Co-op City Times 01/21/12

Co-op City’s official newspaper serving the world’s largest cooperative community. © Copyright 2012 Co-op City Times

Vol. 47 No. 3

Saturday, January 21, 2012

HUD requests for larger city and state guarantee for possible $600M loan

BY ROZAAN BOONE The U.D. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) this week asked Wells Fargo to attempt to secure a larger guarantee from the city and state of New York before proceeding with the refinancing of Co-op City’s mortgage at the $600M level.

Wells Fargo had previously secured guarantees from both New York State and New York City for a combined total of the first $35M of a possible $600M loan to Co-op City from HUD through its 223F program, insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).

HUD, however, is requesting a larger guarantee, in the range of $70M or more, to “assure the on-going solvency of the overall mortgage insurance fund in the unexpected event of a claim on this project.”

In a letter dated January 18, 2012 to Alan Weiner, Managing Director of Wells Fargo Multifamily Capital, HUD’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Multifamily Housing Programs, Marie D. Head, wrote: “By now, you are aware of HUD’s commitment to the preservation of affordable housing, and we look

forward to the opportunity to assisting in the preservation of the 15,372 units located in Co-op City.”

The letter further states: “The Department recognizes the significant savings to the shareholders inherent in the HUD transaction, with a total savings to the co-operative of approximately $111 Million ($7,000 per member) in reduced principal and interest payments over the 15 year term of the existing loan. We also understand the enormous benefits provided by HUD’s 35 year self-amortizing loan, which would totally eliminate the refinancing risk in the 15th year that they face under the current loan…

“Because this loan would be the largest ever done by HUD under the multifamily insurance fund, we need to assure that it is done in a prudent manner,” the letter went on. “Of great importance to us is the support and involvement of the state, and its level of oversight of Mitchell-Lama co-ops.

We have been impressed with the professionalism and knowledge of the state representatives we have met with, and recognize (Continued on page 2)

Buildings Department approves reopening of all remaining balconies in Co-op City

BY ROZAAN BOONE The City of New York Department of Buildings (DOB) recently approved the reopening of the remaining balcony lines that were affected by the vacate order of May, 2010 which resulted in the closure of approximately 1,000 balconies in 7 Co-op City hi-rise residential buildings.

The remaining balcony lines cleared for reopening during this final round of inspections were the A line in Buildings 2A & B, and Buildings 3A & B; the B and L lines in Building 6, the E and H lines in Building 7 and the B and E lines in Building 8. With the city’s approval that these balconies are structurally sound and therefore can be put back into use, the city has essentially rescinded the vacate order of the summer of 2010.

However, while Proto Construction, the contractor doing the façade and terrace repairs in Co-op City, has reopened the B, E, H and L line balconies in Buildings 6, 7 and 8, the A line balconies in Buildings 2A & B and 3A & B will remain closed until the terraces can be coated in the Spring when the weather improves.

According to the Riverbay Construction Department, the contractor

has indicated that the weather has to be 50 degrees and up for the coating work to be done. It is hoped that after March 15, as soon as the temperatures start to rise, they will begin the coating work since the scaffolding is already in place. The coating of the terraces will take approximately 3 weeks to complete.

“I am glad to be able to report that the restoration of the balconies that were closed as a result of the city’s vacate order has, in fact, been done in line with what the community was promised after the initial closings took place,” said Riverbay’s General Manager Vernon Cooper. “I also thank the Board of Directors for their wisdom in approving the refinancing of the New York Community Bank loan which enabled us to afford this work, as well as the other capital projects that we are undertaking simultaneously, such as the window and balcony door replacements and the roof replacements.

“The progress made with the balcony restoration program will enable cooperators in these buildings to enjoy their balconies this summer as intended.”

(Continued on page 4)

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Einstein Center Post Office taken off closure list; Dreiser Post Office still in jeopardy

BY BILL STUTTIG The Einstein Center Post Office in Section 5 has been removed from the list of 17 Bronx Post Offices being studied for possible closure and will apparently remain open indefinitely, it was announced by Congressman Joe Crowley in a press release issued earlier this week. A day later, the Co-op City Times confirmed this with the New York City communications office of the United States Postal Service.

After making the announcement through his press office, Crowley later told the Co-op City Times that he believed that public pressure from Coop City residents and its leaders and elected officials played a big role in persuading postal officials that the Einstein Post Office should not be considered for closure.

The Dreiser Post Office still remains in jeopardy however, and the Congressman promised that he will continue to help the community fight the closure of this facility as well. He

said a public rally to protest the proposed closure of the Dreiser facility, similar to the one that was held outside the Einstein facility in November, will be held in the near future. He said his office is also working with the Bronx Postmaster to reissue surveys sent out regarding the Dreiser Center Post Office because he heard that many Coop City residents did not receive the Dreiser survey or confused it as a duplicate to the Einstein survey and threw it away.

Crowley said, “While it is true that the Postal Service needs to modify the way it does business in these changing times in order to remain fiscally solvent, the closing of community facilities should never be part of those modifications.”

Riverbay Board Director and retired postal supervisor, Eleanor Bailey, has led the fight within this community to make sure that voices of Co-op City residents (Continued on page 2)

Gas leak in Building 21A Ser vice r em ains shut down t o “A” line a pa r tm ents.

A gas leak in Building 21A this week resulted in service to the A & B line apartments being shutdown. Riverbay’s Maintenance personnel worked to restore service to the “B” line by Thursday afternoon, but service to the “A” line apartments remains off.

In order to restore gas service to the A line apartments, Maintenance staff have to access each apartment and change the gas valves, nipples and caps. Only after each of these items have been replaced in each apartment and the line tested and cleared, can gas service be turned back on. It is estimated that the work will take one week to be completed.

Shareholders on the “A” line apartments in Building 21A are urged to contact the Maintenance Department at (718) 320-3300, press option 3 and follow the instructions to schedule an appointment to have the necessary work done in their apartment.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Co-op City’s recycling efforts and revenue increase by approximately 50% over last year

BY BILL STUTTIG Revenue earned through the community’s recycling efforts in 2011 increased by roughly 50% over the previous year as nearly 1.3 million tons of recyclable refuse was collected from the buildings and sold to waste management firms for processing and use as materials for goods production in this and other nations.

Kevin Keenan, Riverbay’s Director of Operations and Safety, has overseen the community’s recycling efforts since 2006.

“When we first started in 2006, the materials that we collected in the first month earned us approximately $200.

Now today, we are earning an average of

$9,000 per month if not more by selling these materials,” Keenan said. “Prior to us starting the recycling program, all this reusable material was disposed of as household waste. Now, instead of filling up landfills, it is going back into the economy in the form of new products, while helping this community’s economy in the form of increased revenue.”

Keenan said that for 2011, Riverbay collected and sold close to 1.3 million tons of recyclable material including 1,178,095 tons of paper and cardboard, 92.75 tons of recyclable metals, and 617.79 tons of co-mingled plastic.

(Continued on page 4)

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HUD the value this brings to the transaction.”

Previously, in notifying Riverbay that the city and state had agreed to guarantee the first $35M of the $6000M loan being sought from HUD, Wells Fargo stated that they continue to believe that Co-op City represents a good investment for HUD, especially since the recent NYCB loan allowed Riverbay to pay off all water and sewer arrearages, as well as contractor payables; repair work is progressing with significant additional work having been completed; and a state ordered 3% increase in carrying charges was implemented in October, 2011 with an additional 3% increase to go into effect on October 1 of this year.

“This is in line with the standard protocol for approving budgets on a two-year cycle which is intended to provide sufficient revenues to the housing company to meet all of its estimated financial obligations,” Wells Fargo noted.

“We believe that the top loss guarantee by the state and city provides remarkable

Co-op City Times / January 21, 2012 (Continued from page 1)

evidence of the support and involvement that both will continue to have in Co-op City throughout the life of the HUD loan,” Wells Fargo had informed Riverbay’s management. “We would anticipate that many of HUD’s concerns about the way in which Mitchell-Lama co-ops works (i.e., need to underwrite to 1:1 coverage; inability to have pre-determined annual increases in carrying charges, and the like) would be allayed by that guarantee.”

Up to that point in the almost 2 years of negotiations between Wells Fargo on behalf of Riverbay and HUD, word of the combined city and state guarantee was the first bit of good news in what has been a very arduous process as the community attempts to take advantage of lower interest rates by obtaining a refinancing deal through the 223F program guaranteed by the FHA. In June of 2009, faced with Riverbay’s then current mortgage rate increasing from 5.2% to 6.2% in October of 2010 as shareholders began paying down the principal on

Post Office were heard loud and clear as the Postal Service gathered community comments as part of their study intow the possible closures. She said this week, “I’m elated that they saved the Einstein Center, but it is only half a victory. We have to continue to fight to save the Dreiser Post Office as well because the same issues that the residents of Section 5 had with potentially losing their post office, the people of Sections 1, 2, 3 and 4 have concerning losing the Dreiser office. I am particularly concerned with seniors and the disabled being forced to use the Conner Street station and having to navigate the very dangerous intersection of Co-op City Blvd. and Peartree Avenue and then Conner Street to get there. As we all know, this is a hazardous area for pedestrians, especially if you are a senior or disabled. We have to continue to fight to make sure that this does not become a reality.”

In a statement confirming the saving of the Einstein station along with six others in the Bronx, Congetta Chirichello, a spokesman for the New York City region of the USPS, said: “After thorough evaluation, on January 19, 2012 the USPS in the NYC District has determined to remove the following offices in the Bronx from the feasibility study list stopping consolidation or closure: Castle Hill, Roosevelt Station, Fieldston Station, Melcourt Station, Hunts Point Station, West Farm Station, and Einstein Station in Coop City. However, should it be determined at a later date by USPS Headquarters to conduct a future study, the same process would be followed.

“The postal service is experiencing dire financial challenges and we have to tighten our belt – not one notch but several notches to close the gap between mail volume, retail transactions at the window and operational costs. The public has changed the way they use their mailbox. Station and branch feasibility studies were initiated as part of a new top-down approach.

Some of the factors in the study process include analysis of current office needs, customer access to postal products and services, the condition of the facility, lease terms, retail transactions and community input.

Use of retail facilities is also assessed. We look at this data and the overall impact to customers and the local community, employees, the environment and the actual cost savings before any decision is made.

“The postal service has nearly 32,000 retail facilities — the largest retail network in the country. With more customers conducting their postal business online, with their smartphones or at their favorite shopping destinations, maintaining this expansive retail network is no longer feasible. Part of the continuous effort to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs includes conducting Discontinuance Feasibility Studies of nearly 3,200 retail offices,” the statement concluded.

Crowley added that while it is true that the widespread use of digital devices has changed the way that people communicate with each other over the past decade, it also must be remembered that communities with large senior populations, such as Co-op City, naturally depend on traditional postal services to a much larger degree than other communities and that needs to

the $480M refinancing deal of 2004, a majority of Board Directors voted to approve management’s exploration of refinancing options.

Up until August of last year, HUD’s 223F program, which offers low interest 35 year loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), was only open to rentals, and not condos and cooperatives, such as Co-op City. Riverbay’s management, working with Wells Fargo, petitioned HUD to open up the program to condos and co-ops, and after an intensive 18 months of discussions, were finally able to get HUD to agree.

Riverbay then attempted to file for the program, but were unsuccessful since there appeared to be no interest at HUD, with the size of Co-op City seemingly prohibitive.

“Evidently, HUD did not want their first co-op 223F to be the largest co-op development (Co-op City) and loan. Also remember, the country was/is in the middle of a real estate crisis,” management wrote in a report to the community earlier this year.

In the ensuing months, there have been countless attempts by Wells Fargo to familiarize HUD with Co-op City, and its supervisory and financial structures. Last summer, HUD officials even came to Co-op City for a site visit.

“Many of the issues also involved HUD getting familiar with and comfortable with the Mitchell-Lama program itself,” management reported. “The New York State Housing and Community Renewal (HCR), which administers the Mitchell-Lama program, has been very helpful because they also know that once the 223F program is open, it will be good for other co-ops in their program.”

Requesting that Wells Fargo approach the city and state of New York to secure a larger guarantee, HUD indicates that they would like to see it in excess of 10% of the loan amount (in the range of $70M) or better, and “would ask that you discuss this to see if that level of commitment can be obtained.” (see HUD letter on page 6).

(Continued from page 1)

be taken into consideration when deciding if it is feasible and fair to close this or any community’s post offices.

As part of his prepared statement announcing the saving of Einstein Post Office and three others within his Congressional district, Crowley said: “I am so glad USPS has come to realize what the community and I have known all along: these post offices are much more than a place to drop off mail; they provide the essential services that residents rely on every day. Keeping these post offices open has been a joint effort, and I want to thank my partners – residents, business owners and community advocates – for dedicating their time and energies to help secure this outcome. I also want to reassure the community that I will continue to fight to keep the remaining post offices and facilities in our area open.”

“I understand USPS must make fundamental changes to ensure it can operate in the 21st century, but that goal can be met without negatively impacting families, seniors and postal employees. I am committed to keeping jobs in the Bronx and Queens and keeping critical services available to community residents and businesses. And, that means keeping a strong USPS presence in our neighborhoods,” continued Crowley.

Crowley is a co-sponsor of H.R. 1351, legislation

that will free the Postal Service from pre-paying its pension obligations and alleviate some of the financial burden facing the Postal Service. He said that he and more than 200 of his Congressional colleagues have cosponsored this bill which, if it passes, will significantly relieve the USPS of the pre-paid pension financial obligations it can no longer afford. This will help make the shutting of community-based post offices, such as the Dreiser Center Post Office, less necessary.

Joining forces with community groups, postal workers and unions, and concerned residents, Crowley has been a leader in efforts to save community post offices in the Bronx and Queens. He recently rallied against the closure of the Queens Processing and Distribution Center, which would result in the loss of over 1,000 jobs, and held a rally to keep the Einstein Loop and Dreiser Loop Post Offices in Co-op City open.

In December, the USPS announced that it would delay any decision on postal facility closures until May 15th. The possible closure of the 3200 postal facilities, throughout the nation including the Einstein and Dreiser postal facilities, was first announced to the public in July and that local impact was reported in the Coop City Times just days after.

FLAVOR ENT. KEVIN SHAW & FRIENDS PRESENT 1 1th A n n ua l

Winter Weekend Soul Fest

AQUARIANS TRIBUTE Saturday, January 28, 2012 @ ALHAMBRA GRAND BALLROOM

@ The Lancaster Host Resort Lancaster, PA

2116 Adam Clayton Blvd. (126th St) near Harlem State Building

Feb ruar y 1 7-19 , 20 12

ALL NIGHT OPEN BAR!

Bus leaves 12:30 p.m. from Red Lobster, Bartow Avenue

(Premium Alcohol)

Package Includes: • Live Concert Featuring RON ISLEY aka Mr. Big, also, STEPHANIE MILLS • 6 All-You-Can-Eat Buffet Meals • Comedy Show Hosted By CAPONE • 15 Hours Open Bar • 4 Parties (1 Pajama) • Male/Female Dancers Show

MUSIC BY: The Legend

Show Stopper

DJ HOLLYWOOD

DJ DANNY DEE

For Birthday Set-ups or Tickets: Info. Contact 917-412-6187 Kevin Shaw

Kevin Shaw 917-412-6187 • Pear Tree Beauty Supply, 691 Co-op City Blvd. 718-320-4579

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Co-op City Times / January 21, 2012

2nd Combing ty p Cinext Blood Co-oDrive Bereavement support on Mondays Church of the Savior’s Bereavement Support Group meets every Monday, 6:30 p.m., at 120 DeKruif Place (Building 7, street level). This is a free service and anyone may attend for confidential counseling and support.

This service is open to all residents, as well as members of the faith community and social agencies within Co-op City, who would like to attend or refer their members or clients to the bereavement support group.

If you have suffered the loss of a loved one, and would like to take advantage of this service, please contact Rev. Dr. Robert A. Smith, Jr. of the Church of the Savior at (718) 320-0002 or (917) 734-4058.

Free economic development seminar The Williamsbridge Club is presenting an economic development seminar today, Saturday, January 21, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Room 4 of the Dreiser Center. This seminar is free and everyone is invited to attend.

Bank representatives will discuss Fixed vs. Variable Annuities, Mutual Funds, Certificates of Deposit, Savings, Individual Retirement Accounts and Insurance. For additional information, please call (917) 868-0331 or (646) 554-6777.

FRONT PA G E

Shareholders should return 2012 barcoded window guard form for accurate records

BY ROZAAN BOONE Shareholders are being reminded that their Window Guard forms arrived in the mail last week and that they should make every effort to fill them out as completely and fully as possible before signing and returning them in the pre-addressed envelopes that are provided. By using the original, 2012 barcode-labeled copy of the form, the form will be accurately matched to its respective apartment.

Shareholders should only use the Window Guard form that was sent recently, not Window Guard forms for years prior to 2012 .

The city’s Window Guard law was enacted to help prevent incidences of younger children being injured or killed in falls from unguarded windows. It requires owners of multiple dwellings (buildings with 3 or more apartments) to provide and properly install approved window guards on all windows in apartments where a child(ren) 10 years or younger reside or visit, although anyone, for whatever reason, may request window guards, even if you do not have children 10 or younger in the apartment.

In the past, Riverbay has expended a significant amount of money ensuring that

the Window Guard forms are completed by everyone as is required by law. In addition to the initial mailing, there are doorto-door visits by temporary employees hired specifically for this purpose at an added expense to the corporation.

“Unfortunately, some residents fail to either return the notices or properly fill them out, which results in management having to send out a follow up notice,” said Vernon Cooper, Riverbay’s General Manager. “We are urging shareholders to please fill the notices out and return them in a timely manner. If you need any assistance or have any questions regarding the process, please do not hesitate to contact your respective Cooperator Services Office (CSO). The staff will be more than willing to assist you.”

Through the years, Riverbay’s Computer Services Department has worked consistently and diligently, and with permission from the NYC Department of Heath, to automate the entry of the data contained on the form to make it more accurate and efficient.

“We use special software that scans the form, reads the data and stores it in a database,” said Mary Ahland, Director of

Riverbay’s Computer Services Department.

“During the course of the last three or four years, we’ve continued to evolve this process to make it more and more accurate.”

One of our improvements was the addition of a bar code which really improves accuracy provided it is not torn or damaged in any way.

“It is 100% accurate,” Ahland said.

“And it tells us that we have gotten the form back from this building and apartment number. The software also recognizes the checks on the form and stores the answers in the database that is used to identify those apartments that need window guards installed or repaired.”

However, in addition to getting residents to fill out the form and sign it before returning it, the next level of problems that has been encountered in the past is that residents do not complete the entire form fully.

“Because so many do not follow the instructions, over the course of time, we have become more and more and more compulsive about trying to get all of these answers,” said Ahland. “However, we can (Continued on page 4)

Riverbay’s Local 32BJ employees honored for their perfect attendance

Next CB #10 Meeting The next Community Board #10 meeting will be held on Thursday, February 16, 7:30 p.m. at Villa Barone Manor, 737 Throggs Neck Expressway, Bronx, NY 10465.

Please make every effort to attend.

For further information, please call contact Community Board 10 at (718) 892-1161.

JASA’s Tax Return Clinic AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide offers free help for older taxpayers and people with limited incomes. JASA in Co-op City will be sponsoring an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide site at the Einstein Community Center in Room 35, every Tuesday starting February 7th ending April 10, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. First come, first served. For further information, please contact JASA at (718) 320-2066.

Ninety-three employees of Riverbay, all members of Local 32BJ, were honored at a luncheon Friday afternoon for having perfect attendance throughout 2011. On hand to congratulate the union employees who did not miss a day of work last year due to illness were Riverbay General Manager Vernon Cooper, Board President Helen Atkins, Board Directors Bill Gordon and Al Shapiro and Human Resources Director Colette Ragin. The luncheon and awards ceremony was coordinated by Human Resources Executive Assistant Rebecca Adorno.

The honored perfect attendance award winners were: Samuel Lugo, Hector O. Melendez, Juan Ramon. Francisco Reynoso, Filomena Velasquez, Lazaro Mejia, Ndoc Parubi, Dominick Russo, Sintim Edu Baffoe, Ryan Francis, Paul Grant, Allan Parchment, Eloff Parchment, Justos Valdes, Jose Manuel Alvarez, Luis Alvarez, Stephen Brugman, Leka Cacaj, Placido Saez Camacho, Bovell Campbell, Jose L. Claudio, Filberto Coreano, Michael Cowans, Luis A. Duquela, Ramon Escano, Pedro Medina Fernandez, Marcial Garcia, Simon Gjondekaj, Santo Gonzalez, Angel Harry, Reshat Haxhiu, Jose Hernandez, Calbert James, Sina Kim, Genaro Lambert, Fernando Martinez, Hector Manuel Martinez, Pablo Martinez, Benjamin Mercado, Bonifacio P. Mulero, Carlos L. Ortiz, Alfonso Pagan, Pablo Palacios, Benjamin Pinckney, Rrok Pllumbaj, Romulo Ovado Ramirez, Jose V. Reyes Matos, Ricardo Riley, Alvin Rivera, Juan Rodriguez, Pedro Rodriguez, Santos Rodriguez, Mark Shapiro, Gjani Stojku, Antonio Suazo, Lloyd B. Swaby, Belamino Tavarez, Wing Kwong Tse, Justo J. Valdes, Marcelino A. Vargas, Carlos M. Ventura, Anton Barlovich, Orlando L. Gonzalez, Cordice Joseph, Filip Kocovic, Naim Kurtovic, Marco A. Marin, Vin Mullings, Louis Prato, Bautista Quinones, Eduardo Ramirez, Ricardo Torres-Colon, Ruben Vargas, Prele Jidhja, Francisco Colon, Robert Espinosa, Kolja Kocovic, Alberta Sevilla, David Brown, Ezequiel Coronel, Lek Gjini, Njac Gjoni, Franc Hota, Sami Lazellari, Djordje Ljutovic, Perica Markoc, Petar Markolovic, Tomor Mrizaj, Nike Ndoci, Steve Pachlin, Toma Paljevic, Pashko Pllumaj, Peter Popvic, and Gene Wooten.

Photos by Bill Stuttig

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Co-op City Times / January 21, 2012

Window Guards no longer afford to spend that amount of time and energy in getting every form answered correctly. People don’t sign them, they don’t date them, they don’t answer all of the required questions, any possible combination that you can imagine is what we get.”

Specifically, the form asks for answers to very specific questions. For example, if a resident checks that there are children 10 and under in their apart-

Balconies

(Continued from page 3)

ment, they must tell whether or not they have window guards and whether they need to be repaired. So, simply acknowledging that there are children in the apartment is not sufficient.

“If they do not indicate that there are window guards, we assume that there are not and then we attempt to make an appointment which sometimes annoys them because they didn’t go the next step and let us know whether or not they

do in fact have window guards installed,” said Ahland. “Our obligation once we are notified that there are children 10 and younger in the apartment is to ascertain that there are window guards on the windows.”

Ahland stated that probably only 1/3 of the Window Guard forms are ever answered correctly. “There is a third that don’t come back right away and we have to track down,” she said. “And the other

third is only answered in part, either they forget to sign it or date it or answer all of the questions. So, it annoys them that we follow up with them, but then we have to explain that we can be found criminally liable for any harm that could come to a child because we didn’t follow up.’

Previously, Riverbay paid the return postage on these envelopes, but since 2006, residents who choose to mail their forms must affix a stamp on the envelope.

utmost importance.”

Maintenance workers are available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., to install balcony extenders.

In May, 2010, the city’s DOB issued vacate orders to prevent shareholders from using their balconies in 7 Co-op City buildings (Building 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 & 8) as a precautionary measure after a fatal incident in midtown Manhattan resulted in a man falling to his death after

his balcony railing reportedly gave way.

The order affected 1,000 balconies in those seven buildings in Co-op City.

Prior to this change in policy by the DOB, residents were allowed to use their balconies as the community completed Local Law 11 work on the terraces and balconies. And, up to that point, Local Law 11 work had been completed in 28 of the 35 high-rise residential buildings in Co-op City.

realized through Riverbay’s recycling have consistently grown over the years and he expects those profits to increase as the community and Riverbay becomes more efficient at separating out recyclable materials from standard household refuse, and then collecting and transporting them for sale.

Keenan added that the growing success

of the recycling program is largely due to shareholders doing their part at separating recyclable materials from other household refuse. “The fact that shareholders are helping the environment by recycling is one incentive, but helping the community’s bottom line is also another incentive that has become an increasing reality through their participation.”

(Continued from page 1)

Earlier on during the restoration work, several balconies were identified as needing safety brackets since the railings were found to exceed an acceptable width to ensure the safety of young children. Shareholders were immediately notified to follow up with their local Cooperator Services Office (CSO) to find out if their balcony was identified as one needing safety extenders.

“It is imperative that all shareholders

Recyclables

whose balconies have been reopened up to this point, especially those who have young children residing in or visiting their apartments, contact their CSO to arrange to have the extender brackets installed, if they are deemed necessary,” said Cooper. “The housing company understands that it may be a bit of an inconvenience, but I’m sure everyone will agree that the safety of our residents, and especially our children, is of the (Continued from page 1)

This increase in materials has resulted in an approximately 50% increase in revenue generated from the sale of these reusable materials. In 2011, revenue generated from the sale of recyclable materials averaged approximately $9,000 per month, compared to approximately $6,000 per month in 2010.

For example in October of 2011, Riverbay earned $9,487.95 from the sale of recyclable materials as compared to $6,418.77 for October, 2010—a more than $3,000 monthly increase in one year’s time.

No only has recycling efforts increased over the years, it seems to be increasing in recent months as well. For instance, in January of 2011 Riverbay collected 93.25 tons of recyclable paper, 6.3 tons of recyclable metal and 55.14 tons co-mingled plastics. By December of 2011, the monthly total of recyclable papers collected came to 119.9 tons, an increase of nearly 27 tons over January’s figures. Metal recyclable collected jumped to 11.19 tons, nearly doubling the January figure. Recycling of co-mingled plastics jumped slightly from January to December with 55.15 tons collected in January and 58.37 tons collected in December.

Approximately $83,000 of increase additional revenue was earned through the community’s recycling efforts in the

first 10 months of 2011. Financial figures for November and December are not yet available, Keenan explained, but, with a significant increase in tonnage collected in both November and December, more than $10,000 for each month is conservatively expected for these last two months, bringing the total earnings for the year to over $100,000.

Keenan said that the value of the materials collected is actually double the revenue generated for the community but the program involves sharing the revenue evenly with Royal Waste Company who has contracted with Riverbay to collect the separated recyclable materials from Riverbay’s Peartree Refuse Handling Facility, and truck it to companies within the New York City region that purchase the recyclables for processing into reusable materials. Waste Management, based in Hunts Point, is one company that is in the market for recyclable paper and plastics and regularly purchases Co-op City’s recyclable. Recyclable metals are sold to a scrap metal collection facility just on the other side of the Hutchinson River near Boston Post Road, literally within the shadow of Co-op City.

Keenan explained that these recyclables are considered a marketable commodity, and just like any commodity, the market price varies depending on supply and demand. He added that the profit

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

accept most health insurance plans

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

Supermarket renovations The new owners of the three Co-op City supermarkets are renovating the stores beginning in the Einstein Center.

Some may have seen the booths that are being installed as the renovation progresses. These booths are for the courtesy of checking the bags of customers who would like to leave them. It will not be

mandatory that you check your bags, however, for those customers who have been doing other shopping and would like to leave their bags in a secure location so they do not have to carry them along with groceries, that option will now be available.

—R iver b a y C om m er cia l P r op er t ies

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

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

Co-op City Times / January 21, 2012

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Management Report C O NVE C T O R C L E ANI NG P R O G R AM This week, building porters began reaching out to cooperators in their respective buildings requesting permission to gain access to apartments in order to clean the convectors. What we are finding is that many people are either not home at the time or not ready to have the work done. What has happened subsequently is that cooperators are flooding the office with calls to make appointments. In addition, the porters are doing this work on their own time and a number of them are not able to stay late or come in on weekends in order to participate in the program. Although we do have a good number of porters and utility men who have committed to doing the work, it is not the number we initially anticipated. Therefore, we are changing the process in order to expedite the cleaning of the convectors on a building-wide basis.

Towards that end, we will have teams of service people (porters, utility men) who will blitz six buildings at a time (one building in each of the five sections, plus an extra building in Section 5 because it is so large). Once those six buildings are complete, the blitz team will move to the next six buildings, again one building in each section, plus an extra building in Section 5 because of its size, until all of the buildings have been completed, including the townhouses.

The Buildings and Grounds Department will post notices informing cooperators when they will be in each building, at which time, cooperators can either give the men access when they ring door bells or feel free to call to set up an appointment to have their convectors cleaned in the time frame being allotted for each building. Maintenance anticipates that the program will begin in earnest between the 1st and 2nd week in February.

The first six buildings will be as follows: Section One Building 1 Section Two Building 8 Section Three Building 15 Section Four Building 21 Section Five Building 27 Building 28 Please look for said postings in your building, on the crawler and in the newspaper.

Please note that an article in this week’s City News makes reference to the fact that porters and utility men are being paid to clean the convectors at the rate of $5 per convector.

However, what the article doesn’t mention is that this work, for the most

Management Corner

Marion Scott Real Estate, Inc. part, is taking place during the evening hours and on the weekends, when these men are normally off duty, in order to lessen the inconvenience to the cooperators.

In addition, considering the huge benefit to the housing company, along with the prospect of limiting convector leaks and the subsequent damage that these leaks cause to residents’ personal property, it is important enough to us to have this work done, that we will allow an occasional cleaning during the work day, because the idea is to gain access to every single apartment which is the most effective way of circumventing the aforementioned leaks that residents experience every summer, and which cost the housing company approximately $4M each year in flooring repairs and air monitoring and asbestos abatement required by the City of New York.

As always, we thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

The following letter was sent to State Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson this week .

J a n u a r y 19, 2012 De a r S t a t e Se n a t o r H a sse l l T h om p son , As you know, Co-op City was built on top of marsh land, after the closing of the old Freedom Land theme park in 1964. During construction, only four of the residential buildings and garages were actually built directly on solid rock. Therefore, it was necessary to drive pilings deep into the earth as supports for the remaining structures.

When the project was completed, some 50,600 supports were sunk and if laid end to end, they would stretch from New York City to Boston and back again. Co-op City sits on 330 acres of land and is comprised of 35 residential high rise buildings, 7 clusters of townhouse apartments, 3 shopping centers, a power plant, 8 parking garages, two educational campuses with a total of 6 schools, along with 2 large greenways, a centralized garbage facility and other ancillary pockets of land.

That being said, this massive structure is constantly sinking because of the volatile nature of the foundation on which it sits. In fact there are actually several rivers that run underneath the buildings. The housing company spends millions of dollars trying to

Anonymous calls to Public Safety Periodically, cooperators may witness someone violating the housing company’s rules and regulations, however, it has been reported to Management that some people are apprehensive about reporting the situation for fear of their identity being divulged to the violator in question.

Please know that you may request to remain anonymous when you contact the Co-op City Public Safety Department (CCPD) regarding said issues and the Public Safety dispatchers, officers and supervisors have been instructed to accept these calls and investigate, accordingly.

If, however, you feel forced to surrender your identification in order to lodge your complaint, immediately request to speak with a supervisor.

Rest assured that you should feel comfortable placing these calls to our Public Safety Department, as oftentimes residents are the first to know when an incident has taking place and in most cases who the individuals involved are, as well.

Thank you very much for your cooperation.

maintain walkways, sidewalks, steps, building entrances and driveways that lead to and from all of the above mentioned building structures. To add to this dilemma, because the property is always shifting, no sooner than repairs are made, new conditions crop up, in many cases in the same areas that were repaired just months earlier.

We have a large aging population, in fact we are the largest naturally occurring retirement community in the country and it is essential that these areas are maintained in order to circumvent trips and falls, not to mention the huge liability that these conditions create if and when people fall and hurt themselves.

This ongoing maintenance issue places a huge financial burden on a housing complex the size of Co-op City because there is so much area to cover, along with the fact that the housing company must rely primarily upon the carrying charges paid by the residents who are of moderate income, including those earlier mentioned retired residents who are now on fixed incomes.

Unfortunately, we receive little to no assistance from the government, although we have several operations that help city agencies immensely, such as our Public Safety Department who are first responders and make the majority of the arrest that take place in Co-op City, in addition to the fact that our detectives provide most of the background information, which includes video recordings that prove

to be vital in making arrests stick. As mentioned earlier, we also have a centralized garbage facility where all of our raw, bulk and recyclable garbage is placed by our workers, which saves millions of dollars for the City of New York’s Department of Sanitation, which only has to bring trucks to one location to pick up our large containers, empty them and bring them back to the central facility.

Senator, this brings me to the crux of the letter. As we have discussed several times before, we can use all of the help we can get in identifying monies that will enable us to make these repairs on a timely basis. When we’ve met in the past, you assured me that you would provide money from your budget towards the restoration of the walkways around the three shopping centers. In fact, we spoke about a figure in the area of $750,000.00.

When we spoke last year, I was elated to hear you say that you would donate this money towards our restoration program and, in turn, I told our Board of Directors that these monies would be forthcoming.

Unfortunately, we have not heard anything more about these monies and our needs haven’t changed. Therefore, let me state that any and all financial assistance that you may be able to provide to us is still greatly appreciated. I look forward to your timely response.

R esp ect fu lly, Ver n on C oop er G en er a l M a n a ger

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Co-op City Times / January 21, 2012

Co-op City Times

HUD’s letter to Wells Fargo J a nuar y 18, 2012 Mr. Alan Wiener Ma na gin g Dir ector Wells Far go Mult ifamily C apita l 375 Par k Avenue, 9th Floor New Yor k, NY 10152 RE : Co-op C it y Dea r Mr. W iener, As we have discussed, HUD is interested in proceeding with the refinancing of the Co-op City transaction at the $600,000,000 level (assuming final due diligence proves out the numbers that we have been shown to date). By now you are aware of HUD’s commitment to the preservation of affordable housing, and we look forward to the opportunity to assisting in the preservation of the 15,372 units located in Co-op City.

The Department recognizes the signifi-

cant savings to the shareholders inherent in the HUD transaction, with a total savings to the co-operative of approximately $111 Million ($7,000 per member) in reduced principal and interest payments over the 15 year term of the existing loan. We also understand the enormous benefits; provided by HUD’s 35 year self-amortizing loan, which would totally eliminate the refinancing risk in the 15th year that they face under the current loan. The elimination of the refinancing risk is very important to the long term viability of the co-op. We are aware that there is a short window to refinance the existing loan before that opportunity is lost. Because this loan would be the largest ever done by HUD under the multifamily insurance fund, we need to assure that it is done in a prudent manner.

Of great importance to us is the support and involvement of the state, and its level of oversight of Mitchell-Lama coops. We

have been impressed with the professionalism and knowledge of the state representatives we have met with, and recognize the value this bring to the transaction.

While we appreciate your initial conversations with the state and city concerning them taking a first loss position, HUD believes the loss level needs to be enhanced so that we can assure the on-going solvency of the overall mortgage insurance fund in the unexpected event of a claim on this project. We would like to see it in excess of 10% of the loan amount (in the range of $70MM) or better, and would ask that you discuss this to see if that level of commitment can be obtained. I look forward to continuing our conversation on this property with both the city and State of New York.

Sincer ely, —Ma r ie D. Hea d Dep u ty Assist a n t Secr et a r y for M ultifa mily Housing Pr ogr a ms

First Readings-Riverbay Board meeting: January 18, 2012 (Per Resolution 11-32 passed by the Board on April 13, 2011, and in keeping with the intent of the maker of the resolution, the oneline description of First Readings of resolutions is published here so shareholders who have an interest in any item listed can contact a Board Director of their choice or the Board as a whole with their comments, ideas, questions, etc.)

R eso. # 12-01 – Repair Pumps Change Order 1 Frontline Industries R eso. #12-02 – Auditing Tax Service Marks Paneth & Shron R eso. #12-03 - Bid 2726, Roof

Replacement at Buildings 2, 3, 15, 16, 17, 18, 25, 28, 29 & 30 R eso. #12-04 – CAC #2560 R eso. # 12-05 – Retaining Bill May regarding O & M of Power Plant

R eso. #12-06 – Lease for Sampodoria, Inc. (See page 18 for Second Readings of resolutions voted on at the Board meeting on January 18.)

REMINDER—New laundry rooms The renovation of the laundry rooms in Buildings 1-6 has been completed and reopened for shareholders’ use.

Shareholders who have not yet picked up their welcome package from their respective Cooperator Service Offices (CSO) are urged to do so as soon as possible. The package includes a complimentary $5 smart card for use in the laundry rooms.

Please note that ONLY the shareholder of record can pick up the welcome package and ID is required.

Residents are reminded that high efficiency or “ he” detergents, which

are specially formulated for use in front-load and high efficiency washers such as those now in use in Co-op City’s renovated laundry rooms, must be purchased. Several laundry detergent manufacturers currently offer the “ he” formula for use in front-load and high efficiency washers, along with their regular detergent formula used in older washers. However, regular detergents generate too much suds which will cause the new front-load, high efficiency washers in the laundry rooms to shut down and result in the shareholder not being able to complete their wash.

The new washing machines should not be overloaded either or else the wash may not be properly cleaned at the end of the wash cycle.

La undr y r oom r enova tion upda te The laundry facility in Building 7 was closed for renovation yesterday, January 20. The lobby locks to Building 6 and 8 have been adjusted so residents of Building 7 can use the laundry rooms in either of those buildings.

The Building 7 laundry room is tentatively scheduled to be reopened on Monday, February 13.

High temp hot water shutdown Wednesday night Nu mer ou s bu ildin gs to be a ffected In order to repair an underground leak in the vicinity of Building 20, the high temp hot water will be shutdown next week.

The shutdown will start at 10:00 p .m. on Wed nesd ay, J a nu ar y 26t h, and it is expected to be completed at 6: 00 a.m., Thu r sd ay, J a nu ar y 27th .

The affected buildings are:

Buildings 1 thru 7 Buildings 15 thru 20 Townshouses Adler East, Adler West, Alcott, and Defoe Shopping Centers 1 and 2 PS 150 and PS 180 Cold water will remain available throughout the shutdown.

To avoid the possibility of flooding in your apartment, please ensure that your hot water faucet in kept in the closed position and that all drains are cleared of any objects.

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and will work diligently to restore your service as soon as possible.

—River bay Power P la nt

Important Notice to Shareholders of Building 20 Article SIXTH of your Occupancy submit your completed form for a short- lease, notify Riverbay, in writing, Attention: Agreement provides, in part, that your lease term lease no later than thirty (30) days Sales Support Office, 2049 Bartow Avenue, automatically renews for an additional before the expiration of your present lease. Bronx, NY 10475, ninety (90) days prior to three (3) year period. You need to do noth- If you will be moving out at the end of your lease expiration. ing if you want your lease to extend for another three (3) New Three (3) Year Last Date to Request Current Lease either a One (1) or year period. If you desire a Expiration Date Expiration Date lease of less than three (3) Two (2) Year Lease years, you may call 718-3203373 to request a form to subBuilding 20 April 30, 2012 April 30, 2015 March 31, 2012 mit for either a one (1) year or 100, 120, 140 Asch Loop two (2) year lease. You must

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 Operations Manager

Ralph Henriquez Production Manager

Deborah Harris Editorial Assistant The Co-op City Times welcomes issue-oriented letters to the editor to be considered for publication. All letters, in prose, not poetry, must be addressed to the editor, not to third parties. All letters must be handsigned by the writers and include their addresses and phone numbers, which will be kept confidential, so that the editor can verify the authenticity of the authors.

Writers will be limited to one letter per topic. And to give 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 on Saturdays ONLY, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Send us your

Letters! s r Edito City Timee.

Co-opBartow Av 5 2049 , NY 1047 Bronx

email: cctimes@riverbaycorp.com

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Co-op City Times / January 21, 2012

Public Safety Report

CCPD takes a stand against STALKING

BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO Stalking is a term made very popular by the media over recent years. The most severe cases of stalking end up being widely publicized murder cases or assaults. The goal of the Co-op City Department of Public Safety is to assist in the nationwide effort to put an end to stalking by teaching cooperators to recognize and identify stalking. January has just been recognized as National Stalking Awareness Month in a proclamation by President Barack Obama on December 28, 2011.

The website for Stalking Awareness Month is www.stalkingawareness month.org. The website opens up with bold spotlighted graphics that say “STALKING: KNOW IT. NAME IT. STOP IT.” Even if you don’t think you or someone you know is a victim, it is still a good idea to become educated in this matter. This website has a checklist which gives signs that a person may be a victim of the crime of stalking. If you are a person who feels as though they are compelled to continue to have contact with a person who no longer welcomes that contact, seek help from an outside source.

In a large majority of stalking cases, the victim was in a previous relationship with the offender in which domestic violence was involved. In some cases, physical assault is involved and in some cases sexual assault. This information was revealed in a 1997 survey conducted by the National Institute of Justice. The stalking behavior sometimes begins while the relationship is ongoing. In almost all cases, stalking is not committed by a stranger but instead by a person who the victim has an acquaintance with or has had a relationship with. Thirty percent of all murdered women are killed by husbands or boyfriends who stalked them, according to an FBI report.

Stalking often starts with harassment.

In New York City, harassment is a violation of the Penal Law Section 240.26. A violation of the law is punishable by up to 30 days in jail, as well as a possible mon-

etary fine. However, in order for an officer, either New York City Police Department or the Co-op City Department of Public Safety, to make an arrest or issue a Universal Summons, the officer must personally witness the violation. If harassment occurs and it is not witnessed by the officer, the person harassed can respond down to Bronx Criminal Court and take out a summons against the person. The Bronx Criminal Court system has an abundant amount of resources depending on the situation.

Mediation is widely used to remedy harassment issues. The Public Safety Department, as well as the Cooperator Service Office (CSO) should be notified to prepare a report for an incident which occurs in the community.

The utilization of any type of electronic means such as a telephone or a computer escalates harassment to aggravated harassment. Physical contact, such as shoving or kicking, also results in aggravated harassment. Aggravated harassment is an A misdemeanor which carries a jail sentence of up to one year and a possible monetary fine. People need to make sure that any comments or messages transmitted to another person are not offensive or capable of being taken out of context. This applies to phone calls, texts, e-mails, voice messages, social network sites, etc. Parents should make sure that children are aware of these rules. For school age children, there can also be disciplinary action taken at the school.

Harassment and aggravated harassment can easily turn into stalking if allowed to continue. Stalking is a crime which, at the highest levels, can be a felony. A felony carries a prison sentence of more than one year and often a hefty fine. Most cases of stalking begin as harassment which is taken too far. Be sure to notify 9-1-1 and the Department of Public Safety if harassment, aggravated harassment, stalking or any type of domestic violence is witnessed.

In the event that a Universal Summons for harassment is issued or an

Public Safety Blotter: January 7 - 14, 2012 J a n u a r y 14, 2099 Asch L oop CCPD responded to a report of a car fire. Upon arrival, it was discovered that the owner had allowed the car to sit in the garage over a year. As a result, when he turned the key to start the car, it burst into flames. There were no injuries. The FDNY arrived and extinguished the fire.

J a n u a r y 12, 140 Da r r ow P la ce CCPD assisted the NYS Department of Parole in making entry into an apartment to place a Parole violator under arrest.

J a n u a r y 07, 99 E in st ein L oop CCPD is investigating several vehicles that were broken into and had property removed.

IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, call the Public Safety dispatcher at (718) 671-3050. Be sure to give as many details as possible since this will help Public Safety officers respond expeditiously to the correct location and to identify and apprehend the responsible person(s).

arrest is made for stalking, aggravated harassment or any other crime by either the New York City Police Department or the Co-op City Department of Public Safety, a Community Complaint can be issued. The issuance of a Universal Summons is viewed the same as any other arrest as it pertains to violation of Riverbay Lease. A Co-op City Community Complaint is issued for Anti-Social Conduct for any arrests which occur within the community. A community complaint is issued to the shareholder of record for the apartment for any resident or guest of their apartment. The fines start out at $125 for the first offense and double for each repeat violation. The fees can be automatically added to the monthly carrying charges.

This is another tool which is utilized to maintain a high quality of life and a low crime rate within Co-op City.

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. Bicycle riders must give pedestrians the same level of respect that they expect from motor vehicles. Everyone needs to share the road safely.

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. If you see suspicious persons in the townhouse areas, in or around buildings or garages, notify the authorities. 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 Public Safety Department is able to keep the crime rate low and maintain a high quality of life throughout the community.

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Co-op City Times / January 21, 2012

Moving Forward in 2012 My congratulations are extended to Rev. Anne Palmore and the Church of the New Vision on moving to their new church home. They have moved from a small room to a much larger space at Einstein Loop, which was formerly occupied by a Jewish synagogue. They have waited patiently for this transition, and it has finally come to pass.

Congratulations also go out to Director June O’Connor and The Garvey School, which held its grand opening last week. Many of the Board Directors fought for the Gloria Wise Community Center to remain in the yellow school house because of the excellent programs and the affordability.

However, upon attending The Garvey School grand opening, meeting the director, teachers, parents and taking a tour of the facility, I feel confident that the children are in good hands to be taught and nurtured.

Man ageme nt takes a ction It is good to see that Management has developed a program to deal with

Director’s Viewpoint

Francine Reva Jones Secretary

leaking convectors. Replacing floors due to leaking convectors has become a huge expense in our budget. I trust that all will cooperate in allowing the porters to service your convector so that the problem and expense of faulty convectors may be diminished.

A p a r t m e n t Tr a n s f e r s The members of the Residential Sales & Marketing Committee have discussed the issue of cooperators having to wait on a waiting list for up to six years to transfer apartments. They agree that something should be done. As a result of several discussions, I will submit a Resolution directing Management to

adhere to the NY State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) regulation which states that one of every four available apartments shall be set aside and offered to an applicant on the outside waiting list. You may support this action by making your voice heard and writing a letter to the editor or to the Board Directors urging them to vote YES. Poin ting o ut th e p rob lems I applaud the Board Directors who speak out about the problems that exist in our community. I agree that Co-op City is a good and affordable community in which to live but things can always be improved. Why not seek perfection?

In my opinion, had it not been for a Board Director assessing that a US Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) loan would be better for the shareholders, Management would not be attempting to obtain it. I support the slogan “if you see something, say something.” But, when certain people “say something,” they are criticized. On the other hand,

Pentecostal Tabernacle The Pentecostal Tabernacle invites everyone to attend worship service at 120 Benchley Pl., Building 24, Bronx, N.Y. 10475.

Sunday School for all age group begins at 10:30 a.m. Midday services starts at11:30 a.m.

Wednesday evening prayer meeting begins at 7:30 p.m.

Bible study on Friday evening at 7:30 p.m.

F o c u s : The Miracle in the stormJesus walks on the things that cause us to fear.

And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, it is a spirit; and they cried out for fear: But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying.

Be of good cheer, it is I; be not afraid.

And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water And he said, come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried saying, Lord

when other people “say something” (the same thing), it is accepted.

Partic ipate I urge you to participate in the Co-op City community. Hopefully, the Board President will announce an Open Board meeting shortly.

Remember, EVIL AND GREED WILL PREVAIL WHEN GOOD PEOPLE SIT BACK AND DO NOTHING. There are many churches and organizations that you can join. Co-op City is your home. Join and support your Building Association. Your participation will make Co-op City an upstanding, stable community.

Should you be unable to resolve an issue through your Building Association, you may contact me for help: Francine R. Jones, Board Director, c/o Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475; 718-671-5957.

The holiday decorations were beautiful, especially in Building 20. I wish everyone a happy and healthy new year.

IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, call the Public Safety dispatcher at (718) 671-3050. Be sure to give as many details as possible since this will help Public Safety officers respond expeditiously to the correct location and to identify and apprehend the responsible person(s).

save me.

And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

Then they that were in the ship came and worship him saying, of a truth thou art the Son of God. (Matthew 14:26-33) Life is much like the ocean in that it is seldom calm, as quickly as the winds of one storm subside, the horizon dances with the clouds of another one approaching.

Just as Jesus was the key to the disciples, security on the sea that faithful night, He is our miracle in the storm of our lives.

The storm that arose frightened the disciples, and when they saw Jesus walking on the water, they thought they were seeing a ghost.

They cried out in fear, and Jesus revealed himself to them We should always keep our eyes on Jesus and not on the storms of life For further information, call 718-3240334 or 718-320-4218.

— R e v. R . S i b b l i e s

Happy Anniversary I’d like to congratulate my parents, Juan & Iris Tirado, on the celebration of their 59th wedding anniversary on January 8.

Mom and dad, you have been and continue to be a source of strength and inspiration to your family. We love you.

—R a ym o n d Ti r a d o

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Co-op City Times / January 21, 2012

Dr. King’s Legacy and Co-op City Celebrating the memory and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this past week, we recalled that at the time of his death, Dr. King was in Memphis, Tennessee, supporting city sanitation workers struggling for union recognition, for dignity, living wages and benefits, and safe working conditions.

Dr. King, who was also organizing a Poor People’s March on Washington at that time, recognized the role that unions play in fighting poverty.

Dr. King’s legacy is not advanced here in Co-op City when, in my opinion, the Board of Directors undermines union conditions by regularly approving the outsourcing of Riverbay work to non-union contractors.

On January 15, a frigid Sunday evening, I and other members of the Co-op City Coalition to Save Affordable Housing attended a Martin Luther King Day commemorative rally downtown sponsored by Transport Workers Union Local 100. Many members of TWU are Co-op City cooperators. The rally called on MTA to negotiate in good faith with TWU for a contract that is fair to the workers and capable of insuring safer, cleaner more reliable bus and subway service to the riders.

LAW S, RULES AND PR I VATI ZATI O N The rights of cooperators, in regard to community governance, are enumerated in the Riverbay By-Laws and in New York State housing and business laws. Those rights (which I believe should be greatly expanded) include electing members of the Board of Directors; adopting amendments to the By-Laws; petitioning with signatures of at least twenty-five percent of cooperators for a shareholders’ meeting to elect

Director’s Viewpoint

Bernard Cylich (replace) Board members and to amend By-Laws.

Also among those shareholder rights is the right of dissolution, which means to leave the Mitchell-Lama program—to privatize. A motion introduced at the Board’s closed meeting on December 14, 2011, would have approved a shareholders’ referendum authorizing up to $100,000 to study the feasibility of leaving the M-L program.

If the Board had adopted the motion, and if a majority of shareholders – 7,687 households – had voted “yes,” the first step to privatizing Co-op City would have been taken.

To be clear, the motion before the Board was not to privatize a step that is beyond its authority — but to approve a shareholders’ referendum. Although I am a strong opponent of privatization, I am also a strong proponent of participatory democracy, and therefore I would welcome an opportunity to debate the issue. But I voted against that motion authorizing a referendum because I believe that the overwhelming majority of cooperators oppose privatization. I have seen no evidence of mass support for privatization of our community, only an incessant drumbeat for it by City News, owned by a Connecticut real estate mogul and an editor who lives in Riverdale. I note, in fact, that following the Board’s rejection of the motion, its Board sponsor expressed dismay (in the City News) over the lack of community interest in privatization, admitting that he received only 6 phone calls in

Co-op City Toastmasters Co-op City Toastmasters Club is a warm and positive environment where one can improve their public speaking skills.

At our meetings, we work on giving planned and impromptu speeches and presentations and reducing, if not eliminating, the use of filler sounds and words. We also work on leadership roles and compete in speaking competitions.

Visit one of our meetings and see what Toastmasters is all about! Our next meeting will be at Bartow Community Center, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Room 28 on Thursday, January 19th at 7:30 p.m. sharp!

There’s free parking in Garage 4, directly in front of the community center. Please remember to bring your parking stub to the meeting for validation.

Please visit www.toastmasters46.org or call 1-800-WE-SPEAK for more information. You can also e-mail us at co-optoast masters@hotmail.com.

Here are some of our exciting past and upcoming programs:

• Last meeting, we had two inspiring and impactful speeches by two of our members. Derrick Small spoke about the book, “Rich Dad, Poor Dad,” which was the book that has had a significantly positive impact on his life, while Lauretta Jaysura’s speech was titled “Another DDay” which detailed how the events of 9/11 affected her personal and professional life on that fateful day. Both speeches were wonderful and showcased their everincreasing public speaking skills.

• Our Area Speech Contest that will have some of our club members in a very heated competition against one another to determine who the best “International Speech” and “Table-Topics’ speakers from our club are this year. The contest will take place at the Bartow Community Center, Room 28, on Thursday, February 16th at 7:30 p.m. Please feel free to come in and see an actual Toastmasters’ speech contest with your own eyes and to cheer the —Br ia n G illa r d speakers on!

Building 30 Association We have an email address. It is: Building30@hotmail.com.

This organization cannot work without the participation of the cooperators of Building 30 A&B. I hope that we can help each other.

Coming Events: We continue to look forward to Wednesdays when we happily attend our Crochet class at 1:00 p.m. We have a wonderful teacher, Linda Werner, who will teach you with a lot of patience. It’s great exercise for arthritic fingers. It’s a challenge and gratifying. Surprise someone with a hand-made gift. Try it! I’m sure that it will be greatly appreciated.

Building 30 Assn. Meeting is scheduled

for Wednesday, February 8. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the meeting starts promptly at 7:30 p.m.

Pokeno is scheduled for Friday, February 10 at 7:00 p.m. Don’t forget to bring your nickels. We play in the Bldg. 30 Assn. Room on the “B” side. Have a fun evening.

Check the Association Bulletin Board in your lobby for dates and times of events.

Make a difference!!

Good & Welfa r e: Speedy get well wishes to all who are under the weather. If you are celebrating a special occasion, an anniversary or a birthday, we hope that you enjoy your day.

SEE YOU SOON. M ir ia m E. Ber lofsky —M

support of his effort.

Without real cooperator interest in leaving the benefits of Mitchell-Lama, I gladly joined other Board members to defeat a motion that would have wasted time, energy, and funds.

At the same Board meeting I, and Director Andrea Leslie, also voted “No” when management sought approval of leases for Church of New Vision and Community Protestant Church. Both leases set rents that did not conform to a Riverbay resolution (#05-103) which limited rents for not-for-profit institutions to $3 a square foot.

TH ER E ARE RULES – AND TH ER E AR E RULE S A resolution adopted at a closed Board meeting back in April 2011, increased cooperator awareness of matters before the Board. It states that both the first and the second readings of resolutions under consideration will be published in the Co-op City Times. I welcomed this motion, which changed a prior 1997 Board resolution which only permitted the publication of second readings of resolutions.

What could be more desirable than keeping shareholders informed of current Board business, and permitting shareholder review and input? What’s wrong with increased Board transparency and enhanced cooperator participation?

The Board’s directive was passed in April 2011. Why did it take eight months for the first, first readings to appear in Coop City Times? And then only as one-line descriptions of the resolutions? The Board’s resolution clearly stated that “first and second readings of resolutions shall be published after Board meetings”—not one-

liners, and not eight months later!

Another important resolution was adopted at that meeting. It reaffirmed that the Board should hold a MINIMUM OF THREE OPEN MEETINGS a year with gallery session, but despite Board directives, there have been no open Board meetings with gallery sessions!

At an open Board meeting in November 18, 2009, the Board unanimously adopted a resolution directing management to submit, within 20 days, a Full Disclosure Statement about any interest or business relationship they had with Iris Baez, Peter Jordan, Ralph Longo, or Mike Pabon in the previous 10 years.

More than two years later, no such statement has come from management, nor has any demand been made for one. Board directives ignored with impunity make a mockery of the Board’s authority and are fertile soil for mismanagement.

It is a situation that cooperators’ need to pay attention to.

WATER & SE W ER TAXE S – A T SUNAM I ?

New York City water and sewer taxes have exploded to almost twice the amount we pay for shelter rent taxes. The increase amounts to $100 per family per month.

Various water conservation actions are being taken, and new proposals are being explored.

But all efforts seem like swimming against the tide. These taxes have a highly negative effect on every household in the city, including small homeowners. I believe the Board should initiate and help organize a citywide campaign to halt these draconian tax increases on those who can least afford them. Why not host a citywide conference on this issue right here in Co-op City?

Co-op City Times / January 21, 2012

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12

Co-op City Times / January 21, 2012

One of my primary goals for 2012 is to work with our community to dramatically improve Co-op City. That means that we're going to run Co-op City in a way that is beneficial to our overall best needs.

M a n a gem ent This community has to dictate our best interests to Management and make sure that we work together to accomplish our goals. And, part of the way that we do that is by having a good Board of Directors.

Now, as a Director, part of my job is to communicate with you and listen to what you have to say. And, this can be done by having meetings with you.

However, a line is drawn when I stop meeting with you. Then, the question becomes: Why don't I want to meet with you, the shareholders? Therefore, I cut you off. However, you put me into my position as a Board Director.

So, um, what happens at this point?

Do cooperators sit back and continue to wonder how we're going to get the things that we want for this community? Are we going to sit back and let Management run the show without cooperator input?

No! Again, I'm a cooperator just like you.

And there are many good things that I want for this community.

To start, I will do my best to make sure that a large group of parents never come before this Board, crying, and wondering where they're going to send their children during the daytime.

And, working with the entire community, I want to make sure that we accomplish our objectives with Management.

Will there be differences? Yes. However, effective Board Directors have to estab-

Setting the Standards Higher their response? Are you doing your part Director’s Viewpoint

Daryl Johnson lish the right business relationship with their management.

And, part of that simply means that we're going to evaluate the effectiveness of this business relationship.

Are our assets being managed properly? How are we controlling our budget lines? Are we deliberately adding on debt to the community? What's going on with the overtime? How many vehicles do we actually need in this community?

Are some of our commercial tenants in arrears? What amount of debt are we writing off from our commercial tenants?

Who approves the process of debt being written off? What about our cooperators?

How effective is our debt collection?

It's one thing for a group of people to criticize an establishment. It's a totally different thing for them to be able to prove that we're not doing a good job for this community.

That's why I want things to change around here. We have to rise up to a higher level and make sure that we're handling complaints effectively.

Do you have conditions in your apartment that need attention? Have you called the Maintenance Department? What was

of cooperating with our Maintenance Department?

Now again, please keep in mind that your cooperation is going to be needed to make things work properly here. So, that's why I want to lay everything out for you in my upcoming articles so that you will be able to clearly see the areas that need improvement here. And, then, you're going to have to decide how you want things to be here.

Bottom line: We need to be on the same page.

Coop er a t or s Sometimes, I receive letters from cooperators complaining about their neighbors. Complaints like, my neighbors mess up the hallways and the trash room.

They're noisy. They let their kids go crazy in the hallway. Their front door squeaks.

And, the list goes on.

Everyone, we're going to have to learn to work and live with one another in a peaceful way.

That means that we're going to have to cooperate with one another.

To start, have you exchanged words with one of your neighbors? If yes, then, let's see who can be the bigger person to at least say "hello."

Let me ask you something, if your neighbor approaches you and says hello, then what will you do? You mean to tell me that you would actually turn your back or be silent to your neighbor?

No! Please, determine that it's time to move on and make things better. You be the bigger person. Then, please make a point to break the ice and say "good morning" every day.

Now, the ice is broken and the both of you feel better. So, you sit down and you work everything out. From that point on, you'll be surprised how much you'll learn about your neighbors.

They have kids. So, you might learn that they're going through some rough times with their kids. Therefore, can you be a good neighbor and be helpful to that family?

Now, I understand that you might be nervous to approach them. So, please feel free to use this article or some of the points in here as a start.

Also, please make sure that you're doing your part. Do you send your kids into the trash room? If yes, then please check behind them and correct them if they throw anything on the floor. And, please remember that the trash rooms, the hallways, and the stairwells should be nice, clean, and tidy every single day. So, please teach your family to not throw anything on the floor.

Do your kids make a lot of noise in the hallways? If yes, then please tell them to keep the noise down before they go into the hallway. And, please think about your neighbors when your kids are playing in your apartment.

Okay, let's work together and make sure that we help one another. 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.

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

Zodiacs Track Club 2012 is starting out as if the Zodiacs are going to have its best blessing since the retirement of our Executive Advisor Robert Taylor. Zodiacs has 11 girls going to the Colgate Women's Games semi-finals on Saturday, January 21st. Robert and his daughter, Monifa Taylor, will be excited to know that we have 5 girls in the semi-finals for the 55 meter hurdles. As most will know, Monifa still holds the record since 1980 in the Elementary A and B in the Colgate Women Games 55 meter hurdles.

The following girls going to the semifinals in the hurdles are Shawneese Walker, Tori Peters, Lisha McKenzie, Jasymn Phillips and Jaelah Eargle. Other girls who qualified for the semi-finals are Aaliyah Wajid in the 1500 meter run, Adaria Reaves and Kendra Todd in the 55 meter race, Giovanna Tolbert in the 800 meter race, Pearl Webster in the Shot Put and Zodiacs for Life, Simone Grant in the

200 meter race. Good luck, girls As the girls were competing at the Colgate Women Games, the boys were racking up medals on Sunday, January 15th at the USATF LI meet in Suffolk Community College. They sent a message that they are not going to let the girls get all the attention.

The boys won over 35 medals, with some outstanding times. Congratulations to Nasir West, Lavon Everett, Julian Coley, Ralph Escobar, Adrian Swift Henry, Kendal Todd, Jordan Samuels, Kristian Cadiz, Joseph Webster, Micheal Rogers, Alix Scott, Eijah Harewood, Darius Gordon, Shem Spencer, Hugh Fraser, Keelan Thomas and Bobby Hood for medaling. Excellent job!!!!!!

All Colgate Semi-Finalists will compete on Saturday, January 11th at Pratt Institute and then meet the rest of the team for an afternoon meet at the YMCA Park Slope Armory in Brooklyn, NY sponsored by the (NYRR) New York Road Runners. All ath-

Notice to shareholders – Move out inspections Move Out Inspections will be conducted by Restorations on the same day the cooperator moves out of their apartment between the hours of 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to allow the inspectors a clear view of any and all work required to be done in the apartment. The inspector will walk through with the cooperator and indicate

those areas that are beyond normal wear and tear that occurred during their tenure.

The inspector will provide the quantities in square footage and/or items that will be charged back. The inspector will not indicate dollar amounts at the time of the inspection; That information will be provided to the cooperator at a later date.

letes not competing in the semifinals will meet the bus, sponsor by the NYRR in front of 100 Co-op City Blvd.

Note: Our children are what they eat, with all training in the world, if they don't eat right, they are limited on how much they can improve.

If you have or know of any children between the ages of 6 and 16 who are looking to utilize track and field to improve their horizon, please contact President Thomas Francis at 718-679-2060 or co-President Winston Dinkins at 914-441-6196, email WATCLT@AOL.COM or visit our website, ZODIACS TRACK.ORG. —Winston Dinkins

Zodiacs girls at the Colgate Women's Games.

Shareholders should notify Sales Office when receiving furniture delivery Shareholders who are expecting new furniture delivery should notify the Riverbay Residential Sales Office so that arrangements can be made to protect Riverbay’s property, particularly the elevators, from damage.

Once the Sales Office is contacted, and the cooperator confirms the date and/or time of their delivery, a permit will be issued in case they are questioned about the delivery.

The Sales Office can be contacted by calling (718) 320-3300, option 4.

Even if the shareholder cannot get to

the Sales Office right away to pick up their delivery permit, they should still contact Sales so that the information can be entered into the computer and the Riverbay Buildings & Grounds Department can be notified to pad the elevators and take any other necessary precautionary measures to protect Riverbay’s property from scratches and other damages.

Shareholders should also be aware that furniture deliveries are only allowed on weekdays and Saturdays, but not on Sundays.

Co-op City Times / January 21, 2012

13

Black Forum Next Defen sive Dr ivin g Our next defensive driving course will be held on Saturday, February 11, Rm. 1, Dreiser Community Center, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Call today to register, 718-320-8035.

Lower your insurance cost by 15% 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.

H ea lt h a ler t !

How much do you value your health?

Obesity has been linked to several maladies that afflict the very young to those in their golden ages. It has become all too

obvious that Co-op City needs to lose weight—not tomorrow, but now. To help you, the Black Forum is embarking on a new health program. Look out for dates.

Make this your new year’s resolution.

This program will last for some time to come whereby you will be taught how to cook and eat sensibly, as a new way of life. We expect to have programs in both the Dreiser and Einstein Centers. For more information, please call to register and begin a new way of life, 718-3208035. Don’t wait until it’s too late— YOUR HEALTH COMES FIRST. There’ll be guest speakers, nutritionist and motivational speakers to help you.

Bla ck For u m Aer ob ics in session Aerobics classes have begun. Classes are held every Monday and Wednesday,

Dreiser, Aud. A, 7:30 p.m. To register, please call (718) 320-8035. Nominal fee for each class.

Bla ck F or u m ’s Lyon s M a n e Tr a ck C lu b Try-outs are ongoing. A small fee is required for participation. For further information, or to register your child, please call (718) 320-8035.

E m er gen cy Food P r ogr a m - New H ou r s & Da ys We are now open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. in 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 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.

We Need You - J oin Us Tod a y Now is the time for us to get involved.

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 us or visit us in Room 20 in the Dreiser Community Center.

—Tony I llis

Broun Place Townhouse Association Our next meeting is scheduled on Thursday, January 26th at 7 p.m. in Room 28 at the Bartow Community Center. Let one of your resolutions be to attend the Association meetings. We need everyone to participate. There truly is power in numbers. Our scheduled guests are Ms.

Vanessa Aldea, our new CSO Manager, and Ms. Ellen Lehman from NYC TimeKeeping Project, which is a new volunteer program under the Dept. of Aging.

She will explain the program and distribute applications for those who are interested in participating. If you are having

any problems in your townhouse, you should be present at this meeting to speak with Ms. Aldea.

If you observe any suspicious activity, please call 9-1-1 first; then contact Public Safety at 718-671-3050.

We pray for a speedy recovery for all

our neighbors experiencing health challenges and to the homebound.

Congratulations to those celebrating a special event. You can also email us at brounplaceassoc@hotmail.com. Be good to yourself and everyone else.

M a r j or ie H elm s —M

NAACP, Co-op City Branch IMPORTANT, a bus trip on Monday, President’s Day, February 20, has been confirmed. The NAACP, Co-op City Branch has ONE bus going to “Ace in the Hole” the Royal Manor located in Bergen County, New Jersey. The bus leaves from Asch Loop near the Baychester Library at 9:30 a.m. SHARP. The headline show is: “Calypso Carnival” starring well-known Trinidad band, The Kutterz Band. Tickets are $75 per person (includes transportation and gratuities). Free cocktails are available the first hour of the family style luncheon, dancing and a boutique are on premises. Please call: Eleanor at (718) 3791297 or Lottie at (718) 379-3504 for further information. Reservations may be made by mailing a check to: “Co-op City Branch NAACP,” P.O. Box 753111, Einstein Station, Bronx, New York 10475. Seats are assigned as we receive your checks.

Tuesday, January 10 at the first Executive Committee meeting of the new year, the first ever at Bartow Community Center, member Alfred Lynch became our designated photographer and keeper of our events’ scrap book.

Congratulations and good luck to Mr. Lynch and thank you for accepting this responsibility. Everyone enjoyed seeing the photographs from Jubilee Day. The NEXT general meeting is this Tuesday, January 24th, at 7 p.m.

Members, please come out and participate in your branch of the NAACP. Join a committee; they include: education, health, youth, membership, civic engagement and others. Each offers an opportunity to contribute to the NAACP community.

Contact the NAACP by mail, P.O. Box 75-3111, Einstein Station, Bronx, NY 10475 or phone 718-671-7856. Visit the NAACP website: http://action.naacp.org/ or the New York State Branch website for more news.

How did you pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Sunday, January 15, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday? Many watched the documentary on “ Like It Is.” They aired the film showing Dr. King’s biography; the history of the Civil Rights Movement; what else was going on around the world and how the day became an American holiday. The documentary clearly depicts why we pay tribute to Dr. King and thus, why it was so important to make his birthday a holiday. It also explains the obstacles that had to be overcome to pass the legislation. We learned from this that foremost to Dr. King was to participate as a citizen and vote. To vote is to have power. As soon as you become eligible, register, respect his legacy. Next, join the campaign to get out the vote. Become a branch member today: http://action.naacp.org/ naacp-membership. Thousands of vol-

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. T h ose wh o d o n ot a r e su b j ect t o a com m u n it y com p la in t a n d p ossib le fin e.

Please be courteous to your fellow cooperators.

Thank you for your cooperation.

unteers are being trained to register voters. Particular concern exists regarding “newer” New York laws that seem to restrict significant portions of voters.

Your support is needed; become a member and learn how YOU can help.

Please write P.O. Box # 75-3111, Einstein Loop Post Office, to submit a tiding for our press release.

This press release is submitted with the approval of President Jeannette Graves.

—E va L a za a r

14

Co-op City Times / January 21, 2012

We deserve better!

Why are our so-called elected officials so silent? Do you even know our elected officials? We have politicians supposedly representing us in Co-op City, but we never seem to hear from them or see them except when they are passing out free plates of food at election time or being on trial as an embarrassment to this district. I don’t think a plate of chicken and rice is enough to justify these people holding elective office but somehow these politicians strut around like they are entitled to their offices, but what are they doing for the people of Co-op City?

I may not have liked some of our elected officials over the years I’ve lived in this community, however, the worst elected officials representing Co-op City twenty or thirty years ago were better than anyone we have now. That’s a sorry statement, but a true one, folks, and one we should not accept; We deserve better.

This community is a laughing stock among other districts, that such a forceful community as we are, such a powerful voting bloc we should be, and we are being bamboozled by not one, not by two, but by three elected officials. It’s time for change. We need real representation, people who care about our community and want and will fight for what’s best for us.

Director’s Viewpoint

Tony Illis Our roadways and sidewalks need repairs, our schools need improvements, but where are our elected officials? They are nowhere to be found.

From paying outrageous sums for unnecessary asbestos abatement work on our floor tiles, where there is no hazard, to needing repair work on our sidewalks, why are we being ignored or punished by government, whether state or local, and no one is speaking out on our behalf? To his credit, the former Assemblyman Stephen Kaufman has challenged the need for the asbestos abatement work and prepared an extensive report with the help of former DEP Commissioners, who say the abatement work is not necessary, and have conducted some 70,000 tests where none were positive, but that’s not enough.

We have to raise our voices and say, “Enough is enough!” Why are we the only housing in New York being forced to do this asbestos abatement work? I say we should either not be forced to do this or every other housing with similar floor tiles should be required to do such work.

Why are we being singled out? Why are we in Co-op City being selectively punished? We, as a board, need to hear from Mr. Kaufman to learn how best we can move forward without having to pay $4 million a year for this unnecessary asbestos abatement work. That’s the equivalent of a 4% carrying charge increase. Add that up and we have spent some $20 million for this work that no one else has to do. Just think what we could have done with this money, however instead, we have to pay an increase, and we have another 3% increase scheduled later this year. I say why, and we as a community need to demand answers.

Think of it, 70,000 tests. That’s not just seeking a second opinion, we have gotten 70,000 opinions and none are positive.

What more does it take? It’s a shame.

I don’t know if this community understands how we are being taken advantage of, how unfair this is. Perhaps we need a townhall meeting to inform and mobilize this community on how best we should proceed. This is a truly dreadful situation.

It’s incredible, the time and energy that has been wasted on the non-issue of privatization while we are being taken advantage of in so many other areas, storing garbage down in our basements, creating

more rodents and insects and we are burdened with the extra expense of picking up this garbage and taking it to a central location to be pick up. Who’s paying for this? Are we being reimbursed? Look at our laundry rooms where a contractor puts in machines, we pay for the water, the electricity, the gas, the cleaning, and what do we end up with but a minus profit, where we are spending more money than we should have to. Something has got to change. I’m not professing doomsday, but we have to become more cognizant and aware of what is going on around us.

This is my third week concentrating on a particular matter that needs attention, $20 million spent on unnecessary asbestos abatement work is $20 million, no matter how you look at it, and that is something we can’t afford, and the cost continues to rise this year, bringing it up to almost $25 million. It must stop! And that’s why I’m saying to you, we should ask this Board to convene a meeting with Mr. Kaufman and then have an open townhall meeting to begin to protest this intolerable situation.

Let’s talk about this, my fellow cooperators. Call me at (718) 320-8035, or email me at tonyshome10475@gmail.com — no attachments, please.

Debs Place Townhouse Association The next meeting of the Debs Place Townhouse Association will take place on January 12th, Dreiser Community Center, Room 1, at 7 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

We would like to thank all our Debs Place Townhouse members who took the time and effort to attend the meeting on January 12th Thanks to our two outstanding guest speakers who came from NYC

Environmental Protection Compliance Department to explain how to get rid of our kitchen grease without pouring it down your kitchen drain. Never pour your grease down the kitchen drain because it will clog the pipes in your apartment and the sewers. Clogged sewer lines cause sewage backups in your neighborhood and clogged sewer lines can cause sewage to be released into city water ways harming water quality and the

environment. Guest speaker Ms. Rose Maribetti and Mr. Charles G. Sturcken asked our members how we get rid of our kitchen grease. After receiving a few answers from our members, he suggested that you place the grease in a can and drop it in the trash. He said he will contact Riverbay and suggest that they locate a 55 gallon drum to dispose of the grease in the townhouses areas. The meeting came to a close after light refreshments

were served.

The next meeting will take place on February 9th at 7:00 p.m. sharp.

Association, membership dues is $10 per family, per year.

We’d like to wish a happy birthday to all our members who have a birthday in January. Get well wishes are extended to our sick and shut-in Debs Place Townhouse members.

—R ich a r d I . L a wson, J r.

Donizetti Building 4 Association Our meeting on January 12 was productive, but we missed you. First, there was the introduction of our new elected officers. The names will be posted on our bulletin board.

Our first venture for this year will be to collect our annual dues (building.)

The dues is $5 per household. Our goal is to have at least 75% of our building cooperators to become paid members (we can do it, right?)

Our second venture will be our annual bus trip to Atlantic City on March 31. So please, save that date.

This is one of our fundraisers for the building scholarship award. More information to follow.

A special thank you to Pauline who assisted with the removal of our outdoor decorations (You were a God-send!)

Happy birthday and get well wishes

to our sick and shut-in.

For your safety, if you see something, say something! This is OUR home.

Remember, if you don’t know the person, don’t open the lobby door!

—Yvon n e Bu r r u s

In Loving Memory - Prisca Alamo: Jan. 18, 1924 to Jan. 11,2012 Prisca Christina Alamo, age 87, faithfully departed this life on January 11 2012 at Westchester Square Hospital.

Ms. Alamo is survived by daughters, Christina Perez, Jeanette Osorio and granddaughter Prisca Salazar-Rodriguez. She also leaves behind great grandson “el galán,” José Andrés Rodriguez.

Prisca was born on January18, 1924 in Caguas, Puerto Rico, the eldest of 7 children from the union of Francisco Perez and Juana Alamo. During the late 40’s, she moved to New York. Through hard work and a deep love for family, she was able to bring her mother and other siblings to share in a chance for a better life.

Prisca Alamo moved to Co-op City in 1982 along with her daughter, Christina Perez, and granddaughter, Prisca, where she was one of the founding and active members of St. Michael’s Church on Co-op City Blvd.

She worked for the United States Post Office for over 20 years and upon her retirement, she decided to be a school crossing guard at P.S. 160 in Co-op City’s Education Park. She was defined by her strong character and lovely voice.

Prisca Alamo will truly be missed by her loving family, many friends and all those whose lives she touched.

Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want... and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Co-op City Times / January 21, 2012

15

Building 13 Association The next general membership meeting of Building 13 Association will be on Thursday, January 26, at 7:00 p.m. in the back of the building.

The next session of the Arts and Crafts Workshop facilitated by Ms. Gail and Ms. Denise will take place tomorrow, Sunday, January 22, from 12-3:00 p.m. in the Association Room. They have great new projects planned that will surely inspire your creativity. The arts and crafts program also wants to teach the youth how to make patchwork tote bags. Thanks go to Judy Steward who has secured two portable sewing machines for our use.

Anyone interested in helping or assisting is welcome. Contact the Social Committee. We anticipate beginning this project some time in February or March, 2012.

The December 2011 session of Women Keeping It Real was great and the conversation was spirited. Our next session will be held on Saturday, February 25, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Association Room of Building 13 (100 Casals Place). It’s an INSPIRING, INSIGHTFUL, INFORMATIVE and often HILARIOUS social gathering of women of all ages discussing various

issues. For our next meeting, it would be interesting to find out what women have motivated you. We are asking you to bring along some information to tell us about a woman who has inspired and encouraged you. She can be from the past or present and not necessarily famous. Remember! You must be 18 and over to participate. YOU and your friends are welcome. DON’T MISS IT! Mark your calendar for the return of Game Night. We will introduce a fun new game, scheduled for Saturday, March 10, time to be announced.

For information on any events, check the bulletin board or contact the Social Committee: Leslie Peterson at 718-3201370, Gail Sharbaan at 718-671-3801, Valerie Gunn at 718-862-0308 or e-mail us at building13assoc@yahoo.com.

Help us to improve the quality of ALL of our cooperators.

Report any criminal activities to Coop Public Safety at (718) 320-3050 and/or the 45th Precinct at (718) 8225411 For all NYC non-emergency inquiries, call 3-1-1.

—O lu biyi Seh in dem i (M r. B)

Building 18 Association Hi, neighbors.

Thank you to all who came down to our “Post Holiday Get Together” on Tuesday, January 10th. A good time was had by all. You helped to make this event a success. A special thanks to: Carlene Fowler, Deborah Hughes, Gloria Watson, Anne Campbell, Carol Adams, Lorraine Turner, Rita and Claire Merritt, our building president Helen Atkins and yours truly, for sharing your delicious

and preferred dishes with us and thank you for your monetary donations. Thank you to Renssilser Lee and the clean up crew.

Our next general meeting is scheduled for the (third) Tuesday, February 21. Please note the date. A guest speaker will be scheduled. Looking forward to seeing you at these meetings whenever possible. Let’s do it big and break the record in 2012.

Please continue to share your news with us. Send your articles to our e-mail address: BLDG18newsletter@aol.com.

Keep them coming, our publisher Lee Spamgenberg, needs your input and we love hearing from you.

Lawson Men’s meetings continue every other Thursday. Remember, it is not just for men. All are welcome.

May whatever occasion you encounter this month be what you want it to be.

Happy birthday to all who are celebrating their special day this month.

Our profound sympathies go out to Lisa Rosa and family in the loss of her husband and loved one, Luis Rosa. To the bereaved families, we give our sincere sympathies and to the sick and homebound, we wish you a speedy recovery.

Remember: If you SEE something, SAY something.

—G er t ie Br own

Building 11 Association On Monday, January 9, the Building 11 Association resumed its 2012 Building Association meeting.

“Happy Holidays” to all our fellow shareholders, we trust that you had time to spend with family, loved ones and friends.

As we have been reporting, our new year, 2012, kicked off with words of encouragement and inspiration by Ms. Diana Garcia at our scheduled time, 7:35 p.m. Ms. Deborah Henry then informed our shareholders that our porters will begin cleaning the convertors on January 17, and if someone is not home, they will leave a notice with a phone number to call for an appointment.

Our Community Board 10 meeting is scheduled for January 19, and all are invit-

ed to attend. As always, one of Building 11 Association’s, Executive Committee person will attend. Shareholders are encouraged to dispose of grease in a jar/container and place it with a top on the floor in the compactor room - working together, we prevent clogging of waste pipes and save the earth for future generations.

Clarity from last meeting - there are nine red clothing bins in our community and items are picked up three times per week. The Riverbay Fund receives ten cents (0.10) per pound. Notices have been placed on the bins and in our newspaper instructing people not to leave the bags outside of the bins or on the ground.

Building 11 Association is reaching out to our fellow shareholders as we are seeking a volunteer for our “Sergeant at Arms.”

If you are interested, please see one of the Executive Committee members for details.

Shareholders are also encouraged to view the beautiful pictures from our 2011 Senior Brunch. We want to continue to express our thanks and appreciation to our fellow shareholders who assisted us in the lobby holiday decoration. Please note, our 2012 Annual Dues collection is coming and shareholders are advised to watch the bulletin boards for the scheduled dates. Shareholders, you are to call 3-1-1 regarding trip and fall conditions outside of your buildings and across the street. You are also asked to help building staff by encouraging your neighbors and visitors not to dispose of their cigarettes in the stairways, elevators and the lobby.

We want to thank our guest speakers,

“Pain Management Services of New York,” Mr. Stephen Segall, Dr. Ari Lerner and Eirth Blake. They provided a lively discussion of the impact of pain on one’s daily life and the various methods their practice uses to reduce and relieve pain.

Shareholders asked several questions and were interested in their presentation. We also want to say “thank you” to Life Spire for their continued support and presence in our community.

Our next Building Association meeting will be held Monday, February 6, at 7:30 p.m., and in keeping up with the changing economy, our guest speaker will be Mr. Merrick Dammar, Esq. Our meetings are open to our fellow shareholders and all are welcome to join us.

—K r yst a l Ser r a n o

Cooperators United Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 24, 7:00 p.m., Bartow, Room 31. Our guest speaker will be General Manager Vernon Cooper who will update us on the Riverbay Building Maintenance Program.

The Riverbay Fund and JASA are planning a Saturday, March 31, Cabaret Lulu’s Jukebox Serenade event celebrating the music of Pearl Bailey, Ray Charles, etc. at 2:00 p.m., Dreiser Auditorium. Tickets are $10 per person (group tickets of ten will be a total of

$90). At this event, BYOF&B. Thanks to all who sent in the Postal Service Questionaires. Although a decision will not be made before May, let’s keep the pressure on.

Congratulations to all who are celebrating a special day this month. Our

In Memoriam-One Year Later One year ago this week, my beloved mother, Anne Fedderman, passed away into eternal life. This past Sunday, our family visited Beth Israel Cemetary in Woodbridge, New Jersey to unveil her headstone. This ceremony is usually performed within one year after someone’s passing.

One year later, I offer some thoughts about what has transpired since that day. I have obviously continued to perform my duties in the office of Congressman Eliot Engel. My parents were work oriented people—they would expect no less from me. I have spent almost the entire year dealing with bill collectors from local hospitals and rehabilitation facilities. That

task is just about completed. I have not gotten rid of all of her clothes yet. I guess that I will get around to that as well. These are responsibilities that go along with being the trustee of her affairs. I accept that graciously.

The hardest part of this year has been to come to terms with the loss of a person who gave birth to me; nurtured me; fed and clothed me; went to every open school week for me; guided me through college; defended all my critics and watched me grow into the person that I have become. This is a role that she accepted graciously. For all this, I am forever grateful.

I can only hope now to forge a new life

for myself. I have a great job and wonderful friends who have made this year bearable. I am grateful for them. I know that sometimes time softens hurt and heartbreak. But there are also times when emotional holes cannot be filled. I guess that only time will tell how it all turns out.

I will never say goodbye to my mom and best friend, Anne Fedderman. To say goodbye would be to leave someone or something behind. That I will never do. I was a very lucky kid to have her as my mother (my dad as well). Since I know that she would never leave me behind, I can only hope that she is my guardian angel— to watch over me—as she always has.

—R ich a r d Fed der ma n

thoughts and prayers go out to all who are sick, lost relatives/friends, our shutins and to our troops.

If you see something, say something. We can be reached at MLSAH@aol.com.

—Son j a M a xwell

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Co-op City Times / January 21, 2012

Co-op City Times / January 21, 2012

17

18

Co-op City Times / January 21, 2012

Second Reading - Resolutions #11-99 SUBM I T T E D BY: K h a lil Ab d u l-Wa h h a b SE C O NDE D BY: E lea n or Ba iley BOAR D O F DI R E C T O R S M E E T I NG , DAT E D: J a n u a r y 18t h , 2012 W H E R E AS, AVANTECH, INC. is doing work under Contract # 2602, Water Treatment System & Auxiliary Equipment; and W H E R E AS, a Change Order One (1) is requested due to the original specification calling for an Allen-Bradley Micrologix PLC for the control system, which was subsequently determined to be inadequate; and

W H E R E AS, STANTEC, Project Engineers, recommends Riverbay Corporation purchase the P L C C on t r ol Syst em Up gr a d e (F lex I /O O p t ion ).

This option provides not only the Control Logix PLC, but will also provide the hardware and software to support the single cable AB Flex I/O and its corresponding network (ControlNET) with a 15 inch display as well as still meet all other requirements specified originally; and W H E R E AS, the recommended option will dramatically minimize field wiring cost and save on the overall construction costs. It is an estimated savings of 5 times the amount of this change order since the “original” system would

require the running of rigid conduit, standard wire and labor. The upgraded system will only need a few Ethernet cables and EMT piping and the upgrade expands interfacing capabilities; and W H E R E AS, the Change Order calls for an additional cost of $19,700.00 and the Project Manager and Project Engineers are in agreement. (See attached memorandum from Project Manager dated October 10, 2011 and STANTEC correspondence dated October 7, 2011).

NOW T H E R E F O R E , L E T I T BE R E SO LVE D: that the proposed Change Order One (1) to Contract 2602 with AVANTECH, INC. (o r ig in a l con t r a ct a m ou n t

$1,140,003.00 + C O 1 $19,700.00 b r i n g s n ew c o n t r a c t a m o u n t t o $1,159,703.00) be approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and amended by Board of Directors Resolution 95-44 and the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.

YE S: At k in s, Ba iley, C ylich , I llis, F. J on es, O wen s, Sa n t ia go, Sh a p ir o, Ab d u l-Wa h h a b NO : J oh n son ABSE NT: G or d on , G r a h a m , O .

J on es, L eslie, T ir a d o PASSE D

R E SOLVE D, that the lease agreement for the premises at 161 Dr eiser L oop , Bronx, New York, by and between Riverbay Corporation, Owner, and Dr eiser Du r a b le M ed ica l E q u ip m en t , I n c., Tenant, containing the terms as negotiated by Riverbay Corporation’s management is hereby approved as submitted by management in accordance with Resolution #85-16 as amended by Resolution #95-44; and be it

F URT H E R R E SO LVE D, that the President of the Corporation is authorized to sign the lease agreement and related documents on behalf of Riverbay Corporation.

YES: Atkins, Bailey, Cylich, Illis, Johnson, F. Jones, Owens, Santiago, Abdul-Wahhab ABSE NT F O R VOT E : Sh a p ir o ABSE NT: G or d on , G r a h a m , O .

J on es, L eslie, T ir a d o PASSE D

the original contract shall remain in effect throughout contract extension; and W HE R E AS, the Project Manager is in agreement as noted on the attached memorandum dated 12/2/2011.

NOW T HE R E F O R E , L E T I T BE R E SO LVE D: that the proposed Change Order One (1) to Contract 2594 with GE Mobile Water, Inc. for the not to exceed cost of $683,489.10 (Total contract amount including Change Order #1 will be $1,156,703.40) be approved as submitted by Management in

accordance with Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and amended by Board of Directors Resolution #95-44 and the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.

YE S: At k ins, Ba iley, C ylich , I llis, J oh n son , F. J on es, O wen s, Sa n t ia go, Sha p ir o, Ab d u l-Wa h h a b ABSE NT: G or d on , G r a h a m , O .

J on es, L eslie, T ir a d o PASSE D

Second Reading - #11-100 SUBM I T T E D BY: Kh a lil Ab d ul-Wa hh a b SE C O NDE D BY: E lea n or Ba iley BOAR D O F DI R E C T O R S M E E T I NG DAT E D: J a n u a r y 18t h , 2012 W H E R E A S, D r e i s e r Du r a b l e M ed ica l E q u ip m en t , I n c. has requested a lease from Riverbay Corporation for the

premises at 161 Dr eiser L oop (809 sq , ft .), Bronx, New York, to be used t o sell d u r a b le m ed ica l eq u ip m en t ; and W HE R E AS, the term of the lease is five yea r s and annual rental rates are within the provisions of Resolution #85-16 as amended by Resolution #95-44; and W H E R E AS, an inquiry was requested with the Better Business Bureau which resulted in no negative findings; and NOW, T H E R E F OR E , BE I T

Second Reading - Resolution #11-102 SUBM I T T E D BY: Kh a lil Ab d ul-Wa hh a b SE C O NDE D BY: E lea n or Ba iley BOAR D O F DI R E C T O R S M E E T I NG , DAT E D: J a n u a r y 18t h , 2012 W H E R E AS, GE Mobile Water, Inc. is doing work under Contract 2594, Water Treatment Equipment - executed February 8, 2011; and W H E R E AS, a Change Order is

requested to extend contract for one (1) additional year due to the per m a nen t wa t er t r ea t m ent p la n t not scheduled to be completed until early 2013; and W HE R E AS, additional monies will be needed in the amount of $683,489.10. This amount includes pricing for rental of the units, demurrage charge, as well as freight charges and fuel service charges; and W H E R E AS, the total for the extension includes a 7% increase over last year which goes into effect on January 1, 2012. All other terms and conditions in

Second Reading - Resolution #11-104 SUBM I T T E D BY: E velyn Sa n t ia go SE C O NDE D BY: K h a lil Ab d u l-Wa h h a b BOAR D O F DI R E C T O R S M E E T I NG , DAT E D: J a n u a r y 18t h , 2012 W H E R E A S, the Contracts Department sent out forty-nine (49) requests for proposals for Bid #2703, Replacement and Repair of Sidewalks at Various Locations; and W H E R E AS, we received nine (9) proposals; and W H E R E AS, bids were reviewed in detail by the Project Manager and Project Architect and; W H E R E AS, the Project Manager and Project Architect have concluded JB Contracting, Inc. is the lowest responsible bidder (Recommendations attached).

NOW T H E R E F O R E , L E T I T BE R E SO LVE D: that the proposed contract 2703 with JB Contracting, Inc. at a not to exceed cost of *$200,000.00 over one (1) year be approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and amended by Board of Directors Resolution #95-44 and the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.

YE S: At k in s, Ba iley, I llis, J oh n son , O wen s , Sa n t ia go, Sh a p ir o, Ab d u lWa h h a b NO : C ylich ABSTAI N: F. J on es A B S E NT : G o r d o n , G r a h a m , O .

J on es, L eslie, T ir a d o PASSE D

MetroCard Bus to visit Co-op City in two weeks The MetroCard Bus will be visiting all three Co-op City locations again next month, enabling customers to sign up for or refill their Reduced-Fare MetroCard, purchase or add money to an existing Metrocard, and purchase E-Z Pass On the Go tags.

On Thursday, February 2 and again on Thursday, February 16, the MetroCard bus will be at the Bartow Mall on Co-op City Blvd. (in front of the Bingo Hall and the eyecare center), from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; at Dreiser Loop (Park on Debs Place) from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and at Einstein Loop (Elgar Place) from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

MTA New York City Transit advises its customers that there are two kinds of traveling MetroCard

Service Centers: the MetroCard Bus and the MetroCard Van. The MetroCard Bus, which stops in Co-op City, travels around the city, stopping at senior citizen centers, shopping centers and along major bus routes. Customers can handle all of their MetroCard needs, whether it is applying for or refilling a ReducedFare MetroCard, buying or refilling a regular MetroCard or asking MetroCard-related questions. Senior citizens and people with disabilities may apply for the Reduced-Fare MetroCard on the Bus. They will need photo ID and seniors must show proof of age (at least 65 years old).

For more MetroCard information, please visit the MTA’s website at www.mta.info and click on Fares and Tolls.

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Co-op City Times / January 21, 2012

Riverbay’s Portico program enhances flooring choices for shareholders

BY ROZAAN BOONE Riverbay Corporation is a participant in the Mohawk Industries’ Portico Program which offers quality carpeting and flooring to shareholders of Co-op City at discounted prices while also contributing a minimal percentage of the annual sales back into Riverbay’s general fund to help offset the community’s expenses.

This program is open to both incoming and current shareholders of Co-op City and is available through TriState Interiors located at 2925 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, N.Y. 10461. Incoming shareholders are given a voucher to offset the cost of the base carpeting/flooring 100%, while current shareholder can either replace or purchase carpeting/flooring at reasonable prices. All shareholders can also upgrade their choices if they choose to do so with incoming shareholders utilizing their vouchers and paying the difference of the upgrade.

According to Riverbay’s Ombudsman, Joe Boiko, in researching the community’s

flooring options several years ago when the carpeting that was used previously was discontinued, it was found that the vendor, Mohawk Industries, has a program that is designed for homebuilders, but because of the size of Co-op City, Mohawk agreed to extend the program to Riverbay Corporation as well.

“We felt that the products that Mohawk offered were better suited to the needs of the corporation,” said Boiko. “We know what the shareholders like and would want and having worked with Mohawk in the past since they were also the manufacturer of the previous carpeting that was used in the development, we decided to go with their portico program.”

This new program offers two base carpets, a plush which comes in 36 colors that shareholders can choose from—and which is a green product—as well as a Berber which has 6-8 different color choices.

“From here, incoming shareholders can upgrade to 3-6 different styles in each cat-

egory,” said Boiko. “Should they choose to upgrade, the value of the voucher that Riverbay gives them will be used towards the upgrade and they just merely pay the difference.”

New shareholders who choose not to carpet can use their vouchers towards other style floors, such as Pergo floors, vinyl flooring, vinyl wood look style flooring, ceramic tiles, and the new Riverbay 9x9 developed specifically for Riverbay by Mohawk, as well as a whole host of other choices, Boiko said.

On the other hand, current shareholders who would like to put down carpeting/flooring, redecorate or change their existing carpeting or flooring, can also make their purchases through the new Portico program, which also includes the Mohawk wood floors that Riverbay uses in the apartments.

“All current cooperators who choose to redecorate or upgrade their carpeting or flooring can go to TriState Interiors and tell

them that they live in Co-op City and would like to look at the carpeting or flooring available through the Portico program,” Boiko said. “From there, they can choose whatever they like from low end which is excellent carpet, to a very high end carpet and purchase from the company directly who will also install the carpeting for them.”

Boiko added that while the shareholders benefit in that they will get quality carpeting and flooring at discounted prices from Tri-State compared to other carpet/flooring companies, Riverbay also benefits in that the corporation will receive a rebate of approximately 2-4% of all annual sales which will go back into the corporation’s general fund.

“This program is a win-win situation for everyone,” said Boiko. “It offers quality flooring, it offers discounts and, at the same time, it offers a minimal rebate at the end of the year which goes back into the general fund so it helps to offset some of Riverbay’s expenses as well.”

A.G. announces settlements requiring health insurers to publish accurate provider directories NEW YORK– Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman this week announced settlements with eight major health insurance companies, requiring them to ensure the accuracy of provider directories posted on their websites by removing providers who no longer participate with the plans and correcting listing errors for providers who are in the plans.

The settlements also require insurers to implement new business practices for updating their online provider directories in a timely manner going forward, and to pay restitution to consumers who paid more than they should have because they went to providers their insurers erroneously listed as in-network.

The companies with which Attorney General Schneiderman has reached agreements are: Empire HealthChoice HMO, Inc., Empire HealthChoice Assurance, Inc., Health Insurance Plan of Greater New York, HIP Insurance Company of New York, United HealthCare of New York, Inc., Oxford Health Plans of New York, United HealthCare Insurance Company of New York and Vytra Health Plans.

“Consumers are entitled to accurate information from their health care insurers, especially for something as basic as whether or not their doctor is in their network,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “Inaccurate directories lead to delays in care and additional costs to the consumer, particularly when that consumer winds up seeing a doctor who is not actually a provider in the plan and pays out of pocket. These settlements fix inaccurate provider directories and their significant negative impact on consumers.”

The Attorney General’s Health Care Bureau commenced an investigation into the accuracy of the online provider directories after receiving consumer and provider complaints through its Health Care Bureau Helpline.

The investigation uncovered inaccurate listings that wasted consumers’ time, and delayed access to medical care by forcing consumers to find another physician after discovering — through a phone call or sometimes upon arriving at an appointment — that their physician was no longer participating in the plan.

Consumers also experienced delays in accessing medical care when participating doctors were listed with incorrect contact information, or when their doctors referred them to providers on the list who were no longer participating in the plan.

In addition to the insurers and network companies agreeing to reform their business practices and fix their provider directories, the companies in today’s settlement have agreed to: • Update their online provider directories within 30 days of receiving verified provider information going forward and track changes; • Refund consumers for amounts paid for services rendered by non-participating providers who were listed in the online provider directory at the time they received services; • Prepare and file reports on a regular basis with the Office of Attorney General on the status of continual correction of their directories; • Engage an independent entity to audit their compliance with the settlement; • Log complaints related to the accuracy of participating provider listings and document how each complaint was resolved; and Collectively pay $60,000 in costs to cover the Attorney General’s investigation.

In December 2010, the Office of Attorney General reached settlements with health insurers Aetna, CIGNA, GHI, and with Magnacare, L.L.C. and Multiplan, Inc., companies that created networks of doctors and other providers and leased the networks to insurers for them to use as

their participating providers. Those settlements, like the one reached earlier this week, require the network companies to fix online directories they provide insurers and to reform their business practices to

maintain updated directories.

Consumers with questions or concerns about health care matters may call the Attorney General’s Health Care Bureau Helpline at 1-800-428-9071.

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Co-op City Times / January 21, 2012

Williamsbridge Club 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 from September to June. We are always looking for new members with a like mind to join us.

Today, January 21, there will be an Economic Development Seminar in Room 4 at Dreiser Center from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

This seminar is open to the community and we look forward to your participation.

Ombudsmen are men of the community interested in decreasing the high school drop out rate of our community youth.

The Ombudsmen will sponsor a forum “Addressing the Challenges of Minority Males: A Vital Need for Mentoring,” on Thursday, January 26, 6 p.m., Auditorium A, Dreiser Center. This forum is open to all in the community; You are invited to participate. If you are interested in joining the Adult Club or the Ombudsmen, call Sandra Hall, Membership Director, 917-

972-7732.

The Youth Club consists of youth 12 to 18 years of age. TheYouth Club is dedicated to community service, education, technology and activism. The Youth Club is open for new members. Youth are invited to attend our next youth meeting, scheduled for January 25, at 5 p.m. in Room 1 Dreiser Center. If youth are interested in developing leadership skills, you should call Sylvia Hicks, Youth Advisor, at 917921-5445 or the Membership Director, Sandra Hall, at the above telephone number and join the youth of your community.

Information about the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. may be found at www.nanbpwc.org. You may contact us at our mailing address: Williamsbridge Club, Post Office Box # 6, Co-op City Station, Bronx, New York 10475.

If you are interested in rendering community service, assisting with any of our programs or require more information, call Eloise Paige, First Vice President, at 917-868-0331. Thank you for your continued support.

Building 32 Association Our first general membership meeting of 2012 will be held on Tuesday, January 24 at 7:30 p.m. The theme of our meeting will be “Celebration,” celebrating another year, the great cooperators who live in Building 32, and the events we would like to put in place for 2012. Please come and give your input on our plans for weekly movie matinees with popcorn, a book club, an early springtime trip to a casino, a trip to the Westchester Broadway

Theater, a Flea Market, and a trip to Penn Dutch. We would also like to have a knitting/crocheting group if anyone with the necessary skills can volunteer a few hours per week.

Additionally, we will have a special guest speaker, and we celebrate her return to good health after an illness that kept her from attending our last meeting in 2011.

Ms. Juanita Net, Director of Cooperator Services, will be present with information

you both want and need. Ms. Net, a long term Riverbay employee, is in charge of all three Cooperator Service Offices. She will acquaint us with proper procedures, what we are entitled to, and how to get it. There will be a question and answer period. This will be quite informative and beneficial to all cooperators in Building 32.

Membership dues for 2012 will remain at five ($5) dollars per family for the year. Dues collections will start on the

first Saturday in February; you are welcome to pay your dues at the meeting, if you wish. Our meeting room is in the rear of Building 32B. Celebratory refreshments will be served, and there will be a door prize, raffle, and 50/50. A special invitation is extended to new cooperators, who can see for themselves the benefits of having a Building Association, and belonging to it.

—L or n a Sm it h

Harriet Tubman Independent Democratic Club The new and improved HTIDC will meet on Tuesday, February 7, at Einstein Community Center, Room 35 at 7:00 p.m. First, we would like to thank all the new members and look forward to our former members who are anxious to become engaged DEMOCRATS. Dues are only $20 yearly. We are recruiting members who are willing to work in harmony with others. Our purpose is to provide a strong, honest, active liberal, and independent, Democratic organization in the Co-op City portion of the 12th Council District, Bronx County. We encourage the enrollment and participation of all persons of all ethnicities who subscribe to its principles. The new and improved club will seek support for pub-

lic and party office candidates who are of liberal conviction, ability, integrity, and who are dedicated to public services; to encourage the appointment of qualified public officials and employees; and to oppose patronage abuses. We will participate actively in the civic affairs of the community and to further the general welfare of all citizens of the community (affordable housing). We will seek to obtain election of District Leaders, State Committee Persons and Judicial Delegates by direct vote of enrolled Democratic voters.

There shall be a Campaign Committee which shall direct and supervise the activities of the club in the Presidential Election and in all primary and general

elections in which the club participates. A Chairman shall be appointed by the President. Not only do we expect to assist in the re-election of President Barack Obama, but will educate the public each week about his accomplishments. We will be planning fundraising activities to assist the President and states across the country weighing photo ID laws; changes that will impact older and minority citizens and curtail the right to vote.

For those of you who say FORGET POLITICS, Fannie Lou Hammer reminds us that “what we eat is politics.” We know what the “Tea Party” and Republicans think about older and minority citizens and don’t have time to be comfortable because a Black family is in the White

House. We need to come together as a community and work for the election of Democrats from top to bottom. We encourage cooperatives to join us if you are interested in running for any local, state or federal office.

To assist in inspiring us at our meetings, we will spend the first 15 minutes listening to the voice on CD of Fannie Lou Hammer about her travel/beating in 1956 in Mississippi attempting to register Negroes to vote. “You can pray until you faint, but if you don’t get up and do something God is not going to put it in your lap,” says Fannie Lou Hammer.

Call 718-320-8088 for a membership application.

—Evelyn M. Turner

National Council of Negro Women The Book Club’s first meeting of the new year will be on Saturday, January 28, at 3:30 p.m. at Barnes & Noble. Due to the snowstorm in October, we will be discussing our October selection: “ On Black Sisters Street” by Chika Unigwe.

Come prepared with some interesting new titles.

The NCNW Saturday School classes are back in session. New students who register in January, for half the year, will pay half the fees. Our school has licensed

teachers who work with children in grades 2-8 to strengthen their reading and computational skills. In addition, an art teacher spends their snack break at 11 a.m. helping them to learn to appreciate fine art.

Sa ve t h e Da t es: February 25, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., 11th Annual NCNW Black History Youth Celebration, Dreiser Community Center 1, Auditorium B. This event will be in collaboration with the Riverbay Fund. If any youth or youth

groups are interested in volunteering and showcasing their talent, please call (917) 399 2643.

Apr il 28—Co-op City Section will be celebrating its 41st Anniversary at Marina Del Rey, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Tickets: $100. Our Theme: “Facing Greater Challenges and Renewed Commitments.” Guest Speaker: Judge Laura Douglas, Bronx County, Supreme Court. For ticket information, contact: 718-671-6910, 718-538-8606, 718-320-

2366, 718-671-4804.

Feb r u a r y 26—Theatre members will be going to see the new play “Hunt Village” by Katori Hall. Tickets: $25.

To our sick and shut-in, you are not forgotten. You are in our thoughts and prayers daily. Please contact Sadie Gilmore, 718-671-3721, to notify us of birthdays, illness or bereavement.

Happy birthday to our January members.

—M a xin e Su lliva n

Iglesia Cristiana Marcos 16:15 Pastor Fernando Figueroa and Pastor Thomas Garrett and the congregation of Iglesias Cristiana Marcos 16:15 want to wish everyone a very happy and prosperous New Year. We extend an invitation to all our brothers and sisters who want to come and join us in praising the most high God. Brothers and sisters of all cultures, all races, and all ages are welcome. If you need to see the Lord manifesting his grace

in your life, need a prayer or just a friend to speak to; If you need a closer relationship with the Lord, we are here for you.

C on fessin g a n d r ej ect in g C h r ist : Those who declare publicly that they belong to me, I will do the same for them before my father in heaven. But those who reject me publicly, I will reject before my father in heaven. Matthew 10.32-33.

Advertising works!

C HUR C H H OUR S: SPANI SH Tuesday: Prayer Service, 8:00 p.m.

Friday: Bible Study, 8:00 p.m.

Sunday: Sunday School, 10:00 a.m.— Evangelistic Service, 12:00 p.m.

C H UR C H HO UR S: YO UT H SE RVI C E BI L I NGUAL Saturday: 7:30 p.m.

We have a live band of very young and talented musicians.

C h u r ch H ou r s: E n glish Sunday: Evangelistic Service, 4:00 p.m.

All are welcome. We are located in the Section 5 community center, Room 42.

For any questions or prayers, call 718671-6112 or 247-275-5500 God bless you and may the Lord’s face shine upon you.

—P a st or s Fer na n d o & T h om a s

Call 718.320.3300, ext. 3384 for our affordable rates.

Co-op Insurance

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Co-op City Times / January 21, 2012

The Wright Agency: Serving Co-op City for 31 years!

Riverbay Requires Current Co-op Shareholders to Obtain Coverage!

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22

Co-op City Times / January 21, 2012

African-American Association G en er a l M em b er sh ip M eet in g – Thanks to all our members and friends who attended our meeting last Saturday.

Your input was meaningful. We discussed the sacred meaning of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Also, we are planning an Indoor Bazaar and Cake Sale on March 10th to support our Annual Scholarship Fund and asking the community to donate your gently used clothing, appliances, jewelry, etc., as well as cakes and/or pies. More information will follow.

The meeting ended with refreshments and a birthday celebration for Martha Barboza, our newest member, whose birthday falls in January.

Following our meeting, some members visited Dr. Yosef A.A. benJochannan, the infamous Afrocentric historian and Egyptologist, at the nursing home. He appears to be doing well and is in good spirits.

Our next general membership meeting

is Saturday, February 11th, 4:00 p.m. in the Dreiser Center, Room 15.

The following are ongoing programs sponsored and/or supported by the African-American Association and we encourage you to participate: Belly Da n ce C la sses – Mondays at 7:00 p.m., Dreiser Center, Room 2. Call Norma-Jean O’Garro, 646-281-4570.

C om p u t er /L a p t op C la sses – Learn all there is to know about Microsoft Word, the Internet, E-mail, Facebook, Skype, and much more. Bring your laptop and $5. Members get one FREE class.

This class meets every 2nd and 4th Monday, in Dreiser Center, Room 15.

Call 718-379-5555.

Yoga & P ila t es M a t C la sses – Tuesdays, 7:15 p.m., Dreiser Center, Room 2. Call Meena Sharpe-Hicks, 718671-8364.

Busin ess Op p or t u n it y Wor k sh op – Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m. in the Dreiser

Center, Room 2. Call Kevin Lambright, 646-721-8185.

J ob s/E n tr ep r en eu r ia l Wor k sh ops – These workshops will be held on the first Thursday, the next one being February 2nd, 7:00 p.m., Dreiser Center, Room 15.

Call Roger Toppin, 718-320-1424.

E d u ca t ion – The Per Ankh Study Group, led by Brother Kaba Hiawatha Kamene, meets every 1st and 3rd Monday, 7:00 p.m., Dreiser Center, Room 15. There will be no meetings during February.

Bla ck Hist or y M ont h Film Festival – You are cordially invited to the Association’s 15th Annual Black History Month Film Festival to be held on Saturday, February 4th, featuring the following: “The Karate Kid” stars Jaden Smith, Jackie Chan, Taraji P. Henson, 12:00 p.m.

“The Journey of the African-American Athlete” – A documentary, 2:15 p.m.

“The Marva Collins Story” stars Cicely

Tyson and Morgan Freeman, 4:15 p.m.

The Durban 400 – A documentary, 6:00 p.m.

“Lady Sings the Blues” stars Diana Ross and Billy Dee Williams, 7:00 p.m.

Please try bringing at least one child to at least one film, as well as your family, friends and neighbors for an afternoon of great edu-tainment. The suggested allday adult donation: $5. Refreshment will be available.

M emb er sh ip – We always welcome new members. You can join or renew your membership at any time. If you cannot attend a meeting, you may send your check or money order (DO NOT MAIL CASH) of $15 for a single membership and $25 for families to: African-American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475.

Your membership helps to support this organization that sustains our community.

—F r a n cin e R eva J on es

American Legion Post 1871 Our Post is located in the Section 5 community center, 135 Einstein Loop, Room 41. Our office phone number is 718-320-8165 and you can also reach us by e-mail at post1871@optimum.net.

Greetings to all of our comrades who are home-bound and recovering from various medical operations.

Happy birthday to all of our Post members who have a birthday in January: Hector R. Rosado, Earl Smith, Hector M. Rosario-Flores, Julio Figueroa, Lowell A. James, Nehemiah Eutsey, Lenard Blasiovich, Jr. Rodney Goulding, Sr. Richard A. Shade, Roben 0. McCann, Jr. and Thomas L. Gratison.

If I have forgotten to include your name

for your birthday, please let me know ASAP and I will include your name in the next edition in the Co-op City Times.

For all our Post members, here is a list of the up and coming events for our Post members. Are you ready to “HIRE A VETERAN” for 2012? Raffle books will be in the mail by first week in February so start getting your customers lined up. Our new pool table will be in the Post some time this month. It was delayed a second time due to a shipping problem because it was out of stock and it will ship out real soon.

The Honor Guard will be discussed at the next General Meeting on January 21st, so if you want to find out the

results, please attend the meeting. On January 20th, the movie Red Tails will be in your local movies. It is about the Tuskegee Airmen who flew war planes in World War 2—an all-Black air squadron that had the job of escorting bombers flying over Germany to help win the war. So all of our World War 2 veterans, here’s a chance to relive history on film.

One of nature’s super foods are nuts.

Almonds contain 169 calories per ounce about 22 nuts. It reduces insulin resistance and LDL cholesterol. Walnuts contain 185 calories per ounce, about 14 nut halves. It lowers breast cancer risk in animal studies. Sunflower seeds have

about 165 calories per ounce, about a cup. It lowers LDL cholesterol.

The next general meeting will take place on January 21, at 11 a.m. sharp.

Please arrive on time and upon your arrival, turn your cell phone off, sign in and take a seat.

Do you know why the Red Tails planes were painted fire engine red?

Answer: The reason the fire engine red was used was so that Bomber pilots could tell the difference between the Airman’s P51 fighters and the Nazi’s Messerschmitt war planes.

This information was brought to you by the Post 1871 information officer.

—R ich a r d I . L a wson , J r.

From the Warfront to the Homefront W E NE ED VOLUNT EE R S / RUNNE R S/WAL KER S From the Warfront to the Homefront Foundation, Inc., an I.R.S approved 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization, is sponsoring the project “Taking STRIDES 4 Wounded Heroes: Walk/Run/Help Heal” to take place over the course of 2012 to help raise much needed funds for programs that work to provide assistance to wounded soldiers who have returned home.

This project will involve various

walk/run races staged at various parks throughout the New York City and outlying areas, such as CENTRAL PARK in Manhattan, VAN CORTLANDT PARK and ORCHARD BEACH in the Bronx, TIBBETTS BROOK PARK in Yonkers, and other possible locations. Each event will seek to raise funds with sponsored groups of runners, as well as both private and public sponsorships.

We are seeking to work in collaboration with such companies as MOD-

ELLS, SPORTS AUTHORITY, NIKE, ADIDAS, NEW BALANCE and many more, and we will also seek the assistance of various programs like the VAN CORTLANDT TRACK CLUB, THE ACHILLES TRACK CLUB, ROAD RUNNERS CLUB, and various local clubs and schools.

Our first event is scheduled for Saturday, March 24th, on the boardwalk at Orchard Beach. Final registrations for that day will begin at 9:00 a.m. sharp, and the event itself will begin at

10:00 a.m. sharp. Refreshments and tee shirts will be provided to ALL participants and volunteers, along with the awarding of medals. There is NO limit to how many groups can sign up, or how many members each group can have.

March 24th will be here before you know it, and we truly need participants now! Names are being taken now.

Please contact Mark Bruh at (646) 3597723 and/or Mark.Bruh@gmail.com.

—M a r k Br u h

VISION CARE SPECIALIST

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718-379-8029 Medicare and many insurances accepted.

DOCTOR’S HOURS: MONDAY: 1:30 - 7:30 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!

23

Co-op City Times / January 21, 2012

Evangelical Church of Co-op City – UMC Open Doors, Open Hearts and Open Minds C om e & Visit Us – We welcome you to God’s House – Your House – One Family in Christ. We are a congregation with spirit-filled worship, offering a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship and service to God and our community. We are a multi-ethnic, multicultural and bilingual congregation and all are welcome. Services are at the church at 2350 Palmer Avenue, across the street from Building 30. Parking is available. Visit our website at www.co-opcityumchurch.org.

Su n d a y Ser vices – The first Sunday of the month is a bilingual service with communion at 10 a.m. All other Sunday services are as follows: English Service at 9 a.m. and the Spanish Service at 11:30

a.m. There are Bible studies in English and Spanish at 10:30 a.m. We also have a children’s service during the English service.

P r a yer Nigh t : We will be having a prayer night on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the church building.

Come and bring your prayer needs so we can all pray and become prayer warriors.

Bring a friend who would like prayer. You know the Lord said, “whenever two or more are gathered in my name I will be in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20 Aft er Sch ool P r ogr a m: In Room 43 of Einstein Community Center is a safe environment where children can do homework, learn God’s word and just have some fun. Please call (718) 671-1033.

C r escen d o C h r ist ia n M usic Sch ool: Learn piano, guitar, percussion, voice and theory. Contact Maestro Frank Colon at (917) 753-3644. The school will be open from Monday – Thursday, 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Private and group lessons are available.

Earlier lessons can be arranged. All ages are welcome. Registration is free and rates are affordable.

M en ’s Fellowsh ip: Every Thursday evening at 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Come and share your testimonies, explore your gifts and be Blessed in the Word of our Lord.

Bring a friend so they can get a blessing too. Hope to see you there.

C hoir : If you love to sing and want to sing for the Lord, come Thursday evenings at 8 p.m. for choir practice.

Fa m ily Nigh t: Friday nights are for the family. We will be having Bible studies and other spiritual growth activities for all ages. There will be English & Spanish groups. Bring a friend or two or more.

Tr ip : We are going Lancaster, Pa. to Sight & Sound Theater to see Jonah on April 27. Included in the trip is lunch at Shady Maple Smorgasbord and transportation. Cost is $130 per person, children 12 & under are $97/child & 13-18 are $107/child. If interested, call Barbara at (347) 603-7473, if no answer, leave a message and someone will get back to you. Bus is filling up fast, so please call to make reservations and get your $50 deposit in.

—R ev. Dr. M ilca Alva r ez-P la u d

Retirees of Dreiser Loop Come join the RETIREES and friends for your weekday socializing pleasure in Clubroom 19 (718-379-0377). Have fun and laughs as you play cards, Board games, or just watch one of your favorite TV programs with others.

T R AVE L AC T IVI T I E S: Come with us: • March 20-22, (3 days/2 nights) to Atlantic City Hilton Hotel and Casino.

Price: $200/double and $265/single occupancy. (Contacts: Ida Morton/Virginia Stewart, 718-379-0377). Hold the dates.

• Tuesday, March 27, our SECOND TRIP to see JONAH, at the Sight & Sound Theatre, Lancaster County, PA. Price: $99 - includes show followed by a delicious family style meal. Full payment required.

(Contacts: Lorraine Parker, 718-671-

DEALS!

6403/Beverly James, 718-379-0377).

• April 11–25, trip to LAS VEGAS via Motor coach. 14 nights lodging including 4 consecutive nights in a Las Vegas Casino hotel; 18 meals: 10 breakfasts and 8 dinners. Gaming and sight-seeing on the Vegas Strip. Price: $1185 double/$1650 single.

Details in flyers available in Room 19.

(Contact: Eleanora Jones, 718-671-5707).

• Saturday, June 9, SENIOR OUTING to Holiday Hills, CT (a day of fun and relaxation). Price: $25 - full payment required. (Contacts: Beverly James/Harman Leacock, 718-3790377.)

Note: Seniors only – no children permitted.

TH E ATRE C O M M I T T E E : All Lehman College program prices include

Consumer Options

transportation.

(Van will leave from Dreiser Loop (across from deli) at 6:30 p.m. for the 8:00 p.m. shows) • Sat., Jan. 28th, 8:00 p.m. - DOO WOP; $55 • Sat., Apr. 28th, 8:00 p.m. - SMOKEY ROBINSON; $85 See Committee members in Clubroom 19 after 3:00 p.m. on Thursdays. Later, after 7 p.m., any questions regarding theatre shows, call 718-324-7847 or 718671-8637.

All payments (for parties, trips and shows) will be accepted by check/money order (only) payable to RETIREES of Dreiser Loop.

G OO D AND W E L FAR E : Cheers and best wishes to all members

on the mend for a speedy recovery and a subsequent long and healthy life.

“Sending a little sunshine to sprinkle in your day, reminding you that you’re thought of in a warm and special way!”

Contact Elinor Gordon at 718-3798755 regarding illnesses and bereavements.

Mark your calendars. The next RETIREES General Meeting will be on Wednesday, February 1, at 1:30 p.m. in the Dreiser Auditorium.

“May your walls know joy, may every room hold laughter, and every window open to great possibility.”

“Good bye to yesterday and say Hello to tomorrow. It’s a New Year. Make it a good one!”

—C la u d et te Davis

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24

Co-op City Times / January 21, 2012

Church of the Savior 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, inter-racial, 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!! We love you for who you are, not what you have. Please call us at 718-320-0002 or 917734-4058 for more information. Do you want a place that allows you to meet the living God? Do you want to be connected 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.

Sunda y M or n ing Schedule: Adult Bible Study – 9:15 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 Psalm 121:1-8.

A special thank you to all the building associations, churches, schools and individuals who donated to our food pantry. We were able to feed more than fifty families during the Holidays. To God be the Glory! We also registered over a dozen families in need in Co-op City. Thank you!

Weekly Activity – Each Thursday at 10:00 a.m., Channel 70, Bronxnet, tune in and be blessed. If this program has lifted you, please let us know. Dr. Smith can be contacted at 718-320-0002. If

you prefer to drop a personal note: P.O. Box 86, Bronx, NY 10475 is our mailing address.

Bereavement Support Group meets Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m. Are you grieving the loss of a loved one? Come, our arms and hearts are open to you. God bless you!

“I wa s hungr y a nd you fed me” …Church of the Savior is reaching out to individuals and families who need nutritious food. Our food pantry, coordinated by First Lady Theresa Smith, is just a phone call away. For more information in donating or receiving food, please call her at 718925-5052.

Invita tions to the community: SAVE THE DATE: October 6 - Church 10th Anniversary, Eastwood Manor, Bronx, NY. Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts, Senior Pastor Abyssinian Church, Harlem, NY, Speaker. Tickets: $80. Payment plan available.

Thought to live by: “Life is 10% of what happens to you, and 90% of how you respond.”

—R ev. Dr. R ober t A. Smith, J r.

Co-op City Seventh-Day Adventist Church Quitting smoking is a good idea whose time has come.

A popular resolution for the new year is that of quitting smoking. Smoking causes shortness of breath, lack of endurance and announces its presence in a hacking cough during it chronic phase. Having your home, car and clothing smelling of smoke is also an unpleasant consequence.

Bad breath is usually not something to laugh about. The breath can be greatly improved by being smoke free.

Seventh-Day Adventists believe in the avoidance of meat, alcohol, coffee and tobacco. The benefits of being tobacco free can be almost immediately. To learn more about quitting smoking, please contact us at the number listed below.

C o-op C it y SDA Bet t er L ivin g H ea lt h & F it n ess E d u ca t ion C en t er Children’s Exercise Program, Sundays, 11:00—12:00

pm.; Free Adult Exercise Program, Sundays, 12:00 p.m.—1:00 p.m.; Free NYC Wa lker s for Welln ess – Walk around Co-op City with this group a distance of about 3 miles. Keep walking and receive your very own pedometer and tee:Sunday mornings, 7:00 a.m.; Free.

Wednesday afternoons; Free.

We ha ve a n a ct ive Disa b ilit ies M in ist r y. Our church is designed with the disabled in mind. Please ask us about disabilities fact sheets featuring information for children and adults. Please tell us how we may best accommodate your needs.

Br ea d M inist r y—Pick up on Saturdays between (2:30 p.m.—3:30 p.m.). Please take one for a neighbor.

Weekly Wednesday Prayer Meeting at 7:30 p.m.

Sa t u r d a y Sabbath Worship Services, 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Afternoon Bible Studies at 3:00 p.m.

Adventist Youth program at 5:00 p.m.

A pot luck luncheon is usually served after services on Sabbath in our fellowship hall. Please join us in refreshments and fellowship.

The Co-op City SDA Church is located at 1010 Baychester Ave., Bronx, NY 10475. Pastor Okezie Erondu can be reached at 718-320-0518. We are located next to the Ramada Inn. You can reach us on the web at www.CoopCitySDAChurch.org.

I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10, New King James Version (NKJV) —C her yl C . Silver a

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!

As Christians, we must be mindful to grieve not the Holy Spirit who was given in love to help us. Let’s look at Ephesians 4:25-32…

25 Therefore putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another.

26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil.

28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.

29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by

Handicapped Adults Association THE VAN--From now on, if you need to book an appointment on the van, call JASA at 718-320-2066. Please DO not call the office.

FLE A M AR KET--Come to Room #13 and shop in our flea market. New items arrive daily.

THE OFFIC E--There has been a change in office hours. The office hours are Monday and Friday, 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

I would like to say thank you to those who donated pennies through the years. Please continue to do so in the future.

Happy birthday to those celebrating a January birthday.

—Ar len e R od r iq u ez

whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.

32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

I nvit a t ion s: Our Sweet Hour of Prayer will be today at 3 p.m.

Every Sunday, I offer a class for Sunday School at 10 a.m., followed by Worship Service at 11 a.m. Every 3rd

Sunday following the morning worship, we serve Holy Communion. Pastor Vernon Little’s album ‘A New Beginning’ is available now on iTunes, Amazon, etc.

We love you, and may God forever bless you is our prayer. We don’t worry about anything, but we pray about everything. We are located at 171 Dreiser Loop in Section 1. Our phone numbers are (347) 276-4925 & (718) 671-3627. Jesus loves you, and so do we.

—Apost le G la d ys R . L it t le

Family Owned and Operated • Large Chapel on premises

• Pre-need counseling

• Ample Parking on premises

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All areas are handicapped accessible

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718-231-7647 Call 24 Hours

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

Serving all cultures & faiths

Co-op City Times / January 21, 2012

25

Community Protestant Church On behalf of our Pastor, Reverend Dr. Calvin E. Owens, and our church family, welcome to Community Protestant Church, a church of love and understanding, located at 1659 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, NY 10469; telephone (718) 862-9172.

C H UR C H SC H E DUL E 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.

T H E F O L L O W I NG P R O G R AM S AR E AT T H E C H UR C H ’S ANNE X: 2053 ASC H L O O P NO R T H ( C O - O P C I T Y) Morning Prayer Services - Tuesday, 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.11:00 a.m.

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

Fellowship, “Life on God’s Terms” Every Friday (except 4th Friday) 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

OT H E R SC H E DUL E D E VE NT S:

Friday, January 27th, 9:00 p.m. – Saturday, January 28th, 6:00 a.m.

–Deacons’ Annual All Night Prayer Service. Theme: “Make a Sacrifice: Spend the Night Like Jesus In Prayer.”

Come! Have one of the most spiritual experiences of your life as you fellowship with members, friends, family and neighbors. Breakfast will be served at the end of the service. Please sign up after service or call the Church Office to reserve your seat. (718) 862-9172.

Saturday, February 11th – The Nehemiah Ministry presents A GOSPEL EXTRAVAGANZA! featuring Gerald Kelley, a gospel comedian from New York City; Naomi Shelton and the Gospel Queens of Brooklyn, NY; The Fantastic Soulenaires from New York City; and Bishop Buster Simmons and the Disciples of Truth. Doors open at 3:00 p.m.; Program at 4:00 p.m.

Donation: $20/advance; $25/at the door. Children under 12, $10 at the door only. For tickets and/or additional information, please call (718) 503-4125 or (917) 557-7442.

Sunday, February 12th, 11:00 a.m.

–Observance of our Annual Men’s Day. Theme: Men of Good Measure, According to God’s Purpose.”

Saturday, March 10, 2012 - Join CPC Tours for a visit to the Annual Philadelphia International Flower Show and Shopping Spree at Franklin Mills, PA. This year’s show features Hawaii: Islands of the Aloha. From towering waterfalls and waves of orchids, to glowing volcanoes and serene sunsets, the 2012 Flower Show is an immersion in the dramatic landscapes and tranquil spirit of Hawaii. Remember to check out the Reading Terminal Market across the street from the Convention Center.

Tickets: $60. For tickets and/or additional information, call CPC Tours at (718) 671-1182 Wednesday, April 18, CPC Tours invites you to a Matinee performance of the Crossroads Theater Company presentation of “ The Last Five Years” in New Brunswick, NJ. A 20021 Drama Desk Award Winner for Best Music and Best Lyrics, this engaging musical is a

cleverly crafted romantic love story.

After the performance, enjoy an “AllYou-Can-Eat” Buffet Luncheon.

Tickets: $79. For reservations and/or additional information, call CPC tours at (718) 671-1182.

The Women’s Guild’s FANTASTIC 17-DAY AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL …WEST TOUR - June 26-July 12. Tour includes: round-trip transportation by Amtrak Rail and deluxe motorcoach; reclining coach seat with leg rest or private roomette sleeping accommodation; first class hotel accommodations; 19 meals; sightseeing at the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco and Salt Lake City. For additional information, call (718) 671-5961; (718) 320-1435; (718) 798-3337, or (718) 320-2608.

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.

—E va n G . M it c h ell

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, (718) 320-0844. All are welcomed.

Week ly Sch ed u le: Sunday service 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. and the Young Adults meet on Friday at 6:30 p.m.

Looking forward to welcoming you on Sunday, January 22, at 9:00 a.m.

P.S. The Annual Congregational Meeting and Election of Officers will take place immediately following service on Sunday, January 29.

Congratulations and continued success, dad!

We would like to commend our father/father-in-law, GIG S. David Bailey, on his six-city tour to present a Jazz masterpiece concert performed by 52 Jazz musicians, Jimmy Heath Big Band, 16 Strings, and The A.R.C. Choir conducted by the Award Winning Jimmy Heath; composed by Ernie Wilkins, narrated by Camille Yarbrough, featuring “Four Black Immortals” (Paul Robeson, Jackie Robinson, Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.). The show will be coming to New York’s Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center on Saturday, February 18. Show time 8:00 p.m. See you there!

Love, —C a r lt on a n d Wa nd a

F u n d r a isin g E ven t : Raffle tickets for our annual Valentine’s Day Drawing on February 14, are now available for sale.

1st Prize: $300, 2nd Prize: $150 and 3rd Prize: $50.

Please call the church at 718-320-

0844 for more information.

“Lord, you have searched me out and known me; *you know my sitting down and my rising up; you discern my thoughts from afar.” (Psalm 139:1) —M er ville C h a m ber s

26

Co-op City Times / January 21, 2012

Mon., January 23

Bartow

Einstein

Dreiser Crochet and Knitting

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

Library

10 am-12 pm, Rm. 7

9:30am – 1 pm, Rm. 49

Bingo – 11:00 am,

Dominoes 10am, Rm. 45

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session 9:30 am

Room 31

Dominoes 2:00 pm, Room 25

Word Games 9:30 am – 11:00 am, Rm. 31

Card Games 2:00 pm –

Around The Lunch Table 11:30 am, Rm. 49 Bingo 11:00am, Rm. 31

Afternoon Movie

Tues., January 24

Card Games: 2:30 - 4 p.m., Rm. 25

Matinee Movie w/ George: 2-4 p.m., Rm. 45

Wed., January 25

Bingo: 1 p.m., Rm. 49

Thurs., January 26

Word Games: 9:30 –11:30 a.m., Rm. 31

Fri., January 27

Tai Chi: 11 a.m., Rm. 45

Movie Madness: 9:30 a.m., Rm. 31 Men’s Line Dancing: 9-10 a.m., Rm. 31 Women’s Line Dancing: 10-11 a.m., Rm. 31 Spelling Bee: 11 a.m., Rm. 31 Dominoes: 2:30 p.m., Rm. 31 Word Games: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., Rm. 31 Bingo: 2 p.m., Rm. 25 Card Games: 2-4 p.m., Rm. 31

2 pm – 3 pm, Rm. 2 2 – 4 pm, Rm. 7

Dominoes: 10 a.m., Rm. 49

Dominoes: 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Spelling Bee: 10 a.m., Rm. 49 Spanish Practice Class: 10:30 a.m., Computer lab Bingo: 1 p.m., Rm. 49 Advanced Line Dance 2-4 p.m., Rm. 45

Dominoes: 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Stay Well Exercise: 10 11 a.m., Rm. 45 Spelling Bee: 11 a.m., Rm. 49 Bingo: 1 p.m., Rm. 49

Dominoes: 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Art: 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Bingo: 1 p.m., Rm. 49 Card Games: 2-4 p.m., Rm. 49 Blood Pressure: 2nd and 4th Friday, 10-11:30 a.m., Rm. 49

Kosher

Non-Kosher

Soups, Breads and Desserts

Mon., Jan. 23

Orange/pineapple juice Arroz con pollo Glazed carrots

Turkey burger Steak fries Brussel sprouts

Whole wheat bread Banana

Tues., Jan. 24

Apple juice Meat loaf Mashed potato California blend

Pork chops Mexican corn Collard greens

Rye bread Pineapple tidbits

Wed., Jan. 25

Orange juice Chicken a-la-King Egg noodles Tossed salad

Chicken cutlet parmesan Brown rice Tossed salad

Whole wheat bread Apple

Thurs., Jan. 26

Pineapple juice Spanish omelet Home fries

Shepherd’s pie Spinach

Rye bread Apricot halves

Fri., Jan. 27

Tilapia w/lemon sauce Yams Italian blend

Pollack fish Baked potato Carrots

Whole wheat bread Orange

12 pm – 1 pm, Rm. 7

Rm. 45

Dominoes: 2:30 p.m., Rm. 25

Library: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Rm. 31 Chat Session: 9:30 a.m.1 p.m., Rm. 31 Dominoes: 2:30 p.m., Rm. 31 Word Games: 9:30 11:30 a.m., Rm. 31 Bingo: 2 p.m., Rm. 31 Card Games: 2:30-4 p.m., Rm. 31

Mind Teasers Gentle Yoga w/Anne

Bingo: 10 a.m., Rm. 31

Stay Well Exercise: 10 a.m., Room 31 Dominoes: 2:30 p.m., Rm. 25 Word Games: 9:30 a.m.

– 1:30 p.m., Rm. 31 Bingo: 2 p.m., Rm. 25 Blood Pressure: 1st & 3rd Wed., 9–10 a.m., Rm. 31 Card Games: 2-4 p.m., Rm. 25

am, Rm. 2

Walking and Exercise w/Ms. Gaskill, 2 – 4 pm,

4:00 pm, Room 25

Current Events: 10 a.m., Rm. 31

–10:30 am, Rm. 7

Stay Well Exercise 10

Date:

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session: 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., Rm. 7 Alert & Alive: 10:3011:30 a.m., Rm. 7 Mixed Cultural Dance: 10:30-11:30 a.m., Aud. A Mind Teasers: 12-1 p.m., Rm. 4 Zumba: 1:30-2:30 p.m., Aud. A Tuesday Movie w/popcorn: 2-4 p.m., Rm. 7 Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session: 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., Rm. 7 Sewing w/Raymonde: 9:30–11:30 a.m., Rm. 7 Tai Chi: 11 a.m. -12 p.m., Rm. 2 Mind Teasers: 12-1 p.m., Rm. 7 Art Class: 1-3 p.m., Rm. 7 Yoga: Every Wed, 2-3 p.m., Aud. A Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session: 9:30-10:30 a.m., Rm. 7 Blood Pressure: 1st & 3rd Thursday 10-11:30 a.m., Rm. 7 Line Dancing: 3rd & 4th Thurs. 10-11 a.m., Aud. A Mind Teasers: 12-1 p.m., Rm. 4 Belly Dancing: 12:30-1 p.m., Aud. A Handi-Flex: 1-2 p.m., Aud. A Drama:1:30-4 p.m., Rm. 7 Piano Sing Along: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., Rm. 7 Crochet and Knitting: 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 7 Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session: 9:30 10:30 a.m., Rm. 7 Meditative Moments: 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 2 Mind Teasers: 12-1 p.m., Rm. 4 Card Games, Dominoes: 2-4 p.m., Rm. 7 *Schedule subject to change without notice*

We ask that members please call their center at least one day in advance to register for lunch.

WEEKLY TRIPS DATES

WEEKLY TRIPS

PRICE

PICK-UP TIMES

1st Monday: 1st Mondays: Fridays Tuesdays

Stew Leonards Super Wal-Mart Swimming Bowling

$3 $12 $3 $12.50

Bartow Dreiser 1 p.m. 1:15 p.m.

8:30 a.m. 8:45 a.m.

1:15 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

11 a.m. 11:30 a.m.

Einstein 1:30 p.m.

9:00 a.m.

1:30 p.m.

11:15 a.m.

To register for trips and classes, please call: (718) 320-2066 Monday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, The NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation

All meals served w/margarine and fresh milk *Menu subject to change without notice. We ask that members please call their center at least one day in advance to register for lunch:

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

Upcoming Events/Trips E M PI RE C IT Y C ASINO - $3 - If your name is on the list, your payment MUST be made by the Friday prior to the trip. Trip includes round transportation and boxed lunch. Pick-ups: Einstein-10:00 a.m.; Bartow-10:15 a.m. and Dreiser-10:30 a.m. Effective JANUARY, 2012, we will be going to the Empire Casino on a monthly basis. The new dates are as follows: Wednesday, February 15th and March 15th. FEBRUARY 15th, SOLD OUTWAIT LIST ONLY!!

PAL I SADE S M AL L – Monday, January 23. $10. Trip includes transportation/boxed lunch. Pick-ups: Bartow-9:00 a.m.; Dreiser-9:15 a.m., Einstein-9:30 a.m.

M E DI E VAL TI M ES - DATE HAS BEEN CHANGED to Friday, February 17.

Come and experience a traditional feast and jousting tournament set inside a beautiful 11th century style castle-$40 includes round trip transportation, meal & show.

Pick-ups: Bartow-8:30 a.m., Dreiser-8:45 a.m. and Einstein-9:00 a.m. Flyers will be posted in the senior centers. Only 20 seats available. SOLD OUT/WAIT LIST ONLY!!

R AINBOW BUFF ET - Fairview, New Jersey, Friday, January 27. Over 32 different choices, Cantonese, Mandarin and Szechuan. All you can eat buffet, $12 includes transportation. Pick-ups: Bartow9:30 a.m., Dreiser-9:45 a.m., Einstein10:00 a.m. Return: 3:00 p.m. International salad bar, appetizers, soups, main dishes and desserts.

J E R SE Y G AR DE NS - Monday, January 30. $12. Trip includes transportation/boxed lunch. Pick-ups: Bartow-9:00 a.m., Dreiser-9:15 a.m., Einstein-9:30 a.m.

TAX R E T UR N C L I NI C - AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free help for older taxpayers and people with limited incomes. JASA will be sponsoring an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide site at the Einstein Community Center in Room 35, every Tuesday starting February 7th ending April 10, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. First come, first served.

TAX E XEM P TI ON ASSI STANC E JASA social workers are providing tax exemption assistance. You may be eligible for the: Real Property Tax Credit, New York City School Tax Credit, and/or New York State School Tax Relief Program (STAR). Visit or call the office to speak with a social worker.

A DAY AT THE SPA - Wednesday, February 18, Tones Spa, Middletown

Road, Bronx, NY. $110 per person ($20 non-refundable deposit required). Balance due Friday, January 27. Includes: 45 minutes mini facial, paraffin hand treatment, 1/2 hour body massage, light lunch. Pickups: Bartow-9:00 a.m., Dreiser-9:15 a.m., Einstein-9:30 a.m.

W EIG H T M ANAG E M E NT SUPP ORT GROUP - Mondays, 10:00 a.m., Bartow Avenue, Room 25.

C ARE GI VER SUP PORT GROUP A Caregiver Support Group can offer an atmosphere of understanding and support for caregivers to discuss issues and concerns. Whether you care for a loved one from a distance or in your home, you are most welcome to attend. The group meets every other Tuesday at: 2049 Bartow Avenue, Room 31, from 1-2 p.m. The next session is Tuesday, January 24. The support group is facilitated by a social worker. If you have any questions, please contact JASA at 718-320-2066.

DISABIL I TY SUPP ORT /SOC IAL I Z AT I O N G R O UP – CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. DI ABE T I C SUP P O RT GRO UP Diabetes can seem to be an overwhelming disease because it impacts so many areas of your daily life. The Diabetic Support Group’s goals are to keep you informed and motivated on how to stay healthy. The group meets every last Monday of the month at 177 Dreiser Loop, 2nd floor, Room 7, from 1 p.m.-2 p.m. The next session is scheduled for M onda y, J a nu a r y 30. For more information and to register, please contact Chidinma Ezihe, 718-6712090 (Ext. 3011) or Rosella Stone, 718320-2066 (Ext. 2003).

SE NI OR C E NT E R F I E L D T R I P PE R MI SSI ON SLI P – Effective immediately, all senior center participants are required to fill out a Senior Center Field Trip Permission Slip before going on any JASA senior center trips. If you are paying for someone to go on the trip, you must make sure that they bring the form with them on the day of the trip. All forms must be filled out prior to going on the trip; No Exceptions.

BL OOD P R ESSUR E – Locations and schedule – 135 Einstein Loop, Room 45, every 2nd & 4th Friday at 10 a.m. – 11-30 a.m. 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 7, every 1st & 3rd Thursday at 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Bartow Avenue, 9:00 a.m. -10:00 a.m., 1st and 3rd Wednesdays.

27

Co-op City Times / January 21, 2012

WEEKLY SCHEDULE BUILDING & TOWNHOUSES ASSOCIATIONS Broun Place Association: “Meeting” Tues., 1/24; 6:00 pm (Bartow Room #28) Cooperator’s United: “Meeting” Tues., 1/24; 7:00 pm (Bartow Room #31) Debs Place Association: “Meeting” Thurs., 1/26; 7:00 pm (Dreiser Room #2)

EDUCATION African American Association: “Business Education Classes” Wed., 1/25; 7:00 pm (Dreiser Room #2)

FRATERNAL NAACP Branch: “Meeting” Tues, 1/24, 6:00 pm (Bartow Room #28)

HOBBIES Duplicate Bridge Club: “Bridge Game” Wed., 1/25, 4:00 pm (Dreiser Room #9) African American Association: “Belly Dancing” Mon., 1/23, 7:00 pm.; “Yoga/Pilates” Tues., 1/24, 7:00 pm (Dreiser Room #2)

POLITICAL Working Families: “Meeting” Tues., 1/24, 7:00 pm (Einstein Room #38)

RELIGIOUS Deeper Life Church: “Bible Study” Tues., 1/24, 7:00 pm (Dreiser Room #1) Church of the New Vision: “Bible Studies” Sun., 1/29, 9:30 am (Einstein Room #38) Faith @ Work Christian Church: “Bible Study” Thurs., 1/26, 5:30 pm (Dreiser Room #8); “Youth Ministry” Fri., 1/27, 3:30 pm (Dreiser Room #10); “Worship Service” Sun., 1/29, 8:00 am (Dreiser Room #8) Iglesia Cristiana Marcos 16:15: “Bible Study” Sun., 1/29, 10:00 am (Einstein Rm #35) Harvest Restoration Ministries: “Bible Study” Wed., 1/25, 6:00 pm (Dreiser Room #10); “Worship Service” Sun., 1/29, 10:00 am (Dreiser Room #9) Circle of Christ: “Children’s Bible Study” Sun., 1/29, 10:00 am (Dreiser Room #2) Greater Love Cathedral Baptist Church: “Bible Study” Wed., 1/25, 6:30 pm (Dreiser Room #8); “Worship Service” Sun., 1/29, 3:00 pm (Dreiser Room #1) Mount Calvary Baptist Church: “Bible Study” Thurs., 1/26, 5:30 pm (Dreiser Room #9)

SCOUTS Greater New York Girl Scouts: “Meeting” Fri., 1/27, 5:30 pm (Dreiser Rooms #1, 2, 4, and 9)

SENIORS J.A.S.A. Senior Luncheon: Mon-Fri., 1/23 - 1/27, 9:00 am (Bartow Room #31, Dreiser Room #4 and Einstein Room #49)

SERVICE & CIVIC Weight Watchers Nutrition Program: Tues., 1/24, “Meeting Time” 6:00 pm (Dreiser Room #4)

Williamsbridge Youth Club: “Meeting” Wed., 1/25, 4:00 pm (Dreiser Room #1); “Challenges of Minority Males” Thurs., 1/26, 6:00 pm (Dreiser Auditorium A) District Council #37: “Meeting” Thurs., 1/26, 6:30 pm (Dreiser Room #1)

Baychester Library Events VISIT THE LIBRARY - A GREAT WEALTH OF INFORMATION UPCOMING EVENTS KIDS Program - “Spin, Pop, Boom” - Saturday, 1/21, 11:00 a.m.

Film - Saturday, January 21, 2 p.m. - The Proposal - On the verge of being deported and losing the high~powered job she lives for, the controlling Margaret announces she's engaged to her assistant Andrew.

Film - Saturday, January 28, 2 p.m. - Charlie St. Cloud - Charlie St. Cloud is a small-town hero and sailor, whose future is cut short when tragedy strikes, taking his dream away.

WEEKLY EVENTS KIDS Game On Nintendo Wii! - Every Monday @ 3:30 p.m.

Tween Time - Every Tuesday @ 3:30 p.m. (Not 1/31) Teens TAG - Every Tuesday @ 4 p.m.

Read Aloud - Every Wednesday @ 3:30 p.m.

Teen Book Café - Every Wednesday @ 4 p.m.

Chess Club - Every Thursday @ 3 p.m. (1/12 @ 3:30 p.m.)

Teen Time - Every Friday, 2:30 - 4 p.m.

Film - Every Saturday, 2:00 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

AARP Chapter #4997 F YI: AARP is fighting hunger in NYC and the stigma that keeps some people from seeking help with paying for food. The goal is to help those eligible for Food Stamps sign up for benefits. About 1 in 4 New Yorkers age 60-plus and living at home is nutritionally at risk. Among NYC residents age 55+, half of those eligible for food stamps have not enrolled. Volunteers are needed to help people sign up… to learn more, call (855) 692-4322 or visit www.aarp.org/ny.

REMI NDE R: One of your New Year’s Resolutions should be to join AARP Peachtree Chapter #4997. This will put you in the know of what’s going on in New York City, Albany, and Washington (DC) in relation to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid and other issues affecting the elderly, retired, or disabled persons. All are welcomed to join us.

NOT E: 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.

2012 TOUR AC TI VI TIE S April 23-24 – “JONAH” – experience the mighty storm at sea that breaks apart an enormous ship; peer into the underwater world & see the giant fish swallow up God’s misguided Prophet Jonah – trip includes: a stop in Bethlehem (PA) known as the “Christmas City”; visit the Sands Casino ($35 Casino Bonus) — current photo ID or passport required; lodging at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Reading; wine & cheese reception w/a sit-down dinner and live Musical Comedy Show; 2nd day hot breakfast buffet; visit an Amish quilt shop, cannery & Kitchen Kettle gift shops; w/reserved seats at the Millennium Theater

for “JONAH”; stop for dinner on the way home…$281/person double; $331 – single; trip insurance - $14/each – double; $29/single; call Jean, 718-379-3742, for registration info.

May 22 – New York Botanical Gardens, presenting Monet’s Gardens: Impressions of Giverny, France – includes admission & Tram ride around the Gardens; a guided Tour of Monet’s Garden Exhibit; plus 4-hour Casino stay at Empire City Casino (including Casino package of the day) - $75/person - contact Daisy, 718- 671-3241.

June 1–11 (11 days/10 nights) – Mount Rushmore, the Badlands & Black Hills of South Dakota – trip includes 10 nights lodging (w/4 consecutive nights in South Dakota); 10 breakfasts/8 dinners; visit Mt. Rushmore National Memorial; tour of Wildlife Loop Road at Custer State Park; admission to the Unique Journey Museum; guided tour of Deadwood, plus gaming at a Deadwood Casino; visit the Crazy Horse Memorial; & visit the Badlands National Park & much more…$905/double; $1265/single; $885/triple; trip insurance available upon request – contact Jean, 718379-3742.

August 9 – Triple Lobsters w/ “HuKeLau” in Chicopee (MA) – trip includes 3 lobsters/person (w/a take-home bag if you can’t eat all 3) or prime rib; and the famous live Hawaiian Show… $93/person – contact Delores, 718-379-2176.

THANK YOU: The Tour Committee would like to thank all who supported our 2011 Tour Activities… we look forward to having you join us again this year and adding new friends on our trips. We ask that “each one, bring one – or two or three…”

—Delor es Debna m

Goose Island Seniors Bingo games are Wednesday, January 18 and 25th. Also Sunday, January 29 at 1:30 p.m. in Room 39. Refreshments served.

Tuesday, February 28—Going to Sands Casino, Bethlehem, PA. Price: $30.

Rebate is $20 slot play and $5 for food.

Pick-up time is 8:30 a.m. at our 3 usual bus stops: Einstein Center, Asch Loop (back of library) and Dreiser Loop.

Our first General Meeting is going to be Thursday, March 1 in Room 39 at 1:30 p.m. Refreshments served.

First trip is Wednesday, May 9 to VILLA ROMA showing THE PLAT-

TERS. Price is $63, and includes show, food, transportation. You can start payment any time. Menu: fruit cup, minestrone soup, roasted chicken, London broil, and Tilapia, all served with potatoes and vegetables. Dessert is chef’s surprise.

For more information, see Ann or Mary at 135 Einstein Center or call 718-3799613. Our office is open MondayThursday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. You can call Mary in the evenings at 718-379-4899.

Don’t forget to pay your yearly dues of $12. Wishing everyone good health.

—M a r y P illa

Einstein Cancer Fund Tuesday, February 14th — St. Valentine’s Day, the Resorts Casino. The cost per person is $30 with a bonus slot play of $25, plus a $10 food voucher. Time of pick-up is 8 a.m. starting at Einstein Loop followed by Asch Loop and Dreiser Loop. Don’t forget, a photo I.D. and your casino card.

Arrangements have been made for the two-day trip to the Millennium Theater on May 16th and 17th for a showing of “ Jonah and the Whale.” Day 1, lunch on your own, then the 1 p.m. showing “ Jonah,” then check in at the Hawthorne Inn and dinner at Miller’s Restaurant.

Day 2 – breakfast at the Inn, then depart for the Sands Casino and bonus of the day. That casino has a bus that takes you for a tour at no cost to you. Cost per person is as follows: single, $265 per person; double, $245 per person; and triple, $235 per person. We are accepting deposits or

full payments. Balances must be paid in full by April 6th. Join us for this special trip; everyone is welcomed.

Wednesday October 24th – Foxwoods Theater plus casino for a tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, “Oh What a Night.” Cost per person is $57 ($27 for a ticket plus $30 for transportation.) Please send in the ticket cost and balances can be paid later. You will receive the casino bonus of the day. This is an early showing at 11 a.m., so time of pick-up will be about 7 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.

For all of the above, please call Mildred at 718-320-0288, Loretta at 718-671-2958, or Lydia at 718-671-3005. For memorial cards, please call Loretta.

Health and healing are wished to all home bounds or in hospitals or nursing homes.

—Lydia R ua s

28

Co-op City Times / January 21, 2012

Reflections

by Rabbi Solomon I. Berl Spiritual Leader of Young Israel Synagogue We are free to use our lives any way we wish. But how we live determines how we are loved and how we treat others determines how they treat us. We can borrow time and spend it, but we have to account for it. We can invest our energy any way we like, but only if we do it wisely will we reap the proper dividend.

This was illustrated humorously, but none the less accurately by the story of the construction worker who opened his lunchbox at noon, looked inside and groaned, “Oh no, cheese sandwiches again! Always cheese sandwiches!”

“Well, why don’t you ask your wife

to make some other kind?” “Wife? I’m not married. I fix my own lunch!”

We make our own provisions in life and then we enjoy or suffer the consequences, depending on how we have chosen to fill each day. To select the right filling requires total concentration, total dedication.

To a large extent, we provide the ingredients of our lives.

Our angers harm us. Our loves enrich us. Our sharings ennoble us. We are responsible for what we sandwich between birth and death. This is the essence of life and its ultimate meaning.

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) 6712300 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.

Co-op City Jewish Community Council The Co-op City Jewish Community Council will start a bereavement group commencing Thursday, Feb. 1 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in Room 13 of the Dreiser Community Center. Those wishing to par-

ticipate are invited to contact Toni Kelly, Lehman College MSW intern, at 718-3201234 or come into the Council office in Room #18 of the community center.

—Lynn L evin e

Co-op City Jewish Center The Co-op City Jewish Center is located at 900 Co-op City Blvd., Bronx, N.Y. 10475.

Saturday services are continuing thanks to those people who attend. Please try to attend whenever possible.

We would like to remind our members and any Jewish people in Co-op City look-

ing for a conservative synagogue, we are still here, and all are welcome. Try to take a Saturday and come to services when you can.

Donations can be mailed to the Co-op City Jewish Center.

—M a r vin Seid m a n

Please Drive Slowly in Co-op City’s Parking Facilities!

Castle Hill Funeral Directors, Inc.

SHALOM Jewish George Farr - Funeral Director funeral “The Bronx Jewish Community home, inc.

Memorial Chapel” (718) 828-9222 (718) 828-1700 1528 Castle Hill Avenue Bronx, New York 10462 Keeping Tradition Under Rabbinical Supervision Services from Our Chapel, Graveside or Synagogue Parking Facilities • Pre-Arrangements

Traditional Synagogue The Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City, Young Israel of Baychester, Section 5 (new address) at Bldg. 27B-120 Erdman Place (behind the lobby), welcomes you to pray with them. Tel. for the Shule (same old number) 1-718-379-6920.

Not e: Office hours are on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Sunday, we are here from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Candle lighting on Friday, January 27, is before 4:48 p.m. Shabbat ends today, Saturday, January 21 at 5:43 p.m. We recite Havdallah (The Recital over the Wine) at the end of Shabbos.

Mincha services on Saturday, January 21 followed by Musaf around 12:30 p.m.

The community is always welcome to attend our various functions and enjoy a great day of fun and friendship.

C om in g E ven ts: Saturday, January 21 at 9 a.m.-The Torah lecture/Sermon will take place at 10 a.m.; Mincha services is at 12:30 p.m.

Also, we will recite Mi-she-baeirachs. We will start Torah reading about 10:30 a.m.

Note**The meaning of Mi-she-baeirachs is to pray to G-d for his help to heal the infirmed and those in distress. The parsha

is “ Va’era.” The Rabbi’s class commences at 4:45 p.m. during Shalosh Seudos. Shabbos ends at 5:43 p.m.

Sunday, January 22, at 1:00 p.m.-The Synagogue sponsors an afternoon of Bingo. Cost is $3/person and includes refreshments and admission. Please come down!

G ood a n d Welfa r e: Come on down to the synagogue to purchase kosher wine.

Do you need a tree certificate sent “in Honor” or “in Memory” of a special occasion or a condolence? For information, you can call Mimi at 1-347-427-4526 and we can accommodate you.

We all have Esther in our prayers for a speedy recovery and await your return.

We miss your lovely smile. Esther is now recuperating at the Union Hebrew Home in New Rochelle, NY. So sorry to learn that Florence Berland has suffered a bad fall and fractured her wrist. Heal quickly and feel good soon.

P lea se! Support the Synagogue. We always need your help. Thank you.

Shalom!

M ir ia m E velyn Ber lofsky —M

Building 12 Association Happy new year. Our next general membership meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 23, 7:30 p.m., Activity Room. Topics will include scheduling of our Get-To-Know-Your-Neighbor-Day, Maintenance and Security Issues.

Included on the agenda will be a discussion regarding our dues, a planned June Fun Day for our Section 2 kids that Building 12 is co-sponsoring along with Buildings 11, 13 and 14, the Riverbay Fund & JASA, Cabaret Lulu’s Jukebox Serenade celebrating the music of Pearl Bailey, Ray Charles, etc., on Saturday, March 31st at 2:00 p.m., at Dreiser Auditorium. Tickets are $10 per person (group tickets of ten will be a total of $90). At this event, BYOF&B. Thank you all for mailing the Postal Service Questionaires. Although, the decision as to whether or not to close our post offices is put off until May, it does not mean that a decision is off of the table.

Please give some thought to joining organizations that have been at the forefront of our civil and labor rights. As you all know, by reading and listening to the news, there is an assault on the very rights that we fought for. That is why we are giving a shout-out to the National Council of

Negro Women (NCNW) and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). If you are not a member, please join. Speaking of organizations, both local and national need your membership as they fight to keep what gains we have made in civil, women’s rights, labor and by keeping us informed.

If you have recently moved to another apartment or are a newcomer to Co-op City, please register to vote. It’s more important than ever that we vote not only in November, but for our Annual Riverbay Board of Directors. If you need voting forms for November, please let me know.

We urge all of you to participate in your Building Association to be updated as to what is going on in your building and throughout Co-op City.

If you see something, say something.

Call 9-1-1 and Riverbay Security at 718671-3050.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who are sick, shut-in and have lost relatives/friends and to our troops. The best to everyone celebrating a special day this month.

We can be reached at MLSAH@aol.com.

—Son j a M a xwell

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

29

Co-op City Times / January 21, 2012

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

Join us for a mid-week spiritual pick

up at our mid-week worship service which is held on Wednesdays at 12 noon. Bible study is held on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Bible study will also be held on Wednesday, February 25 at 5 p.m. Prayer service is held on Fridays at noon and 7:30 p.m. Men’s prayer service is held the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. We invite the men of the community to join us on Tuesday, February 14.

Pack your bags! The Scholarship Ministry invites you to hit the high seas

again. They will be sailing on the Carnival Miracle leaving from New York City on Monday, July 9, sailing to San Juan, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and Grand Turk. A deposit of $150 is due immediately. For additional information, call 718-379-0541, 718-671-7507 or the church at 718-320-3774.

Rev. Dr. Williams has a radio show on WMCA 570 AM every Friday at 1:30 p.m. Rev. Dr. Williams is the author of Principle Centered Living: 9 Reasons To Maintain Your Values in a Pressure

Filled World and Founder of SEW Universal, Inc. Visit his websites: www.PrincipleCenteredLiving.com or www.RevDrSheldonEWilliams.com.

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.

—H a t t ie L . L u ca s

Church of the New Vision We are grateful for the support from the community and organizations during the opening of our new place of worship at 115 Einstein Loop.

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 to 8 p.m. followed by Bible Teaching from 8 to 9 p.m.

Be with us to learn the truth from the Word of God. L ist of P r ogr a m s a n d E ven t s: 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.

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.

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

The Women’s Fellowship is sponsoring a heritage fashion show dinner on February 25th, at 3:00 p.m. Donation for adults is $15 and children 12 and under $10. Dinner is included. For information,

call (718) 671-2623 or (917) 371-0381.

Come join New Vision’s “Partners in Reading Program” every Sunday afternoon from 1:40 p.m. to 2:30 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.

The Church of the New Vision is located at 115 Einstein Loop, Bronx, NY 10475; Telephone: (718) 671-8746 or (718) 320-0409.

—C a r ol H a q u e

Advertise in the Co-op City Times Classifieds!

Call 718-320-3300, x3380 for our affordable rates!

CO-OP CITY FOOT CARE CENTER

Gregory S. Gang D.D.S., M.S. Complete Family Dental Care

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.

Most Union and Insurance Plans Accepted.

HIP CMO (Montefiore) Health Plan Accepted.

We participate in Postal Workers, Mail Handlers, Letter Carriers, Verizon Workers, 1199, GHI, Blue Shield, Empire Plan, Medicare, Travelers, United Health Care and many other union and major medical plans.

Se Habla Español MEDICARE ACCEPTED • HOUSE CALLS BY APPOINTMENT

Diabetic Patients with Medicare may be eligible for shoes.

Cosmetic Bonding Periodontal (Gum) Treatment Endodontics (Root Canal) Dentures / Crowns / Bridges Participating Dentist UFT • Oxford • CSA • Con Edison Guardian • BC/BS • Aetna Cigna • HIP/Dental • PBA Most other dental plans as full or partial payment

Evening and Saturday Appointments Available

140-1 Casals Place, Co-op City Building 14, Section 2 - Bronx, NY 10475 Visit our website G r e g o r y G a n g D D S . c o m or email us at: smileggdds@aol.com

(718) 671 - 6000

30

Co-op City Times / January 21, 2012

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

Position Wanted

Appliances Repair

Nurse’s Aide with 25 years experience in hospitals, nursing homes and private homes. Seeks employment. Will live in or out. Call 718-364-7771.

2/11

Call

Cleaning Service - Carpet

P&R APPLIANCE SERVICE

if you are tired of paying too much for repairs!

718-829-9090

Records Wanted

G et Top C a sh for your Jazz, Soul, R&B and Gospel albums from 50s to 70s. C a ll H owa r d a t 212-873-4016 a n yt im e.

3/3

Old Records Wanted.

Will Pay Top $$ for JAZZ, JAZZ, JAZZ, Rock & Roll, 50s, 60s, & 70s.

LP, 78 or 45.

Ser vice C h a r ge on ly $24.95

• Washers • Dryers • Stoves plus 10% off any repair Senior • Refrigerators Citizen Discount • Dishwashers Vacuums FREE Pick-up and Delivery!

1058 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx

1/28

VACUUM

Call Joe 718-384-7554

Cleaning Service - Windows

SALES & SERVICE

718-829-9090

3/3

GEORGE’S CLEAN WINDOWS

Bags, Belts & Filters SERVICES

•

SERVICES

Free Pick up & Delivery 1058 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx

Appliances Repair

1/28

FAMILY BLINDS SERVICE

L & L APPLIANCE REPAIR

Serving Co-op City for over 25 years

NEW STYLE BLINDS

• ALL MAKES & MODELS

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

• Stoves • Washers • Dryers •Lamps • Dishwashers • Refrigerators • Bags • Hoses • Belts • Vacuum Cleaners Family Owned & Operated Since 1954 NYC License #1233497 10% DISCOUNT (except vacuums)

718.792.2655 2951 Middletown Road, Bronx, NY 10461 (Near Pelham Bay Station)

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

ACE APPLIANCE REPAIR

Cleaning Service

New Pa la ce C lea n in g Ser vices 718-671-1736 / in fo@n ewp a la ceclea n in g.com

L & L APPLIANCE REPAIR

NYC License #1233497

Call 718.792.2655 10/22

1/28

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 3/31

Present This Coupon (except vacuums/lamps)

STOVES • WASHERS • REFRIGERATORS VACUUM CLEANERS and more

718.792.2655 LIMIT — One Coupon Per Person

Hou se C lea n in g $60-$75 for 3-hrs of General/Heavy duty cleaning $15-$20 each additional hour Labor ONLY/ supplies NOT included W in d ow Wa sh in g $5 per window/ WITHOUT Guards $7 per window/ WITH Guards 5 window minimum charge. Screen washing $2/screen.

H ou se P a in t in g Prices start at $150 per room 2 coats - 1 color/ FREE ESTIMATES Scraping, spackling, etc. additional fees 2/25 Labor ONLY/ paint NOT included. www.n ewp a la ceclea n in g.com / BY a p p oin t m en t O NLY

SPOONERS DOMESTIC SERVICE

L&L APPLIANCE REPAIR

NYC License #1233497

We do all the work and you get all the credit 718-671-1736 / in fo@n ewp a la ceclea n in g.com W in d ow Wa sh in g $5 per window/ WITHOUT Guards $7 per window/ WITH Guards 5 window minimum charge.

Screen washing $2 extra per screen.

2/25

Access Computer Consultants Service • Repair • Instruction

We do all the work and you get all the credit

EMERGENCY SERVICE

$20 OFF

New P a la ce W in d ow Wa sh in g Ser vice

Computer Consultant, Sales & Repair

For prompt service call:

• Stoves • Washers • Dryers • Refrigerators • Vacuum Cleaners and more 10% DISCOUNT (except vacuums and lamps)

1/28

3/10

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

(718) 379-8782

1-203-482-6337

www.n ewp a la ceclea n in g.com / BY a p p oin t m en t O NLY

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

10/22

Professional Window Cleaning • FAST RELIABLE SERVICE Cell:

Blinds

EMERGENCY SERVICE

For More Information, Call

1/28

1/28 • 4 Hour Minimum • General Cleaning — $72 + tax • Semi-Heavy Duty & Senior Care — $80 + tax • Super Heavy — $120 + tax Bonded • 7 Days • Accept Cash, Pay-Pal

www.spoonercleaning.com 10/22

Call

(718) 320-5112

Call (718) 473-0772 Free Telephone Consultation $25/Hour Field Service Professional, Knowledgeable and Courteous Service

24-Hours a day / 7 days a week

1/28

Advertise in the Co-op City Times Classifieds!

Call 718-320-3300, x3380 for our affordable rates!

31

Co-op City Times / January 21, 2012

CLASSIFIEDS

Co-op City Times • cctimes@riverbaycorp.com

Computer Consultant, Sales & Repair

Floors

Painting Services

Dataway Computers, Inc.

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

10% Co-op City resident discount.

M & M FLOORS

A-1 PAINTING PLUS

Networking, Maintenance, Repair

$40 Field Service

Call Mike. (718) 792-0024

MICROSOFT CERTIFIED PROFESSIONALS

Home Improvement

FREE Phone Consultation

1-800-479-2667

646-326-2676

Call: Ava ila ble: Au th en t ic Up gr a de Vist a to W in dows 7

Visit Us: www.dattaway.com • F r ee Internet Phone Service • K eep Your Current Phone Number • Why Pay Over $300 An n u a lly?

Celebrating 10 years of service to Co-op City.

1/28

***NEWS FLASH ***

JASON LASH

• VERTICAL BLINDS • MINI BLINDS • SINK VANITIES • SPACE SAVERS • MATCHING HAMPERS • BATHTUB ENCLOSURES • CLIP-ON MIRROR FRAMES

• CO-OP CITY RESIDENTS FREE HOUSE CALL • House Calls $40 THEMEPSEE Provides: • HOUSE CALLS 24/7 • COMPUTER REPAIR: All Versions of Windows Available • Mac and PC repair • COMPUTER LESSONS - Private one on one session available • COMPUTER SALES - Laptop, Desktops

1/28

• RANGE HOODS • LIGHT FIXTURES • KITCHEN CABINETS • CABINET REFACING • COUNTERTOPS • CUSTOM CLOSET MIRROR DOORS • CUSTOM WALL MIRRORS 1/28

1/21

FREE!

Call Bill

ESTIMATE!

718.320.5270

New P a la ce H ou se P a in t in g Ser vice We do all the work and you get all the credit 718-671-1736 / in fo@n ewp a la ceclea n in g.com H ou se P a in t in g Prices start at $150 per room 2 coats - 1 color/ FREE ESTIMATES Scraping, spackling, etc. additional fees Labor ONLY/ paint NOT included. www.n ewp a la ceclea n in g.com / BY a p p oin t m en t O NLY

HIGH SECURITY LOCKS

Slipcovers

2/25/12

Licensed and Bonded

20% Off Any Lock Job!

Medco • MultiLock • Wilson Serving Co-op City for over 25 years.

“When you see me, 3/10/12 You’ll know me.”

Call Anytime • Seven Days A Week

Call Mike at: 718-974-1290

R O N ’S Trucking Corp.

914.

423.

1773

(718) 746-8925 PLASTIC SLIPCOVERS TABLE PADS CUSHIONS REFILLED • NEW FOAM RUBBER SOFA PLATFORMS LOW, LOW PRICES

ALL STATE DECORATORS

Moving

Floors

Bathroom $74.95 • Kitchen $99 & up • Floor Service • Wallpaper, Panel, Carpet Removal • Blinds, Doors & Kitchen Cabinets Repaired

FAMILY LOCKSMITH High Quality Labor For a Low Price!

Decorator

WE SAVE YOU MONEY!

1/28

Locksmith

• FREE DIAGNOSTIC CHECK UP

Call Mike 646-203-3776 (Bronx) Call Lorenzo 917-214-6968 (NYC)

2/4

CUSTOM COLOR

1/28

MOVING Low Low Rates Residential/Commercial Local & Long Distance NO Extra Charge for Stairs, Weekends or Holidays.

FREE Mattress Covers Flat Rate/Free Estimates NYSDOT #T-35528 USDOT #1060058

RUBBISH REMOVAL Residential/Commercial Estate Clean-Outs ✔ Construction ✔ Appliances ✔ Furniture ✔ Paint Cans ✔ Wood Anything Non-Hazardous Heavy-Duty Cleaning

Building Management Companies Welcome to Enquire!

1/28

Telephone Jacks

TELEPHONE JACKS Installation/Repairs • Business & Residential

$75

FIRST JACK

Verizon Trained - 28 years

917-482-5135

• CAT 5-Wiring • No Dial Tone • Static On Line • Hum On Line Repairs, TimeWarner, Cablevision, Verizon 1/28 Upholstery/Blinds

REUPHOLSTERING

Custom Craftsmen - 40 yrs. experience. Sofas & Chairs upholstered; Slipcovers-Fabric & Plastic; Kitchen Chairs - $8.99 & up: Caning; Venetian Blinds; Drapes - Custom made Refinishing, Touch up & Polishing of Furniture

STYLISH DECORATORS 3314 White Plains Rd. • Bronx, NY 10467

718.881.7691

Advertise in the Co-op City Times Classifieds!

Call 718-320-3300, x3380 for our affordable rates!

1/28

32

Co-op City Times / January 21, 2012

1920 EAST GUN HILL ROAD, BRONX, NY 10469 718-379-4130 • www.pelhambaydinerny.com

We Do Catering!

In or out. Please CALL TO INQUIRE!

Catering has become our speciality here at the Pelham Bay Diner. Whether it’s for a Sweet 16 or a Wedding, we accomodate parties between 40 - 150 people.

• 2 Dinners for $20 •

The Blue Ribbon Room is our largest room which features a DJ stage, dance floor, glass chandeliers, a dias, and plenty of space. The Fireplace Room is our other catering room. It features a large glass entrance, a fully functioning fireplace and is great for your smaller, more intimate parties.

Our Buffet option allows you to choose 6 hot dishes from over 20 that we offer. All buffet options come with a cold platter, tossed salad, caesar salad, rice, bread and butter, and a homemade sheetcake made in our on-premises bakery.

Choice of: • 1/2 Roasted Chicken • Baked Lasagna • Pan-Seared Tilapia • Spaghetti with Meatballs

We also have breakfast menus, sit-down dinner options, cocktail hour options, openbar, etc. Whatever your need is, we will be happy to help you!

We have many Catering Packages for you to choose from: • Sit Down Dinner • Deluxe Buffet • Brunch Buffet • Catering to go to your home or office • Children's Party

We Deliver Until Midnight!

718-379-4130

Dine-in only

Our Chef was featured on “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives” on the Food Network with Guy Fieri!