Co-op City’s official newspaper serving the world’s largest cooperative community. © Copyright 2012 Co-op City Times
Vol. 47 No. 6
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Rental costs in NYC increase by 5% in 2011, nearing the all-time high BY DEREK ALGER While Co-op City remains the most affordable housing in the tri-state metropolitan area, rents in Manhattan continue to skyrocket, last month jumping close to a record high. The average price of a rental apartment in Manhattan was a “whopping” $3,352 per month, an increase of 5% compared with January of last year, according to Citi Habitats, one of the city’s premiere rental agencies, the Daily News reported. Average Manhattan rents are now only $42 away from the historic high of $3,394 per month, which was reached in May of 2007. Perhaps more disturbing is the fact that rents jumped by over 1% from December 2011, even though rents usually decline during the winter months. President Helen Atkins observed that the rental market in Manhattan is more proof positive of what a wonderful housing buy Co-op City is, especially since the rent rates cited by Citi Habitats do not include the cost of utilities. “I think we have it pretty good and I’m happy I found a home in Co-op City,” Atkins said. “Since the first cooperators moved in, Co-op City has been a true community for both seniors and young families to live in quality, affordable housing.” Average rents in Manhattan were higher in every category of apartments compared to last year, with the average one-bedroom apartment going for $2,652 a month, an increase of 6%, and a two-bedroom apartment also rising by 6%, and renting for an
average of $3,762 per month. Also, it was noted, many are not able to buy now since banks have tightened their mortgage requirements, plus the uncertain economic climate has prompted a more conservative approach concerning purchases, especially major investments like a house or condo. “Driving the rent rush,” Phyllis Furman stated in her Wednesday article in the Daily News, “is still a shaky economy which has some Manhattan dwellers taking a wait and see approach when it comes to buying.” Some 13% of transactions brokered by Citi Habitats offered an incentive to potential tenants, such as a free month’s rent or payment of the broker’s fee, compared to 11% in December of 2011, which is typically done during winter months. The current apartment landscape in Manhattan, however, is still a landlord’s market, as evidenced by the fact that 21% of landlords offered such incentives in January of last year. In an article this week, dated Feb. 8th, Crain’s NewYork Business, reported rentals outside Manhattan are also in high demand. Gary Malin, president of Citi Habitats, told Crain’s that his agency “began marketing a new 90-unit development in Astoria, Queens, called Thirty-Fifty in mid-December and in six weeks, the development was 75% leased out. At that leasing rate, Malin expects the project to be rented out in less than the three or four months it usually would take, according to Crain’s.
Kaufman to report to full Board this week on the fight to have the community’s asbestos abatement costs waived BY DEREK ALGER President Helen Atkins has announced that Stephen B. Kaufman, who represented Co-op City in the Assembly for 18 years, will address the full Board this week on specifics concerning the unnecessary abatement testing and air monitoring Co-op City is being forced to perform at a cost of approximately $4 million per year.
Atkins praised Kaufman for successfully gaining concessions from the city to reduce the amount of air monitoring tests required to be performed, which has resulted in a savings of some $300,000 per year. Specifically, Atkins wants Kaufman to discuss the findings of an extensive report, Stephen B. Kaufman
(Continued on page 2)
Correction: In an article in last week’s Co-op City Times regarding the date for the commencement of City Councilman’s Larry Seabrook’s upcoming trial following last December’s mistrial, the newspaper referred to an extortion related charge against Councilman Seabrook. The superseding indictment filed on September 13, 2011, does not include a charge of extortion against Councilman Seabrook. The Co-op City Times regrets the error.
25¢
Contrary to reports, I do not own a home outside Co-op City Dear Cooperators, President’s Message who is the I must start off champion of this President’s affordable Report by setting housing, owns President the record straight. two houses in I do not own a house outside of Co-op addition to an apartment in Co-op City. I have no idea why fellow board City. member Andrea Leslie would publish Let me be clear, when word sursuch a statement in her Viewpoint last faced that Director Cylich owned a week without checking it out to conhouse in North Carolina, in addition firm if it was true. All she had to do was to a house he owns in Copake Falls, simply ask me! New York, questions were naturally It’s pretty clear to me, and almost raised, and needed to be answered, everyone I know, that owning a about whether his primary residence house isn’t the problem but citing was still Co-op City. another property as a primary resiAs President, the Riverbay Bydence, while living in Co-op City, is laws clearly state “The Board of certainly a problem because Co-op Directors, acting through the City is a Mitchell-Lama housing President, must, upon receipt of and shareholders are required under knowledge declare vacant the office State law to make it their primary of a director when he is found to no residence. longer be a resident of Co-op City. While I am more than satisfied For the purposes of this section a and extremely grateful to live in an director is no longer a resident when affordable community like Co-op any one or more of the following City, like most of my fellow cooperevents shall occur: …(4) his primary residence is no longer Co-op City.” ators, I do not own a house, much Director Andrea Leslie likes to less two, like Director Bernie Cylich! (Continued on page 2) Board Director Bernie Cylich,
Helen Atkins
Crime prevention workshops for seniors teach how to avoid becoming a victim BY BILL STUTTIG Believing that true and effective crime prevention begins with giving a community the knowledge it needs to keep itself safe, the Department of Public Safety, under the charge of Chief Frank Apollo, has begun a series of workshops for Coop City seniors designed to teach them how to prevent an attack and also how to fend off and stop an attack if one occurs. Chief Apollo explained, “Any law enforcement official will tell you that one of the most effective ways of preventing crime and keeping a community’s crime rate low is to make sure that the public has the knowledge it needs to keep them out of situations that compromise their safety and make them vulnerable to attack. By having these workshops, similar to others that we have had in the past, we are making residents aware of factors that make them a target, how to negate those factors, and also if an attack occurs, how to increase your chances to escape that situation with little or no physical harm.” Public Safety Emergency Services Officer Milton Gregory, who is also part of the defensive tactics training program
under Public Safety’s training leader, Lt. James Keappock, leads the workshops, two of which were held last week for the Dreiser Retirees and the Bartow Senior Center of JASA. Two more are scheduled for Monday, February 13th from 10:30 a.m. to noon at JASA’s Dreiser Senior Center and from 1 to 2 p.m. at a meeting of the AARP at Dreiser Center. Gregory said that techniques that are taught deal more with psychological strategies to avoid being a victim rather than physical defense techniques, although that is a part of the program as well. “We teach the seniors how to trust their instincts, be alert and above all, avoid being self absorbed in other matters when they are walking in public,” Gregory said. The training officer explained that many modern devices represent a danger on several fronts. iPhones, iPads, iPods or any similar digital device that people commonly use when out in public, Gregory explained, distract that individual from paying attention to conditions in their immediate (Continued on page 4)
2
President’s Report refer to this investigation as a “Witch Hunt” in her Viewpoint but the fact of the matter is the President must call for an investigation when an issue like this is raised as required by the By-laws. No one ever assumed that Mr. Cylich would claim two homes as his primary residence and receive a STAR Tax Credit on both. This improper activity by Mr. Cylich was discovered as a result of looking at public records to determine what he was claiming as his primary residence.
Kaufman prepared with the assistance of two former DEP Commissioners of the City of New York, in which over 70,000 air samples were performed and not one came out positive for indicating a health hazard. Kaufman has questioned why, since Coop City is within the State of New York’s Mitchell-Lama housing program, the City of NewYork has been allowed to step in and force the community to perform unnecessary work translating into the equivalent of a 4% carrying charge increase. “We hope the state and city will recognize this unfair ‘selective’ punishment of the community by forcing unnecessary abatement work and air monitoring and bring an end to this outrageous policy,” Kaufman noted. Co-op City has been selectively sin-
Co-op City Times / February 11, 2012 (Continued from page 1)
Such tax credits cannot be grandfathered in by a previous owner, as Mr. Cylich stated at our board meeting. There is a question on the application that states “Did you apply for this benefit at any other location?” There is also a bold face portion on the application that states a false application is a criminal offense and is subject to a fine and a penalty and the loss of the STAR benefit. Our Legal Counsel Jeff Buss stated, one has to either check “yes” or “no” on such a form as to whether the property
one is seeking a tax credit for is indeed one’s primary residence. I’m curious how Mr. Cylich can be cheered as being so heroic by his sidekick on the Board Andrea Leslie, when it appears Mr. Cylich checked two different residences as his primary residence, and did this for a number of consecutive years. In 2004 when Cylich took out a mortgage to buy the upstate home, he claimed it as his primary residence. It’s also rather strange that this same sidekick on the Board, Andrea Leslie,
criticizes the Co-op City Times for not running a rebuttal by Mr. Cylich when Mr. Cylich did not even mention this disturbing development in his own Viewpoint last week. I guess he thought he had said enough in an article in the Daily News where he was quoted as admitting to owning a secondary home. If Andrea Leslie wants to continue worshipping and doing the bidding of such a person without questioning anything, well, that’s her choice.
samples and not one of those samples came out positive, showing conclusively that the mastic glue in the floor tiles is not friable and does not pose any danger,” Kaufman stated. According to Kaufman, the State of New York should re-take the jurisdiction that prior administrations gave to New York City over Co-op City, a state
Mitchell-Lama housing development. The issue was further exacerbated when Riverbay complained about being compelled to file a $10,000 filing fee with the state for abatement work and air monitoring, with Kaufman charging that waiving the filing fee was not the main issue, but performing unnecessary abatement work to begin with was the problem.
(Continued from page 1)
gled out, according to management, since February of 2005 when a DEP Inspector issued Riverbay a violation, along with a $10,000 fine, and since that time Co-op City has been forced to spend between $3 million and $4 million per year for an abatement company and an air monitoring company. An extensive report was prepared by Kaufman, utilizing the expertise of two former Commissioners of the City of New York’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and distributed to the Board, which proved conclusively that the floor tiles in Co-op City posed no hazard. Some 70,000 air samples were taken as part of the report and not one sample tested positive. “We have performed over 70,000 air
Shapiros celebrate Bar-Mitzvah Congratulations to Daniel on celebrating his Bar-Mitzvah today and his parents, Robin and Paul Hoffman, and younger sisters, Melissa and Madelyn, with all our love from, Grandpa and Grandma Al and Joyce Shapiro.
3
Co-op City Times / February 11, 2012
2nd Combing ty p Cinext Blood Co-oDrive
Obituary - Courtney Lumley
Assemblyman Benedetto sponsoring mammography van for Co-op City
would give to others in need in an instant without hesitation. With pure heart came a The love that was not yet expressed; friendly, outgoing disposition The kiss that awaited the cheek; with the ability to make peoThe thought only half-way complete; ple laugh and smile and bring The words he had yet to speak; an abundance of joy into their This your humble servant dear God, lives. Met an unexpected sudden fate. As much joy as he brought Lost any further chance to delight us; into the lives of everybody He now stands at the pearly gate. that got to know him, the true His physical body no longer hurts; joy of his life was, and always He is freed from pain and his worldly fears; will be his daughter, Alyssa And as quickly as he was snatched from us Lumley. So quickly was he placed in your gentle care. In addition to his daughter And those of us who stand to mourn Alyssa Lumley, Courtney Are barely satisfied with explanations leaves to cherish is memory Of how this could have been avoided three brothers, Eugene But thank God the Redeemer for salvation. © —J en n ifer P. L u m ley Lumley (the Batman to his Robin), Hayden Lumley and Anthony Lumley, two sisters Katherine Lumley and Yvonne Lumley- her husband Joel Trotter, Jamie Trotter, Hines, one aunt Johnnie Mae Davis, Brittany Trotter, Jennifer Lumley, Vincent cousins Diane Henderson, Frances Bryant, Brown, Danny Davis; fiancée Lisa Jennifer Bryant-Stowe, Nigel Manderson, Michelle and a host of nieces, nephews, Andrew Hackman, Michelle Trotter and other relatives and friends.
The Loss of A Loved One
H&R Block to host community open house in Co-op City In an effort to match convenience with a growing demand for tax services, H&R Block’s Co-op City location will host an open house for the community at 169 Dresier Loop on February 25th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Those attending the open house will have an opportunity to talk with H&R Block professionals about tax tips, tax law changes, tax planning and other financial issues. Local residents can also learn about, and take advantage of H&R Block’s free “Second Look” program and free 1040EZ filing benefits. All through the day, the office will celebrate with free refreshments, games and giveaways. For more information about the H&R Block office open house, please contact 718-320-0055.
FRONT PA G E
Courtney Lumley came as a gift to the world on October 31, 1973 and went home to be with The Father on Sunday, January 29, 2012. He was the younger of two sons born to the late Betty and Nico Lumley in the Bronx, New York. Courtney, a life long resident of Co-op City (in the Bronx), graduated from Mount Saint Michael Academy and worked hard for Riverbay Corporation for seventeen years, with the final year and a half serving as a Shop Steward for Local 32BJ. "Bear", as he was affectionately called, was an avid sports fan (both participating and watching) who had a pure heart that
Recreation for Vets
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, located outside of the Baychester Public Library, 2049 Asch Loop North, on Saturday, February 25, 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. An appointment is necessary. Please call 1-800-564-6868 This program is funded by Bronx Cancer Services Program Partnership. Screening coordination and Outreach/In-reach funded by the Komen Greater NYC 2008 Community Breast Health Grant.
Annual NCNW Black History Youth celebration On February 25, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. in the Dresier Auditorium 1, the 11th Annual NCNW Black History Youth Celebration will be staged, in collaboration with the Riverbay Fund. If any youth or youth groups are interested in volunteering and showcasing their talent, please call (917) 399-2643.
Councilman Larry Seabrook (center) recently enjoyed a quick game of pool with the Veterans of the American Legion, Post 1871, Co-op City, on a pool table purchased with a $10,000 budget allocation from Councilman Seabrook. “Our veterans have sacrificed much and it is my pleasure to assist them in any way that I can. They have certainly paid their dues. I look forward to working and playing with them in the future,” said Councilman Seabrook. Joining the Councilman in the symbolic game are: (l to r.) Lew Waterman, Silas Standford, Carroll Brown, Bill Gordon, Norman Thomas, Robert Feliciano and Ron Gantwarg.
No Co-op City Times? Call our distributor at 646.261.1761; Saturday: 9 am - 2 pm.
4
Co-op City Times / February 11, 2012
Workshop
(Continued from page 1)
surrounding area. Criminals know this and when looking for targets, look for individuals who are distracted from their immediate reality and consequently do not realize danger until it’s too late. Secondly, Gregory continued, these devices are very valuable, usually worth hundreds of dollars, which also makes individuals that use them in public a target for a assault and theft. The workshops are also teaching seniors what to do and, more importantly, what not to do, when they think an attack is imminent. “This is where psychological strategies come into play,” Gregory explained, “how not to show fear, how to move to
avoid an assault and how to alert others effectively when you think an attacker is present.” The program also teaches which situations place you in the most danger and how to avoid them. “Many people might think it is rude or disrespectful to step out of an elevator before the door closes but if you don’t trust the situation then trust your instincts and remove yourself from that situation,” Gregory explained. Much of the program deals with avoiding situations that can make you vulnerable for sexual attacks but Gregory explained that the strategies discussed largely apply to all potential criminal assault situations.
Gregory explained that the workshops also touch on physical defense techniques that can ward off an attack, even when taking into consideration the physical limits of many seniors. “We even incorporate the use of canes and other aids common to many seniors in assisting in fending off an attack,” Gregory said. Gregory added that the workshops at the community’s regular senior meetings will hopefully attract seniors to smaller, more detailed workshops being offered in the near future, designed to teach techniques to a small group with individualized instruction. In addition, a large community-wide workshop on sexual assault and rape pre-
vention is being planned for sometime in March. That workshop will not only include Public Safety instructors but guest speakers and instructors from the Bronx District Attorney’s Office and the New York Police Department’s Special Victims Unit. This workshop and all the crime prevention training workshops are being offered in coordination with Riverbay’s Community Relations office, under the direction of Michelle Sajous. “I am happy to work with Public Safety to bring the seniors education for self-reliance. Teaching them how to be aware of their surroundings and protecting themselves is very important,” Sajous said.
Assemblyman Michael R. Benedetto provides seniors with free Income Tax preparation Assemblyman Mike Benedetto is once again offering free income tax preparation for seniors 62 years of age or older in his district, which includes Co-op City, Throggs Neck, Pelham Bay, Zerega and City Island. This service will start on February 1st and is limited to senior s over the a ge of 62 and the following criteria: Complete copy of 2010 federal and
state return 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 2010 must be under $50,000; All documents must be included as a complete file and brought to the office, or they will be returned; Simple taxes only.
African-American Association of Co-op City Gener a l Member ship M eeting – You are invited to meet with us today, Saturday, 2/11, 4:00 p.m., Dreiser Center, Room 15. The agenda will include: Indoor Bazaar and Bake Sale to be held March 10th, the proceeds of which will support our Annual Scholarship Fund. We would appreciate the community donating gently used clothing, antiques, appliances, jewelry, etc. on 2/11, from 4-6 p.m., 2/25, from 12-1 p.m. and/or 3/5, from 6-8 p.m., Dreiser Center, Room 15. Also on the agenda: Holistic Health & Wellness Seminar, celebration of February birthdays and refreshments. Thanks for everyone that attended the Association’s Black History Month Film Festival last Saturday. Special appreciation is extended to Kevin and Prince Lambert, Martha Barbosa and Iman Drammeh for their assistance. A VIE W OF C ONT RI BUT IONS TO HUM ANI T Y BY AF R I C AN-AM E R I CANS: • Otis Boykin – His noteworthy inventions include electronic control devices for guided missiles, IBM computers and the control unit for a pacemaker. • Andrew Jackson Beard invented the “Jenny Coupler” in 1897, a device which allowed train cars to hook themselves together when they are bumped into one another. This device saved the lives of many railroad workers, who originally had the dangerous job of hooking the moving cars together by hand. • Henry Blair was the second AfricanAmerican to receive a patent and invented a corn seed planter in 1834 and a cotton planter in 1836. • George Carruthers invented the far ultraviolet electrographic camera, used in the 1972 Apollo 16 mission. This invention revealed new features in Earth’s far-outer atmosphere and deep-space objects from the
perspective of the lunar surface. Carruthers was inducted into the National Inventor’s Hall of Fame in 2003. • David Crosthwait, Jr. created the heating system for NYC’s Radio City Music Hall. He holds 39 U.S. patents and 80 international patents pertaining to heating, refrigeration and temperature regulating systems. • Sarah E. Goode invented a bed that folded into a cabinet in 1885. • Thomas L. Jennings received a patent in 1821 for a dry-cleaning process. His used the money from the patent to purchase relatives out of slavery and support abolitionist causes. • Frederick Jones held over 60 patents. His portable air conditioner was used in WW II to preserve medicine and blood serum. Contributions by more AfricanAmericans will continue next week. T he following a r e ongoing p r ogr ams sp on sor ed a n d/or su p por t ed b y th e Afr ica n-Am er ica n Associa t ion a n d we encour a ge you to pa r ticipa te: Belly Da nce C la sses – Mondays at 7:00 p.m., Dreiser Center, Room 2. Yoga & Pila tes M a t C la sses – Tuesdays, 7:15 p.m., Dreiser Center, Room 2. Busin ess Op p or t u n it y Wor k sh op – Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m. in the Dreiser Center, Room 2. C omputer /L aptop Cla sses – This class meets every 2nd and 4th Monday, Dreiser Center, Room 15. Bring your laptop and $5. E duca tion – Next meeting: March 5th. If you cannot attend the meeting, you may send your check or money order (DO NOT MAIL CASH) of $15 for a single membership and $25 for families to: African-American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475. Your membership helps to support this organization that sustains our —F r a ncine Reva J ones community.
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. T he ta x pr epa r er will collect d ocum en ta t ion u n t il M ar ch 28 a nd you will be conta cted when the for ms a r e completed.
For more information, please contact Assemblyman Benedetto’s office at: 602 E. Tremont Ave. Suite 201, Bronx, NY 10465, (718) 892-2235 or 177 Dreiser Loop Room 12, Bronx, NY 10475, (718) 320-2220. This service is only for seniors who reside in Assemblyman Benedetto’s district, the 82nd Assembly District.
No Co-op City Times? Call 646-261-1761; Saturday: 9 am - 2 pm.
DR. LEWIS WOLSTEIN Podiatrist — Foot Specialist • Practicing in Co-op City since 1975 • Board Certified in Foot Surgery • ALL conditions of the foot treated • We
accept most health insurance plans
• Participating in the Medicare Diabetic Shoe Program • Evening and Saturday appointments
Dr. Lewis Wolstein
Call:
“Se Habla Español”
718.671.7226 100 DeKruif Place
Building 8 • Ground Floor Section 1 • Co-op City • Bronx, NY 10475
5
Co-op City Times / February 11, 2012
Management Report Over the last several weeks, Management has informed the community of several initiatives we are planning to improve the quality of life in Co-op City while reducing costs and in some cases adding significant revenue to the community’s bottom line. The following is a review of two key proposals mentioned in Management Corners in recent weeks. P u b lic Sa fet y Added officers cost money; added cameras cost money but in certain areas change may be possible. Statistically half the crime we encounter is from outside the community. It is for that reason that we have suggested that we consider possibly gating Co-op City like Fordham Plaza. A proper blend of hardware (gates, cameras, fences) may enable a reduction in Public Safety officers. At least it could be discussed and evaluated. Suggestions to eliminate Lobby Attendants have been met with widespread rejection. In fact, there was a call to expand the program up from the present 40 hours a week. Add to that the fact that legally you could not just terminate 70 employees. Instead what Management seeks to explore is a ‘virtual doorman’ operation since we now have site-wide connectivity. In such a program, instead of lobby attendants sitting in the lobby, they sit in front of a series of TV monitors which are linked to motion activated cameras and 24
Management Corner
Marion Scott Real Estate, Inc. hours a day, 7 days a week, an individual views all lobby activity in a series of buildings and has the ability to control the entrance and communicate orally with each lobby. The set- up will have a cost but far less expensive than kiosks and officers in each cluster. In reality, the only thing we can actually secure is the lobby itself and in residential security that is the only defensible, controllable space. The program can also be used to secure and control access to pump rooms. We have 65 lobbies and still want to explore the possibility of combining lobbies on Triple Core and Chevron for efficiency and control. The need to upgrade lobbies, keyless entry and new doors is obvious to all, subject to funding. Sh op p in g C en t er s Our shopping centers are in serious need of an upgrade, renovation, and makeover. They only generate $3,348,333 a year in income and have too many stores duplicating goods and services. The Executive Summary from the Cushman & Wakefield April 21, 2011 report put a value of $49,000,000 on our shopping centers if we leased the centers AS IS. The Cushman & Wakefield study compared the value of our shopping cen-
ters to other real estate in the area. Clearly, they seek to broker a deal, but they are saying we could expect $49,000,000 if we brought in an outside company to run our centers. In addition, a Developer has expressed interest in undertaking a joint venture with us using their money (the Developers’ money, NOT Co-op City’s) to upgrade our shopping centers, although we have not embarked on any serious negotiation, pending Board and community input. When Co-op City was constructed, the stores in the 3 centers were critical since there was nothing else around. That is no longer the reality. Subject to the legal issues and need for NYCB and DHCR concurrence, Management has suggested that we explore the options. In addition to the above mentioned lease out of our shopping centers, there is also the possibility, again, pending community input and Board approval, of making each center a condominium with a ground lease and the ability for each store owner to purchase their store. Co-op City would sub-meter all utilities and be paid 1 cent below Con Ed rates for electric and dollar for dollar on water and gas. The condominium would contract with us for security and maintenance service and pay a ground lease, BUT, at the end of the day, the merchants own their store, pay no rent to Co-op City, and they own and/or can sell their store. There would also be a common charge payable to Riverbay Corporation from
each association for common area charges, ground lease and real estate taxes. With this new revenue stream, we could upgrade our lobbies with new entrances, digital entry, more cameras with interactive ‘virtual doorman’ 24 hours a day/7 days a week which reacts to motion sensitive cameras and can speak to and listen to responses from each lobby. We would also explore the possibility to gate Co-op City much like Fordham Plaza and therefore be able to control outside activity – creating a secure, tranquil environment. Charges for ground rent, maintenance, electric, security and grounds could or should make up for at least one third or more of the present income ($3,348,333) and then deduct what we pay for real estate taxes $1.5 million and common area expenses $1.5 million and there are no shortfalls, in fact, a profit. Basic math as follows: 275,610 square feet rentable would sell based upon a cost per square foot between $100 and $150 a square foot or between $41,341,500 and $27,561,000. Use $7,000,000 for upgrade of centers – new façade, new lights, and repair concrete. The balance of earnings could be used for: New entrances & lobby upgrade Keyless entry ‘Virtual doorman’ Gated community with cameras.
Ad vanc ed Dental Group Mu lt i -S pe cia lt y A ssocia t es Smile with WHITER! BRIGHTER! HEALTHIER TEETH! 1 0% D I S C OU N T!
Your smile is your gateway to success! BEFORE
With this ad. New Patients Only. AFTER
Dental Emergencies No Appointment Needed
GET A MILLION DOLLAR SMILE & PAY LATER! 12 Month payment plan available • 0% Interest • Based on Credit Approval
PERMANENT SMILE RESTORATION SERVICES • New Patients Welcome! • Cosmetic Dentistry - Natural Tooth Color Restoration, Teeth Whitening, Bonding & Veneers, Crowns, Bridges & Dentures • Oral Surgery - Implants, Extractions (including wisdom teeth) • Implants - To Replace Missing Teeth • Endodontist - Painless Root Canals & Treatment • Periodontist - Gum Treatment
A dva n ced Den t al G ro up 140-1 DeKruif Place, Co-op City Building 6 • Bronx, NY 10475
(718) 379-1700 We Accept: Visa, Mastercard, Debit Card • Dental Financing Plans available if qualified. Most Insurance Plans & Medicaid accepted as full payment • FREE PARKING
“We Make Saving Your Teeth Affordable!”
6
Co-op City Times / February 11, 2012
Win dow Gu a r d for ms mu st be r etu r n ed by Wedn esda y The Window Guard forms that were mailed by Riverbay to shareholders must be filled out as completely and fully as possible and returned to the Window Guard office in Room S in the Bartow Community Center at 2049 Bartow Avenue by this Wednesday, February 15. The Window Guard forms can be returned by mail in the bar-coded return envelope that were provided or hand delivered to Room S. Please use only the 2012 Window Guard form that was mailed recently.
The city’s Window Guard law was enacted to help prevent incidences of younger children being injured or killed in falls from unguarded windows. It requires owners of multiple dwellings (buildings with 3 or more apartments) to provide and properly install approved window guards on all windows in apartments where a child(ren) 10 years or younger reside or visit, although anyone, for whatever reason, may request window guards, even if you do not have children 10 or younger in the apartment.
Co-op City Times Co-op City’s official newspaper serving the world’s largest cooperative community. (718) 320-3300, ext. 3375 cctimes@riverbaycorp.com
Derek Alger Director of Communications
Rozaan Boone Editor-in-Chief
Bill Stuttig Associate Editor
Jim Roberts Business Manager
Jennifer Piovanetti Operations Manager
MATTRE SS DI SP OSAL The City of New York requires all residents to fully cover all mattresses or box springs in a sealed plastic bag for garbage disposal and collection. This rule was intended to prevent an increase in bed bug activity. Under the rule, failure to place a mattress or box spring in a proper bag will result in a $100 fine imposed by the City. In addition, Co-op City residents who violate this rule may be subject to a Community Complaint with related fines and legal fees. (The City of New York and Riverbay do not
Ralph Henriquez Production Manager
provide mattress or box spring bags or covers.) Plastic bags to cover mattresses and box springs are available at department stores, home improvement centers and large moving companies. They can also be purchased online. Please follow this rule when disposing mattresses and/or box springs. These covered items are to be brought to the basement or placed on the dumpster pads for proper trash collection. Thank you for your attention and cooperation in this —C SO matter.
Deborah Harris Editorial Assistant
Bicycle parking in Co-op City garages Local Law 51 of 2009 requires that all New York City licensed parking garages provide bicycle parking. The Parking Facilities Department is offering bicycle parking in all eight (8) garages. Each garage can hold a maximum of thirty-two (32) bicycles for parking. Garages have bicycle racks in the rear area to accommodate
parking. Garage # 1 has racks in the front area. The Board of Directors recently voted on pricing for bicycles parked in the garages at a very low cost: $10 per month or $1 per day. The lower price resolution was enacted to afford availability of bicycle parking to families all across the Co-op City community.
If you wish to park your bicycle in our garages and open a monthly lease, please visit the Parking Facilities office in Bartow Community Center, Room 24. We are open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. —P a r k in g Fa cilit ies Dep a r t m en t
Notice to shareholders – Move out inspections Move Out Inspections will be conducted by Restorations on the same day the cooperator moves out of their apartment between the hours of 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to allow the inspectors a clear view of any and all work required to be done
in the apartment. The inspector will walk through with the cooperator and indicate those areas that are beyond normal wear and tear that occurred during their tenure. The inspector will provide the quantities in square footage
and/or items that will be charged back. The inspector will not indicate dollar amounts at the time of the inspection; That information will be provided to the cooperator at a later date. —R iver b a y M a n a gem en t
Important Notice to Shareholders of Building 21 Article SIXTH of your Occupancy submit your completed form for a short- lease, notify Riverbay, in writing, Attention: Agreement provides, in part, that your lease term lease no later than thirty (30) days Sales Support Office, 2049 Bartow Avenue, automatically renews for an additional before the expiration of your present lease. Bronx, NY 10475, ninety (90) days prior to three (3) year period. You need to do noth- If you will be moving out at the end of your lease expiration. ing if you want your lease to extend for another three (3) New Three (3) Year Last Date to Request Current Lease either a One (1) or year period. If you desire a Expiration Date Expiration Date lease of less than three (3) Two (2) Year Lease years, you may call 718-3203373 to request a form to subBuilding 21 May 31, 2012 May 31, 2015 April 30, 2012 mit for either a one (1) year or 100, 120, 140 Asch Loop two (2) year lease. You must
The Co-op City Times welcomes issue-oriented letters to the editor to be considered for publication. All letters, in prose, not poetry, must be addressed to the editor, not to third parties. All letters must be handsigned by the writers and include their addresses and phone numbers, which will be kept confidential, so that the editor can verify the authenticity of the authors. Writers will be limited to one letter per topic. And to give everyone a chance, we will limit writers to one published letter every 30 days. Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Letters cannot exceed 350 words. Ideally, they should be typed. All letters must be in the Co-op City Times office in Room 21, Bartow Community Center, by 3 p.m. every Monday to be considered for publication in that week’s edition. Views and opinions expressed in letters and Directors’ Viewpoint are solely the writer’s, and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times or Riverbay Corp. Advertisements and classified advertisements in the Co-op City Times do not necessarily reflect an endorsement from Riverbay Corporation of goods and services, but present greater options to cooperators of products and services available. The Riverbay Corporation does not assume any responsibility nor is it a party to any contract or agreement between the cooperator and the vendor. All matter published herein is copyrighted by the Co-op City Times. Permission for reprints of advertising or editorial contents produced by the Co-op City Times must be obtained in writing from Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Ave., Bronx, New York 10475.
If the Co-op City Times Was Not Delivered: Call 646.261.1761 on Saturdays ONLY, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Send us your
Letters! s r Edito City Timee. Co-opBartow Av 5 2049 , NY 1047 Bronx
email: cctimes@riverbaycorp.com
7
Co-op City Times / February 11, 2012
Public Safety Report
The Department of Public Safety aggressively enforces “No Dog” rules in Co-op City BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO The Co-op City Department of Public Safety reminds residents that under most circumstances dogs are not permitted within the premises of Co-op City. Service animals and dogs required for medically approved conditions are exceptions to Co-op City’s “No Dog” rules. The Department of Public Safety works aggressively to identify households which are in violation of Co-op City’s “No Dog” rules. Co-op City is a high-rise, multi-family cooperative which houses approximately 65,000 residents. In order to provide residents with the high quality of life synonymous with Co-op City it is not possible to permit dogs within the complex. Even visiting dogs are not permitted. Dogs present serious health and safety concerns which potentially threaten the well being of all residents. The first line of defense in the enforcement of Co-op City’s “No Dog” rules are observant cooperators. Concerned residents who see or hear
dogs within an apartment are urged to call the Department of Public Safety (718)671-3050 or on our website www.ccpd.us immediately. It is not necessary for persons to reveal their identity when calling. Callers may remain anonymous when calling. Please be sure to give all required information including the location of the suspected dog to the dispatcher prior to hanging up the phone. A caller’s identity is never revealed to the offender even when information is provided. Public Safety officers are dispatched out to the location without delay to investigate the complaint. Various means of detection are utilized as part of the investigation process. High frequency dog whistles are utilized to detect dogs within apartments. They are used as part of routine building sweeps as well as at specific locations where dogs are reported to be harbored. Once it is detected that there is an unauthorized dog within an apartment, a Co-op City Community Complaint is
Public Safety Blotter: Jan. 28-Feb. 4 Feb r u a r y 2, 100 Ben ch ley P la ce A CCPD Community Policing officer conducted a check of this area and found a female with a marijuana cigar in her hand. As a result, she was issued a summons for possession and community complaint for the infraction. Feb r u a r y 1, 600 Ba ych est er Aven u e A complainant reported that they were approached by six males that demanded property from the victim and went into his pockets. When he resisted their efforts they struck him with a crowbar causing minor injuries. The victim was able to escape without further incident. This matter is currently under investigation. Feb r u a r y 1, 140 Bella m y L oop
CCPD responded to investigate a male lying apparently deceased on the ground. Upon arrival and after an investigation it was determined the male jumped or fell from a high floor window. J a n u a r y 31, 99 Dr eiser L oop A cooperator reports that a rear wiper blade was removed from their car. J a n u a r y 31, 99 E in st ein L oop A cooperator reports a car battery and tools were removed from their vehicle. J a n u a r y 31, 2012 CCPD officers were called for an injured animal. Upon arrival they found a kitten that was unconscious and bleeding. After rendering some assistance, the kitten was taken to Animal Control for further treatment.
NY Lyons Mane shine at the Garden Saturday, January 28, 2012, was the finals of the 38th Annual Colgate Women’s Games, held at Madison Square Garden’s main arena. Always a place to shine, the Lyons Mane Track Club members sparkled. Simone Grant, competing in the High School division in the 200-meter sprint, finished in second place, missing out on winning the top position by less than 2 tenths of a second, running a phenomenal race from start to finish. Briel Biggs, also in the High School division, was the team’s representative in the 800-meter run, putting in a strong performance, finishing in a close fourth place, and third overall based on the cumulative
point system. Last to compete was Kassidy Frankson in the Elementary School ‘B’ division. Kassidy finished in third place, and fourth overall in cumulative points. All the girls were awarded trophies for their efforts. Simone and Briel also received educational cash grants. Boys and girls between the ages of 10-17 who are seriously interested in track and field can contact the New York Lyons Mane Track Club by calling 718671-3129, by writing New York Lyons Mane Track Club, PO Box 563, Bronx, NY 10475, or by email at NYLyonsMane@aol.com. —Don Lyon s
issued. The violation code for harboring a dog within an apartment is Code “Z” which states “Keeping or harboring dogs or any animals deemed potentially harmful to the health and safety of others.” Violations of Code “Z” carry a fine of $150. Having a dog within a Co-op City apartment is a violation of the Riverbay lease rules and regulations #17 which states “No dogs or other animals of any kind shall be kept or harbored in the leased premises.” After a Community Complaint is issued, the Cooperator Service Office and the Legal Department work to insure that the offending dog is removed from the premises. Violations of Co-op City’s “Dog Rules” present serious hazards to the health and safety of all residents. Dog violations are taken very seriously by Riverbay Corporation. Be sure to obey traffic and safety rules while operating a motor vehicle. Share the road safely with bicycles, skaters 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 diehard cyclists who are out there yearround. Snow or ice only make it worse by making less space for cyclists to ride as well as making a slippery surface. If you plan to consume alcoholic beverages be sure not to operate a motor vehicle, designate a driver who will not drink or call a taxi. Also be sure to buckle your seatbelt, obey speed limits and avoid distractions when driving. Always remember, if you see something, say something. Call 911 and the Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050 or online at www.ccpd.us. Call Public Safety if you suspect one of your neighbors has an unauthorized dog within their apartment. Callers may remain anonymous when giving information. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety would like to thank all persons who have called in suspicious activity. It is by your actions that the crime rate remains low and a high quality of life is maintained.
8
Co-op City Times / February 11, 2012
The importance of being supportive New York football fans were elated on the New York Giants' win over the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl XLVI last Sunday. When I watched the TV news, NewYorkers were very happy, they were celebrating and they were buying lots of souvenirs. Eli Manning is a great quarterback who, along with his talented teammates, brought home the victory. By the time this writing goes to print, there would have been a victory parade in lower Manhattan followed by a ceremony at City Hall where the Mayor would present the New York Giants with the Keys to the City. Hopefully, everyone's experience was joyful and safe. The Co-op City community has two football teams. One is the Mustangs at Harry S. Truman H.S. The other is the Co-op City Cowboys. There are also two track clubs. Congratulations to the Zodiacs Track Club and the New York Lyons Mane on their athletes winning many medals at the Colgate Women's Games. For little or no pay, the coaches are dedicated to seeing our children achieve. The training keeps them off the streets, involved in a positive activity, and out of trouble. Both of my daughters participated with the Zodiacs and it was
Director’s Viewpoint
Francine Reva Jones Secretary no easy task. Both athletes and coaches must be committed to the sport and the coaches must make it fun for the children as well. These youth organizations need our support. I had the pleasure of sponsoring one of the children whose family could not afford to pay. If you have no children or if they are grown and you have time to spare, go out and see what they can do. They are achievers; they are winners. Spring is not far off and that would be a good time to get out and be supportive. Va ca n t Sit es In my limited time as a Riverbay Board Director, I am shocked to learn of the length of time that apartments and commercial properties are left empty. On my floor, there was an apartment that was vacant for nearly a year. When I asked about the length of
time, I was informed by the former Sales Director, that there might have been a problem with the prospective cooperator getting financed. When I asked for a breakdown of the time that it took to restore and sell an apartment, I never received a response from management. If there is an apartment or townhouse near you which has been vacant for over three months, please let me know. This goes for commercial spaces as well. 718-671-5957. T h e H UD L oa n There were some responses to my statement that, “in my opinion, had it not been for a Board Director assessing that a US Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) would be better for the shareholders; management would not be attempting to obtain it.” IN MY OPINION means just that, IN MY OPINION. I will explain. In an April 28, 2011 memo to the Board of Directors, Herbert Freedman indicated that the chances of a HUD loan appeared dead at this time. Preceding and following Mr. Freedman's memo, Mr. Bernard Cylich wrote memos and viewpoints as to why recapitalization was more beneficial for shareholders using a
HUD mortgage guaranteed loan. There already existed a NY Community Bank loan before Mr. Cylich became a Board Director. When it became time to refinance, Mr. Cylich continued to express valid reasons as to why a HUD mortgage guaranteed loan would be best. He was insistent and consistent in his statements and views. Therefore, IN MY OPINION, since Management appeared to have given up on a HUD guaranteed insurance loan, and IN MY OPINION, no one pushed for it like Mr. Cylich, -- that is the reason for my initial statement. No one can say it is wrong because it is MY OPINION. My opinion was written with no intention to diminish the efforts of Management or anyone else. Remember, if you notice any vacant apartments or commercial spaces, please inform me. Participate in your building association. Should you be unable to resolve an issue through your Building Association, you may contact me for help: Francine R. Jones, Board Director, Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475; 718-671-5957.
Rep. Crowley denounces legislative proposal to cut Federal support for public transit On Monday, Co-op City Congressman Joe Crowley along with other Congressional representatives from the tri -state area Charles Rangel, Jerrold Nadler and Carolyn Maloney and Metropolitan Transit Authority Chairman Joseph Lhota, Transport Workers Union President John Samuelsen, Central Labor Council of New York City President Vincent Alvarez, and commuter advocates, spoke out against House Republicans efforts to cut federal support for public transit. The House Republican federal transportation bill will strip away the dedicated funding stream for the Mass Transit Account, which allows states, municipalities and local transit agencies to plan and fund capital projects with the certainty needed to make job-creating infrastructure investments. In New York City, the Mass Transit Account funds key investments to the City’s subways, buses, commuter rails, and other forms of public transit. Slashing this funding stream will result in a loss of $1.7 billion for New York State and will adversely affect City and suburban commuters who rely on public transportation every day. With these cuts, MTA will have a harder time planning and funding capital projects, contractors and construction workers will have a harder time getting MTA contracts, transit workers will have fewer employment opportunities, and commuters in and around the city, including my constituents in the Bronx
and Queens, will see longer delays, slower trains, and decaying stations, said Rep. Crowley. We need investments that will help put people back to work, boost our economy, and create a better future for all New Yorkers - not massacre our mass transit system. Slashing public transportation strikes at the heart of middle class New York workers’ quality of life and it is not an answer to any of our problems. “Last week the House Ways & Means Committee took drastic action by voting to remove 30 years of dedicated federal funding for public transportation, essentially threatening to end the MTA’s longstanding partnership with the federal government. These critical federal transit funds have been in place since 1983, when President Ronald Reagan signed the Surface Transportation Assistance Act into law. The proposal would substitute a reliable funding source with an undetermined—and wholly unreliable— commitment. And it would rob the MTA of investments we count on every year to fund our vital Capital Program. Make no mistake: As the largest mass transit agency in the country, this bill would hit the MTA hard,” said MTA Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Joseph J. Lhota. We are extremely disappointed that this legislation would gut the Mass Transit Account by diverting nearly half of the federal investment in public transit that comes from fuel tax revenue. Such a move would have a significant
impact on the ability of the city and the MTA to fund capital projects, as well as jeopardize much-needed mass-transit services and threaten jobs in this critical sector, said Vincent Alvarez, President of NYC Central Labor Council. “The House bill turns its back on decades of better transit in New York and all around America,” said Gene Russianoff, staff attorney for New York Public Interest Research Group Straphangers Campaign, a transit riders group. The bill passed by the House Ways and Means Committee illustrates once again how dysfunctional Congress has become. By removing the gas tax as the method of funding mass transit, House leadership is threatening the future of a program, in place since the Reagan administration, that is actually working well. The lifeblood of New York City is our buses, subways and commuter rails. Eight million people take mass transit every day in New York which helps to cut traffic, reduce pollution, spur our economy and improve public health. The bill passed today ignores the needs of cities across the country by relegating transit to an “alternative” transportation with an uncertain funding stream. Our country is being left behind as the world races ahead with 21st century infrastructure investments, this bill would take us even further from our competitors, said New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg.
“The U.S. House of Representatives Ways & Means Committee abolished the guaranteed trust fund revenue for transit and gave it to the highway program,” said Janette Sadik-Khan, New York City Transportation Commissioner and National Association of City Transportation Officials President. “This is an unprecedented departure from bipartisan support for a unified surface transportation program. Funding for bus and rail projects would be catch-ascatch-can, jeopardizing thousands of jobs and undermining progress in modernizing our transportation system.” In 1983, President Regan signed into law the Surface Transportation Assistance Act, which created a dedicated funding source for public transportation through the federal gas tax. This dedicated source of revenue allowed states, municipalities and local transit agencies to plan and fund capital projects with the certainty needed to make these infrastructure investments as efficient and cost-effective for taxpayers as possible. As congestion rose in urban areas, and rural areas saw their share of car-less, low-income families rise, the need to fund this account has grown. The Republican proposal to redirect federal gasoline tax revenues away from public transportation will worsen this funding shortage and subject transit funding to the annual appropriations process, creating uncertainty for critical job-creating infrastructure projects.
Advertising Works! Call 718.320.3300, ext. 3384 for our affordable rates.
9
Co-op City Times / February 11, 2012
Building 14 Association A special “thank you” to Noel Ellison, CSO Manager, for providing cooperators with valuable and timely information at our first 2012 meeting. Updates: Laundry room upgrades scheduled to begin in April/May 2012; the new washing machines will use computer coded cards, less water, and only detergents labeled High Efficiency (“HE”); Grounds and Roof-to-Basement Building Inspection Teams will bring the Maintenance, Building & Grounds, Restoration and, as needed, Public Safety departments together to conduct building walk-throughs to identify any work in the common areas. We asked to have our cooperator representatives present. For safety purposes and uniformity, sightings
of signage (flags, stickers), door mats, etc. on doors and in hallways will result in requests to remove them. Convector Cleaning will be completed six buildings a time; dates to be posted. A video on “how-to clean and maintain convectors” in Co-op City is on You Tube for do-it-yourselfers. Our concerns: The constant breakdown of vandalism and other problems with elevators on the high-rise side; reducing the volume and changing the station of the lobby music; use of the laundry room by non-residents; and painting of apartment doors. Association Business: Valentine’s Day Fundraiser - “Show Some Love” to the special people in
your life or in memory of a loved one by purchasing a heart. The hearts will sell for $1 and be posted or hung in the lobby through Valentine’s Day. Proposed Section 2 “Summer Fun Day”- Essentially it’s a Block Party and will require a lot of planning and volunteers. Suggested activities - street and basketball games, relay races, Open Mic, exhibits, dancing in the streets, and food. As part of the five-hour event, each building will have a table/booth. We need ideas for our booth (e.g., mini bicycle maintenance and safety workshop). Money Management Series – Get on the road to financial wellness! Cooperators received a list of financial
topics to choose from. We’ll identify speakers and develop a support group to put our learning into practice, particularly reducing credit card and other bad debt. One-hour Personal Safety Workshops - For kids, youth, women and seniors. Attacks are on the rise. Workshops to be held consecutively on a Saturday morning. Date TBD. Association of Building 14 Cooperators Annual Membership Drive – Scheduled for March/April. There’s a lot to be done. Your help, ideas, and/or time are needed. Get involved! jdfergie31@gmail.com or 917.612.1951. —J osie F er gu son
Building 18 Association Hi Neighbors; Our next General Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday February 21st at 7:00 p.m. in the association room (please note date). Our guest speaker is the General Manager of Riverbay Mr. Vernon Cooper. This is a very important meeting so please attend and find out what is going on straight from our manager’ s mouth after all. This Is our
home. Again let’s do it big. Looking forward to seeing all of you at this meeting. Refreshments will be served. Please continue to share your news with us; send your articles to our e-mail address: BLDG18newsletter@aol.com. Hearing from you is very important to us. Thanks to all who attended our last movie matinee, all present enjoyed the
movie “The Help”. Our next movie is scheduled for Wednesday March 15th. Please come and join us we promise you will enjoy the movie; the refreshments and fellowshipping with each other. Our Membership Drive will be coming up soon. Only $5.00 per family unit. Please watch the bulletin board for dates and time. Happy Birthday to all
with that Special Day this month. Happy Valentine’s Day to all of you. Our deepest sympathies to the bereaved families and to the sick and homebound. We wish you a speedy recovery. Stay Alert: If you SEE something Say something —G er t ie Br own
Building 24 Association Hi Neighbor! ! ! Tell me, if this is spring can winter be far behind?? (Smile) We are taking bets that we will have snow in April. O.K. let’s get serious. We took a New Years resolution to have our meetings on our designated day in each month. SOOO the second Tuesday in February is February 14th. February is the LOVE month. Our idea to show love to one anotheris as follows. How about old neighbors bringing a NEW NEIGHBOR to meeting. Check your floor and find a new co-operator who came here 2010 or 2011. Ask them to join you and others at our meeting. We hope to greet old and new co-
operators. The idea to bring a neighbor is not so hard… Please try it and show that we can become good neighbors and maybe good friends. ALSO, you cannot know what is going on in our community unless you read our in-house newspaper. It is important to keep up with what is going on here in Co-op City and neighboring areas. Plan to READ, READ and then take action if necessary. Does it sound like we are excited about our meeting plans? Well, we are and we ask you to make it happen. LOVE is in the air - reach out and get some. —Celestine Withey
Building 16 Association The Building 16 Association meeting will be held on February 13th at 7 p.m. in the meeting room on the B side. Please come out and bring your ideas and complaints. We will be sitting out to collect due on Friday 10th, 17th and 24th. Please come out. If you are not a member you are welcome to join as this is your build-
ing. We are in need of floor captains on the A side and the B side. Our guest speaker will be our General Manager Mr. Vernon Cooper. Please come out. To the ones celebrating a special occasion, congratulations. To the sick and shut-in, get well soon. To the bereaved, you have our sympathy. —C la r a C ost on
Working Families Party The WFP Club continues to promote the mission of sustainability for working families within our community. It is important that we remain diligent as we prepare for the three upcoming primaries facing us this year, April 24th, June 26th and September 11th. You will hear more about each primary as it approaches. As the economy begins to recover, we still have high unemployment and underemployment occurring within our community. The Wildlife Conservation Society (Bronx Zoo) has seasonal positions available for young adults 16 through 19 years old. On February 16th at 5 p.m., WCS will make a presentation at the Boys and Girls Club of the Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, (Section Five Teen
Center), 141 Einstein Loop. This seasonal program offers numerous opportunities for our children and we are encouraging parents to attend along with your son and/or daughter. It is important that you RSVP to Mr. Johnson, at 718-671-2655 or 347-8437766. This event will only be opened to members of the Section Five Teen Center. Co-op City is a viable community with many advantages, it is imperative that we come together to ensure that our neighbors, friends, and families learn more about our common bond. The Club’s next scheduled meeting will be February 28th at 7:30 p.m. in the Einstein Loop Community Center, Room 38. We look forward to seeing you. —C her yl Simm ons-Oliver
February is Black History Month!
10
Co-op City Times / February 11, 2012
Beating up on Bernie? E ditor ’s Note: The following viewpoint from last week’s edition is being reprinted with some revisions upon request. Overheated stories about Riverbay Board member Bernard Cylich appeared last week in the local newspaper published by Christopher Hagedorn. The millionaire Hagedorn —a member of the 1 percenters—was convicted in a federal court some years ago of falsifying records. Riverbay’s own publication, the Co-op City Times, also saw fit to air the issue. The Co-op City Times article was based on the results of an investigation into Cylich’s primary-residence status. The probe was requested by Riverbay President Helen Atkins; it was conducted by Riverbay counsel Jeff Buss; and it was presented to the Board at a closed meeting on Wednesday, January 18, 2012. NO T R ANSG R E SSI O NS – BUT W H Y NOT SP E C UL AT E ? The report confirms, without any question, that Co-op City is the primary residence of Cylich and his family and that there is no transgression of Riverbay By-Laws. Yet counsel proceeds to imply — even while admitting that there is no evidence of it – that Cylich violated restrictions of the New York State STAR program. Indeed, any such violation, if there
Director’s Viewpoint
Andrea Leslie Assistant Treasurer
were any, can be determined only by a state authority. Doesn’t counsel Buss have enough Riverbay work to do without spending the community’s time and resources speculating on matters that are a function of state government? W I T C H H UNT ? Why was Cylich singled out for such investigation? Why was the report of the investigation released once residency was established? Why did the Co-op City Times front page story, on January 28, not include Cylich’s rebuttal of what he considers unfounded charges against him by Buss? Is there a conspiracy to persecute, harass and drive Cylich from the Board and from the community? And if so, why? - Is it because of his commitment to keeping Co-op City in the MitchellLama program? - Is it because he advocates replacing our real estate managing company with a cooperative-oriented general manager? - Is it because of his outspoken call
for open Board meetings with gallery sessions? - Is it that he insists on the enforcement of Board resolutions? - Is it because he has been voting against contracts that outsource Riverbay work – almost always – to non-union employers? P E O P L E L I VI NG I N G L ASS H O USE S It is interesting that a Board member who questioned Cylich’s integrity in a Viewpoint column (Co-op City Times, 1/28/12) campaigned for election to the Board on a platform against outsourcing and for utilization of our union staff. Once elected, however, that member has regularly voted to approve outsourcing contracts — including one with a non-union scab painting contractor. People in glass houses should, indeed, not throw stones. Reduced services are not the way to improve Riverbay’s financial condition. Neither is resorting to outsourced, nonunion work. Nonunion work is frequently more expensive and less efficiently performed. Note the vast cost overruns on some Riverbay projects! President Obama said recently that we need to level the playing field for workers and the unions that represent their interests, because we know you
can’t have a strong middle class without a strong labor movement. Maybe the “Beating up on Cylich” campaign represents an angry response to the grass roots organizing this Board member does. In 2008, Cylich helped initiate a movement that registered close to 500 new voters in Co-op City. After the successful registration drive, Cylich was among the cooperators who waged an active campaign for the election of Barack Obama. More recently Cylich and others set up a Co-op City coalition against the MTA cuts. The group held three large rallies - ignored by the Coop City Times - and collected over 5,000 signatures on a petition asking the MTA to fully restore the #26 and #28 bus lines and Access-A-Ride services. Or is Cylich a scapegoat because he challenged management’s declaration in the Co-op City Times back in April 30, 2011, that the HUD loan is dead? If I know Bernard Cylich, he won’t be deterred by these unethical and unjustified swipes at his character. Most cooperators know him as a principled, energetic champion of our community’s interests, and I know he will continue to pursue the vision of the founders of the cooperative movement. Keep you r eyes on t h e p r ize.
Pink Bouquet Flowers and Events
2071 Bartow Avenue, Bartow Shopping Center
(718) 320-9100
Proudly Serving Co-op City For Over 20 Years!
♥Valentine’s Day! ♥ Tuesday, February 14
WE HAVE Thousands of Roses in Stock! Exotic Flowers! • Teddy Bears! Balloons! • Chocolate! • and More! FREE Delivery in Co-op City is Our Priority! ($30 minimum purchase)
Order Online: www.co-opcityflorist.com www.pinkbouquetsnyc.com
Open Late for Valentine’s Day: Saturday: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday: 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. Tuesday: 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
No Service Fees! Teleflora...............$13.99 1800Flowers........$13.99 FTD......................$14.99 Pink Bouquet......$0.00 Buy from your local florist, and receive a superior product and SAVE MONEY! We Ship Locally and Worldwide!
We Accept:
Co-op Insurance
11
Co-op City Times / February 11, 2012
The Wright Agency: Serving Co-op City for 31 years!
Riverbay Requires Current Co-op Shareholders to Obtain Coverage!
Your Co-op is an Investment Worth Protecting! Protection to cover your belongings against: • Fire & Smoke • Water damage from plumbing • Vandalism/Riot
We offer:
• Low Premiums
• Protective Device Discounts • Auto-Home Discounts
• 55 & Retired Discounts
• Certain personal liabilities • Guest medical protection • And so much more!
Other Lines of Insurance: • Auto
• Homeowners • Life
The Wright Agency
Agency Owner
We are conveniently located only blocks from Co-op City! Hours: Monday: 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Tuesday: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Wednesday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
(near Eastchester Road)
1435 East Gun Hill Road
718-671-8000 Call Us Today!
Courteous Staff! Convenient Hours!
12
Co-op City Times / February 11, 2012
The truth arrives at its own steady pace There’s an old saying that a lie can make it halfway around the world before the truth is out the door. For the most part, the majority of the Board is truthful and offers opinion on a number of issues, whether I agree or not. There are a couple exceptions, however, with a few who are ideologically driven and at times, many times, their dogma doesn’t fit in with the truth. In fact, one Director is an expert at flawed logic and half-truths in pursuing his own agenda. I must say there are many hard-working Directors who truly want to do what’s best in accepting their fiduciary responsibly of representing the people of Co-op City. They are dedicated and take there position seriously, putting the community first. Co-op City is a city unto itself, and in that sense, it is a complex entity with many interacting parts so it is not realistic to make sweeping judgments or pronouncements without considering many factors, all the facts, and how certain measures can have dire consequences if all sides of an argument are not considered. Take our operating budget, for instance. Departmental expenses are only one part of the entire budget, a few Directors play one note, with flawed logic, I might add, continually harping that outside contractors cost more than union employees. This has been proven wrong again and again, but it continues to be the rallying cry of one particular
Director’s Viewpoint
Al Shapiro Director who obviously is intransigent and thinks union first, always, inevitably, over what’s best financially for the residents of Co-op City. I am pro-union, but I am pro the people of Co-op City first. I was a union worker but I have to put on another cap when representing all the people as a member of the Riverbay Board. Quite simply, unions have become political entities looking out for their membership first, which is fine, but it’s not the way to adhere to one’s fiduciary responsibility as a Board Director. A Board Director is supposed to represent the best interests of all the people of Co-op City and not continue to make repetitive noise all the time, in every situation, regardless of the facts. I had to laugh when I read about Mr. Bernard Cylich’s claim to be part of the 99%, despite owning two houses outside of Co-op City. I think there are more people in the 1% who own multiple houses than any who are supposedly in the 99%, but that‘s just me. I have to agree with Director Tony Illis, there aren’t two Bernies, so I’m not sure how, in good conscience, tax deductions which can only be taken for a primary residence, could be taken for two resi-
dences at the same time, but I guess some follow a different logic or rationalization, than I do. I know I don’t own a house, and I know our President Helen Atkins doesn’t own a house, but somehow one Director is apparently obsessed with trying to make people believe that Mr. Cylich is an innocent victim. Truth be told, he is an innocent victim of his own actions in trying to “improperly” take a tax credit on a house outside of Co-op City. It’s that simple. There is no concerted witch-hunt against Mr. Cylich. The facts are the facts. I understand the political response of the so-called “true believers” and that is when one is wrong, and there is no rational defense, let’s attack, attack, attack. So, I suppose that’s what we’ll be subjected to reading over the next couple months, the laughable premise that Mr. Cylich, and Mr. Cylich alone, is responsible for every single positive achievement in Co-op City. Give me a break, but then again, I wasn’t the one who took a tax break on a house, whether proper or otherwise. Another issue I want to clear up is the proposed carrying charge increase we are facing later this year. The Board approved a 1% projected increase, not a 3% increase. It was the State of New York’s HCR that ruled Co-op City needed a 3% increase last year, and another 3% coming up this year. I recognize we are living through difficult economic
times, but it’s also important to realize that Co-op City doesn’t function in an isolated vacuum. Costs rise, goods and services cost more, and when costs go up, whether it be the price of gas, or the astronomical jump in water and sewage costs which Co-op City must pay. We may not like it, but not liking something doesn’t mean it isn’t true. I do know that I am working closely with my fellow Director Khalil Abdul Wahhab on the Construction Committee to try and come up with suggestions or recommendations that will allow Riverbay to deliver services in a more cost effective manner. I also know that it’s easy to forget how far we have come in recent years. One major example is our cogeneration plant, an enormous groundbreaking project, which has been completed. We now have our own cogeneration plant, and we are generating savings, and will continue to strive to increase such savings. Such savings, I should remind everyone, means more money is freed up to pay outrageous water and sewage charges to the city instead of cooperators having to completely absorb such costs with higher carrying charges. We have a long way to go, we always do, that’s the nature of operating a city like Co-op City, but overall I think things are pretty good, and I shudder to think what would happen if Co-op City ran according to ideology rather than sound management decisions.
Co-op City Times / February 11, 2012
13
Money Matters! – Pun Intended Questions about increases in the discretionary portion of Riverbay’s $200 million budget were discussed at a closed meeting of the Board’s Budget Committee. Unlike non-discretionary items such as taxes, debt service, insurance, and utilities, the discretionary portion, accounting for 45% of the budget, is for operating expenses and is under Riverbay’s direct control. It is for the delivery of services to our community. It covers salaries for 900 staff, legal expenses, materials, construction, and so on. A little over $94 million was budgeted for those items for fiscal year 2011–2012. For fiscal year 2012–2013, the amount was upped by 1.5%, to $95.8 million. According to management, the increase was necessitated by wage raises negotiated with the union staff. Pressure on discretionary spending can make the delivery of services difficult, threatening the quality of life in our community. I believe that there are ways to reduce spending without undermining the delivery of services. They can be provided more efficiently, in my view, by replacing the managing agent with a general manager, by ending outsourcing, and by employing union staff. I have, therefore, repeatedly challenged, and voted against, outsourcing contracts that have come
Director’s Viewpoint
Bernard Cylich before the Board. O UT SO UR C I NG – NOT C H E AP AND NOT SAF E Not only do I believe that outsourcing is costly. I also think it is fertile ground for questionable behavior. Many of us remember the unhappy page of Co-op City history when a former president of the Riverbay Board, served jail time after conviction on kickback and bribery charges involving an outside painting and plastering contractor. Subsequently in 2007 allegations arose concerning overpayments to another painting and plastering contractor. Outsourcing I believe is not cheap and not good business practice. By unanimous vote of the Board, a resolution (#09-21) was adopted on November, 18, 2009. It required management to submit to the President, within 20 days, a disclosure statement of any business relationship at any time during the preceding 10 years, with Iris Baez, Peter Jordan, Ralph Longo, or Mike Pabon – who had all been involved in the Baez case. I’ve been asking for copies of such documents for months. Having received none, I questioned whether management ever sub-
mitted such documents, either within the 20 days or at all! L O O K I NG F O R R E AL WAYS T O SAVE M O NE Y In seeking cost savings with no reduction in services, we might examine the significant expansion of supervisory personnel since Marion Scott Real Estate Corporation was hired in 1999. In management’s view, this level of supervision is necessary to assure the productivity of Riverbay staff. Maybe management is correct, but maybe we could find out otherwise by soliciting proposals from general managers and managing companies to operate Riverbay Corporation. Bidders competing to demonstrate their efficiency might teach us something about reducing costs while preserving or even enhancing the quality of life here. W H Y I S T H E R E SO L UT I O N O N O P E N BO AR D M E E T I NG S I G NO R E D? When resident directors were first seated, in 1979, all the Board’s business meetings, even those of its committees, were open to cooperators. In monthly gallery sessions, the public was invited to speak. The gallery session was discontinued in the late 1990s. In December 2003 the Board restored some of the transparency, in resolution #03-69, mandating the president to convene at least three
open Board meetings a year, with gallery sessions. That mandate was slightly amended in April 2011 by resolution #11-31. Yet both resolutions are consistently disregarded by the Board, including a former president who had campaigned on a platform of opening all Board meetings. I will therefore reintroduce former treasurer Cleve Taylor’s resolution calling for all Board meetings to be open to cooperators and to include gallery sessions. NO I SY DO O R S A complaint about excessively noisy apartment doors when closing them was discussed at a recent meeting of the Board’s Construction Committee. I suggested replacing rubber grommets in the door jambs (frames), and management agreed to provide the personnel and materials for such replacement where needed. Cooperators facing this problem should contact the maintenance department, and Riverbay staff will replace those grommets. There’s so much noise around us that we can’t do much about, but we can at least try to make the closing of doors quieter. To contact me, mail me, attention Bernard Cylich, Director, Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Ave., Bronx, NY 10475, email me at lichsr @earthlink.net, or call.
Building 13 Association The next general membership meeting of Building 13 Association will be on Thursday, February 23, 7 p.m. in the back of the building (in the meeting room). Floor Captains should submit forms to apt. 27C. Include items that need to be repaired or need to be addressed on your floor. The information will be reported at the monthly janitorial and grounds meeting. It was decided that a meeting will be held every three months but forms should be submitted monthly. This will give Riverbay an opportunity to address the problems reported. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 18, at 7:30 p.m. in the association room. The meeting should be no longer than half an hour, so please be prompt. If you would like to be a floor captain you are welcome
to attend. We can always use more eyes to help us keep our building looking good. The Arts and Crafts Workshop facilitated by Ms. Gail and Ms. Denise is a great success. The fair held in April 2011 and the arts and crafts activities DVD was viewed on Saturday and will air on Bronx Net at a date to be announced. The next session will take place on Sunday, February 26 from noon - 3 p.m. in the Association room. A writing workshop will begin in March on Tuesdays, March 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th, youth from 6:157:30 p.m. and adults 7:45-9 p.m. A culmination show presenting these works will be held on March 30 at 6 p.m. Donation is $5. Anyone interested in helping or assisting are welcome. Our next session of Women Keeping It
Real is scheduled for Saturday, February 25 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and April 21, in the Association room of Building 13 (100 Casals Place). It’s an INSPIRING, INSIGHTFUL, INFORMATIVE and often HILARIOUS social gathering of women of all ages discussing various issues. For our next meeting it would be interesting to find out what woman has motivated you. We are asking you to tell us about a woman who has inspired and encouraged you. She can be from the past or present and not necessarily famous. Remember! You must be 18 and over to participate. You and your friends are welcome. DON’T MISS IT! Mark your calendar for the return of Game Night. We will introduce a fun new game. It is scheduled for Saturday, March
10; time to be announced. ALSO a Summer Fun Day in the park is currently being planned for June 23. If you love games, popcorn and cotton candy and would like to help out, speak to the Youth and Adult Social Committee. For information on any events check the bulletin board or contact: Leslie Peterson at 718-320-1370, Gail Sharbaan at 718-671-3801,Valerie Gunn at 718862-0308 or e-mail us at building13 assoc@yahoo.com. Help us to improve the quality of life of all of our cooperators. Report any criminal activities to Co-op City Public Safety at (718)-320-3050. and/or the 45th Precinct at (718)-822-5411. For all NYC non-emergency inquiries, call 3-1-1. —Olu b iyi Seh in d em i (M r.B)
Building 21 Association We are embarking on a new wave of consciousness. That’s a slick way of saying everything is coming together because our mindset is allowing us to do the right thing. But then there is reality. Not everyone seems to have a mutual mindset. When someone from outside of Co-op City visits our building, what is it we want them to experience? What do we
want them to think? How do we want them to feel? These are the questions we need to ask ourselves when we don’t clean up after ourselves, especially during the weekend when porter service is limited. Remember, it’s the little things that matter in the big picture. We can all make a difference starting with the little things. Let’s give our building that slight edge.
Let’s also pay attention to what is going on in our corporations committees and board. There is a lot of information that could help us make better decisions in our own lives. One thing for sure, we live here and the decisions that are made by them effect us all. At our next meeting on Tuesday February 21 we will be recognizing all January birthdays. Come celebrate with
us. If you or you know someone in our building with a birthday in January, let them know. Also at that meeting, our guest speaker will be community activist and supporter of senior health, Andy King. This will be a very informative meeting and you want to be there early! As always, may God bless and keep us all safe. —Kevin L a m b r igh t
No Co-op City Times? Call 646.261.1761; Saturday: 9 am - 2 pm.
14
Co-op City Times / February 11, 2012
Ne wly Grand Opened Store! $
DEALS
$
SAVINGS
$
SPECIALS
$
BUYS
FAIR PRICE PARTY DEPOT 691-A Pear Tree Square, Co-op City Blvd., Bronx, NY
347-947-9148 Your Friendly, Neighborhood Store! We Carry Party Supplies & Much More! Daily Needs Merchandise!
Co-op City Times / February 11, 2012
15
16
Co-op City Times / February 11, 2012
The Williamsbridge Club T h e Willia m sb r id ge C lu b of t h e Na tiona l Associa tion of Negr o Bu siness and Pr ofessiona l Women’s C lubs, Inc. is an organization dedicated to community service in the areas of health, employment, education and economic development. The Adult Club meets at Dreiser Center on the second Friday of every month from September to June. Ombudsmen are men of the community
interested in decreasing the high school drop out rate of our community youth. If you are interested in joining the adult club or the Ombudsmen, call Sandra Hall, Membership Director, 917-972-7732. The Youth Club consists of youth 12 to 18 years of age. The youth club is dedicated to community service, higher education, technology and activism. If you fit this description and are interested in
developing leadership skills, you should call Sylvia Hicks, Youth Advisor, at 917921-5445 to find out more about the youth club. Information about the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs Inc. may be found at www.nanbpwc.org. You may contact us at our mailing address: Williamsbridge Club, PO Box # 6, Co-op
City Station, Bronx, NY10475. If you are interested in rendering community service, assisting with any of our programs or require more information call Eloise Paige, First Vice President at 917-868-0331. The Williamsbridge Club will sponsor a College Fair on February 18th at Dreiser Center beginning at 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Thank you for your continued support.
Retirees of Dreiser Loop Come join the Retirees and friends for your weekday socializing pleasure in Clubroom 19 (718-379-0377). Have fun and laughs as you play cards, board games, or just watch one of your favorite television programs with others. Mark your calendars: The Sp r in g Ba sh will be on Wed. April 18th from 4 – 8 p.m. Price: $25. T R AVE L AC T I VI T I E S: Come with us: • March 20-22nd (3 days/2 nights) to At la n t ic C it y H ilt on H ot el and C a sin o. Price: $200/Double and $265/Single Occupancy. Rebates: $20 Slot Bonus + $20 Food Credit + $20 Cash Bonus. Full Payment d u e Thursday, March 1st.
Contacts: Ida Morton/Virginia Stewart, 718 379-0377. • Tuesday, March 27, 2012, the first and second trips to see J on a h , a t t h e Sigh t & Sou n d T h e a t r e, Lancaster County, PA. SOLD-OUT! • April 11–25th trip to L AS VE G AS – C ANC E L L E D! • Saturday, June 9, SE NI O R O UT I NG to Holiday Hills, CT. A day of fun and relaxation. Price: $25 - full payment required. Contacts: Beverly James/ Harman Leacock 718-379-0377. Note: SENIORS ONLY Age 50+. NO children permitted. T H E AT RE C O M M I T T E E : All Lehman College program prices include
transportation. Van will leave from Dreiser Loop (across from deli) at 6:45 p.m. for the 8 p.m. show. • Sat, Apr. 28th, 8 p.m. - SM O K E Y R O BI NSO N - $85. See Committee Members in Clubroom 19 after 3 p.m. on Thursdays. After 7 p.m. any questions regarding theatre shows, call 718-324-7847 or 718-671-8637. All payments for parties, trips and shows will be accepted byy check/ money order on ly payable to R e t ir ee s of Dr eiser L oop . G O O D AND W E L FAR E : Cheers and best wishes to all members on the mend for a speedy recovery
and a subsequent long and healthy life. “Sending a little sunshine to sprinkle in your day, reminding you that you’re thought of in a warm and special way!” Contact Elinor Gordon at 718-3798755 regarding illnesses and bereavements. R E M I NDE R : The 2012 An n u a l R en ewa l M em b er sh ip fee, $20, is d u e n ow from all Members of the Retirees. Your dues may be given to any member of the Membership Committee in the Dreiser Loop, Clubroom 19. “ May your walls know joy, may every room hold laughter, and every window open to great possibility.” —C la u d et t e Da vis
American Legion Post 1871 Our Post is located in Section 5 community center, 135 Einstein Loop, room 41. Our office phone number is 718-3208165 and you can also reach us by email: post1871@optimum.com. Greeting to all of our comrades who are home-bound and recovering from various medical operations. Happy Birthday to all of our post members that have a birthday in February: David Minton, Fulgencio Carrero, Jr. Bevely M. Briggs, Blythe Richardson, George N. Bishop, Earnest H. Perohneau, Louis A. Cruz, Joseph O. Guerra, Paul R. Gaulden, Richard D. Ashby, Salvatore Lobello, Jr. Santiago Santiago, William A. Pace, Wilson Sepulveda, Robert Thomas,
Robert G. Hedgepeth, Edward M. Handy, Joseph O. Guerra, Emmett Ross, Edward M. Handy, Israel Perez, John F. Fields, and Walter Thomas. If I have forgotten to include your name for your birthday, please let me know ASAP and I will include your name in the next edition in the Co-op City Times. Sorry I forgot to include your birthday for June, William Martinez. For all our post members, here is a list of the up and coming events for our post members. Are you ready to “Hire a Veteran” for 2012? The next General Meeting will take place on February 18th Saturday at 11 a.m. sharp. Please try and arrive on time and once you
arrive, sign in, turn off your cell phone and take a seat. Iraq war Veteran Cpl. Christopher Levi, 28 who lost both legs in 2008 in Iraq had his custom $3,000 wheel chair stolen and had to use a VA loaner wheel chair until he could recover his custom wheel chair. Last week the NYPD found his chair with that had a Purple Heart embroidered on the back of his chair. The U.S. Army will be reducing its forces by 80,000. This will take place by attrition and this will reduce the Army forces to a small number of 490,000 solders. The cuts came from the Pentagon in order to reduce the defense spending by a half billion dollars. At the next gen-
eral meeting all post members will receive their raffle books. February is Black History Month. The next time you bite into a crunchy potato chip you can thank George Crum who in 1853 after having his French fries called thick and soft, rebelled by creating a thin and crispy snack we call potato “chips”. Post member John Erving is in the Riverdale Hebrew Home, we wish you a speedy recovery. Someone who thinks logically provides a nice contrast of real world. This information was brought to you by your Post 1871 information officer. R ich a r d I . L a wson , J r. —R
St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church Fr. Taylor and the congregation of St. Joseph’s cordially invite you to worship with us in Co-op City at 155 Dreiser Loop, lower level, (718) 320-0844. All are welcomed. Week ly Sch ed u le: Sunday service and Sunday school are both at 9 a.m. Every 4th Sunday, our children participate in the reading of the lessons and every 5th Sunday, our young adults assist in the service. Bible study is held each Wednesday at 7 p.m., choir rehearsal is on Thursday at 7 p.m. and the Young Adults meet on Friday at 6:30 p.m. We are looking forward to welcome you on Sunday, February 12, at 9 a.m. After service, the Men’s Club will host a special breakfast to celebrate St. Valentine’s Day C h u r ch C a len d a r : Ash Wednesday, February 22: Services will be held at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. with the imposition of Ash es a n d H oly C om m u n ion .
Stations of the Cross: Wednesday, February 29, at 7 p.m. led by the Vestry Stations of the Cross: Wednesday, March 7, at 7 p.m. led by the Bible Study Group. F u n d r a isin g E ven t s: Remember to purchase your raffle tickets for the annual Valentine’s Day Drawing. 1st Prize: $300, 2nd Prize: $150 and 3rd Prize: $50. Come and enjoy a bus trip fun day with the Men’s Club on Saturday, March 31. The trip includes shopping at Tanger Outlet Center, lunch at the American Buffet, and 5 hours at the Mohegan Sun Casino. Save the date for the Church’s Fifth Annual Luncheon to be held on May 19 at the Eastwood Manor, Eastchester Road in the Bronx. A rolling bar, cocktail reception, sumptuous lunch and music by DJ Carol are all included. Please call the church at 718-3200844 for more information on all of these events.
“Hallelujah! How good it is to sing praises to our God! ”How pleasant it is to
honor him with praise!” (Psalm 147:1) —M er ville C h a m b er s
17
Co-op City Times / February 11, 2012
We need answers, not excuses Excuse, excuses, excuses, that’s all I seem to hear from the General Manager regarding all the unnecessary foul-ups concerning work performed in cooperators’ apartments. First, I’d like to know where do the inspectors come from? How much formal training do they have in evaluating jobs prior to taking their current positions? There seems to be a multi-layer of inspectors that come into your home evaluating the same job or problems. And then, they are not even equipped with the needed moisture testing meter, so therefore, some inspectors when they make an evaluation may think the wall is dry but there’s moisture still being absorbed in the wall. Also, I believe supervisors don’t properly do their jobs and there doesn’t seem to be any follow ups. Cooperators are left waiting or hanging for a response which never seems to come. And then, many times, they have to call Riverbay because the work was either done poorly or shabbily. I believe that there has to be an internal shakeup, starting with management. I believe they have become complacent and make too many excuses for problems instead of solv-
Director’s Viewpoint
Tony Illis ing them, such as what I see as a discrepancy in hiring practices. I think most people did not know who worked in the power plant until there was a strike. And in certain departments I believe there seems to be a language barrier between cooperators and employees that needs to be addressed. I do hope at some point soon management can sit down and consider these matters of concern. I have been making it my business in recent weeks to attend various Committee meetings, and like at mine, the one I chair, the Security Committee, these department directors usually answer questions in a nice and polished way. You sit there and evaluate things yourself and everything seems like pie-in-the-sky and you start believing we certainly have some Academy Award caliber actors working here. This coming week I will be interested in hearing what former Assemblyman Steve Kaufman has to say about the unnecessary abatement
work being done here that is putting an unfair burden and economic hardship on this community. Common sense tells us this is not right; there is no reasonable argument for us to be the only housing required to do such work, even though other housing throughout the city use the same floor tiles. If we have to perform such work, everyone should be required to do so, and since no one else is, then I ask, “Why are we?” I also don’t understand why Co-op City, as part of the state Mitchell-Lama housing program, is being dictated to by the City of New York’s Department of Environmental Protection in a clear case of singling us out for selective enforcement to abate an asbestos problem that doesn’t exist. There is an extensive report, where 70,000 air samples were taken and not one of those 70,000 tests came out positive, which means not one test indicated any potential hazard or danger to Coop City residents or workers. When 70,000 tests show there is no problem, I think it’s reasonable to conclude there’s not a problem. What’s more outrageous is that this unnecessary work that no one with similar floor tiles has to do, costs us
some $4 million a year. That’s $20 million since Co-op City was singled out to do such work. I don’t know what Mr. Kaufman is going to suggest or advise us to do, but just think, $20 million is the equivalent of a two-year budget for our Public Safety Department. Or, imagine, such a cost could pay for the lobby attendant for ten years. If we didn’t spend that money on these unnecessary tests, we could address the problem of 40 year old pipes that need to be fixed in the internal structure of our buildings which now leak on a daily basis causing us havoc. For $20 million we could have easily built our own community center, and not just any community center, but one with all the latest equipment and also a swimming pool. I think we may very well have to consider saying, “Enough is enough!” and refuse to pay for this expensive work that is not necessary, and is draining much needed money from this community that could easily be used in many more productive areas. Let me know what you think, give me a shout by calling me at (718) 320-8035, or email me at: tonys home10475@gmail.com — no attachments, please.
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, interracial, inter-cultural, intergenerational fellowship of believers. We care about you, not your W2. We are not church as usual. Come as you are, we leave the judging to God. The Church of the Savior family extends love and affirmation to the Co-op City community; a warm welcome awaits you! We love you for who you are, not what you have. Please call us at 718-3200002 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: PO Box 86, Bronx, NY 10475. Su n d a y M or n in g Sch ed u le: Adult Bible Study – 9:15 a.m. Divine Worship - 10:30 a.m. Come and be blessed, we want an opportunity to love you. See you in church. Our children's Sunday school will teach and nurture your child/children in the word of God. All sessions are during worship service. Beginning Tuesday, Feb. 7 - Dr. Smith will be conducting special Bible Study focusing on: Celebrating who God made you to be. Everyone is welcomed. The time is 6:30 p.m. Bring a notebook and a
special someone. Dr. Smith's Sermon Topic: "Do You Know Him?" Reading from Holy Scripture Luke 9:18-20. A special thank you to all the building associations, churches, schools and individuals who donated to our food pantry. We were able to feed more than fifty families during the holidays. To God be the Glory! We also registered over a dozen families in need in Co-op City. Thank you! Week ly Act ivit y: Each Thursday at 10 a.m. Channel 70, Bronxnet. Tune in and be blessed. If this program has lifted you please let us know. Dr. Smith can be contacted at 718-3200002. If you prefer to drop a personal note: PO Box 86, Bronx, NY 10475 is our mailing address. Ber ea vem en t Su p p or t G r ou p meets Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m. Are you grieving the loss of a loved one? Come, our arms and hearts are open to you. God Bless You! "I was hungry and you fed me" Church of the Savior is reaching out to individuals and families who need nutritious food. Our food pantry, coordinated by First Lady Theresa Smith is just a phone call away. For more information in donating or receiving food, please call her at 718-925-5052. I nvit a tion s t o t h e C om m u n it y: SAVE THE DATE: October 6 Church 10th Anniversary. Eastwood Manor, Bronx, N.Y. Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts, Senior Pastor Abyssinian Church, Harlem, NY, Speaker. Tickets $80. T hou gh t s t o live b y: "Vision without action is merely a dream...action without vision just passes the time...Vision with action changes the world."
A. Singh, DDS
DENTAL CARE Denture Repair & Relined While U Wait Custom Dentures • Toothache • Can’t Sleep at Night • Root Canal • Extractions • Crown & Bridges • Cosmetic Bonding Laminates • Emphasis on Gum Disease (Bleeding Gum) We Accept Insurance including: 1199 & 1180 Union, PBA, CSEA, MetLife, Con Edison, NY Nursing Assn., 32BJ, HIP Dental, U.F.T., SIDS, GHI, Healthplex, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Aetna.
120-1 Benchley Place (Building 24) Co-op City • Bronx, NY 10475 OFFICE HOURS: By Appointment Saturday & Evening Hours Available
718 379.4800
SPECIAL OFFER $ EXAM • X-RAY • CLEANING 49
Expires: Saturday, February 18, 2012
A. Singh, D.D.S. 120-1 Benchley Place (Building 24)
718.379.4800
18
Co-op City Times / February 11, 2012
Fixing our Budget Concerns How do you feel that this corporation Director’s has increased our departmental budget to $95,778,300 a year and all of us are going to receive a 3% increase to pay for these additional expenses? Now, typically, a board will tell their management team to reduce the budget by a certain percentage. And, they in turn, will have a meeting with the department heads and dictate the directive from the board. So, the directive might be to cut the budget by 5, 10, 15, or even 20 percent. Then, the department heads, with good knowledge of their needs, will cut their expenses accordingly. Now, some of the cuts might be sharp. Nevertheless, the cuts are made and the business has to operate under a reduced budget. That’s the approach that we need to incorporate into our community. Nevertheless, do you notice how management can say that they want to increase the budget and their wishes are obeyed? Now, please check out the old budget, April 2011 March 2011, versus the new budget, April 2012 - March 2013, and see if I’m wrong. T he Depa r t m ent a l Budget: The Board of Directors, from $417,500 to $425,400; General Management, from $3,795,500 to $3,805,900; Communications, from $863,400 to $877,700; Budget and Finance, from $2,650,300 to $2,694,500; Computer Services, from $1,023,700 to $1,153,200; Residential Sales, from $702,500 to $720,100; Commercial Sales, from $382,700 to $391,400; Community Centers Janitorial, from $1,738,400 to $1,766,800; Legal, from $1,079,600 to $1,087,600; Human Resources, from $372,900 to $379,500; Office Services, from $780,000 to $793,800; Safety, from $247,100 to $216,800; Risk Management, from $568,800 to $593,400; Purchasing, from $756,900 to $773,300; Maintenance, from $11,379,100 to $11,614,700; Automotive Services, from $385,100 to $359,300; Cooperator Services, from $1,424,000 to $1,458,700; Building Janitorial, from $16,826,900 to $17,131,400; Grounds, from $4,459,900 to $4,520,300; Restorations (Maintenance/Plaster and Painting), from $8,645,500 to $8,903,700; Restorations (Flooring), from $4,845,400 to
$4,867,500; Garages, from $3,898,000 to $3,960,100; Public Safety, from $11,252,300 to $11,702,700; Technical Services, from $463,900 to $501,800; Lobby Attendants, from $2,342,750 to $2,429,300; Power Plant, from $11,043,800 to $10,702,700; Construction, from $1,930,500 to $1,946,700; Total budget from $94,276,450 to $95,778,300. Now, again, faced with an increase, this board should direct management to reduce these astronomical expenses by a determined percentage. Reducing our E xpenses Here are a few ways that we can reduce our expenses: Ma na gem ent - We must demand that management control their spending habits. St a ffing levels - According to our budget, from April 1, 2011 - March 31, 2012, we have 938 employees. This same budget allows us to spend $66,427,632 in wages and benefits on our employees. Therefore, we need to review our wage and benefit budget—line by line—with management and determine how many employees we should have in each department. And, naturally, we should review the various jobs and services that are actually needed in this community. Can the job or service be done with greater efficiency and at a lower cost? Can we measure the productivity levels of our workers? Are we using outdated methods to get tasks done? E xceeding t he budget - All departments must stay within their budget, including overtime expenses. We spend an average of about $680,000 a year in overtime. Nevertheless, one department exceeded their budget in overall expenses by $763,652 in two years. Ou tside Cont r acting E xp enses - Here is a schedule of the annual contract amount for our outside contractors: Atlas Restoration – Plaster and Painting — $3,300,000; Atlas Restoration – Floor Installation — $750,000; CAC of New York Inc. – Asbestos Abatement, Floor Removal and Disposal, $4,000,000; McCabe Environmental Asbestos Abatement Air Monitoring —$750,000; Tindel Window Installation – Repair and Replace New Windows As Needed — $75,000 and Advanced Re-glazing — Re-glazing of Tubs in Vacant Apartments (as needed) — $60,000; total annual contract amount
Viewpoint
Daryl Johnson
MTA Bu s Time® set t o exp a n d t o t h e Br on x The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) this week announced that MTA Bus Time® will expand to the Bronx, and then a third borough still to be announced, both before the end of the year. MTA Bus Time is a popular digital system that currently allows Staten Island customers to track the real-time location of their buses via the Internet, smart phone or text message. The final two boroughs will be brought online in 2013. The 1,025 buses serving the Bronx will now receive GPS units and other hardware needed for MTA Bus Time, adding to the 900 buses on Staten Island that have the technology. MTA Bus Time uses technology components from two New York Citybased tech startups, research support provided by a team of graduate students, and an innovative open standards technology platform that gives the MTA flexibility in management and expansion of the service. The technology supplies a 21st century answer to the question bus riders have been asking since motorized bus service was first introduced in New York City more than a century ago. “Knowing how far away your next bus
is means you can spend more time with your family or more time at a coffee shop instead of waiting at a bus stop in a state of uncertainty,” said MTA Chairman Joseph J. Lhota. “About 90% of our customers carry text-message enabled cell phones, so this is a big step forward to help make the lives of our customers a lot easier.” Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., said: “I am happy to hear that the MTA is expanding this service to the Bronx. Now, bus riders in our borough will not have to rely on guesswork and a look into the distance to see when their bus is going to arrive. This service is very convenient and will provide commuters in our borough with up to the minute information. That information will surely come in handy all year round, especially during the cold winter months.” “MTA Bus Time has been a huge hit on Staten Island,” said Darryl Irick President of the MTA Bus Company and Senior Vice President of NYC Transit’s Department of Buses. “It means a lot to a bus rider to be able to use the technology that they have in their pocket or on their desktop to determine how many stops away the next bus is.”
Advertising Works! Call 718.320.3300, ext. 3384 for our affordable rates.
$8,935,000. As shown above, our in-house restorations budget is $8,903,700. And, our expenses for outside contractors total $8,935,000. Now, unfavorably, we must pay for asbestos treatment, $4,000,000 and $750,000. Nevertheless, restorations costs us $8,903,700 + $8,935,000 = $17,838,700 a year. This is a lot of money that is being spent on restoring apartments here. So, it is imperative that we have a meeting with management and our Restorations department and mathematically review the reasons behind these large supposed costs. Ba d Deb t s - Our supposed uncollectible debts owed to us totaled $10,291,000, as per our printed financial statement. Therefore, the board needs to instruct management to review their policies on debt collection. Why are we allowing these outstanding debts to mount? Account s Pa ya ble - We need to have our internal auditors do a review on our accounts payable department to review the invoices that we pay to vendors. Payr oll - We need to have our internal auditors do a review of all of our payroll methods that are currently in place. And, we need to determine and make sure that all of the employees on the payroll roster are actually working here, in Co-op City. Also, we have to make sure that their pay rate and their hours worked are correct. (That’s just an auditing point that I had to make for this article.) Insur a nce Cover age - Our insurance budget costs more than $6.4 million a year. Can we get a lower rate? Com m unit y Input - Now, as mentioned before, you count also. So, again, I’m sure that you might have a few professional opinions that we could use to reduce our expenses. The Boar d As you can see, we need directors that will stand up and demand that our money be spent in an appropriate manner. Therefore, I would like for you to consider bringing your skills to our board of directors. The elections will be here soon. Please get ready. Thank you. Questions or comments? Please send a message to: Daryl Johnson, Riverbay Board Director, c/o Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. Or, please send a message to me at darylhjohnson @optonline.net Okay, that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful week. And, may God bless you and your family. Thank you.
Happy Anniversary!!! I’d like to take this time to wish my lovely wife, Milagros, a Happy Anniversary. Nine years ago today, we said to each other, “I do.” It was the best decision I ever made in my life. May God continue to bless us in our marriage and may we get the chance to celebrate many more anniversaries together. I love you! —R a lp h Henr iquez
Co-op City Times / February 11, 2012
19
NAACP, Co-op City Branch Some seats are still available for “Ace in the Hole” Monday, February 20, President’s Day. The NAACP, Co-op City Branch has one bus going to “Ace in the Hole” the Royal Manor located in Bergen County, New Jersey. It leaves Asch Loop near the Baychester Library at 9:30 a.m. sharp. The headline show is: “Calypso Carnival” starring a well-known Trinidad band, The Kutterz Band. The first hour of the family style luncheon, cocktails are free. You will also enjoy the dancing and the boutique shop. Please be reminded the tickets are $75 per person, and that includes transportation and gratuities. For this event we request all officers and members to participate if possible. Please call: Eleanor at (718) 379-1297 or Lottie at (718) 379-3504 for further information. Reservations are made by
mailing a check to: “Co-op City Branch NAACP”, P.O. Box 753111, Einstein Station, Bronx, New York 10475. Reservations/seats are assigned as we receive your payments. For our participants, coming home the bus will make 3 stops: Einstein Loop, Asch Loop and Dreiser Loop. The next meeting is on Tuesday, February 28, at 7 p.m. in Bartow Community Center, room 28. This will be our salute to Black History Month. The main focus at our last general membership meeting was on plans to get out the vote and register new voters here in Co-op City. It is most important that qualified, eligible voters VOTE. Some good suggestions were made: bring together several community organizations for a registration event; have a
sign-up table at various public events. The Co-op City Branch of the NAACP expresses sincere condolences to the family of Courtney Lumley and all the families that suffered the loss of a loved one recently. The NAACP welcomes all the new members enrolled last year and now, please join a committee; committees include: Education; Health; Youth; Membership; Civic Engagement etc. Each offers an opportunity to contribute to the NAACP community. Contact the NAACP by mail, P.O. Box #75-3111, Einstein Station, Bronx, NY 10475 or phone 718671-7856. Visit the NAACP website: http://action.naacp.org/ or the New York State Branch website for more news. The NAACP, Co-op City branch remembers 2011: seminars, demonstrations, a
walkathon, 75th anniversary celebration, health fairs and a square dance; for 2012 more is planned. February, look for events marking Black History Month and in March events signifying women. Your support is needed; become a member then learn how YOU can help. Please write P.O. Box #75-3111, Einstein Loop Post Office to submit a tiding for our press release. The NAACP sends prayers and support to First Vice President Joyce Wilson on the ongoing recovery of her son from injuries received in an auto accident. To all our friends and neighbors recovering from illness or accident, get well soon and give us a call if you need help. This press release is submitted with the approval of President Jeannette Graves. —Eva La za ar
Black Forum Next Defen sive Dr ivin g Our next defensive driving course will be held March 17, 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 Coop City,” and mail to P.O. Box 563, Bronx, N.Y. 10475 at least 1½ weeks before the class, or you can walk in on the day of the class but you must have $35 in cash to pay for the course. H ea lt h a ler t ! How much do you value your health? Obesity has been linked to several maladies that afflict the very young to those in their golden ages. It has become all too
obvious that Co-op City needs to lose weight—not tomorrow, but now. To help you, the Black Forum is embarking on a new health program. Look out for dates. Make this your new year’s resolution. This program will last for some time to come whereby you will be taught how to cook and eat sensibly, as a new way of life. We expect to have programs in both the Dreiser and Einstein Centers. For more information, please call to register and begin a new way of life, 718-3208035. Don’t wait until it’s too late— YOUR HEALTH COMES FIRST. There’ll be guest speakers, nutritionist and motivational speakers to help you. Bla ck For u m Aer ob ics in session Aerobics classes have begun. Classes are held every Monday and Wednesday,
Dreiser, Aud. A, 7:30 p.m. To register, please call (718) 320-8035. Nominal fee for each class. Bla ck For u m ’s Lyons M a n e Tr a ck C lu b Try-outs are ongoing. A small fee is required for participation. For further information, or to register your child, please call (718) 320-8035. E m er gen cy Food P r ogr a m New H ou r s & Da ys We are now open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. in Room 20 at the Dreiser Community Center. Also, due to budget constraints and shortage of available food, you must live within zip code 10475 to participate in this program. You must also have your card
with you and bring two clean plastic shopping bags. In order to receive food, you must present a current photo ID such as a non or driver’s license or any photo ID card with proof of address. You will then be issued a card in order to pick up food in the future. We Need You - J oin Us Tod a y Now is the time for us to get involved. Membership is $5 per year/person. Call (718) 320-8035 or write to Black Forum, P.O. Box 563, Bronx, NY 10475; email: coopcityblackforum@gmail.com. Help us keep independent community organizations alive in Co-op City. Everyone is encouraged to join. Call us or visit us in Room 20 in the Dreiser Community Center. —Tony I llis
20
Co-op City Times / February 11, 2012
Co-op City Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invites you to join us tomorrow for worship service at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday school for children and adults is held at 9:15 a.m. We invit e you t o wor sh ip , stu dy, a n d pr a y wit h u s. T he C o-op C it y Ba p tist C h u r ch is loca t ed a t 135 E in stein L oop , R oom 50 (lower level). Ou r t elep h on e n u m b er is 718-320-3774. Visit us on the web at www.coopcitybaptistchurch.org Join us for a midweek spiritual pick up at our mid-week worship service which is held on Wednesdays at noon. Bible study is held on Wednesdays at 1:00 and 7:30 p.m. Prayer service is held on Fridays at noon and 7:30 p.m. Men’s prayer service is held the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m., we invite the men of the community to join us on next Tuesday, February 14. The Hospitality Ministry will celebrate its 1st Anniversary on tomorrow, Sunday, February 12, at our 11
a.m. service. The theme is “Let Brotherly Love Continue,” Hebrews 13:1. We invite all to this celebratory service. The Co-op City Intergenerational Outreach Center’s Saturday Tutoring Program for grades 2 – 8 will resume on Saturday, February 18. Tutoring will be available in English Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies. The State exams in ELA and Math are being held in April; our tutoring program can provide extra help before the exams. Tutoring for grades 2 – 4 will be held from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. and tutoring for grades 5-8 will be from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. Our tutoring sessions are semi-private. The fee is $30.00 per month. To register your child, please arrive 15 minutes before scheduled tutoring for your child’s grade. For additional information call 917-620-2859 or 718-671-8449. The First Lady’s Ministry will celebrate their 16th Anniversary on Sunday, February 19 at our 11 a.m. serv-
ice. The theme is “Its All Good”, Romans 8:28. The guest speaker is the Rev. Sharon Reese, Associate Minister at St. Paul Baptist Church, Harlem, NY. All are invited to this anniversary service. Pack your bags! The Scholarship Ministry invites you to hit the high seas again. They will be sailing on the Carnival Miracle leaving from New York City on Monday, July 9, 2012 sailing to San Juan, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and Grand Turk. A deposit of $150 is due immediately. For additional information, call 718-379-0541, 718-671-7507 or the church at 718-320-3774. Rev. Dr. Williams has a radio show on WMCA 570 AM every Friday at 1:30 p.m. Rev. Dr. Williams is the author of Principle Centered Living: 9 Reasons To Maintain Your Values in a Pressure Filled World and Founder of SEW Universal, Inc. Visit his websites: w w w. P r i n c i p l e C e n t e r e d L i v i n g . c o m o r www.R evDr Sh eldon E Willia m s.com .
Church of God’s Children Pastors Archbishop Angelo and Bishop Nancy Rosario and the members of Church of God’s Children invite you to come and worship with us every Su n d a y a t 9: 30 a .m . for Sp a n ish Ser vice a n d 1: 15 p .m . for E n glish Ser vice. We are at 127 Dreiser Loop downstairs adjacent to the Montefiore Health Clinic. You may call the church office at 718-790-9120 or email: cogcministries@aol.com. Church office open: Tues-Fri 11a.m.-5 p.m. We are not just a church; we are a family and a house of Prayer. Su n d a y – Bible Studies – 11:30 am – English class Topic: “Living a life of True Worship” a Study on the Tabernacle. Spanish Class Topic: Freedom in Christ (Libertad en Cristo). Wed n esd a y –Prayer 7-8:30 p.m.; 12-Step fellowship at 159 Dreiser Loop - 7 p.m. We are offering Free Discount Prescription Cards, no registration necessary. Discount card accepted at all major pharmacies. Call 718-790-9120. Sunday, March 4 – Holy Communion Service at 9:30
a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Once again we are going to Lancaster, PA to see the new showing of JONAH on Sat. September, 8. Trip includes: Bus trip on Academy Tours; 2 feature movies; show and buffet style all you can eat dinner at the Hershey Farms Restaurant, shopping with discount coupons at Tangers Outlet. Cost: Adults: $150; teens 13-18: $125; children 3-8: $85. $50 deposit due by March 4, full payment due by June 30th. Women’s fellowship Feb. 18 – 11 a.m. Youth/children service-Sun. 2/12; President’s day weekend there will be only one 10 a.m. service on Sun. Feb. 19. Worshipping God in Spirit – means with reverence, attentiveness, and having the right purpose of honoring God while understanding what we are doing. Hebrews 12:28-29 says, “ Let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with r ever en ce and godly fea r . For our God is a consuming fire.” Our worship must glorify God. 1 Corinthians 6:20 says, “ for you were
bought with a price; therefore glor ify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. In order to worship God in the right spirit, we must take time before worship to make ready our hearts and emotions so we will be in the proper frame of mind. We read in Psalms 89:7, God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be held in reverence by all those around Him.” Our worship must show great reverence toward God. He is our creator and He holds our eternal destiny in His hands. We must strive to please Him. We should not have to rush or hurry to worship, arriving late, but should always plan to be there early enough so we can be in a worshipful attitude and spirit. O u r m in d m u st b e r ea d y, a t t en t ive a n d a ler t . Reverence is not having a long, face, folded hands, or a put on look of piety. Worship is a time of joy for us. It is a time of offering thanks, adoration, love, praying, singing praises to God, feeding on His Word and proclaiming Christ to the World. —Bish op Na n cy R osa r io
Evangelical Church of Co-op City – UMC Come & 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-op cit yu mch ur ch .or g Su n d a y Ser vices – The first Sunday of the month is a bilingual service with communion at 10 a.m. All other Sunday services are as follows: English Service at 9 a.m. and the Spanish Service at 11:30 a.m. There are Bible studies in English and Spanish at 10:30 a.m. We also have a children’s service during the English service. P r a yer Nigh t : We will be having a prayer night on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the church building. Come and bring your prayer needs so we can all pray and become prayer warriors. Bring a friend who would like prayer. You know the Lord said “whenever two or more are gathered in my name I will be in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20 Aft e r Sch ool P r ogr a m : Room 43 of Einstein Community Center is a safe environment, where children can do homework, learn God’s word and just have some fun, please call (718) 671-1033. C r escen d o C h r ist ia n M 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 – Thursday 2 – 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 to 8 p.m. Come and share your testimonies, explore your gifts and be Blessed in the Word of our Lord. Bring a friend so they can get a blessing too. Hope to see you there. Fa m ily Nigh t: Friday nights are for the family. We will
be having Bible studies and other spiritual growth activities for all ages. There will be English & Spanish groups. Bring a friend or two or more. Tr ip : Come with us to Lancaster, Pa. to see Jonah at the Sight & Sound Theater on April 27th. Trip includes lunch at Shady Maple and shopping in their store, the
theater and transportation. Cost is $130 per person for adults, $107per person for teens 13 to 18 and $87per person for children 12 and under. Seating is limited so call Barbara at (347) 603-7473 to make you reservation. R ev. Dr. M ilca Alva r ez-P la u d —R
Family Owned and Operated • Large Chapel on premises
• Pre-need counseling
• Ample Parking on premises
• Out of town services
• Casket Showroom on premises
• Cremations
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
718-231-7647 Call 24 Hours
Fax: 718-231-7665 NOW WEBCASTING TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS ABROAD
www.mccalls.net • director@mccalls.net 4035 Bronxwood Avenue, Bronx, N.Y.
Serving all cultures & faiths
21
Co-op City Times / February 11, 2012
Community Protestant Church On Behalf of our Pastor, the Reverend Dr. Calvin E. Owens, and our Church family, welcome to Community Protestant Church, a chur ch of love a nd und er sta ndin g, located at 1659 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, NY 10469; telephone (718) 8629172. CHUR CH SC HEDUL E Sunday School - 9:00 a.m. Worship Service - 11:00 a.m. Communion Service - Every First and Third Sundays Prayer Meeting and Bible Study – Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. The following pr ogr a ms a r e a t th e chur ch a nnex: 2053 Asch Loop Nor th Morning Prayer Services - Tuesday, 6–8 a.m. and 9-11 a.m. Neighborhood Bible Study - Thursday at 10 a.m. Fellowship, “Life on God’s Terms” Every Friday (except 4th Friday) 7 p.m. 8:30 p.m. OTHE R SC HEDULE D E VE NTS:
Toda y, Sa tur day, Febr ua r y 11th – The Nehemia h Ministr y pr esents A GOSPEL E XT R AVAG ANZ A! Featuring Gerald Kelley, a gospel comedian from New York City; Naomi Shelton and the Gospel Queens of Brooklyn, NY; The Fantastic Soulenaires from New York City; and Bishop Buster Simmons and the Disciples of Truth. Doors open at 3 p.m.; Program at 4 p.m. Donation: $20.00/Advance; $25.00/at the door. Children under 12, $10.00 at the door only. For tickets and/or additional information, please call (718) 503-4125 or (917) 5577442. Sund ay, Febr ua r y 12th, 11:00 a .m. –Obser vance our Annua l Men’s Da y. Theme: “Men of Good Measure, According to God’s Purpose.” Our Guest Preacher will be Reverend Dr. Robert L. Johnson, Pastor, Grace Baptist Church, Bronx, NY F r ida y, Febr ua r y 17th, 7:00 p.m. Life on God’s Ter m pr esents “Bla ck Men a nd Women in the Bible” at the Church’s Annex, 2053 Asch Loop North, Lower
Pastor Anne L. Palmore and the congregation of The Church of The New Vision extend a warm and friendly invitation to everyone to worship with us every Sunday at 8 a.m. or 11 a.m. We are a church where inspirational messages from the Word of God, the Bible, are delivered every Sunday morning. The Church is designed to meet the spiritual needs of our community by offering anointed singing and preaching, and a general atmosphere of Christian love and friendly hospitality. We also invite the youth of our community to attend our Sunday Morning services, which are designed to meet the special needs of our young people. Parents, please send your children to learn of the Lord Jesus. Prayer Service takes place every
Wednesday evening from 7 to 8 p.m followed by Bible Teaching from 8 to 9 p.m. Be with us to learn the truth from the Word of God. L ist of P r ogr a m s a n d E ven t s: Adult Sunday School is from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Youth Sunday School is also from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion is served the first Sunday of the month. Youth Sunday takes place on the second Sunday of the month. 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
Wednesday, February 8 — Bingo game in Room 39 at 1:30 p.m. Admission is $2. Refreshments are served. We will have a Bingo game every Wednesday in February. Tuesday, February 28, we are going to Sands Casino, Bethlehem PA. Price is $30 and the rebate $20 slot play and $5 towards food. Pick-up time is 8:30 a.m. at our 3
usual bus stops, Einstein Center, Asch Loop (back of Library), Dreiser Loop. Always bring your picture I.D. card. Our first general meeting is Thursday, March 1 at 1:30 p.m. in Room 39. There is a trip to Villa Roma on Wednesday May 9, to see The Platters. Price is $63 which includes show, food, and transportation. The pick-up time is Einstein at 7:45
level, Co-op City. All are welcome. Sa tur day, M ar ch 10, 2012 - J oin C PC Tou r s for a visit t o th e An n u a l Phila delphia Inter na tiona l Flower Show a nd Shopping Spr ee a t F r a nklin M ills, PA. This year’s show features Hawaii: Islands of the Aloha. From towering waterfalls and waves of orchids, to glowing volcanoes and serene sunsets, the 2012 Flower Show is an immersion in the dramatic landscapes and tranquil spirit of Hawaii. Remember to check out the Reading Terminal Market across the street from the Convention Center. Tickets: $60. For tickets and/or additional information, call CPC Tours at (718) 671-1182. Wed nesd a y, Ap r il 18, C P C Tou r s invites you t o a Ma tinee per for ma nce of the C r ossr oa ds T hea ter C omp any pr esenta tion of “T he La st F ive Yea r s” in New Br unswick, NJ . A Drama Desk Award Winner for Best Music and Best Lyrics, this engaging musical is a cleverly crafted romantic love story. After the performance,
enjoy an “All-You-Can-Eat Buffet Luncheon. Tickets: $79. For reservations and/or additional information, call CPC tours at (718) 671-1182. The Women’s Guild’s FANTASTI C 17-DAY AM ER IC A T HE BE AUTI FUL …WE ST TOUR - June 26-July 12, 2012. Tour includes: round-trip transportation by Amtrak Rail and deluxe motorcoach; reclining coach seat with leg rest or private roomette sleeping accommodation; first class hotel accommodations; 19 meals; sightseeing at the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco and Salt Lake City. For additional information call (718) 671-5961; (718) 320-1435; (718) 798-3337, or (718) 3202608. 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 —E va n G. Mitchell blessing.
Church of the New Vision Tuesday evening of the month at 6:00 p.m. Next Generation Choir & Club meets 1st and 2nd Friday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Seniors’ Ministry meets the 1st Wednesday of the month at 11 a.m. Mid-day Bible Study meets every Tuesday afternoon from noon to 1 p.m. Join the Women’s Fellowship as we celebrate the JOY OF OUR HERITAGE with FASHION on Saturday, February 25 at 3 p.m. Donation is $15/adults and $10/children 12 and under. Enjoy an afternoon of fashion, African dance, mime, poems, food and more. For further information call 718-671-2623 or 917-371-0381. Please join us for our Good Friday service as we celebrate the last seven words of Jesus on the Cross on Friday, April 6th at 7:30 p.m. Please join us on Easter Sunday, April
8th for a 6 a.m. sunrise service and a regular Easter Sunday Service at 11 a.m. Join us on Saturday, May 5th at noon for a special outreach service for the youth of our community. Come join New Vision’s “Partners in Reading Program” every Sunday afternoon from 1:40 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Students in Grades 1 through 8 discover the joy of reading while exploring and improving their literacy levels through small groups and reading partners. Parents, we encourage you to bring your children to benefit from this free program taught by trained professionals. The Church of The New Vision is located at 115 Einstein Loop, Bronx, NY 10475; Phone: (718) 671-8746 or (718) 320-0409. Please visit our website at www.church —C a r ole Ha q u e ofnewvision.com.
Goose Island Seniors a.m., Asch Loop, and Dreiser at 8 a.m. Thursday, July 12, we are going to Platzl Brauhaus. The price is $58. Spend a lovely day in Pomona. They have music, a swimming pool, mini golf, and big Bingo game. Also breakfast, donut, danish. Lunch is plentiful: hamburgers, franks, sausage and peppers, all kind of salad and more. Dinner is roast beef, chicken and tilapia. Soda and beer all day.
See Ann or Mary for more information call 718-379-9613, or come to Einstein Center, Room 39 Monday - Thursday, l0 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. or call Mary 718-3794899. We are sending our Sympathy and Condolence to Hilda Seidl on the passing of her husband Richard. Good health to all. —M a r y P illa
DIVORCE - BANKRUPTCY • ABSOLUTE LOWEST FEES • EVENING APPTS. AVAILABLE • IMMEDIATE FILING
• FREE CONSULTATION • FLEXIBLE PAYMENT PLANS
“COURTEOUS AND PROMPT SERVICE AT AN AFFORDABLE FEE”
633 Lydig Ave • Bronx, NY 1 block from Pelham Parkway & White Plains Road Accessible by #2 & #5 trains • #12, #22 & #39 buses
DAVID BRODMAN,Esq.
718.239.7110
22
Co-op City Times / February 11, 2012
Library 9:30 am -1:00 pm,
Einstein
Dreiser Crochet and Knitting
Library
10 am-12 pm, Rm. 7
Rm. 31
9:30am – 1 pm, Rm. 49
Bingo – 11:00 am,
Dominoes 10 am, Rm. 45
Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session 9:30 am
Line Dancing
Stay Well Exercise
10:00 am-11:00 am, Rm. 45
10 am, Rm. 2
Around The Lunch Table 11:30 am, Rm. 49
Mind Teasers
Room 31
–10:30 am, Rm. 7
Dominoes 2:00 pm, Room 25
Word Games 9:30 am – Card Games 2:00 pm –
Walking and Exercise w/Ms. Gaskill, 2 – 4 pm,
4:00 pm, Room 25
Rm. 45
Current Events: 10 a.m., Rm. 31
2 pm – 3 pm, Rm. 2
Afternoon Movie 2 – 4 pm, Rm. 7
Dominoes: 10 a.m., Rm. 49
Bingo: 10 a.m., Rm. 31
Word Games: 9:30 –11:30 a.m., Rm. 31
Bingo: 1 p.m., Rm. 49
Card Games: 2:30 - 4 p.m., Rm. 25
Matinee Movie w/ George: 2-4 p.m., Rm. 45
Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session: 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., Rm. 7 Sewing w/Raymonde: 9:30–11:30 a.m., Rm. 7 Tai Chi: 11 a.m. -12 p.m., Rm. 2 Mind Teasers: 12-1 p.m., Rm. 7 Art Class: 1-3 p.m., Rm. 7
Wed., February 15
Tai Chi: 11 a.m., Rm. 45
Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session: 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., Rm. 7 Alert & Alive: 10:3011:30 a.m., Rm. 7 Mixed Cultural Dance: 10:30-11:30 a.m., Aud. B Mind Teasers: 12-1 p.m., Rm. 4 Zumba: 1:15-2:15 p.m., Aud. B Tuesday Movie w/popcorn: 2-4 p.m., Rm. 7
Stay Well Exercise: 10 a.m., Room 31 Dominoes: 2:30 p.m., Rm. 25 Word Games: 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Rm. 31 Bingo: 2 p.m., Rm. 25 Blood Pressure: 1st & 3rd Wed., 9–10 a.m., Rm. 31 Card Games: 2-4 p.m., Rm. 25
Dominoes: 10 a.m., Rm. 45
Thurs., February 16
Dominoes: 2:30 p.m., Rm. 25
Library: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Rm. 31 Chat Session: 9:30 a.m.1 p.m., Rm. 31 Dominoes: 2:30 p.m., Rm. 31 Word Games: 9:30 11:30 a.m., Rm. 31 Bingo: 2 p.m., Rm. 31 Card Games: 2:30-4 p.m., Rm. 31
Dominoes: 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Stay Well Exercise: 10 11 a.m., Rm. 45 Line Dancing 10-11 a.m., Room 49 Spelling Bee: 11 a.m., Rm. 49 Belly Dance 12:30-1 p.m., Room 49 Handi-Flex 1-1:30 p.m. Bingo: 1 p.m., Rm. 49
Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session: 9:30-10:30 a.m., Rm. 7 Blood Pressure: 1st & 3rd Thursday 10-11:30 a.m., Rm. 7 Line Dancing: 3rd & 4th Thurs. 10-11 a.m., Aud. A Mind Teasers: 12-1 p.m., Rm. 4 Belly Dancing: 12:30-1 p.m., Aud. A Handi-Flex: 1-2 p.m., Aud. A Drama:1:30-4 p.m., Rm. 7 Piano Sing Along: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., Rm. 7
Movie Madness: 9:30 a.m., Rm. 31 Men’s Line Dancing: 9-10 a.m., Rm. 31 Women’s Line Dancing: 10-11 a.m., Rm. 31 Spelling Bee: 11 a.m., Rm. 31 Dominoes: 2:30 p.m., Rm. 31 Word Games: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., Rm. 31 Bingo: 2 p.m., Rm. 25 Card Games: 2-4 p.m., Rm. 31
Dominoes: 10 a.m., Rm. 45
Crochet and Knitting: 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 7
Spelling Bee: 10 a.m., Rm. 49 Spanish Practice Class: 10:30 a.m., Computer lab Bingo: 1 p.m., Rm. 49 Advanced Line Dance 2-4 p.m., Rm. 45
Art: 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Bingo: 1 p.m., Rm. 49 Card Games: 2-4 p.m., Rm. 49 Blood Pressure: 2nd and 4th Friday, 10-11:30 a.m., Rm. 49
Date:
Yoga: Every Wed, 2-3 p.m., Aud. A
Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session: 9:30 10:30 a.m., Rm. 7 Meditative Moments: 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 2 Mind Teasers: 12-1 p.m., Rm. 4 Card Games, Dominoes: 2-4 p.m., Rm. 7 *Schedule subject to change without notice*
We ask that members please call their center at least one day in advance to register for lunch. WEEKLY TRIPS DATES
WEEKLY TRIPS
PRICE
PICK-UP TIMES
1st Monday: 1st Mondays: Fridays Tuesdays
Stew Leonards Super Wal-Mart Swimming Bowling
$3 $12 $3 $12.50
Bartow Dreiser 1 p.m. 1:15 p.m. 8:30 a.m. 8:45 a.m. 1:15 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 11 a.m. 11:30 a.m.
Einstein 1:30 p.m. 9:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m. 11:15 a.m.
To register for trips and classes, please call: (718) 320-2066 Monday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, The NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation
Kosher
Mon., Orange/Pineapple Juice Pepper Steak Feb. Yellow Rice 13 Tossed Salad
Non-Kosher
Soups, Breads and Desserts
Chicken Cacciatore Ziti Pasta California Blend
Dinner Roll Apple
Tues., Feb. 14
Apple Juice BBQ Chicken Peas & Corn Buttered Carrots
Hamburger Steak Fries Cole Slaw
Whole Wheat Bread Pear
Wed., Feb. 15
Pineapple Juice Spanish Meat Balls Spaghetti California Blend
Tilapia Fish Peas w/Mushroom Carrot
Rye Bread Diced Peaches
Thurs., Feb. 16
Orange Juice Hawaiian Chicken Egg Noodles Spinach
Pepper Steak Rice Tossed Salad
Whole Wheat Bread Unsweetened Applesauce
Fri., Feb. 17
Breaded Fish Baked Potato Tossed Salad
Pollack Fish Baked Potato in Jacket Spinach
Challah Bread Fruit Salad
12 pm – 1 pm, Rm. 7
Gentle Yoga w/Anne
11:00 am, Rm. 31
Fri., February 17
Tues., February 14
Mon., February 13
Bartow
All meals served w/margarine and fresh milk *Menu subject to change without notice. We ask that members please call their center at least one day in advance to register for lunch:
Bartow Center (718) 320-2066, Ext. 2010 Dreiser Center (718) 320-1345 • Einstein Center (718) 671-5161
Upcoming Events/Trips E M P I R E C I T Y C ASI NO $3 - I f your na m e is on t he list you r p a ym ent M UST b e ma de b y t h e Fr id a y p r ior t o t he t r ip. Trip includes round transportation and boxed lunch. Pickups: Einstein 10 a.m., Bartow-10:15 a.m. and Dreiser 10:30 a.m. E ffect ive J ANUARY 2012, we will be going to the Empire Casino on a monthly basis. Registration for March 14th will begin on February 27th. E L M USE O DE L BAR R I O and M USE UM of t h e C I T Y of NE W YOR K, 5th Avenue and 104th Street, Wednesday, February 22. $12 includes transportation/boxed lunch. Pickups: Bartow 8:30 a.m., Dreiser 8:45 a.m. and Einstein 9 a.m. WAL M ART - Monday, February 27. $12 includes transportation/boxed lunch. Pickups: Bartow 8:30 a.m., Dreiser 8:45 a.m. and Einstein 9 a.m. TANG E R O UT L E T S, Deer Park, Long Island, Wednesday, February 29. $12 includes transportation/boxed lunch. Pickups: Bartow 8:30 a.m., Dreiser 8:45 a.m. and Einstein 9 a.m. TAX AI DE C L I NI C - AARP Foundation Tax Aide offers free help for taxpayers and people with limited incomes. JASA will be sponsoring an AARP Foundation Tax Aide site at the Einstein Community Center in Room 35, every Tuesday, starting February 7th, ending April 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. First come first served. THIS SERVICE IS FREE. TAX E XE M P T I ON ASSI STANC E JASA social workers are providing tax exemption assistance. You may be eligible for the Real Property Tax Credit, New York City School Tax Credit, and/or New York State School Tax Relief Program (STAR). Visit or call the office to speak with a social worker. 2049 Bartow Avenue, lower level - 718-320-2066. C a b a r et L u lu performance of “Jukebox Serenade” will be on Sa t ur d a y, M a r ch 31st at 2 p.m., at the Dreiser Auditorium. Individual Tickets: $10; Group Tickets; buy ten tickets: $90. For more information and group sales contact: Michelle Sajous, 718-320-3300 x3532; Jennifer Neumann, 718-320-2066, Individual tickets will be sold in each Senior Center, starting Tuesday, February
7th from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. W E I G H T M A NAG E M E N T SUPP O RT GRO UP - Mondays 10 a.m., Bartow Avenue, Room 25. 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 AR E GI VE R SUP PO RT GRO UP 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 group meets every other Tuesday at: 2049 Bartow Avenue, Room 31 from 1-2 p.m. The next session is Tuesday February 21. The support group is facilitated by a social worker. If you have any questions, please contact JASA at 718-320-2066. DI ABE T I C SUP P ORT G RO UP Diabetes can seem to be an overwhelming disease because it impacts so many areas of your daily life. The Diabetic Support Group goals are to keep you informed and motivated on how to stay healthy. The group meets every last Monday of the month at 177 Dreiser Loop 2nd floor, room 7, from 1-2 p.m. The next session is scheduled for M ond a y, Feb r ua r y 27. For more information and to register, please contact Chidinma Ezihe, 718-671-2090 (ext 3011) or Rosella Stone, 718-3202066 (ext 2003). SE NI O R C E NT E R F I E L D T R I P P E R M I SSI O N SL I P – Effective immediately all senior center participants are required to fill out a Senior Center Field Trip Permission Slip before going on any JASA senior center trips. If you are paying for someone to go on the trip you m ust make sure that they bring the form with them on the day of the trip. All for m s mu st b e filled ou t pr ior t o going on t h e tr ip . No excep t ions. BL O O D P R E SSUR E – Locations and Schedule: 135 Einstein Loop, Room 45, every 2nd & 4th Friday at 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.; 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 7, every 1st & 3rd Thursday at 10-11:30 a.m.; Bartow Avenue, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 9-10 a.m.
23
Co-op City Times / February 11, 2012
WEEKLY SCHEDULE BUILDING & TOWNHOUSES ASSOCIATIONS Coalition of Affordable Housing: “Meeting” Mon., 2/13; 7:30 pm (Bartow Room #28)
EDUCATION African American Association: “Business Education Classes” Wed., 2/15; 7:00 pm (Dreiser Room #2)
FRATERNAL Co-op City Toastmasters: “Meeting” Thurs., 2/16; 7:30 pm (Bartow Room #31)
HOBBIES Duplicate Bridge Club: “Bridge Game” Wed., 2/15; 4:00 pm (Dreiser Room #9) African American Association: “Belly Dancing” Mon., 2/13; 7:00 pm., “Yoga/Pilates” Tues., 2/14; 7:00 pm (Dreiser Room #2)
POLITICAL Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club: “Meeting” Thurs., 2/16; 7:00 pm (Bartow Room #28)
RELIGIOUS Deeper Life Church: “Bible Study” Tues., 2/14; 7:00 pm (Dreiser Room #1) Church of the New Vision: “Bible Studies” Sun., 2/19; 9:30 am (Einstein Room #38) Faith @ Work Christian Church: “Bible Study” Thurs., 2/16; 5:30 pm (Dreiser Room #8) “Youth Ministry” Fri., 2/17; 3:30 pm (Dreiser Room #10) “Worship Service” Sun., 2/19; 8:00 am (Dreiser Room #8) Iglesia Cristiana Marcos 16:15: “Bible Study” Sun., 2/19; 10:00 am (Einstein Rm #35) Harvest Restoration Ministries: “Bible Study” Wed., 2/15; 6:00 pm (Dreiser Room #10), “Worship Service” Sun., 2/19; 10:00 am (Dreiser Room #9) Circle of Christ: “Children’s Bible Study” Sun., 2/19; 10:00 am (Dreiser Room #2) Greater Love Cathedral Baptist Church: “Bible Study” Wed., 2/15; 6:30 pm (Dreiser Room #8) “Worship Service” Sun., 2/19; 3:00 pm (Dreiser Room #1) Mount Calvary Baptist Church: “Bible Study” Thurs., 2/16; 5:30 pm (Dreiser Room #9)
SCOUTS Greater New York Girl Scouts: “Meeting” Fri., 2/17; 5:30 pm (Dreiser Rooms # 1, 2, 4, and 9)
SENIORS J.A.S.A. Senior Luncheon: Mon-Fri., 2/13; - 2/17; 9:00 am (Bartow Room #31, Dreiser Room #4 and Einstein Room #49) A.A.R.P. Peachtree Chapter 4997: “Meeting” Mon., 2/13; 11:00 am (Dreiser Auditorium A)
SERVICE & CIVIC Weight Watchers Nutrition Program: Tues., 2/14; “Meeting Time” 6:00 pm (Dreiser Room #4)
Williamsbridge Club: “College Fair” Sat., 2/18; 9:00 am (Dreiser Room #9)
Baychester Library Events VISIT THE LIBRARY - A GREAT WEALTH OF INFORMATION CLOSED - Monday, February 20 - President’s Day FEBRUARY UPCOMING EVENTS Film - Saturday, February 11, 2 p.m. - The Tuskagee Airmen, Black Heros of WWII Adult Book Discussion (Changed to the third Thursday for February only) Thursday, February 16, 1:30 p.m./BLA Meeting, 2:30 p.m. “The Darkest Evening of the Year” Film - Saturday, February 18, 2 p.m. - Obama: All Access African Dance - Friday, Feb. 24, 2 p.m. - Children ages 5+, no exp. necessary. Learn styles and history of African Dance, led by Caren Calder with live drummer. Film - Saturday, February 25, 2 p.m. - Listen Up: The Lives of Quincy Jones Storytelling & Shadow Puppetry - Saturday, February 25, 11 a.m. - Ages 4-8, presented by Ron Sopyla. Adult Program - “Stay Well Exercise” Fun class for all ability levels, led by NYC Department for the Aging - Monday, February 27, 2 p.m. FEBRUARY WEEKLY EVENTS KIDS Game On Nintendo Wii! - Every Monday @ 3:30 p.m. (Not 2/20) Tween Time - Every Tuesday @ 3:30 p.m. (Not 2/28) Teens TAG - Every Tuesday @ 4 p.m. Read Aloud - Every Wednesday @ 3:30 p.m. Teen Book Café - Every Wednesday @ 4 p.m. Chess Club - Every Thursday @ 3 p.m. (2/16 at 3:30) Teen Time - Every Friday, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. (Not 2/24) Film - Every Saturday, 2:00 p.m.
The New York Public Library Baychester Branch • 2049 Asch Loop • Bronx, NY 10475 (Fully Wheelchair Accessible)
HOURS: Monday & Wednesday, 10-7; Tuesday & Thursday, 10-6; Friday & Saturday, 10-5. Libros En Español (Books in Spanish). HORARIO DE LA BIBLIOTECA: Lunes 10-7, Martes 10-6, Miércoles 10-7, Jueves 10-6, Viernes 10-5, Sábado 10-5, Domingo Cerrado
718.379.6700 FREE ADMISSION TO ALL
AARP Chapter #4997 F YI : Our meeting scheduled for Monday,, F eb r u a r y 13t h , 1 p.m. in Dreiser Loop Auditorium “A”. Please arrive early to pay for trips, meet and greet and socialize before the meeting. You don’t want to miss any information presented with reference to the AARP agenda or anything coming from Albany or Washington (DC) re: Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid. Don’t forget, bring a friend, neighbor or relative…. F YI -2: A SP E CI AL DAY – BI RTHDAY BASH – scheduled for Ma r ch , 2012, 1-5 p.m. in Dreiser Auditorium “B”; 177 Dreiser Loop, Bronx, NY – R SVP by February 10, by calling Josephine Collins, 718 320-1946, for furSE AT I NG I S L I M I T E D!!! ther info….S NOT E : To our sick, on the mend and shut-in members, and those bereaved members, please know that you are in our prayers. Contact Frances Wilson, Good & Welfare Coordinator - 718 671-5493. 2012 TO UR AC T I VI T I E S Ap r il 23-24, 2012 – “ J O NAH ” – experience the mighty storm at sea that breaks apart an enormous ship; peer into the underwater world & see the giant fish swallow up God’s misguided Prophet Jonah – trip includes: a stop in Bethlehem (PA) known as the “Christmas City”; visit the Sands Casino ($35 Casino Bonus) — cu r r en t p h ot o I D or p a ssp or t r eq u ir ed ; lodging at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Reading Pa.; wine
& cheese reception w/a sit-down dinner and live musical comedy show; 2nd day hot breakfast buffet; visit an Amish quilt shop, cannery & Kitchen Kettle gift shops; w/reserved seats at the Millennium Theater for “ J O NAH ” ; stop for dinner on the way home… $281/p er son , d ou b le; $331 – sin gle; t r ip in su r a n ce - $14/ea ch – Dou b le; $29/Sin gle; L im it ed sea t s a va ila b le ….ca ll J e a n 718-379-3742 for r egist r a t ion in for m a t ion . J u ne 1–11, 2012 (11 d a ys/10 n igh t s) – M ou n t R u sh m or e, t h e Ba d la n d s & Bla ck H ills of Sou t h Da kot a – trip includes 10 nights lodging (w/4 consecutive nights in South Dakota); 10 breakfasts/8 dinners; visit Mt. Rushmore National Memorial; tour of Wildlife Loop Road at Custer State Park; admission to the Unique Journey Museum; guided tour of Deadwood, plus gaming at a Deadwood Casino; visit the Crazy Horse Memorial; & visit the Badlands National Park & much more…$$905/d ou b le; $1265/sin gle; $885/t r ip le; t r ip in su r a n ce ava ila b le u p on r eq u est – con t a ct J ea n – 718 379-3742. August 9, 2012 – Tr iple Lobster s w/ “ HuKeLa u” in C hicopee (MA) – trip includes 3 Lobsters/person (w/a take-home bag if you can’t eat all 3) or prime Rib; and the famous live Hawaiian Show… $93/per son – conta ct Delor es 718 379-2176 —Delor es Deb n a m
Handicapped Adults Association THE VAN - From now on if you need to book an appointment on the van, call JASA at 718-320-2066. Please do not call the office. FLEA MARKET - Come to room #13 and shop in our flea market. New items arrive daily.
THE OFFICE - There has been a change in office hours. The office hours are Monday and Friday 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. —Ar len e R od r iq u ez
Einstein Cancer Fund Reminder: Tuesday, February 14th — St. Valentine’s Day, the Resorts Casino. The cost per person is $30 with a bonus slot play of $25, plus a $10 food voucher. Time of pick-up is 8 a.m. starting at Einstein Loop followed by Asch Loop and Dreiser Loop. Arrangements have been made for the two-day trip to the Millennium Theater on May 16th and 17th for a showing of “ Jonah and the Whale.” Day 1, lunch on your own then the 1 p.m. showing “ Jonah,” then check-in at the Hawthorne Inn and dinner at Miller’s Restaurant. Day 2 – breakfast at the Inn then depart for the Sands Casino and bonus of the day. That casino has a bus that takes you for a tour at no cost to you. Cost per person is as follows: single, $265 per person; double, $245 per person; and triple, $235 per person. We
are accepting deposits or full payments. Balances must be paid in full by April 6th. Join us for this special trip; everyone is welcomed. Wednesday October 24th – Foxwoods Theater plus casino for a tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, “Oh What a Night.” Cost per person is $57 ($27 for a ticket plus $30 for transportation.) Please send in the ticket cost and balances can be paid later. You will receive the casino bonus of the day. This is an early showing at 11 a.m., so time of pick-up will be about 7 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. For all of the above, please call Mildred at 718-320-0288, Loretta at 718-6712958, or Lydia at 718-671-3005. Our condolences go out to the Hilda Seidl and daughter on the passing of Hilda’s husband, Peter Seidl. —Lyd ia R u a s
Co-op City Department of Public Safety (718) 671-3050 • www.ccpd.us. If you SEE something, SAY something!
24
Co-op City Times / February 11, 2012
Reflections by Rabbi Solomon I. Berl Spiritual Leader of Young Israel Synagogue When Jews see the dawn break, they are obligated to recite the morning prayers. But when is the exact moment of daybreak? Some two thousand years ago, two rabbis debated this issue, and the Talmud faithfully records this discussion. One rabbi declared, “The night ends and a new day begins when we can tell the difference between a blue thread and a purple thread.” Obviously, it would be difficult to make such a subtle distinction until there was sufficient light. The second rabbi said, “The night ends and the day begins when we can
distinguish the face of our neighbor.” In other words, when we can see our neighbor not as a blur but as a person with features and with feelings, then the new day has arrived. What a sensitive insight! When we see people as people, when we relate to them as human beings, unique and different, then a new relationship can begin. Indeed, a new day will dawn for humanity, when we all see our neighbors in this new light. That is why rabbi Akiva in the Talmud declared the most important verse in the Bible to be, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Young Israel of Co-op City Young Israel of Co-op City (lower level of the Dreiser Loop shopping center) is a house of worship that opens its doors every morning from 6 until 7 a.m. Anyone who wishes to start the daily routine with prayers, during which our spiritual leader, Rabbi Solomon I. Berl, offers a brief Bible teaching is welcome. On Friday evening, Sabbath services begin at 10 minutes after the candle-lighting time. Saturday morning services start
at 9 a.m. Rabbi Berl delivers his sermon at 10:30 a.m. The Rabbi’s class on the Torah reading of the week begins one hour before sunset every Saturday afternoon. For office hours or any information you may seek, feel free to call (718) 6712300 and leave your name, phone number and a brief message on the synagogue’s answering machine, and your call will be returned as soon as possible.
Co-op City Jewish Community Council The Co-op City Jewish Community Council encourages cooperators who do NOT have to file regular NY State Income Tax returns to apply for the annual School Tax Credit (NYC-210). The applications are available in our office in Room 18 of the Dreiser Community Center. No documentation is required, and we will be happy to help you complete the form. The one-time annual amount of the credit is $62.50 for a single person, $125 for a couple. In addition, we have IT-214 forms for people who, again, do not have to file regular state income tax returns and whose
income (including Social Security) was less than $18,000 in 2011. Benefits for this tax credit generally run from between $40 and $300, depending on your age, income and the amount of rent you pay. Please call our office for more information (718-320-1234, Mon. through Fri.). In the past, these forms were automatically mailed to recipients who qualified in prior years, but it is not certain that the state will continue to do this, so you are welcome to complete the forms we have downloaded from the state Dept. of Taxation and Finance website. —Lynn L evin e
Please Drive Slowly in Co-op City’s Parking Facilities!
Castle Hill Funeral Directors, Inc.
SHALOM Jewish George Farr - Funeral Director funeral “The Bronx Jewish Community home, inc. Memorial Chapel” (718) 828-9222 (718) 828-1700 1528 Castle Hill Avenue Bronx, New York 10462 Keeping Tradition Under Rabbinical Supervision Services from Our Chapel, Graveside or Synagogue Parking Facilities • Pre-Arrangements
Traditional Synagogue The Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City, Young Israel of Baychester, Section 5 (new address) at Bldg. 27B-120 Erdman Place (behind the Lobby), welcomes you to pray with them. Tel. for the Shule (same old number) 1-718-379-6920. Note: Office hours are on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Sunday, we are here from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Candle lighting on Friday, February 17, 2012 is before 5:14 p.m. Shabbat ends today, Saturday, February 11 at 6:07 p.m. Mincha services on Saturday, February 11 followed by Maariv around 12:30 p.m. Men you are needed for a Minyon. A Minyon is the number of men needed to read the Torah. The important number needed is 10. Unfortunately, we are missing this number by 3 or 4 men each week. 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 om in g E vent s: Saturday, February 11 at 9 a.m. - The Torah Shabbos at ends at 6:07 p.m. Sunday, February 19, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. - The Synagogue sponsors an fun
afternoon of Bingo. The cost is $3,00 per person and includes admission and refreshments. Please join us and get out of the cold and into some friendship. Monday, February 20 – Presidents Day Thursday, February 23, 2012 – Rosh Chodesh - The month of Adar. March 2012 – Purim – To be announced. Watch this article for information at a later date. Good a n d Welfa r e: Come on down to the synagogue to purchase kosher wine. Do you need a tree certificate sent in “Honor or in Memory” of a special occasion or a condolence? For information you can call Mimi at 1-347-427-4526 and we can accommodate you. We all have Esther in our prayers for a speedy recovery and await your return. We miss your lovely smile. Esther is now recuperating at the Willow Towers-355 Pelham Road. Apt. #515, New Rochelle, NY. Best Happy Birthday wishes to Rodger M. Berlofsky, who celebrated his day on February 8th. Please! –Support the Synagogue. We always need your help. Thank you. Shalom! —M ir ia m E velyn Ber lofsky
Co-op City Jewish Center The Co-op City Jewish Center, 900 Coop City Blvd., Bronx, N.Y. 10475. Saturday services are continuing thanks to those people who attend. Please try to attend whenever possible. We would like to remind our members and any Jewish people in Co-op City look-
ing for a conservative synagogue, we are still here, and all are welcome. Try to take a Saturday and come to services when you can. Donations can be mailed to the Co-op Jewish Center. —M a r vin Seid m a n
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 vent s: We continue to look forward to Wednesdays when we happily attend our crochet class at 1 p.m. We have a wonderful teacher – Linda Werner – who will teach you with a lot of patience. It’s great exercise for arthritic fingers. It’s a chal-
lenge and gratifying. Surprise someone with a hand-made gift. Try it! I’m sure that it will be greatly appreciated. Check the Association Bulletin Board in your lobby for dates and times of events. Make a difference!! Good & Welfa r e: Speedy Get Well wishes to all who are under the weather. If you are celebrating a special occasion; an anniversary or a birthday, we hope that you enjoy your day. SEE YOU SOON. —M ir ia m E . Ber lofsk y
Co-op City Times / February 11, 2012
25
Co-op City Seventh-Day Adventist Church Cast your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in your faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of suffering. 1 Peter 5:7-9 (NIV). If you are going through troubles or deep waters, talk to the man who walked on the waters. The Co-op City SDA church is inviting you to lay your troubles upon the Lord of hosts. The church desires to hear from and pray for you if you are undergoing health challenges, financial hardship, relationship difficulties or any other
challenges. Whatever your suffering, know that God is able to help. We encourage you to join one of our Bible study classes and to attend on Wednesday nights for prayer and testimony sessions. The Wednesday night meetings are a refreshing connection with the Lord and other suffering souls. The Wednesday night meetings begin at 7:30 p.m. and is open to the community. C o-op C it y SDA Bet t e r L ivin g H ea lt h & F it n ess E du ca t ion C en ter • Children’s Exercise Program Sundays, 11:00 a.m. — 12:00...Free • Adult Exercise Program Sundays, noon —1:00pm…Free NYC Wa lk er s for Welln ess – walk around Co-op City with this group a dis-
tance of about 3 miles on. Keep walking and receive your very own pedometer and tee: Sunday Mornings 7:00 a.m. …Free Wednesday afternoons…Free We h a ve a n a ct ive Disa b ilit ies M inistr y. Our church is designed with the disabled in mind. Please ask us about disabilities fact sheets featuring information for children and adults. Please tell us how we may best accommodate your needs. Br ea d M in ist r y pick up on Saturdays between (2:30 and 3:30 p.m.) Please take one for a neighbor. Week ly Wed n esd a y P r a yer M eet in g at 7:30 p.m. Sa tu r da y Sa bb a t h Wor sh ip Ser vices 9:30 a.m.
and 11:00 a.m. Aft er n oon Bib le St u dies @ 3:00 p.m. Adven tist You th program @ 5:00 p.m. A p ot lu ck lu nch eon is usually served after services on Sabbath in our fellowship hall. Please join us in refreshments and fellowship. The Co-op City SDA Church is located at 1010 Baychester Ave., Bronx, NY 10475. Pastor Okezie Erondu can be reached at 718-320-0518. We are located next to the Ramada Inn. You can reach us on the web @ www.CoopCitySDAChurch.org. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10 New King James Version (NKJV) —C h er yl C . Silver a
Iglesia Cristiana Marcos 16:15 Pastor Fernando Figueroa and Pastor Thomas Garret and the congregation of Iglesia Cristiana 16:15 want to extend an invitation to you in worshipping the most high God. This invitation extends to all the brothers and sisters of this world,who want an extended family under God’s umbrella. If you need a friend to talk to we will listen. If you need someone to pray for you about any situation, a problem which may be
afflicting you such as health problems, marital problems etc., we shall pray for you. Consider us part of your extended family all are welcome. Come and join our group of worshipers. You will r ea p exa ct ly wh a t you p la n t . I f you p la n t in t h e field of you r n a t u r a l d esir es, fr om it you will ga t h er t h e h a r vest of d ea t h ; if you p la n t in t h e field of t h e sp ir it , fr om t h e sp ir it you will ga t h er t h e h a r ve st of et er n a l life. So let u s n ot
b ecom e t ir ed of d oin g good ; for if we d o n ot give u p , t h e t im e will com e wh en we will r ea p t h e h a r ve st ... G a la t ia n s 6. 8-9. C H UR C H H O UR S: SPANI SH Tuesday: Prayer Service 8:00 p.m. Friday: Bible Study 8:00 p.m. Sunday: Sunday School 10 a.m. — Evangelistic Service 12 p.m. C H UR C H H O UR S: E NG L I SH Sunday: Evangelistic Service 4 p.m.
YO UT H SE RVI C E BI L I NG UAL Saturday: 7:30 p.m. We have a live band of very young and talented musicians. We are located in the Section 5 community center, room 42. For any questions or prayers call 718-671-6112 or 247-275-5500. May God bless you and may you always have health and prosperity. —P a st or s Fer n a n d o & T h om a s
No Co-op City Times? Call our distributor at 646.261.1761; Saturday ONLY from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
CO-OP CITY FOOT CARE CENTER SECTION 5 • BUILDING 29C 4240 HUTCHINSON RIVER PARKWAY EAST
(718) 671-2233 DR. LOUIS JACOBS, DIRECTOR ALL FOOT CONDITIONS TREATED The in-office surgical correction of BUNIONS • HAMMERTOES • INGROWN TOENAILS PAINFUL CORNS and CALLOUSES The treatment of traumatic foot injuries, heel spurs, bursitis and arthritis of the joints of the feet, toenail and skin infections, as well as other conditions.
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.
26
Co-op City Times / February 11, 2012
CLASSIFIEDS Co-op City Times • cctimes@riverbaycorp.com
Cash Paid
Appliances Repair
Cash for Antiques, Old Items, Collectibles, Pre-1950 Furniture, Gold, Silver, Diamonds, Costume Jewelry, Paintings, Coins, Stamps, Records, Books, Baseball Cards, Comic Books, Bric-a-brac, Estates, Contents of Homes. Call Mark 718-882-0598 2/11
New Pa la ce C lea n in g Ser vices
ACE APPLIANCE REPAIR
We do all the work and you get all the credit
Refrigerators, stoves, air conditioners, washers, dryers, dishwashers. Free service call with repairs.
718-671-1736 / in fo@n ewp a la ceclea n in g.com
For prompt service call:
(718) 379-8782 L & L APPLIANCE REPAIR • Stoves • Washers • Dryers • Refrigerators • Vacuum Cleaners and more 10% DISCOUNT (except vacuums and lamps) NYC License #1233497
Call 718.792.2655
For Sale
Cleaning Service
10/22
2/25
DR. STEVE’S APPLIANCE REPAIR • 1 Year Guarantee on parts • Over 25 Years Experience • Insured • Seniors Discount • 10% OFF with this Ad Call (718) 671-0700 3/31
Hou se C lea n in g $60-$75 for 3-hrs of General/Heavy duty cleaning $15-$20 each additional hour Labor ONLY/ supplies NOT included W in d ow Wa sh in g $5 per window/ WITHOUT Guards $7 per window/ WITH Guards 5 window minimum charge. Screen washing $2/screen. H ou se P a in t in g Prices start at $150 per room 2 coats - 1 color/ FREE ESTIMATES Scraping, spackling, etc. additional fees 2/25 Labor ONLY/ paint NOT included. www.n ewp a la ceclea n in g.com / BY a p p oin t m en t O NLY
SPOONERS DOMESTIC SERVICE
Medical Equipment ON SALE - 70% Off
EMERGENCY SERVICE
L&L APPLIANCE REPAIR
W/Chairs - Hospital Bed Walker W/Seat - Tens Units Diapers - Pull Ups - Gloves Nebulizers - Bath bench Power Wheelchair Valued at $2,790 Only $ 1,450. And much more...
$20 OFF
Present This Coupon (except vacuums/lamps)
STOVES • WASHERS • REFRIGERATORS VACUUM CLEANERS and more NYC License #1233497
Call Joe 917-299-6906
Call
718.792.2655 LIMIT — One Coupon Per Person
5/26 • 4 Hour Minimum • General Cleaning — $72 + tax • Semi-Heavy Duty & Senior Care — $80 + tax • Super Heavy — $120 + tax Bonded • 7 Days • Accept Cash, Pay-Pal
www.spoonercleaning.com Call
(718) 320-5112
10/22
Cleaning Service - Carpet
P&R APPLIANCE SERVICE
if you are tired of paying too much for repairs! 718-829-9090
Records Wanted
G et Top C a sh for your Jazz, Soul, R&B and Gospel albums from 50s to 70s. C a ll H owa r d a t 212-873-4016 a n yt im e. 3/3
Old Records Wanted. Will Pay Top $$ for JAZZ, JAZZ, JAZZ, Rock & Roll, 50s, 60s, & 70s. LP, 78 or 45.
Call Joe 718-384-7554
3/3
2/25
Ser vice C h a r ge on ly $24.95
• Washers • Dryers • Stoves plus 10% off any repair Senior • Refrigerators Citizen Discount • Dishwashers Vacuums FREE Pick-up and Delivery!
1058 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx
2/25
VACUUM
SALES & SERVICE
718-829-9090
Cleaning Service - Windows
Bags, Belts & Filters SERVICES
•
SERVICES
1058 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx
Appliances Repair
2/25
Blinds
EMERGENCY SERVICE
L & L APPLIANCE REPAIR
• ALL MAKES & MODELS
• Stoves • Washers • Dryers •Lamps • Dishwashers • Refrigerators • Bags • Hoses • Belts • Vacuum Cleaners Family Owned & Operated Since 1954 NYC License #1233497 10% DISCOUNT
For More Information, Call
Free Pick up & Delivery
(except vacuums)
718.792.2655 2951 Middletown Road, Bronx, NY 10461 (Near Pelham Bay Station)
10/22
Professional Window Cleaning • FAST RELIABLE SERVICE
FAMILY BLINDS SERVICE Serving Co-op City for over 25 years
NEW STYLE BLINDS
All Colors • Vertical • Minis • Woods • 2 in. Regulars • Wash, Tape, Cord Blinds
FREE VALANCE & INSTALLATION NEW WINDOWS? Removal & Re-installation of any types of Blinds Quality work! Lowest Prices in Town! Repair Closet Doors and much more! Call Mike at: 718-974-1290
GEORGE’S CLEAN WINDOWS
6/9
Call Anytime • Seven Days/Week • “When You See Me, You’ll Know Me!”
Cell:
1-203-482-6337
2/25
New P a la ce W in d ow Wa sh in g Ser vice We do all the work and you get all the credit 718-671-1736 / in fo@n ewp a la ceclea n in g.com W in d ow Wa sh in g $5 per window/ WITHOUT Guards $7 per window/ WITH Guards 5 window minimum charge. Screen washing $2 extra per screen. 2/25
www.n ewp a la ceclea n in g.com / BY a p p oin t m en t O NLY
27
Co-op City Times / February 11, 2012
CLASSIFIEDS
Co-op City Times • cctimes@riverbaycorp.com
Computer Consultant, Sales & Repair
Handyman
Access Computer Consultants Service • Repair • Instruction
Notary Public
H & R Block E d it h M a yfield
RENT A HUBBIE “We Are Your All Purpose Men”
• Painting • General Maintenance • Install Co-op City Blinds 2/18 • Professional Moving Jobs • Appliance Connections & Disconnections
For Free Estimate & for an Appointment please call: SULAIMAN
Call (718) 473-0772 Free Telephone Consultation $25/Hour Field Service 24-Hours a day / 7 days a week
2/11
Dataway Computers, Inc.
347-705-2991
Networking, Maintenance, Repair
$40 Field Service MICROSOFT CERTIFIED PROFESSIONALS
1-800-479-2667 JASON LASH
• VERTICAL BLINDS • MINI BLINDS • SINK VANITIES • SPACE SAVERS • MATCHING HAMPERS • BATHTUB ENCLOSURES • CLIP-ON MIRROR FRAMES
646-326-2676
Call: Ava ila ble: Au th en t ic Up gr a de Vist a to W in dows 7
Visit Us: www.dattaway.com • F r ee Internet Phone Service • K eep Your Current Phone Number • Why Pay Over $300 An n u a lly? Celebrating 10 years of service to Co-op City.
***NEWS FLASH *** • CO-OP CITY RESIDENTS FREE HOUSE CALL • House Calls $40 THEMEPSEE Provides: • HOUSE CALLS 24/7 • COMPUTER REPAIR: All Versions of Windows Available • Mac and PC repair • COMPUTER LESSONS - Private one on one session available • COMPUTER SALES - Laptop, Desktops
2/11
Decorator 2/18
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
2/25
WE SAVE YOU MONEY! Bathroom $74.95 paint included • Kitchen $99 & up • Floor Service • Wallpaper, Panel, Carpet Removal • Blinds, Doors & Kitchen Cabinets Moderate Repairs Call Bill
ESTIMATE!
718.320.5270 2/11
New P a la ce H ou se P a in t in g Ser vice We do all the work and you get all the credit 718-671-1736 / in fo@n ewp a la ceclea n in g.com H ou se P a in t in g Prices start at $150 per room 2 coats - 1 color/FREE ESTIMATES Scraping, spackling, etc. additional fees Labor ONLY/paint NOT included. www.n ewp a la ceclea n in g.com / BY a p p oin t m en t O NLY
HIGH SECURITY LOCKS
Slipcovers
20% Off Any Lock Job!
Medco • MultiLock • Wilson High Quality Labor For a Low Price!
Call Mike at: 718-974-1290 Moving
R O N ’S Trucking Corp.
Floors
A-1 PAINTING PLUS
FAMILY LOCKSMITH
Serving Co-op City for over 25 years. “When you see me, 6/9 You’ll know me.” Call Anytime • Seven Days A Week
• FREE DIAGNOSTIC CHECK UP
Call Mike 646-203-3776 (Bronx) Call Lorenzo 917-214-6968 (NYC)
• RANGE HOODS • LIGHT FIXTURES • KITCHEN CABINETS • CABINET REFACING • COUNTERTOPS • CUSTOM CLOSET MIRROR DOORS • CUSTOM WALL MIRRORS 2/25
Licensed and Bonded
3/10
Painting Services
FREE!
Locksmith
FREE Phone Consultation
3/3
Tax Associate Notary Public 169 Dreiser Loop, Bronx, NY 10475 • 718-320-9865 www.hrblock.com 2/11
CUSTOM COLOR
Home Improvement
Professional, Knowledgeable and Courteous Service
Notary/Tax Associate
914. 423. 1773
2/25
(718) 746-8925 PLASTIC SLIPCOVERS TABLE PADS CUSHIONS REFILLED • NEW FOAM RUBBER SOFA PLATFORMS LOW, LOW PRICES
ALL STATE DECORATORS 2/25
MOVING Low Low Rates Residential/Commercial Local & Long Distance NO Extra Charge for Stairs, Weekends or Holidays. FREE Mattress Covers Flat Rate/Free Estimates NYSDOT #T-35528 USDOT #1060058
RUBBISH REMOVAL Residential/Commercial Estate Clean-Outs ✔ Construction ✔ Appliances ✔ Furniture ✔ Paint Cans ✔ Wood
Upholstery/Blinds
REUPHOLSTERING
Custom Craftsmen - 40 yrs. experience. Sofas & Chairs upholstered; Slipcovers-Fabric & Plastic; Kitchen Chairs - $8.99 & up: Caning; Venetian Blinds; Drapes - Custom made Refinishing, Touch up & Polishing of Furniture
STYLISH DECORATORS 3314 White Plains Rd. • Bronx, NY 10467
718.881.7691
2/25
Bla ck Histor y Month I nven tor s: Courtesy www.biography.com H en r y Br own created what is now known as a "strongbox", a metal container to store money and important papers that could be locked with a key. G eor ge C ar r ut h er s invented the far ultraviolet electrographic camera, used in the 1972 Apollo 16 mission. This invention revealed new features in Earth's far-outer atmosphere and deepspace objects from the perspective of the lunar surface. Carruthers was inducted into the National Inventor's Hall of Fame in 2003.
Anything Non-Hazardous Heavy-Duty Cleaning
In 1897, African-American inventor Alfr ed C r a lle patented the first ice cream scoop. His original design remains in wide use, even today.
Building Management Companies Welcome to Enquire!
African-American mechanical engineer, David C r ost hwa it , J r . created the heating systems for the Rockefeller Center and New York's Radio City Music Hall, and holds 39 U.S. patents and 80 international patents pertaining to heating, refrigeration and temperature regulating systems.
2/25
28
Co-op City Times / February 11, 2012
AUTO DIAGNOSTIC CENTER
NYS DIESEL INSPECTION STATION
THE ONLY ORIGINAL BEAR IN THE BRONX 2180 WEBSTER AVE. (at 182 St.) WE ’LL PA Y T HE T AX W ITH MO S T R EP A IR S! with this ad
TOWING AVAILABLE!
TRANSMISSION OIL CHANGE SPECIAL TUNE-UP Maintain Your Transmission and Prevent Costly Repairs with New Transmission Fluid (Filter and Pan Gasket Additional). Most American Cars. Most Front Wheel and Rear Wheel Drive Vehicles.
12
$
95
MOST AMERICAN CARS • WITH AD Synthetic Oil Change Available
NEW VEHICLE WARRANTY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE •New Spark Plugs •Air Filter •Adjust Idle & Timing •Oil Change & Filter •Transmission Service •Repack Wheel Bearing
159
$
95
RADIATOR $ 95 FLUSH 29
• Up to 5 quarts of CASTROL Motor Oil • Premium Oil Filter • Lubrication • INCLUDES Road Test and FREE 21 point Vehicle Inspection.
•Basic Tune Up •PCV Valve •Cooling System •Antifreeze & Service •Tire Rotation •Clean & Adjust Brakes
34
$
• Replace with up to 1 Gallon Anti-freeze • Check Belts, Hoses, Clamps, Thermostat MOST CARS
FUEL INJECTION CLEANING
INCREASE YOUR CAR’S PERFORMANCE
39
$
99
Parts Included
99
BRAKE SPECIAL
59
$
Replace pads and/or shoes (semimetallic pads extra). Cut drums or rotors. Repack wheel bearings, inspect hydraulic system. Add fluid if necessary, road test.
95
Front or Rear Brakes Most American Cars
COMPUTERIZED WHEEL ALIGNMENT Service on Limos & Oversized Vehicles Now Available
29
$
95
HID HEADLIGHTS 9995
$
MOST CARS $149.99 INCLUDES INSTALLATION
AXLE SPECIAL
99
$
95
COMPLETE CV AXLE INSTALLED MOST CARS
Most Cars
WE ARE AUTHORIZED GE CAPITAL ARI & PHH DEALERS.
WE HONOR MOST EXTENDED WARRANTY PLANS.
(718) 365-5300 MONDAY - FRIDAY: 8 AM - 6 PM SATURDAY: 8 AM - 3 PM
ELECTRONIC IGNITION TUNE-UP
29 $ 3499 $ 99 39 $
95
4 cyl
6 cyl
8 cyl
• New Spark Plugs • Adjust Timing & Carb when needed • Inspect Emission Control • Inspect Cables & Hoses • Most American Cars • Foreign Plugs Extra
CAR CARE PACKAGE
Most Cars
Most American Cars (6 cyl. & 8 cyl. Slightly Higher)
DISC or DRUM
NYS INSPECTION STATION
WE DIAGNOSE & REPAIR: • CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS • ELECTRICAL SHORTS
WE NOW SERVICE LARGE VEHICLES: STRETCH LIMOS, TRUCKS, VANS
• Spark Plug Replacement • Oil Change & Filter • 4 Tire Rotation • Drain & Fill Radiator w/up to 1 gal. anti-freeze • Check Thermostat • Complete Vehicle Inspection 6 CYL. & 8 CYL. SLIGHTLY HIGHER
$
59
95
Most American Cars
Is Your CHECK ENGINE Light On?
COMPUTERIZED ENGINE DIAGNOSTIC
FREE
*
INCLUDING PRINTOUT *Most U.S. Cars
*with most Related Repairs. $39.95 Diagnostic only.