breaded tilapia w/tartar sauce, Spinach, Potato

Hamburger, Bun, Plums

All meals served w/margarine and fresh milk

Bartow Center (718) 320-2066 ext. 2010 Dreiser Center (718) 320-1345 Gloria Wise Center (718) 671-5161

Dominoes

Art

10:00 in rm. 49

Crochet & Knitting

10:00 in rm.45 (At Einstein)

Art

9:00 in rm. 7

10:00 in rm.45

Meditative Moments

Bingo 10:30 in rm. 31

Bingo 1:00 pm in rm. 49

11:00 in rm. 2

Spelling Bee 11:00 in rm. 31

WEEKLY TRIPS Stew Leonard’s Super Wal-Mart Bowling Swimming

$5 $8 $12.50 $3

To register for trips and classes, please call

(718) 320-2066 Monday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, The NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation

Building 23 Association wishes the Coop City family and our surrounding neighbors a happy, healthy and prosperous new year. We had a good year in 2008 and hope 2009 is even better. The Association did an excellent job in decorating the lobby for the holidays and accepting Christmas donations for our mailman, maintenance staff and lobby attendant. Thank you for your holiday spirit and joint efforts. The donation drive to help the people in Haiti was a success. On behalf of Building 23 Association and Nancy Labonte, we extend our thanks to you for all the items

donated to help such a worthy cause. Our general meeting held in December, 2008 resulted in unanimous selection of our Building Vice President, Leah Graham. She hopes her passion for the community, work experience and out of the box thinking, along with the President’s sentiments on bringing about change, will help build a stronger association and improved quality of life within our building and the community. The association has already hit the ground running in brainstorming various activities to build neighborly relationships

Financial Management (lecture given by JP Morgan Chase Bank). Learn How To: • Protect yourself from identify theft • Protect your savings/investments • Safely invest your money • Leave your legacy to your family and

not the government Wednesday, January 21, from 1 p.m. 3 p.m. at Dreiser Auditorium To register for this free lecture, please call the Bartow Office at 718-320-2066.

Registration Has Started For: P a lisa d es M a ll, NY scheduled Thursday, January 22. Price: $10. E m p ir e C it y G a min g at Yonkers Raceway, scheduled for Thursday, January 29. Price: $25. For more information, please pick-up one of our newsletters at your senior center.

Assistance with tax preparation W I L L NO T be conducted through the Bartow Office. Alternate options will be given at a later time.

within the building. Some of the suggested activities include having a building-nightout such as bowling, movies, Empire City and bus rides. We also plan to have guest speakers attend future meetings on various community topics, better utilization of the Association Room for the younger children, bingo and other social events, as well as a grounds committee for the spring, which will be headed by our Building Treasurer, Ms. Anderson. A roundtable discussion regarding building complaints, concerns, and the need for neighborly etiquette was heard and noted. A

list of repairs noted two months ago now show half the items as being completed. Our closing meeting reminder is to help our elderly neighbors when we can. We invite all Building 23 residents to join us at our next meeting where we will continue to address quality of life issues within our building. During this meeting, annual dues per apartment will also be collected. All Building 23 residents, as well as our neighboring building associations may email your concerns, suggestions and/or feedback to bldg23association@gmail.com. —L. Graham-Brown

Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations The Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City thanks everyone who came to our 12th annual “Kwanzaa Celebration” on Saturday, December 27, 2008. It was well attended. Special thanks to the Guest Speaker Hon. Kaba Hiawatha Kamene (Cultural Performance Activist). Also thanks to The Ellie Minor Dancers, Section 5 Teen Center Dancers, Harambee Drummers. And special thanks to Ms. Francine Reva Jones for a job well done. The Coalition next general membership meeting is on Tuesday, February 3, at 7.00 p.m., 177 Dreiser Community Center,

Room 15. The Coalition continues to plan activities that will enhance the quality of life in our community. Please inform the Coalition of any suggestions that you may have. Patricia Bonaparte is the President of the Coalition. Phone number 1-718-320-1861. The Coalition is a non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining and improving the quality of life of cooperators and providing educational and culturally enriching programs for the community. We also act as one voice for all Coalition members where there are issues of common concern and human rights. Members of the Coalition include

the following: African-American Association, Church of the Savior, Coop City Baptist Church, Faith@Work Christian Church, Gloria Wise Community Center, Harriet Tubman Independent Democratic Club, NAACP, Co-op City Branch, Retirees of Dreiser Loop, St. Joseph Episcopal Church and Zodiacs Track Club. Please support our efforts by sending us your tax deductible contribution, made payable to: Coalition of AfricanAmerican Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City, Inc., Post Office Box 619, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. Churches and organizations that desire to

join the Coalition may apply for membership by either writing or calling (718) 320-1861 or (718) 671-5957 for a membership application which should be returned with a letter on your church/organization’s stationery and signed by the minister/president. Read Coalition’s weekly column for the information about events and issues. Remember the Coalition motto is: “Coming Together is a Beginning, Keeping Together is Progress, Working Together is Success.” The Coalition wishes everyone a healthy and prosperous new year. —Harman T. Leacock

Co-op City Little League

NORC Lecture Series Part II

It’s Tax Time!

9:30 a.m. rm. 31

1st Monday: 1st & 3rd Mondays: Tuesdays: Fridays:

Fri., 1/16

Italian Blend Cranberry Juice, Beef Barley Soup, Turkey Burger, Mexicorn, Chopped Spinach

Non-Kosher

*Schedule subject to change without notice. We ask that members please call their center at least one day in advance to register for lunch:

11:00 in rm. 31

Dominos

Fish Cake, Baked potato, Brussels Sprouts

Juice, Thurs., Orange-Pineapple Baked Chicken, Spaghetti, 1/15

10:30 in rm. 7

10:30 – 11:30, rm. 31

Tues., 1/13

French style beans Pineapple Juice, Vegetable Soup, Garlic Chicken, Brown Rice, Mixed Veggies

Wed., 1/14

10:00 in rm. 31

Bingo

Thursday, January 15

10:00 in rm. 49

Breaded Fish Mon., w/tartar sauce, 1/12 Orzo w/mushroom,

Bingo 11:00 in rm. 4

Dominoes

Building 23 Association

JASA SENIOR LUNCH MENU

JASA SENIOR SERVICES PROGRAM OF CO-OP CITY

Co-op City Times / January 10, 2009

Free Winter Clinics – Last Chance Registration The Co-op City Little League kicked off its free winter baseball/softball clinics this December at three different sites. The free clinics are held Saturdays at PS 160 in Section 5 for 4 - 8 year olds. Truman High School and IS 144, the Michelangelo School, are on Sundays for 9 - 12 year olds, 13 - 16 year olds, and girl’s softball. The clinics will be held each weekend until March 29th. The clinics concentrate on physical fitness and the fundamentals of baseball and softball. The children participate in exercises and running, as well as throwing and fielding drills. The league would like to stress these clinics are free for all the children of the community. The children do not have to be present players in the league, or future players. All children will have the opportunity to register in the

league if they so desire. Les Tarlton, President of the league, stated these clinics have three purposes. The first is to provide the children in our community a free vehicle to stay physically fit during the winter months. The second is to give children the opportunity to experience the game of baseball and the third is to prepare our own players for our spring season, which begins April 4th. In this time of economic crisis, the league would like to give back to the community that has supported us over the years by providing parents an alternative to having to pay for a physical fitness program for their children. Our Board of Directors hopes all the families in our community will take advantage of this program. To attend the clinics, visit our website at WWW.ETEAMZ.COM/COOPCITYLL or WWW.COOPCITYLL.TK, verify the time

and location for your child’s age group and bring your child to that location on that date and time. You can also call our office at 718379-8242 and listen for the weekly clinic schedule. We would like to thank all of our sponsors, volunteers, the Riverbay Corporation and the Riverbay Fund for making these clinics possible. Last chance registration for the Spring 2009 Season Registration for the Spring 2009 season ends on January 31st. This will be your last opportunity to guarantee your child be placed on a team this April. A small deposit of your choosing is all that is needed to register, with the balance due by March 15th. You can register your child at all the clinics’ sites in January. PS 160 on Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Truman H.S. on Saturdays from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m., and IS 144,

the Michelangelo School, on Sundays from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. on January 11th and 18th and from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. on January 25th. You can also register at the League office in the Dreiser Community Center, Room 17, on Saturday, January 24th and 31st from 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. and Friday, January 30th from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Visit our website for directions to the clinic locations. Anyone interested in managing or coaching this spring can apply during the registration times or call the league office at 718-379-8242. The Co-op City Little League is a chartered member of Little League International and an original member of the North Bronx Sports Coalition. We are a non profit 501(3)C organization. If you would like to donate to the league, you could send your tax deductible donation to P.O. Box 215, Bronx, NY 10475. —L es Ta r lt on

Blood Pressure Trained volunteers are providing FREE blood pressure screenings to the 60+ community. Conveniently, located at all three of the Co-op City Community Centers. All you need is to become a member by simply filling out a short application form available at any of the local centers.

L oca t ion s & Sc h e d u le : 135 Einstein Loop, Room 45, every 2nd & 4th Friday @ 10:00 a.m. to noon.; 2049 Bartow Avenue, Room TBA, every 2nd & 4th Wednesday @ 10:00 a.m. to noon; 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 7, every 1st & 3rd Thursday @ 10:00 a.m. to noon.

Cooperator Services Offices CSO I (Bldgs. 1-14, Carver, Debs and Defoe Pl. Townhouses) Maintenance Service: (718) 320-3453, Dreiser Center, Rm. 6 CSO II (Bldgs. 15-25: Adler, Asch, and Broun Pl. Townhouses) Maintenance Service: (718) 320-3403, Bartow Center, Rm. B CSO III (Bldgs. 26-35: Earhart Lane Townhouses) Maintenance Service: (718) 320- 3591, Einstein Center, Rm. 37

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Co-op City Times / January 10, 2009

Resolution for a New Year: The Power is with You

Faith @ Work Christian Church

As the year 2008 just recently ended, Co-op City has seen one of the most turbulent financial years on record. We have seen and witnessed extravagant spending of your hard earned dollars by Herb Scott on projects that seem to be never ending and have created black holes which continually suck our money away into the pockets of contractors who don’t give a damn about us and perform work that, in most cases, is less than desired. But who cares? They always come back to you, the cooperators, for more. In fact, next month we were told that we will receive a 6½% carrying charge increase, but can we trust this figure? Is there any truth or integrity in Herb Scott’s words? Case in point, just look at the cogeneration plant which is now over a year behind schedule in going into operation and which has sucked countless dollars of our money which is a major reason we are being hit with an increase. The bottom line is we in Co-op City have suffered from poor and indifferent fiscal management. This is probably something that is said all the time, but this year, 2009, is a very crucial year for us in which we will either sink or swim. What I mean by that

Director’s Viewpoint

Tony Illis is “If not You, then Who?” And “If not now, then when?” We all make resolutions every year, but I want you, my fellow cooperators, to make a declaration that this community must end mediocrity and strive for a better Co-op City. About a week or two ago, a Board member called some of us “rabble rousers” and “nay-sayers” which is a familiar echo from a former convicted President. As I have mentioned over and over, only time will tell. The roots and tentacles of the past run deep at Riverbay, so deep that all involved seem to have been thoroughly ingrained to cover for each other, and this entrenched culture, based on fear and intimidation, has led to the protection of some who have no fear of retribution. But, I believe, as the Bible says, whatever happens in the dark will one day come to light. Despite our current President’s talks about not getting rid of Herb Scott because we need an orderly transition, I often wonder how soon she may have forgotten the way Herb Scott

came here nine years ago and took over in a hostile purge. The former general manager at that time, a true professional who was never given a chance to perform, found himself cruelly relegated to a cubby hole with nothing, no responsibility, and no communication and totally ignored. It looked like Herb Scott arrived here with purge list in hand and the hostile takeover began operating from day one until now. Whenever it’s echoed, “We can’t change management companies,” take a hard look at the history of what has happened here in Co-op City. You, my fellow cooperators, hold the vote in your hand to elect the Directors to represent you on the Board. Now is the time for you to stand up and unite, and vote in the Board election this spring to really make a difference, because that is the only way to make a positive change. It seems a group of eight on the Board are catered to and given carte blanche treatment to whatever whims they have, such as the hiring of families and friends. I personally believe that there must be a change in this community before it’s too late, there must be a change. Just think, if Herb Scott could perform so poorly before the drastic, turbulent economic

times we are now facing, what can we expect in the days and months ahead? And guess who still goes home with $1.6 million each year, and Herb Scott has never been truly or properly evaluated on their performance. The Coalition of Affordable Housing will be meeting next Monday, January 12, in Room 28, 7:30 p.m. sharp. The guest speakers will be Cleve Taylor, Andrea Leslie and yours truly. Please attend this very informative meeting. The Co-op City Coalition for Barack Obama will be having a dance in the Dreiser Community Center on Sunday, January 18, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is $25 per person. Please come out and be a part of this fun celebration. Seats are still available for the Barack Obama inauguration in Washington, D.C. leaving Co-op City on Tuesday, January 20. Please call for seating reservation and further information, (718) 379-5874 or (718) 320-8035. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Call today! Youngsters, please call me with the issues and concerns on your mind. You are a part of this community. Make your voices heard. Call me at (718) 320-8035, email me at tonyshome10475 @gmail.com. No attachments, please. Let’s make the year 2009 a year for change in this community.

For news or to advertise, call the Co-op City Times at 320-3375.

O-OP ITY

ITTLE EAGUE

LAST CHANCE REGISTRATION Don’t miss your LAST CHANCE to guarantee a roster spot for the 2009 season.

Registration ends January 31st, 2009 Tball - Ages 4 to 6

Majors - ages 11 to 12

Farms - ages 7 to 8

Juniors - ages 13 to 14

Minors - 9 to 10

Seniors - ages 15 to 16

Girls softball - ages 7 to 12

REGISTRATION DATES and LOCATIONS Dreiser Community Center, Rm 17 Saturdays, Jan 24th and 31st, Noon to 2 p.m. and Friday, Jan. 30th, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. You ca n a lso r egist er a t ou r fr ee win t er clin ics u n t il J a n . 31st . P lea se visit www.coop cit yll.t k for t h e t im es a n d loca t ion s of t h e clin ics a n d r egist r a t ion cost or ca ll ou r office a t

718-379-8242. A deposit of you r ch oice is a ll th a t is n eeded. F in a l pa ymen t du e n o la ter th a n Ma r ch 15th , 2009.

Meeting at 177 Dreiser Loop/Dreiser Community Center—Room 8, 9:30 a.m. (Sundays) Church telephone: (718) 644-0951; Pastoral counseling: Wednesday evenings by appointment ONLY; email: fatwcc@aol.com. Weekly Worship Experiences: Thursday Bible Study - Resumed January 8.

St. Joseph’s Anglican Episcopal Church St. Joseph’s Anglican Episcopal Church is located at 155 Dreiser Loop, Bronx, NY 10475; Telephone (718) 320- 0844 Weekly Schedule: Sunday: Service 9 a.m. Sunday School 9 a.m. Wednesday: Bible Study 7 p.m. Friday: Youth Group 46:00 p.m. Young Adults 6:30- 9 p.m. The Sunday School leads services every fourth Sunday and the Young Adults lead services every fifth Sunday. Upcoming Events: Saturday, July 26 and every other Saturday following, the boutiques will open from 12- 4 p.m. We have a wide variety of items ranging from jewelry to items perfect for yourself or someone special in your life. January 25: Annual meeting -- Service will be shortened and we will have the annual meeting directly after. How dear to me is your dwelling, O Lord of hosts. (Psalm 84)

Building 30 Association The Building 30 Association (A & B) is here for you! You must be a paid up dues member in order to take advantage of the parties and celebrations listed above. Please bring your dues money to the meetings. Watch the Association Bulletin Board in your lobby for the dates and times. Get involved and make a difference!! Looking forward to meeting and greeting you at the meetings. —Miriam E. Berlofsky

Williamsbridge Club The Williamsbridge Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. wishes the Co-op City community a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. We begin 2009 with a reminder that the club is accepting applications for membership. Our 2009 calendar begins January 10, at 10:30 a.m. with a Community Forum discussing some issues of concern in the present economy. We will focus on what the community can do to address some of the issues. This discussion will be followed immediately by a meeting of the Williamsbridge Youth Club. The Youth Club is also accepting applications from youth 12 - 18 years of age. Applications for scholarship will be available from 10:30 2:00 p.m. Eligible applicants will be graduating high school seniors, expecting to enter college in the fall of 2009. The calendar continues with a College Fair, March 13; Founders’ Day Luncheon, May 2; and Health Fair, June 13. Please keep an eye open for more information. Any inquiries can be made to the following: Sylvia, 917-921-5445, LaVerne, 718-320-9803, or Ursela, 718-379-5921.

F or n ews or t o ad ve rt ise , ca ll the Co- op C i t y Ti m e s at 320-3375.

Sunday Morning Worship: 9:30 a.m., Children’s Church 10:00 a.m., 2nd through 4th Sundays. R eh ea r sa ls: Acapella Angels Children’s Choir following Worship, 2nd and 3rd Sundays. C hu r ch M ot t o: “We are Christ-Centered, FamilyFocused with Power and Authority.” C hu r ch M ission : To empower, educate and motivate men, women, boys and girls to reach their full potential and live abundant lives through preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Come worship with us - where we honor tradition but are not bound by it! J ANUARY 17 - 4T H ANNUAL M OM ’S DAY O F P R AYE R !!! Mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, godmothers—come out as we pray specifically for our children. Not one more son hauled off to jail, not one more daughter having a child as a teen, not one more child

repeating a grade, not one more child using or selling drugs—NOT ONE! If you believe this is possible, join us as we pray evil away from our children and blessings into their lives—Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him (Ps 127). Rev. JoAnne McNeil, Associate Minister, St. Luke Baptist Church, will be our Prayer Leader/Teacher/Preacher for the morning, 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. THIS IS A FREE MINISTRY EVENT OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY — JOIN US!! We are not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation of everyone who believes! (Rom 1:16) What great power that is when you realize that you are not in this alone. Our witness is to God’s goodness and not our personal accomplishments. Remember, it’s never about us but always about the goodness of the Lord. —Pa st or Deb or a h J enk in s

Co-op City Times / January 10, 2009

Community Protestant Church On behalf of our Pastor, Reverend Dr. Calvin E. Owens, and our church family, welcome to Community Protestant Church, a church of love and understanding, located at 1659 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, NY 10469; telephone: (718) 862-9172. Church Summer Schedule Sunday School - 9:00 a.m. Worship Service - 11:00 a.m. Communion Service - Every first and third Sunday Prayer Meeting & Bible Study Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. T h e following p r ogr a m s a r e a t t h e C h u r ch ’s An nex: 2053 Asch L oop Nor t h (C o-op C it y) Morning Prayer Services - Tuesday, 6:00 a.m.-7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. -10:00 a.m. Neighborhood Bible Study - Thursday at 10:00 a.m. Fellowship, “Life on God’s Terms” –

Every Friday (except 4th Friday) - 7:00 p.m-8:30 p.m. Other Scheduled Events: Sister To Sister Breakfast Postponed To Saturday, January 17th Saturday, January 17th, 8:00 a.m. – Sister to Sister Annual Breakfast. “Women United in Spirit Through Faith and Prayer.” Guest Preacher, Rev. Patricia Lawson, The Riverside Church, New York City. All are welcome. Sunday, January 11th, 3:30 p.m. — Observance of Annual Official Boards’ Day. Our guest preacher will be Rev. James A. Kilgore, Pastor, Friendship Baptist Church, New York City. The next meeting of the Soul Sisters Reading Network has been rescheduled for Saturday, January 31, 10:00 a.m. at the Annex to read and discuss The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara

Congratulations, Anjulí! Congratulations, Anjulí, for having been selected to study with Cornell University’s School of Architecture Art and Planning in Rome, Italy. Papa is looking down on you from above with pride. The whole family, as well as friends, are very proud of you and wish you success. Love, — M om m y, fa m ily & fr ien d s

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Kingsolver. A very interesting read! RSVP your attendance at cpcsisters@aol.com by January 29th. Saturday, March 7th: Join CPC Tours for a visit to the Annual Philadelphia Flower Show. The theme this year is “ Bella Italia.” Displays depict the flower fields of San Remo, the sparkling canals of Venice, the fashionable runways of Milan, the formal gardens of ancient Rome and the inspirational artwork of Florence. Visit the Reading Terminal Market and shop at Franklin Mills. Tickets: $55/adults; $45/children (up to 14 years of age), available by calling CPC Tours, 718- 671-1182. Wednesday, March 25th – Join CPC Tours at the Millennium Theater, Sight and Sound, Lancaster, PA to see BEHOLD THE LAMB. Dinner at “Good N’ Plenty Restaurant. Shopping at Tanger Outlets. Ticket: $115, available by calling (718) 862-9172. Community Protestant Celebrates Its 40th Anniversary Look where the Lord has brought us from! We will celebrate 40 years of stead-

Co-op City Times / January 10, 2009

fast, devoted Christian service on April 19. Many activities and programs are planned in observance of this great milestone in the life of our church and we invite everyone to celebrate with us on: Sunday, February 15th at 3:30 p.m. – Pre-Anniversary Service. Our Guest Preacher will be Reverend Peter Wilson, Mount Zion Christian Baptist Church, Mt. Vernon, NY. Saturday, March 21st, 11:30 a.m. – 4:30p.m. Anniversary Banquet at Villa Barone Manor Sunday, March 29th at 3:30 p.m. – PreAnniversary Service. Friday, April 17th at 7:30 p.m. – PreAnniversary Service. Our Guest Preacher will be Rev. Dr. Phillip Joubert, Sr., Community Baptist Church, Bayside, NY Sunday, April 19th at 11:00 a.m. – 40th Anniversary of Community Protestant Church Sunday, April 19th at 3:30 p.m. – Gospel Extravaganza For additional information, contact the church at (718) 862-9172. —E va n G . M it ch ell

To Advertise, Call 718.320.3375

MATV completed, but Riverbay will see to it that these modifications are done in time so that shareholders will not notice any difference in their service on February 18. Rick Schmidt, Riverbay’s Technical Coordinator, said that he is hopeful to have the upgrade work done as soon as the negotiations are finalized and the equipment is installed which should not take more than a day. “Once Riverbay begins the upgrade work, on the day that the work is being done, cooperators will notice some temporary disruptions,” said Schmidt. “During the upgrade, equipment will be changed at a central location which will result in the signal being automatically converted on

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the master antenna and cooperators not needing to purchase converter boxes so that on February 18, cooperators on the system will still be able to see their television programs.” Riverbay will advise residents when work is being done on the master antenna through the Co-op City Times, notices posted in the buildings and on the Riverbay crawler. Boiko added that Riverbay anticipates discussions and final agreement with Cablevision will conclude in time to finish the upgrade and maintenance work on the master antenna before February 17. “This is a win/win situation for cooperators,” said Boiko. “Once we get the mas-

ter antenna back from Cablevision, we will maintain it, as well as set up a structure here to take care of any issues shareholders may have so they will not have to deal with Cablevision anymore. “At this time, we’d just like shareholders to know that we understand their frustrations and concerns about this matter and that we continue to work feverishly with Cablevision on the issue of the master antenna and hope to have resolution very soon in which case, we will keep them updated,” said Boiko. “In the meantime, we’d like to reassure the cooperators on the master antenna system that their television service will not be interrupted on February 17, and that they will not need to

use a converter box. We thank everyone for their understanding and patience during these lengthy negotiations.” Meanwhile, Broadcasting and Cable reported yesterday that four major networks—ABC, NBC, Fox and CBS—have now signed on to a proposal made by the Obama transition team to delay the digital television transition date from February 17 to some later date which has not yet been specified to ensure that all over-theair households are ready for the change and thus ensure its success. So far, the publication said, the Bush administration has not responded to the proposal and seems to be leaning towards keeping the February 17th date.

Public Safety Report CCPD enforces parking regulations BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO The Co-op City Department of Public Safety has been granted the authority by the City of New York to issue parking summons. Select officers of the Department of Public Safety are authorized to issue parking summons for vehicles illegally parked in the street or in handicapped spots within Co-op City’s parking lots without the required permit. Public Safety supervisors and officers have received training from the City of New York on summons issuance procedures The ability to issue parking summons greatly increases the Department of Public Safety’s ability to maintain the safety of residents and the quality of life within the community. The Department of Public Safety is not the primary parking summons issuing entity within the community. The majority of parking summons will still be issued by the New York City Police Department, Police Officers and Traffic Agents. There are several situations where Public Safety’s ability to issue Parking Summonses is highly effective in correct-

ing certain serious situations. In the past, double parked vehicles, often with loud stereos playing, presented a difficult enforcement situation for Public Safety Officers. A New York City Parking Summons for a Double Parked vehicle carries a fine of $115. Offending vehicles, in most cases, promptly leave the area without incident. In the past, the 45th Precinct or Traffic Department were notified. The ability to issue these summonses allows these conditions to be corrected without delay. Vehicles parked around the centers of traffic circles in the front of buildings present a serious fire hazard in that a fire truck cannot pull up to the building in an emergency. School buses and handicapped transport vehicles also cannot navigate to the front of buildings. All traffic circles or culde-sacs have been designated as “NO STANDING” zones by the City of New York. Parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant also creates a fire hazard. There are no types of permits which allows parking in a “NO STANDING” anytime zone or within 15

feet of a fire hydrant. Blocking driveways where garbage dumpsters need to be rolled onto the street for collection is another area where illegal parking presents a problem. The inability to have garbage picked up promptly presents a threat to public health. Once the vehicles are ticketed, they can be towed by the Riverbay contracted tow company, allowing the garbage to be picked up. In the past, summonses had to be issued by New York City Police Officers or Traffic Agents. A majority of the summonses issued by the Department of Public Safety have been issued for this reason. January of 2009 has two remaining holidays for which alternate side of the street parking is suspended. These dates are Monday, January 19th for Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday and Monday, January 26th, for Asian Lunar New Year. The full calendar of Parking Regulation suspensions is available on the New York City website www.nyc.gov/. The Co-op City Department of Public

Safety would like to wish everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year 2009. Residents are also reminded that bike riding is not permitted near buildings, in shopping malls or anywhere else signs prohibiting bicycle riding are posted. Be sure to buckle your seatbelt, obey speed limits and avoid distractions when driving. Never drive if you have been drinking; never drink if you will be driving. SCHOOL IS OPEN, drive carefully; never pass a stopped school bus from either side of the street with its red lights flashing or its STOP sign out. Children are a precious resource, we must keep them safe. Always remember, if you see something, say something. Call 9-1-1 and the Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050 or online at www.ccpd.us. Callers may remain anonymous when giving information. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety would like to thank all persons who have called in suspicious activity. It is by your actions that the crime rate remains low and a high quality of life is maintained.

Public Safety Blotter: Dec. 10, 2008 to Jan. 3, 2009 January 3 – Garage 8 The owner of a vehicle reported that the back window had been broken and several items stolen from within. This matter is currently under investigation. January 2 – Carver Loop Lobby CCPD officers responded to this location after receiving a report that a lobby window had been broken. January 1 – Rear of 140 Alcott Place CCPD responded to this area after receiving two calls of shots being heard in the area. A canvas was conducted, along with NYPD units, with negative results. December 30, 2008 – 100 Dekruif Place 3B stairway While conducting a vertical sweep of the building, Officers found a male sitting in a staircase rolling a marijuana cigar. The male was taken into custody and issued a summons to appear in court for his violation of law. The male was also issued a community complaint for anti-social conduct. December 30, 2008 – 100 Alcott Place Several false calls were placed by an individual at this location. NYPD ESU responded and entry was forced into the apartment. Once inside, they found a man within who refused to provide information for his actions. As a result, he was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.

December 27, 2008 – vicinity of 100 Erskine Place CCPD officers and Emergency Services Unit responded to a report of a man down and injured. The individual was treated at the scene and transported to a local hospital for further treatment. December 23, 2008 – vicinity of 140 Dekruif Place A delivery person stated that he was robbed at gunpoint. The man was not injured and the perpetrator fled the area. December 22, 2008 – vicinity of 120 Casals Place CCPD officers responded to a location within the building after being informed of someone having set fire to Christmas decorations. This matter is under investigation. December 22, 2008 – vicinity of 120 Co-op City Boulevard CCPD officers were conducting a building sweep when they came across a male on the 16th floor stairway that could not provide a legitimate reason for being there. The individual was arrested and cited for trespassing. December 16, 2008 – vicinity of 149 Dreiser Loop A male loitering with a group at this location became loud and disorderly when an Officer attempted to move the group. The individual was taken into custody and cited for his actions.

December 15, 2008 – vicinity of The Bartow Branch of the Public Library CCPD officers were summoned to the library after a male patron within had become disorderly. He was asked to leave. Once outside the library, he began yelling profanities and waving his arms about refusing to cease his actions and continue on his way. The male was arrested and cited for his actions. December 11, 2008 – vicinity of 2061 Bartow Avenue While on foot patrol, a CCPD officer encountered a female who threatened him and challenged him to fight. The individual became disorderly and was placed under arrest. December 10, 2008 – vicinity of 133 Dreiser Loop CCPD officers on patrol attempted to disperse a group of disorderly individuals from the mall area when one of them refused to leave. The male was placed under arrest and charged accordingly. December 10, 2008 – vicinity of PS 160 CCPD and NYPD officers were summoned to a knife assault at this location. Emergency Services Unit Officers rendered emergency care and the aided was transported to the hospital. The NYPD, acting on an anonymous tip, located the perpetrator of this offense and promptly arrested him.

Co-op City Times / January 10, 2009

National Council Of Negro Women

African-American Association of Co-op City

We welcome women and men to join this historically distinguished organization. All that is required is your INTEREST, COMMITMENT, FOCUS AND INVOLVEMENT. CO-OP CITY NCNW ON THE MOVE: On Saturday, January 31st, our Book Club will be meeting in Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Bay Plaza Shopping Center at 3:30 p.m. to discuss “My Sister’s Keeper,” by Jodi Picoult. February 28, Saturday, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., Black History Month 8th Annual Youth Celebration: Dreiser Community Center 1 Auditorium A. Calling on all youth groups, choirs, steppers, dancers, poets, actresses, musicians, etc., who would like to volunteer their time and talent to participate in the celebration, please contact Mrs. Melton at (917) 399-2643. April 16 – 21, we invite you to join us on a trip to Las

American Legion Post 1871 To reach Post 1871, we are located at 135 Einstein Loop Community Center, Room 41, and if you have a computer, you can get in touch with us by email at post1871@optimum.net. Greetings to all our members of Post 1871 located in Co-op City who are residing in the Bay Park Nursing Home. Our minds and hearts are with you each day hoping that you will have a blessed day. Happy birthday to all our Post members that have a birthday in January: Nehemiah Eutsey, Julio Figueroa, Leonard Blascovich, Jr., Rodney Gaulden, Sr., Carl Barr, Arthur H. Gelman, William Martinez, Ruben McCann Jr., Lowell A. James, Hector R. Rosado, Hector M. Rosario-Flores, Richard Shade, Donald L. Young and Lawrence Shaheed. The importance of birthdays is not how many you’ve had, but rather, how well you’ve celebrated. I hope your New Year’s Resolution for 2009 is to join Post 1871 American Legion in Co-op City; this should be at the top of your list. C it y I sl a n d L egion P ost 156: All are welcome at 7:30 p.m. sharp. The Post is located across the street from the Shore Diner in City Island. Uniform baseball cap casual dress, please. C om m on con s in cyb er sp a ce: Internet scammers are bold, especially when it comes to moneymaking schemes. Some will even build websites using legitimate company names and addresses, then insert their own contact information. If you feel you have been taken by scammers, contact the Better Business Bureau’s cyber consumers watch. You can save money by using common cleaners. Ammonia: add one pint of rubbing alcohol to ½ cup of soapy ammonia, then add enough water to make one gallon. Pour into a spray bottle and use it to clean glass in your house. For all our Post members that would like to get a handicapped parking permit, you can now add physician’s assistant to the list of medical professionals who can certify a driver’s eligibility for a handicapped-parking permit. The general meeting for Post 1871 will take place on January 17 at 135 Einstein Loop Community Center, Room 41 at 11 a.m. Please arrive on time. A l it t l e M a r in e C or p s H i st or y: Semper Fidelis means “Always Faithful.” The march by this name was written by John Philip Sousa. It should not be confused with the Marines Hymn. Both are played at parades. Marines always stand at attention when The Marines’ Hymn is played. The only thing harder to hide than quality is the lack of it. Your information officer of Post 1871 provided this information to you. —R ich a r d I . L a wson , J r.

Vegas, Grand Canyon and Laughlin. We still have a few seats available. The price of this tour is $1,550 per person double occupancy & gratuities included, please send your $250 deposit. The accommodations include: bus transportation to and from the airport; flight and air taxes; land tours with Tour Director; fully air-conditioned motorcoach; quality hotel accommodations; dinner in Laughlin and Shows in Las Vegas. The balance of the trip is due by January 31. There will be no refunds after December 5, 2008. Not included: travel protection insurance at $119 – for those who chose to purchase this plan, you must do so with your initial payment. Please make checks payable to NCNW/Co-op City Section, P.O. Box 93, Bronx, NY 10475. For information, please call 718-671-4804, 718-671-6910 or 718-320-2366. Don’t miss out on this special event. Please begin to prepare for our shopping spree on

Saturday, May 2nd. More information will follow as our flyers are produced and distributed. September 15 – 28 – start planning to join NCNW on a trip to Spain and Morocco. Come with us to the Casbah. Stan Simmons, our Tour Director, is planning thirteen (13) days and twelve (12) nights of travel visiting in Madrid, Seville, Granada, Tangier, Casablanca and more exciting cities of which you may have heard. This is a great tour for $3,500. For additional information, please call 718-8629009 or 718-655-9034. Yes, we still have seats available. NCNW also has a shopping website, please visit at www.shopNCNW.com. If you desire more information regarding travel and other events indicated, please connect with us online through our website: www.ncnwco-opcity.org; our email address is: mail@ncnwco-opcity.org. Thank you and join us! —L. Holloway-Mills

Associa t ion M eet in g – The General Membership Meeting will be held today, Saturday, January 10, at 4:00 p.m. in the Dreiser Center, Room 15. The new bylaws have been ratified and all members may receive a copy at that time. If you are unable to attend, you may send your membership dues of $15 for individuals and $25 for families to our mailing address: African-American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475. K wa n za a C eleb r a t ion – At the recent Kwanzaa Celebration, the establishment of the Kojo Adimu Research Library was announced. Sen Ur Kojo Adimu is a long-time member of the Association and for about ten years has been the leader of the Communiversity of Afrikan-Centered Education. He is also a member of the Association for the Study of Classical African Civilizations (ASCAC), has mentored with the Blue Nile Rites of Passage Program and is affiliated with the December 12th Movement. We honor him for his exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication to upholding our Afrikan history, culture and legacy. At the February

14th Association meeting, you are invited to donate educational books to the Kojo Adimu Research Library and we will be happy to receive them. F R E E Afr ica n Da n ce – The next dance workshops will be on Wednesdays, January 14th and 21st at 7:00 p.m. in Dreiser Center, Room #2. It is open to women, men, boys and girls, age 7-70. Wear comfortable clothing. Yoga & P ila t es – The Yoga & Pilates class continues to meet on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. in Dreiser Center, Room 2. Aft er Sch ool P r ogr a m – The Learning Source is a community service where your child will receive homework assistance, recreation and loving care. Call 718379-5555. Bla ck F ilm Fest iva l – Once again, the Association will sponsor the Black History Month Black Film Festival on Saturday, February 7, starting at noon in the Bartow Community Center, Room 28. The history of African people in America is extremely important and we should honor and cherish the achievements of our ancestors. Bring your children and grandchildren with you for a

wonderful, enlightening experience. Suggested adult all day donation $5. Refreshments will be available. O b a m a Vict or y C eleb r a t ion – The Co-op City Coalition for Obama has planned a celebration for Sunday, January 18, from 5:00-10:00 p.m. in the Dreiser Community Center Auditorium. You are invited to come for an evening of dancing, food and fun. Tickets: $25. Call today: 718-320-1706 or 718-379-5874. The President-elect Barack Obama has asked for input into his agenda for CHANGE. Some of the items that were proposed included: More affordable housing, reduce college tuition, expand vocational training, revise drug laws, reinstate rehabilitation inside the prison system, end discrimination against former prisoners, establish a single-payer health care system, extend unemployment, revise the Food Stamp program, reform the foster home care system, etc. Happy New Year to all our members, friends and neighbors. We trust that 2009 will be happy, healthy and prosperous for you. —F r a n cin e R eva J on es

Working Families Party Members and friends, we start the New Year with a new president, a new administration with a lot of hope and anticipation that this president will change the direction this nation is going. We know he can’t do it by himself, but with our support, we can achieve victories. The Working Families Party will back our new president to end the wars, tackle the growth of unemployment, a health plan to cover all, improving retirement security, support the building and maintaining of affordable housing, aid to education, and keep people from losing their homes. The work-

NAACP January 1, our two NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) branches, Co-op City and Williamsbridge, and the community had a lovely Jubilee Celebration at Community Protestant Church. The church’s choir and Jubilee Singers were great. Co-op City Baptist Church’s Praise Dancers did a beautiful performance. Rev. Dr. Calvin E. Owens’ Celebration Message was on the comparison of slavery of the Israelites by the Egyptians with the slavery of the Africans by the Europeans and the Americans. These slaves were brought mostly to South America, Central America, Caribbean and the United States. The Emancipation Proclamation signed January 1, 1863 freed few slaves. Slavery was abolished totally by the 13th Amendment to the constitution. (December, 1865). Our thanks go to Community Protestant Church’s Pastor and members for their hospitality and to each person that took the time to attend the celebration. Members are reminded not to send their renewals to Baltimore but to: NAACP Co-op City Branch, P.O. Box 753111, Einstein Station, Bronx, New York 10475. May 30, our Branch along with the other three Bronx Branches will be celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the NAACP at Marina Del Rey. Tickets are $100 each. We are now accepting partial payments on the luncheon. The NAACP Convention will be held in NYC this year in July at Jacob Javits Center. Our next meeting will be on Sunday, January 25th at 3 p.m. at 100 Erskine Place, ground floor rear. We will have the installation of our officers for the next two years. The installation will be done by Judge Elizabeth Taylor. All members are requested to attend and please consider joining a committee. Members are requested to bring food dishes to this meeting. Town and Country Family Center is in constant need of staples for their food pantry. You may bring them to our meetings. We wish Lennie Murrell a speedy recovery! —Eleanor Donnley

ing class must not be made to shoulder the burden of fixing the economy, but those who prospered from the unfair tax reductions must pay their fair share, a change we believe in. We will work with all organizations to insure that these programs are realized and a benefit to all people. EFCA, (Employee Free Choice Act) is a crucial piece of legislation coming before this administration that will protect workers’ freedom to choose a union and bargain without management intimidation, as well as improve the standards of living for America’s working families. This legislation is needed and necessary to make the playing field more equal. A country without a free and dynamic union is not a democratic country, and after years of being overshadowed by special interests, passage of the Employee Free Choice Act is a law all working people deserve. If you agree that these issues are important to effect change, your involvement is needed so we together can work to insure implementation of the programs beneficial to the working class. You are welcome to come to our meeting and let your voice be heard on Tuesday, January

27, in Einstein, Room 35, at 7:30 p.m. Of course, the meeting will take place after the historical event of January 20th, when our work will truly begin. Remember, a chain is only as strong as the links holding it together. So let’s make 2009 a year of triumph! Please note so you are not left out: On Sunday, January 18, the Co-op City Coalition for Obama, of which WFP Co-op City Chapter is a member, will hold a victory party/Obama Pre-Inauguration Dance from 5 -10 p.m. in Dreiser Community Center Auditorium. Everyone is invited to join. Donations of $25 for tickets will be accepted. For tickets, call 718-320-8254 or 718-379-5874. The Coalition has charted a bus to join millions to witness and celebrate President Obama’s inauguration in Washington, DC on Tuesday, January 20. Some seats on the bus are still available. To reserve a seat on the bus, call 718-320-8254. The WFP Co-op City Chapter meets every 4th Tuesday of the month in Einstein Center, Rm. 35. All are welcome to attend and join a new voice of working families, WFP. Thank you. —Judy Roberson

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Black Forum Defensive Driving Course The next Black Forum Defensive Driving Course will be held on Saturday, January 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Dreiser Community Center, Room 1. Cost is $35 which must be pre-paid. Send check/MO to Black Forum, P.O. Box 563, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. At the completion of the defensive driving course, you will receive up to 4 points removed from your driver’s license and 10% discount off your auto insurance. No walk-ins available. Call 718-320-8035 today to reserve your seat. Black Forum Aerobic classes Get in shape. Join us every Monday and Wednesday, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m., in the Dreiser Community Center, Auditorium

A, for aerobics classes by Body by Andrea. Classes are $3 per person. Please call to register, (718) 320-8035. Black Forum and the Lyons Mane Track & Field Club If your child, 8 - 17 years old, would like to run track, join the Black Forum and Lyons Mane Track and Field Club, under the professional guidance of Don Lyons. Call to register, 718-320-8035. Farm fresh vegetables returns next year The fresh organic vegetables program has been suspended until next year. We will announce when the program will resume as the information becomes available. Black Forum Emergency Food Program - New Hours Due to a shortage of food, we are

temporarily open on Wednesdays and Fridays only from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Room 20 at the Dreiser Community Center. These new hours will stand until we are able to acquire more food for distribution. Also, due to budget constraints and shortage of available food, as of July, you must live within the 10475 zip code to participate in this program. Computer needed If you have a computer that you can donate to the Black Forum, kindly contact us at (718) 320-8035. Please help us to help you Food is available, however, we will have to pay the pick-up and transportation costs. We ask all cooperators to

donate $1-$5 payable to the Black Forum of Co-op City. It’s Time To Get Involved Now is the time for us to get involved. Membership is $5 per year/person. Call us, (718) 320-8035. We Need You - Join Us Today The fee is only $5 a year, per person. Call (718) 320-8035 or write to Black Forum, P.O. Box 563, Bronx, NY 10475; email: tonyshome10475@gmail.com. Help us keep independent community organizations alive in Co-op City. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Everyone is encouraged to join. Call us or visit us in Room 20 in the Dreiser Community Center. —Ton y I llis

Baychester Visual Arts A new year is beginning with wishes for health and happiness to everyone. We are fortunate to have BVA as the only fine arts organization offering quality art instruction. So shake the winter doldrums and join us in our permanent room 5 in the Dreiser Loop Center. Let the vibes of creation transport you to joys of accomplishment and pleasure. BVA’s art classes are held on Tuesdays and Saturdays. There are three sessions on Tuesdays to choose from: 1 – 3 p.m., 3:30 p.m. –5:30 p.m. and 5:45 – 7:45 p.m.

There are 10 weeks of classes with 20 hours of instruction for $60. Moses Groves, BVA’s own art instructor, will be the artistic guide for these Tuesday classes. Mr. Groves is an accomplished artist who has studied at New York University and the Art Students League. He exhibits in the New York and New Jersey area. You can stop by Room 5 in the Dreiser Center any Tuesday to join us and feel the satisfaction of creating your own pictures. Ms. Valli Massenburg is the instructor of the Saturday morning classes. You get 10 weeks of classes, from 10 a.m. until 12

p.m. with 20 hours of instruction for $60 which is a bargain for what you are receiving. Ms. Massenburg is an accomplished artist who was granted an A.S. Diploma from the Parson School of Design and honed and expanded her artistic skills in numerous media, namely oils, acrylic, watercolor, pastels, charcoal, pen and ink, etc. BVA is a non-profit, self-supporting organization that needs your support to continue offering high level art instruction at these bargain prices. Your support – as members, donators, and events’ sup-

porters – is sorely needed and appreciated. So make a donation to Baychester Visual Arts Association, Inc. – it’s tax deductible. Checks can be mailed to BVA, P.O. Box 678, Co-op City Station, Bronx, New York 10475. Contact Moses Groves at 201-862-0847 for more information. This program is made possible with public funds from the Bronx Council on the Arts through the New York State Council on the Arts Decentralization Program. —Sylvia Lochansky

MetroCard bus to visit Co-op City next week The MetroCard bus will be visiting all three Co-op City shopping malls this month, enabling people to sign up for the reduced-Fare MetroCard or purchase or add money to existing Metrocard. On Thursday, January 15, the MetroCard bus will be at Bartow Mall on Co-op City Blvd., from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; at Dreiser Loop from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and at Einstein Loop from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. “Our mobile Metrocard sales vehicles

are part of our outreach effort to senior citizens and people with disabilities who might have problems accessing our subway station booths,” said NYC Transit President Lawrence G. Reuter. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities may apply for the Reduced-Fare MetroCard on the bus during regular visits to this community or other locations on scheduled dates throughout the Bronx. To sign up for the Reduced-Fare Card, seniors must be over 65 years and bring

proof of age with a photo, such as a Medicare card, driver’s license or passport. Persons with disabilities must have a valid U.S. Medicare card (red, white and blue) along with a valid federal/state issued photo identification card in order to be immediately processed. Disabled persons without Medicare Cards must ensure that their doctors complete the physician’s section of the application. After a review process, permanent

Reduced-Fare MetroCards are mailed to qualified applicants. In addition to being able to sign up for a Reduced-Fare MetroCard or have one refilled, anyone can add value to their MetroCards or purchase pre-encoded MetroCards, including daily, weekly and monthly unlimited-ride passes. Also, Transit staff is on hand to answer any MetroCard-related questions. For more information, call (212) METROCARD.

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