Co-op City Times 01/11/14

Co-op City’s official newspaper serving the world’s largest cooperative community.

Vol. 49 No. 2

© Copyright 2014 Co-op City Times

Cuomo vows to seek funding for proposed Co-op City train station The long discussed, long delayed construction of a proposed rail station from Co-op City to Manhattan could be on track if Gov. Andrew Cuomo succeeds in finding federal, state and MTA money to fund the project.

Cuomo, who landed a $1.6 billion low interest federal loan to help pay for the long-delayed Tappan Zee replacement bridge in Westchester, promised in his State of the State speech on Jan. 8 to “… seek to secure federal funds for this critical resiliency project …” that would expand Metro North service by building four new stops in the Bronx – at Co-op City, Morris Park, Parkchester and Hunts Point.

State Assemblyman Mike Benedetto, who has spearheaded local efforts in Albany to get the stations built, said that winning the Governor’s public support could prove to be a decisive factor in finally bringing direct train service from Co-op City to Penn Station.

“It’s just great to see the Governor coming on board formally,” Benedetto said. “It’s not going to happen tomorrow, but I think everybody can rest assured that it is going to happen.

BY JIM ROBERTS

“It’s fitting that we go to the federal government for help if it’s there, but there will also have to be money from the state, from the MTA and I would hope from Connecticut,” Benedetto said.

As is always the case, paying for the project is the most important obstacle.

According to the Governor, the MTA’s 2010-2014 Capital Plan sets aside $40.6 million for planning and design of the expansion work, called the “Penn Station Access Project.” Environmental work is underway and the MTA is working to advance further planning and design, the Governor said.

However, several press reports have cited an estimated cost of $1 billion to actually complete the entire expansion project and create the four new stations in the Bronx and purchase new rail cars.

Cuomo’s pledge to seek federal funding for the Penn Station Access Project, which includes the Bronx rail stations project, comes as part of his “Reimagining New York for a New Reality” storm plan that includes $17 billion in proposed projects to strengthen New York’s communities

Sub-freezing Polar Vortex results in flooding and elevator outages

The weather phenomena dubbed the Polar Vortex that resulted in biting winds and record low temperatures in more than 25 states wreaked havoc on buildings and plumbing infrastructures throughout the entire eastern half of the nation earlier this week and Co-op City was no exception.

Beginning last Friday evening, when a snow storm was followed by single digit temperatures and then continuing through a sudden thaw only to be followed by even colder air, which saw temperatures never rise above 10 degrees for a 36-hour period from Monday night to late Wednesday morning, Co-op City’s 45-year-old plumbing was challenged in 15 buildings resulting in flooded basements and elevator shafts and at least part of 11 buildings lost elevator service for two hours or more.

Co-op City General Manager Vernon Cooper said: “We had record breaking severe cold weather this week; in fact, January 7 was the coldest it has been on that day since 1896.

This extreme cold was exacerbated by

BY BILL STUTTIG

CB #10 floats feeder ferry service idea for Co-op City

Saturday, January 11, 2014

(Continued on page 4)

deadly wind chills. This cold snap caused pipe breaks all over the City of New York, which resulted in delays at airports, closings of highways, and interruption of train service, just to name a few. As a result of this cold, we have experienced a number of pipe breaks within the complex.

“The pipe breaks were directly due to the freezing cold which not only froze pipes in some instances, but also caused pipe breaks when the weather warmed up slightly. Our Maintenance, Building & Grounds and Public Safety Departments working alongside VerTech elevator company, did a wonderful job of responding to these conditions as they became known to us.

Although there is no good time to have a pipe break, the fact that the most recent pipe breaks took place in the early morning hours when there is no staff working, only prolongs our response to these conditions. When we have pipe breaks that result in water flooding our basements, there is always (Continued on page 4)

25¢

As New York City’s Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) continues to study potential sites for a ferry terminal in the Bronx where service will be provided to and from midtown and downtown Manhattan, Community Board 10 (CB#10) recently advocated for Co-op City to, in turn, be considered for feeder ferry service in a recent letter sent to Kyle Kimball, President of NYCEDC. Ken Kearns, District Manager of Community Board 10, told the Co-op City Times this week that he and the Community Board understand some of the drawbacks for placing a major ferry terminal within the Co-op City area on the Hutchinson River, the chief one being that the river is a tidal river and is not navigable by larger craft which draws several feet below the surface, such as a major ferry, during periods of low tide. However, Kearns

BY BILL STUTTIG

added that it might be conceivable to provide feeder ferry service from the potential main Bronx ferry terminal to Co-op City in the form of smaller water taxi type crafts — such as the type of craft that now provides shuttle ferry service across the East River between Brooklyn and Manhattan.

Such smaller crafts feasibly can serve as an alternate mode of transportation for both the dense residential population of Co-op City, along with the expanding commercial interests in the area, specifically the huge Bay Plaza complex, providing service at regular intervals, regardless of the tide.

In the letter to NYCEDC, John Marano, Chairman of Community Board 10, which advocates for Co-op City and the other communities of the east Bronx, wrote to Kimball stating: “It is our understanding that the (Continued on page 2)

Building 20A Ground Excavation

Beginning Monday, January 13th thru Friday, January 17th, the grounds in front of Building 20A will be excavated in order to replace a broken electrical pipe supplying Garage 5.

Parts of the front entrance to Building 20A will be fenced off during this work. Please use caution.

We appreciate your cooperation and will work diligently to complete this work as soon as possible, weather permitting.

—Riverbay Management

Eligible Co-op City shareholders to share $1.1M in 2013/2014 STAR tax credits Eligible Co-op City shareholders who applied for the New York State School Tax Relief (STAR) Property Tax Exemption for tax year 2013/2014 before the February 15, 2013 deadline shared $1,125,469.28 in credits as reflected on their January, 2014 carrying charge statements.

The upcoming postmark deadline of March 15, 2014, will be for the 2014/2015 tax year, based on New York City’s fiscal year which runs from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2014.

In total, out of Co-op City’s 15,372 apartments, 8,727 received the credit this year which amounts to $1,125,469.28 for Basic and Enhanced STAR. The current 2013/2014 credit for Basic STAR, which is determined by the New York City Finance Department, is $98.56 per apartment, and $208.56 for Enhanced STAR.

BY ROZAAN S. BOONE

Last fiscal year, 2012/2013, 8,714 eligible shareholders shared $1,121,965 when the credit for Basic STAR was $99.28 and for Enhanced STAR, $206.04.

“These are a one-time credit provided to Riverbay for tax year 2013/2014 and Riverbay, in turn, passes the credit along to the eligible shareholders,” said Peter Merola, Riverbay’s Director of Finance.

“The STAR credits were posted to the eligible shareholders’ accounts and appeared on their January, 2014 carrying charge monthly statements which have been mailed.”

Basic STAR is available to any owner of a house, cooperative apartment, condominium or other property as long as at least one owner lives in or uses the property as their primary residence. Married couples owning more than one property (Continued on page 2)

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Ferry service

Co-op City Times / January 11, 2014 (Continued from page 1)

Economic Development Corporation has modeled various communities and has determined that given the economics, surrounding subsidies and operating costs, that the Ferry Point community represents the best possible alternative for a ferry landing in the Bronx.

“However, our Board feels that Co-op City, home to over 55,000 residents should benefit from the presence of a ferry service. Additionally, the development of (The Mall) at Bay Plaza with over seventy-five stores and a free standing Macy’s, will make it the largest mall in New York City. It is for these reasons that ferry service from Co-op City to Manhattan should be scheduled. While there are draft issues at the Hutchinson River at Coop City, our Board believes that ferry service can be accomplished through feeder ferries (water taxi type craft) visiting other sites and allowing passengers to utilize the main ferry terminal at Ferry Point.”

New York City has been considering several Bronx communities as the site of a new ferry terminal for service to and from Manhattan for several years now as part of an idealized fiveborough ferry system, providing an alternative to standard land based transportation modes between the boroughs whose drawbacks include everincreasing congestion and pollution.

In a recently released report on the ongoing effort to create a FiveBorough Ferry System some time in

the future, NYCEDC stated: “The Bronx community has long been one of the most vocal proponents of the ferry expansion. The greatest challenge to providing Bronx service is the lack of residential density near the waterfront and that most ferry routes are not competitive with the travel times of alternate modes, such as express buses. Additionally, although some riders can drive and park at a Bronx ferry landing, studies show that commuters have a strong preference for a one-seat ride and will more likely choose to drive all the way to a final destination, rather than park and change modes.”

In another study of Citywide Ferry Service also released very recently, NYCEDC identified Co-op City as one of ten sites in the Bronx considered as a point of embarkation for ferry commuter service, but only two of the 10 Bronx sites remained candidates for the ferry terminal after point-to-point ridership forecasts were considered.

Those two locations were Ferry Point Park and the adjacent Soundview community. The NYCEDC study further said that after a second phase of consideration which took into consideration capital costs for developing at each of these two remaining Bronx locations, as well as other locations throughout the five boroughs, the Soundview community was identified as the only remaining feasible Bronx location for a ferry terminal.

can only have STAR on one property unless they are divorced or legally separated and can provide documentation to support their claim.

For Enhanced STAR applicants, the property must be the primary residence of at least one owner. Therefore, for a married couple applying for Enhanced STAR, if one owner is absent from the property because they are receiving inpatient health related services at a residential health care facility, such as a nursing home or any other facility that provides lodging, board and physical care, as long as the property is not occupied by anyone other than the remaining spouse or co-owner, it may qualify for Enhanced STAR as long as all other criteria are met.

There is no age limit to receive Basic STAR, however, the combined household income of the owner(s) must be $500,000 or less.

On the other hand, to be eligible for Enhanced STAR, the property owner(s) must be age 65 or older as of December 31 of the exemption year and have an annual total combined household income of $81,900 or less to qualify.

Total combined household income is the federal adjusted gross income minus the taxable amount of IRA distributions.

Last year, the New York State Department of Taxation & Finance required all recipients of Basic STAR only to register with the state by December 31, 2013 in order to receive the 2014 STAR credit and to continue to receive the credit in subsequent years.

Although the registration date has passed, the state is still accepting late

(Continued from page 1)

STAR credit

registrations and shareholders who currently receive Basic STAR and have not yet done so, are urged to register with the state Taxation and Finance Department by calling 518-457-2036, Mondays to Fridays, 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., or online at www.tax.ny.gov.

All Co-op City shareholders are entitled to receive either Basic or Enhanced STAR, but this tax reduction must be filed for—it is not automatic. Once you have been approved to receive STAR benefits, there is no need to reapply each year unless you move. In this case, the property owner should notify the Department of Finance to cancel STAR at the old address and reapply for it at the new address.

If you are a shareholder who applied for the STAR program this year and did not receive a credit, you should contact the New York City Department of Finance at (212) 504-4080. And, if you have not yet filed an application and, as a result, did not receive a credit this year, you should fill out an application before the upcoming March 15th deadline for a credit next year.

You can obtain a STAR application by calling 3-1-1, or the Department of Finance at (212) 504-4080 or by logging onto the DOF website at nyc.gov/STAR. Completed STAR applications should be mailed to: The New York City Department of Finance, STAR Exemption, P.O. Box 3120, Church Street Station, New York, N.Y. 100083120. You should keep a copy of your application for your records.

In one of the recent studies entitled, “Considerations for a Five Borough Ferry System,” the report specifically referred to Co-op City stating, “In the densest waterfront neighborhoods of the Bronx, such as Co-op City, travel by ferry requires nearly the same travel time as buses to midtown and significantly longer travel time to lower Manhattan. Because over half of the costs of the ferries results from fuel expenditures, the long travel time to the Bronx, combined with limited revenue resulting from low numbers of passengers per travel mile, this results in significantly higher overall costs than alternative travel modes.”

The recent report goes on to state: “Based on the results of the previous ferry study and conversations with Bronx elected officials, an initial recommended location for a ferry landing would be at the Soundview peninsula in eastern Bronx on the upper East River.

This location can support parking for Bronx commuters to Manhattan, and also attract riders to the Bronx to visit planned commercial developments in the area.”

Realizing that Co-op City is likely out of the running for a main Bronx ferry terminal, Marano said this week that Co-op City still fits much of the ideal criteria for ferry service, specifically a high density of population that can take advantage of that service, and expanding commercial development and the resulting increased visitation

to the area.

Kearns added that the Community Board is merely asking NYCEDC to consider the idea of feeder ferry service to Co-op City in light of the obvious need for alternative modes of transportation in the area. Kearns added that the Community Board has yet to hear back from NYCEDC on their written request.

In July of 2013, the Community Board made a request to MTA Chairman Thomas Prendergast to conduct a study of the transportation needs of the area in light of the impending commercial expansion. As a result, Prendergast ordered his agency to conduct a study of the mass transportation needs of Co-op City. An MTA spokesman said last month that the study will be released to the public later this month.

It is also hoped that Co-op City will begin being served by the Metro North community rail service possibly as early as 2019, upon completion of the MTA’s massive Eastside Access Project which will provide access to Grand Central Station for Long Island Railroad lines for the first time, and, as a result, open up space for planned expanded Metro North service in the Bronx to access Penn Station. This will include four new stations in the Bronx, including a new Co-op City station which will utilize the existing AMTRAK lines adjacent to Section 5 if the plan becomes a reality as projected.

CO-OP CITY FOOT CARE CENTER SECTION 5 • BUILDING 29C 4240 HUTCHINSON RIVER PARKWAY EAST

(718) 671-2233 DR. LOUIS JACOBS, DIRECTOR ALL FOOT CONDITIONS TREATED The in-office surgical correction of BUNIONS • HAMMERTOES • INGROWN TOENAILS PAINFUL CORNS and CALLOUSES The treatment of traumatic foot injuries, heel spurs, bursitis and arthritis of the joints of the feet, toenail and skin infections, as well as other conditions.

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Diabetic Patients with Medicare may be eligible for shoes.

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Co-op City Times / January 11, 2014

2nd Combing y op Citnext Co-Drive Blood Next CB#10 Meeting

On Thursday, January 16, Community Board #10 will hold its monthly meeting at Villa Barone Manor, 737 Throgs Neck Expressway, Bronx, N.Y. 10465. The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. For further information, please contact Community Board 10 at (718) 8921161.

FRONT PA G E

17th Annual Kwanzaa celebration in Co-op City

The Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City held the 17th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration in Co-op City on Saturday, December 28, 2013 in Room 31 of the Bartow Community Center.

Kwanzaa is the seven-day (December 26-January 1) African celebration of family, community and culture as per-

sonified in Africa “First Fruits” or harvest celebrations. Kwanzaa incorporates the spirit, value and practice of Ingathering, Reverence, Commemoration, Recommitment and celebration.

The celebration evolves around Seven Principles, one for each day of Kwanzaa, called the Nguzo Saba – Umoja (unity); Kujichagulia (self-deter-

mination); Ujima (collective work and responsibility); Ujamaa (cooperative economics); Nia (purpose); Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith).

The celebration, which was free and open to everyone in the community, included the Kwanzaa feast, the traditional Kwanzaa ceremony, and vendors.

Open Mike, Feb. 7

The next Riverbay Fund’s Open Mike will be held on Friday, February 7, 7-9 p.m., in the Dreiser Auditorium B. Everyone who signs up will get 5 minutes to perform.

ANYTHING is welcome, except for heckling and profanity.

You can sign up by calling 718320-3300, Ext. 3532 or by showing up ½ hour before the program starts (6:30 p.m.).

Come on out and perform or just watch the show!

Pentecostal Tabernacle presents Never Judge A Book By its Cover

On Friday, January 17, the Co-op City Pentecostal Tabernacle and HHC Publications are co-sponsoring a performance of the inspirational Gospel stage play, Never Judge a Book by its Cover, written, produced and directed by Hope Hollinsworth Coaxum. The performance will be held at the Dreiser Auditorium, 177 Dreiser Loop. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.; Showtime is 8 p.m.

Tickets are available online at Eventbrite.com, or you may contact hope@booksbyhhc.com, or Pastor Sibblies at 718-324-0334 or 646-3456707.

Representatives of the Coalition of African American Churches and Community Organizations.

The Kuumba Dancers & Drummers render an extraordinary performance at the Kwanzaa Celebration.

Coalition President Joan Murrell presented Patricia Bonaparte with an Outstanding Community Service Recognition Award, which read: “At its 17th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration, the Coalition recognizes Patricia Bonaparte for the many years of unswerving commitment and devotion to the Coalition and to the residents of the Co-op City community. Joan L. Murrell, President. December 28, 2013.”

Dancers enjoying a festive time at the Kwanzaa Celebration.

Co-op City tennis stars win big at tennis tourney

Bereavement Support Group in session

Church of the Savior’s Bereavement Support Group has resumed meetings. The weekly support group is for Co-op City residents coping with the loss of a loved one or close friend.

Residents who believe they can use the support of others during their difficult period of mourning are asked to call Rev. Dr. Robert Smith at 1-917-5044058.

On December 8, 2013, Jullian Rasberry (l) and Kaitlin Mendez (R) won the 8 and under tennis tournament held at the Nat’l Tennis Center, Flushing.

Both players are passionate about their tennis. They practice year-round with Coach Andre Sinclair and the Co-op City Tennis Club, directed by Ms. Lorraine Alexander. Keep up the good work, kids.

Free tennis instructions for children ages 6 to 18 is held on Saturdays, from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. at the Kela Tennis Center, 525 Homestead Avenue, Mt. Vernon, NY. For further information, please call 646-406-8387.

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Metro North

Co-op City Times / January 11, 2014

against extreme weather, such as the disastrous Superstorm Sandy.

These and other projects will protect New York’s transportation networks during the type of severe natural disasters experienced in recent years, the Governor said, and “…provide critical system resilience to protect Metro North service in the event of natural or other disasters.”

Metro-North train service in Co-op City would provide fast travel times from Co-op City to Manhattan. A ride to Penn Station would take approximately 27 minutes and the trip north to Stamford, Conn. would take about 31 minutes. Metro North would have to lease existing tracks from Amtrak for their service into Penn Station.

The new train connection would provide an easier commute to work for Co-op City residents who want to work

(Continued from page 1)

in suburban employment centers in Connecticut and Westchester and would provide support for future economic development in Co-op City, creating jobs here.

The Regional Planning Association (RPA) has calculated that real property values increase by 7% if located within one-half mile of a new railroad station and 5% within one mile of a new station.

However, before any construction work could even begin on this project, work will have to be completed on the MTA’s current massive expansion program that is building access for the Long Island Railroad into Grand Central.

Newly built tunnels in Queens are being connected to newly built tunnels in Manhattan to create a continuous tunnel running more than 3½ miles

from a cavern 12 stories underneath Grand Central Terminal to four concrete-lined, 22-foot diameter tunnels just feet below the Sunnyside rail yard in Queens that will soon be connected to the Long Island Rail Road main line.

Once that $8.2 billion project is done, tracks will be opened up at Penn Station to allow the Bronx expansion.

Until then, there isn’t enough capacity to run new trains from the Bronx into Manhattan. The overall East Side Access project is scheduled to be completed in August, 2019.

If Cuomo wants to find state funding to help build the new stations in the Bronx, he may have to battle elected officials on Long Island who see the proposed service here as a threat to their constituents on Long Island.

The project has faced resistance on

Long Island, including from eight state Senators who have said they would not support the plan if it hurts the LIRR. “The only way Metro-North can enter Penn Station is to displace LIRR trains to Penn Station,” state Sen. Jack Martins (R-Mineola), told Newsday.

“For the Governor to put LIRR commuters at risk is a shame. We’ll fight them on it.”

Benedetto said Cuomo’s public show of support will let Long Island representatives know that the Governor will take them on if a fight arises.

“You would expect them to represent their constituents on the Island, but the figures clearly show that the majority of riders on the MTA are now coming from the north and not from the east. With the Governor on board now, it changes the whole debate,” Benedetto said.

the threat of the water going into the elevator pits, thereby causing water damage to the electrical components of the elevators, knocking out service.

“One of the initiatives we will take this year is to install sensors in the elevator pits that will notify our Maintenance and Public Safety Departments that water has in fact entered the elevator pit. This will help expedite efforts to shut off water to the broken pipe, raise the elevator up above the area receiving the water and immediately start pumping the water out of the elevator pits. That being said, it must be mentioned that there is relatively little that we can do to prevent these pipe breaks from occurring when we experience weather conditions as we had since last week’s snowstorm. As always, we thank cooperators for their continued patience in this manner.”

Riverbay Ombudsman Joe Boiko said that engineers and mechanics from Riverbay’s elevator contractor, VerTech, worked nearly around-the-clock at restoring service to the affected buildings as quickly as possible, work that included in some cases pumping as much as six-feet of water from flooded elevators shafts, testing affected equipment for water damage, performing all necessary repairs to the equipment and then making sure that the elevator doors on each floor of the affected buildings was operating properly before placing the cars back in service.

Elevator service was lost in one car each in Building 17 and 35 on Friday, January 3rd, but restored a short time later.

On Sunday, January 5, Building 25 lost all four cars due to a broken pipe in the basement. Service was restored by afternoon.

On Monday, January 6th, Building 22B lost two cars due to a broken pipe in the basement and resulting flooding.

Service was restored later that day. That same day, Building 12 lost all four elevator cars due to a similar pipe break in the basement. Service was restored later that day.

Tuesday night into Wednesday saw three additional buildings affected by the cold weather. A convector pipe broke in the Building 6 laundry room,

then a convector pipe broke in the lobby of Building 20B, followed by yet another convector pipe breaking in the laundry room of Building 32 affecting both the A and B side.

On Thursday afternoon, January 9th, a cracked pump casing caused the A side of Building 11 to lose elevator service for a few hours and the building also lost heat for a few hours as a result, but it was restored later that afternoon.

On Thursday evening, January 9th, a riser broke in Building 21C, which flooded the basement and halted elevator service in B and C until approximately 2 a.m. In Building 21 and a few other buildings, where elevator service was still working on one side, building residents returning home were escorted to the building section with the working elevators and lifted up to the roof where they were escorted across the roof to their side of the building to walk down the stairs to their floor.

In addition to the problems in the buildings, on Monday morning, the moisture from the fog, rain and fast melting snow caused the electrical boxes in Garages 1, 4, 5 and 8 to short out resulting in the loss of elevator service in those garages for a short duration.

According to Riverbay Director of Maintenance, Michael Sanders, the cold and resulting pipe breakage resulted in flooding in a few lobbies and building vestibules. Repairs were made quickly and in each case clean-up was performed immediately.

The extreme cold also caused coils to break in individual apartment convectors which caused flooding in approximately 15 Co-op City homes Boiko said the maintenance and janitorial services workers did a great job, many of them working extra hours to perform repairs and clean up conditions as quickly as possible in nearly all cases.

In most cases, problems were rectified within a few hours. The longest prolonged elevator service interruption was under 12 hours, Boiko reported.

The temperatures this area experienced on Tuesday into Wednesday were some of the coldest this region experienced in more than two decades and in the case of Tuesday broke a century-old record for low temperatures.

These extreme conditions presented other challenges. Public Safety Chief Frank Apollo said that his officers on patrol were provided with extra layers of clothing to protect them from hypothermia. They were also instructed to be on the lookout for people exposing themselves to the brutal conditions without the proper clothing, quickly advising them to get inside or risk hypothermia, a life-threatening lessening of core body temperature due to extreme cold. Apollo also reported that due to the freezing rain on Sunday

morning into the afternoon, the department’s emergency services unit responded to several reports of accidents due to the suddenly and unexpectedly iced-over roads and walkways.

Riverbay Director of Safety Kevin Keenan said that to guard against hypothermia in employees whose jobs require them to be outdoors the bulk of the day, those employees were outfitted with insulated overalls on Tuesday and Wednesday and assigned to certain areas where they could get warm during regular intervals in the day.

Cold weather

(Continued from page 1)

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Co-op City Times / January 11, 2014

Progress seen on local traffic safety improvements

As many of you know, over the last several years, we have worked hard at directly engaging New York City and State agencies to address concerns that we feel directly affect the quality of life and, more importantly, the safety of Co-op City residents. These areas of concern include cleaning-up properties adjacent to Co-op City which fall directly under the responsibility of the city or state, maintaining items such as storm drains and fire hydrants so they work properly when called upon, and seeing that traffic mitigation and safety tools such as cross walks and traffic signals are used as effectively as possible for the safety of all drivers and pedestrians in the community.

While I must admit that dealing with some – not all of these agencies – is time-consuming and frustrating to say the least, one agency that has been consistently responsive in listening to our requests for increased traffic mitigation on our local streets has been the Bronx Division of the city’s Department of Transportation under the charge of Bronx DOT Commissioner Constance Moran.

In reality, not all our requests for additional signage, signals and markings have been granted over the last few years, but to Commissioner Moran’s credit — despite her enormous responsibilities throughout the entire borough — most, if not all, of our past requests have been studied or – as in these recent cases — are in the process of being studied by the department’s engineers.

In most cases, the Commissioner has responded to our concerns and requests personally, either via a phone call, and or a letter or — in some cases — an inperson visit and tour of the area under question led by the Commissioner herself.

Over the past year, her department has successfully engineered a separation of traffic going north on Baychester Avenue near the busy intersection of Bartow Avenue and we feel that that change has alleviated much of the

Marion Scott Real Estate, Inc.

Management Corner

chronic traffic congestion in that area largely due to the presence of the popular Bay Plaza shopping center.

With the coming of the new indoor Mall at Bay Plaza some time in 2014 which will more that double the size of retail space already existing in the massive commercial complex, much more needs to be done to spare Co-op City the unjust increased congestion that the new Mall will surely bring. Much of that falls under the jurisdiction of the New York State Department of Transportation which, in my opinion and that of many others’, has not been at all responsive to the needs of this community in light of the increasing commercial development just across the street.

But Commissioner Moran and the Bronx Division of the city’s DOT, has been responsive to our concerns in light of the impending increase of traffic – as evidenced by the redesign of the Bartow and Baychester intersection – and judging from recent correspondence I have had with the Commissioner, her department seems to be willing to consider additional traffic improvements in and around the community in the coming months.

Just last month, I wrote a lengthy letter to Commissioner Moran again expressing the community’s overall concerns with the impending increased traffic congestion and in that letter, I mention seven specific areas of the community where we feel traffic and safety improvements are needed and we requested that specific actions be studied and—if deemed appropriate— taken.

These seven requests are: the need for speed limit signs to be placed and enforced on all major roadways in and around the community, including

Co-op City Blvd., Baychester Avenue, Hutchinson River Parkway East, Bartow Avenue; school crossing signs on Baychester Avenue in the vicinity of Education Park; a stop sign and cross walk on Asch Loop at the exit driveway at the rear of Garage 4; a traffic light at the corner of Aldrich Street and Asch Loop; a study to find methods to mitigate much of the traffic congestion and unsafe driving caused by vehicles going around double-parked school buses at the school, both in the morning and afternoon; “No Parking” signs, “No Standing Anytime” signs to be placed at the Debs Place cul-de-sac; and the need for “Children at Play” signage on Co-op City Blvd. in the area of the little league fields.

I am happy to report that two weeks following the specific written requests we made to Commissioner Moran in early December, the Commissioner responded. The request for speed limit signs on the community’s major roadways has been forwarded to the Bronx Borough Engineering Office and a field survey of the mentioned roads will be conducted. The request for “Schools Ahead, Children Crossing” signs to be placed along Baychester Avenue has been forwarded to the School Safety Division for their review. Requests for a crosswalk, stop sign on Asch Loop near

the newly elected officials and their campaign promises.

Our first fundraiser was very successful and we are planning another Spring event. Our goal is to raise funds to offer at least two scholarships for Co-op City youth in the fall.

We'd love for you to join our club.

Membership dues are only $20 yearly.

Please call 718-320-2960 for an application.

—Evelyn M. Turner

Co-op City Department of Public Safety (718) 671-3050 • www.ccpd.us.

If you SEE something, SAY something!

the rear driveway of Garage 4 has been forwarded to DOT’s Highway Design and Construction Unit for their review.

The request for a traffic light at the intersection of Aldrich Street and Asch Loop has been forwarded to the city’s Traffic Signal Division and we were told to expect an answer within 12 weeks. The request to improve conditions which create unsafe congestion at the front of P.S. 160 has been forwarded to the city Highway Design and Construction unit for their review. The request for No Parking and No Standing signs to be placed at the Debs Place cul-de-sac has been forwarded to the Bronx Borough Engineering office.

And last, but certainly not least, our request for “Children at Play” signs to be placed on Co-op City Blvd. near the ball fields has also been forwarded to the Bronx Borough Engineering Office which will conduct a field study of the area.

I, and I am sure many of you – feel that most of these requests are more than warranted, but we understand the requirement of DOT to do the proper due diligence before granting any signage or mitigation requests. We will continue to check with DOT on the progress of the promised studies and report back to you as soon as the information becomes available.

DR. LEWIS WOLSTEIN Podiatrist — Foot Specialist • Practicing in Co-op City since 1975 • Board Certified in Foot Surgery • ALL conditions of the foot treated

Harriet Tubman Independent Democratic Club

The next meeting of the HTIDC will be held on Tuesday, January 14, Einstein Community Center, Room 35 at 7:00 p.m. We will be welcoming new members who like some of the "activism" initiatives we will be engaged in with during the year. We will also be discussing the upcoming Riverbay Board Election and strategies to get cooperators to VOTE! We will also be discussing and sharing opinions about all

5

• We

accept most health insurance plans

• Participating in the Medicare Diabetic Shoe Program • Evening and Saturday appointments

Dr. Lewis Wolstein

Call:

“Se Habla Español”

718.671.7226 100 DeKruif Place

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

6

Co-op City Times / January 11, 2014

Co-op City Times

Co-op City’s official newspaper serving the world’s largest cooperative community.

(718) 320-3300, ext. 3375 cctimes@riverbaycorp.com

Derek Alger

Director of Communications

Rozaan Boone Editor-in-Chief

Bill Stuttig

Associate Editor

Jim Roberts

Business Manager

Jennifer Piovanetti

Tips for staying warm from the NYC Office of Emergency Management

Exposure to cold can cause life-threatening health conditions. Avoid serious conditions such as frostbite and hypothermia, by keeping warm.

— Wear a hat, hood, or scarf, as most heat is lost through the head.

— Wear layers, as they provide better insulation and warmth.

— Keep fingertips, earlobes, and nose covered if you go outside.

— Keep clothing dry; if a layer becomes wet, remove it.

2014 Window Guard Forms

2014 Window Guard forms will be mailed by the end of next week. When you receive your form, please fill it out; sign it, date it, print your phone number and mail it back in the envelope provided.

You may also leave it in your local Cooperator Services Office.

Thank you very much for your cooperation.

—Riverbay Window Guard Office

Riverbay Safety Flash

Dress in Layers Dress in layers when working outdoors.

—Riverbay Safety Department

Operations Manager

Ralph Henriquez

Production Manager

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 everyone 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 Co-op City Times must be obtained in writing from Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Ave., Bronx, New York 10475.

If the Co-op City Times Was Not Delivered: Call 646.261.1761 or 347-439-5632 on Saturdays ONLY, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Important Notice to Shareholders of Building 8

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

Building 8

Current Lease Expiration Date

New 3 yr.

Expiration Date

100 DeKruif Place

April 30, 2014

April 30, 2017

Co-op City Times / January 11, 2014

Public Safety Report

7

CCPD offers SAFE DRIVING and WALKING for WINTER WEATHER

BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO Now that we have survived the Polar Vortex, followed by warmer temperatures, we can only guess what is next.

The year’s long term forecast promises heavier than average snowfall. We have come to learn that there is nothing predictable about weather in the New York area. After a few weeks of unseasonably warm weather, snow and cold were soon upon us. During severe winter weather, it becomes even more important to be sure to drive safely and obey traffic rules. Snow, ice and freezing rain present an increase in hazards for drivers and pedestrians alike.

By allowing extra time for travel and avoiding unnecessary travel, readers can stay safe during adverse weather conditions. When there are hazardous conditions, residents should try to stay home, if possible. Walking or driving in bad weather increases your chance of getting injured. The elderly and those with mobility issues should definitely stay home and enlist the help of a friend or neighbor. Many local restaurants and establishments offer free delivery service. There are supermarkets that offer food delivery that you can order from your home.

Driving in extreme weather should be avoided at all cost.

New York City Department of Sanitation has stepped up plowing and salting efforts. However, roads will not be clear until several hours after snow finishes falling. This weekend is an excellent time to catch up on reading, movie watching and TV viewing. This weekend is an excellent time for family game night, break out those good old fashioned board games and enjoy quality family time. Extreme weather makes it even more important to be sure your car is in optimum condition with good tires.

It is also important that all drivers and passengers BUCKLE UP for safety. Children should be secured in the proper restraint system for their age and weight, always in the rear seat of the vehicle. Never put a rear facing infant seat in the front seat of an auto that has a passenger side airbag. The airbag can propel the car seat into the seat back with enough force to seriously injure or kill the child. Never hold a child on your lap while driving or while seated in the front seat. The force of the airbag throwing the child against you could be fatal. You should never take a child out of a car seat if they are fussing. Car seat in the rear seat is always the way to go, never regard not sitting in a car seat or sitting in the front seat as a reward. Children need to be buckled up in the rear seat of the vehicle, properly restrained. Children aged 8 or over, weighing 100 pounds or more or taller than 4 feet, 9 inches may use a seat belt. Children between 4 and 8, 40 to 100 pounds should use a booster seat. Children 1 to 4 years of age should be in a child safety seat with a five point harness. Children younger than 1 should be placed in a rear facing infant seat in the back seat of the auto.

Never use a car seat that has been in an accident, it may have sustained damage that is not visible. Car seat installation can seem difficult at first. It is very important that you carefully read the owner’s manual for both the car seat and for your auto. The LATCH system is an attempt to simplify car seat installation and make it universal from one car to another. The acronym LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren. It includes Lower Anchorage points and top tether straps to fasten car seats. All vehicles manufactured after 2003 must have at least 2 LATCH points in the rear seat. Seat belts can still be used to install car seats. This is an option for a third seat or if installation in the center seat is desired.

Information regarding the LATCH system and the installation of car seats may be found at the National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration at 1(888) DASH2DOT or on their website at www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ Certified child passenger safety technicians are available at various locations to check for the proper installation of car seats. To find out about car seat check locations, call 1(866) SEAT CHECK or at their website at www.seatcheck.org.

Every person riding in an automobile should wear a seatbelt. Seatbelts save lives. Airbags are not a substitute for seatbelts and are designed to be used in connection with seatbelts. An airbag comes out of the steering wheel or dashboard at a speed of 250 miles per hour. Without a seatbelt, the force of an airbag can cause serious injuries to the front seat passenger and driver. Wearing a seatbelt in a vehicle equipped with airbags will minimize injuries in otherwise life threatening collision. Seatbelts will prevent the wearer from being thrown from the automobile

in the case of a collision. Today’s automobiles are designed to keep the passenger compartment intact in the event of a collision. Without a seatbelt, you will not remain within that safety zone. Unsecured persons in a vehicle continue to travel at the vehicle’s speed until they strike a solid object within or outside the vehicle. Internal organs of the unbelted person then collide with the skeletal system causing serious internal injuries. An unbelted person also serves as a projectile and can cause injuries to other persons in the vehicle. A person properly restrained stays within the vehicle’s safety zone and comes to a slower stop thereby minimizing injuries.

This year’s record snowfalls present a unique driving challenge. Share the road safely with cyclists and pedestrians. Bicyclists should give pedestrians the same level of courtesy they expect from motorists. You may think because it is winter, no one will be riding a bicycle, but there are some die-hard cyclists who are out there year round. The snow only makes it worse by making less space for cyclists to ride, as well as making a slippery surface. Both cyclists and pedestrians may be observed in areas that would be utilized only by cars in the absence of large snow mounds. Parked cars may be further from the curb, impinging on the buffer zone between cyclists and drivers. Pedestrians may find streets to be less slippery after freshly fallen snow. Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians need to be alert at all times. Changing weather conditions create new hazards on the roadways.

Drivers should consider taking a Defensive Driver Training Course. These courses teach drivers tactics in becoming a safer driver, plus provide an insurance discount and possible point reduction. Riverbay Corporation is happy to announce a $5 discount on the National Safety Council’s new online 6 hour course. Enter referral

code #664 at www.ddcnsc.org/ny to receive your $5 discount off the Online Driving Course. The course is regularly $29.95, comes out to $24.95 with the discount.

When first introduced, the online course cost $44.95.

Now you get the same discount and information for a reduced price. The course is an interactive, informative course. You have one month to complete the course in as many sessions as you desire. Users have three attempts to score at least 75% on the exam at the end to receive credit. The online course offers the same benefits as the live course. A computer with a flash drive is required; Visit the website for more information.

School is open, DRIVE CAREFULLY. Never pass a stopped school bus with a STOP sign displayed or its red lights flashing. This means children are loading or unloading. Be aware of pedestrians and bike riders when operating a motor vehicle. Bike riders must refrain from riding bicycles near buildings and shopping centers.

If consuming alcoholic beverages, be sure to designate a driver that will not drink. Never operate a motor vehicle if you have consumed alcoholic beverages.

Always buckle your seatbelt; it will save your life in a serious collision. Avoid distractions and excess speed when driving; these are the two leading causes of collisions within New York State.

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 or sent information via our website. It is by your actions that the crime rate remains low and a high quality of life is maintained.

Public Safety Blotter — 12/30/13 - 1/3/14

January 3, 120 DeKruif Place CCPD officers responded to this location to investigate a report of persons in a stairway. Upon arrival, officers smelled marijuana and found one male inside who could not provide a legitimate reason for being at the location.

He was placed under arrest for trespass. Arresting officers found a gravity knife in the individual’s possession and charged him accordingly.

January 02, 120 Einstein Loop CCPD officers found a male in a stairway at this location, loitering, and having no authority or permission to do so. He was arrested and issued a summons for trespass.

January 01, 4240 Hunter Avenue Two residents from Boller Avenue were found trespassing inside the building in a stairway. Both were arrested for trespass. One defendant resisted and was subdued and charged accordingly. A sum of marijuana was found on his person as well.

January 01, 99 Bellamy Loop CCPD officers responded to this location after receiving a call from the attendant who stated someone informed him that they witnessed a male smash a window on a

parked car within the garage. A CCPD officer responding to the call took notice of a male he observed walking away from the garage. Once the description of the alleged perpetrator was broadcast, the officer realized the male he had observed matched the description. With the aid of another unit, the officers searched and quickly located the suspect.

He was detained in front of Garage 5. The suspect was found carrying an “asp” which is a tool designed for police to use. The witness responded to the scene with officers where he positively identified the suspect. The suspect was arrested and charged accordingly and later found to be on parole.

December 30, 2013, 100 Erskine Place CCPD officers arrested one male and one female after finding them in a stairway at this location without authority or permission.

December 30, 2013, 120 DeKruif Place CCPD officers arrested one male, who resisted arrest, after finding he was in violation of a court order of protection prohibiting him from being at this location. He was charged with criminal contempt and remanded to the Bronx Central Booking Facility.

2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475 • 718-320-3300

OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY

Tell your friends, relatives and employers about: CONTRACT SUMMARY

Contract P537, Furnish & Install HVAC System at Bartow System Pre-Bid Meeting: Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at 2 p.m.

Bids Due: Friday, January 31, 2014 at 2 p.m.

Insurance: Is required by the winning bidder

Contract P518, Purchase of Kitchen Cabinets Pre-Bid meeting: Friday, January 17, 2014 at 2 p.m.

Bids Due: Thursday, January 30, 2014 at 2 p.m.

Contract P575, Purchase of Microtower PC’s Bids Due: Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at 2 p.m.

For information on CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES ONLY, please contact: Lenya Garcia at Lgarcia@riverbay corp.com; AND Barbara Penn at Bpenn@riverbaycorp.com. Please note that emails should be sent to both parties.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

There are no employment opportunities to list this week. Kindly check back again next week.

Applicants for EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES must apply IN PERSON at the Bartow Administrative Office, located at 2049 Bartow Avenue, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. *Riverbay Corporation is an equal opportunity employer*

8

Alien Life Forms Found on Greenway Co-op City Times / January 11, 2014

tion; the ‘survey’ ballots that were distributed clearly stated that the $24 permonth charge included taxes and fees.

Co-op City is a cooperative, our success is based upon all shareholders (cooperators) providing mutual assistance and cooperation to reach a common goal. In this case, a lower cost for cable service for the broad majority of cooperators. Gained revenue in this or any endeavor goes into the operating budget and helps keep carrying charges down. Michael Horowitz clearly states later in his article that the money received in administrative fees would leave a benefit (to Riverbay Corporation) of more than $2.4 million over the fiveyear term of the proposed deal.

Putting It in Correct Perspective Co-op City is an oasis of affordability in the northeast Bronx. The proper place for exclamatory rhetoric is in supermarket tabloids. As shareholder owners, it is important that we separate fact from fiction. My intent is to focus on the truth and have cooperators respond positively or negatively to that focal point.

Through effective budgeting, the community will enjoy a 1% carrying charge increase stretching over a 2-year period while the remainder of the city is experiencing increases of up to 9% for the same

period. Riverbay Corporation continues to benefit from a less than 2% vacancy rate. That is a benefit because 80% of Co-op City’s operating budget is based upon money received in carrying charges.

Bulk Sale: Although I believe that the Cablevision offer has merit, I also believe that we should see proposal terms (including installation times) from Verizon and/or any other cable-service vendor that wants to sell service to Co-op City.

As I said in my Viewpoint (12-21-13) – cooperators must be given sufficient data to make a fair comparison and an intelligent choice. The final details of any agreement need to be put before the community for review followed by a more formal voting process. A description of contract items along with a formal ballot should be mailed to each cooperator of record so that details can be reviewed and cooperators can cast their vote, by mail-in ballot back to Riverbay where an accurate tally can be made.

How Do We Take Advantage?

As stated above, Co-op City is an oasis of affordable housing in an expanding desert of constantly rising costs and charges. We are not only an oasis because of spacious rooms, well kept grounds, and carrying charges that include utilities; our community is at the doorstep of possibly greater savings and expanded career opportunities.

Pending Communication with Mayor DeBlasio: To halt the asbestos abatement process. To examine the possibility of Water Reclamation for our cooling towers (another ground breaking endeavor).

Community Development: Work

with developers to plan and possibly install a hospital complex, veterans housing, and a Community Center that would service the entire community including youth, seniors, and all those in between.

Access Career Opportunities: Through initiatives like the annual College, Career, and Resource Fair, put emphasis on advanced education and/or career training that supports development of leadership qualities in our youth.

Demand that vendors from the oncoming Bay Plaza Mall, and/or current service vendors working in Co-op to initiate job fairs and focus on hiring youth and others from the community.

Grants: We have received money through grants with the possibility of additional grant money being gained through future projects. There are many possibilities but we need to work together to successfully choose and acquire those options that are best.

Get involved. Read the local newspapers; vote in local elections and elections for Directors on the Board. Join your building or townhouse association. You do not have to attend every meeting, but you should be aware of what is going on.

We are owners, not renters. Every place that you step in Co-op City is part of your property. But with ownership comes responsibility. To protect what is yours, you must stay involved.

If you see something, say something.

Share your suggestions, complaints, or special concerns with me. Address letters to Khalil Abdul-Wahhab, c/o Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Ave. Bronx, NY 10475, call 718-3320-3300, ext.

3351, or e-mail kwahhab10475@ hotmail.com.

Happy New Year!

Please Join Us For our Holiday Party tonite at 8 p.m.

We need you to continue Our motto of “Cooperators Doing Something.” Many cooperators have questioned why certain events no longer take place and the answer is very simple: WE NEED YOU to help us continue those events. You will be very surprised how a few minutes or an hour of your time can go a long way. As a Committee member, you

will meet some very loving people and form a lifetime bond that will never be broken. We are more than neighbors. We are more than friends. We are family! Don’t you want to be a part of that family, too?

Without your support in 2014, many events will continue not to be done again this year, so please join us!

Please Resepct Our Decorations We try to decorate the lobby for each Holiday, but have noticed that at times our decorations have been “disturbed.” Please

don’t tear, pull down or remove our decorations as we work very hard to beautify this building.

Please Inform Your Visitors When the Lobby Attendant is present, he or she will ask your guest which apartment they are visiting. Your guest will be asked this information each time they visit your apartment. This is the job of the lobby attendant and the cooperation of you and your guest will be greatly appreciated.

Thank You To ALL Committee members who helped decorate our lobby, and a very special Thank You also to Feena, a fellow cooperator who donated the handmade ornaments that were displayed in the back window! To ALL the cooperators who donated to the annual holiday collection, each recipient was very grateful and has expressed their sincerest Thank You. As always, we can be reached at bldg19 assoc@gmail.com. —Valencia Pinckney

Greeting to all, HAPPY NEW YEAR! Building 20 Association would like to wish everyone in Co-op City a great New Year with blessings, health, and prosperity in 2014. Wow! Where did the time go; it’s been a busy year. This was my first year in office, and I had a great time serving the cooperators in Building 20 A, B, and C. I got the

chance to meet and greet a host of my fellow neighbors, and the cooperators had the chance to meet and greet each as well.

Other than being the Building 20 President, I also take part in some of the community activities which help our community come together. With the leadership of Ms. Michelle Sajous, the Director of Community Relations, I will be co-hosting

with her at the Open Mic; and on every other Friday night at 6:00 p.m. in Rm. 28, Michelle and I host “The Jam Sessions” for starving artists, and artists alike, who play the keyboard, the drums, the guitar players, singers, poets and play writers; All are welcome. These events we orchestrate are to bring our community together, plus these events are free, and that is a great

thing. In 2014, the Building Association will be working on some spring and summer projects to keep the unity within which help strengthen our community.

In closing, I would like to say that it’s been an honor and privilege to serve Building 20 and the community in 2013.

And with your help, I will continue to serve in 2014.

–Edwinna Herrera

I hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday and a belated happy New Year to our Co-op City families, friends, merchants, and especially our new residents. We wish everyone a healthy, prosperous and blessed 2014.

Congratulations to all who are celebrating birthdays, new births, weddings, anniversaries, and other celebrated events during the month of January. Well wishes for a speedy recovery to all who are

sick/shut in and those recovery from surgery. Our condolences to those families who experienced the loss of a loved one.

May they be eternally blessed. And may you and your family also be blessed during your difficult time of bereavement.

For 2014, as a community, let's try to be a little more conservative with our use of water and electricity. Make sure all faucets are properly and fully turned off. If your faucet drips, notify Maintenance to repair

it. Turn off all lights, televisions, radios, game consoles, and other electronics when they are not being used. We can save lots of money, especially on future maintenance fees, if we are more conservative.

Do a good deed today, by checking in on your elderly, disabled, and/or home bound neighbors. As you shop, it would be nice to also shop for them. You will be blessed abundantly for your good deeds.

Please help to keep Co-op City

clean/green by properly disposing of your trash in the appropriate receptacle. Be considerate and wrap your Christmas tree so that falling pine needles do not pose a hazardous condition to your fellow residents and to our custodial staff. Christmas trees, wreaths, bulk trash, and large cartons are to be taken to the basement. Be vigilant! If you see something, say something by calling 9-1-1 for emergencies and 3-1-1 for none emergencies.

—YuVonne Lewis

A science professional who wishes to remain anonymous has stated that he has found particles in the soil on the greenway that may actually be alien life forms...

Well, that got your attention, didn’t it?

A headline in the December 19th edition of the City News similarly got my attention. Intended, I’m sure as a negative, the statement read, “Riverbay set to profit on Cablevision deal.” My first reaction was to chuckle because if Riverbay Corporation makes a profit, then shareholders benefit from that profit. Co-op City is Riverbay Corporation and every cooperator of record is a shareholder.

Every cooperator is a beneficiary of any profit to the corporation. The next line read, “Freedman, Cooper caught in deception.” That assertion, I believe, was the ‘alien life form’ attention grabber. In his commentary, Michael Horowitz said that “Cablevision … would bill Co-op City $20 per month for each subscriber, but each subscriber will pay the Riverbay Corporation $24 per month for the first two years… extra money … [that] would more than offset the $5 per month … required to pay Cablevision for those who don’t subscribe to [the] service.” Okay so, what’s wrong with that? Every bill must be paid.

Riverbay Corporation’s task is to supply affordable housing for present and future cooperators. Appropriate budgeting is a keystone in the operation of a successful business. The aforementioned $4 difference is for payment of administrative costs and taxes, and to cover charges for those cooperators who either take the (free) basic service or who do not subscribe at all. There was no decep-

Khalil Abdul-Wahhab

Director’s Viewpoint

First Vice President

Building 19 Association

Building 20 Association

Building 26 Association

Co-op City Times / January 11, 2014

Our by-laws state that elections are to be held every two years in March and therefore it is that time again.

Nominations for Building 13 Association, Inc. will take place at the February 13th monthly meeting. The voting will take place March 13 at the meeting. Voting guideline information will be posted on the bulletin board. In March, we will also be collecting association membership dues for the upcoming fiscal year. Your contribution enables us to continue the youth and adult workshops, trips and incidentals, such as printing and light refreshments.

Rivers Run Community Garden - We are all excited and ready to share in this great community experience. The next meeting will be at the Dreiser Center on January 16th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 9 and thereafter the third Thursday of the month. To view a garden video presentation, visit our website and go to events. We hope that you remembered your homework assignment which was to collect pictures from magazines or websites of gardens, landscapes and fea-

Building 12 Cooperators Civic Association

Greetings and happy New Year. The old song, “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” could not be truer. Please bundle up when going outside, be mindful of the snow and ice.

Some of us have been experiencing heating problems in our apartments. Call Riverbay Maintenance if the heat in your apartment is low or your convector appears to be blowing lukewarm air.

At our last general membership meeting, we discussed ongoing issues in our building. An email was sent to Cooperators Services. I will continue to follow-up on the above.

Our next general membership meeting is Monday, January 27, 7:30 p.m., Activity Room. I am finalizing plans to have a representative to discuss SCRIE and DRIE at our meeting. Mark the date on your calendar. If you are unsure as to whether or not you are entitled to SCRIE or DRIE, come down to the meeting.

A special shout-out to all who are celebrating a special day this month. Our thoughts and prayers to all who are sick and shut-in and to our troops.

We can be reached at 718-379-7841.

—Sonja Maxwell

CERT 10 - Community Preparedness

Be Storm Ready Over the past several days, record low temperatures have been experienced all across the country. There have been at least 11 deaths attributed to the cold snap known as a ‘polar vortex.’ Wikipedia defines a polar vortex as a polar cyclone, polar low, or a circumpolar whirl. These cold-core low-pressure areas strengthen in the winter and as we have seen can bring record low temperatures to vast areas of the country.

Because of the extremely cold temperatures, this severe weather can – and has – caused emergency conditions not seen in a very long time. Any severe winter storm (polar vortex or not) can create a crisis situation.

To improve your chances of maintaining your quality of life, it is important to make preparations in advance of the severe weather.

What should you do?

Winter storms can range from a moderate snow shower to a blizzard with blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts from several days. Many winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures and sometimes by strong winds, sleet, freezing rain, and icing. Before tackling strenuous tasks in cold temperatures, consider your physical condition, the weather factors, and the nature of the task.

(Continued on page 26)

Building 13 Association

tures that “wow” you to bring to the meeting. We will begin filling in our waterfront “dream land.”

As part of the agenda we'd like to begin filling slots for some core committees: Events Committee, Construction Committee, Grant writing, Planning and Designing, and Composting. **Soweto Gospel Choir** – Join us during Black History Month as we listen to this group from the country of Nelson Mandela. Lehman Performing Arts Center has invited them back by popular demand!

This event is a one-time affair scheduled for February 15 at 8:00 p.m., a celebration of song and culture. The 26 singers of South Africa’s Soweto Gospel Choir celebrate the unique and inspirational power of South African music with deep emotion and rich harmonies that lift the soul. Price $40 adults, $14 for children under twelve (price includes Lehman’s facility charge), orchestra seats. Send checks payable to Bldg.

9 13 Assoc. by January 11. There are a limited number of tickets so don’t delay.

Arts and Crafts Workshop will be held on Sunday, January 26, from 12 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. in the Association Room of Building 13.

We will be meeting shortly and gearing up for Summer Fun Day to be held on June 21. If you are interested in volunteering, let a building representative know.

Checks for events should be made payable to Building 13 Assoc. Inc. and mailed to Bldg. 13 Assoc., 100 Casals Place #32K, Bronx, NY 10475. All activities are on a first come basis. For information, contact Gail Sharbaan at 718-671-3801 or Leslie Peterson at 718-320-1370, our website: http://www.bldg13 assoc .com or e-mail us at building13assoc@yahoo.com.

Thanks for making our team work.

—Leslie Peterson

10 I still strongly believe that the NAACP Day Care should never have been forced to go to housing court this week. I strongly believe it never should have been allowed to get to this level.

This is truly a black eye on Marion Scott Real Estate to try and work with and help a community group. It just seems like justice doesn't get a fair shake at times. Apparently, this group ran into some minor financial problems over a year ago and were unable to pay their rent for two or three months, but as I understand it, they have now regularly paid their rent for the past 12 consecutive months. Now, I ask you, why would you not want to try and work to resolve problems with an historic community group in Co-op City? There are ways to solve such matters rather than charging into housing court. Over the years, we all know of groups that were not treated in such a harsh way where no leeway is allowed.

This is no way to enter a new year. I still must condemn Management's strong handed tactics used against the NAACP Day Care by posting flyers throughout the community announcing that the day care was going out of business. And this was done even before the NAACP Day Care appeared in housing court. Why did Management jump the

Yes, we can if we work together!

Co-op City Times / January 11, 2014

gun and who was responsible for these flyers being posted in our buildings?

From the inception of the NAACP Day Care when it first opened in this community in 1971, this organization has been in place for the convenience of parents in this community and a large number of its alumni have gone on to college and beyond excelling in their respective fields. Some of them, I know personally. There have also been directors of this program who have worked for free, not taking a salary just to ensure the success of this program.

During this past cold weather, I must give kudos to the Power Plant personnel, the heat was very good and we always had hot water. These are the kind of services that are necessary for a stable community to thrive. And it seems like I have to constantly bring up our new windows. Great savings in heat occur because the cold couldn’t slip in under 40 year old windows. I do think the snow removal could have been a bit better, especially around building doorways where it could have

been better addressed. Perhaps we could look into hiring young men in the community to help with snow removal in the future.

Despite all of this, I still feel some departments at Riverbay Corporation need more oversight, especially directly from top management. Things have to be changed in some areas. As I've said before, you have to crack some eggs at times and that means drastic changes. I can't make the changes. As a Riverbay Board Director, I don't get involved in day-to-day operations. I do think more professionalism should be shown by employees at Riverbay, such as returning phone calls to cooperators in a timely manner. And finally, I believe the General Manager doesn't act in an expeditious manner, and others, such as some in the CSO offices should be held more accountable.

I also want to welcome all new cooperators who have moved into Co-op City this month and wish them a happy New Year. Also, for all who have moved here in the past three months, give me a call if you are having any problems.

Congratulations to the Ghanaian Association, sponsored by the Co-op City Black Forum, which began meeting on December 21st. All Co-op City

residents are welcome to join and partake in the activities of this group which celebrates the culture of the African nation of Ghana. For information, call Seth Osei-Fosu at 518-961-0099 or 347-773-3499. The next meeting is Jan. 18th, with the room to be announced.

For further information, please call (718) 320-8035.

I’d like to offer condolences to the family of my good friend, Nancy Walker. To her son, Tony, and daughter, Anita, her grandchildren, and the rest of her family, I express my deepest sympathy. May she rest in peace.

I’d like to wish everyone a happy Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day which will be celebrated on Monday, January 20.

As a youngster, I stood before the Lincoln Memorial in Washington to hear him give his famous I Have A Dream speech and one of my wishes was that we will one day see Dr. King’s dream become reality and the only way we can do this is by working together, being kind to each other, living in harmony with everyone, being involved in our community, and most of all, respecting each other. Let’s get together and dialogue with each other.

Give me a call at (718) 320-8035, or email me at tonyshome10475 @gmail.com — no attachments, please.

“Beauty…Freshness...Dreams…

Tr u t h … I m a g i n a t i o n … F e e l i n g …

Faith...Trust...This is the beginning of a New Year!”

TRAVEL EVENTS 2014: (Travel insurance encouraged) ▪ Wed., Jan. 15. RESORTS WORLD CASINO, at Aqueduct. Price: $30. It’s a new year - Come join in the fun. Seats going fast. Rebate: Surprise! Contacts: Barbara W. and Serita G., 718-379-0377.

▪ Thurs. May 8. A spring trip to see the Biblical story of “MOSES” at the Sight and Sound Theatre, PA, plus a delicious luncheon at Good n Plenty’s family style dining. Matinee price: $125. Deposit: $75 to reserve your seat. Contacts: Serita G., 347-564-5722/Beverly J., 718-379-0377.

▪ Sept. 20-27, (8 days/7 nights) CALIFORNIA COASTAL CRUISE on the CROWN PRINCESS. Day 1, fly into Los Angeles, board the Crown Princess ship, then we are off to begin our incredible cruise to key sunshiny California cities. On day 8, sail back to Los Angeles for departure home. Deposit required: $325 pp for double/$650 Single occupancy. Contacts: Claudette D., 718-3794784/Beverly J., 718-379-0377.

THEATRE COMMITTEE: (Prices includes transportation/Van will depart 11:45 a.m. SHARP): Come to Clubroom, 19 – Check the (WIF) Wall of Information and see what new and exciting shows are pending.

On Thursdays - from 3:00-5:00 p.m.,

Committee members will be in clubroom 19.

GOOD AND WELFARE: With sincere sympathy, it is with deep regret that we announce the sudden passing of our member of many, many years, Catherine Jallah. To her family, may your heart and soul find peace and comfort. Also, Ione Edwards, one of our Theatre Committee members, is ill and in the hospital. We are sure that Ione will soon be up and about. We are cheering for her. And to those of you still under the weather, we want you to know that you are thought of warmly, and we wish you brighter days and a healthier new year.

(Contact: Elinor Gordon, Chair, at

718-379-8755, regarding illnesses and bereavements.)

Members and friends, we require your telephone number when signing up for shows and/or trips along with your deposit to reserve your seat. There have been missed opportunities due to omitted contact numbers. Please note Cash payments will no longer be accepted for security reasons effective January 1. All checks/money orders made payable to RETIREES of Dreiser Loop.

FYI - Committee members will be available Mondays and/or Thursdays after 3:00 p.m. in Dreiser, Room 19 – 718-379-0377.

—Claudette Davis

The Riverbay Corporation Buildings and Grounds Department and the entire crew assigned to our cluster deserves a hearty thank you for providing Broun Place residents with the ability to go about our business with reasonable ease, of course ultimately, that is dependent on if you dress and prepare accordingly but the pathway was well prepared. Once again, we express hope that everyone celebrated a joyous and memorable New Year’s Eve safely and in good health.

The door to 2013 has closed and the door to 2014 has opened. Let’s make a resolution to make the upcoming party a neighborly grand “welcome the New Year party.” The date and place is Thursday, January 23rd from 7 p.m., Bartow Community Center, Rm. 31. All Broun Place neighbors are invited to join

in the party. It will surely be a grand, welcome the New Year party. There will be music and prizes, along with light refreshment. The Executive Committee would appreciate any food or drink donation to the refreshment table for the party. In the case of frigid weather or the projection of such, the party will be postponed and a flyer will go out notifying neighbors.

Join the Broun Place Town House Association; $12 is your annual membership. You can always drop membership dues to Apt. 31B, Apt. 10A or Apt. 22A. Thank you again for your generous gift contributions and a special thank you to those who joined or renewed their membership with Broun Place Townhouse Association Year, 2014. The new Executive Committee is working

hard for the betterment of Broun Place.

It bears repeating that your Broun Place Officers are Reverend Grace Emanuel Secretary; Ms. Lillian Richardson Treasurer; Mrs. Vivian Burrus - Vice President and Eva Lazaar, President.

Ms. Lana Spaulding and Mr. Jesse Seise are our new support team. Future meetings will be announced by flyer and press release in accordance with the agreement signed and the availability of space.

We want to remind neighbors to call Public Safety: “If you see something, say something,” call: 718-379-3050.

Even in the extreme weather, new uniformed officers were on patrol.

However be alert and warned, during the holiday season we have to be super alert, some folks as desperate as they

are, attempt to prey on others. Do not give your personal information out without confirming the authenticity of the recipient and do not open your door without recognizing who is there.

Regarding recycling, please use the green street cans for street trash and recycle home garbage properly. Please help keep Broun Place clean and free of litter. The Broun Place press release is your space to share your celebrations and events. As always, we send prayers to those healing from surgery, an illness or injury. Congratulations and good luck to newly inaugurated Councilperson Andy King and Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Greetings to all celebrating a birthday or anniversary. You can let us know if you wish a celebration acknowledged here.

—Eva Lazaar

Tony Illis

Director’s Viewpoint

Second Vice President

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

Broun Place Townhouse Association

Co-op City Times / January 11, 2014

African-American Association of Co-op City

As with the start of all new beginnings, there is an ending and so it is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of an activist, teacher, and cultural leader.

The chapters of the life led by Baba John Watusi Branch read like an amazing novel that is nothing short of inspiring. He was the organizer of many cultural programs within the African Poetry Theatre that sparked a movement toward our African roots. On December 28th, 2013, his final chapter came to a close but may the legacy that he leaves behind read on.

Association Meeting – This afternoon, Saturday, January 11th, we welcome you to join our first association meeting of the New Year in Dreiser Center, Rm. 15 at 4 p.m. If you are unable to attend, look to our weekly column for upcoming events. Also, if you wish to join or update your membership, please send a check or money order (DO NOT MAIL CASH) of $15 for a single membership or $25 for families to: AfricanAmerican Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702,

Next Defensive driving course: The next Black Forum defensive driving course will be held on Saturday, February 8, in Rm. 1, Dreiser Community Center, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Lower your liability insurance cost by 10% and remove up to 4 points from your driver’s license. Please make your check in the amount of $35, payable to “the Black Forum of Co-op City,” and mail to P.O. Box 563, Bronx, N.Y. 10475 at least 1½ weeks before the class, or you can walk in on the day of the class but you must have $35 in cash to pay for the course. Remember, don’t text and drive.

Returning to Aqueduct February 22 We will be going to Aqueduct on Saturday, Feb. 22.

Cost: $23, Rebate: $10. Call for your reservation today: (718) 320-0033, (917) 209-5334 or (718) 3208035.

Notice: All Section 5 food pantry participants All Section 5 residents must pick up their food packages on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the

Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475. Donations are welcomed. Like us on Facebook: “Coopcity Africanamericanassoc.”

Save the Date: Saturday, February 1st at 12 p.m. is our Black History Month Black Film Festival in the Bartow Community Center, Rm. 31.

The Association sponsors the following ongoing programs and encourages your participation: Yoga & Pilates Mat Classes – Tuesdays, 7 p.m., Dreiser Center, Rm. 2. If your goal is to lose weight, tone and strengthen your muscles with exercises that reduce stress through breathing techniques, then this is for you! Call 718-671-8364.

Belly Dancing Classes – Wednesdays, 7 p.m., Dreiser Center, Rm. 2. A fun and healthy way to stay in shape! No experience necessary. Call 646-301-9438.

Evening Line Dancing Classes – Thursdays, 7-9 p.m., Dreiser Center, Rm. 2. Dance to Soul, Latin, and Gospel music. Simple dance steps for easier participa-

Black Forum

Evangelical Church of Co-op City. You must bring your white cards to pick up your food. Volunteers needed for Wednesdays and Fridays. For information, please call (718) 320-8035.

Volunteers needed: The Black Forum is looking for volunteers to help out 2 days a week at the food pantry from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. You choose the days. Training will take place on Thursday only. If you are interested, please call (718) 320-8035.

Computer help: The Black Forum is looking for an experienced computer savvy individual. If interested, please, call (718) 320-8035.

Emergency Food Program: We are open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., Room 20 at the Dreiser Community Center. Also, due to budget constraints and shortage of available food, you must live within zip code 10475 to participate in this program. You must also have your card with you and bring two clean

11

tion. Come and enjoy! Call 917-903-7073.

Music Appreciation/Singing Classes – Fridays, 7:30 p.m., Dreiser Center, Rm. 15. Sing along with us to sweet soul oldies, R&B, gospel, and popular classics. All levels of vocal abilities are accepted.

Computer Laptop Classes – The next class will be Jan. 14th, 7 p.m., Dreiser Center, Rm. 15. $5 fee.

Members get one class free. Call 718-379-5555.

Children’s Early Morning Drop-off and After School Programs – School days. Call 718-379-5555.

Education – The Institute for Youth Study Group meets on 2nd Mondays, 7 p.m. and 4th Saturdays, 10 a.m., Dreiser Center, Rm. 15. Call 718-379-5555.

Employment Assistance – Contact us at 718-3795555 for information about employment.

With a new year comes new air. Breathe it; love it; live in it. Wishing everyone a beautiful and inspired week ahead!

—Mercedes A. Terzol

plastic shopping bags. In order to receive food, you must present a current photo ID such as a non or driver’s license or any photo ID card with proof of address. You will then be issued a card in order to pick up food in the future.

Return to Lobster Fest: We will be going to Lobster Fest for a fun-filled day on Saturday, Aug. 16.

Cost is $150/person, payable in 3 installments of $50 each beginning March 15, April 19 and May 17. Make reservations today. Call (718) 320-003, (917) 2095334 or (718) 320-8035. More details to follow.

We Need You - Join Us Today: Membership is $5 per year/person. Call (718) 320-8035 or write to Black Forum, P.O. Box 563, Bronx, NY 10475; email: coopcityblackforum@gmail.com. Help us keep independent community organizations alive in Co-op City.

Everyone is encouraged to join. Call or visit us, Room 20 in the Dreiser Community Center.

—Tony Illis

12

Don’t diminish our accomplishments with rhetoric

I have read some articles with statements presented as facts. It’s time to put inaccuracies, misleading information, conspiracies and negativity aside and face some truths. New shareholders may not know the history but those of us who have lived here for a decade or more know that some things “just aren’t true.”

From May 1966 to 1973, Co-op City was constructed and allowed residents to move in as early as the winter of 1968.

(Baruch College, Spring 2012 (Professor Brooks). Co-op City is a 300-acre complex with 35 high-rise apartment buildings and several clusters of town houses. The cause of loan and mortgage problems stems back from 1975 (or before since construction was shoddy from the beginning). Co-op City defaulted on its loan in 1975 and has had ongoing agreements to pay back HFA. As the new millennium approached, we had huge costs for emergency repairs.

These emergency repairs did not develop in 1999. For information, you can read articles from the NY Associated Press (6/13/76), The New Yorker Magazine (6/26/2006), NY Times (March 14, 2007), CBS NY and Associated Press (11/28/12), NY Times (June 25, 1986).

Co-op City has been managed by Marion Scott Real Estate, Inc. since October, 1999. Before then, the property was run by in-house General Managers.

Mismanagement, shoddy construction and corruption led to the community defaulting on its loan in 1975. Financial responsibility for these upgrades was the subject of dispute between Riverbay and the State of New York. Riverbay charged

Co-op City Times / January 11, 2014

Leslie Peterson

Director’s Viewpoint Secretary

that the state should help with the costs because of severe infrastructure failures from the original bad construction; the state claimed Riverbay was responsible for the costs because of its lack of maintenance over the years. Both were correct, but the shareholders should not have to suffer, so the work began.

Within the first years of the 2000s, the development began undergoing a complex-wide renovation, replacing piping and garbage compactors, rehabilitating garages and roofs, upgrading the Power Plant, making facade and terrace repairs, switching to energy-efficient lighting and water-conserving technologies, replacing all 130,000 windows and 4,000 terrace doors and over 179 elevators. The cost was immense, but the work needed to be done.

Because of age and wear and tear, there were still many things that need to be addressed. Priorities had to be addressed.

Repair the terraces or a step near the community center? Increases would have been inevitable. There are three ways we could avoid unpopular increases, by lowering the operational costs, refinancing the mortgage or increasing property revenue.

Instituting one or more of these strategies

would result in stable maintenance payments. The historic refinancing with Wells Fargo guaranteed by HUD did that and will help pay off capital improvements and allow for future improvements.

When I worked with building contractors over the years, I also talked with architects and engineers about industry practices. I have reviewed the scope of work prior to bids being requested and I have seen companies underbid, as well as overbid. You cannot force a company to bid.

Can you break a contract up into little pieces? Sure you can. Will that be cost effective for the corporation? Absolutely not. We strive to provide the highest quality services at a reasonable price.

Some cities that are as large as Co-op City have Mayors and a host of deputies, so as a potential 10th largest “city’’ in the state, I think we are functioning well. As a point of information, most complexes have skeleton staff on the weekend, not skilled trade staff. If there is something urgent that happens, it is usually “abated” especially since equipment and staff would be necessary for a major repair.

That is cost effective and responsible.

I remember when Co-op City was the only location in the Bronx that had cable channels. Were we pleased with Community Home Entertainment? No. We wanted someone else that offered more channels at a better price. We wanted competition. The only company that wanted us was Cablevision. A company is going to do what is best for them, not YOU! So Community Home Entertainment left.

Do we have problems here? Yes. Do we work hard to make improvements and rectify situations? Yes. With all that being said, Co-op City remains one of the lowest-crime-rate communities in the city. We do not live in a utopia, no one does. Our

CCPD, with limited resources, does an admiral job. I would favor making Co-op City the “51st Precinct,” but until then, we need to have our voices heard at 45th Council Precinct meetings.

Folks new to the community may not be aware that in the back of the buildings were garbage dumpsters. The Sanitation Department had designated pick up days.

Businesses and folks outside the Co-op City community would illegally dump their garbage in our dumpsters to avoid the cost of having their garbage removed. Some folks would put raw trash in the dumpsters causing a horrible, unhealthy smell, increasing rodents in the community and unsightly conditions.

Today we have a garbage compound.

Initially, most were not in favor of this, but improvements have been made.

Collection issues with the Sanitation Department exist, but the areas surrounding our buildings look much better, and shareholders whose windows were especially close to the dumpster pads no longer have to endure the smell.

As Directors, I think we should be encouraging and informing our neighbors how to help combat these problems. One is by voting, going to Community Board meetings and writing/calling our local politicians. There is strength in numbers.

We can sit back and point fingers and place blame, but until we become proactive, we will continue to point fingers and place blame.

Co-op City is still the most sought after place to live in the Bronx. Folks have always loved Co-op City because they found “buildings surrounded by grass, trees, and playgrounds and winding walks, instead of crowded streets.” Don’t diminish what has been accomplished in one of the largest complexes in the nation.

Velocity Track Club New York started the 2014 season on a winning note. There were over 35 teams and almost 800 athletes from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut at the 1st indoor track meet in New York for club teams at the lovely YMCA Brooklyn Armory. The competition was good and it gave the coaches a chance to evaluate how their athletes performed in their new division. At the beginning of each year, some athletes move up to another division. USATF youth competitions typically take place in two-year age divisions. These age divisions provide young athletes the opportunity to compete with other athletes of similar ability. The division is determined by the year the athlete was born. The divisions for competition year 2014 are as follows: 2006 & younger, (2004 & 2005), (2002 & 2003), (2000 & 2001), (1998 & 1999) and (1996 & 1997).

Velocity Track Club athletes performed well on Sunday, January 5th, at the 1st track & field meet for club team at YMCA Brooklyn Armory. If this is a sign of how the year is going to be, we will be fine. Medals were given out to the top 5 athletes in their individual events and top 3 relays team. Velocity’s following athletes won medals: In the boys 11 & 12 age division, Joseph Webster-Rutledge, Adrian Swift-Henry, Kristian Cadiz-Domville and Jordan

Samuels won the silver medal in the 4 x 200 meter relay and Joseph won a 5th place bronze medal in the 200 meter race. In the girls division, Danielle Jackson received a silver medal for the 200 meter race. Giovanna Tolbert moved up to the girls 13 & 14 age division, but it didn’t stop her from running her personal best (11:57) in the 3,000 meter (1.8 mile) race to earn her a 5th place bronze medal. Dominique Jackson continues her winning streak and won the gold medal in the 200 meter race. Tiarra Jackson in the girls 2006 (8 & under) division is starting to blossom, she won the silver medal (2nd place) in the 1,500 meter race and took 4th in the 800 meter race to earn her a bronze medal. I must mention Dantae Lindo, Jaysiah Moore, Jordan Ingram and Julian Caldwell who were undefeated in their relay races during the 2013 season in the 8 & under division.

They moved up to the 2004 & 2005 (9 & 10) age division and had their first loss, but they accepted the lost and stated that they are going to work harder.

With that attitude, I’m sure they will be back on top. Great job, all athletes, you’re all winners. Looking forward for a great 2014 season.

Anyone interested in joining Velocity Track Club New York, please contact Coach Dinkins at 914-441-6196 or you email me at WATCLT@AOL.COM. —Winston Dinkins

Velocity Track Club

Co-op City Times / January 11, 2014 The Williamsbridge Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. is an organization dedicated to community service in the areas of health, employment, education and economic development.

The Adult Club meets at Dreiser Center on the second Friday of every month. Young women, 18-35, who are in or preparing for a business/professional career can become members of the Young Adult Club.

Ombudsmen are men of the community interested in decreasing the drop-out rate of our youth. The Ombudsmen and the United Methodist Men of Trinity United Methodist Church of Morrisania are sponsoring a community forum “Addressing the Challenges of Minority Males: Each One Reach One,” Saturday,

NCNW

Happy New Year!

General Membership meeting tomorrow, Sunday, Jan. 12, 3 p.m., Dreiser Community Center, Rm. 11.

Thanks go out to all the members: Joy Harris, Lottie Townes, Robin Miller, Roberta Booze, Joyce Howard, Dorcas Lay, Marie Green-Ryan, Debra Oguamah, Judy Roberson, Patricia Banner-Haynes, Lori Melton, Barbara Smith, Alma Walther, Eleanor Donnley, Vivian Westcott, Kay Maxwell and Shirley Starks who supported the gift wrapping event at Barnes & Nobles.

Save the Date: February 22, the NCNW Co-op City Section will host the 13th Annual Black History Month Youth Celebration, co-sponsored by the Riverbay Fund, at Dreiser Auditorium B at 1–4 p.m.

Over the last thirteen years at the celebration, there were Black Inventors table displays, African and praise dancing, poetry, spoken word, steppers, cheerleaders, singers, theatrical presentations, arts and craft, and much more. One of our highlights was when Tuskegee Airman Lt. Col. Floyd Carter spoke to the audience about his experience as a Tuskegee Airman and encouraged the students to stay in school, earn good grades and never let someone stop them for fulfilling their dreams. If any youth or youth groups is interested in participating in the 2014 celebration, please contact Lori Melton at (917) 399-2643.

Saturday Educational Program: Children in Grades 3-6 will receive small group instruction in reading and mathematics each Saturday during the school year with certified teachers. For further information, call (718) 655-9034 or (718) 671-2555.

London/Paris trip for August 14-21…has waiting list...for more information: 718-655-9034, 718-5388606. Please contact Sadie Gilmore, 718-671-3721 to notify us of any birthdays, illness or bereavement.

Happy birthday to our January members.

—Maxine Sullivan

Building 32 Association

We will be voting for officers at our January 28th General Membership meeting, which begins at 7:30 p.m. in our Association Room. Our Association Room is located in the rear lobby in Building 32B. All positions are open: President, Executive Vice President, two (2) Vice Presidents for both Building 32A and Building 32B, Secretary and Treasurer. All nominees must be current dues-paying members; dues of $5 per family for 2014 will be accepted at the meeting.

Nominations submitted in advance must be in writing and sent to the following address: Building 32 Association Election Committee, 4160 Hutchinson River Pkwy. E., Apt. 4 A, Bronx, NY 10475.

In addition, nominations will be taken from the floor and current officers can serve again. Please come to this meeting and make your voice heard. Participate in the affairs of Building 32; this is your home.

Our meetings are held bi-monthly and last between sixty and ninety minutes and many positive items have been accomplished because of our meetings. Exercise your right to vote!

—Lorna Smith

Williamsbridge Club

January 25, at Dreiser Center Auditorium A, 10 a.m.

Panelist will include Rodney Gross, Retired Air Force, co-founder of “Boys to Men;” Wright Patterson A.F.B, Jermaine Wright, Director of “Black Male Initiative” CUNY, and Rev. George Haigler III, Pastor TUMC with information from Shaw University. Scholarship applications from the Williamsbridge Club and help making college application will be available. We will confirm and list other participants in the near future. We need the community to attend, present questions and participate in solutions for the support of our youth.

The Ombudsmen of the Williamsbridge Club are looking for men to help implement solutions. Please join us. Call Sylvia Hicks, Membership Director, 917921-5445.

The Youth Club consists of young women and men 12 to 18 years of age.

13 The Youth Club is dedicated to community service, higher education, technology and activism. If you fit this description, are interested in expressing yourself, obtaining your school community service credits, call Sandra Hall, Youth Advisor, 917-972-7732. The youth are especially invited to attend the community forum and participate in the discussion.

Anyone wishing to render community service, assist with any of our programs or obtain more information, please contact Joetta Brown, First Vice President, 404-803-9869.

Information concerning the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. may be found at www.nanbpwc.org or our mailing address: Williamsbridge Club, P.O. Box 6, Co-op City Station, Bronx, New York 10475.

—Sylvia Hicks

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Co-op City Times / January 11, 2014

Co-op Insurance

15

Co-op City Times / January 11, 2014

The Wright Agency: Serving Co-op City for 32 years!

Riverbay Requires Current Co-op Shareholders to Obtain Coverage!

Your Co-op is an Investment Worth Protecting!

Protection to cover your belongings against: • Fire & Smoke • Water damage from plumbing • Vandalism/Riot

We offer:

• Low Premiums

• Protective Device Discounts • Auto-Home Discounts

• 55 & Retired Discounts

• Certain personal liabilities • Guest medical protection • And so much more!

Other Lines of Insurance: • Auto

• Homeowners • Life

The Wright Agency

Agency Owner

We are conveniently located only blocks from Co-op City!

Hours:

Monday: 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Wednesday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Saturday: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

(near Eastchester Road)

1435 East Gun Hill Road

718-671-8000 Call Us Today!

Courteous Staff!

Convenient Hours!

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A Call For Term Limits Co-op City Times / January 11, 2014

The call for “Term Limits” has been made by cooperators and as such, this Director will be submitting a Resolution to that effect. Turnabout is fair play and would prevent the perpetuity of office by the same cooperators for life. As one cooperator reminded us recently, “we have a wealth of highly intelligent shareholders with diverse backgrounds who possess much to contribute.” Term limits would also curb the present monopoly by some.

We have a career Board member who admits that he doesn’t communicate with cooperators because he lacks information of substance to share. Also, a Director recently admitted to the community that he has problems understanding what community other Directors are talking about in their weekly Viewpoints. Maybe as one cooperator suggested, we are wallowing in sameness.

If in fact the mood of the Co-op City community is to impose Term Limits on Riverbay Board of Directors that would require them to take a mandatory vacation, it can be done. An election is coming up and you will have an opportunity to make your voices heard.

ANTI- NEW DEVELOPMENT Thanks for the calls about the recent initiatives by Management to obtain Board approval to develop vacant space in several locations throughout our community. As promised, you will be informed of any and all plans to rid the

community of vacant land. The old Bingo Hall remains empty and hopefully a decision will be made soon to utilize the structure for the benefit of the community.

Also, a meeting was held last year with the YMCA however, no follow-up has occurred. Most of the Developers presenting to the Board want to build much more than the one empty structure.

Thank you for your patience in getting new Lobby Doors that have been promised for some time. We are hopeful that you will be able to visit the first one completed in the near future.

The new Bay Plaza shopping center is scheduled to open sometime this spring and we will all have an opportunity to observe and evaluate traffic patterns coming in and out of our community.

COMMUNITY EVENT Kudos to Rev. Anne L. Palmore, Pastor, Church of the New Vision, for hosting a fantastic JUBILEE DAY CELEBRATION on Saturday, January 4. The theme “We Shall Not Be Moved” was very appropriate. This event was spon-

The Coalition’s next General Membership meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 4, at 12 p.m., 177 Dreiser Community Center, Room 15.

The Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City, Inc. thanks everyone who came out and supported our 17th Annual “Kwanzaa Celebration.” Special thanks to the dancers, drummers, food donors, servers, vendors, and attendees. Last but not least, special thanks to Ms. Francine Reva Jones (Coordinator) for a job well done.

Please inform the coalition of any suggestions that you may have. Mrs. Joan Murrell is the President of the Coalition.

Phone number, (718) 379-3494.

The Coalition is a non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining and improving the quality of life of cooperators while providing educational and culturally enriching programs for the community. We also act as one voice for all Coalition members where there are issues of common concern and human rights.

We also sponsor Friends & Family Day celebrations, and Kwanzaa free for the

community. Members of the Coalition include the following: African-American Association; Co-op City Baptist Church; Retirees of Dreiser Loop; Harriet Tubman Independent Democratic Club; NAACP, Co-op City Branch; St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church and Zodiacs Track Club.

Please support our efforts by sending us a tax deductible contribution made payable to Coalition of African-American Churches and Community Development of Co-op City, Inc., P.O. Box 619, Bronx, NY 10475. Churches and organizations that desire to join the Coalition may apply for membership by either writing or calling (718) 379-3494 or (718) 671-5957 for a membership application, which should be returned with a letter on your church/organization’s letterhead and signed by the Minister/President. Read the Coalition’s weekly column for information about events and issues.

Remember the Coalition’s motto is, “Coming together is the Beginning, Keeping together is Progress and Working together is Success.”

—Harman T. Leacock

Evelyn Turner

Director’s Viewpoint

Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations

Advertising works!

Call 718.320.3300, ext. 3384 for our affordable rates.

sored by the Co-op City Branch of the NAACP, Jerome L. Rice - President. The MC for the event was Pastor Anthony Davis, Harvest Restoration Ministries.

The performance by the children of the New Vision Dance Ministry was brilliant! The Emancipation Proclamation was eloquently read by young men of different ages. What was evident is that many of our youth have a strong home and church environment. They had a circle of adults around them praising their performances with standing ovations.

Men and women in the Co-op City community are connecting with each other to discuss ways to meet the needs of our teens and young adult men. During the month of January, two community events will focus on the challenges minority youth are facing and what we as a community can do. Many families with teens and young adults are in serious trouble and need serious help.

We commend Pastor Deborah Jenkins who in 2013 conceived a Movement called “Faith Leaders and Community against Violence” and sponsored several workshops including a workshop “Partnering for Peace Save our Children. She will in 2014 be connected with two powerful national organizations that exude the same enthusiasm in providing opportunities for youth in Co-op City. We wish her continued success for her community involvement and spiritual leadership. A

special thanks to all the spiritual, community and youth leaders who are a part of this awesome movement.

CABLEVISION BULK RATE DEAL Management will be informing cooperators and the Board of Plan B if the decision is to try again with or without the involvement of Verizon. A cooperator shared that a Cablevision staff person pulled her ballot as she dropped it in the open box at the Melba Moore concert. She had checked NO and he proceeded to explain to her why she should have voted YES for one of the other choices. This is why some cooperators and fellow Board members questioned the last voting process.

YOU ARE INVITED Your Director will be participating in a Panel Discussion at the MUSEUM OF TOLEARANC, NEW YORK CITY, located on East 42nd Street near Grand Central Station on Sunday, January 19.

The panel members are all survivors of the civil rights movement - trained in nonviolent methods by Dr. Martin Luther King. Call for more information.

“The man who has not tasted the bitter does not know what the sweet is.” – Jewish Proverb I can be reached at: Evelyn M. Turner, Board Director, Riverbay Corporation – 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. Cell-917-324-1033 – Home – 718-320-8088.

American Legion Post 1871

Greetings to all of our Post members homebound and recovering from various medical operations. We wish you a speedy recovery.

Happy birthday to all of our members who will be celebrating their birthday in January: Biascovich Lenard, Jr., Carl Barr, Nehemiah Eutsey, Thomas L. Gatison, Rodney Gouldings, Sr., Lowell A. James, William Martinez, Ruban McCann, Jr., Hector R. Rosado, Lawrence Shaneed and Hector M. RosarioFlores. If you don’t see your name in this issue, please bring it to my attention and it will be placed in the next issue of the Co-op City Times.

Our Post is always looking for new members to join, so if you are a VETERAN from any branch of the military, stop by our Post. If you would like to join to just bring your DD-214 with you to Post 1871, located in Section Five in the Community Center in 135 Einstein Loop, Room 41. Our office telephone number is (718) 320-8165 and our email address is post1871@optimum.net.

All of our Military retirees should be happy with the 1.5% cost of living increase that we received in January. Spend it wisely!

BENEFITS OF BEING A LEGIONNAIRE: Since its inception by an act of Congress in 1919, the American Legion has delivered substantial improvements for our veterans, families and communities. The Legion ushered in the modern VA. The Legion drafted and drove home passage of the G.I. Bill and Post 9/11 G.I. Bill. The Legion has brought into existence dozens of health care benefits for veterans and programs designed to provide decent civilian careers after discharge. Most of our Legion members are starting to age and some of us have been lacking Vitamin E, which could lead to Alzheimer Disease. As you know, their is no cure for this disease, but by increasing your Vitamin E, you can slow it down by eating broccoli and almonds. Researchers have found that patients who took a daily dose of alpha tocepherol, the fat soluble form of Vitamin E, slowed down the chances of getting Alzheimer Disease.

The Government is thinking about shutting down all of the commissaries to save money. Well, we will see if this will happen. Many of our retired veterans shop there in order to save money and to feed our families too.

The next General meeting will take place on January 18, Saturday, at 11:00 a.m. sharp. Please arrive on time and upon your arrival, sign in and turn off your cell phone.

Amendment 3—No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

QUOTES FOR THE DAY: Common sense is like deodorant. The people who need it most never use it.

At my age, Happy Hour is any day spent above ground.

This information was provided by the Post information officer.

—Richard I. Lawson, Jr.

Building 25 Association

The association would like to thank those cooperators who participated and contributed to our building party on December 21st, 2013. Everything was very good and plentiful. The punch was outstanding as usual, also, the several different desserts. So if you missed it last year, keep it in mind for this year.

The building’s generosity was once again demonstrated by the $2,260 that was collected for the workers in the building. Thank you all again.

As the song says, “Baby, it's cold outside,” so bundle up and keep warm and if you don't have to go outside, don't. If you do, be careful walking.

Remember, when Winter comes can Spring be far behind?

AS ALWAYS, IF YOU SEE, HEAR OR SMELL SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING. —Dock Harvey

Co-op City Times / January 11, 2014

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church

Fr. Taylor and the congregation of St. Joseph’s cordially invite you to worship with us in Co-op City at 155 Dreiser Loop, lower level. All are welcome.

Weekly Schedule: Sunday service with Holy Communion and Sunday School are both at 9 a.m.

Every 4th Sunday, our children participate in the reading of the lessons and every 5th Sunday, our young adults assist in the service. Bible study is held each Wednesday at 7 p.m. Choir rehearsal is on Thursday at 7 p.m.

The (ECW) Episcopal Church Women meet immediately after service on the 1st Sunday of each month.

Membership is open to all women of the church and dues are $2 per month.

We look forward to welcoming everyone at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 12, when we will celebrate the First

17

Sunday after the Epiphany.

Calendar of Events: The Annual Congregation Meeting and election of officers will be take place immediately after service on Sunday, January 26.

Stay tuned for upcoming events!

Outreach Program: We continue to collect non-perishable food for the feeding program at Grace Episcopal Church in West Farms. Please remember to donate. For additional information on the above, please call the church at 718-320-0844, or visit our website: http://www.stjosephsepcbronx.org.

“The Lord shall give strength to his people;*the Lord shall give his people the blessing of peace.” —(Psalm 29:11) —M. Chambers

18 The fiasco with the Cablevision offer is not finished yet. In fact, there will be an even greater effort to push this so-called deal onto this community again, perhaps during the elections.

Cablevision You read this statement from Management in this newspaper. “There is simply NO benefit for the housing company or for your Management.”

However, a memo, dated December 11, 2013, that Management sent to the Board indicated that they had obtained a lower cable rate of $20 for current Cablevision subscribers. Nevertheless, they were planning to bill our cooperators at a higher rate of $24. But, they knew that they had a secret deal going on. And, naturally, they didn’t want this information to hit the papers. But, let me ask you a question.

How would you have felt if this agreement had passed and then you were to learn about their secret rate? Naturally, I imagine that you would feel bad. But, hey, you’re supposed to have Board members representing you, right? But, several Directors have been very quiet on this matter.

Anyway, that’s why I stress the need to elect good Board members that are going to represent this community in a proper way.

Bottom line: The cooperators that went for that so-called deal would have been locked into a 5-year agreement. And, they would have faced eviction if they were short for just one month.

Verizon Meeting We had a meeting in Dreiser on December 2, 2013. And, our cooperators made it clear that they want Verizon to bring their services to Co-op City. Now, Rev. Dr. Robert A. Smith, Jr., Pastor; Lady Theresa M. Smith, co-founder; 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, inter-cultural, 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. The Church of the Savior family extends love and affirmation to the Co-op City community; A warm welcome awaits you!! A very special invitation to our new neighbors in Co-op City. We love you for who you are, not what you have. Please call us at 718-320-0002 or 917-734-4058 for more information. Do you want a place that allows you to meet the living God? Do you want to be con-

Trying to Get Over Co-op City Times / January 11, 2014

in an article dated December 7, 2013, one Management official stated “that he and other officials of Riverbay have met and talked with Verizon representatives about coming to Co-op City….” Okay. That was his statement.

But, were other Directors, that are not supporting Management, invited to that meeting? Why weren’t we invited? Look, I’m not going to simply accept some of the things these folks say. Therefore, I wrote a resolution and a letter for our Board to vote on. This resolution says, “That all steps will be taken by our Board of directors and our management agents to secure a meeting with the representatives of the Verizon organization within 30 days of the approval of this resolution.”

Bottom line: I want Verizon to come to this community and explain what they’re going to do for us. Are they going to wire our buildings? Are they going to bring in FiOS? Are they going to offer us a good rate, say $79 for a triple-play? We are going to get to the bottom of this matter. $300 Delivery Complaints A cooperator recently approached me and asked, “Did you know that Riverbay has a crazy new delivery schedule for us?”

So, I asked, “What delivery schedule?”

“Each building can only have two deliveries per day. One in the morning and one in

the afternoon. And, if you don’t follow the schedule, they will give you a $300 ticket.

They made these changes about two weeks ago,” he said. So, I wrote a message to Management. “How can a cooperator control the timing of a delivery order?

Drivers will deliver orders whenever they want. “So, issuing a community complaint to a person that has an approved delivery notification from Riverbay is wrong.”

Look, from my experience, delivery drivers are going to do whatever they want, regardless of a schedule. And, don’t even bother confronting the driver about the amount of money that you paid for delivery. “You have to call the company,” they’ll say.

Anyway, a driver has arrived late and your new furniture is on the first floor. So, should you get a $300 community complaint because the driver was late? No! Look, let me tell you something. We can’t have our managing agents thinking that they’re going hit our cooperators with fines, just to bring in some additional money. No, that can’t happen. Plus, every new policy should come before the Board for approval. This way, we can make a decision on that policy. Anyway, please call Riverbay as soon as you get a delivery date. Thereafter, please make sure that you get paperwork from Riverbay so that you will be able to prove your case.

STAR Credit A total of 8,727 cooperators here just received a brand new credit from the STAR program on this January, 2014 statement. Cooperators that are 65 or older in the Enhanced STAR program received $208.56. And, other cooperators in the Basic STAR program received $98.56.

And, all they had to do was fill out a very brief application that took them no more than 3-5 minutes. Anyway, please continue to read the papers here and share this valuable information with your neighbors, if they need assistance.

Overtime and Other Heavy Spending Would you believe that with 47 employees, the Power Plant spent $33,393 on overtime pay during October, 2013?

And, would you believe that all of our departments spent $392,599 in overtime pay from April 2013 - October 2013?

Additionally, here are the actual expenses, for the same period, for the following departments: Maintenance, $7,295,000; Restorations, $7,956,000; Power Plant, $9,801,000; and Buildings and Grounds, $15,380,000. Then, like I said before, this management company has boosted the number of employees here from 925 to 1,032. And, then we have the same contractors that keep on winning million dollar bid after bid. Amazing, huh?

Close What’s going on here is wrong.

Therefore, I want you to please vote for people that are going to make some good changes here. Thank you. Questions or comments? Please send a message to: Daryl Johnson, Riverbay Board Director, c/o Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. Or, please send a message to me at darylhjohnson @optonline.net. (Please double-check the spelling of this address.) Also, please call me at 718-671-4544 if you don’t receive a response from your message.

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

nected to people who care about you not what you have on or how much money you make? A special seat and friend awaits you.

Church of the Savior is located at 120 DeKruif Place – street level, (under Building #7 near Dreiser Loop). Take the 38 to Dreiser Loop and DeKruif Pl. Our mailing address is: P.O. Box 86, Bronx, NY 10475.

Sunday Schedule: Meditation and Adult Bible Study 9:15 -10:15 a.m.

Divine Worship - 10:30 a.m.

Come and be blessed. We want an opportunity to love you. See you in church. Our children’s Sunday School will teach and nurture your child/children in the word of God. All sessions are during worship service.

Reading from Holy Scripture: Isaiah 6:3-4.

Thought of the week: “Prayer is not an argument with God to persuade God to move things our way, but an exercise by which we are enabled by God’s spirit to move ourselves God’s way.”

Weekly Activities – Every person is welcomed.

Bereavement Group is in session Monday evenings at 6:00 p.m. All sessions are confidential. Every person is treated with respect. Referrals welcome, never a fee, and is non-sectarian!

Bible Study will resume in January.

Thursdays at 10:00 a.m., Channel 70, Bronxnet.

Every other Saturday - Food Pantry.

For more information in donating or receiving food, please call 718-925-

5052. Because of the increase of persons attending our Food Pantry, we are reaching out to the community for assistance.

Here’s how you can help: WE NEED NON-PERISHABLE FOOD. No soda, potato chips, condiments, etc. Please check expiration date on all items. You can drop off your donations at the church, Mondays, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.; Tuesdays, 6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. or Sunday morning, 9:00-10:00. To arrange special drop off time, call Ms. Weir at 347-375-3837. God bless all our donors. Do you or members of your family or friends need affordable health insurance? Good news! Go online www.healthinsurance.gov. Don’t have a computer, go to local library; They will assist you for free. You can’t afford not to be insured.

—Rev. Dr. Robert A. Smith, Jr.

Daryl Johnson

Director’s Viewpoint

Church of the Savior

DIVORCE - BANKRUPTCY • ABSOLUTE LOWEST FEES • EVENING APPTS. AVAILABLE • IMMEDIATE FILING

• FREE CONSULTATION • FLEXIBLE PAYMENT PLANS

“COURTEOUS AND PROMPT SERVICE AT AN AFFORDABLE FEE”

633 Lydig Ave • Bronx, NY 1 block from Pelham Parkway & White Plains Road Accessible by #2 & #5 trains • #12, #22 & #39 buses

DAVID BRODMAN,Esq.

718.239.7110

Co-op City Times / January 11, 2014

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 SCHEDULE: Sunday School - 9:00 a.m.

Worship Service - 11:00 a.m.

Communion Service - Every first and third Sundays Prayer Meeting and Bible Study – Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.

The following programs are at the Church’s Annex: 2053 Asch Loop North (Co-op City) Morning Prayer Services - Tuesday, 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.-

A most blessed 2014 to all. Pastors Nancy & Angelo Rosario and the membership invite you to worship with us, or please visit any of the many houses of worship in the Co-op City community that are teaching God’s Word. We are located at 127 Dreiser Loop (to the right of the Montefiore Health Clinic). 718-790-9120.

Schedule: Sunday Worship – Spanish, 9:30 a.m.; English Worship 1:15 p.m.; Sunday School - 11:30 a.m. Monday, 9:30-11:30 a.m. prayer/ reflections; Wed. Prayer, 78:30 p.m. Office hours: Tues./Thurs., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Mr. Ronald Zarza of Bronxworks will be at 159 Dreiser Loop every Thursday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and in Rm. 10, Dreiser from 2 p.m.-7 p.m. to assist individuals and

Community Protestant Church

11:00 a.m.

Neighborhood Bible Study Thursday at 10:00 a.m.

Extension of Prayer and Worship Service – Every first, second and third Fridays at 7:00 p.m.

SUNDAY SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAM FOR OUR CHILDREN AND YOUTH Sunday School for Children and Youth is now in session. Our program begins at 9:00 a.m. with breakfast to follow. We welcome new and returning students and look forward to another opportunity to help train our children for a lifetime of faith and Christian growth.

OTHER SCHEDULED EVENTS Please join us on Sunday, January

Church of God’s Children

businesses with enrollment. You can call for an appt. at 646-629-3245, www.rosarioministries.com. “... Come down from the cross and save yourself!” (Mark 15:30).

God calls each of us to the cross in order for all the things that are alive in our flesh to die. Daily we are invited by the enemy of our souls to love ourselves and come away from the cross.

What are the signs that you have come off the cross? When you are overly concerned with appearance, you have come off the cross. When the words of others cause you to react and defend, you have come off the cross.

When you strive to have your world in perfect order, you have come off the cross. When you complain about circumstances, you have come off the

Greater Love Cathedral United Baptist Church

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19, NIV Are you tired of making New Year’s resolutions that ultimately fail? There is an old cliché that says you can’t do the same thing over and over again and expect a different result. Are you ready for a change?

Having Christ in your life is a guarantee for change that lasts because you’ll be changed from the inside out.

God is waiting for you to take the first step. How he moves in your life after that depends on you taking your first step in faith. He’s ready to do a new thing in your life. Why not take him up on his offer? We invite you to begin your journey at Greater Love Church.

Greater Love is a loving, teaching, preaching, tithing, faith and Bible Way ministry. We believe that anyone can be saved according to our foundational Scripture, Romans 10:9, “For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Our vision is to change hearts, change minds and change lives by teaching you how to allow the Word of God to transform you by the renewal of your mind one step and one day at a time. When you change your attitude, you can change your altitude!

We are located on the ground level at 900 Co-op City Blvd. (Bldg. 2A), Bronx, N.Y. 10475; main entrance red buzzer. Sunday afternoon Praise and Worship Service is held every Sunday at 3:45 p.m. Free parking in Garage #1.

12, at 3:30 p.m. – Observance of 13th Annual Official Boards Day. Theme: “Working Together in Perfect Harmony for the Kingdom of God.” ALL NIGHT PRAYER SERVICE AT COMMUNITY P.ROTESTANT – ALL ARE WELCOME! Friday, January 24, 9:00 p.m. – Saturday, January 25, 7:00 a.m. – The Diaconate Ministry of Community Protestant Church invites you to come and celebrate the Goodness of God at our All-Night-Praise Service. Theme: “O God, we give Glory to you all day long and constantly praise your name.” Come out and have one of the most spiritual experiences of your life as you fellowship with friends, family

Special Announcements Prayer Requests Let us pray for you. Submit your requests via email to glcubc@ optonline.net or stop in to complete a prayer card, and we will take it to the Lord in prayer.

Christian Book Drive Please donate your unused or surplus Bibles, Christian books, Bible dictionaries/encyclopedias & inspirational books to the church library.

Kindly bring items to the church on Sunday from 2:30 to 3:30 or give us a call/text to arrange a pick up.

Food Pantry We welcome donations of canned goods and non-perishable items.

Please bring items to the church on Sunday from 2:30 to 3:30.

Tutoring Service Take advantage of our new tutoring and homework club program offered on Wednesday evenings. Parents: please stop in to complete a questionnaire or send an email to glcubc@optonline.net.

Weekly Schedule Sunday Bible School/Study: 3:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Sunday Praise & Worship: 3:45 p.m.

Holy Communion – First Sunday Prayer Service: Tuesday evenings: 7:15 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.

Training for Service - A Survey of the Bible: Thursday, 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.** Youth Choir - Open to all youth ages 15+….Rehearsal, Tuesday evenings, 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Youth/Family Nite: Ages 10+ Next Date: TBA **January 16th is the final call to enroll for this free 18 month course.

—Pastor Carol Landrum

cross.

The way of the cross means letting go and letting God have His way in every matter, every relationship, every outcome.

“When God starts to deal with the old nature He heads straight for the center of all that you hold most dear.

Allow Him to bring you to the cross in the very center of who you are. Don’t grumble and become agitated when the process starts. Silence and peace will help you much more than being upset.

To bear the cross simply, without letting your self-love add all sorts of dilemmas to it, will make your life easier. When you accept the cross simply allow it to do the work God intended, you will be happy because you will see what good fruit is produced in you.”

19 members and neighbors. This is a special worship experience, in which everyone participates in praying, singing, scripture reading, inspirational reading, praise music and testimony. Breakfast will be served at the end of the service.

We request that you sign up in advance for an accurate count for food preparation. You may sign up after service on Sunday after service or by calling the church office (718) 862-9172.

The doors of Community Protestant Church are open to all to worship and fellowship with Christian believers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You are cordially invited to come in, join in and receive your blessing.

—Evan G. Mitchell

Those were the words of Francois de Fenelon, a man who lived in the 1600s and was considered one of the godliest men of his time.

The apostle Paul sums it up: “For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body” (Phil 3:18-21).

Let the cross have its way in you.

—Bishop Dr. Nancy Rosario

20

Let’s keep things in perspective Co-op City Times / January 11, 2014

I hope everyone has started off with a Director’s happy and healthy New Year, though it certainly has been a cold one. I don’t normally write Viewpoints, and don’t feel the need to showoff with my name the paper, but unfortunately, I feel the need to comment on some of my fellow Directors who don’t quite seem to understand.

Petty negativity with an overly suspicious mindset does not make for a responsible Director. Everyone has questions about certain matters, but the attitude of someone being guilty or intentionally wrong based on hearsay is less than a responsible way to act.

In truth, most of the negative comments from these few Directors ignore the major projects completed in Co-op City over the past 19 years and tend to be obsessed with inaccurate talking points. Times change for most of us, but apparently some remain frozen in the past, like Directors who insist on union labor at all costs. While we all want to respect the rights of Riverbay employees, using only union labor would add at least 30% to every contract, costing cooperators millions of dollars.

And you all can guess where the money to pay for this would come from, from astronomical carrying

charges, of course. One thing I learned as a Riverbay Board Director is that you have to do what’s financially responsible for the cooperators and community, and not for your own inflexible ideology.

There also seems to be a major misunderstanding among some about contracts and hiring minority contractors. Co-op City is a city unto itself, and as such, many of the contracts call for projects that are simply too large for many contractors. Bids are solicited from many contractors, including minority contractors, which Riverbay is mandated by the State Division of Homes and Community Renewal (DHCR) to do, however, due to our size, and because of our high bonding requirements, and probably most important, because it takes so long to get paid, which is all part of various oversight processes in place, many small businesses and minority contractors are simply not able to do the work that is required.

It’s a sad state of affairs when negative Directors state what they think should be true, or what they want to be, rather than what is true. Contracts aren’t handed out willy nilly based on a whim, as some might have

Rev. Calvin E. Owens

Building 6 Association

Happy New Year from the Building 6 Association.

Hope everyone had a blast ringing in the New Year.

We are going to have a building meeting on Wednesday, January 15, at 7:30 p.m. in the building room, which is right cross from the building back door. We are looking for new officers. The positions available are Second Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. Building Six Association raised $1,070 which was distributed to our porters, ground keeper, maintenance personnel and our lobby attendant for Christmas. I want to thank everyone who helped make our kids’ Christmas Party an enjoyable time for the kids and the people who donated toys and food for the kids too. We are not a large group as we used to be so we really need your help to make this the best building association. We have tried to get this diverse building interested in the activities and the building meetings. I don't understand why people in the building are not interested in anything this building association is doing. How can you live in a building and have no interest? I hope to see people at our next building meeting which is on January 15. Let’s all make this building one of the best associations in Co-op City.

Your help is always appreciated, thank you. We have Game night every first and third Friday of the month in the building association room. This is a great way to meet people who live in your building. We have a great time, everyone brings down food or drinks to share with everyone and we have a great time.

Our thoughts and payers go out to everyone.

Happy and healthy New Year to everyone.

—Jeffrey Schwartz

From the CSO Department:

Noise at night

Every cooperator has the right to enjoy the sanctity of their apartment. We ask all cooperators to be kind and keep noise down during the late evening hours. Those who do not are subject to a community complaint and possible fine. Please be courteous to your fellow cooperators.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Viewpoint

you believe. I’m not entirely sure how such Directors seem to forget that the Division of Housing and Wells Fargo Bank must approve payment requisitions, which is, in turn, sent to HUD for final approval. I guess no matter how much you try to explain things to some, they are incapable of grasping what is being said.

I am somewhat surprised that more Directors are not praising Management, especially Herb Freedman, and past-President Helen Atkins, for successfully obtaining an historic $621 million mortgage refinancing, guaranteed by HUD, through Wells Fargo Bank at an interest rate that will save millions of dollars that otherwise would have needed to come out of cooperators’ pockets.

Under the terms of the HUD/Wells Fargo mortgage, there is a guaranteed payment cost rate of 2.9% in place for the entire 35-year life of the new mortgage, which eliminates any possibility of Co-op City having to pay higher rates in the future if interest rates in general rise.

In comparison, under the New York Community Bank refinancing, the current interest rate on $38.9 million per year was 5.75%, and was scheduled to increase to 6% in July of 2013, and then to 5.25% in 2016, and again rising to 6.5% in July of 2021.

Co-op City Toastmasters Club

Happy New “Toastmaster” Year.

By the time you read this, we will be in a brand new year: 2014! Here’s wishing all our members, friends and supporters a wonderful, healthy 2014, along with prosperity in a myriad of ways. Rejoice!!

A happy New Year wish also to the merchants in Co-op City: Bagels on Bartow, Compare and Associated Markets and Palombo Bakery for their very generous support during the year.

Be assured, the Toastmasters’ mission to provide a warm, encouraging and fun atmosphere for those interested in improving their public-speaking abilities, and leadership skills continue in our club and you are invited to visit us at any meeting. Membership is open to all over the age of eighteen.

The next meeting is scheduled for Thurs., Jan. 16th, and the gavel goes down at 7:30 p.m. sharp. We start off the new year with the first of two annual Speech Contests. Please attend this meeting, get all the details and sign up as a contestant in either the International or

Evaluation Contest. These are exciting events that highlite our more proficient speakers; propels and equips them for the world stage or wherever else they choose to go. Moreover, you don’t want to miss this opportunity regardless of your speaking level.

Regularly, we meet 1st and 3rd Thurs. each month, Co-op City Bartow Mall, Bronx, NY 10475. So now is the time, at the first of the year, to mark your calendar and make sure you don’t miss a single meeting. There’s always something to be learned and nice folks to meet at Toastmasters.

Let this be YOUR year. Work on YOU. Do something for YOURSELF in YOUR own time. Join Toastmasters and gain confidence, gain new friends and gain professional skills which will make YOU proud of YOU! For more information on Toastmasters, please go to the following websites: 3824.Toastmastersclubs.org; Toastmasters46.org or Toastmasters.org. Look for us also on FB.com/CoOpCityToastmasters club.

See you in 2014.

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Serving all cultures & faiths

21

Co-op City Times / January 11, 2014

Co-op City Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church invite you to join us tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. for worship service.

Sunday School for children and adults is held at 9:15 a.m. We invite you to worship, study, and pray with us.

The Co-op City Baptist Church is located at 135 Einstein Loop, Room 50 (lower level). Our telephone number is 718-320-3774. Visit us on the web at www.coopcitybaptistchurch.org.

The Co-op City Baptist Church family extends wishes for a happy,

healthy and blessed 2014 to everyone.

Stop The Violence Prayer Walks are held each Saturday in each section in Co-op City. Please join one of these walks against violence in our community when you can. The walks begin at 3 p.m. at the following locations: Library (Bartow); Town House Restaurant (Dreiser) and Basketball Court (Bellamy and Benchley). The Section 5 Prayer Walk begins at 4 p.m. in front of the Teen Center.

Join us for a mid-week spiritual pick-up at our mid-week worship service which is held on Wednesdays at 12

The Circle of Christ Church family extends a warm welcome to you and your family and invites you to come and worship with us at 147 Dreiser Loop, patio level (located in the Dreiser Community Center).

Thought for this week: “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29: 11 We should be concerned about God’s plan for our life. Carrying His life plan

in your heart and mind as you live each day, constantly making choices and decisions in light of His plan, guarding it like a treasure map of eternity. Just knowing the plan that God has for you does not guarantee success. We must follow His plan. That is where the choices to obey come in. An obedient heart is a fixed heart with Him. “I take joy, joy in doing your will, my God, for your law is written on my heart.” Psalm 40:8 We want to remind you that we are

Pastor Anne L. Palmore and the congregation of the Church of the New Vision extend a warm and friendly invitation to everyone to worship with us every Sunday at 8 a.m. or 11 a.m. We are a church where inspirational messages from the Word of God, the Bible, are delivered every Sunday morning.

The church is designed to meet the spiritual needs of our community by offering anointed singing and preaching, and a general atmosphere of Christian love and friendly hospitality.

We also invite the youth of our community to attend our Sunday morning services, which are designed to meet the special needs of our young people.

Parents, please send your children to learn of the Lord Jesus.

Prayer Service takes place every Wednesday evening from 7:30 p.m. to

p.m. Bible study is held on Wednesdays at 1:00 and 7:30 p.m. Bible study will also be held on Wednesday, December 18 at 5:00 p.m. Prayer Service is held on Fridays at noon and 7:30 p.m. Men’s prayer service is held monthly at 7:30 p.m. We invite the men of the community to join us on Tuesday, January 14 at the next Men’s Prayer Service.

The Scholarship Ministry invites you to join them next year as they sail to the Caribbean. They will be sailing on the Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas going to Kings Wharf, Bermuda, Philipsburg, St. Maarten,

Church of the New Vision

8:00 p.m., followed by Bible Teaching from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Be with us to learn the truth from the Word of God. List of Programs and Events: Adult Sunday School is from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Youth Sunday School is also from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Holy Communion is served the first Sunday of the month.

Youth Sunday takes place on the second Sunday of the month.

Missionary Sunday takes place on the third Sunday of the month Memorial Sunday (Men's Day) takes place on the fourth Sunday of the month Seniors' Sunday takes place on the fifth Sunday of the month.

Singles' Ministry meets every third Tuesday evening of the month at 6 p.m.

Next Generation Choir & Club meets

1st & 2nd Friday of the month at 6:30 p.m.

Seniors' Ministry meets 1st Wednesday of the month at 11:00 a.m.

Mid-day Bible Study meets every Tuesday afternoon from 12 to 1 p.m.

SAVE THE DATE, SAVE THE DATE, SAVE THE DATE: Aug. 19-22 (Tuesday-Friday) 4-day Niagara & Toronto. Deluxe round trip motor-coach transportation. 3-night hotel accommodations in Niagara Falls Canadian side; 3 breakfasts and 3 dinners (includes dinner theatre), Professional guided tour of Niagara Falls & Toronto. Maid of the Mist Boat Ride under the falls; Harbor Cruise in Toronto and time at the new casino in Niagara Falls. For further information or to reserve your seat, call (718) 671-3748, (917) 587-5057, (718) 671-6746.

Circle of Christ Church

collecting non-perishable items and supplies in order to provide and support families in need of food. We also are providing counseling and referral services for families in the community.

If you need or know someone in need, please call 347-945-1992. Please leave a message and we will gladly call you back.

Come join us at Circle of Christ Church and experience the love of God. CHURCH SERVICE SCHEDULE Wednesday – 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.,

San Juan, Puerto Rico and Labadee, Haiti. This 10-day cruise will be from Thursday, July 17, to Saturday, July 26. For additional information or reservations, please call 718-3790541, 917-612-1245 or 718-320-3774.

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

—Hattie L. Lucas Come join New Vision's “Partners in Reading Program” every Sunday afternoon from 1:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.

Students in Grades 1 through 8 discover the joy of reading while exploring and improving their literacy levels through small groups and reading partners.

Parents, we encourage you to bring your children to benefit from this free program, taught by trained professionals.

Registration is ongoing. You could contact the church at the number listed below.

The Church of the New Vision is located at 115 Einstein, Bronx, NY 10475; Telephone: (718) 671-8746 or (718) 320-0409. Our mailing address is: P.O. Box 753037, Bronx, NY 10475.

Please visit our website at www.church ofnewvision.com.

—Carole Haque Prayer & Bible Study Friday – 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Youth Night and Children’s Bible Club Sunday – 11 a.m., Worship and the Word Children’s Church – 5 years old to 12 years old.

Little Lambs - Potty trained.

SPECIAL EVENT Every first Sunday of the month, the service is bilingual.

ALL ARE WELCOME. —Rev. Sam Colon

No Co-op City Times? Call 646.261.1761 or 347-439-5632; on Saturday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

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22

Co-op City Times / January 11, 2014

Fri., January 17

Thurs., January 16

Wed., January 15

Tues., January 14

Mon., January 13

Bartow Word Games 9:30 – 11:00 am, Rm. 31 Bingo 9:30 am – 11:30 am, Rm. 31 Library 9:30 am -1:00 pm, Rm. 31 Weight Management Support Group 10:00 - 11:30 am, Rm. 25 ZUMBA Class 10:30 – 11:30 am, Rm. 31 Card Games 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Rm. 31 Dominoes 2:30 pm, Rm. 31

Einstein

Dreiser

Library

Crochet and Knitting

9:30am – 1:00 pm, Rm. 49

10:00am-12:00pm, Rm. 7

Dominoes

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session

10:00am, Rm. 45

9:30am -10:30am, Rm. 7

Line Dancing

10:00 – 11:00am, Rm. 2

10:00am-11:00am, Rm. 45

12:00pm – 1:00pm, Rm. 4

Stay Well Exercise

Around The Lunch Table 11:30am, Rm. 49

2-3pm, Rm. 2

Basic Cellphone & iPad Training course

Current Events 10 a.m., Rm. 31 Bingo 1-3:30 p.m., Rm. 31

Bingo 1 p.m., Rm. 49

Card Games 2-4 p.m., Rm. 31

Matinee Movie w/George 10:00am-12:00pm Rm 45

10:00am, Rm 31 Word Games Rm 31 9:30am - 11:30pm

Dominos 10:00am,

Stay Well Exercise

Spelling Bee

10:00am-11:00am Rm 31

10:00am, Rm 49

Sewing w/Raymonde 9:30am 11:30am, Rm 7

Tai Chi

Spanish Practice Class 10:30 am Computer Lab

Mind Teasers

2:00pm-3:00pm, Rm 2 Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session

10:00am, Rm. 45

9:30-10:30am, Rm. 7

Chat Session

Blood Pressure 1st & 3rd Thursday 10:00 -11:30am, Rm. 8

9:30am-1:00pm, Rm. 31

Spelling Bee

Line Dancing w/Ellie

Bingo

11:00am, Rm. 49

10:00am-11:00am, Aud. A

Mind Teasers

1:00- 3:30pm, Rm. 31

Card Games

Po-ke-no

12:00pm-1:00pm, Rm. 4

2:00pm-4:00pm, Rm. 31

1pm - 2pm, Rm. 49

Drama Club 1:30 – 4:00, Rm. 7 11:00 am – 12:00pm, Rm. 7

Crochet and Knitting

Dominoes

10:00am-12:00pm, Rm. 7

10:00am, Rm. 45

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session

Art 10:00am, Rm. 45 10:00 -11:00am, Rm. 36

9:30-10:30am, Rm. 7

Meditative Moments

Bingo 1:00pm, Rm. 49

11:00 – 12:00pm, Rm. 8

Card Games

12:00pm-1:00pm, Rm. 4

Mind Teasers

2:00pm-4:00pm, Rm. 49

2nd and 4th Friday 10:00 -11:30am, Rm. 49

Stew Leonards Super Wal-Mart

Card Games, Dominoes 2:00pm-4:00pm, Rm. 7

Spanish Class

Blood Pressure

WEEKLY TRIPS

Bowling

Piano Sing Along

Bingo 1 p.m., Rm. 49

WEEKLY TRIPS 1st Mondays:

Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit

Apple pork chops Sweet plantains Green salad

Challah bread Healthy peach compote

Pea soup Breaded Tilapia Whole wheat ziti w/tomato sauce

Whole wheat bread Fruit cocktail in natural juice

Wed., Jan. 15

Alt: Chix breast

Thurs., Jan. 16

Orange pineapple juice Home-made breaded filet of Sole Parsley boiled potato Broccoli soufflé Alt: Chicken breast

Fri., Jan. 17

Orange juice Spanish style roast chicken Brown rice w/red beans Kale and garlic Alt: Poached Salmon

Fee for lunch is $1.50 & $3.50 for guest

*Menu subject to change without notice. Lunch must be ordered a week in advance.

ALL meals served w/margarine and fresh milk

Bartow Center (718) 320-2066, Ext. 2010 Dreiser Center (718) 320-1345 • Einstein Center (718) 671-5161

10:00 -11:00am, Rm. 45

Tuesdays

Lemon and thyme roast chicken Corn-on-the-cob California blend

Beef blintzes w/mushroom sauce Toasted barley w/onion Sautéed cabbage

Art Class YOGA w/Bhadra

9:30am-11:30 am, Rm. 31

1st Mondays:

Whole wheat bread Baked apple

12:00pm – 1:00pm, Rm 4 1:00pm -3:00pm, Rm 7

Bingo 1:00pm, Rm 49

Stay Well Exercise

DATES

Turkey meat loaf w/gravy Sweet potatoes Peas and carrots

11:00am-12:00pm, Rm 2

Word Games

Men’s Line Dancing w/Voncile 9-10am, Rm. 31 Word Games 9:30 – 11:30am, Rm. 31 Women’s Line Dancing w/ Jenifer 10–11:30am, Rm. 31 Chat Session 10am, Rm. 31 Bingo 10:30am – 12pm, Rm. 25 Sing along w/Charles Carrington 11am-12pm Rm. 31 Card Games 2-4pm, Rm. 31 Dominoes 2:30pm, Rm. 31

Tues, Jan. 14

Alt: Vegetable liver Orange juice Chicken breast Francaise Mashed potato Winter blend vegetables

9:30 – 10:30am, Rm 7

Rm 45

Dominoes

2:30pm, Rm. 31

Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session

Line Dancing w/Voncile

Dominos

Chili w/red beans Brown rice Carrot slaw

Alt: Tuna salad

Blood Pressure 9:00-

9:00am-1:00pm, Rm. 31

Mon., Jan. 13

Apple juice Turkey leg Baked sweet potato in skin Green beans

Intermediate Yoga

Walking and Exercise w/Ms.Gaskill

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., Rm. 7 Alert & Alive Rm. 7, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Mixed Cultural Dance 10:30-11:30 a.m. Aud. B Mind Teasers 12 – 1 p.m., Rm. 4 Zumba 1-2 p.m., Aud. A Tuesday Movie w/ popcorn 2-4 p.m., Rm. 7

Library

Soups, Breads and Desserts

1:15 - 2:00pm, Rm. 2

Dominoes 10 a.m., Rm. 49 Tai Chi 11am, Rm. 45

11:00am-12:00pm Rm 31 Bingo 1:00 – 3:30pm Rm 31 Card Games 2:00pm-4:00pm, Rm 31 Dominos 2:30 pm, Rm 31

Non-Kosher

Gentle Yoga w/Anne

1:30 – 2:30pm, Rm. 7

Dominoes 2:30 p.m., Rm. 31

Kosher

Mind Teasers

2:00 – 4:00 pm

Word Games 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., Rm. 31

Date:

1pm – 2pm, Rm. 7

Therapeutic Yoga

1:30pm – 2:30pm, Rm. 8 (Schedule subject to change without notice)

PRICE

PICK-UP TIMES

Bartow Dreiser 9:30 a.m. 9:45 a.m.

8:30 a.m. 8:45 a.m. $2.50 11:00am 11:30am (for transportation)

$5 $15

Einstein 10:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m.

11:15am

To register for trips, please call: (718) 320-2066

New Payment Schedule - Payments for trips @ the Bartow office can be made Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Only) Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, The NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation.

Upcoming Events/Trips

There will be no refunds for all trips. All trips include roundtrip transportation!

Free Diabetes Wellness Workshops for Medicare Beneficiaries – Tuesdays, January 14th, 21st, 28th, February 4th and 11th from 10 a.m.–12 p.m., 2049 Bartow Ave., Room 31.

Each session covers a new topic. Sign up today and remember to mark your calendars, so you are able to attend all sessions. To sign up for the sessions, please call the Bartow Avenue office at 718-320-2066.

Fairway – Monday, January 13th - $3 for 3 hrs. Pick-ups: Einstein Loop – 9:00 a.m., Bartow – 9:15 a.m. & Dreiser Loop – 9:30 a.m. 6 seats available.

Shop Rite – Monday, January 13th. $3 for 3 hrs. Pick-ups: Einstein Loop – 9:00 a.m., Bartow – 9:15 a.m. & Dreiser Loop – 9:30 a.m. CANCELLED. Friday, January 17 –Dreiser Center - 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. JASA Dreiser Senior Center celebrates the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “Day of the Spoken Word,” a presentation by Journey Teller; BiBi Elizabeth Kent.

Tickets: $2. Enjoy live entertainment by the JASA Drama Bunch. For further information, call 718-320-1345.

Empire Casino – Friday, January 17th, $5. Pick-ups: Einstein Loop – 10:00 a.m., Bartow -10:15 a.m. & Dreiser Loop – 10:30 a.m. $5 voucher

to play & $5 voucher for a meal.

Walmart – Friday, January 24th, $15. Pick-ups: Bartow – 8:30 a.m., Dreiser Loop - 8:45 a.m. & Einstein Loop – 9:00 a.m. CANCELLED. We regret to announce that after January 17th, ALL trips will be cancelled until further notice.

Coat Drive @ 177 Dreiser Loop – Rm. 7, now through February 5. If you have any used coats that are in decent condition, please bring them to the Dreiser Senior Center.

Weight Management Support Group – Monday, January 13th, 10 a.m., 2049 Bartow Ave., Room 25, facilitated by social workers. Learn techniques and information that can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

For information: 718-320-2066.

Caregiver Support Group – Tuesday, January 21, 1 p.m., 2049 Bartow Ave., Room 31. The group offers resources, as well as an atmosphere of understanding and support, whether you care for a loved one from a distance or in your home.

Group is facilitated by a social worker.

For information: 718-320-2066.

Grandparent Connection – Next Grandparent Caregiver Support Group meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 16th at 10:30 a.m. at the Teen Center in Einstein Loop.

For information, you may contact Hattie Lucas, 718-379-0433, Ext. 2139, or 917-734-5935.

Co-op City Times / January 11, 2014

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

AARP Chapter #4997

REMINDER: Our first meeting for the New Year is scheduled for MONDAY, JANUARY 13th, 1:00 p.m. in Dreiser Auditorium “A.” Please arrive early to pay dues and/or sign up for the below “2014 Tour Activities.” We look forward to having you join us in the New Year – and bring a friend (or 2) and/or neighbor.

Heartfelt condolences to Karen Jallah on the loss of her mother, Catherine.

NOTE: To our sick, on the mend and shut-in members, and those bereaved members, please know that you are in our prayers. Contact Frances Wilson, Good & Welfare Coordinator, 718-671-5493.

2014 TOUR ACTIVITIES March 31-April 1, 2014 – Sands Casino w/a $20 free play & lunch voucher; then to the hotel w/dinner and a show; full buffet breakfast and then to see MOSES at the Millennium Theater; traveling on a Deluxe Motor Coach … $295/double; $285/triple; $345/single (travel insurance to be determined)… contact Jean, 718-379-3742.

23

May 21 – The Magic of Motown at Foxwoods’ Fox Theatre – Stroll down memory lane with the Temptations, Four Tops, Smokey Robinson, The O’Jays, The Platters and many more…$84/pp includes reserved seating, free Buffet, $10 slot play, transportation and gratuities…Contact Jean, 718-379-3742.

July 24-25 – Spirit of Baltimore Cruise & lunch w/ shopping at Arrundel Mills Outlet; buffet dinner at the hotel; buffet breakfast and a 6-hour stay at Maryland Live Casino; traveling on a Deluxe Motor Coach (travel insurance to be determined)…$280 double; $270 triple; $340 single…contact Daisy, 718-671-3241.

August 28 – September 6 – Canada & New England Cruise – Sail on the Royal Caribbean, 10 days/9 nights…

Double inside cabin: N-$1,108; outside cabin: I-$1,438; Balcony: E-2-$1,738; Balcony: E-1-$1,788; Single inside cabin: N-$1,827; Outside cabin: I$2,487; Balcony E-1-$3,187 — $350 deposit will secure early-bird rates… contact Jean, 718-379-3742.

—Delores Debnam

Goose Island Seniors

Baychester Library Events VISIT THE LIBRARY - A GREAT WEALTH OF INFORMATION UPCOMING EVENTS Jan. 11 - FILM, 2 p.m.: The Dilemma w/Vince Vaughan Jan. 17 - Adult Program: Avoiding Scams and Fraud; 11 a.m.

Jan. 18 - FILM, 2 p.m.: 40 years Later: Our People w/MLK Jan. 20 - LIBRARY CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY Jan. 21 - Mini Job Fair w/Stop & Shop, COSTCO, FDNY, FEGS and WORKFORCE1 Jan. 21 - NO TODDLER TIME TODAY Jan. 25 - FILM, 2 p.m.: Skyfall w/Daniel Craig WEEKLY EVENTS Game On - Every Monday, 3:00 p.m.

Toddler Time - Every Tuesday, 11 a.m. (Except 1/21) Teens TAG - Every Tuesday, 4 p.m.

Teen Lounge - Every Wednesday, 3:00 - 4:30 p.m., Chess Club - Every Thursday, 3:00 Teen Lounge - Every Friday, 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.

The New York Public Library Baychester Branch • 2049 Asch Loop • Bronx, NY 10475 (Fully Wheelchair Accessible) HOURS: Monday & Wednesday, 10-7; Tuesday & Thursday, 10-6; Friday & Saturday, 10-5. Libros En Español (Books in Spanish). HORARIO DE LA BIBLIOTECA: Lunes 10-7, Martes 10-6, Miércoles 10-7, Jueves 10-6, Viernes 10-5, Sábado 10-5, Domingo Cerrado

718.379.6700 FREE ADMISSION TO ALL

Wednesday, January 16, Bingo game in Room 39. Admission is $2.

Time is 1:30 p.m. for members only.

Refreshments served. Also weather permitting.

Wednesday, April 23—Going to Courtlant, N.Y. for luncheon and show!

“THE RAT PACK,” also including MARILYN MONROE. Price is $69.

Pick-up time is 9 a.m. at our 3 usual bus stops, Einstein Loop, Asch Loop (back of library) and Dreiser Loop.

A $5 deposit will hold your seat on the bus. All payments must be paid by April 1st.

Menu: Appetizer, salad, prime rib of beef, chicken marsala, stuffed filet of Sole; dessert, coffee, tea and soda. A complimentary glass of wine or beer.

Monday, June 2—Going to VILLA

ROMA, N.Y. for luncheon and show.

“THE JERSEY BOYS.” Wonderful music of Frankie Vallie and the Four Seasons. Price is $79. Pick-up time is 8:00 a.m. at our 3 usual bus stops. Also a $5 deposit will hold your seat on the bus.

Menu: Fruit cup, minestrone soup, half roasted chicken, London Broil and Tilapia. All meals served with potato and mixed vegetables, dessert, coffee, tea and soda.

For more information, see Ann or Mary at 135 Einstein Loop, Room 39 or call us at 718-379-9613 from Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Also, you can call Mary at 718379-4899 in evening.

GOOO HEALTH TO ALL! —Mary Pilla

Einstein Cancer Fund

Tuesday, January 14th — Resorts Casino. Cost per person is $33, receive a bonus slot play of $25. Pick-up time is at 8 a.m. from Einstein Loop followed by Asch Loop and Dreiser Loop.

Valid photo I.D. required.

Hunterdon Hills Playhouse – Friday, April 4th for an hilarious comedy mystery, Busy Body. The cost per person is $78. Entrée choice of Yankee pot roast, fried shrimps, chicken cordon bleu, summer herb cod, chef’s daily special, baked vegetable lasagna or vegetable kabobs.

Selection of homemade breads, salad, mashed potato, potato pancakes, topped off with their miniature desserts, coffee or tea. Please send a deposit of as little as $5 to hold your reservation. All balances or full payment must be paid by March 26.

“Moses” at the Millennium Theatre, Lancaster, Pa., Wednesday, May 14th

and Thursday, May 15th. Day 1-Lunch at the Hershey Farm Restaurant, followed by Moses” and dinner at Miller’s Restaurant. Overnight at the Hawthorne Inn. After breakfast, off to the Sands Casino and bonus package of the day.

Cost per person-double $245; triple$235; and single-$287. Please send in your deposit to hold your reservation.

All balances or full payments must be paid by March 17.

For all of the trips please call Mildred at 718-320-0288, Loretta at 718-671-2958, or Lydia at 718-6713005 Mondays through Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and 5 to 8 p.m.

Please remember those who are homebound and in nursing homes.

Give them a call.

Good health is wished to all.

—Lydia Ruas

Co-op City Department of Public Safety (718) 671-3050 • www.ccpd.us.

If you SEE something, SAY something!

24

Co-op City Times / January 11, 2014

Reflections

by Rabbi Solomon I. Berl Spiritual Leader of Young Israel Synagogue

The words we say most often are usually the words we think about the least. We constantly use words without being aware of their deeper meanings. For example, many a self-proclaimed atheist is not aware that every time he utters a goodbye, he is really saying, “G-d be with you.”

Or one who never drinks alcoholic liquor may use the phrase, “I prefer the real McCoy,” which means “bottled in bond liquor.” I was once told that the word “Oscar,” which is used for motion picture awards, came about when somebody first saw the academy award statuette and said, “That

looks like my Uncle Oscar!”

The one word which is most commonly used throughout the world is truly the least known of all. It is the most popular word in the Christian, Jewish, and Mohammedan services: “Amen.”

We use it so often in our services, but rarely stop to consider what it really means. Literally “Amen” means “It is true or I believe” or “I affirm.” Its source is the Hebrew word “emunah,” which means faith. It is also close to the Hebrew word “ne’eman,” which means firm and trusting. The uttering of this word is, therefore, in itself an act of faith.

Young Israel of Co-op City

Young Israel of Co-op City (lower level of the Dreiser Loop shopping center) is a house of worship that opens its doors every morning from 6 until 7 a.m.

Anyone who wishes to start the daily routine with prayers, during which our spiritual leader, Rabbi Solomon I. Berl, offers a brief Bible teaching, is welcome.

On Friday evening, Sabbath services begin at 10 minutes after the candle-lighting time. Saturday morning

services start at 9 a.m. Rabbi Berl delivers his sermon at 10:30 a.m.

The Rabbi's class on the Torah reading of the week begins one hour before sunset every Saturday afternoon.

For office hours or any information you may seek, feel free to call (718) 671-2300 and leave your name, phone number and a brief message on the synagogue’s answering machine, and your call will be returned as soon as possible.

Here’s hoping that everyone is having a happy and healthy New Year.

Building 30 A and B Association is now open for business. We will have our first association meeting of the year on Wednesday, January 22nd.

We will have a guest speaker from the Bronx CERT Team with a presentation, Ready New York.

The presentation will explain disaster preparations and what to do if an emergency does strike. The door

opens at 7 p.m. and the meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Association Room in the B side lobby of Building 30.

Chroche class has already started on Wednesday at 1 p.m. The first Pokeno night for the new year is Friday, January 17th at 7:30 p.m. in the Association Room.

The association wishes all who are celebrating a special occasion this week a happy and healthy. Those under the weather, get well soon.

—Linda Werner

Building 30 A and B Association

Castle Hill

SHALOM Jewish Funeral Directors, Inc. George Farr - Funeral Director Funeral “The Bronx Jewish Community Home, Inc. Memorial Chapel” (718) 828-9222 (718) 828-1700

Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City

The Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City, Young Israel of Baychester, Section 5 (new address) at Bldg. 27B at 120 Erdman Place (behind the lobby), welcomes you to pray with them. Tel. for the Shule (same old number) 1-718379-6920.

Note: Office hours are on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Candle lighting on Friday, January 17, is before 4:38 p.m. Shabbat ends today, Saturday, January 11, at 5:31 p.m.

Coming Events: Wishing good health, happiness and prosperity in 2014.

Saturday, January 11, at 9:00 a.m. – Please join Rabbi Kronengold and the congregation in prayer. Be part of the minion.

Sunday, January 12 at 1 p.m. Sisterhood sponsors an afternoon of Bingo. Join us please!

Thursday, January 16 – Jewish Arbor Day - Tu B’Shevat.

Sunday, January 19 at 1 p.m. - The

Synagogue sponsors a fun afternoon of Bingo. Admission is $3 per person and includes snacks and refreshments.

Momday, January 20 – Martim Luther King birthday observed.

Good and Welfare: Do you need a tree certificate sent “in Honor of” or “in Memory of” a special occasion or a condolence? You can give a living gift for the cost of $15 per tree. For more information, you can call Mimi at 1-347-427-4526. We can accommodate you.

If you are feeling under the weather, we wish you all a speedy, painless and complete recovery in double quick time.

Our deepest sympathy is extended to the Sherman family on the passing of their beloved Nathan. This gentleman always had a smile for everyone. He will be sorely missed.

Your help is always appreciated.

Thank you.

Shalom!

—Miriam Evelyn Berlofsky

Happy New Year. Let us all come together this year to support and encourage youth programs in our community and make that a reality.

Become more politically pro-active, end the asbestos abatement that is draining our community of millions of dollars and participate in your Building Association activities. We, as a community are being assaulted from all sides, e.g. the Shopping Mall, proposed new construction, etc. The above affects all of us.

We have a Board Legislative Committee that has been established to help identify, adopt and propose federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations regarding Mitchell-Lama Housing and quality of life issues that directly or indirectly affect our community, e.g. bringing back our buses.

Without all of our involvement, very

little will change or changes will be made without our community having a seat at the table.

As a community, we came together and made our voices heard regarding the Proposed Cablevision Bulk Plan. Let’s continue to raise our voice and be heard.

I was happy to learn that the NAACP Day Care Center will remain open. The center is a very important part of our community.

Our next Cooperators United Meeting is Tuesday, January 28, 7:00 p.m., Bartow, Room 31. Our guest speaker is Bernie Cylich, Chair of the Board Legislative Committee.

We extend our thoughts and prayers to all who are sick and shut-in and to all of you celebrating a special day this month, enjoy. We can be reached at 718-379-7841 or MLSAH@aol.com.

—Sonja Maxwell

Cooperators United of Co-op City

If you see something, say something!

Call Public Safety at 718-671-3050

VISION CARE SPECIALIST

DR. DAVID HORN, O.D. FAAO • FELLOW, AMERICAN ACADEMY OF OPTOMETRY

• COMPLETE VISION CARE - EYE EXAMINATION

• OCULAR DISEASE TREATMENT

• EYEGLASSES

• GLAUCOMA TREATMENT

• CONTACT LENSES

High Fashion Frames on Premises. “Your Vision Health Is My Concern.”

Much of Learning Is Done Through The Eyes. Insist on a Professional Eye Examination.

120 ALCOTT PLACE

1528 Castle Hill Avenue Bronx, New York 10462

(Bldg. 17 • Sect. 3) • Co-op City

Keeping Tradition Under Rabbinical Supervision

Medicare and many insurances accepted.

Services from Our Chapel, Graveside or Synagogue Parking Facilities • Pre-Arrangements

718-379-8029 DOCTOR’S HOURS: MONDAY: 1:30 - 7:00 PM • WEDNESDAY: 2:00 - 7:00 PM FRIDAY: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM • SATURDAY: 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT!

25

Co-op City Times / January 11, 2014

The Pentecostal Tabernacle welcomes everyone to attend Worship Service at 120 Benchley Place, Building 24, Bronx, N.Y. 10475.

SUNDAYS: Sunday School for all age group starts at 10:30 a.m. Mid-day Worship Service begins at 11:45 a.m.-2 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Prayer and fasting service will be held at 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Regular prayer meeting and Bible study will also begin at 7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY: Youth service begins at 7:30 p.m.

On Friday, 1/17, Never Judge A Book By its Cover will be making its way to Co–op City at 177 Dreiser Loop, Community Center, sponsored by Co-op City Pentecostal Tabernacle and HHC Publication. The inspirational Gospel stage play is written, produced and directed by Hope Hollinsworth Coaxum. Tickets are available online at Eventbrite.com. Contact hope@booksbyhhc.com, or Pastor Sibblies at 718324-0334 or 646-345-6707.

Pentecostal Tabernacle

Focus: The hope of the church is to be caught up in the first resurrection and to be with the Lord forever.

The bride of Christ will be privileged to rule and reign with Jesus Christ during one thousand years of peace.

And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, and cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nation no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled.

And after that he must be loosed a little season.

Revelation 20:1-3 &6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

Revelation 20: 6

Satan will be bound and cast into the bottomless pit for one thousand years while Jesus Christ rules the world in righteousness.

He will not be simply restrained as he is now, but his power and influence will be absent from the earth.

People who sin against God in that day will do so out of the wickedness of their heart. In addition, the knowledge of the Lord will be increased in all the earth. What glorious day that will be for those generations who are counted worthy to live in the millennial kingdom of Jesus Christ the son of David! All of the redeemed, including the tribulation martyrs, shall reign with Christ as kings and priests. Since we are heirs and joint-heirs with Christ, the role of the church in the millennial reign will be to serve as king’s and priests in His kingdom. See Matthew 25:31-46, Revelation 1:6, 5:10 For further information, please call 718-324-0334 or 646-345-6707.

—Rev. R. Sibblies

Faith In God Church & Bible Institute

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

For those who are unaware, Jesus takes us as we are and makes us what we should be. Let’s look at a few verses of scripture that support this. Colossians 1:21-23 says: 21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in

your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled 22 in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in his sight.

23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.

Invitations: Our Sweet Hour of Prayer will be today at 3 p.m.

Sunday School is tomorrow at 10 a.m. Our Sunday Morning Worship Service is at 11 a.m. Every 3rd Sunday following the morning worship, we serve

Holy Communion. Please come out and support these services.

Happy New Year to all. This is the season we honor Jesus’ birth, not ours. We should put Him first, then our loved ones second. Enjoy it.

If you’re into gospel rap/holy hip-hop, go to www.sonicbids.com/vernonlittle and listen to and download music from Vernon Little free of charge. He also has videos on YouTube. You will be blessed, encouraged, and inspired.

We are located at 171 Dreiser Loop in Section 1. Our phone #’s are (347) 276-4925 & (718) 671-3627. Jesus loves you, and so do we. —Apostle Gladys R. Little

Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club

The Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club will hold its regular Monthly Meeting on Thursday, January 16, in the Bartow Center, Room #28 at 7:30 p.m. It is requested that all members attend this important meeting.

This will be our first meeting for the New Year.

Several issues of importance will be discussed relative to our upcoming activities in the future. Please attend.

The Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club cordially invites you to attend the 11th Annual St. Valentine's Day Dance on Saturday, February 15, in the Dreiser Loop Auditorium B. The time of this event is from 4

Building 21 Association

All Eyes On Us The question of the week is what will our next fundraiser be? We are asking for your ideas. There are so many things out there. We are looking for something that will benefit people personally and collectively.

There must be value in our fundraiser that will benefit its participants. It must be affordable, convenient, ethical, healthy and legal. With that said, we ask you to contact us through our email at the bottom of this article.

Our demographics are changing here in our building.

It is time we reached out to our new neighbors. It is important that we inform them about our Building Association. It is important for them to know about the committees that decorate our lobbies every holiday, the committees that lobby for better landscaping in our area and the security watch squad committee that keeps an eye out for things that interfere with our quality of life.

If you are interested in being a part of some of these committees, come to our next gathering. Yes, I said gathering. Our meetings are so informative and relaxing people ask when our next gathering will take place. Well, officially it is every third Tuesday of the month. So that means this month, it will be Tuesday, January 21.

Remember, we are neighbors and we are family. We will all win by working, sharing and living together. For further correspondence: 21association@gmail.com or call us at: (347)504-1821.

—Kevin Lambright

p.m. thru 10:00 p.m. Music will be provided by DJ Carol Productions.

The cost of this event is $30 per person. ($35 at the door). $3 per set-up. For ticket information, please contact Ms. Sylvia Polite at (718) 320-2837, Ms. Gloria Clarke at (718) 379-5430 or Ms. Barbara Irby at (718) 379-9294. Come out and have an enjoyable time while celebrating the observance of the St. Valentine's weekend.

Members are reminded that all instances of personal illness, death in the family, home-bound status, surgery,

and hospitalizations, should be reported to Ms. Gertie Brown, our Good & Welfare Committee Chairperson.

She will take care of all acknowledgements from the club regarding these matters. She can be contacted at (347) 275-2995.

The club extends get well wishes to those members who are home-bound, and those members recovering from various medical procedures. Our prayers are with you for a full recovery. Thank you for your continued support.

—George T. Clarke

Celebrating 33 Years of Quality Instruction Call For A Brochure Register Online

Dance & Gymnastic Classes for All Ages Susan O’Hanlon Mendogni, Director

www.fancyfeet.com

Classes In: • Ballet • Tap • Jazz/Hip-Hop • Gymnastics • Mommy & Me • Creative Movement • Point • Zumba • Combo • Modern • Contemporary

Early Registration: SAT., JANUARY 11 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

MON.-FRI., JANUARY 13-17 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

THREE CONVENIENT LOCATIONS: Pelham Bay: 1628 Crosby Ave.

718.824.1981 Eastchester Road: 1295 Allerton Ave.

718.405.5136 Castle Hill/Parkchester: 1306 Unionport Road

347.691.3443

• National Dance Champions • Certified and Professional Instructors from Broadway, ABT & MTV • Beginner Through Advanced • 12 Months Through Adult • Caring Family Environment • Limited Class Size

• 2 Professional Classrooms w/Observation window • Age Appropriate Curriculum • We’re #1 with Parents • Performed in Disney, July 1998 & 2003, 2009 • Performed on Norwegian Cruise, July 2006

26

Co-op City Times / January 11, 2014

CERT 10

If possible, avoid driving when conditions include snow, sleet, freezing rain, or dense fog.

If you must travel (1) Listen to local news channels for critical information from the National Weather Service.

(2) Minimize travel. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supply kit in your vehicle.

(3) If you must leave your home it is important that you protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in several layers.

(4) Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow.

(5) Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.

If you can, stay indoors If you can remain in your home, make sure that you have an adequate supply of water – at least a 3-day supply (in the equivalent of one gallon per person per day).

Additionally, make sure that you have the following items on hand: (1) Food – at least 3-day supply of

non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food.

(2) Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers) (3) Pet supplies (4) Flashlight (5) Battery-powered or hand crank radio.

(6) Extra batteries (7) First aid kit (check the expiration date to insure usability) (8) Medications (7-day supply) (9) Sanitation and personal hygiene items (10) Hammer and screwdrivers (1 Flathead and 1 Phillips head) Note: Here in Co-op City, we are fortunate to have central heating,; however, if you use an electric space heater, take precautions to make sure that it is placed in a safe position away from all flammable items.

• Just in case – Make sure that there are extra blankets and warm clothing for all household members.

We cannot control disasters, but we can prepare and survive them.

Please visit http://bronxcert10.com for additional information.

—Khalil Abdul-Wahhab Team Chief (Continued from page 9)

Advertise! Call 718-320-3300, x3384 for affordable rates!

CLASSIFIEDS Co-op City Times • cctimes@riverbaycorp.com

Get Top Cash for your Jazz, Soul, R&B and Gospel albums from 50s to 70s. Call Howard 2/1 at 212-873-4016 anytime.

Appliances Repair

Records Wanted

Spaces for Rent

1. CHURCH WORSHIP SPACE AVAILABLE: St. Paul's Episcopal /Anglican Church on 489 St. Paul's Place off Washington Avenue, Bronx, wishes to rent out its Worship space on Saturdays and other week days. The Worship space can also be made available for rent on Sundays after 3pm.

The Church can seat over three hundred people.

2. 7,500 SQUARE FOOT SPACE, comprising a two story attached annex building to St. Paul's Episcopal Church available for rent. The space was used as a Pre-School until June 2012.

If interested, call Father Scott on 914-384-2929 for an appointment.

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SERVICES

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(except vacuums and lamps)

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1/25

DR. STEVE’S APPLIANCE REPAIR

• 1 Year Guarantee on parts • Over 25 Years Experience • Insured • Seniors Discount • 10% OFF with this Ad Call (718) 671-0700 1/25

Service Charge only $24.95 plus 10% off any repair Senior Citizen Discount

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All Colors • Vertical • Minis • Woods • 2 in. Regulars • Wash, Tape, Cord Blinds

FREE VALANCE & INSTALLATION NEW WINDOWS? Removal & Re-installation of any types of Blinds Quality work! Lowest Prices in Town!

Repair Closet Doors and much more!

Call Mike at: 718-974-1290

1/25

Call Anytime • Seven Days/Week • “When You See Me, You’ll Know Me!”

Cleaning Service

Vacuums FREE Pick-up and Delivery!

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10/11

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Present This Coupon (except vacuums/lamps)

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Refrigerators, stoves, air conditioners, washers, dryers, dishwashers. Free service call with repairs.

• Stoves • Washers • Dryers • Refrigerators • Vacuum Cleaners and more

EMERGENCY SERVICE

EMERGENCY SERVICE

SERVICES

Appliances Repair

For prompt service call:

Appliances Repair

1/25

COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL CLEANING SERVICE Call: A BEE R.A.G. SERVICE, INC. Residential: $60 for 3 man hours, $75 with supplies Commercial: Call to discuss Call us @ 718-798-4259 or email us @ Sales@abrags.org Website: www.abrags.org for a list of services.

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27

Co-op City Times / January 11, 2014

CLASSIFIEDS Cleaning Service

Home Improvement 1/11

Co-op City Times

1-800-479-2667

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General Cleaning — $80 + tax Semi-Heavy Cleaning — $90 + tax Super Heavy Cleaning — $120 + tax Bonded • 7 Days Accept Cash, Pay-Pal • 4 Hour Minimum Call

(718) 320-5112

Display Classified: $8 first column inch, $4 ea. add’l. column inch.

Fee is payable in advance. No exceptions. No refunds. Checks or Money Orders ONLY payable to Co-op City Times must accompany ad. We no longer accept cash.

Deadline is MONDAY at 3 P.M., except when there is a holiday, in which case the deadline is moved up one day or as announced. Classifieds advertising the sale of land, homes, or apartments outside Co-op City or advertising businesses operating within homes in Co-op City cannot be accepted. No blind ads accepted. No personals.

PRINT YOUR AD HERE CLEARLY. Attach sheet if needed. Use Pen or Typewriter.

1. CATEGORY (Required): 2. AD TEXT:__________ ____________ ____________ ______________4 ______________

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• Don’t Pay More At Your Local Hardware Store •

We BEAT Any Quote!

www.spoonercleaning.com

Over 20 words, $6 plus 30¢ for each additional word. $2.40 per line for bold type (3 words max.)

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— since 1969 —

SPOONERS DOMESTIC SERVICE

CLASSIFIED AD FORM

Rates: $6 for 20 words or less

3/22

12/28

NAME _________________________________________________________ PHONE

Locksmith

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ADDRESS

FAMILY LOCKSMITH

Cleaning Service - Carpet & Upholstery

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CITY ________________________STATE________ ZIP __________________ Insert for (#) _________ times. Starting issue date: _____________.

HIGH SECURITY LOCKS 20% Off Any Lock Job!

Medeco • MultiLock • Wilson

High Quality Labor For a Low Price!

Serving Co-op City for over 25 years.

“When you see me, You’ll know me.”

Call Anytime • Seven Days A Week 8/2

Music Lessons

Computer Consultant, Sales & Repair JB RYAN COMPUTER REPAIR & UPGRADE

Repair - Upgrade - Trouble-shooting - Data Recovery Virus Removal - Laptop Overheat - Cracked Screen Broken Power Jack. Call James 646-281-4475 • 718-324-4332

3/1

DUNDEE DAYCARE Daycare

Warm, loving environment for ages 1-6, from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., Monday - Friday.

Advertise!

Call 718-3203300, x3384 for affordable rates!

Top Quality Work - Painting, Plastering, Wallpapering, 2/1/14 Floor Sanding, Refinishing, Waxing.

1/18

Call Wesley 212.996.7347 or Volunteers

1/11

SUBSCRIPTION FORM $52/Year

(Includes postage and handling)

The Co-op City Times is FREE for all Shareholders.

WHO SHOULD SUBSCRIBE? • Local Businesses • Advertisers • Family Members of Shareholders • Potential Shareholders • Former Shareholders • ANYONE! NAME ___________________________________

FATHER & SON

DJ DJ Kasiem Productions. For all occasions. 917-645-8754.

A music teacher w/college degree offers affordable music lessons for kids from 6-7 years old and up.

(Piano keyboard).

Books are available.

Tatiana 347-393-3169. 2/1

12/28

Painting

• State Licensed • CPR Certified • Experienced Caregiver

CALL TODAY! 347-769-4912 TROTDUNDI@GMAIL.COM

Call Mike at: 718-974-1290

Co-op City Times

917.325.5334

ADDRESS ________________________________ CITY ____________________ST____ ZIP_______ PHONE __________________________________ Subscribe for #______ year(s).

Send Check or Money Order for $52/year, made out to Co-op City Times 2049 Bartow Ave., Rm 21, Bronx, NY 10475

718.320.3300, ext. 3384 Papers are mailed Monday after issue date.

Floors

M & M FLOORS

1/25

Hardwood floors installed - Sanding & Refinishing. Polyurethane, Fabulon & Moisture Cure Finishes. Staining in all colors. Free estimates.

10% Co-op City resident discount. Call Mike (718) 792-0024

Advertise in the Co-op City Times Classifieds!

Call 718-320-3300, x3384 for affordable rates!

28

Don’t Be Fooled By Imitators! * * Co-op City Times / January 11, 2014

Reface or Replace? $1500

Packages with sink and countertop starting at

$2700

Packages with sink and countertop starting at

• All Wood • Full Height • Adjustable Hinges • Tons of Options!

Dozens of Styles and Colors!

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Co-op Sales Est. 1969

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Other Services Include: Custom Closet Doors, All Types of Flooring, Window Shades and Blinds, Range Hoods.

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Licensed and Insured, NYC Better Business Bureau, NYC Dept. of Consumer Affairs