Co-op City Times 02/09/13 by Co-op City Times

Vol. 48 No. 6

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Shareholders ask questions, raise concerns at Maintenance forum

25¢

Pressing forward with our case As we continue front and not moving ahead in President’s Message allowing it to 2013, I am pleased wither away throand hopeful over ugh the neglect President the progress we in and indifference Co-op City seem of those in power to be making on many levels. First off, who always want our votes. I am very of course, the fact we obtained a $621 happy that the Public Advocate for the million HUD guaranteed mortgage City of New York, Bill Di Blasio, has refinancing, underwritten by Wells taken the time to contact DEP on our Fargo Bank is a major, historic achievebehalf and demand a response and ment which will save us million of dolexplanation as to why our community is lars in interest payments. being selectively punished with this Secondly, I must thank our former arbitrary, unfair cost that is the equivaAssemblyman Stephen Kaufman, lent of a 4% carrying charge increase who previously represented Co-op per year, and a total of over $20 million City in the City Council and was a since we have been forced to comply longtime resident here, for continuing with these unnecessary asbestos abateto spread the word and lining up supment removal costs when there is port as we press our case against an absolutely no evidence at all that it uncaring government agency about poses a health hazard to any worker or being forced to pay over $4 million cooperator. If we are going to look at per year for unnecessary asbestos this issue logically and fairly, then all abatement work. It’s sad when a child other housing with similar floor tiles in can recognize how preposterous this the City of New York should be is and how we are being selectively required to do the same unnecessary, punished by the City and State of expensive work that we are being New York, yet our elected officials forced to do, and to do at an incredible seem to be oblivious to the injustice cost. being fostered on our community of I have been grateful and have conhard working people. sidered it a great honor to serve as I applaud Mr. Kaufman for filing suit President of Riverbay Corporation against the City of New York’s these past few years and represent Department of Environmental Protecyou, the cooperators. tion (DEP), and I have to thank my felI am pleased the Speaker of the low Director Tony Illis, and also Othelia (Continued on page 4) Jones for keeping this issue in the fore-

Helen Atkins

Riverbay management personnel (from left) GM Vernon Cooper, Operations Director Kevin Keenan, Maintenance Director Mike Sanders and Assistant Director Toma Kastrati answer questions at the Forum in Bartow Center on Tuesday night. Photo by Jim Roberts

BY JIM ROBERTS More than 100 shareholders turned out on Tuesday night to learn about the work done by Riverbay’s Maintenance Department every day in Co-op City and to ask questions and get answers to maintenance problems they need addressed. Riverbay’s Maintenance Director, Mike Sanders, and Assistant Director, Toma Kastrati, provided an overview of the

department’s responsibilities and Riverbay General Manager Vernon Cooper and Director of Operations Kevin Keenan also were available to answer questions from any shareholders during the nearly 90minute question and answer period. Monthly department forums for Co-op City residents have already been held (Continued on page 2)

Annual 1098 Mailing Riverbay Corporation extends its sincere apology to those cooperators whose Social Security numbers were exposed during the recent mailing of their annual 1098 Tax Forms, and whose envelopes were received unsealed. We would like to assure all cooperators that we will make every effort to ensure that such mailing mishaps do not occur in the future. We will insist that the vendor use a window envelope where only the cooperator’s name and address are displayed similar to the envelopes used for the monthly maintenance billing. In addition, despite the misspelling of “Bartow” in the address, we’d also like to reassure all cooperators that the information contained in the document itself is accurate. —R iver ba y M a n a gemen t

Riverbay establishes program to handle unsatisfactory repairs BY BILL STUTTIG Beginning in March, residents who have had maintenance or restoration problems repeat in days, weeks or even a month after the original repair was completed, will now be assigned a supervisor from either the Maintenance or Restoration Departments to oversee the follow-up repairs and ensure that the job is completed in a satisfactory and timely manner. The new program, designed by Riverbay Director of Operations Kevin Keenan is called the Riverbay Repeater Program. According to Keenan, for each shareholder, the process will begin as

soon as he or she calls in to report a problem in their home for the second time in a thirty-day period. The new procedure was first detailed to cooperators attending a January management forum on the operations of the Restoration Department and more details were presented at Tuesday evening’s management forum detailing the operations of the Maintenance Department. At Tuesday’s management forum Keenan explained: “We are going to have a new program called the RRP Program (Continued on page 2)

Riverbay prepared for winter’s first major storm BY BILL STUTTIG Shareholders who peek out their window this morning will likely see more than a foot of snow blanketing the community’s greenways and walking paths. Forecasts began calling for the strong possibility of a major snowfall with blizzard-like conditions and wind gusts of up to 60 mph affecting the region by early In the days leading up to the storm, Riverbay crews prepared the community’s snow removal equipment for evening yesterday. its first major use of the winter season. (Above) But even before the fore- Mechanic Al Cruz fine tunes one of many snow blowers casts began to grow ominous that will be needed throughout the day today. Photo by Bill Stuttig by Thursday afternoon, Riverbay began preparing for the worst Boiko, met to map out a strategy for digscenario as it hoped for the best. ging the community out as quickly as posBy early Thursday afternoon, all of the sible. The meeting included directors community operational department direcfrom Buildings and Grounds, Janitorial, tors together with General Manager Maintenance, CSO, Construction, Public Vernon Cooper, Operations Manager (Continued on page 19) Kevin Keenan, and Ombudsman Joe

Forum with the Restoration, Power Plant, Finance and Public Safety Departments, and other departments will make presentations in the future. “We want to hold these forums on a monthly basis so you have an opportunity to meet the men and women who run various departments here at Co-op City,” Cooper said. “It gives them an opportunity to explain to you what they do and also to tell you about any new initiatives or projects and, most importantly, it gives you an opportunity to ask questions.” The Riverbay Maintenance Department consists of seven different groups, each focused on their specific area of responsibility while working closely with the others. An average of 1,700 calls each week come to the Maintenance Department during winter months and the volume increases to 2,200 in an average week in the summer. The Building Maintenance group handles repairs in occupied apartments and public halls during business hours. This group is divided into six sections with a supervisor in charge of each section’s utility staff. Utility workers are responsible for work inside occupied apartments, public spaces and the three shopping centers. The Emergency Desk Maintenance is responsible for emergency repairs throughout the development on nights, weekends and holidays and includes a team of plumbers and electricians to do regular maintenance work during the 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. shift. The PM Shop does all carpentry, air conditioning units, roof fans, and grab bar jobs, while the Electric Shop is focused on work in the intercom shop and electrical and electronic repairs along with other projects. The Lock Shop handles all doors, locks and hardware. The In-House Plumbing Department is responsible for

Repeater or the Riverbay Repeater Program. If you have a problem that repeats – hopefully, it doesn’t repeat – but if you have a problem that isn’t fixed right the first time, when you call your CSO to report that repeat problem, CSO is going to hand that off to a supervisor and that supervisor will be your single point of contact. You will get the supervisor’s business card with the phone number on it and the supervisor will show up with the utility person to follow up and make sure it doesn’t happen again.” Keenan explained to the Co-op City Times that the program will have many advantages, the first being the shareholders will have direct access to a supervisor charged with making sure the problem is corrected properly. “For Riverbay,” Keenan added, “it will allow us to better track problems that consistently occur and determine their root cause whether it be a defective part, insufficient training of the workers or just complacency on the part of a worker.” Following the kick-off of the program, department heads and supervisors will go over the log of complaints on a regular basis every two weeks and try to establish patterns that can be tracked to a particular

Co-op City Times / February 9, 2013 (Continued from page 1)

all plumbing jobs greater than 2 inches in diameter and emergencies. Finally, the newly formed M and M team is now responsible for high-voltage lights, fixtures, ejector pumps, and various items that were previously handled by the Local 94 union workers, who are now focused solely on work at the Riverbay Power Plant. The new M and M team has already helped to reduce costs for Riverbay by developing a new system to reduce leaks in pumps in the basements, which, in the past, sometimes damaged elevators at a great expense and inconvenience to residents. During the question and answer session at Tuesday night’s forum in the Bartow Center, shareholders who had specific maintenance problems in their apartments gave their contact information to Riverbay managers and were told that they would be contacted shortly to have the problems fixed. Issues brought up by shareholders included lighting in public areas, heat in the laundry rooms and chips in the porcelain bath tubs. Cooper explained to one shareholder that ongoing issues with hot water problems in the townhouses at Asch Loop, Debs Place and Broun Place have not been resolved following several repairs. He said replacement of the entire hot water control panel system is now underway to permanently solve the problem. Kathleen Bullock, a Co-op City resident for 15 years, spoke about the repeated problems that she’s had with flooring in her apartment being damaged by flooding caused by convectors. Bullock said she’s had to have new flooring installed in two bedrooms because of water damage. “I’ve had two leaks in my apartment, well actually three,” she said. “I’m sure my insurance is going to drop me. I had a leak in one

bedroom, which I would have never found until we moved the furniture from there and the whole floor had to be redone. And now I’ve had another leak in my bedroom and then another leak in the kitchen. “How am I supposed to keep up with this? What are you all doing to change that system? It’s the overflow. They came and cleaned my convectors in March last year and in July I had the leaks,” she asked during the question period. Cooper explained that over Co-op City’s 40-year history, the PVC piping that is supposed to carry condensation from the convector system to drains becomes warped and the water spills to the floor instead. Workers have opened up walls in vacant apartments and re-pitched the piping to try and stop leaks, he said, and offered to try that method in Bullock’s apartment. “That’s only one of several reasons why you have convector leaks,” Cooper said. “In some apartments, there are people who have had continuous leaks and we’ve offered to do this but we haven’t offered it on a large scale because it’s time consuming and because the men will have to open up your wall all the way to the drain line to re-pitch that new condensate pipe. If you’re receptive to allowing us to do that, we’ll give that a try.” A recent new shareholder who said that no one came to his apartment on a day scheduled for painting was directed by Cooper to speak during the meeting with Edgar Perez of the Riverbay Restorations Department to determine why the contractor, Atlas Painting, did not appear for the work. Keenan discussed a new procedure for shareholders with problems regarding Riverbay maintenance work called the

Riverbay Repeat Program, known as the “RRP Program” where residents who haven’t had their work done properly the first time will have a supervisor directly assigned to their case as the primary point of contact to ensure that the problem is resolved. “We hear your concerns that people are frustrated and we want to see what we can do differently,” Keenan said. “We’ll assign a management person to you and they will stay with you until you get satisfaction.” (See related story on page 1.) Cooper explained during the forum the importance of every resident’s cooperation in the coming months to complete the installation of smoke detectors in all bedrooms and GFI outlets in electric wall plugs in kitchens and bathrooms that are required as part of the $621 million mortgage refinancing that is guaranteed by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). “We are on target to start the HUD installations in mid-March,” Cooper said. “We are mandated to get into every single apartment. We’ll try and do it similarly to how the windows and doors were installed by giving you a 30-day notice, and then a week’s notice, and then the day before so that we make sure we get everybody’s cooperation because we’re going to need that to make this work.” The project is required by the terms of the HUD guaranteed loan with Wells Fargo and must be completed in 14 months, Cooper said. Workers will also conduct airborne asbestos testing required by HUD and also paint apartment doors while doing the installation work. Cooper said carbon monoxide detectors will not be installed and that HUD has waived a requirement to take photos of the completed work in each apartment.

ment. If another department is needed to complete the repair, the supervisor will make arrangements and work with the other department to schedule the needed work. “For our restoration and maintenance supervisors,” said Keenan, “it is all about taking ownership and eliminating cooperator frustration dealing with multiple departments and trying to get the work done in a timely manner.” The supervisors are empowered to schedule the work around the cooperator’s schedule. Each Repeater Problem will be documented on the RRP tracking sheet which will be filled out and signed by the supervisor in charge and filed with CSO and/or the Maintenance and Restorations Departments. For a maintenance issue, when a cooperator calls CSO to complain about a problem that has repeated or has not been repaired correctly in the last 30 days, CSO will issue a work order number. CSO will then notify the maintenance supervisor assigned to that building and provide him/her with the details as to when it was first reported, who was sent on the repair, and what was done to make the repair. The supervisor will attempt to

bring back the first person who was on the job and stay with the job until it is repaired to the customer’s satisfaction. That supervisor will now be the cooperator’s exclusive sole point of contact, charged with making sure the work is completed correctly. For a restoration issue, when a complaint is received in restorations for any work that was not repaired correctly in the last 30 days, a work order number will be issued in the same manner as the maintenance issue. Based on the nature of the complaint, it will be sent to a restoration supervisor or an Atlas supervisor. If the Atlas supervisor feels the work cannot be done correctly because of an ongoing leak, he or she will call a Maintenance supervisor to meet at the cooperator’s home to discuss and resolve the problem. Keenan said that a large percentage of the problems stem for leaks coming from another apartment or another source and this program will help to make sure that everything possible is done to find the cause of the leak and correct it. The supervisors are empowered to schedule the work around the cooperator’s schedule.

(Continued from page 1)

cause and then have that problem rectified on a long-term basis throughout the community, if possible. Keenan said that a computer program has been developed by Riverbay’s Computer Services Department to help with administering and tracking the new program. As soon as a call for service from a shareholder is made to CSO for a second time over a thirty-day period, that call will be red-flagged and assigned to a maintenance or restorations supervisor. Although the process varies slightly depending on whether the call is for maintenance or restorations, in both cases after a cooperator calls into CSO to report a problem for the second time, a supervisor and the original utility person, if possible, will be sent back to the home to see why it was not corrected on the first visit. From that point, the supervisor will take ownership of the repair to see that it is, in fact, corrected. The supervisor will leave the cooperator his or her business card as the single point of contact for rectifying the problem. The supervisor will then follow up to see that the needed repair is fixed to the cooperator’s satisfaction. The cooperator will not be told to contact another depart-

Co-op City Times / February 9, 2013

2nd Combing ty p Cinext Blood Co-oDrive Bronx BP celebrates Black History Month in Dreiser Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. will host his annual Black History Month Celebration on Wednesday, February 13 in the Dreiser Auditorium beginning at 5:30 p.m. Seats are limited, so please call (718) 590-3522 or email lroldan@bronxbp.nyc.gov as soon as possible to RSVP. This program is being presented in partnership with Riverbay Corporation, the Bronx Tourism Council and Coca-Cola.

Mammography Van coming to Co-op City Assemblyman Michael R. Benedetto, in conjunction with Project Renewal, formerly operating as Women’s Outreach Network, will be sponsoring a free Mobile Mammography Screening Van which will be located outside of the Baychester Public Library, 2049 Asch Loop North, on Saturday, February 23, beginning at 1:30 p.m. This program is for women 40 years of age and older who have not had a mammogram in the past year. All insurance plans are accepted, however, if you do not have insurance, you can still sign up for the program. An appointment is necessary. Please call 1-800-564-6868.

NCNW’s annual Youth Celebration coming in February In commemoration of Black History, the Co-op City NCNW will host their 12th Annual Youth Celebration on Saturday, February 23, 1-4 p.m. in the Dreiser Auditorium, co-sponsored by the Riverbay Corporation. Youth and youth groups that would like to showcase their talent in song, dance, poetry, music or theatrical presentation at the celebration, should contact the NCNW’s Youth Committee Chairpersons: Lori Melton, (917) 399-2643, or Michelle S. Davey, (917) 292-2397.

Next CB#10 Meeting The next Community Board #10 meeting will be held on Thursday, February 21 at 7:30 p.m., at the Westchester Square Civic Association, 2513 E. Tremont Avenue, Bronx, N.Y. 10461. Please make every effort to attend. For further information, please call contact Community Board 10 at (718) 892-1161.

FRONT PA G E

Co-op City youth wins 3rd Place in Bronx ISC Spelling Bee BY ROZAAN BOONE Jarrell Dukes, a 10-year old fifth grader at P.S. 160 and a resident of Section 5 in Co-op City, recently won third place in the New York City Department of Education Borough of the Bronx Spelling Bee, and will now go on to represent his school in the Scripps Citywide Spelling Bee in May. The borough-wide competition, which was held on January 24 at PS 196 in the Bronx, N.Y., consisted of 67 students from grades 5-8 representing their respective Bronx schools, 3 of whom were from PS 160 and 3 from the Equality Charter School which is housed in the same building as PS 160 in Education Park in Co-op City. “I would like to take this time to congratulate you on your third place ranking in the New York City Department of Education Borough of the Bronx Spelling Bee,” wrote Lori Baker, Principal of PS 160, to Jarrell on January 25. “The PS 160 school community is very proud of you. I would like to wish you much continued success as you go on to represent PS 160 in the Scripps Citywide Spelling Bee.” To get to the borough-wide competition, Jarrell won the fifth grade spelling bee at PS 160. That competition took place on December 17, 2012. To help him prepare, Jarrell said that he was given an extensive list of words to study in the weeks leading up to the competition, which he did, coached by his father, David Dukes. “I studied the list every day and all of the words that I knew, I placed in the back

Jarrell Dukes displays the Certificate of Participation he received and the trophy for his impressive 3rd Place finish in the Bronx Borough Spelling Bee. Photo by R. Boone

of the list,” said Jarrell. “I also wrote the words that I knew to help me practice.” “I encouraged him to look at the list and then rewrite all of the words he could remember to improve his memory,” added Mr. Dukes. Winning the 5th Grade Spelling Bee secured Jarrell a spot to represent PS 160 at the Borough of the Bronx Spelling Bee. He then received another list of more than 1,000 words to help him prepare for the competition. He was also cautioned that any word in the Webster Third Edition New International Dictionary, and its addenda section, the 2002 MerriamWebster, is eligible for inclusion in the spelling bee. When Jarrell got to the actual competition on January 24, and realized that the

judges were indeed including words from outside of the practice list in the contest, he became nervous. “Before the spelling bee, it was very important to me not to put too much pressure on him, so I told him that I was already proud of him. I told him the only thing he had to do for me was to have fun,” said Mr. Dukes. “During the intermission, he panicked, ran to me and told me that they were using words not on the list, and I reinforced what I had told him earlier—relax and have fun.” With reassurance from his father, Jarrell returned to the competition, focused, and won third place—a remarkable feat considering he was up against students from up to the 8th grade in the competition. Jarrell’s advice to other students is simple: “Always try your best and never give up on your dreams, even if you fail once, try again,” prophetic words from a fifth grader who knows first hand what it means to be persistent. An honor student at PS 160, Jarrell, whose favorite subjects are math and gym, is a member of the school basketball team, but the first time he tried out, he didn’t make the cut. “I kept practicing, and practicing, and eventually someone else had to leave the team and I got his spot because they saw that I had gotten better,” said Jarrell. Jarrell is also a member of the school band; he plays tenor saxophone. He also plays keyboards and takes lessons at the (Continued on page 19)

Sanitation Department enforces rules for proper disposal of bedding BY ROZAAN BOONE Since January 3, 2011, the City of New York Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has been enforcing a rule that was enacted on December 3, 2010, to ensure the proper disposal of mattresses and box springs to help curtail the spread of bed bug infestations. “We are urging all cooperators to abide by the city’s law regarding the proper disposal of bedding,” said Riverbay’s General Manager Vernon Cooper. “Our CSO Department, along with the contractor hired to perform exterminating services here at Riverbay, work diligently to identify and eradicate any and all evidence of bed bugs. Although the number of bed bug related service requests has dropped dramatically, it is still imperative that cooperators use the proper bags to seal mattresses and box springs before discarding in order to help ensure that these numbers continue to dwindle. We need your cooperation in complying with the law in general and specifically in helping to prevent the possible spread of bed bugs throughout the community.” “With this rule, and thanks to the sup-

port of Councilmember Gale Brewer, we will safeguard our workers and help to mitigate the spread of bed bugs throughout the city,” said Sanitation Commissioner John J. Doherty at the time that the rule was enacted. “We also suggest that the plastic mattress bags be placed around the bedding before it is removed from the room…to further limit bed bugs from infesting other parts of the home or apartment.” Councilmember Gale Brewer offered: “...In 2008, I introduced a bill, Intro 08722008, that would require all bedding and furniture set out for collection to be both completely contained inside a sealed plastic bag, and labeled with a sticker or decal indicating that it may contain bed bugs. I believe the rules promulgated by DSNY are a step in the right direction towards curtailing mattresses and box springs as a vehicle of spreading bed bugs. In our shared concern for the health and safety of city employees, I look forward to working with the Department to ensure that these rules are as effective as possible.” Here at Co-op City, shareholders are required to bring their mattresses and box

springs down to the basement or place them out on the dumpster pad to be carted away. However, some shareholders continue to dispose of mattresses and box springs without first placing them in a sealed plastic bag and/or labeling it as possibly bed bug contaminated or hazardous. This not only breaks the law which could result in the housing company being fined, but it also exposes Riverbay workers to the bed bugs that may be on the items. “This is a New York City law and we have to be in compliance,” stated Riverbay’s Safety Director, Kevin Keenan, who also oversees operations at the development. “It is important that we protect the employees and the cooperators who work and live here and we will issue a community complaint, along with related fines and legal fees, to those who do not comply with the law.” Plastic bags to encase bedding are available at department stores, home improvement centers, at other home supply businesses and also online. For further information, please visit www.nyc.gov/sanitation, or call 3-1-1.

Co-op City Times / February 9, 2013

President’s Report

(Continued from page 1)

City Council, Christine C. Quinn, has invited me on behalf of Co-op City to attend her address of the State of the City this coming Monday in the Council Chambers at City Hall. I will be interested in hearing what Speaker Quinn has to say in her address and am happy she has recognized our community. On another issue, unfortunately, I wish some Directors would take the time and the effort to verify or confirm some of the more outrageous and inaccurate statements they make, statements that are then further exacerbated by a misleading situation, when such false information is repeated by a reporter who uses one source for stories, when a professional journalist knows better, because even a trustworthy source can make a mistake, but the results should be embarrassing when the source is proven time after time to be so unreliable. Once again last week, City News ran a completely false story under an inaccurate headline stating Co-op City spent a $100 per box for holiday lights that costs $10.

This is absolutely not true, and is rather troubling that Daryl Johnson, who is the corporation’s assistant treasurer, would make such a glaring miscalculation and mistake. It makes you wonder how many other things he is completely wrong about. First of all, Mr. Johnson incorrectly states Co-op City spent $14,000 on holiday lights when the total was actually $10,778.63 for 130 cases of Christmas lights to decorate our three community centers, amounting to approximately $83 per case. Furthermore, each case contains 24 boxes of super bright commercial lights, not 24 lights, with each box containing a netting of 100 lights which are used to decorate around the 3 community centers. Therefore, each case contains 2,400 lights, and each box contains 100 lights, which is a bit more than the 24 lights Director Johnson seems to believe are in each case, or even each box. Obviously, Director Johnson either did not understand or did not take the time to find out the true number of lights in a case or box, and

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Mr. Horowitz of City News, unfortunately, simply repeated the false information provided by Director Johnson and then presented it to the community as if it was true. Director Johnson further added to his initial mistake by failing to recognize the difference between commercial lights and the cost of residential or household lights which he seems to be thinking of when he says a box of lights should cost no more than $10. Actually, $83 is more than a reasonable price for these commercial, super bright lights which are used outdoors. I am sorry to dwell on this, but it is difficult and unfair to responsible Directors, which includes the majority on the Riverbay Board, when one Director, and a Director who holds a position of financial responsibility, so clearly does not know what he is talking about. And as a final point, years ago when an outside contractor was utilized for holiday decorating, it was not unusual for this job to cost upwards of $25,000, which is far more than Director Johnson’s incorrect, inflated

cost, once again, repeated by City News, so Co-op City is still saving money, even when Mr. Johnson’s incorrect figures are presented. I truly wish I didn’t have to write about such things, we have more important things to deal with, such as delivering essential services to cooperators and also preparing and bracing for a potential winter storm, which I hope is not bad. I can only hope such complete fabrications are not continually repeated and that a few misguided Directors begin to recognize that Coop City is indeed a city unto itself and Directors on the Riverbay Board should not be preoccupied with narrow minded concerns that merely reflect attempts at personal grandstanding and a preoccupation with self. In closing, I want to remind everyone that February is Black History Month and we should all be grateful for the many contributions and accomplishments that have been achieved over the years in our great country. Be safe this weekend as the winter storm makes its way across our region.

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Co-op City Times / February 9, 2013

Management Report On Tuesday, February 5th, our monthly management forum featured the Maintenance Department and although the number of cooperators in attendance was smaller than we would like, it was a welcome improvement from the number of cooperators who have attended previous forums. We believe these forums are important for a number of reasons. It is always a good idea to see first-hand the people who run the department and are responsible for the work performed on a daily basis; it is also important to hear from them what their department is responsible for doing and how they do it, which includes hearing about recent changes and improvements of the operations, as well as future plans that impact the service provided to the community. Two initiatives are well worth highlighting—the first being the fact that we now have increased the number of hours that our plumbers and electricians work in order to have these trades on-site during the evening hours. This initiative enables us in some cases to accommodate cooperators after work hours; it also enables us to reduce, if not eliminate altogether, the use of outside contractors (plumbers and electricians) that in the past we would call in to handle emergency conditions at night; as it relates to the electricians, an additional benefit is

Management Corner

Marion Scott Real Estate, Inc. that lighting conditions that need to be addressed can be reviewed at night, which enables the electricians to see first-hand what the conditions are and thereby make it easier for them to effectively determine exactly what is needed to correct the condition because they are seeing the condition and making the changes at night, when the problems exist. The second initiative, which was suggested by our Director of Operations Kevin Keenan, is designed to help minimize repeated service requests in order to get the same problem or condition corrected, whereby now any repeat requests for service in both the Maintenance and Restorations Departments will result in having a supervisor accompany the utility man, or tradesman who is being sent back to the cooperators’ apartment to address the problem. We believe this change will quickly enable us to get to the root of the problem and stay on top of it until the problem has been resolved, so as to minimize the number of times that a cooper-

ator has to stay home to receive service and the length of time the cooperator has been inconvenienced before the problem is finally resolved. The supervisors will stay involved until the issue has been brought to resolution and in those cases where several families are affected by the problem or condition, the Maintenance Department, by way of the Cooperator Services Department and the Restorations Department, will make sure that all of the families involved are informed of the progress in the matter at hand. During the Management Forum, a few comments were made about the manner in which some staff members respond to cooperators when they call or come into an office. I think it is important to reiterate to cooperators that you should always get the name of the staff person you speak with, whether it is over the phone or in person, and if you feel that the person did a poor job of answering your questions, or that he or she was less than professional in the manner in which he or she spoke with you, we want you to ask to speak with either a supervisor or the Director and if the supervisor is not available at the time, that you leave your name and number for them to call you back regarding the matter at hand. I have said to hundreds, if not thou-

sands, of cooperators that if the issue at hand is brought to the attention of the Director, he or she will do whatever they can to resolve the issue and will hold their respective staff members accountable for their actions. If the issue cannot be resolved by the Director, they know to discuss the matter with the General Manager and I will do every thing within my power to resolve the issue. One of the reasons that we record the phone conversations that take place between cooperators and our staff is so that the Director can go back and review the phone calls between the two parties and make a determination as to whether or not there is a need to implement disciplinary action against the employee in question. It is also important to note, however, that in some instances, when the Director goes back to review the tape, they may find that the person that conducted themselves poorly may have actually been the cooperator, which is important to know as well, because it helps the Director when he or she has to speak to the cooperator to try to resolve the issues at hand. We appreciate the cooperation we receive from the residents of this community and we want you to know that we are consistently looking at ways to increase and improve the level and quality of service provided on a day-to-day basis.

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Co-op City Times / February 9, 2013

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Letters to the Editor

Co-op City’s official newspaper serving the world’s largest cooperative community. (718) 320-3300, ext. 3375 cctimes@riverbaycorp.com

Remembering Mayor Ed Koch To t h e E d it or : I just wanted to remember and pay tribute to a great person and event occurring in Co-op City. Former Mayor Ed Koch attended and gave a delightful and warm speech on a very cold day at the end of November, 1988 upon the occasion of the grand 20th anniversary celebration of Co-op City. A couple hundred folks gathered in the circle behind Building 4 and Building 1. The buildings in Co-op City, in case some readers don’t know, are numbered in order of their opening and accepting residents. Building 1 on Baychester

Avenue, between Donizetti Place and Darrow Place, was the first to open, so appropriately, the opening festivities for the 20th anniversary took place in that location. It was a great day in the history of Co-op City and particularly important to remember for us on the occasion of the passing of the former mayor. He should be remembered as one of the greatest mayors of New York City. He understood what it meant to be a real New Yorker and how Co-op City came to be – the positive aspects. Sometimes, it is important for us all to take a look back and appreciate the past, refrain

from the criticisms and allegations that are not helpful. The good mayor would be the first to go forward. Mentioned by former President Clinton as he eulogized Mayor Koch was the annual luncheon the former mayor organized. Former Senator and Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, Democrat; former Congressman Al D’Amato, Republican and himself, Ed Koch, were the only guests and the only ones who actually witnessed what went on conversationally between the very articulate guests. —E va K in d a ich i-L a za a r

Some suggestions for our storefronts To t h e E d it or : Noticing the long-vacant storefronts in our community and surrounding malls, and thinking about the plan to revitalize our shopping centers, I started thinking about what kinds of businesses Co-op City lacked. I suggest that we come up with our own list of needed services and then put out there what companies we would heartily support. This should give incentive to those looking for a place to do business and minimize their sense of

risk in putting down roots here. To get the discussion started, here’s my own list of preferred businesses: 1. Bike shop— sales and repair 2. Spa center—massages, facials, etc. 3. Daycare center— there is never enough. 4. Veterinarian—lots of furry and feathered residents needing care, too. 5. Cablevision office—we’re certainly big enough to deserve our own, instead of having to go across town. 6. Co-op’s own version of Restore Westchester—a

home consignment shop where people can get to update their homes at a discount with gently used doors, vanities, etc., that would otherwise be thrown out of our apartments and become more landfill. Since Co-op City already profits from being green through recycling, it wouldn’t be a great leap to allow cooperators/Riverbay/porters to make a little money while we ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ other home goods. —St ep h a n ie C la r ke

Elevator Inspections Elevator Category 1 and Category 5 inspections are required by city law. These inspections will be conducted in Co-op City according to the schedule below. Each inspection will take 1-1½ hrs. to complete. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we work to ensure the safety of your elevators.

Feb., 2013 Category 1 Testing Date 14-Feb-13

Building 1A

14-Feb-13

Address 920 Baychester Ave. 920 Baychester Ave. 900 Baychester Ave. 900 Baychester Ave. 900 Co-op City Blvd. 900 Co-op City Blvd.

Car # 1

Time 8-9 a.m.

9-10 a.m.

10-1 a.m.

4 1

11-12 p.m. 12:1 p.m.

1-2 p.m.

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.

Elevator Inspections 2013 Window Guard Forms due by February 15th Elevator Category 1 and Category 5 inspections are required by city law. These

The 2013 Windowwill Guardbe forms you have inreceived form, by turning into window guards, we must send out Window inspections conducted Co-opwith Citytheaccording to theitschedule below. Each been receiving are due back to the Window Room S in the Bartow Community Center Guard forms every year. Window Guards inspection will take 1-1 ½ hrs. to complete. Guard office by Friday, February 15th. or by returning it to your local Cooperator protect children from falling out of a It is very important that each shareholder Service Office (CSO). window. Help Riverbay meet our legal We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we work to ensure fills out the form completely, sign it, date The New York City Department of requirement and prevent a child from falling theyour safety ofnumber your elevators. it, enter phone and return it Health requires that Riverbay install out of a window by filling out your form to Riverbay as soon as possible. You may window guards in any apartment in and returning it by February 15th. return it by putting the form in the mail which a child under the age of 11 lives or Thank you. R iver b a y W in d ow G u a r d O ffice usingPLACE the self-addressed envelope visits. AT To findTHE those apartments that need TEXT IN you READ TOP OF THE —TABLE

Send us your

Letters! s r Edito City Timee. Co-opBartow Av 5 2049 , NY 1047 Bronx

email: cctimes@riverbaycorp.com

Co-op City Times / February 9, 2013

Public Safety Report CCPD offers SAFE DRIVING and WALKING for WINTER WEATHER BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO If weather forecasters are correct, we will be waking up to a Winter Wonderland of snow. We have come to learn that there is nothing predictable about weather in the New York area. After a few weeks where temperature went to different extremes with not much snowfall, we might be a little surprised. During severe winter weather, it becomes even more important to be sure to drive safely and obey traffic rules. Snow, ice and freezing rain present an increase in hazards for drivers and pedestrians alike. By allowing extra time for travel and avoiding unnecessary travel, readers can stay safe during adverse weather conditions. When there are hazardous conditions, residents should try to stay home, if possible. Walking or driving in bad weather increases your chance of getting injured. The elderly and those with mobility issues should definitely stay home and enlist the help of a friend or neighbor. Many local restaurants and establishments offer free delivery service. There are supermarkets that offer food delivery that you can order from your home. Driving in extreme weather should be avoided at all costs. New York City Department of Sanitation has stepped up plowing and salting efforts. However, roads will not be clear until several hours after snow finishes falling. This weekend is an excellent time to catch up on reading, movie watching and TV viewing. This weekend is an excellent time for family game night, break out those good old fashioned board games and enjoy quality family time. Extreme weather makes it even more important to be sure your car is in optimum condition with good tires. It is also important that all drivers and passengers BUCKLE UP for safety. Children should be secured in the proper restraint system for their age and weight, always in the rear seat of the vehicle. Never put a rear facing infant seat in the front seat of an auto that has a passenger side airbag. The airbag can propel the car seat into the seat back with enough force to seriously injure or kill the child. Never hold a child on your lap while driving or while seated in the front seat. The force of the airbag throwing the child against you could be fatal. You should never take a child out of a car seat if they are fussing. Car seat in the rear seat is always the way to go, never regard not sitting in a car seat or sitting in the front seat as a reward. Children need to be buckled up in the rear seat of the vehicle properly restrained. Children aged 8 or over, weighing 100 pounds or more or taller than 4 feet, 9 inches may use a seat belt. Children between 4 and 8, 40 to 100 pounds should use a booster seat. Children 1 to 4 years of age should be in a child safety seat with a five point harness. Children younger than 1 should be placed in a rear facing infant seat in the back seat of the auto. Never use a car seat that has been in an accident, it may have sustained damage that is not visible. Car seat installation can seem difficult at first. It is very important that you carefully read the owner’s manual for both the car seat and for your auto. The LATCH system is an attempt to simplify car seat installation and make it universal from one car to another. The acronym LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren. It includes Lower Anchorage points and top tether straps to fasten car seats. All vehicles manufactured after 2003 must have at least 2 LATCH points in the rear seat. Seat belts can still be used to install car seats. This is an option for a third seat or if installation in the center seat is desired. Information regarding the LATCH system and the installation of car seats may be found at the National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration at 1 (888) DASH2DOT or on their website at www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ Certified child passenger safety technicians are available at various locations to check for the proper installation of car seats. To find out about car seat check locations, call 1 (866) SEAT CHECK or at their website at www.seatcheck.org. Every person riding in an automobile should wear a seatbelt. Seatbelts save lives. Airbags are not a substitute for seatbelts and are designed to be used in connection with seatbelts. An airbag comes out of the steering wheel or dashboard at a speed of 250 miles per hour. Without a seatbelt, the force of an airbag can cause serious injuries to the front seat passenger and driver. Wearing a seatbelt in a vehicle equipped with airbags will minimize injuries in otherwise life threatening collision.

Seatbelts will prevent the wearer from being thrown from the automobile in the case of a collision. Today’s automobiles are designed to keep the passenger compartment intact in the event of a collision. Without a seatbelt, you will not remain within that safety zone. Unsecured persons in a vehicle continue to travel at the vehicle’s speed until they strike a solid object within or outside the vehicle. Internal organs of the unbelted person then collide with the skeletal system causing serious internal injuries. An unbelted person also serves as a projectile and can cause injuries to other persons in the vehicle. A person properly restrained stays within the vehicle’s safety zone and comes to a slower stop thereby minimizing injuries. This year’s record snowfalls present a unique driving challenge. Share the road safely with cyclists and pedestrians. Bicyclists should give pedestrians the same level of courtesy they expect from motorists. You may think because it is winter no one will be riding a bicycle, but there are some die-hard cyclists who are out there year round. The snow only makes it worse by making less space for cyclists to ride, as well as making a slippery surface. Both cyclists and pedestrians may be observed in areas that would be utilized only by cars in the absence of large snow mounds. Parked cars may be further from the curb, impinging on the buffer zone between cyclists and drivers. Pedestrians may find streets to be less slippery after freshly fallen snow. Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians need to be alert at all times. Changing weather conditions create new hazards on the roadways. Drivers should consider taking a Defensive Driver Training Course. These courses teach drivers tactics in

becoming a safer driver, plus provide an insurance discount and possible point reduction. Riverbay Corporation is happy to announce a $5 discount on the National Safety Council’s new online 6 hour course. Enter referral code #664 at www.ddcnsc.org/ny to receive your $5 discount off the Online Driving Course. The course is regularly $44.95, comes out to $39.95 with the discount. The course is an interactive, informative course. You have one month to complete the course in as many sessions as you desire. Users have three attempts to score at least 75% on the exam at the end to receive credit. The online course offers the same benefits as the live course. A computer with a flash drive is required; Visit the website for more information. School is open, DRIVE CAREFULLY. Never pass a stopped school bus with a STOP sign displayed or its red lights flashing. This means children are loading or unloading. Be aware of pedestrians and bike riders when operating a motor vehicle. Bike riders must refrain from riding bicycles near buildings and shopping centers. Bicycle riders must give pedestrians the same level of respect that they expect from motor vehicles. Everyone needs to share the road safely. Always remember, if you see something, say something. Call 9-1-1 and the Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050 or online at www.ccpd.us. Callers may remain anonymous when giving information. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety would like to thank all persons who have called in suspicious activity or sent information via our website. It is by your actions that the crime rate remains low and a high quality of life is maintained.

Public Safety Blotter: Jan. 30 - Feb. 2 F e b r u a r y 02, 140 E lga r P la c e One male was arrested by CCPD officers after he became disorderly. The male was later found to be wanted on an outstanding warrant and was remanded to the Bronx Central Booking. J a n u a r y 3 1 , 1 2 0 E i n st e i n L o o p CCPD officers responded to this location and arrested two males for trespass. The males were found within having no permission or authority to be therein. They were issued summonses and released.

J a n u a r y 31, 100 Al d r i c h S t r e e t A male waiting for a bus at this location was accosted by a group. The individuals removed personal property and then fled the area. The victim was not injured. J a n u a r y 30, Ba ych est er Aven u e a n d C o- op C it y Bou leva r d A male reported that while crossing the street he was hit by a white vehicle with a blue stripe that then fled the area. His injuries were minor.

2049 Ba r t ow Aven u e, Br on x, NY 10475 • 718-320-3300

O P P O RT UNI T I E S AT C O -O P C I T Y Tell you r fr ien d s, r ela t ives a n d em p loyer s a b ou t : C O NT R AC T SUM M ARY C on tr a ct 2828, Pur cha se & Deliver y of (2) Hea t Excha nger s: The project involves the purchase and delivery of two (2) complete Plate & Frame Heat Exchangers. Pr e-Bid M eeting: February 26, at 2:00 p.m. Bids Due: March 19, at 2:00 p.m. Bonding: No bonding is required Insur a nce: Insurance is not required C on tr a ct Asp halt Paving for One (1) Yea r as Needed: Furnish asphalt paving on an as needed basis. Pr e-Bid M eeting: February 19, at 2:00 p.m. Bids Due: March 7, at 2:00 p.m.

Bonding: No bonding is required I nsur a nce: Insurance is required C ontr act P412, Kitchen C a binet Door s, Dr a wer F r onts & La mina te Sheets (Pur cha se Only) Bids due: Friday, February 15 at 2:00 p.m. C ontr act 2810, C onstr uction of Stor a ge R ooms in 6 Buildings Bids due: Thursday, February 28, at 2:00 p.m. P r e-Bid C onfer ence: Tuesday, February 12, Bonding: Not required I nsur a nce: Required.

C on t a ct : Lenya Garcia at Lgarcia@riverbaycorp.com; AND Barbara Penn at Bpenn@riverbaycorp.com for more information. Please note that emails should be sent to both parties. E M P L OYM E NT P O ST I NG S T h er e a r e n o em p loym en t op p or t u nit ies t o list t h is week. P lea se ch eck b a ck n ext week . *R iver b a y C or p or a t ion is a n eq u a l op p or t u n it y em p loyer *

Co-op City Times / February 9, 2013

Taxation without Representation In the seventeen hundreds, the above phase was a testament to the outrage felt by the masses, not for the amount of taxes imposed, but due to the lack of representation of the taxpayers by their government. They were made to feel that they had no voice and their needs did not matter. Sounds familiar? The people organized their anger and frustration into action. We can choose to remain dormant or combine our efforts into a force of one community, one voice and demand the services we are entitled to and more than pay for. I attended a security meeting with the Chairperson of the Security Committee and our Public Safety Department to discuss providing permanent security coverage in Section 5 due to the recent shooting and the loitering conditions of undesirables from within our community and also neighboring areas who are causing quality of life issues in our community. Although our Public Safety Chief was receptive to the idea, he explained the financial restraints the department is under. The reality is our

Director’s Viewpoint

Raymond Tirado Treasurer

Public Safety budget is nearing $12M and we cannot afford to increase our Public Safety manpower to the point where we can allocate an officer to a permanent post twenty-four hours a day. However, let’s look at this situation from a taxpayer’s point of view, which should not be difficult for any of us as this is a community of the working class. Co-op City has historically been underserved by the New York Police Department, thanks to City Hall. We continue to save the city millions of dollars per year by carting our own trash and policing ourselves. And how does City Hall thank us?

Do they reduce the cost of our water bill or partially finance the cost to maintain our grounds that many neighboring visitors enjoy? No, they hit us with building fines, FDNY fines and force us to continue to unfairly spend millions in asbestos testing and air monitoring. And when do you see the NYPD here? Most of the time, it is to issue fines to meet their mandated quotas before the end of the month. We give, they take and it must stop. Our repeated requests from the city for additional police coverage have always been met with the same answer—Our crime statistics numbers are low and Co-op City does not warrant additional coverage. If that is the case, then in a logical world, we would not be paying taxes for police services we do not receive. As we do not live in a logical world and ultimately we must protect ourselves and those who depend on us, I urge those of you who feel as I do and reside in Co-op City to legally protect yourselves for your personal safety and let us also combine our out-

rage with our version of a Boston tea party by swamping the Mayor’s and our local representatives’ offices with a mass phone calling, letter writing, email sending campaign. Yout h C oncer t Please encourage the youth of Co-op City to attend the Youth Concert being held at the Circle of Christ Church on March 1, 7 p.m. A good opportunity for all our youth to enjoy some good music and touch base with our creator. Something we all benefit from. Don’t forget to contact our representatives at: • Councilman Andy King, 718-6845509 • Rep. Eliot L Engel, 914-699-4100 • Mayor Michael R Bloomberg, 3-1-1; Email: http://www.nyc.gov/html/mail/ html/mayor.html • Senator Ruth Hassel Thompson, 718547-8854. Thank you. I can be reached at 718320-3351; ccdirector@optonline.net, or write to the Riverbay Board Office, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bx., NY 10475.

National Council of Negro Women You ar e invit ed : Our second meeting of 2013 will be held tomorrow, Sunday, February 10, at 3:00 p.m., Dreiser Community Center, Room 11. Join with our officers and members and discuss plans for the New Year! Refreshment will be served! Save th e Da t e: Black History Month 12th Annual Youth Celebration, co-sponsored with Riverbay, Saturday, February 23, at Dreiser Community Center, Auditorium B, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. We are

looking for youth and youth groups who would like to showcase their talent in song, dance, poetry, music or theatrical presentation for this event. If interested in performing for this event or need more information, please contact: NCNW Youth Committee Chairpersons Lori Melton, (917) 3992643, or Michelle S. Davey, (917) 2922397. Book Club next meeting will be on Saturday, February 23, at 3:30 p.m. at

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Barnes & Noble. We will be discussing “A Cupboard Full of Coats” by Yvvette Edwards, nominated for an NAACP Image Award! C om e see t h e ch er r y b lossom s in Wa sh in gt on , DC . Join us for a guided tour of Washington, DC, April 5 – 8, featuring tours of: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, Iwo Jima Memorial, WW II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Veterans

Memorial, Smithsonian Institution, US Capital, Embassy Row, Lincoln Memorial, and the White House. Wait list only. Contact: 718-671-4804, 718-655-9034 or 718-320-9694. Please contact Sadie Gilmore, 718-6713721, to notify us of any birthdays, illness or bereavement. Happy birthday to our February members. —M a xin e Su lliva n

Co-op City Times / February 9, 2013

Building 26 Association Warm greetings during a frigid and snowy week to all of our Co-op City residents, neighbors, families, friends, merchants, and especially our new residents. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not too late to get a flu shot! Remember to frequently wash your hands and/or use hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol. Congratulations to all who are celebrating birthdays, new births, wedding anniversaries and other celebrated events during the month of February. Well wishes for a speedy recovery to all of you who are suffering with the flu. Eat plenty of chicken soup and drink plenty of fluids. Stay hydrated! Our sincere condolences to those families who have experienced the loss of a loved one. May your loved one be eternally blessed. And may you and your families also be blessed during your time of bereavement. Our sincere thanks to Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, Attorney Steve Kaufman, and Assemblyman

munity room, located in the rear of 2420 Hunter Avenue. Board Director Eleanor Bailey will be our guest speaker. Please come out and be informed. Refreshments will be served and there will be a 50/50 raffle. Reminder - 2013 Window Guard forms are due by Friday, February 15th. Forms can be returned to Room S in the Bartow Community Center and/or to your local Cooperator Service Office. Please help to keep our community clean and green by properly disposing your garbage in the appropriate receptacle. Take out time to recycle your bottles, plastics, and papers. Bulk trash and large cartons are to be taken to the basement. And please be vigilant. If you see something, say something by calling 9-1-1 for emergencies and 3-11 for all other non-emergency complaints. The life you save could be your own. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Yu Von ne L ewis

Michael Benedetto for your continued support in our legal battle with the City of New York and the Department of Environmental Protection for the termination of unfair asbestos abatement requirement at Coop City. We are looking forward to a positive response and the reimbursement of $20 million to Co-op City. We are very fortunate to have such devoted and loyal public servants. Do a good deed today. Check on your elderly, disabled, and/or homebound neighbor to see if they are okay. Due to the frigid weather, some of our neighbors are unable to travel to the store and/or pharmacy. As you do your shopping, it would be nice for you to shop for them. You will be blessed abundantly for your good deeds. On February 12, at 7:30 p.m., we will be conducting our monthly Building Association meeting in our com-

Building 19 Association T H ANK YO U Thank you to Rick Schmidt, Director of Technical Services from Riverbay, who was our guest speaker at our Annual Meeting on January 31st. The meeting was attended by over 25 cooperators. Mr. Schmidt provided us with very vital information and we look forward to having him again. Once again, thank you to Mr. Schmidt and all cooperators who attended. SAVE T HE DAT E(S) Friday, February 22, 7:30 p.m. - Black History Program Saturday, March 9th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1 p.m.-5 p.m. - International Food Festival Saturday, August 3rd - Fun Day at Holiday Hills in CT. If you are interested in these events, please contact the association to obtain more information. 2013 FRANC IS WI LL IAMS SC HOLARSHI P FUND The deadline for applications will be Tuesday, March 5th. If anyone is in need of an application or if you wish to donate to the scholarship fund, please contact the association. CONGR AT UALTI ONS To all cooperators who are celebrating a special event this month. W E LL W ISHE S Sending well wishes to cooperators who are ill or recuperating. BUIL DING 19 NE EDS YOU! We are in need of committee members, Floor Captains and Volunteers. As always, we can be reached at bldg19assoc @gmail.com. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Va len cia P in ck n ey

Donizetti Building 4 Association Our next general meeting is scheduled for February 14 at 7:30 p.m. in our meeting room 4B rear. Our guest speaker is Mr. Ray Fraticelli, Asst. Area Manager for Section 1. You are invited to come down and give your support, meet, greet and ask questions or just listen and receive information. The meeting room is warm and comfortable. There will be refreshments and 50/50 at the end of the meeting. Game Day: Stop down to the meeting room for our game day every Wednesday from 1-3 p.m. We are planning to start a movie evening or night the second and fourth Friday of the month. Check lobby bulletin for more information. Fundraiser: Come join and support our buildings fundraiser. We are going wine tasting and to Foxwoods casino, plus buffet lunch on April 27, for only $76. Bus pick up in front of 120 Donizetti Place. More information to follow. Parents and Guardians: This will be our fifth annual scholarship awards, $500 each for two high school seniors who are college-bound. So, encourage your son or daughter to pick up an application early and apply. Travel: We are traveling with the Red Hats and friends on a cruise to Canada on September 14-21. You are invited. For more information on any or all of the above, check our lobby bulletin or call Yvonne at 718-671-6922. Happy February birthdays. Get well wishes to our sick and shut in. Remember, this is our home. If you see something, say something. STOP!! DO YOU KNOW THIS PERSON? IF NOT, FOR SAFETY REASONS, DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T OPEN THE DOOR TO THE LOBBY OR TO YOUR APARTMENT!!! â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Yvonne Bur r us

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Co-op City Times / February 9, 2013

Black History Month Celebrations Dear Cooperators, African-Americans should not only celebrate our rich culture during the month of February. However, in Co-op City, the Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City, Inc., in collaboration with the African-American Association of Co-op City, started off with a bang. Newly elected Coalition President, Joan Murrell, has already begun to show her dynamic leadership. Her suggestion to show the Gullah Films entitled “God’s Gonna Trouble the Water” and “Family Across the Sea” were excellent choices. The films reviewed the extraordinary history of the Gullah people of South Carolina, who preserved their African culture. The topic of the Gullah people brought out an enormous number of cooperators, perhaps to support the organizations, or because they might have lived or have family in South Carolina or to be with others in our celebration. Some of those in attendance even requested that the films be shown again this month. During intermission, all enjoyed the southern cuisine of okra, rice and peas,

Director’s Viewpoint

Francine Reva Jones Secretary

chicken, vegetable salad, sweet potato pie, beverages and more. Ms. Jordana Bell attended the event with her students from Truman H.S. She informed us of her plans to take ten boys on their senior trip to South Africa and how they needed financial support. She received a few pledges. Thereafter, Rev. Grace M. Emanuel of the Co-op City Baptist Church, performed the installation ceremony of the new officers of the Coalition, who are: Joan Murrell, President; Patricia Bonaparte, VicePresident; Francine Jones, Secretary; Dolores Rankin, Treasurer; and Ted Byrd, Assistant Treasurer. It was a great day of edu-tainment. There will be more Black History Month Celebrations, which you are encouraged to attend. One of them will

take place on Wednesday, February 13th at 5:30 p.m. in the Dreiser Community Center Auditorium and is sponsored by the Bronx Borough President, Ruben Diaz. Several cooperators will be honored for their special community services. In the midst of my fourth year as a Board Director, I have come to thoroughly respect each and every Board Director. Those who are AfricanAmericans, including Helen Atkins, Andrea Leslie, Othelia Jones, Leah Graham, Eleanor Bailey, Evelyn Turner, Rev. Calvin Owens, Tony Illis, Daryl Johnson and Khalil Abdul-Wahhab, I especially salute. Being a Board Director and a representative of all of the shareholders of this community is a serious responsibility with a great deal of tasks, decision-making and time consuming. On too many occasions, I have been critical of many who do not take on more community services, but too seldom do I render praises on those who do. Of course, this is not to dismiss the efforts of Bernard Cylich, Al Shapiro, Evelyn Santiago or Raymond Tirado, as we are all in this together. Therefore,

this is my special recognition to our African-American Board Directors for their service and commitment to our community. Even though my building recently elected a new Building 20 Association president, I must give credit to those presidents who came before. The most recent was Eddie Whitten. The gentleman who served for the longest term while I was involved, is Mr. William Craft, who served for over four years. If you know of some deserving individual, thank them for their service. At the end of your complaint, thank the person for doing a commendable job. If you don’t think much of the job that they are performing, gently tell them why and, if possible, offer suggestions. This will make for more effective accomplishments in our community. If you have an issue that has not or cannot be resolved through your building association or your CSO, you may contact me and I will try to help you: Francine Jones, Board Director, c/o Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475 or call me at 718-671-5957. Please enjoy the remainder of this weekend.

Building 9 Association As we begin a new year, our Building 9 Association is renewing itself. With the departures of our President, 2nd Vice President and Assistant Secretary, the executive board will have new leadership, but continued commitment! It was announced at our Annual Meeting that Jerome Rice, formerly our 1st Vice President, and Stephanie Clarke, formerly the Secretary, will assume the positions of President and 1st Vice President, respectively. Later, Angel Mangual, formerly Sergeant-at-Arms, was appointed 2nd

Vice President. Carmen Ferrer will remain as Treasurer. This will leave open the positions of Secretary, Assistant Secretary and Sergeant-at-Arms. Your Association needs you! If you are interested in serving on your board for the next year, please contact a board member or email us at bldg9 association@gmail.com. Appointments will be made at the next general meeting, February 12th at 7 p.m. During our Annual Meeting, a proposal was voted on and passed to increase the

Building 15B Association We would like to thank our guest speakers Chief Frank Apollo of the CCPD and CERT-10 Team Leader and Board Director Khalil Abdul-Wahhab for attending our general meeting on January 30. It was a very important meeting and a lot of valuable informa-

tion was disseminated. Mr. AbdulWahhab presented a short film on emergency preparedness and handed out pamphlets. We had a large turn-out and we’d like to thank all the cooperators who attended. — S a n d y Kr as no ve

Association dues from $5 to $10, putting us in line with most other building associations in Co-op City. We hope with these new funds to have more activities for our residents. We will begin dues collection in February. Please support your association and share your ideas for events you would like to see in 2013. We would also like to encourage our resident artists (of all ages) to submit artwork for our lobbies. It’s time to spruce up our abode with some home-grown creativity. Please send pictures of your wall art to our

email or bring to the next general meeting. A good time was had by all at our aftermeeting festivity. Good food, camaraderie and gift certificates to AMC movie theaters and Dallas BBQ were given out to two lucky door prize winners! Here’s to many more good times to come! We want to thank our departing board members, Leah Richardson, Georgette Moye and Wanda Randall, for their efforts. We wish them good luck in their personal endeavors. — S t ep h a ni e C l ar k e

Building 2 Association Please remember that today, building association officers and volunteers will be in both lobbies giving out free raffles for two Valentine’s Day baskets. We will be there from 3 - 7 p.m. You must be present in order to win. At 7 p.m., we will go to the building association meeting room where we will be hav-

ing a cake sale and raffle drawing. There will be refreshments and lots of fun. Hope to see you there. We hope that all of our neighbors and friends are keeping well during this cold and flu season. Please keep in touch with us through our e-mail address at Bldg2assoc@gmail.com. —Ca rlyn Jone s

Iglesia Cristiana Marcos 16:15 Pastor Fernando Figueroa and Pastor Thomas Garrett and the congregation of Iglesia Cristiana Marcos extend an invitation for you to come together and celebrate the day that the Lord has made, worshipping his precious and holy name. Te n G u i d e l i n e s F r o m G o d 6. HAVE FAITH: I see a lot of things from up here that you can’t see from where you are. Have faith in Me that I know what I’m doing. Trust Me; you wouldn’t want the view from My eyes. I will continue to care for you, watch over you, and meet your needs. You only have to trust Me. Although I have a much bigger task than you, it seems as if you have so much trouble just doing your simple part. How hard can trust be?

7. SHARE: You were taught to share when you were only two years old. When did you forget? That rule still applies. Share with those who are less fortunate than you. Share your joy with those who need encouragement. Share your laughter with those who haven’t heard any in such a long time. Share your tears with those who have forgotten how to cry. Share your faith with those who have none. 8. BE PATIENT: I managed to fix it so in just one lifetime, you could have so many diverse experiences. You grow from a child to an adult, have children, change jobs many times, learn many trades, travel to so many places, meet thousands of people, and experience so much. How can you be so impatient then when it

takes Me a little longer than you expect to handle something on My to-do-list? Trust in My timing, for My timing is perfect. Just because I created the entire universe in only six days, everyone thinks I should always rush, rush, rush. 9. BE KIND: Be kind to others, for I love them just as much as I love you. They may not dress like you, or talk like you, or live the same way you do, but I still love you all. Please try to get along, for My sake. I created each of you different in some way. It would be too boring if you were all identical. Please, know I love each of your differences. 10. LOVE YOURSELF: As much as I love you, how can you not love yourself? You were created by me for one reason

only — to be loved, and to love in return. I am a God of Love. Love Me. Love your neighbors. But also love yourself. It makes My heart ache when I see you so angry with yourself when things go wrong. You are very precious to me. Don’t ever forget. CH U RC H H OU R S : S p an i s h Tuesday: Prayer Service 8:00 p.m. Friday: Bible Study 8:00pm Sunday: Sunday School 10:00 a.m.— Evangelistic Service: 12:00 p.m. Ch u r c h H o ur s: En g l i sh Sunday: Evangelistic Service 4:00 p.m. God bless you, and may the Lord’s face shine upon you. — Pa s t o r s F i g u er o a / Ga r r e t t

Co-op City Times / February 9, 2013

Black Forum Next Defensive Dr iving Our next defensive driving course will be held on Saturday, February 16, 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. R eminder : Aqued uct C asino Reminder to those going to Aqueduct Casino on Saturday, February 16; First pick-up is from Dreiser Rehab at 1 p.m. sharp, back of the Library on Asch Loop at 1:15 p.m. and 135 Einstein Loop at 1:30

p.m. Leaving Aqueduct at 8 p.m. Please don’t forget your government issued photo ID. No refunds. Next trip: March 16, make your reservation today. Call (718) 320-0033 for your reservation TODAY. Cost: $20 per person. Wiz of Oz a nd chor us auditions continue Wiz of Oz rehearsals and chorus auditions every Saturday this month in Room 1 of the Dreiser Center at 1:30 p.m. SHARP. Notice: All Section 5 food pa ntr y pa r ticipa nts All Section 5 residents must pick up their food packages on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Evangelical Church of Co-op City. You must bring your white cards to be able to pick up your food. For more information, please call (718) 3208035.

It was great talking to many of you during the “Meet and Greet” in the lobby. Thanks for stopping by, signing our petitions and taking the event flyers. We hope you all enjoyed the free goodies. We know folks got a kick out of seeing the videos and pictures of the activities we have held in the past. It is great to live in Co-op City, but even more rewarding to meet the wonderful neighbors in our building. Our next Building Association meeting will be held on Thursday, February 28 at 7:00 p.m. in the rear community room. Our guest speaker will be the Director of Maintenance. If you have a problem with your convector, leaks, electrical, intercom and other items, this is the meeting for you. Be there! Sistas, The Musical - Saturday, March 16, 4:30 p.m. at St. Luke’s Theatre, 308 West 46th

Street. Thanks to all who purchased tickets. If you did not provide contact information, please call or leave a message on the website. Many of us have decided to eat at B Smith’s after the performance. If you would like to join us, we must hear from you by February 15th so we can make reservations. WARM DADDY’S SO UL FO O D DI NNE R, J AZZ AND BLUE S C lub/H ARR AH’S CASI NO in Chester, Pennsylvania (current bonus $30 slot play by Casino subject to change) event is scheduled for Saturday, July 20, leaving from Casals Place at 9:00 a.m., departing from Warmdaddy’s at 9:00 p.m. COST: $100, $50 by March 1, $50 by May 31. For additional information, use the contact resources listed at the end of this article. ALL FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Bla ck For um Lyon’s Ma ne Tr a ck Club There’s still time to register for indoor track. Call for information, (718) 320-8035. Lobst er fest We are going to the Nordic Lodge for Lobsterfest and Mohegan Sun Casino on Saturday, August 17. The cost is $150. First payment of $50 due February 22. Call (718) 320-8035 for your reservation. E mer gency Food Pr ogr a m We are open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., Room 20 at the Dreiser Community Center. Also, due to budget constraints and shortage of available food, you must live within zip code 10475 to participate in this program. You must also have your card with you and bring two clean 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. Volunteer s wa nted We need volunteers for Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Call (718) 320-8035. We Need You - J oin Us Toda 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 Illis

Building 13 Association WELCOME to all of our events. San d s C a sin o/W in er y/O ut let Sh op ping/Buffet Bona nza event includes: Amore Winery, Sands Casino, Sands Outlet Shopping and Old Country Buffet Dinner on Saturday, September 14, leaving 8:00 a.m. from 100 Casals Place, departing at 7:00 p.m. with a bonus of $15 slot play (offered by Casino subject to change). Cost: $85, $45 by June 15, and $40 by August 1. The Casino Outlet stores include: Chico’s Outlet/Coach Factory/DKNY/Guess Factory Store/ Izod/Lenox/Nine West Outlet/Spritz Designer Fragrances/Tommy Hilfiger/Talbots Outlet /Charming Charlie /Corningware /Dressbarn/ Bass & Company/Van Heusen. “Design a Poster Cont est !” is presented by the Summer Fun Day Committee sched-

uled for June 22, from 12 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at the Park between Carver Loop and Casals Place. Here’s a chance to showcase your artistic talent and get compensated! We need a design created to represent our event theme: See the flyer for requirements. Deadline: March 1. Checks for events should be made payable to Building 13 Assoc. Inc. and mailed to Bldg. 13 Assoc., 100 Casals Place #32K, Bronx, NY 10475. All activities are on a first come basis. For information, contact Leslie Peterson at 718-320-1370, Gail Sharbaan at 718-671-3801, our website: http://www.bldg13assoc.com or e-mail us at building13assoc@yahoo.com. Thanks for making our team work. —Leslie Pet er son

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Co-op City Times / February 9, 2013

New Increase in October? As mentioned in my column last week, our management company has developed a new draft budget that went from $95 million to $106 million in departmental expenses. Now, I told you that there are a lot of cooperators here who are having trouble making ends meet. Plus, I told you that we have unemployment issues here. So, you would think that we would try to do something for this community to keep our costs low, right? No. Our departmental expenses have increased. Now, let’s check this proposed budget out and see what’s going on. B u d g et Ex c u se s Before I start, you can be sure that this Management company and their Board supporters are going to present every excuse in the world as to why they have to increase this budget. “Look at other places. Another housing development just received a huge increase. Our carrying charges are too low. So, we need to get a big increase. A new 3% increase is nothing for this community. We had to pay for new things. Costs keep rising. People are ungrateful.” Nonsense! Look, instead of going back and forth, you, the cooperators here need to be able to cut through this garbage and see that we’re getting priced, slowly but surely, out of this community. Get this straight right now. The people who are in favor of this nonsensical budget could care less about this community and you. Don’t believe me? Look at the facts. We received a 3% increase in 2011 and another 3% increase in 2012. So, when have you ever read one word in any paper that fought against those increases? When? Moreover, do you think that you’re going to read one word in this

Director’s Viewpoint

Daryl Johnson Assistant Treasurer paper to stop the new, unofficial increase for October 2013? No! What you will hear is the same nonsense, “Management is correct. They rebuilt this place. They’re the experts. We have to listen to them.” Look again, we’re $621 million in debt. Yet, these folks are doing their best to try to blind this community. So, ask yourself, “How is that we can bring in $200 million a year and be $621 million in debt?” U n r e l i ab l e B u d g et Nu m b e r s There are several areas of this proposed budget that are simply inflated. Therefore, as soon as possible, I’m going to do my best to see if I can have a meeting with Management to review this entire proposed budget. Nevertheless, I guarantee that they’re going to come back and offer excuse after excuse for these proposed increases. However, this is our budget. So, we have to take a stand and demand what we feel is best for this community—period! Now, the first problem that we have is that we pay way too much money for items here. For instance, we paid over $13,000 for Christmas lights. Reasonable for this community, right? Wrong! When I looked at the invoice, I noticed that each box, of just 24 lights, cost around $100. Crazy, huh? Yet, this is

nothing when you look at the many items that we purchase here. So, again, the figures for our so-called actual expenses aren’t reliable. Why? That’s because we’re not even trying to get the lowest possible price for the many things that we purchase here. B u d g et Li n e s The second problem is that our Board is not allowed to review the payroll items on this proposed budget. Now, how can anyone approve a proposed budget if they cannot review the payroll items on it? This, again, is a violation of the NYS Business Corporation Law. Okay, if you think that’s crazy, then please look at these proposed budget increases for some of our departments. Ge n e r a l M a n a g e m e n t - $3,805,900 to $4,451,200; C o m pu t e r S e r v i c e s $1,153,200 to $1,992,000; S a l e s ( R e s i d e n t i a l ) - $720,100 to $843,700; C o m m e r c i a l S a l e s - $391,400 to $933,100; R i s k M a n a g e m e n t & E m p l oy e e D e ve l o p m e n t - $593,400 to M ain te n an c e (All $956,900; D iv i s i o n s ) - $11,614,700 to $12,546,900; B u il d i ng s & Co m mu n i ty Ce n te r J a n i t o r i a l - $17,131,400 to $19,134,300; R e st o r a t i o n s ( Ma i n t e n an c e / P l a st e r / P a i n t i n g) - $8,903,700 to $9,347,500; R e s t o r a t i o n s ( F l o o r i n g ) - $4,867,500 to $7,249,600; G a r a g e s - $3,960,100 to $4,214,700; P u b l i c S a f e t y - $11,702,700 Plan t to $12,072,600; P o w e r $10,702,700 to $13,589,000; and C o n s t r u c t i o n - $1,946,700 to $2,412,300. Bottom line: We are going to have to pay for these proposed increases. However, again, are you going to get an increase on your job? Are your retirement or unemployment benefits going to go up to pay for another possible increase in October? Will

you have to change your style of life to pay for these increases? T h e Tr u t h I’ve written many articles about our budget and business practices here. I even brought up the ‘2007 NYS Inspector’s General Report on Co-op City’ that commented on our business practices. (Please do a search on this title and then scroll down to page 52.) Yet, we had some incredibly foolish responses, in this paper that contradicted the information that I presented. Nevertheless, you can clearly see that the people who wrote those responses and gossip columns (aka viewpoints), were wrong. C l o se Again, we have a lot of people here on fixed incomes. Plus, a lot of cooperators are in housing court. So, this latest proposed budget is going to hurt a lot of people here. Nevertheless, we’re going to work together as a community and take a strong stance against this proposed budget. Thereafter, I want us to remove the socalled leaders who are not serving this community in a beneficial manner. Thank you. Questions or comments? Please send a message to: Daryl Johnson, Riverbay Board Director, c/o Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. Or, please send a message to me at darylhjohnson@optonline.net (Please double-check the spelling of this address). Also, please call me at 718671-4544 if you don’t receive a response from your message. Okay, that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful week. And, may God bless you and your family. Thank you.

American Legion Post 1871 Greetings to all of our Post members who are homebound and recovering from various medical operations. We wish you a speedy recovery. Happy birthday to all of our Post members that have a birthday in February: Robert Alvilez, Richard D. Ashby, Beverly M. Briggs, George N. Bishop, Carrero Fulgenclo, Jr., Thomas F. Einwich, Louis A. Cruz, Ronald Gantward, Paul R. Gaulden, Edward M. Handy, John F. Fields, Robert G. Hedgepeth, Salvatore Lobello, Jr; Nathan Jones, William A. Pace, Ernest H. Peronneau, David Minton, Santiago Santiago, Wilson Sepulveda, Emmett Ross, Walter Thomas, Jr., Tom Goodness, Lloyd Tapper and Robert Thomas. If you don’t see your birthday

this month, please let me know and it will appear in the next Co-op City Times edition. Post 1871 is located in Section 5 Community, 135 Einstein Loop, Room 41. Our office number is (718) 320-8165 and you can also reach us by e-mail at post1871@optimum.net. Did you know that lawmakers have authorized lifetime care for retired military working dogs? Congress has authorized a privately funded initiative to provide lifetime veterinary care for military working dogs if no suitable adoption is available. For all of our Post members who use the U.S. Post Office located on 149th Street and Grand Concourse, this post office will be sold in order that the Postal Service can save money, so please inform

Building 16 Association At our last meeting in January, we discussed some of the activities to help to make them our fundraiser. It was tabled until our February 11th meeting at 7 p.m. in the meeting room. Please come out. We are in need of new cooperators. All new cooperators are welcome! This is your building, come and let your voices be heard. Come and share your

ideas! Now that the holidays are behind us, we will be getting to plan our activities. We are in need of floor captains. To the ones celebrating special occasions, congratulations. To the sick and shut-in, get well soon. To the bereaved, you have our sympathy. — C lara C o sto n

Ch eck o n y ou r e ld erl y n eig h b o rs d u r i n g t h i s w e e k e n d ’s s n o w s t o r m .

your family and friends about the closing. Please mark this date on your calendar: September 28, the retirees’ appreciation day will be held at Ft. Hamilton. Contact number is (718) 630-4552 if you’re planning on going to find out the starting time of the event. February is Black History Month. Do you know what TV series was the longest showing on T.V. in January, 1977? Well, if you said ROOTS, you are right! The show received 9 awards and it had the 3rd highest rating on TV at that time. Some of the stars who were in the series were Ben Verneen, Lou Gossett and Lesley Uggums. The next general meeting will take place on Saturday, February 6, at 11:00 a.m. sharp. All of our Post members who

paid for their jackets, they might be in on that date. So if you ordered a jacket, please make sure you attend the meeting. One of our Post member’s wife has passed away. Post member Lowell A. James’ wife, Mrs. Norma J. James, passed away on January 24. May happy memories carry you through this sorrowful time. Q u o t e f o r t h e d a y : Faith is taking the first step, even when you don’t see the whole staircase. Did you know: The average person falls asleep in 7 minutes. Did you know: That wearing head phones for just an hour will increase the bacteria in your ear by 700 times. This information was provided by your Post 1871 information officer. — R i c h a r d I . L a w s o n , J r.

Assemblyman Benedetto provides free income tax preparation to seniors Assemblyman Benedetto is once again offering free income tax preparation for seniors 62 years of age or older who reside within the boundaries of his district (Co-op City, Throggs Neck, Morris Park, Pelham Bay, Zerega and City Island). Tax papers can be dropped off at the Assemblyman’s office beginning on February 1st. This service is limited to seniors over the age of 62 who meet the following criteria: * Simple taxes only * Complete copies of 2011 federal and state returns must be included * Name, social security number, and date of birth of all people claimed on the return as a dependent * Adjusted gross income (AGI) for 2011

must be under $50,000 All necessary paper work must be included as a complete file and brought to the office, otherwise they will be returned Seniors are encouraged to bring all their tax documents to Assemblyman Benedetto’s office at 3602 East Tremont Ave., Suite 201 or 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 12, anytime from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. (The tax preparer will collect documentation until March 15 and no more tax papers will be accepted after that date. All participants will be contacted when the forms are completed. ) For more information, please contact Assemblyman Benedetto’s office at (718) 320-2220 or (718) 892-2235

Co-op City Times / February 9, 2013

African-American Association G en er a l M em b er sh ip M eet in g – There will be a general membership meeting today, Saturday, February 9th, 4:00 p.m., Dreiser Center, Room 15. Please join us in our efforts to enhance our community. Your involvement will be welcomed. If you cannot attend, you may send your membership 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. Donations are also welcomed. Bla ck H ist or y M on t h F ilm Fest iva l – Thank you to all the community that came out to the Gullah Film Festival last Saturday. Room 28 of the Bartow Community Center was filled to capacity. Joining us was Ms. Jordana Bell and several of her students from Truman H.S. Ms. Bell received several pledges to help ten students take a senior trip to

South Africa. Thereafter, Rev. Grace M. Emanuel of Co-op City Baptist Church conducted the installation ceremony of new officers for the Coalition of AfricanAmerican Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City, Inc. The officers are: Joan Murrell, President; Patricia Bonaparte, Vice President; Francine Jones, Secretary; Dolores Rankin, Treasurer; and Ted Byrd, Assistant Treasurer. During the intermission, all enjoyed the sumptuous southern soul food cuisine of chicken, okra, rice and beans, vegetable salad, sweet potato pie, beverages and much more. The films reviewed the extraordinary history of the Gullah people of South Carolina, who have preserved their African culture. Several of our guests requested that the films be shown again. The following are ongoing programs which the Association sponsors and encourages your participation:

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. Ombudsmen are men of the community interested in decreasing the drop

out rate of our youth. We are always looking for women and men with a like mind to join us and work in these service areas. If you are of a like mind and are interested in community service, please consider 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. The Youth Club is dedicated to community service, higher education, technology and activism. If

Z u m ba F it n ess C la sses – Mondays, 6:00 p.m. Dreiser Center, Room #2. Fee: $5; Registration: $15. Call 917-459-4491. Yoga & P ila t e s M a t C la ss es – Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m., Dreiser Center, Room #2. Fee: $10-$12; Registration: $15. Call 718-671-8364. C om p u t er /L a p t op C la sses – Next class: Tuesday, 1/22, 7:00 p.m., Dreiser Center, Room 15. Fee: $5; members get one free class. Call 718-379-5555. B el l y Da n c in g C l a s se s – Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m., Dreiser Center, Room 2. Fee: $15, discounts available; Registration: $15. Call 646-301-9438. E ven in g L in e Da n cin g C la sses – Next class: Thursday, 1/17, 7-9 p.m., Dreiser Center, Room #2. Fee: $5 per hour; Registration: $15. Call 917-9037073. J ob s/E n t r ep r en eu r ia l Wor k sh op s – Meets every first Thursday, 7:00 p.m., Dreiser Center, Room 15. Call 718-320-

1424. E d u ca t ion – The Per Ankh Study Group meets on Monday, 2/11, 7:00 p.m., Dreiser Center, Room 15. All are welcome. Call 718-379-5555. R em em b er in g R a m a r ley – Hundreds turned out to support the family of Ramarley Graham as February 2nd marked the first anniversary of the fatal shooting of their beloved by a member of the NYC Police Department. Among those present were NYC Council members Charles Barron and Andy King. The trial is scheduled for 3/26, 9:00 a.m., Bronx Criminal Courthouse. Be there to help fight for justice. C en t r a l P a r k 5 – Justice and reparations is the demand for the Central Park 5. Another court hearing and rally is scheduled for Tuesday, 2/19, 2:00 p.m., Federal Court, 500 Pearl Street, 26th Floor, NYC. Join the fight for justice. —F r a n cin e R . J on es

The Williamsbridge Club you fit this description, are interested in expressing yourself, obtaining community service credit, developing new programs and leadership skills, you should contact Sylvia Hicks, Youth Advisor, at 917-921-5445 or at sylviaanh @gmail.com, subject: Youth Club. We hope to see you today at the College Informational Seminar. We will be at Dreiser Center in Room 9 at 10 a.m. We urge all students to attend. If you would like to render community

service, assist with any of our programs or require more information, please contact Eloise Paige, First Vice President. Information concerning the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. may be found at www.nanbpwc.org. You may contact the Willliamsbridge Club at our mailing address: Williamsbridge Club, Post Office Box #6, Co-op City Station, Bronx, New York 10475. —Sylvia H ick s

Co-op City Toastmasters Training Day Our club was proud to host and welcome nearly 100 Bronx neighbors and Toastmasters from around the Tri-State area on Sat., Feb. 2, for the first community-wide Toastmasters Leadership Training Day. “So far, this is the biggest and best training we’ve had,” said Raul Yacinthe, ACB/ALB, Dean, Toastmasters Leadership Institute. District Officer training is held twice a year and is designed to continuously educate and prepare club officers to grow and be better able to serve their club members. Our club had the vision this year to host and include everyone - near and afar - to come learn and be informed

about the benefits of the Toastmasters Program: the only program around that focuses only on the individual who has a fear of public speaking. The day was an extraordinary success from all accounts. Even the weather cooperated. It was a cold wintry morning, but there was no wind and no rain. Kathy Blount, CC, who chaired the nonofficer portion, said, “It was wonderful. We gave out guest packages, gifts, had fun and, of course, there was the food.” Club President Valerie Palma said, “It was a great opportunity to meet new friends and find out that you are not alone in your fear of speaking in public. We will have more open house events.”

Guests had a chance to view the DVD of the movie “ SPEAK,” which chronicles six Toastmasters’ journey to win the International Speech Contest and be crowned World Champion of Public Speaking. Area Gov. Sherba Richards, also a member or the Co-op City Club, said she was “very nervous,” but so thankful for her team and everyone else who helped and worked so hard to put this affair together, including Ms. E. Bailey, Riverbay Board, Ms. B. Moreno, Scheduling Dept. and Mr. E. Diaz, Electrical Dept. The community of Co-op City itself received a few rave reviews from some

who were visiting our community for the first time. Tushar Deshpande, Lt. Gov. Marketing, commented, “As I drove around looking for Garage No. 2, I admired the neighborhood. It is clean and seems nice.” Kazuo Noguchi, Lt. Gov. Education and representing the District Gov., said, “Thank you, Co-op City, for a beautiful space and accommodations and for your hospitality.’” M a r k C a len d a r : Club meetings held the 1st and 3rd Thurs., Bartow Ctr., Lower level at 7:30 p.m. sharp. Club Speech Contest, Thurs., Feb. 7th, winner advances to Area Contest, March 23 more information forthcoming. —L . J a ysu r a

Zodiacs Track Club God gets all the Glory. If you would have asked any of the coaches how many student athletes would make the Colgate Women Games’ finals, none of the coaches would have thought it would be nine (9). This team is blessed to have 9 girls qualify for this highly competitive track and field final, after a hard four week trials, is fantastic. The Women Colgate Games is probably the most competitive girls’ in-door track meet in the north-east coast. Athletes travel as far as Washington, DC to compete. Zodiacs had 11 girls compete in the semi-finals on Saturday, February 2nd and 9 qualified. The following student athletes will compete in finals on Saturday, February 23rd for a chance to win the educational grants of 1st place - $1,000, 2nd place $500, 3rd place - $250: Andrea Amoroso (Shot Put), Sukanya Wade (55 meters), Tiara Williams (55 meters), Pearl Webster-Rutledge (Shot Put), Jalina Robinson (55 meter hurdles), Lisha McKenzie (55 meter hurdles), Jasmyn

Phillips (55 meter hurdles), Adaria Reaves (55 meters) and Jada Mora who won all of her 55 meter hurdle races. Great job. Come out and support the future olympians. For tickets (free), go to the Women Colgate Games website. On Sunday, February 9th, Zodiacs will be traveling to Boston, Ma. to compete in the Needleham Classic on Sunday, February 10th. Some of the best teams north of New York City will be attending this meet. I’m sure that our children will represent New York well. Zodiacs compete all year round in multiple events from cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field meets. Our children learn how to balance sports and education. For additional information, visit our website www.Zodiacstrack.org or contact President Thomas Francis at 718-6792060 or co-President Winston Dinkins at 914-441-6196, email WATCLT @AOL.COM. —W inston Din kin s

President/Coach Thomas Francis and co-President/Coach Winston Dinkins with the semi-finalist Zodiacs student athletes.

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Co-op City Times / February 9, 2013

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Co-op City Times / February 9, 2013

Keeping track During the past week, I attended a Draft Budget Meeting scheduled by our Treasurer with Peter Merola. Maintaining adequate financial strength regardless of the economic climate, bad weather, outage and challenging maintenance events is a critical part of our Management and Board obligations. We must be prepared to pay all bills whenever they come due. For Co-op City, a critical measure of that financial strength is our required reserve accounts and savings from our Power Plant. There has been a terrible storm and our Power Plant was able to keep our lights on. Prior to the Board meeting, I submitted questions specially related to the Power Plant. Why? We know that at the present time, the Power Plant is saving cooperators money. A concern then is will this saving ever translate into missing at least one year in carrying charge increases? In order to understand the flow of funds at our Power Plant, I asked and received answers that I would like to share with you. 1 . a l i s t i n g o f s t a f f , n a m e , j o b t i t l e a n d w o r k h o u r s . Answer: 47 staff members whose titles range from Chemical Operator, Engineers (5) Electricians, Mechanics, Secretary, Supervisor, Inventory Person, Operators, Helper, Temp Helpers and 1 Director, Brian Reardon P. Reardon. A d d e d t o t h e n e w b u d g e t are (2) Temp Helpers, 2nd Operator 1 yr, I & C Mechanic, Chemical Operator, Pump Room Mechanic (1 year), Pump Room Helper (1 year). Hours range from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with some staff switching night/day. S e c o n d l y, I requested a l i s t i n g of a l l C o n s u l t a n t s . Answer: Abbas Family – Terranex - Trace Environmental - TMG Consulting - STANTEC Engineering McHale Engineers - REV1 & Durfee Consultants. Not picked yet - Local Law 87

Director’s Viewpoint

Evelyn Turner Asst. Secretary NYC law to have the complex surveyed by an outside consultant. Service Contractors: Siemens Demag Delval: Service on the Z Gas turbines - Siemens Energy: Service on the Siemens DCS (DCS) digital control system - Dresser Rand: Service of the Gas compressors Frontline Ind: Overhaul of pumps - AFA Protective services, Alarm system to central office (FDNY) Sirina Protection, Service fire control systems and testing. GE Mobil:, Rental of Polisher and Demin trailers, GE water treatment: Chemicals for boiler systems to protect the trailers - Rain for Rent, Rental of storage Tank Trailers for water system, IWT Chemicals, water treatment for the underground systems and the cooling towers. Washington Plumbing, Piping, Valves and other supplies. ITS Systems, quarterly stack testing for Title V permit, Siemens Controls, PS 160 and PS 180 calibration. J Supor LLC, Storing the water treatment equipment, Printer & Scanner, Service on units. MAXIMO CMMS, Service and licenses of preventative maintenance program. RFJ Insulation - Insulation of underground systems. Wh at is th e t o ta l a mo u nt p ai d i n s a l a r i e s f o r t h e C o - G e n S t a f f ? The answer for F12/13: $3,474,900 - Forecast, $4,421,487. Salaries for Consultants are, Engineering Fees, F12/13 $70,000 Consultant fees, LL87 fees, $200,000. Budget for Training for F12/13 is $75,000. Also, the basic categories of m a j o r

e q u i p m e n t i n t h e p l a n t an d bu i l d i n g w e r e l i s t e d . The lists range from Gas Turbine Generator. Steam Driven Chillers, Heat Exchangers (18) Condensate Pumps (22) High Voltage Electrical Systems (13,200 volts), etc. In our building, we have Dual Temperature Pumps, Fire Pumps, and High and Medium Voltage Electrical systems. Listed were items for the 13 buildings with domestic water systems and Shopping Center Equipment such as HVAC units, Hot water pumps, Heating Pumps, Cooling Power Pumps, Chemical Feed systems, etc., etc. Another question asked was the c o s t o f i n s u r a n c e w e p a y y e a r l y. Answer: $88,000 for Boiler & Machinery. Lastly, how much “emergency money” is budgeted for the unpredicted? Answer: none. A Consultant, Steve Dillon, is providing direct hands-on job training (“OJT”) directly with our Plant Manager Brian Reardon. Reportedly, “he will continue to model the types of management and communications behaviors needed to lead an effective O&M effort in this type of facility.” The software, Maximo, will be used to develop work orders. Also, our Plant Manager is receiving training in his transitioning role from Director of a central heating, chiller and boiler facility to the role of “capable overall facility manger and Director of a modern Combined Heat and Power Generating Facility (CHP).” Please be reminded that we have no Engineers on this Board of Directors and therefore may not be asking the right questions. However, answers were provided for questions asked. Many thanks to our Finance Director and staff for their cooperation. Of interest is that our apartment income (Carrying Charges) for 111/12 was $169,663,352. Late fees netted $1,174,196. Surcharges netted $3,202,604. Shopping Center #2 netted the largest income of

$2,025,456 and our Laundries netted $3,212,105. Transfer fees amounted to $9,150.00. We paid $3,987,064 for General Management for F11/12. Other million dollar expenses were Community Center (Janitorial) $1,612,890. Legal, $1,058,489. Maintenance - All Divisions, $11,326,910. Cooperator Services, $1,383,219. Building & Community Center Janitorial, $16,712,511. Public Safety, $10,388,955. Power Plant, $13,432,789. Water and Sewer Costs, $16,095,753. Budget & Finance, $2,535,252, Computer Services, $1,152,226. Restoration, $8,434,803. Restoration-Flooring, $7,004,653. A short version - Grand Total of Expenses totaled $195,466,794/Income $198,134,262. Projected Expenditures for F12/13, $198,482,600/income, $198,557,000. Cooperators, this is a one of a kind middle income development and as such requires ongoing financial strengths. It’s possible as long as the advice of a cooperator is adhered to, “ w a t c h o u r m o n ey ! ” In the months ahead, the history of Co-op City will be documented. Sarah Colt Productions from Brookline, MA is interviewing cooperators who have been here since day one. In a recent conversation, Liz Shea, Associate Producer, stated this is “American History” that needs to be preserved. Their company recently produced a documentary on Henry Ford for PBS that aired on Tuesday, 1/29. Reportedly, once this project is complete and aired, DVD’s will be available for purchase. For history buffs like me, this is fantastic and to be able to say that you are a part of this American story is awesome. “Remember, your candle loses nothing when you light another.” Contact: Evelyn M. Turner, (718) 3208088 – evelyntinez@aol.com.

Faith @ Work Christian Church Meeting at 177 Dreiser Loop/Dreiser Community Center, Room 8, 9:30 a.m. (Sundays). Church telephone: (718) 644-0951; email: fatwcc@aol.com. We e k l y Wo r s h i p E x p e r i e n c e s : 6:00 p.m. - Prayer Service 6:30 p.m. - Wednesday Bible Study Sunday morning Worship - 9:30 a.m. Children’s church - 9:00 a.m., 2nd through 4th Sundays. C h u r c h M o t t o : “We are ChristCentered, family-focused with power and

authority.” C h u r c h M i s s i o n : To empower, educate and motivate men, women, boys and girls to reach their full potential and live abundant lives through preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Come worship with us—where we honor tradition, but are not bound by it! PA N T RY: The pantry will reopen, February 17, at 12 p.m. Please come by if you are in need. Stay also for the Faith Cafe hot meal. All FREE!!! Thanking everyone who came out for

the STOP THE VIOLENCE Prayer Walk and Rally. We will be in Section 5 today, February 9, at 4 p.m. passing out flyers inviting the community to our follow-up meeting to share what our church and partnering churches and organizations can do to help end the senseless violence in our community. Thankful to Pastor Milca Plaud, Pastor Anthony Davis, Pastor Sheldon Williams, Assemblyman Benedetto, Councilman King, Board member Evelyn Turner, Rev. Vernon Williams, Partnering for Peace and DaShawn

Williams, Bronx President of the National Action Network. We mustn’t look to others for the solution, we are the solution. We are not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation of everyone who believes! (Rom 1:16) What great power that is when you realize that you are not in this alone. Our witness is to God’s goodness and not our personal accomplishments. Remember, it’s never about us, but always about the goodness of the Lord. — Pa s t o r D e b or ah

Retirees of Dreiser Loop N OT I C E R E T I R E E S : a) This is an election year for all offices. The Nominating Committee is currently accepting applications for candidates interested in holding an office. You may pick-up a candidate form in our Dreiser Clubroom 19 on Mondays or Thursdays after 3 p.m. b) The Van Committee is in dire need of two (2) additional members. Please call Delores Debnam at 718379-0377 if you are interested in becoming a part of this vital committee. c) The Membership Committee is conducting a New Membership Drive. All new members’ names will go into a raffle. The Membership Drive will cover those existing new members who joined this past December, 2012 and all new members who joined in the months of January, February and March. The winner will be announced at our April meeting. Ma rk your c a l e n d a r : The

RETIREES’ Spring Bash will be held on Wednesday, April 18 in the Dreiser Auditorium. The donation is $35. Refreshments will be served. Music by DJ Carols Productions. T R AV E L EVENTS fro m D r e i s e r L o o p : Come join us on the following dates: * March 19-21 (Tues.-Thurs.), ATLANTIC CLUB Casino, Atlantic City. Price: $210/double and $275/single. Rebates: $20 slot bonus, $20 food credit and $20 cash bonus. AND...a stop at the RESORTS Casino (w/$25 slot bonus) before returning home. (Boarding: 9:30 a.m.). FINAL payment due February 28. Contact: Beverly James, 718- 379-3077). * May 20-25th (Mon.-Sat.), Florida: AMELIA ISLAND, ST. AUGUSTINE, and JACKSONVILLE - Guided tours. Price: $579 per/double. $50 deposit required. Final payment due by April 18th.

* June 29th (Sat.), SENIOR DAY Picnic, Holiday Hills. $75. A day filled with fun, games, and endless food. *Sept. 16-18th, (Mon.-Wed.), WASHINGTON, DC. Guided tours including the White House photo opportunity. Price: $319/double. (Contacts: Beverly James, 718-3790377 and Claudette Davis, 718-3794784). N O T E : Deposits, checks/money orders, accepted for all trips now. No refund after final payment deadline (30 days prior to trip date) - Replacements gladly accepted. We encourage payment for Travel Insurance coverage when making initial deposit for trips. T H E AT R E C O M M I T T E E : All program prices (check/money) include transportation from Dreiser Loop. Sat., February 16 – 7:30 p.m. Price $82. DIANNE REEVES, female jazz vocalist brings her robust, sultry voice back to the Carnegie Hall stage with sev-

eral special guests. FULL PAYMENT DUE NOW. (Departing: at 5:30 p.m.) See Eleanor B. On THURSDAYS (from 3:00-5:00 p.m.), Committee members will be in clubroom 19. AFTER 7 p.m., questions regarding theatre shows, call 718-3247847 or 718-671-8637 . All checks/money orders payable to: Retirees of Dreiser Loop. Mailing address: 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 19, Bronx, NY 10475. G O O D A N D W E L FA R E : Get well wishes to Ernest Chambers and Dolores Shivers who are recuperating from major procedures. We want you to know that you are thought of warmly and we wish you brighter days. Contact: Elinor Gordon at 718-3798755 regarding illnesses and bereavements. “Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.” — C l a u d e t te D av is

Co-op City Times / February 9, 2013

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 Coop City community; A warm welcome awaits you!! We love you for who you are, not what you have. Please call us at 718320-0002 or 917-734-4058 for more information. Do you want a place that allows

you to meet the living God? Do you want to be 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. Sun da y Sch edule: Adult Bible Study - 9:05 -10:00 a.m. Prayer, Meditation and Devotion 10:00 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. Weekly Activities – Every person is welcomed. Mondays at 6:15 - Bereavement Group. Tuesdays at 6:30 - Dr. Smith will be conducting special Bible Study during African American History month, comparing Israel escape from slavery outlined in the book of Exodus and struggle of Black people to break the chains of slavery in 19th century American. Also, comparison will be done between Moses and Dr.

King as leaders of oppressed people. Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. - Channel 70, Bronxnet. Thursday at 7:00 p.m. - Join us for Line Dance Fellowship. Master Instructor Voncile Mallory will be our Instructor. Dress comfortably and bring water. Donation is $5 per class, schedule will be given out at class. Every other Saturday - Food Pantry.. For more information in donating or receiving food, please call 718-925-5052. T hou ght for t he Week : “There are some sins that if you say yes to once, there will come a day when you will not be able to say no to them.” —R ev. Dr. R ober t A. Smith , J r.

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! Saints, we need something to equip us to survive spiritually in this sinful world. God has given us His Word, a kind of

spiritual knife for the soul. Let’s look at 2 T imot hy 3: 14-17. 14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from who you have learned them. 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, or instruction in

righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. I nvit a t ion s: Our Sweet Hour of Prayer will be today at 3 p.m. Sunday School is at 10 a.m. Our Sunday Morning Worship Service is at 11 a.m. Every 3rd Sunday following the morning worship, we serve Holy Communion. The second Sunday in April, we’re having a one night revival service. God gave me my church in order to

fellowship with others and meet with Jesus. We love you, and may God forever bless you is our prayer. We don’t worry about anything, but we pray about everything. Thank you, Father! We are located at 171 Dreiser Loop in Section 1. Our phone #’s are (347) 2764925 & (718) 671-3627. If you will, check out (Pastor) Vernon Little’s CD ‘A New Beginning’ on iTunes, amazon, etc. You can also see his videos on YouTube. Jesus loves you, and so do we. —Ap ost le G la d ys R . L it t le

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) 8629172. CHURCH SCHEDULE: Sunday School - 9:00 a.m. Worship Service - 11:00 a.m. Communion Service - Every first and third Sundays Prayer Meeting and Bible Study – Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS ARE AT THE CHURCH’S ANNEX: 2053 ASCH LOOP NORTH (CO-OP CITY) Morning Prayer Services - Tuesday, 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Neighborhood Bible Study - Thursday at 10:00 a.m.

Extension of Prayer and Worship Service – Every first and second Fridays at 7:00 p.m. SUNDAY SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAM FOR OUR CHILDREN AND YOUTH Sunday School for children and youth is now in session. Our program begins at 9:00 a.m. with breakfast to follow. We welcome new and returning students and look forward to another opportunity to help train our children for a lifetime of faith and Christian growth. OTHER SCHEDULED EVENTS: Tomorrow, Sunday, February 10th, 11:00 a.m. – Observance of our Annual Men’s Day. Sunday, February 17th - GO RED SUNDAY. The Nurses’ Ministry requests that everyone wear Red this Sunday in support of the American Heart Association’s effort to raise awareness of Women’s Heart Disease.

Saturday, March 2 - Join CPC Tours for a visit to the Annual Philadelphia International Flower Show and Shopping at the Reading Terminal Market and Franklin Mills, PA. The title of this year’s show is BRILLIANT. It glows with the majestic beauty and creative genius of Great Britain, and is inspired by centuries of British culture, culminating in the urbane design of 21st century London. Remember to check out the Reading Terminal Market across the street from the Convention Center and shopping at Franklin Mills. Tickets: $60 (adults); $50 (children age 14 and under). For tickets and/or additional information, call CPC Tours at (718) 671-1182. The Nehemiah Men Ministry’s First Annual Raffle Drawing on Sunday, March 3, with great prizes: 1st Prize – Samsung 46” Led 1080P HD TV; 2nd Prize – Apple i-Pad “Mini;” 3rd Prize – (HP) Laptop Notebook Computer w/Windows 8. $5 book of 6 raffles.

Winner need not be present. Saturday, April 20 – Nurses Ministry’s Annual Shopping Trip to Reading, Pa. (Vanity Fair and Burlington Outlets). Donation: $45. For tickets and/or additional information, call (718) 671-7935 or (718) 671-1754. August 29 – September 2 – Come join the Nurses’ Ministry on their fantastic 4day Cruise to St. John, Canada, leaving from the “Big Apple!” Price: Inside Cabin - $750; Ocean View - $860; Balcony - $930. Initial Deposit: $150. For additional Information, call Joyce Fowler (718) 671-7935 or Travel Arranger Monica Smith (212) 497-7674. 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 ch ell —E

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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!

Co-op City Times / February 9, 2013

“A Tale Told By An Idiot, Full Of Sound And Fury, Signifying Nothing” “FAIR IS FOUL AND FOUL IS FAIR” –Macbeth, Shakespeare The screaming “Power Plant Explosion” headline front paged in a recent issue of the City News was just a “figure of speech,” according to the paper’s Connecticut publishing mogul Christopher Hagedorn. The same Hagedorn was arrested in 1993 and charged with giving fabricated City News circulation numbers to the United States Postal Service. He pleaded guilty in State Supreme Court in Manhattan to charges he had provided false circulation numbers for his company’s newspapers. Apparently, the courts were unwilling to consider fabricated circulation numbers to be “figures of speech.” It seems that Hagedorn’s penchant for fabrication remains undeterred. Recall unfounded City News charges such as these: Riverbay discriminated in advertising apartment sales; Riverbay Board members are puppets with a “ghetto mentality” who, by approving a highly beneficial HUD-guaranteed loan, chose to “maintain Co-op City as a subsidized community;” Riverbay’s unionized staff of close to a thousand are “goofing off.” Courtiers from his small band of “civic activists,” including an occasional dragonslaying Board member, are trotted out to echo his wild charges, with little or no documentation. The result is “news” full of sound and fury signifying nothing but malevolence. Hagedorn, the financial maven, the housing management expert, and the savior of cooperators advocated that we continue to pay exorbitant interest on a New York Community Bank loan. His City News pages thundered against the HUD loan that will save us hundreds of millions of dollars.

Director’s Viewpoint

Bernard Cylich S AF E T Y M E A S U R E S TO B E I NS TA L L E D HUD regulations require smoke detectors in every bedroom. They require installation of ground fault electrical outlet interrupters (GFI) in kitchens, bathrooms, and terraces. The cost of these installations was included in the $621 million loan package. These are great safety devices, and we would all be well served by making our apartments available for installation. We’ll be making our homes safer while complying with the mortgage commitment. L OO K I NG AT B UD G E T FO R 2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 4 The Board is now evaluating a proposed two-year budget drafted by Peter Merola, Riverbay’s financial officer, based on anticipated expenses and income that Management submitted to him. Overstatement of projected expenses as a cautionary measure against shortfall during the budget period is customary and practical. It does not, however, preclude vigorous examination or permit unquestioned Board approval. Total nondiscretionary items during the previous (2012-13) budget period (this includes insurance, utilities, taxes, general expenses, bad debt and debt service), though budgeted for $76 million, actually consumed only $67 million. We saved $7 million. Discretionary expenses, however—

including payroll, material, and outside contractors—were budgeted at $70 million and cost $75 million—an increase of $5 million. Board members asked Merola why the budget proposal for the coming period (2013–14) projects a shortfall of $4.9 million over 2 years, necessitating a one-time 1% carrying charge increase, considering that: • The new loan will reduce debt service by $10 million annually; • We pay $21 million less annually for heat, hot water, air conditioning, and electricity, because of the power plant upgrade; • Two 3% carrying charge increases have been implemented within recent memory; • $25.6 million of the $621 million loan is designated for capital repairs. W H Y T H E S HO RT FAL L AN D W HY A 1 % C A R RY I NG CH AR GE I N CR E AS E ? Merola says that despite savings and additional funds for capital repairs, expenses (including HUD capital expense) exceed revenues. He listed a number of other financial problems. Revenue from carrying charges is down about $1 million because DHCR has reduced the liability of shareholders leaving the community to 90 days, whereas such liability previously lasted until the end of the lease. Equity income is down about $2.5 million from a few years ago, because when buyers were unable to get bank loans we implemented the deferred equity program. Laundry income will be down in the 2013-14 budget period by $0.5 million, because we borrowed it from Coinmach to pay a late penalty imposed by Community Bank of New York. Many of our costs are subject to inflationary increases, including materials and labor. Some of the larger increases in the budget draft are these: • Computer services, up $0.9 million, because of additional work

planned; • Buildings & Community Center janitorial – up $1.1 million, mostly for higher supplies and labor costs; • Grounds – up $0.5 million for labor and equipment cost increases; • Restorations – up $0.6 million for increased labor and operating expenses; • Public Safety – up $1 million for labor cost increases; • Utilities – up $1 million, allowing for increases in energy costs; • Water & Sewer taxes – up $0.9 million, for a 5% July 1 rate increase; • HUD mortgage insurance — $2.8 million per year; • General Operating Reserve — $2.5 million per year; • HDC/SONYMA fees — $350,000 per year; • Replacement Reserve — $2.1 million per year (Some of these expenses are new for us.) All of this will be reviewed at the closed Board meeting on February 27. In addition, I will suggest that the budget report be made available to cooperators and that the Board host an open meeting affording cooperators a chance to review, question, and comment on the report before the Board approves it. C OO P E R AT OR S W I T NE SS I NAU G U R A L Kudos to the Coalition to Save Affordable Housing for organizing a group of more than one hundred cooperators who filled two busses traveling to Washington to witness President Obama’s second Inauguration. It was a recognition of his administration’s HUD agency that enabled us to get a loan that will help keep Co-op City affordable for this and future generations of cooperators. It never happened in the Bush administration, and wasn’t going to happen in a Romney administration, which had intended as a “first day” action to close down HUD. I C AN B E R E AC H E D .. .By mail at Riverbay Board, 2049 Bartow Ave., Bronx, NY; By phone at 718-379-5874; By email at www.lichsr@earthlink.net.

Remembering Dr. Paul Schipior Dr. Paul George Schipior of the Montefiore Medical Group in Dreiser Loop, passed away at Mt. Sinai Hospital on January 26, at the age of 72, after a long and courageous battle with cancer that never kept him from practicing as a pediatrician. He was the beloved husband of Sandra Kurtis Schipior and father of Mia, Micah, and Kyla. Beyond family, his passions included working as a physician, the Opera and Ballet and puttering in his CT garden. Service for Dr. Schipior were held Sunday, January 27, at “The Riverside” in New York City. What is there to say about someone who touched so many? Dr. Schipior was more than my pediatrician. He was my friend, my confidante, my motivator. He always wanted the best from everyone around him; He often told me to strive for the best, to always succeed and to do it with a smile. He was always there with

a kind word if you were ever in a rut. I will always remember the talks we shared, how he sincerely meant every word. Dr. Schipior always pushed me to do better and to give my best. He loved hearing about my school projects and how I was doing. He would light up when I told him how good I was doing. I will never forget the day he told me how proud of me he was. I started to cry that day because hearing that from him meant so much, he was like a second father to me. There are no words to describe the kind of person Dr. Schipior was. He was and will always be a lasting figure in my life. He will always be my guide, a source of wisdom, love and support forever and always my doctor. —Fondly submitted, Au g u st i n a R ob i n s on

A M es sa ge f ro m C. S .O. Dep t: Hammering after 6 p.m., vacuuming after 9 p.m., music or TVs played very loudly at any hour, doors slamming constantly at all hours... these are just a few examples of what can disturb the peace of fellow cooperators. Please, let’s work together to make Co-op City a peaceful community.

Co-op City Times / February 9, 2013

Spelling bee plays keyboards and takes lessons at the Belle School of Music in Yonkers, N.Y. Jarrell takes martial arts lessons, and enjoys origami. In addition to being an avid musician, Jarrell is also a master bug catcher and a dog lover. “The big thing in his life coming up, since he was about three years old until he was eight or so, is that he was a big bug catcher,” said Mr. Dukes. “We’d go to parks and he would dig up rocks to get to the bugs—all types of bugs, he was never afraid. He’s had guinea pigs, he’s brought home lizards and frogs from Florida; he has caught dragon flies and garter snakes right here in Co-op City which he’d bottle up and bring home and

(Continued from page 3)

then let them go one week later. His friends look to him first for advice on bugs.” Mr. Dukes said that earlier on, Jarrell wanted to be a veterinarian or to work in a zoo, however, he has since changed his mind. These days, he enjoys fixing anything electrical, so he’s leaning towards becoming an engineer, while keeping his interest in bugs as a hobby. “If one of my toys doesn’t work anymore, I’ll open it up and then put it back together and try to fix it,” said Jarrell, who admits that he often “borrows” his father’s tools to complete these tasks. Not surprisingly, with so many interests and talents, Jarrell stays engaged, under the watchful eye of his parents. A typical school

day for him could span from 8:20 a.m. when he’s due at school, to 2:40 p.m. when school dismisses, except for Mondays when he has an extended day to prepare for upcoming state tests. Then, it’s on to after school and band and basketball practice on select days, and music and martial arts lessons on other days. After he gets home, if homework is not completed during after school, he has to do so before he enjoys some “down” time and retires for the night which is usually between 9-10 p.m. depending on how much home work needs to be completed. “Our children are brilliant,” said Mr. Dukes, “but we have to support them to bring out that brilliance. The school system alone doesn’t bring that out in them.

“Children learn because they have parents at home and teachers in school. Parents are their first teachers and teachers in school are their second teachers,” Mr. Dukes emphasized. After demonstrating his brilliance in the Borough of the Bronx Spelling Bee, Jarrell Dukes was awarded with a certificate and a beautiful trophy. He will now go on to represent P.S. 160 at the Scripps Spelling Bee in May which is a city-wide spelling competition. Jarrell said that to prepare for that competition, he intends to study his words earlier on school days instead of waiting until later in the evenings when he is tired, and he will also make sure that he studies the list every day.

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, multi-cultural 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

Clean-up Safety, Parking Facilities and Commercial Leasing. Cooper told each Director to begin putting their staff on standby and to begin calling to get commitments from staff in some departments to come in as early as 5 a.m. Saturday morning to begin the clean-up as soon as the worst of the storm passes. “We need to get a firm handle on the number of our staff who we can count on to be here early and begin the difficult job of shoveling out,” Cooper told his directors. The Directors also said they would arrange for follow-up coverage in the afternoon hours to relieve the early workers who will be possibly shoveling away up to 18 inches of heavy wet snow over several hours.

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 : The Lord said, “whenever two or more are gathered in my name I am in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20. 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. Also on Thursday mornings at 10:30 a.m., there is prayer till 11:15 a.m. in Spanish. C r escen do C h r istia n M u sic Sch ool: Learn piano, guitar, percussion, voice and theory. Contact Maestro Frank Colon at (917) 753-3644. The school will be open

from Monday – Friday, 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. Hope to see you there. Fa m ily Night : 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. Su n d a y Sch ool For C h ild r en : Every Sunday at 10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. We just started a new Sunday School for

children of all ages. There will be three groups 3 yrs. – 7 yrs., 8 yrs. – 12 yrs. and teens 13 yrs. and up. The curriculum being used will be The Super Book. Tr ip t o see Noa h : We are going to see Noah at Sight & Sound Theater on Saturday, March 23. We will be having dinner at Shady Maple Restaurant and some time for shopping at their store. Transportation provided and cost will be $155/adult, $123/teen and $105/child. If you are interested in coming, call Barbara at (347) 603-7473, if no answer, please leave a message. Payment must be in full when reserving a place and no reservations will be taken after Sunday the 10th of February. —R ev. Dr. M ilca C . P la u d

himself to call the Sanitation Supervisor for District 10 to make sure that Co-op City is not overlooked when it comes to plowing the streets, a Sanitation Department responsibility that has not been lived up to adequately during some major storms in recent years, a handful of directors maintained. Building and Grounds Director Donovan Plummer said that special attention will also be paid to clearing curb cuts and fire hydrants that tend to get plowed in during the course of the city’s storm clean-up. The Public Safety Department began sending out storm safety tips over its emergency notification system on Thursday afternoon and Lt. Jeff Bowman said that updates will be provided throughout the storm and sent to the e-mails and digital devices of each shareholder participating

in the system. Similar notices have also been placed on the crawler emphasizing the predicted severity of the storm as per the National Weather Service, and urging residents to take precautions, such as secure and remove all loose items from terraces, making sure that an adequate supply of food and water is kept in the home in case the storm severely inhibits travel for several days, making sure that a portable radio is in working order and flashlights are on hand, and to stay at home during the height of the storm and its aftermath. Residents were also reminded that the front doors and walkways of each building will be cleared first and residents are asked to only use the front door when entering and exiting the buildings this weekend or until crews have a chance to clear back entrances later in the storm clean-up process.

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The Directors were also instructed to make sure all company vehicles were prepared for the winter storm, especially plows and salt spreaders, including making sure each has a full tank of gas, proper air pressure in the tires, and secure connections of the special equipment to the vehicles. The departments agreed to work together, share resources and provide assistance and manpower to whatever department might be short of needed equipment, such as plows and salt spreaders. All garage roofs were ordered to be closed off as early as yesterday during the early hours of the prolonged storm. The Directors also discussed several areas that have been overlooked in the past, such as garage stairs and loading dock areas in the shopping centers. Cooper said that he would take it upon

Co-op City Times / February 9, 2013

Giving credit where credit is due I must confess I was heartened and pleased to read last week’s Viewpoint by my colleague, friend and fellow Board Director, and former Riverbay President Othelia Jones. I, like Othelia, am left confused and wondering about what happened to those in the community who used to serve as Board Directors because they wanted to represent and give back to the community without always thinking of themselves first. I am amazed and appalled by how there are more Directors on this Board than there should be who haven’t the slightest clue about what a responsible Director is supposed to do. Many times I don’t know whether to laugh or cry at the complete lack of judgment and utter lack of knowledge, commonsense, and experience about how business is supposed to be conducted in Co-op City displayed by a few of my fellow Board members. We as Directors on the Riverbay Board are supposed to set policy for Management to implement, keeping in mind our fiduciary responsibility to Co-op City as a whole and the best interests of cooperators living here. Never was a Board Director supposed to be a oneperson show demanding that everyone at Riverbay be at their beck and call for anything, or everything, all the time. We’ve had Presidents and Directors who have tried to do that and go down that road before and the consequences were unfortunate, with no one benefitting, least of all the cooperators. All this brings me back to Othelia’s Viewpoint and her mention of Judy

Director’s Viewpoint

Tony Illis Roberson who previously served on the Riverbay Board with me and still resides here, and was a true community voice of reason, one who was responsible, and did her part, especially with helping the youth of Co-op City, and was never so insecure or self-absorbed that she felt a compulsive need to have a spotlight on her. Judy was a team player and in her quiet, firm manner always tried to work with everyone to do what was best for the community. Judy truly knew how to “check her ego at the door” and we on the Riverbay Board were better off for that. You could disagree with Judy on an issue, however, she always kept an open mind and was willing to take new information and ideas into account before casting a final vote on something. One thing for sure, Judy Roberson was her own person, with an independent mind, and could never be accused of being anyone’s clone or puppet. Michelle Davy also comes to mind as another intelligent, professional woman who served on the Riverbay Board of Directors and truly made a difference. Michelle and I also didn’t agree with everything under the sun, but we always respected each other and had a cordial relationship. We as a community are still facing some major challenges, however, they are challenges I believe we can meet

and overcome. I wish we had true elected officials representing Co-op City, but we don’t at the moment, and that’s just the unfortunate reality. Fortunately, we still have people like former Assemblyman Stephen Kaufman, who Othelia Jones correctly praises for trying to come to our aid and not abandoning us in trying to eliminate this ridiculous, unnecessary expense of $4 million a year for asbestos abatement treatment when there is no hazard posed to anyone, here, there, or anywhere, except possibly in the mind of an overzealous government bureaucrat. Mr. Kaufman has brought the issue to court and we will see what we will see, however truth and moral justice are on our side, regardless of what Mayor Bloomberg or Governor Cuomo’s minions might say. I also must tip my hat to Bill de Blasio, the Public Advocate for the City of New York, for having the courage to not be afraid and to come out on our side by demanding that the city’s DEP explain why it is selectively and unfairly requiring expensive air monitoring and testing during uncertain economic times when more than 70,000 air samples were performed as part of an extensive study and not one tested positive in terms of showing a health hazard. I have personally met Mr. de Blasio and he sounded sincere in expressing his concerns. The Public Advocate deserves a round of applause. And I am very disheartened that we are living through a time when a government agency, such as the city DEP, is so removed from rational thought and can-

not admit it has no legitimate argument for punishing the hard working people of Co-op City financially by demanding such unnecessary air testing. Despite some successes and improvements in Co-op City, I still strongly believe Riverbay Corporation needs a major overhaul in some areas, in some departments that are definitely not operating up to the level they should be in providing services to cooperators. Too many seem too entrenched in bad habits of the past and as a result, in dealing with the public, cooperators are not treated in a professional or helpful manner. It’s amazing how many phones ring at Riverbay without ever being answered and much of the time you are greeted with an answering machine curtly announcing the person you’re trying to reach is out of the office or away from their desk, or on vacation, and then you never hear from that person again. That’s no way to treat anyone, but especially no way to treat our cooperators who pay hard earned dollars in carrying charges to keep Co-op City going. And the attitude of some employees and department heads is incredible, an attitude of callously acting like they are doing cooperators a favor by even talking to them, much less answering legitimate questions and trying to help. I feel the Board must address this problem and undertake a policy for employees to follow that is more conducive to the needs of cooperators. Let me know what you think, give me a call at (718) 320-8035, or email me at tonyshome10475@gmail.com; no attachments, please.

Co-op City Times / February 9, 2013

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 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Sunday School is held at 9:15 a.m. for children and adults. 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 midweek worship service which is held on Wednesdays at 12 p.m. Bible study is held on Wednesdays at 1:00 and 7:30 p.m. Bible study will also be held on Wednesday, February 20 at 5:00 p.m. Prayer Service is held on Fridays at noon and 7:30 p.m. Men’s prayer service is held monthly at 7:30 p.m., we invite the men of the community to join us on Tuesday, February 12. Tomorrow, February 10, the Hospitality Ministry will celebrate their second anniversary during the 11

a.m. service. The First Lady’s Ministry will celebrate their 17th Anniversary on Sunday, February 17 during our 11 a.m. service. The theme is “God is Good,” Psalm 33:5. The guest speaker will be Rev. Mary Freeman, Associate Minister, Community Protestant Church, Bronx, NY. All are invited. Everyone is invited to join us for the Sunday School Black History Program, “Unsung Heroes and Sheroes” on Saturday, February 23 at 10 a.m. On Sunday, February 24th during our 11 a.m. service, we will celebrate Black History Sunday. The guest speaker will be Rev. Dr. Betty Spencer, Associate Minister, Union Baptist Church in NYC. All are invited. The Scholarship Ministry is on the move again and they are inviting you to join them on August 11, as they travel to Chicago. This 6 night, 7 day trip includes 10 meals (6 breakfasts and 4 dinners), motor coach trans-

portation and lodging. We will visit the historic Navy Pier, the world class Shedd Aquarium, the DeSable Museum of African American History and many other sights. The cost of the trip is $650 double occupancy. A $100 deposit is due immediately. For additional information, call 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.PrincipleCentered Living.com or www.Rev DrSheldonEWilliams.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 i e L . L u c as

Church of the New Vision Pastor Anne T. 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 6:00 a.m. or 11:00 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 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. followed by Bible Teaching from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Be with us to learn the truth from the Word of God.

Li st o f P r o g r am s an d E ve nt 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. Missionary Sunday takes place on the third Sunday of the month. Memorial Sunday (Men’s Day) takes place on the fourth Sunday of the month. Seniors’ Sunday takes place on the fifth Sunday of the month. Singles’ Ministry meets every third Tuesday evening of the month at 6:00 p.m. Next Generation Choir & Club meets 1st & 2nd Friday of the month at 6:30 p.m.

Seniors’ Ministry meets 1st Wednesday of the month at 11:00 a.m. Mid-day Bible Study meets every Tuesday afternoon from noon to 1:00 p.m. 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. Registration is going on now. The Church of the New Vision is located at 115 Einstein Loop, Bronx, NY 10475; Telephone: (718) 671-8746 or (718) 320-0409. Please visit our website at www.churchofnew vision.com. —C a r o l e H a q ue

Circle of Christ Church The Circle of Christ Church family extends a warm welcome to you and your family and invites you to come and worship with us at 147 Dreiser Loop, patio level. T h o u g h t f o r t h i s w e e k : “It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night …” Psalm 92:1-2 We all experience bad days in our lives. Some days, we might think we are not going to make it. Sadness may take over and cast a dark shadow over our attitude and mood. Scripture has the best remedy for us to help overcome the dark days. Psalm 92: 1- 2 says to praise the Lord and make music to His name. If we take this verse to heart and make an effort to praise the Lord for the blessings each day holds, eventually you will see all of them all around us. Do you need to see some good because you are going through a challenging time? Do you struggle to notice simple blessings? Here are some ways that will help you see God’s blessings, His goodness and His love even in those bad days.

Keep a blessing journal and reread it every day. It will keep your thoughts focused toward God, instead of how bad your day might have been. Create a gift box full of God’s promises and personalize them for you. Believe God’s blessings for you. We remind you that we are collecting non-perishable items and supplies in order to provide and support families in need of food. We also are providing counseling and referrals services for families in the community. If you need or know someone in need, please call 347-945-1992. Please leave a message and we will gladly call you back. Come join us at Circle of Christ Church and experience

the Love of God. C H U R C H S E RV I C E S C H E D UL E Wednesday – 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Prayer & Bible Study Friday – 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Youth Night and Children’s Bible Club Sunday - 11 a.m. Worship and the Word Children’s Church - 5 years old to 12 years old Little Lambs - Potty trained Women’s Fellowship – Saturday 16 at 12:00 p.m. All are welcome. Spanish Service - February 24; Time: 3:30 p.m. — R e v. S a m C o l o n

Family Owned and Operated

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) 3200844. All are welcome. Weekly Schedule: Sunday service with Holy Communion and Sunday School are both at 9 a.m. Every 4th Sunday, our children participate in the reading of the lessons and every 5th Sunday, our young adults assist in the service. Bible study is held each Wednesday at 7 p.m. and Choir rehearsal is on Thursday at 7 p.m. We look forward to welcoming everyone at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 10, the Last Sunday after the Epiphany. Please note that there will be a Women’s Guild meeting immediately after the service. For additional information, please call the church at 718-320-0844. “Proclaim the greatness of the Lord our God and worship him upon his holy hill; *for the Lord our God is the Holy One.” (Psalm 99:9) —M . Ch amb e rs

• Large Chapel on premises

on premises • Pre-need counseling

• Ample Parking on premises

• Out of town services

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A dignified funeral every family can afford. All areas are handicapped accessible

Personalized & Professional Care • 46 Years Serving Our Community Worldwide Shipping including Caribbean, Africa & South America

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

Serving all cultures & faiths

Co-op City Times / February 9, 2013

Bartow

Einstein

Dreiser

Mon., Feb. 11

Library

9:30am – 1:00 pm, Rm. 49

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

Dominoes

Bingo

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

Dominoes Word Games

Around The Lunch Table

9:30am – 11:00 am, Rm. 31

11:30am, Rm. 49

Card Games

Walking and Exercise w/Ms. Gaskill

2:30 pm, Rm. 31

2:00pm – 4:00 pm, Rm. 31

Tues., Feb. 12

Dominoes

Bingo

10:00am, Rm. 49

10:00- 11:30, Rm. 31

Tai Chi

Dominoes

11:00 am, Rm. 45

Bingo

9:30 –11:30am, Rm. 31

1:00pm, Rm. 49

Wed., Feb. 13 Thurs., Feb. 14

Gentle Yoga w/Anne 2:00pm-3:00, Rm. 2

Mind Teasers 12:00pm – 1:00pm, Rm. 4

Zumba

Matinee Movie w/George 2:00-4:00 pm, Rm. 45

2:00-4:00pm, Rm. 7

Dominoes 10:00am, Rm. 45 Spelling Bee 10:00am, Rm. 49 Spanish Practice Class 10:30 am, Computer Lab Bingo 1:00pm, Rm. 49

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session 9:30 – 10:30 am, Rm. 7 Sewing w/Raymonde 9:30am 11:30am, Rm. 7 Tai Chi 11:00am-12:00pm, Rm. 2 Mind Teasers 12:00pm – 1:00pm, Rm. 4 Art Class 1:00pm-3:00pm, Rm. 7 YOGA w/Bhadra Every Wednesday 2:00pm-3:00pm, Rm. 2

9:30 – 10:30 a.m., Rm. 7

Stay Well Exercise

Blood Pressure 1st & 3rd Thursday

9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Rm. 31

10 – 11:30 a.m., Rm. 7

2:30 p.m., Rm. 31

10:00 -11:00 a.m., Rm. 45

Word Games

Spelling Bee

10 – 11 a.m., Aud. A

11:00 a.m., Rm. 49

Mind Teasers

10 – 11:30 a.m., Rm. 31

Bingo

12 – 1 p.m., Rm. 4 Drama 1:30 – 4 p.m., Rm. 7

Card Games

1:00 p.m., Rm. 49

Piano Sing Along

Line Dancing

Bingo

2-4 p.m., Rm. 31

11 a.m. – 12 p.m., Rm. 7

Crochet and Knitting

9:30 a.m., Rm. 31

Dominoes

10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Rm. 7

Men’s Line Dancing

10 a.m., Rm. 45

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session

Art 10 a.m., Rm. 45 & 10 -11 a.m., Rm. 36

9:30 – 10:30 a.m., Rm. 7

Meditative Moments

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

Bingo

11 – 12 p.m., Rm. 2

Word Games

1 p.m., Rm. 49

Mind Teasers

9:30 – 11:30 a.m., Rm. 31 Bingo 10–11:30 a.m., Rm. 31

Card Games

Card Games, Dominoes

Card Games

2-4 p.m., Rm. 49

2 – 4 p.m., Rm. 7

Therapeutic Yoga

10 a.m., Rm. 31

Blood Pressure 2nd and 4th Friday

Sing Along

10 -11:30 a.m., Rm. 49

(Schedule subject to change without notice*)

12 – 1 p.m., Rm. 4

2-4 p.m., Rm. 31

11-12, Rm. 31

1:30 – 2:30 p.m., Rm. 8

WEEKLY TRIPS DATES

WEEKLY TRIPS

1st Mondays: 1st Mondays:

Stew Leonards Super Wal-Mart

Tuesdays

Bowling

Chili Brown rice Lettuce, tomato, red onion & avocado salad

Whole wheat bread Pineapple in juice

Chicken Cacciatore Egg barley Spinach

Whole wheat bread Fresh banana

Fresh Salmon w/dill & white wine sauce Whole wheat couscous California blend

Challah roll Fresh orange

PRICE

PICK-UP TIMES

Bartow Dreiser 1:15 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 8:30 a.m. 8:45 a.m. $2.50 11:00am 11:30am (for transportation)

$3 $15

Einstein 1:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. 11:15am

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.

Orange juice Tilapia Marinara sauce Whole grain spaghetti Winter squash Alt: Cold chicken salad

Wed., Feb. 13

Apple juice Spanish style chicken Red beans & rice Kale & garlic Alt: Cold egg salad

Thurs., Feb. 14

Orange pineapple juice Baked Salmon w/spinach sauce Toasted orzo Mixed vegetables Alt: Cold Grilled BBQ chicken

Tuesday Movie w/popcorn

10:00 a.m., Rm. 45

Chat Session

Fresh apple Whole wheat bread

1-2pm, Aud. A

Dominoes

10 – 11 a.m., Rm. 31

BBQ chicken Sweet potato Italian blend

Tues., Feb. 12

Mixed Cultural Dance

Chat Session

Women’s Line Dancing

Apricot packed in juice Whole wheat bread

10:30am-11:30am, Rm. 7

9 a.m.-1 p.m., Rm. 31

9-10 a.m., Rm. 31

Shepherd’s Pie Mashed potatoes Peas & carrots

Afternoon Movie

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session

Movie Madness

Orange pineapple Sliced turkey w/pan gravy Mashed potatoes Green beans Stewed tomato Alt: Cold Tuna w/ vegetable (mayo)

10:00 – 11:00, Rm. 2

Alert & Alive

Library

9:30 -11:30 a.m., Rm. 31

Mon., Feb. 11

Stay Well Exercise

9:30 – 10:30, Rm. 7

10:45 am-12pm

Fri., Feb. 15

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

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session

Card Games

Dominoes

Soups, Breads and Desserts

10:30-11:30am in Aud. B

Word Games

Stay Well Exercise 10:00am-11:00am, Rm. 31 Line Dancing w/Voncile 11:00am-12:30pm, Rm. 31 Dominoes 2:30 pm, Rm. 31 Word Games, Rm. 31 9:30am - 11:30pm Bingo 10:00 – 11:30, Rm. 31 Blood Pressure 1st & 3rd Wed 9;00-10:00am, Rm. 31 Card Games 2:00pm4:00pm, Rm. 31

Non-Kosher

2:00pm – 4:00pm, Rm. 7

2:30pm, Rm. 31

Jazz Education, History and Dance Class

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session

12:00pm – 1:00pm, Rm. 4

Current Events 10am, Rm. 31

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

Mind Teasers

2:00 – 4:00 pm

2:00-4pm, Rm. 31

Kosher

Crochet and Knitting

Library

10:00am – 11:30am, Rm. 31

Date:

Fri., Feb. 15

Roast chicken Potato kugel Carrots & dill Alt: Cold chopped liver

ALL meals served w/margarine and fresh milk *Menu subject to change without notice. We ask that the members please call their center in order to register for lunch for the week. Registr a tion for lu n ch a da y in a dva n ce h a s been discon tin u ed.

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

Upcoming Events/Trips Attention a ll seniors: There will be no refunds for a ll trips. AAR P Ta x Aide Pr ogr a m – sponsor ed by the J ASA E instein Senior C en ter. Will have IRS Certified volunteers providing Free tax preparation at 135 Einstein Loop (Co-op City) in Room 34 and Room 35, second floor on Tuesdays & Wednesdays, starting February 5th through April 10th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. First come, first served. No appointments necessary. Pa lisa des M all – Monda y, Febr ua r y 11th - $12 – includes round trip transportation. Pick-ups: Bartow – 9:00 a.m., Dreiser - 9:15 a.m. & Einstein - 9:30 a.m. Shopr it e – Wednesda y, Febr ua r y 13th - $3 – Round trip transportation - 2 hrs. of shopping – Pick-ups: Bartow – 9:00 a.m., Dreiser - 9:15 a.m., Einstein - 9:30 a.m. SOLD OUT. The JASA Throgs Neck and Co-op City Senior Centers are partnering to have a cultural Ar ts Institut e Va lent in e’s Day Event which will be held on Thursday, February 14th at the Throggsneck Senior Center. Lunch will be served at 12:00 p.m. and dancing from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. The cost for the afternoon of fun is $2. Please RSVP to the Dreiser, Bartow and Einstein Senior Centers. Arturo Perez, world class dance instructor, will teach a variety of dances including Salsa, Meringue, Mambo, Disco and Waltz. Transportation from Co-op City to Throggs Neck will be provided. Pickups: Dreiser - 11:00 a.m., Bartow - 11:30 a.m. and Einstein - 11:30; Yes, both pickups at 11:30. E mpir e Ca sino – F r ida y, Febr ua r y 15th - $5 per per son. Pick-ups: Einstein 10:00 a.m., Bartow - 10:15 a.m. and Dreiser - 10:30 a.m. Bus depa r ts at 3 p.m., plea se be on time. SOL D OUT. R esor t s Wor ld C a sin o a t Aq u ed u ct – Tu esd a y, F eb r u a r y 19t h – (54 sea t C oa ch Bu s). $20. Transportation included. Pick-up times: Bartow – 9:30 a.m.,

Dreiser – 9:45 a.m. & Einstein –10:00 a.m. Departure time from Casino is 3:30 p.m. You will receive a $10 bonus slot voucher. Sea t in g on t h e bu s will b e a ssign ed b a sed on p a ym en t s. Empir e C a sino – Fr ida y, Febr ua r y 22nd - $5 per per son. Pick-ups: Einstein 10:00 a.m., Bartow - 10:15 a.m. and Dreiser - 10:30 a.m. Bus depa r ts a t 3 p.m., please be on time. FR EE J a zz Da nce a nd Music C la sses. Tuesdays, 10:45 a.m. to 12 p.m., Room 31, Bartow Avenue Center and Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Room 25, Bartow Avenue Center. Come out and enjoy these classes February through June, 2013. Weight Ma na gement Suppor t Gr oup - Th e next m eet ing is scheduled for M on da y, Febr u a r y 11t h, 10:00 a .m ., 2049 Ba r tow Avenue, Room 25. The support group meets every Monday. Maintaining a healthy weight is not easy, but with knowledge and practice it can be. Come join the Weight Management Support Group to learn techniques and information that can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. C a r egiver Su p p or t G r ou p - T h e n ext m eet in g is sch ed u led for Tu esd a y, Feb r u a r y 19t h 1: 00 - 2: 00 p .m . in R oom 31 - Ba r t ow Sen ior C en t er . 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. 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 IZ AT ION GROUP – T he gr oup meets ever y 1st F r ida y of the m ont h. For more information, contact John Sullivan at 718671-2090 (Ext. 2142). Transportation is provided, if available.

Co-op City Times / February 9, 2013

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

AARP Chapter #4997 R E M I NDE R : AARP Chapter #4997 meeting is scheduled for MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11TH at 1:00 p.m. in Dreiser Loop Community Center, Auditorium “A.” Please come early to pay dues ($15 for the year) and to signup, and pay for any of the trips listed below…new members are welcomed! F YI : In 2011, there were approximately 36,254 homeless people in emergency and transitional shelters in New York State. 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, 718-6715493. 2013 T O UR AC T I VI T I E S April 11 – Ace in the Hole Presents Joe Coleman’s “Platters Review” – includes lunch, dancing and boutique shopping at the Royal Manor; w/deluxe motor coach transportation…$88/person…contact

Jean, 718- 379-3742. May 16 – Culinary Institute of America & Hudson River Boat Cruise includes a guided tour of the World’s Premier Culinary College followed by a gourmet meal prepared by students of the Institute; then have a relaxing afternoon on a Hudson River Cruise…$110/person…contact Daisy, 718671-3241. June 3 – 4 – Sands Casino (on the way), Shopping in Bethlehem, PA and the show “ Noah’s Ark” – included overnight stay at Crown Plaza Hotel w/dinner and show; buffet breakfast; in the afternoon experience the Biblical show “ Noah’s Ark” at the Sight/Sound Theater; dinner after the show in Amish Country (on your own)…$50 Deposit (check payable to AARP-4997) + $21 for Travel Insurance…$275 per person/double; $265 per person/triple; $345/Single; final payment due May 3…contact Jean, 718-379-3742. —Delor es Deb n a m

Handicapped Adults Association O F F I C E —We are open 2 days a week, Monday and Friday. MONDAY, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m., and FRIDAY, 9:30 11:30 a.m. F L E A M AR K E T —We are now selling jewelry, many choices of necklaces and earrings and bracelets. Our

soft covered books are 25¢ each or 5 for $1, hard covered books are 50¢ each. There is also a small selection of canes for $5, walkers for $10, one shower chair for $20, a fairly new wheelchair for $50. —Ar len e R od r igu ez

Goose Island Seniors

Baychester Library Events VISIT THE LIBRARY - A GREAT WEALTH OF INFORMATION WEEKLY EVENTS Adult Workshop (Getting Interviews) - Monday, Feb. 11 @ 2 p.m. Toddler Time - Every Tuesday, 11 a.m. Teens TAG - Every Tuesday, 4 p.m. Teen Lounge - Every Wednesday, 3:00 - 4:30 p.m., Chess Club - Every Thursday, 3 p.m. Book Discussion - Tuesday, Feb. 14 @ 1:30 p.m., The Man In The Basement Kids Tech Time - Feb. 28 @ 4 pm Teen Lounge - Every Friday, 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. Films @ 2 pm: Feb. 16 - (Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner w/ Sydney Poitier); Feb. 23 - (Red Tails: The Movie) Children’s Program - Feb. 9 @ 11 am - (Presley and Melody) – An interactive musical concert for children of all ages Black History Month Celebration w/Mini Play - rescheduled to Feb. 16 due to inclement weather @ 2 p.m. by JASA “Drama Bunch” of Co-op City Kids Flicks - Feb. 16 & Feb. 23 @ 11 am

The New York Public Library Baychester Branch • 2049 Asch Loop • Bronx, NY 10475 (Fully Wheelchair Accessible)

Wednesday, February 13—Bingo game in Room 39 at 1:30 p.m. Admission is $2 for members only. Refreshments served. Tuesday, February 26—Going to Atlantic City to Showboat Casino. Price is $30. Rebate is $25 slot play. Please have your I.D. card with you in order to receive your bonus. Pick-up time: 8 a.m. at our 3 usual bus stops: Einstein Loop, Asch Loop (back of library) and Dreiser Loop. Wednesday April 17—Westchester Dinner Theater at Elmsford, N.Y. for Guys and Dolls. Price is $78 (seventy-eight). Pick-up time is 9 a.m. at our 3 usual bus stops. Please leave a deposit when making

reservation, because Westchester Theater likes their money in advance. See Ann if your name is on the list. Thursday, July 11—Going to The Brauhaus, Pomona, N.Y. Price is $58 for everyone. Pick-up time is 9 a.m. at our 3 usual bus stops: Einstein Loop, Asch Loop, and Dreiser Loop. For more information, call Ann or Mary at 718-379-9613 or come to 135 Einstein Loop, Room 39, Monday – Thursday, l0 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. You can also call in evening to Ann at 347-267-4517 or call Mary at 718-379-9613. Come and join us at our trip. —M a r y P illa

Einstein Cancer Fund A happy birthday and/or anniversary to all celebrating this month of February, plus a Happy Valentine’s to everyone. R e m in d er —Tuesday, February 12th, Mohegan Sun. Cost per person, $33 casino bonus, $15 wheel bet and $15 food voucher. Time of pick-up: 8 a.m. at Einstein Loop, followed by Asch and Dreiser Loops. Don’t forget a valid photo, plus casino card. Seats are still available. A t wo-d a y t r ip —Wednesday, May 15th and Thursday, May 16th for the amazing showing of “Noah’s Ark” at the Millennium Theatre, Lancaster, Pa. Day 1-Show of Noah’s Ark, followed check in at the Hawthorne Inn and a

Smorgasbord dinner at Millers Restaurant. Day 2-After breakfast, we check out and we leave to the Sands Casino for bonus of day, plus food voucher. Cost per person-double, $245; triple, $235 and single, $287. Come and enjoy a relaxing trip and a fantastic show. Please call for your reservations, deposits of $25 and up are being accepted. For the above trips, please call Mildred 718-320-0288, Loretta 718-671-2895 or Lydia 718-671-3005. You can reach us, Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to noon, and in the evening after 6 p.m. Good health and healing are wished to all. —Lyd ia R u a s

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 Library closed on Mon., Feb.18 for President’s Day

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

Co-op City Times / February 9, 2013

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

In the third century, Rabbi Joshua, the son of Levi, took a trip to Rome. He was astounded to behold the magnificence of the buildings. He was especially struck by the care lavished upon statues, which were covered with exquisite cloth to protect them from the summer heat and the winter cold. As he was admiring the beauty of Roman art, a beggar plucked at his sleeve and asked for a crust of bread. The sage looked at the statues and turning to the beggar in rags, he observed, “Here are statues of stone covered with expensive clothes. Here is a man created in the image of G-d, covered with rags.

A civilization that pays more attention to statues than to men shall surely perish.” He was correct, for the decline and fall of Rome had already begun. This story should make us reconsider the goals of education today. We seem to think that to survive, we must create better machines rather than better men. We make our heaviest investments in technology, we place more emphasis on producing engineers than on creating good teachers. This is an error, for the solution to living in a peaceful world will not come about through better space ships but through finer spiritual structures.

Young Israel of Co-op City Young Israel of Co-op City (lower level of the Dreiser Loop shopping center) is 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 serv-

ices start at 9 a.m. Rabbi Berl delivers his sermon at 10:30 a.m. The Rabbi’s class on the Torah reading of the week begins one hour before sunset every Saturday afternoon. For office hours or any information you may seek, feel free to call (718) 671-2300 and leave your name, phone number and a brief message on the synagogue’s answering machine, and your call will be returned as soon as possible.

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. C om in g E ven t s: The next meeting of the Association is (correction) Thursday, February 7. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the meeting commences promptly at 7:30 p.m. Pokeno is back! Friday, February 15 will be our night for Pokeno fun. We meet in the Association Room on the “B” side of the building. The doors open at 7:30 p.m. Bring your nickels and have some fun. Snacks are served. Crochet

class is always on Wednesday afternoons. The class will start at 1:00 p.m. and end at 3:00 p.m. We meet at the Building 30 association room on the “B” side. C a len d a r of E ven t s: Friday 22, To Be Announced—Movie Night—Doors open at 7:00 p.m. G ood & 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. Especially, a get well wish to Lois who is suffering with a pulled leg muscle. SEE YOU SOON. M ir ia m E . Ber lofsk y —M

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Traditional Synagogue The Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City, Young Israel of Baychester, Section 5 (new address) at Bldg. 27B at 120 Erdman Place (behind the lobby), welcomes you to pray with them. Tel. for the Shule (same old number) 1-718-379-6920. Note: Office hours are on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Candle lighting on Friday, February 15, is before 5:12 p.m. Shabbat ends today, Saturday, February 9, at 6:05 p.m. S.O.S. Urgent! Calling all Jewish men to make a Minyon. M en you a r e n eeded for a Minyon. A Minyon is the number of men needed to read the Torah. The important number needed is 10. Please be counted as part of the 10 men and make the Minyon. You will be doing a Mitzvah (a good deed). Thank you! The community is always welcome to attend our various functions and enjoy a great day of fun and friendship. C oming E vents: Sunday, February 3 at 1:00 p.m. — Sisterhood Bingo had to be cancelled due to SNOW. Sunday, February 17 at 1:00 p.m.—The Synagogue sponsors this afternoon of fun and Bingo. The cost of $3 per person includes admission and refreshments. Saturday, February 23—Purim—The reading of the Megillah in the evening at 6:20 p.m. after Shabbat ends. Sunday, February 24 at 11:00 a.m. — We are asking you to attend the reading of the Megillah. You can attend the Purim Luncheon after the reading of the Megillah. Learn all about Purim. It is a well planned

deli menu of turkey, corned beef and pastrami with potato salad, cole slaw and pickles, mustard, rolls and rye bread. In addition, the dessert of the Purim holiday— Hamentashen, soda. coffee and tea. The cost for this wonderful fun filled luncheon is $15 per person. Call Mimi as soon as possible at 1-347-427-4526 to reserve your place. Looking forward to greeting you. Good a nd Welfa r e: All women are invited to join the Sisterhood. The dues for 2013 are $18 annually. We were so sorry to hear that Marilyn DeLeonardis has lost her beloved sister Joyce Johnson. May you know no more sorrow and take comfort in the fact that you are in our thoughts. Celebrating February birthdays are Jeffrey Sherman on the 3rd and Rodger M. Berlofsky on the 8th. Many more in good health. Do you need a tree certificate sent “in Honor of” or “in Memory of” a special occasion or a condolence? You can give a living gift for the cost of $15 per tree. For more information, you can call Mimi at 1-347-427-4526. We can accommodate you. If you are feeling under the weather, we wish you all a speedy, painless and complete recovery in double quick time. We are happy to report that the special get well wish for Nat Sherman is working. Keep up the good work. Your help is always appreciated. Thank you. Shalom! Mir iam E velyn Ber lofsky —M

Men’s Club Traditional Synagogue I would like to wish all our loyal friends a very happy belated 2013 NEW YEARS. The Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City, which is located at 120 Erdman Place, Building 27B, is having its Annual Purim Party and DELI-LUNCHEON on Sunday, February 24. We will start with: The MEGILLAH READING at 11:00 a.m. and will be followed by a DELI-LUNCHEON and topped

off with HAMANTASCHEN for dessert. Please call MIMI at (347) 427-4526 to reserve your seat. The Men’s Club is looking into running a trip to the MOUNT AIRY CASINO in Pennsylvania in April, 2013, details to follow. Everyone is invited to all our functions. We hope you will join us. Shalom! —Br u ce G it elson

Notice of Elevator Shutdown Building 28B, Car # 4 Earlier this week, after getting complaints of vibration in the elevator, we had to remove the car from service. Presently, we are checking the mechanical aspects of the machinery as to the cause. We will update all once it is determined what needs to be repaired.

We will make every attempt to restore the elevator back to service as soon as possible. We apologize for any inconveniences caused, and thank you for your patience and understanding. —R I VE R BAY M ANAGE M E NT

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Co-op City Times / February 9, 2013

Church of God’s Children We encourage you to attend the Sunday School Classes at 11:30 a.m., where the topic is “Discovering your Spiritual Gifts.” (Descubriendo sus Dones Espirituales). Please join us and be a blessing to your house of worship. God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. —1 Corinthians 12:18. Be like the Bee: The honeybee has one of the most highly developed social structures in the animal kingdom. At the heart of the hive, which may house as many as 80,000 bees, is the queen. Without her, the colony has no future. But the 80,000 don’t just sit around watching their queen. Each bee has a specialized duty to fulfill. The forager bees encounter the perils of the outside world to collect food. The guard bees protect the

hive entrance from intruders. The undertakers are responsible for removing dead bodies from the hive. The water collectors bring in moisture to regulate humidity. The plasterers make a kind of cement to repair the hive. And the fanners station themselves at the entrance and fan the scent outward to signal the location of the colony to lost or disoriented bees. The scout bees keep the hive alerted to opportunities and dangers of the outside world. The variety and specialization of the worker bees seem endless. In a similar way, the Lord has given special, spiritual gifts and tasks to all the people in His church. No one has been called merely to sit around. Everyone can do something. The work of the church will not get done unless all of us do what God has called us

to do. Christ builds His church and makes it strong by using you and me, and if we all will do our part the world will see His love. The church works best when we see ourselves as participants, not spectators. We invite you to visit our house of worship, or visit any one of the many houses of worship in the Co-op City community. Follow God’s voice where He leads you. It is important that your faith increases, and it increases by the hearing of the Word. Church of God’s Children worship center cordially extend and invitation to you. Our location is at 127 Dreiser Loop (to the right of the Montefiore Health Clinic). Church office is open daily Tues. & Thurs., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; sanctuary is open for prayer. Call 718-790-9120.

Sunday - Worship Service in Spanish at 9:30 a.m./English: 1:15 p.m. Our missionary from Africa Petra Luna will be speaking on Sunday, 2/10, at both services and sharing her experiences in the mission field. Wednesday – Prayer – 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; 12 step fellowship at 159 Dreiser Loop – 7 p.m. After School Program – Mon.-Fri. – Drop off & pick up at Educational Park. The Book Shop/Goodwill Ministry open Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. – 163 Dreiser Loop. Br on x C le r gy Ta sk F or c e – Meeting, 2/13, at Bx. County Courthouse, 851 Grand Concourse – Rm. 915 – 11:00 a.m. —Bish op Na n cy R osa r io

Pentecostal Tabernacle Pentecostal Tabernacle, 120 Benchley Pl., Building 24, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. Pastor Sibblies and the entire church body are inviting everyone to attend services on the following days: Sundays: Sunday School for all age group begins at 10:30 a.m. Worship starts at 11:45 a.m. – 2 p.m. Wednesdays: Prayer and fasting service will be held at 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Regular prayer meeting will also be held Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. Friday evening Bible study starts at 7:30 p.m. Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (11 Timothy2:15)

Focu s: Virtue is the quality that sustains our entrance and standing before a holy God and allows the strength and healing presence of God to flow through us. P h il ip p ia n s 4: 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. A Christian’s strength resides in his or her relationship with God. A life filled with virtue results in a clean conscience and removes any cloud of guilt, providing a

bold entrance into the presence of the of those around Lord. A virtuous life fulfills the purpose For more information, call 718-324for the grace of God, making that work 0334. —R ev. R . Sib b lies complete. Godly virtue adds value to human life, and that enhanceCLASSIFIEDS (cont’d) - Space for Rent ment becomes obvious to others. Paul joined Peter in A 7,500 square foot space, comprising a two encouraging the pursuits of story attached annex building to St. Paul's virtue when he admonished Episcopal Church is available for rent. Timothy to give himself wholly to righteous princiThe space was used as a Pre-School until June ples.1Timothy 4; 15) Paul 2012. If interested in renting this space, call concluded that adding virtue Father Horton Scott on 914-384-2929 to faith is a profitable venture for an appointment. The rental space is at that causes the believer’s 489 St. Paul's Place between 170 and 171 value to rise even in the eyes

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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.

2/23

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

Co-op City Times / February 9, 2013

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

Get Top Cash for your Jazz, Soul, R&B and Gospel albums from 50s to 70s. Call Howard 2/23 at 212-873-4016 anytime.

Old Records Wanted.

Call

P&R APPLIANCE SERVICE

if you are tired of paying too much for repairs! 718-829-9090

Call Joe 718-384-7554

L & L APPLIANCE REPAIR 10% DISCOUNT

(except vacuums and lamps)

Fully Insured NYC License #1233497

Call 718.792.2655 10/12/13

Painting, Floor refinishing, Carpet Installation, Wall Paper Removal & Installation, Season cleaning, balcony cleaning, tiling. All of your interior needs. 5/4

Cleaning Service - Carpet Vacuums FREE Pick-up and Delivery!

SPOONERS DOMESTIC SERVICE

3/30

SERVICES

2/23

VACUUM

Call

718-829-9090

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 3/30

Bags, Belts & Filters

Cleaning Service - Windows

1058 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx

2/23

Blinds

Professional Window Cleaning • FAST RELIABLE SERVICE

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

For prompt service call:

(718) 379-8782

2/23

EMERGENCY SERVICE

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

L & L APPLIANCE REPAIR

3/23

4/20/13

Dataway Computers, Inc. Networking, Maintenance, Repair MICROSOFT CERTIFIED PROFESSIONALS

FREE Phone Consultation

646-326-2676

Call: Computer Drop-off at 474 Willis Avenue, Bx 10455

Cleaning Service

Visit Us: www.dattaway.com

Family Owned & Operated Since 1954 NYC License #1233497 10% DISCOUNT (except vacuums)

3/30

Lic. #1417990

Celebrating 10 years of service to Co-op City. 2/23

718.792.2655

JB RYAN COMPUTER REPAIR & UPGRADE

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

2/23

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

10/12/13

Decorator

EMERGENCY SERVICE

L&L APPLIANCE REPAIR Present This Coupon (except vacuums/lamps)

STOVES • WASHERS • REFRIGERATORS VACUUM CLEANERS and more

718.792.2655

1-203-482-6337

$40 Field Service

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

• ALL MAKES & MODELS • Stoves • Washers • Dryers •Lamps • Dishwashers • Refrigerators • Bags • Hoses • Belts • Vacuum Cleaners

LIMIT — One Coupon Per Person

Cell:

Computer Consultant, Sales & Repair

NEW STYLE BLINDS

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

Fully Insured NYC License #1233497

GEORGE’S CLEAN WINDOWS

Serving Co-op City for over 25 years

ACE APPLIANCE REPAIR

$20 OFF

(718) 320-5112

Free Pick up & Delivery

FAMILY BLINDS SERVICE

Fully Insured

2/23 • 4 Hour Minimum • General Cleaning — Call for Maint. Cleaning • Semi-Heavy Duty & Senior Care — $80 + tax • Super Heavy — $120 + tax Bonded • 7 Days • Accept Cash, Pay-Pal

www.spoonercleaning.com

SALES & SERVICE

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

718-798-4259 Sales@abrags.org www.abrags.org

• Washers • Dryers • Stoves plus 10% off any repair Senior • Refrigerators Citizen Discount • Dishwashers

1058 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx •

A BEE RAG SERVICE, INC.

Service Charge only $24.95

Will Pay Top $$ for JAZZ, JAZZ, JAZZ, Rock & Roll, 50s, 60s, & 70s. LP, 78 or 45.

SERVICES

Cleaning Service

Appliances Repair

Records Wanted

10/12/13

Your Ad Here! Call 718-320-3300, x3380 for affordable rates!

2/2

Co-op City Times / February 9, 2013

CLASSIFIEDS Floors

M & M FLOORS

Hardwood floors installed - Sanding & Refinishing. Polyurethane, Fabulon & Moisture Cure Finishes. Staining in all colors. Free estimates. 10% Co-op City resident discount.

Call Mike. (718) 792-0024

2/23

Handyman

Locksmith

KJ HANDYMAN

FAMILY LOCKSMITH

Flooring • Painting • Ceramic Floor Tiles • Blinds • Shower Doors • Lighting • Lighting Fixtures • Many More Jobs

(Handy person) Fast Service Cell:

Floors

(917) 346-0862 2/23

Licensed and Bonded

HIGH SECURITY LOCKS 20% Off Any Lock Job!

Medco • MultiLock • Wilson

Handyman (cont’d)

High Quality Labor For a Low Price! Serving Co-op City for over 25 years. “When you see me, You’ll know me.” Call Anytime • Seven Days A Week

BRUSH n NAIL All purpose Painter and Handyman. Mr. Fix-it

347-275-1493

Call Mike at: 718-974-1290

3/23

Painting

2/9

A-1 PAINTING PLUS Tom/Handyman

2/23

Hair Care

NO LUMPS NO BUMPS HAIR EXTENSIONS 1815 West ch est er Ave. Br on x, NY 10472

I ’m ver y h a n dy a n d ca n fix a n yth in g in you r h ome, for exa mple: C a b in et s, d r a wer s, d oor s, closet s, p olish floor s, d ish wa sh er s, p u t u p wa ll m ir r or s, ch a n ge a n y sin k fa u cet , in st a ll ceilin g fa n s a n d ligh t fixt u r es.

P lea se ca ll a n yt im e 718-515-8556 • 347-236-2993

2/23

Home Improvement

1-800-479-2667

100% E ffect ive!

• VERTICAL BLINDS • MINI BLINDS • SINK VANITIES • SPACE SAVERS • MATCHING HAMPERS • BATHTUB ENCLOSURES • CLIP-ON MIRROR FRAMES

2/2

- Grout & Carpet Cleaning Eliminate e Breath Easy

FATHER & SON

Top Quality Work Painting, Plastering, Wallpapering, Floor Sanding & Refinishing. Also, Floor Waxing. Call Wesley 212.996.7347 or 917.325.5334

Slipcovers

• RANGE HOODS • LIGHT FIXTURES • KITCHEN CABINETS • CABINET REFACING • COUNTERTOPS • CUSTOM CLOSET MIRROR DOORS • CUSTOM WALL MIRRORS

CO-OP SALES

Bugs

(718) 746-8925 PLASTIC SLIPCOVERS TABLE PADS

CUSHIONS REFILLED • NEW FOAM RUBBER SOFA PLATFORMS LOW, LOW PRICES 3/9

ALL STATE DECORATORS Social

— since 1969 —

PRE-VALENTINE’S PARTY, Friday, Feb. 8th, 9 p.m. - 1 a.m., Bartow Center, Room 31. $25, Members $20. D.J. Smooth. Be a Winner of the Dating Game For Singles Aged 21+

Vertical, Mini, Wood, Pleats

718-379-5555

1-800-479-2667

Co-op City Resident Specials

CO-OP SALES BLINDS! 1-800-479-2667 • Don’t Pay More At Your Local Hardware Store • 2/23

718.320.5270

6/26

JASON LASH

No Br a id s, No G lu e, No R u b b er Ba n d s!

We u se P er u via n , M a la ysia n , Br a zilia n a n d M or occa n H a ir ! 2/23

FREE!

ESTIMATE!

ESTIMATES ARE FREE!

718-684-3000

BRAIDLESS HAIR EXTENSIONS

Bathroom, paint included, Kitchen $110 paint included, Bedroom - paint included • Floors Refinished • Doors Repaired • Wallpaper, Panel, Carpet Removal • Blinds, Doors & Kitchen Cabinets - Moderate Repairs • Closet Doors Repaired (very cheap)

We BEAT Any Quote!

Advertise in the Co-op City Times Classifieds! Call 718-320-3300, x3380 for affordable rates!

2/23

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 • 718.881.7691 3314 White Plains Rd. • Bronx, NY 10467

2/23

Co-op City Times / February 9, 2013