Co-op City’s official newspaper serving the world’s largest cooperative community. © Copyright 2014 Co-op City Times
Vol. 49 No. 12
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Petition period for 2014 Riverbay Board election begins Monday Shareholders interested in running for a seat to serve on the Riverbay Board of Directors can begin picking up their qualifying petitions on Monday, March 24 for the 2014 Board election. Petitions will be available from the Riverbay receptionist at the Administrative Desk in the Bartow Community Center, located at 2049 Bartow Avenue, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. each weekday, and after 5 p.m. on weekdays and on the weekends, from the Public Safety window in the Bartow Center. All petitions must be picked up and signed for by the prospective candidates, not by any representative, friend or family member. In addition, candidates for the Riverbay Board must be the shareholder of record as indicated on the candidate’s stock certificate, occupancy agreement and the current BY ROZAAN BOONE
occupant’s Annual Affidavit of Family Income, and must continue to live in Co-op City for the duration of their term of office in order to serve as a Riverbay Board Director. The completed petition packages are due back to the Riverbay Legal Department by 5 p.m. on Monday, April 7. Board President William Gordon, Chair of the 2014 Election Committee, stresses that anyone who picks up a petition package should read and understand the rules and regulations governing the election very carefully to avoid being disqualified. “These election rules are extremely important because they are very specific about what candidates and their supporters are allowed and not allowed to do,” said Director Gordon. “If anyone is unsure about any of the rules, or if you
Joe Boiko, who has served as Co-op City’s Ombudsman and Special Projects Manager since 2005, has been promoted to the position of Assistant General Manager of Co-op City, Riverbay General Manager Vernon Cooper announced this week. “Mr. Boiko has shown himself to be a hands-on, take charge employee since joining Riverbay in 2005,” said General Manager Vernon Cooper in making the announcement. “He has proven himself to be extremely knowledgeable and capable of handling the wide variety of issues that come under his charge – whether it is technical, social or political – and handle each situation with professionalism and concern for the individual needs of shareholders, as well as the overall quality of life of the community. We welcome him to his new position and wish him continued success.” Mr. Boiko has been a resident of Co-op City for over four decades, having moved here with his parents as a teenager back in the early ’70s and then choosing to make the community his home years later as a young man and remaining here ever since. During those years, he was an active community leader serving in prominent leadership
Imminent innovations and improvements featured at Management Forum Some of the latest 21st Century technology and innovations, making life here more efficient and secure, are coming to Co-op City over the next several months and several of those new programs and services were introduced to BY BILL STUTTIG
approximately 500 residents who attended a management forum in Dreiser Center Monday evening. The forum began with a presentation by MTA representatives on the impending (Continued on page 4)
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Ombudsman Joe Boiko named Assistant General Manager BY BILL STUTTIG
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positions in many community groups, including Cooperators United and his building association, to name just a few. He served on the Riverbay Volunteer Ambulance Corps for nearly two decades, beginning with its inception in 1975, as an Emergency Medical Technician and a trainer of other volunteer EMTs. In that role, he helped train Public Safety’s first emergency services responders. In 2005, Mr. Boiko was hired by Co-op City’s managing agent, Marion Scott Real Estate, Inc. (MSI) and placed on their payroll to serve in the community’s newly created position of Ombudsman, specifically charged with handling cooperator concerns and complaints and acting as the liaison between management and the community to get problems – both individual and community wide – solved to the best of the ability of Riverbay. Over the last nine years, Boiko has been placed in charge and successfully oversaw the completion of many special projects which has enhanced the quality of life of the community, including the planting of more than 2000 donated trees throughout Co-op City’s green spaces, laundry room upgrades in (Continued on page 2)
Riverbay’s Director of Technical Services Rick Schmidt explains the new key fobs and intercom system which will come when the new lobby entrances are installed in all buildings in the near future. Photo by Bill Stuttig
Residents tell the MTA that announced bus service restorations are not enough
New York City Transit Authority community relations representatives came to Co-op City Monday evening to explain to the community in person for the first time the changes and improvements to the community’s
BY BILL STUTTIG
bus service that the agency first announced in January. The presentation, which preceded that evening’s scheduled management forum, was headed by New (Continued on page 21)
Con Ed to pay Riverbay record amount for electricity in February Co-op City’s cogeneration power plant produced a record amount of monthly revenue for shareholders in February with the largest check yet from Con Edison for excess electricity from the plant. Riverbay will receive $157,819 for the February export of electricity to Con Ed, marking the biggest payment that the plant has returned to shareholders for a monthly period. The previous largest monthly total was $128,538 in July, 2011. The February total was high because BY JIM ROBERTS
of the brutally cold weather that drove up demand for electricity from Con Ed customers, raising the price of electricity. Increases in the price of natural gas and oil also rose dramatically last month, contributing to higher electricity prices. So far in the first eleven months of fiscal year 2013-14, which began in April 2013, Riverbay has received $847,260 from Con Ed for electricity purchased from the Co-op City power plant. In the previous fiscal year, 2012-13, Riverbay received a total of $375,264. (Continued on page 9)
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Election Petitions
have any questions regarding the 2014 Election rules and regulations, I urge you to put them in writing as soon as possible and address them to the chair of the Election Committee for clarification.” The 2014 Election Committee will be co-Chaired by Directors Othelia Jones and Khalil Abdul-Wahhab. The Riverbay Board voted on January 15 to approve Resolution 14-03 setting the date of this year’s annual shareholders meeting, in accordance with the Riverbay Corporation By-Laws, Article II, Section 1, which stipulates that the meeting be held in the month of May on a date set by the Board of Directors. The 2014 annual meeting of shareholders to elect five candidates to serve three-year terms on the 15member Board, which sets policy for the Riverbay Corporation and the Co-op City community, will take place on Wednesday, May 21st when voting by machine will take place in the building lobbies from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. After the polls close on May 21st, the vote tallies will be counted in Room 31 of the Bartow Community Center. This year, the terms of Directors Eleanor Bailey, Leah Graham, Tony Illis, Daryl Johnson and Rev. Dr. Calvin E. Owens are expiring, and shareholders will therefore be voting to fill five seats on the Riverbay Board. Any Co-op City shareholder in good financial standing can run for a three-year term on the Riverbay Board, as long as they secure seventy-five (75) valid cooperators’ signatures on their qualifying petitions and return them by the 5 p.m. Monday, April 7th deadline to the Riverbay Legal Department. The 2014 election rules also state that no candidate shall have felony convictions or convictions of misdemeanors involving moral turpitude. In addition, the rules prohibit candidates from accepting campaign contributions from any person or entity doing business, or soliciting business with the Riverbay Corporation, including present or prospective managing agents and contractors, vendors, professionals, unions, their employees, or persons having direct or indirect interest in such companies to make campaign contributions or pay campaign expenses, whether in cash or in-kind, of persons running for the Board of Directors of a housing company. The rules further state that any candidate who knowingly accepts such campaign contributions will be disqualified. A Candidates’ Meeting where candidates’ petitions will be officially certified or rejected is scheduled for 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15 in Room 31 of the Bartow Community Center. The official listing of the 2014 Board election candidates will then be published in the Saturday, April 19th issue of the Co-op City Times. The first of three consecutive special election supplements will be published in the Co-op City Times on Saturday, April 26th, in which each of the candidates will place statements and advertisements outlining their qualifications for the position of Riverbay Board Director, and their views on issues facing the community. The second election supplement will be published on Saturday, May 3rd and the final edition on Saturday, May 10. All candidates’ statements and ads submitted for publication in the Co-op City Times are reviewed by the Election Committee prior to publication and candidates will be notified of any changes made to their statements and ads by Riverbay’s General Counsel. This year, the Riverbay Board approved changing the election rules to allow for 3 official Candidates’ Forums which will be held in each of the community center. The first official Candidates’ Forums will take place on Monday, April 28, at 7:30 p.m., in Room 31 of the Bartow Community Center. The second forum will be held the following Wednesday, May 7, also at 7:30 p.m. in Dreiser Auditorium B, and the third and final forum, on Monday, May 12, 7:30 p.m. in Room
Co-op City Times / March 22, 2014 45 of the Einstein Community Center. Two years ago, the election rules were changed to allow the Co-op City Times to report on the candidates’ forums, and, as is the case with other electionrelated material submitted for publication in the Coop City Times during the election period, the 2014 Election Committee will review and approve all reports on the candidates’ forums filed by the Co-op City Times staff prior to publication. Since there will be 3 official forums held this year, the corporation will not support individual building associations and certified community organizations which, in the past, were allowed to use their meeting rooms free of charge to host candidates’ nights meetings to which all candidates were invited. As a result, building associations and community organizations will not be receiving the customary letter requesting dates of their candidates’ meeting from the 2014 Election Committee. The use of any outdoor space owned by Riverbay for public gatherings related to the Board election is strictly prohibited and no candidate or community organization may use the facilities of the Riverbay Corporation for campaign activities, except for those
(Continued from page 1)
approved by the Election Committee or unless applicable rates for the use of such facilities have been paid in advance to Riverbay, and unless all candidates can be provided with equal access to such facilities or services. A recount, if necessary, will be conducted on Thursday, May 29th, 9:30 a.m. at the Board of Elections. The final results of the election will be posted in the three community centers the following day and published in the next issue of the Co-op City Times, Saturday, May 31st. After the results are certified, the five top vote getters in this year’s election will be sworn in as members of the 2014-2015 Riverbay Board of Directors on Thursday, June 5th and begin serving their terms. “I would like to extend an invitation to all shareholders who have been thinking about becoming a Riverbay Board Director to pick up a petition and start the process,” said Director Gordon. “Being a Riverbay Board of Director can be both frustrating and rewarding, but you will find it an eye-opening and interesting experience.”
(Please see pages 16, 17 & 20 for the 2014 Election Rules and Regulations.)
Boiko
each building, elevator repairs, the new flooring program, the construction and planting on new flower boxes at all of Co-op City’s entrances, the placement of senior exercise parks on both Greenways, and the placement of a new canopy at the main entrance to the Riverbay administrative offices at Bartow Center. Boiko also oversees the management of Co-op City’s televised crawler, updating it each day with new information pertinent to the residents. In his new position, Boiko will continue to serve as the community’s Ombudsman and special project manager, as well as serve as Co-op City’s liaison with Community Board 10 and all elected officials representing the community in the respective legislative bodies – city, state and federal. He also
(Continued from page 1)
serves as the Vice President of the 45th Precinct Community Council. In these roles, he recently played an integral part in organizing community groups in the successful petitioning of the MTA to restore some of the bus service lost in the 2010 budget cuts. “As Ombudsman and now as Assistant General Manager, I have always worked and will continue to work to serve the residents and ease their concerns to the best of my ability and within the confines or the rules regulating the management of this community,” Boiko said. “There are times when a shareholder may not like the answer I give them because of the rules we all must abide by, but I will always provide an answer and it will always be the truth.”
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Co-op City Times / March 22, 2014
2nd
Combing Co-op City
Co-op City Spelling Bee today
The African American Association of Co-op City and the Riverbay Fund are co-sponsoring a spelling bee for Grades 4-8 students today, Saturday, March 22, at 10 a.m. to be held in Room 31 of the Bartow Community Center. Admission is FREE. The Grand Prize winner will receive $100, and all participants will receive favorable recognition. Light refreshments will be served. To register your child and/or to volunteer to assist at this event, please call (718) 379-5555.
Inaugural service at Church of the Savior’s new home
Church of the Savior is scheduled to hold its first Sunday service in its new home, the ground floor of Building 1A, 920 Baychester Avenue, tomorrow, Sunday, March 23rd. The inaugural service will begin at 10:30 a.m., but worshipers are asked to arrive by 10:15 a.m. so that you can be seated. All attending this first service in the new location are also asked to bring a non-perishable nutritious food item for the church’s food pantry. For more information, call Rev. Dr. Robert A. Smith, Jr., Pastor, at 917-734-4058.
Next Open Mike
The Riverbay Fund’s next Open Mike will be held on April 4, 7-9 p.m., in the Dreiser Auditorium B. Everyone who signs up will get 5 minutes to perform. ANYTHING is welcome, except for heckling and profanity. You can sign up by calling 718320-3300, Ext. 3532 or by showing up ½ hour before the program starts (6:30 p.m.). Come perform or just watch the show!
Riverbay Fund’s Spring celebration
A “spEGGtacular” Spring celebration, sponsored by the Riverbay Fund, has been scheduled for Saturday, April 19, on the Section 1 Greenway, 12 – 4 p.m. This event is FREE and all are invited at attend. An Egg Hunt will be held from 12:30-1:30 p.m. There will also be sack races, a hula hoop contest, egg & spoon race and much, much more. In case of rain, the venue will be changed to the Dreiser Auditorium. For more information, please contact the Riverbay Community Relations Department at (718) 3203300, Ext. 3532.
BY LOUIS SALEGNA, CONTROLLER
FRONT PA G E
Annual Income Affidavits
The annual income affidavit process for Co-op City residents is currently underway. The Income Affidavit and related instructions were mailed out this week to all cooperators required to file (excluded are new residents who moved into Co op City after March 31, 2014, and those cooperators on the Section 8 Program). The due date for returning your completed Affidavit, which must be notarized, is April 30, 2014. Currently, surcharges based upon 2012 Income Affidavit forms will expire June 30, 2014. New surcharges will be imposed for the period July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015 based upon data taken from your 2013 Income Affidavit form. Please note that it is essential that every cooperator submits their 2013 Income Affidavit in a timely manner. If you filed an application for extension in lieu of a 2013 NYS Tax Return, you are still required to submit your affidavit by April 30, 2014. Please estimate your income and identify as "Estimated Income." File an amended affidavit once you have filed your tax return or you will be subject to the maximum 50% surcharge. Also, please note that Riverbay must be notified in writing with a copy of the extension form. In cases where there are two shareholders of an apartment and if one of the shareholders has permanently vacated the apartment, it is important that the remaining shareholder submit documentation to Riverbay Corporation as to where the vacating shareholder currently resides. Acceptable documentation could be (1) driver’s license with current address, (2) copy of the apartment lease, (3) utility bill with current address. If this documentation is not submitted with the Income Affidavit, the income affidavit
will be returned as incomplete and a 50% surcharge will be assessed each month until the documentation is submitted. The shareholder will be liable for all surcharges assessed, no credits will be issued for surcharges already assessed. Shareholders should take note that failure to complete and return the Income Affidavit form in a timely manner will result in the maximum surcharge of 50% of your basic carrying charges being levied on July 1, 2014. In this case, you would be required to pay the 50% surcharge for each month, through the end of the month you finally filed. In no event will credit be given for excess surcharges already assessed as a result of failure, neglect or refusal of the cooperator to file the Income Affidavit on a timely basis. The instructions being mailed with the Income Affidavit form include a cover letter and worksheet which will assist the cooperator in determining whether they are subject to a carrying charge surcharge. Cooperators are advised to read the material very carefully. As required by State law, copies of Income Affidavit forms will be submitted to the State for verification of income against filed tax return. Cooperators are cautioned, therefore, to make sure that the data provided come directly from their NY State tax return. Riverbay staff will hold all day sessions to assist cooperators in filling out their Income Affidavit form on Monday, April 21st and Thursday, April 24th from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Dreiser Center, Room 9; Bartow Center, Room 28; and Einstein Center, Room 38. Extra forms will be available at the sessions for those cooperators who do not receive their mailed copy. Notaries will also be present so cooperators can file their completed
Income Affidavit form at the sessions. Any cooperators wishing to have their Income Affidavit form notarized must present two (2) forms of identification, one of which must be a picture of the individual. The affidavit will not be notarized without proper identification. Completed forms must be returned to Riverbay Corporation by April 30, 2014. Special boxes have been set up in the CSO Offices at Dreiser and Einstein and the Administration Office Reception area at Bartow Avenue for this purpose. The boxes will be open during regular business hours (9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.). An additional box will be available after 5:00 p.m. during the week and all day on weekends at the Bartow Security Office. Also for your convenience, there will be personnel available at the following locations to assist and/or notarize your income affidavit form: 1. Assemblyman Michael Benedetto’s Office, Dreiser Center, Room 12. 2. Congressman Eliot Engel’s Office, Dreiser Center, Room 3. 3. Jewish Community Council Office, Dreiser Center, Room 18. 4. Multi Service, 140 Carver Loop. Enclosed with the annual income affidavit packet is a letter from Mr. Ron Caesar, Director of Risk Management, regarding the submission of co-op insurance declaration page or certified letter from your insurance broker or company showing that you have the required insurance coverage on your apartment. Please note that the insurance documentation must be submitted along with your annual income affidavit by no later than April 30, 2014 to avoid the assessment of $150 Community Complaint fine. Any questions regarding the insurance documentation should be addressed to the Risk Management Department at (718) 320 3300, Ext. 3388.
Co-op City women honored as “Women of Excellence” During his State of the 12th District Address held on Wednesday, March 12 in the Dreiser Auditorium, Councilman Andy King honored 12 “Women of Excellence” for Women in History Month. These women were recognized for their tireless and dedicated energy to improving the lives of family, friends, and community. The honorees included Michelle Sajous, Riverbay’s Director of Community Relations; Kathy Blount of LOCAL 371, a Co-op City resident; Pastor Debora Jenkins of Faith @ Work Church in Co-op City; Delores Debnam, President of Retirees of Dreiser Loop; Pastor Michelle WhiteHayes of Greater Faith Temple; Neva ShillingfordKing, Executive Vice President 1199 SEIU, President of AFRAM and co-founder of the Bronx YEP; Cynthia Richardson, President of The Surrey Co-op Apartments; Cheryl Dewitt, Executive Director of the NAACP Early Childhood Education Center; Vivien Nation of Crawford United Methodist Church; Saundra DeJesus, Vice President of Eastchester Tenant Association; Marlene Cintron, Executive Director of Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation; and Mary Jane Helmrich, Principal of Saint Francis of Assisi. Photo courtesy of the Office of Councilman King
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Mgmt. Forum
changes to some Co-op City bus routes (see related story on page 1) and then four distinctly different presentations were made to the community about the coming improvements, each featuring an opportunity for residents to ask questions and express concerns. First up was a presentation on a new website, which will not only provide information and update residents on what is happening in the development and affecting the community, but it will also offer the chance for residents to manage their account with Riverbay online, allow community groups to post and update information daily about their services and events, and create a social media site just for Co-op City residents so they can engage in an ongoing exchange about personal matters, issues and services in the community and beyond. General Manager Vernon Cooper in introducing the speakers whose firm will run the new interactive website, said: “The information will not only be good for people who live in Co-op City, but will be vital for anyone who may be considering living in Co-op City, anyone who is considering operating a business in Co-op City or provide any kind of service to the residents of Co-op City.” Paul Schack and David Carlos of “Myhomepage,” a website creator and manager, have been working with Riverbay over the past several months to design and construct the interactive online service which they said could be operational and available to all home computers and mobile web devices in the community in as little as 90 days. But they warned that the construction process can stretch a few weeks longer than that. The Co-op City website, which is now under construction, Shack said, will include two major components, a public side which will provide daily undated information on the community to anyone with a computer, and a side that will only be available to Co-op City residents allowing them to participate in community-specific social media, manage their Riverbay account which includes paying their carrying charges online, and receive information specific to their building, section, or a community organization. Schack said the public side will be used to promote the community and provide information to potential visitors, business customers and those who might be interested in moving here or working here. The private side, Schack explained, will provide services and information exclusive to the residents, including the ability to make quick maintenance online requests and communicate online with a number of Riverbay departments, streamlining the communication process and creating a record of your request, including a tracking number that will be e-mailed back to the cooperator so residents can track the status of their request on their home computer or mobile phone. The service will also provide another outlet for emergency alerts, notices and updates on ongoing projects in the community, as well as community events, such as street fairs, concerts, and informational presentations within Co-op City. Bruce Gitelson asked if information pertinent to the ongoing operation of the community, such as existing by-laws and resolutions, both new and old, can be posted on the site for everyone to access and he was told yes. Residents inquired about the cost to the community for this service. Schack explained that the service will be free to the community as his firm will create their revenue through posting advertising on the site. Riverbay will receive 20% of the advertising revenue generated as per the agreement approved by the Riverbay
Co-op City Times / March 22, 2014 Board of Directors last year. Schack added that online account management is optional and will not replace the mailing of monthly bills to residents allowing those who wish to pay by mail or in person to continue to do so. He added that there will be no fee for paying online except in the case where a credit card will be used which will naturally be subject to the bank’s or credit company’s fees as any credit charge would be. When the service is ready to be launched, several events will be held in the community to introduce the new concept and service to as many residents as possible, he added. The next segment of the forum included a presentation on the new lobby doors of which the prototype is nearing completion in Building 15A. Herb Freedman of Co-op City’s managing agent explained that the expectation is that the prototype will be done shortly, perhaps by next week, and then the Riverbay Board will inspect the finished project and then vote at the next Board meeting whether to proceed with installation in the remaining 64 Co-op City lobbies, first with prototype designs for the other two existing lobby types – triple core and tower buildings. Building 15A is a Chevron. Riverbay Technical Services Director Rick Schmidt is overseeing the first installation and presented photos of the progress of the first installation and offered a brief description of how the installation is done and what the finished project will look like and how, more importantly, it will streamline and improve the security of the process by which residents and visitors enter buildings. The most basic change, Schmidt explained, is that residents will no longer need a key to enter the building but instead will be given a key fob, a small device for your key chain which can be swiped or scanned at the front entrance to open the doors. In Building 15A, the first building to receive the new technology, the vast majority of residents already have their new key fobs, he said. Additional key fobs will be provided upon request for residents who have other family members frequently visit such as – as one woman asked during the meeting – someone who comes by during the day to feed a pet while a relative is at work. The same applies to residents who have child care providers every day or other residents who require daily visitors from home attendants. But, as Schmidt pointed out, the dispensation of the additional key fob will be strictly monitored and those who get them for any particular building must be authorized by Riverbay. The system by which visitors will gain access to the building will also be changing, Schmidt explained, where visitors entering the building will type in a three digit code or ID number pertaining to the particular apartment they would like to visit. An electronic directory with the numbers will be installed in each lobby. When the code is punched in, the phone in that apartment will ring allowing the resident to talk to his or her visitor before granting them access to the building to verify identity of the visitor. The lobby camera will also be in operation to help residents verify the identity from the home as is done now. Mr. Freedman explained when asked why the residents did not have more of a say in choosing the manufacturer of the new entrance system, that multiple presentations were made at open Board meetings and Riverbay committee meetings as part of a public process that went on for more than a year and this was the contractor chosen by the Board based on those presentations. He added that this is merely a prototype and the Board will be looking at this first finished product, probably by next week, and then decide whether to proceed (Continued from page 1)
with the other lobbies as is, tweak a few things, if possible, or decide not to proceed until major changes are made if they are not satisfied. He added that if the Board votes to go ahead with the project, installation can begin in the remaining lobbies by this summer and then going forward from there. There will be some lag time after the Board votes to go ahead, Mr. Freedman explained, because needed supplies naturally have to be ordered and delivered before work begins. Mr. Freedman added, when asked, that the new door and security system will not replace the lobby attendants. The third presentation involved a demonstration of the new site-wide exterior LED lighting which will begin in the coming weeks. The new LED bulbs will replace all the existing sodium bulbs on more than 1000 light poles throughout Co-op City and at more than 1,600 exterior light sockets situated at building porticos through the community. Residents were given a demonstration on the brightness of the new lighting versus the older existing lighting and there was an audible sound of approval from the hundreds of shareholders after seeing clearly that the new LED lights are much brighter and will give much more enhanced security in previously dark areas behind the buildings and elsewhere. Aside from the brighter exterior spaces, the new bulbs will be much more efficient and cost effective, the presenters – Louis Loscalzo and Michael Sanders of the Maintenance Department – illustrated through charts which maintained that the new LED bulbs will have a life span which is 3 times longer than the standard incandescent bulbs and also use far less energy than the existing bulbs. According to calculations done through the Green Lighting website, which calculate the savings in LED lighting over standard sodium bulbs, the savings realized over the lifetime use of the first shipment of the new LED bulbs to be used in the pole light bulb replacement will total approximately $288,600. The savings realized with the first shipment of the 800 new bulbs to be used in replacing the portico lighting comes to $275, 040. Mr. Freedman previously estimated in correspondence with the Board of Directors that the energy savings realized from the use of the new lights will pay for the purchases of the new bulbs in approximately two years time. Other savings will come from the fact that all the bulbs will be installed by in-house staff. Mr. Freedman said at the forum, “This should really make a difference in security and energy savings for Co-op City over the
long term.” The last presentation of the evening dealt with a new program, previously detailed through the Co-op City Times and posted community notices whereby CSO and Maintenance will be visiting each home in Co-op City that has had multiple convector leaks over the last two years and inspect each convector in those homes to determine what needs to be done to prevent any other leaks this coming air conditioning season whether it be the cleaning of the convector drain lines to remove clogs or the more labor intensive repitching of the convector lines to prevent future leaks. As part of the program, as explained by Maintenance Director Sanders, cooperators are being asked to pour a quart of warm water into the convector drains to make sure they are free of clogs, which is the preeminent cause of most convector leaks. If the first quart flows freely into the drain, Sanders said that residents should then slowly pour another three quarts into the drain to make sure than lines are completely clear. Sanders said that if the first quart of water does not freely flow down the drain, then stop pouring the water and call the Maintenance Department who will then send up workers to clear the drain Residents are also asked to repeat this process of pouring water down the drain every two weeks during the air conditioning season. Sanders said, “By doing this, we will have a good reduction in leaks and a reduction in costs and your inconvenience.” Residents who are not physically capable of performing the task, such as the elderly or disabled, can call their CSO to make an arrangement to have Riverbay personnel do it for them. As part of the presentation, cooperators were shown a Riverbay video demonstrating how the process should be completed. The same video is available online through the YouTube website by typing in a search for convector cleaning tips. The same video is repeated on Riverbay’s crawler system regularly. Sanders also advised residents to clean the aluminum convector filter before the start of air conditioning season to increase the efficiency of the cooling. The video that was shown also included a brief demonstration on how to access the filter and remove it for cleaning. As part of the program, residents who are due to have their GFI outlets and new smoke alarms installed in the coming weeks will have their drains cleaned for them as part of the visit by Riverbay workers doing the installation work, Sanders said. Those buildings are 26, 27, 28, and 29.
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Management Report Co-op City Times / March 22, 2014
There have been a number of complaints about food vendors who are parking their truck/cart either on Riverbay’s sidewalks or streets in front of the shopping malls and homes. This has particularly been a bone of contention with our residents and the store keepers who feel that it is unfair that these individuals can come on site to sell basically the same type of food that they sell in their stores. Enforcement of mobile food vendors is relatively new to New York City Police Department officers in the Bronx. There has been conflicting information given about where these food carts may park and for how long. Mobile food carts are required to abide by New York City parking regulations. Where muni-meters are concerned vehicles are required to purchase and display a Muni-meter ticket. In Co-op City, these areas carry a one-hour limit and persons may not “feed the meter.” A one hour limit exists per vehicle, per block. Further information revealed that Mobile Food Vendors may not park in any type of metered spots for any length of time. Summonses were issued for this violation this past week. The New York City Police Department instructed food vendors to move their carts from muni-meter parking spots to the sidewalk. Mobile food vendors are permitted to park on sidewalks that are a minimum of 12 feet wide. The portion of the sidewalks which is considered New York City sidewalks meet that guideline in several
Marion Scott Real Estate, Inc.
Management Corner
instances throughout the community. In some instances where Co-op City property is made of the same material as the city sidewalk, it creates confusion to various enforcement agencies which enforce these rules. Mobile food vendors are also required to have a permit on the outside of the cart, as well as wear a license with their photo around their neck. If residents observe a food cart vendor not to have the license around their neck, they should file a complaint via 3-1-1. In all cases of violation, an Environmental Control Bureau Summons may be issued. These summonses are issued by various New York City agencies. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety does not currently have the authority to issue this type of summons. The Public Safety Department has made numerous notifications to the 45th Precinct as well as 3-1-1. As much as we believe that these vendors should not be allowed to just come onto the property and set up shop here in Riverbay, the Police Department has stated that these vendors can sell in our community if they have permits from the City of New York. Our Public Safety Department has been diligent about checking to
verify that the vendors do, in fact, have proper permits. What exacerbates the issue is that their permit allows them to have their truck or cart up on the sidewalk, as long as there is at least a 12 foot clearance for pedestrians to walk past them, from our property line, to where their cart is set up. For example, at the Einstein Center, on Thursday a vendor was allowed to set up on the sidewalk, directly in front of the steps that lead to the small courtyard at the front of the Einstein Center entrance, because at this location there is more than 12 feet from the steps to the street. If there is no 12 foot clearance on the sidewalk, the vendors can place carts on the street and stay there for up to 2 hours provided that their carts do not block parking meters. We have discussed this issue with several elected officials as we believe it is unfair that these vendors can just set up shop wherever they want to. We have set up a meeting for the first week of April, where many of these officials will join us to discuss how we combat this problem. One possible solution would be to have a bill submitted that would prevent these vendors from setting up shop close to malls in order to minimize their abil-
ity to compete with our merchants and interfere with the quality of life of our residents. We will keep the community informed of our progress in this matter. Starting a Dialogue with Councilman King On Thursday afternoon, Management and five Riverbay Board Directors – Bill Gordon, Rev. Calvin Owens, Helen Atkins, Khalil Abdul-Wahhab and Bernie Cylich – had an informal, but productive meeting with City Councilman Andy King in his Einstein Center office about a number of issues that we frankly can’t rectify or accomplish without the direct help and intervention of the Councilman, our elected representative in New York City’s government. The Councilman was gracious in his stated intent of doing everything he could to help this community on a (Continued on page 34)
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Co-op City Times / March 22, 2014
Second Reading - Resolution #14-08 SUBMITTED BY: Khalil Abdul-Wahhab SECONDED BY: Bill Gordon BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: March 12th, 2014
WHEREAS, Riverbay’s Contracts Department sent out 17 requests for proposal to elevator consulting companies under Bid 2880, Elevator Consultant for Maintenance/Monitoring and Category 1 & Category 5 Inspections; and WHEREAS, The Contracts Department received 10 proposals, which were sent to Management for review; and WHEREAS, upon review of the proposals it was decided by Management that the low bidder Vertical System Analysis was not the best qual-
ified, due to past problems with this company; and WHEREAS, Triboro Elevator Consultants, LLC, the next lowest bidder, has agreed to match Vertical’s prices across the board; and WHEREAS, Management agreed that Triboro Elevator Consultants is the lowest qualified bidder at a cost not to exceed $130,000; and WHEREAS, This contract will be for a total of three (3) years with an option for two additional years, which would be at Riverbay’s discretion and negotiated before approving the optional years. NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: That Contract 2880, Elevator Consultant for Triboro Elevator Consultants, LLC at a not to exceed cost of $130,000 over the three (3) years with the two year option
Second Reading - Resolution #14-09
SUBMITTED BY: Leslie Peterson SECONDED BY: Khalil Abdul-Wahhab BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: March 12th, 2014
WHEREAS, Electrical Contracting Solutions (ECS) is doing work under Contract 2343, High Voltage Replacement at Buildings 9, 10, 11, 15, 16 & 20; and WHEREAS, this project is considered part of the Non-Critical repairs Riverbay must perform per the HUD loan; and WHEREAS, under the aforementioned contract 12 buildings have been completed for a total of 29 buildings completed to date; and
WHEREAS, Change Order three (3) is being requested to have ECS proceed with the next three buildings that are in need of work for a cost of $658,211.00; and WHEREAS, ECS has agreed to hold their 2009 pricing as detailed in the attached correspondence dated January 8, 2014; and WHEREAS, the Project Manager is in agreement with the change order as per the attached memorandum dated January 21, 2014. NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that the proposed Change Order Three (3) with Electrical Contracting Solutions for the not to exceed cost of $658,211.00 (Total contract amount including Change Order One (1) + Change Order Two (2) + Change
Second Reading - Resolution #14-10 SUBMITTED BY: Bill Gordon SECONDED BY: Khalil Abdul-Wahhab BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: March 12th, 2014
WHEREAS, GE Mobile Water, Inc. is doing work under Contract 2594, Water Treatment Equipment which is critical to plant operations; and WHEREAS, Change Order Three (3) is being requested to extend this contract for one (1) additional year as the services are needed until the new Water Treatment Plant is completed; and WHEREAS, additional monies will be needed in the amount of $762,165.00, this amount includes
pricing for rental of the units, demurrage of the units, field service work on the units as well as freight charges and fuel service charges; and WHEREAS, the total does not include any price increase as GE will maintain their 2012 pricing through 2014 (GE letter attached); and WHEREAS, the Project Manager is in agreement as noted on the attached memorandum dated January 3, 2014. NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that the proposed Change Order #3 to Contract 2594 with GE Mobile Water, Inc. for the cost of $762,165.00 and an extension of time (1 Year) be approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Board of Directors
to be taken at Riverbay’s discretion be approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and amended by Board of Directors Resolution 95-44 and the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective. YES: Helen Atkins, Eleanor Bailey, Bernard Cylich, Bill Gordon, Tony Illis, Francine Reva Jones, Othelia Jones, Rev. Calvin Owens, Evelyn Turner, Khalil AbdulWahhab NO: Daryl Johnson ABSTAIN: Andrea Leslie ABSENT FOR VOTE: Leah Graham ABSENT: Leslie Peterson, Al Shapiro PASSED Order Three (3) is $3,321,655.00) be approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and amended by Board of Directors Resolution #95-44 and the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective. YES: Helen Atkins, Eleanor Bailey, Bill Gordon, Leah Graham, Tony Illis, Francine Reva Jones, Othelia Jones, Rev. Calvin Owens, Evelyn Turner, Khalil AbdulWahhab NO: Bernard Cylich, Daryl Johnson, Andrea Leslie ABSENT: Leslie Peterson, Al Shapiro PASSED Resolution #85-16 and amended by Board of Directors Resolution #95-44 and the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective. YES: Helen Atkins, Eleanor Bailey, Bernard Cylich, Bill Gordon, Leah Graham, Tony Illis, Francine Reva Jones, Othelia Jones, Andrea Leslie, Rev. Calvin Owens, Evelyn Turner, Khalil Abdul-Wahhab NO: Daryl Johnson ABSENT: Leslie Peterson, Al Shapiro PASSED (Continued on page 20)
Important Notice to Shareholders of Building 10
Article SIXTH of your Occupancy Agreement provides, in part, that your lease automatically renews for an additional three (3) year period. You need to do nothing if you want your lease to extend for another three (3) year period. If you will be moving out at the end of your lease, notify Riverbay, in writing, Attention: Sales Support Office, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475, ninety (90) days prior to lease expiration.
Building 10
Current Lease Expiration Date
New 3 yr. Expiration Date
100, 120 & 140 Debs Place
June 30, 2014
June 30, 2017
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
Ralph Henriquez
Production Manager
The Co-op City Times welcomes issue-oriented letters to the editor to be considered for publication. All letters, in prose, not poetry, must be addressed to the editor, not to third parties. All letters must be handsigned by the writers and include their addresses and phone numbers, which will be kept confidential, so that the editor can verify the authenticity of the authors. Writers will be limited to one letter per topic. And to give everyone a chance, we will limit writers to one published letter every 30 days. Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Letters cannot exceed 350 words. Ideally, they should be typed. All letters must be in the Co-op City Times office in Room 21, Bartow Community Center, by 3 p.m. every Monday to be considered for publication in that week’s edition. Views and opinions expressed in letters and Directors’ Viewpoint are solely the writer’s, and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times or Riverbay Corp. Advertisements and classified advertisements in the Co-op City Times do not necessarily reflect an endorsement from Riverbay Corporation of goods and services, but present greater options to cooperators of products and services available. The Riverbay Corporation does not assume any responsibility nor is it a party to any contract or agreement between the cooperator and the vendor. All matter published herein is copyrighted by the Co-op City Times. Permission for reprints of advertising or editorial contents produced by the Co-op City Times must be obtained in writing from Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Ave., Bronx, New York 10475.
If the Co-op City Times Was Not Delivered: Call 646.261.1761 or 347-439-5632 on Saturdays ONLY, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Public Safety Report
CCPD offers “Are You Okay?” Program to residents who live alone
BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO
The Co-op City Department of Public Safety has offered the “Are You Okay?” program to residents of the community for more than 20 years. The very successful program, also known by its initials of “R.U.O.K.,” is offered to persons over the age of 60, disabled persons or homebound individuals. The “Are You Okay?” program has been responsible for numerous life saving interventions during the time that it has been in effect. The program is free of charge to Co-op City residents. Lt. Jeffrey Bowman was responsible for the inception of the program, as well as maintenance and updating of the system. Each year, the computer generated program makes more than 10,000 calls and issues more than 100 alerts requiring additional follow up. If notification that the participant is not scheduled to be home has not been received, an officer is dispatched to the apartment to insure the well being of the participant. The “Are You Okay?” program calls residents at a scheduled time between 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. The resident is requested to press a number on their telephone keypad to register that they have received the call. If the first call is not received, two more attempts are made. After the third call, an alert is issued to the Public Safety dispatchers who take steps to insure that the resident receives assistance, if necessary. Signing up for the program requires that participants leave a copy of all keys to their apartment with one or more trusted neighbor, relative or friend who resides in Co-op City. It also requires that several emergency contact persons are listed on the application. In the event that an emergency contact with keys cannot be reached, it may be necessary to force entry into the participant’s apartment. Advising the Department of Public Safety of absences, updated emergency contacts and availability of spare sets of keys minimize the chance of having entry forced. It is important for all residents to make sure they have updated emergency contact information on file even if they do not wish to participate in this program. Signing up for the program is easy. Applications are available at Co-op City’s senior citizen programs. The applications will also be available at various community functions. You can also contact Lt. Jeffrey Bowman at Public Safety at (718) 320-3300, Extension 3339, for more information or to register for the program. Information and application regarding the “Are You Okay?” program is available on our website www.ccpd.us. All cooperators should make sure that their Emergency Contact information is up to date. This can be done by contacting your CSO office at (718) 3203300, follow the prompt menu for the section in which you live. To update the information on your Key Card, it is necessary for you to appear in person at the Maintenance Office, located in the lower level of the Dreiser Community Center, 177 Dreiser Loop. To update contact information in the Emergency Alert System, please contact Public Safety at (718) 3203300, Extension 3331 or on our website, www.ccpd.us. (Continued on page 11)
Co-op City Times / March 22, 2014
2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475 • 718-320-3300
OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY
Tell your friends, relatives and employers about: CONTRACT SUMMARY
Contract 2903, Replacement & Repair of Sidewalks at Various Locations: Repair or replace concrete sidewalks on an as-needed bases. Bids Due: March 25, 2014, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. Bonding: Bonding is not required Insurance: Insurance is required
Contract 2899, Elevator Modernization at Building 14 & New Elevator for Bartow Center Bid Due: April 10, 2014 at 2 p.m. Bonding: Bonding is required Insurance: Insurance is required
Contract P600, Purchase of Perennials, Shrubs & Trees Bids Due: March 27, 2014 at 2 p.m.
Contract 610, Landscape Materials Bids Due: March 27, 2014 at 2 p.m.
Contract 607, Hand Sanitizer & Hand Wash Bids Due: March 26, 2014 at 2 p.m.
Contract 609, Samsung Zero Client – Flat Screens Bids Due: March 26, 2014 at 2 p.m.
For information on CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES ONLY, please contact: Lenya Garcia at Lgarcia@riverbay corp.com; AND Barbara Penn at Bpenn@riverbaycorp.com. Please note that emails should be sent to both parties. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Open to all applicants • Originally posted: January 16, 2014 • Job Reference # 14-03
Part-Time Porters Janitorial Candidate will perform numerous cleaning and restoration duties, such as washing, sweeping, mopping, waxing, buffing and stripping of VCT and terrazzo floors. Responsibilities include cleaning all assigned internal and external areas of the residential buildings and/or shopping centers. Seasonal duties, including leaf raking, snow removal and power washing of assigned areas, will be required as necessary. If assigned to community centers, candidate will be responsible for set-up and breakdown of center rooms for various social functions. Applicant will also need to respond to emergencies (floods, etc.) throughout the Co-op City complex, as well as the completion of other assignments from supervisor(s) as necessary. Candidate must have knowledge and experience with all janitorial procedures, techniques and machines. Applicant must possess effective written/oral communication, and good interpersonal skills. Ability to walk for long periods, twist, kneel, push, stoop, lift heavy objects (approx. 100 lbs.) and work in inclement weather. Selected candidate must successfully complete interview/selection process, as well as pre-employment screening (driver license review, urinalysis, criminal background check, verification of previous employment) Days and hours will vary. Open to all applicants March 12-28, 2014 • Originally posted: March 12, 2014 • Job Reference # 14-12
Maintenance Temporary Utilityperson (10) Under the supervision of a Maintenance Supervisor, candidate will be responsible for performing emergency and routine maintenance repairs throughout the development for the summer A/C season (April until October). Perform HVAC repairs, including clearing of condensation lines, blower fan and motor replacement. Perform plumbing repairs on lines up to 2 1/2 inches diameter. Snake sewer lines as required with manual and electric equipment, as well as perform electrical troubleshooting and repair of apartment & public space circuits and devices. Candidate will perform other duties as assigned by supervisor. Requirements - Knowledge of Maintenance techniques and procedures with an emphasis on plumbing and electrical repairs. Strong troubleshooting skills for the repair of various plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems related to hi-rise buildings and other smaller facilities. Knowledge of OSHA and safety requirements related to performing maintenance repairs. Must have effective written/oral communication in English and good customer service skills. Applicant must have ability to walk for long periods of time, twist, kneel, push, stoop, climb ladders as well as lift and carry up to 100 pounds. Valid Driver License (NY, NJ, CT, PA) Required – no exceptions. Selected candidate must successfully complete interview/selection process as well as pre-employment screening (driver license review, urinalysis, criminal background check, verification of previous employment). Days and hours may vary. Open to 32BJ Union Members: March 18 until March 24, 2014 Open to all applicants from March 24 through March 28, 2014 Originally posted: March 18, 2014
Job Reference # 14-13
Requests for internal transfer/promotion must be received by the Employee Services Department by March 25. Employees who are promoted will receive the current union scale for respective union positions, or applicable rate increase for non-union positions.
Janitorial Bulk Driver Selected candidate will be responsible for the pick-up and transport of bulk garbage, residential & commercial debris and corporate equipment throughout complex to designated area(s). Applicant will be required to maintain logs as they pertain to assigned vehicle maintenance, mileage and physical condition. Candidate may need to pick-up and deliver supplies and/or staff, in addition to general porter work. Applicant may be called upon to respond to emergencies throughout the Co-op City complex, perform seasonal duties, including snow removal, as well as the completion of other assignments from supervisor(s) as necessary. Familiarity of OSHA and safety requirements related to job performance is required. Applicant must possess effective written/oral communication in English and good interpersonal skills. Ability to walk for long periods, twist, kneel, push, stoop, lift heavy objects (approx. 100 lbs.) and work in inclement weather. Valid Driver License (NY, NJ, CT, PA) Required – no exceptions. Selected candidate must successfully complete interview/selection process, as well as pre-employment screening (driver license review, urinalysis, criminal background check, verification of previous employment). Days and hours will vary.
Applicants for EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES must apply IN PERSON at the Bartow Administrative Office, located at 2049 Bartow Avenue, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. *Riverbay Corporation is an equal opportunity employer*
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Comments in response Co-op City Times / March 22, 2014
Successful planning and accurate hadn't been notified about decision making for a community the Director’s Viewpoint this issue until now. size of Co-op City demands constant The DOH explained input and participation from cooperators. that they routinely notify Cooperator comments are important people when there is an Vice President indicators for effective action and are immediate public health highly welcomed. In my last Viewpoint concern and that in this (03/01/14), I paraphrased the writer, case, they had no evidence that the water systems Louis L'Amour by saying, “To make our in Co-op City made anyone sick. community work, we must be a neighMr. Horowitz asked if there were a statute that borhood of participants, not simply covered enforcement because no one, until last observers.” I’m pleased to say that I have week, knew that shower heads and faucets were received cooperator input that deserves supposed to be disinfected. response. Before commenting, I want to The DOH responded that there was nothing to thank the cooperators for their attention enforce because they have no evidence of a proband input. lem with Co-op City's water supply. The first Legionnaire’s Disease – Debunked case was diagnosed in June of 2012 and the second A cooperator sent me an e-mail expressing conin July of 2013. The DOH again emphasized that cern about the cases of Legionnaire’s Disease repthey were not contacted about a possible problem. orted in Co-op City. The cooperator mentioned that They found out about the cases through routine disshe believed that a Director (or the Board as a whole) ease surveillance (for Legionnaire's Disease) and should inform the community about the occurrence investigated because both patients lived in Co-op and the present status. City. I have only seen what I believe to be inflammaMr. Horowitz asked the DOH if they were still tory verbiage in the City News; so, below are monitoring the situation in Co-op City. The DOH excerpts from a ‘string’ of e-mails between Mike replied that they routinely do surveillance for Horowitz (City News editor) and a media representaLegionnaire's Disease in New York City. “If any tive from the NYC Department of Health and Mental additional cases are identified in Co-op City, we Hygiene. (Note: the information was sent to the would contact the management company and invesentire Board by a Director that regularly communitigate. No cases have occurred in Co-op City since cates with Mike Horowitz.) July of 2013.” Mr. Horowitz asked if it was definite that the I am certain that Michael Horowitz will continue Legionnaire's Disease was spread through Co-op his relentless effort to generate distrust and fear City's water system. among cooperators even though the health agency The Health Department (DOH) responded: “No. has clearly indicated that there is no reason for either. We have no evidence of a problem with Co-op City's If you have any additional questions or concerns, you water supply. We found the water systems to be wellcan call the city’s information number (311) and ask maintained, and we have been reassured by the fact to be connected to the New York City Department of that no additional cases have been reported among Health and Mental Hygiene. residents of Co-op City since July of 2013.” (If you would like to have a copy of the entire tranMr. Horowitz asked why the people of Co-op City script of e-mail communication between Mr. Horowitz
Khalil Abdul-Wahhab
and the Department of Health, please contact me.) Doomsday and the Naysayers There was a Letter to the Editor last week that referred to my March 1st Viewpoint. In that letter the cooperator said that naysayers vote YES … well, technically, they don’t, that’s why they’re called ‘naysayers’. When I speak about the naysayers and doom and gloom folks, I am not focusing on a simple Yes or a NO voting record. I am speaking about a pervasive attitude. The doomsday people – in my opinion – refuse to openly acknowledge any progress or success. Their votes (usually ‘NO’ or ‘ABSTAIN’) reflect their unwilling attitude to accept any ideas or accomplishments other than those they put forward. In that same letter, the cooperator mentioned the window installation and the power plant almost off handedly. The windows project set a world record for windows replacement. The co-generation plant not only performs well, it is a state of the art facility that set a precedent in the Tri-State area being installed in a cooperative residency. The writer wrote that the naysayers believe that lots of money was misspent in managing those projects. Maybe, but then how is it that there will only be a 1% carrying-charge increase over a two year period? I have no intention to call people names or to hold one group of Directors above another; what would be the payoff? Each Director was elected to do their best to bring benefit to the community. Most do, some do not. What I am saying is that as resident shareholders (of Riverbay Corporation), we have an obligation to preserve the community’s beauty, security, and affordability for our children. To do that properly we must approach current issues with open minds and focus on working together to increase benefits for all. If you see something, say something. Share your suggestions, complaints, or special concerns with me. Address letters to Khalil Abdul-Wahhab, c/o Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Ave. Bronx, NY 10475, call 718-3320-3300, Ext. 3351, or e-mail kwahhab10475@hotmail.com.
Electricity sales
In 2011-12, the first year of excess electricity sales to Con Ed, Riverbay received $727,839, making the three-year total of excess electricity sales to Con Ed $1,950,363. The idea of using the cogeneration plant in Co-op City to produce excess power for sale was conceived as early as the mid-eighties, but only became a fully
Church of God’s Children
Pastors Nancy & Angelo Rosario and the membership invite you to worship with us, or please visit any of the many houses of worship in the Co-op City community that are teaching God’s Word. We are located at 127 Dreiser Loop (to the right of the Montefiore Health Clinic), 718-790-9120. Schedule: Sunday Worship – Spanish, 9:30 a.m.; English Worship, 1:15 p.m.; Sunday School, 11:30 a.m. Monday: 9:30-11:30 a.m. prayer/reflections; Wed. Prayer, 7-8:30 p.m. Office hours: Tues./Thurs., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Ms. Veronica Carreras of Bronxworks will be at 159 Dreiser Loop every Thursday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and in Rm. 10, Dreiser, from 2 p.m.-7 p.m. to assist individuals and businesses with enrollment. You can call for an appt. at 646-629-3245. Visit our Goodwill Ministry at 163 Dreiser for a free coat and other items. www.rosarioministries.com. For credit restoration services, call 718-320-3873. March is Women’s History Month. We will have speakers every Sunday to speak on the roles of Women in the Bible. Sat., March 22 – Women’s History Awards Brunch – Rm. 9, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., sponsored by Pastor Deborah Jenkins – Faith at Work Christian Church. We encourage you to attend and be blessed. Sunday, March 23, our guest speaker will be Pastor Margarita Andino from Yonkers, NY. —Bishop Dr. Nancy Rosario
Cooperators United of Co-op City
Our next meeting is Tuesday, March 25th, Bartow, Room 31 at 7:00 p.m. By now, all of our Building and Townhouse representatives should have received a packet regarding the Bay Plaza Mall. If you have any questions, I can be reached at 718-379-7841 or MLSAH@aol.com. Please reach out to every person in your Building and Townhouse. That means sitting in our lobbies, or going door to door or asking our neighbors to come down to our Building and Townhouse meetings to sign the petition. Politicians can count. Numbers matter. We need everyone to get involved and show a united front. Without all of our involvement, Bartow Avenue and our surrounding streets will become impassible. This is not a political issue. The Bartow Mall is about SAFETY for us, our kids and our seniors. It’s also about the Fire Department, Ambulances and other emergency vehicles getting to us, in time, without becoming stuck in traffic. All of a sudden, we are a hot property. Look at what is going on around us. We have the mall; we have construction going on at Baychester construction going on at Carver, and construction going on outside of Co-op City that will impact us. This is our home. Traffic at Bartow is bad now. It will become worse once the mall is opened. Getting in, out and around Co-op City will be virtually impossible. This nightmare will affect all of us as we look for other ways to avoid the traffic at Bartow. However, those other ways (streets) will also become clogged. We recently read that the City is to install pedestrian signals at two Co-op City intersections. That is not enough. We are asking for a Traffic Study, creation of easy access lanes, pedestrian sidewalks, and lights. That is not too much to ask of DOT, City, State, our legislators and the developers of the mall where the majority of our us will shop. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Leslie Peterson on the loss of her son and to all who have suffered a loss. If you have any questions, please call at 718379-7841 or email MLSAH@aol.com. Thank you. —Sonja Maxwell
Co-op City Times / March 22, 2014 realizable concept when the recapitalization loan of 2004 provided the funds to begin the process of converting Riverbay’s existing plant to one capable of producing its own power with extra power for sale. Although the project fell approximately two years behind schedule because of ongoing disputes between Riverbay and the original firm contracted to install the new equipment, in early 2010 real savings began to be realized and the estimates of more than a million dollars saved per month soon became reality. The Riverbay cogeneration plant recovers steam created when it operates the turbines to create electricity and converts that steam into excess electricity which can be exported and sold to other utilities. In addition to providing energy savings, the plant produces enough energy to handle the needs of the community, as well as excess energy and capacity, which is exported and sold to other utilities. Riverbay receives revenue for its participation in
(Continued from page 1)
9 two programs from Con Ed. During the summer months, Con Ed often experiences strains on its system due to excessive heat or equipment failures and calls upon participants in these programs to provide excess power. Riverbay is paid just for being available and having qualified for the program by first satisfying a Con Ed test, and then is paid additionally when called upon to perform. Over the past two summers, Riverbay has participated in these Con Ed programs. Prior to that, Riverbay participated in the New York State Independent System Operator (NYISO) program for demand reduction, however, NYISO has since changed their rules and Riverbay no longer is eligible to participate. Riverbay is paid each summer regardless of whether called upon to produce power for Con Ed for these programs on particular days during the course of the summer or not.
10 I want to start out by saying number one, water rises, or the tide rises, to its own level, and that's not good when we're dealing with those who always seem to believe the end justifies the means. What I mean by this is that after looking at the conflict in the NAACP daycare, the three people involved, meaning two who are just involved with the NAACP and one with the daycare center, need to come together to try and resolve this problem which is continuing to the benefit of no one. There's absolutely no need to drag innocent children and their parents through the mud. We don't need the NAACP daycare to end up going the way of the Gloria Wise Boys & Girls Club. In failing and then not existing anymore, our children were the ones who were hurt the most. Some kids bonded and enjoyed going to the daycare center, looking forward to it, and because grown ups were too self-centered and couldn't get along, it may fail to continue to exist. The NAACP daycare has been helping children of all races since 1979 when it was started by the late Laura Valdez, President of the Co-op City NAACP, and a few dedicated followers. We owe a lot to the pioneers Velma Garner, Hazel Johnson, Margaret Kirton Hendricks, Eleanor Donolly, Lottie Towns, and Rubie Lasper, who were the original individuals, with Laura Valdez, who stood up and were there to take over from the former Adam Clayton Powell daycare center in 1974 or thereabouts. With the arrival of spring, and
Act like rising water Co-op City Times / March 22, 2014
Tony Illis
Director’s Viewpoint
Second Vice President
warmer weather, I hope to see improvements in a number of areas at Riverbay, however, I stress most of the time problems come from poor supervision and communication, rather than work on the part of employees. Our buildings need to be cleaned, and kept clean on a regular basis. There is no excuse to justify this not being the case. I always think of spring as the arrival of a new year, a new lease on life, one where we can make improvements. While I respect our Public Safety force and the job they are doing, there are still times when there are problems and these need to be corrected. I was in Einstein Community Center the other day and there was not one Public Safety officer to be found and kids were all around in droves, and it only takes a few bad apples to scare people, most specifically, our seniors. Most of our kids are great, and cause no problem, but people feel more secure knowing a Public Safety officer is around our community center just in case they are needed or trouble arises. I will not let go pointing out I have no idea what our elected officials do for us. Everything seems to be pomp and ceremony, with politicians promoting themselves and showing absolutely no real concern for any of us who live here in Co-op City. Maybe things will change, however, I don't see any signs
of that happening anytime soon. It still seems like a case of free food for votes, and let's call it a day, but like I said in the beginning of this viewpoint, if we act like rising water, together, we will all rise to solve the problems we are all facing. We're still waiting for money to repair our sidewalks, to see a bill proposed in Albany to free us from the selective financial burden of having to pay $4M per year for unnecessary asbestos abatement work with our floor tiles, and we're paying for political consultants to fight for our Public Safety officers to receive Peace Officer status, and paying collectively for our garbage to be taken to the Peartree facility when other communities have garbage picked up door to door. Where is this going to stop? And what do we get now? They want to take our recyclables products and take credit for it, and we get zilch. I must give kudos to our Sales Department which has been doing better in recent months and as Chairman of the Sales and Marketing Committee, I have not been getting phone calls like I used to; problems seem to be leveling off. And new apartments seem to be in much better condition, with inspections more thorough and professional. This is also the time of year to keep a bottle of bleach on hand because mold season is about to begin. Mold develops in dark, wet, warm, and moist spots and bleach can eliminate this potential problem before true damage is done. Finally, this past Saturday, the new Ghanaian organization was formed, with approximately 100 folks attending
the event. I've always said this community is one of inclusion and welcoming everyone, and with this being Women’s History Month, I’d like to recognize some of my Ghanaian sisters who were in attendance last Saturday: Helena A. Baffour, Annita Abbey, Ernestina Aboagye, Eunice Abrafi Kwarteng, Doris Adae Aborah, Karen Adarkwah, Abigail Adjei Barwuah, Juliet Adon, Mary Adu Sarkodie, Nana Konadu, Madam Akua Afriyie, Freda Aku-Dede, Joyce Amartefio, Esther Amoah, Afia Amoono Afari, Joana Andrews, Francisca Appiah, Jane Asamoah, Irene Asamoah, Majelle Asante, Grace Asiamah, Charlotte Attah, Dorothy Badu Owusu, Mary Bempong, Regina Boateng, Agnes Boateng Amankwah, Dorothy Campbell, Olivia Danuels, Jesuis Danso, Mary Duah, Gladys Frimpong, Felicia Kakraba, Florence Karikari, Catherine Kukua Amonoo, Victoria Kwansa, Rebecca Lancaster, Doris Laryea, Abigail Lucy Boahen, Margaret M. Serwaa, Eunice Naana Arthur, Veronica Nkansah, Gifty Ntiwaah, Dorcas Nyarkoha, Victoria O. nketiah, Gloria Obeng-Agyapong, Mavis Ofori, Juliana Oppong-Gyekye, Winifred Osae, Gladys Osei, Regina Osei, Mary Owusu Boadu, Adwoa Owusuaah, Khadeeja Sanni, Millicent Serebour, Animan Sika, Lydia Sintim, Mavis Teman Forson, Eunice Twumasi Ankrash, Mabel Wiafe and Mary Yartey. Let's talk, give me a call at (718) 320-8035, or email me at (718) 3208035, or email me at tonyshome10475 @gmail.com – no attachments, please.
Co-op City Times / March 22, 2014
Public Safety Blotter: March 10-15, 2014
March 15, 920 Baychester Avenue CCPD and the NYPD conducted joint operations to address quality of life violations. While several summonses for Public Consumption of Alcohol were issued, in addition to community complaints for violating Riverbay Rules against anti-social conduct. March 15, 120 Benchley Place CCPD officers observed two individuals loitering in a staircase. One female was apparently smoking a marijuana cigar and was arrested and charged accordingly. The other female was issued a community complaint for loitering. March 15, 140 Dekruif Place CCPD officers responded to a report of a person in the laundry room after hours. Upon arrival, they found a male inside consuming an alcoholic beverage. He was arrested
Public Safety
Be sure to drive safely and obey all traffic rules. Never operate a motor vehicle if you have consumed alcoholic beverages. Always buckle your seatbelt; it will save your life in a serious collision. Avoid distractions and excess speed when driving; these are the two leading causes of collisions within New York State. Be sure to Move Over for any emergency or service vehicles on the side of the road with their lights flashing. Residents are also reminded that Bike Riding is not permitted near buildings, in shopping malls or anywhere else signs prohibiting bicycle riding are posted. Always remember, if you see something, say something. Call 9-1-1 and the Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050 or online at www.ccpd.us. Callers may remain anonymous when giving information. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety would like to thank all persons who have called in suspicious activity. It is by your actions that the crime rate remains low and a high quality of life is maintained. (Cont’d from p. 7)
With deepest condolences
It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of Keith Edwards, son of Riverbay Board Director and President of the Building 13 Association, Leslie Peterson. Going Home Service will be held today, Saturday, March 22, at McCall's Bronxwood Funeral Home, 4035 Bronxwood Avenue, Bronx, NY 10466; 718-231-7647. Viewing will be from 2-5 p.m. and service will take place 5-6 p.m. Repast will follow immediately. Please keep Ms. Peterson and her family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
and issued a summons for the violations. The defendant was then returned to Bronx Criminal Court having four open warrants for his arrest. March 13, 120 Elgar Place CCPD officers observed a male in a stairway with a small quantity of marijuana. Upon spotting the officers, the male attempted to flee and tried to swallow the marijuana. Officers apprehended him and were able to recover some of the marijuana. He was booked and processed accordingly. March 13, 140 Alcott Place The NYPD executed an arrest and search warrant on the 16th floor of this location. They arrested the subject of the arrest warrant and executed a search warrant. A community complaint was also issued to the location for antisocial conduct. March 11, 4240 Hutchinson River Parkway East
11
CCPD officers responded to a report of a fight between a male and a female. Upon arrival, the officers found two females and the male at location. Upon further investigation, it was determined that as a result of a dispute, the male assaulted the female. When officers attempted to arrest the male, he fled but was apprehended a short distance away. Further investigation revealed the male had apparently hidden a substantial amount of crack/cocaine in his sneakers. The male was arrested and charged with assault and criminal possession of a controlled substance among other charges. March 11, Bartow Shopping Center A male heading home from work was assaulted and property was forcibly removed. The victim sustained minor injuries and refused medical aid. This matter is under investigation. March 10, 100 Alcott Place A male was assaulted and robbed by two unknown males. The victim had minor injuries and there is an active investigation into what occurred.
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12 My fellow shareholders, it has been more than three weeks since I put out the invite to Co-op City to be represented at Community Board # 10 meetings. What are we waiting for?? That knight on a white horse to come and rescue us? Sisters and brothers, sorry to say so, but the probability is that it will be some guy on a motorcycle or a skateboard asking us for help. Smile, only a joke. Still waiting for those folks who want to attend the Community Board #10 meetings… Folks, we have over 15,000 households here. We need to do our own things. I keep hearing talk about the lack of support we receive from our elected officials, but the voting strength of Co-op City is lousy. It represents about one-third of eligible voters who exercise their right to vote. So this is the kind of service we receive, unfortunately.
You and You Are Needed Co-op City Times / March 22, 2014
Eleanor Bailey
Director’s Viewpoint
Assistant Secretary
I must repeat, when I moved into Co-op City in the 1970’s, our voting was 99.9% strong. Each and every candidate, not their associate, courted us. Now we get a breakfast or lunch. I understand that, too, because those affairs are for the few who do vote. Again, elected officials’ obligations to us is scarce because we give so little to crow about or to show how much strength we have in their voting districts. Cooperator United has recognized it
Happy 6th Birthday, Aaliyah! As we nurture you into a blossoming flower, We are amazed at how you quietly take everything In and put them in order before you speak. You are sure to have a rewarding future ahead of you. Happy 6th birthday. We love you very much. —Grandpa Ted, Grandma Dot, Mom, Dad, Grandpa Scotty, Jermaine, Amanda, Alyssa
is time for our community to show its strength and let federal, state and city agencies and officials know they cannot walk on or around us. The Departments of Transportation of the city, state and federal governments have met with the BOARD AND MANGEMENT and still cannot understand why we are concerned about the traffic mess that is about to explode with the opening of the Mall at Bay Plaza. Cooperators United has requested that each building and townhouse unit obtain signatures on their petitions for Co-op City to show we mean business. Those agencies do not recognize the lack of safety we are experiencing crossing our neighborhood streets — the uneven sidewalks and traffic lights which has cars turning left or right without giving the walker the right of passage to the other side of the street.
Heat Shutdown in Asch Loop Townhouses
Please be advised that the heat will be shut down at the Asch Loop Townhouses on Wednesday, March 26, 1-3 p.m., to install new valves to the dual temp system. As soon as the work has been completed, heat will be restored. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience in this matter. —CSO (Bartow)
These agencies have plans to make access to Bay Plaza easier, but nothing on how to get transportation out except through our crowded streets. Evidently, Bay Plaza does not care about its lack of handicap accessibility or any of its pedestrian crossings. FOLKS, we and only we, can change this picture. Losers we shall be. Let’s not wait until the doors are shut and we are standing on the outside trying to get in. Petitions should be available through your building president or officers. My thing is letters or postcards or telephone calls which I believe are counted and valued even more. That information is available, too. 60,000 shareholders, let’s turn a new page and do whatever needs to be done by us for us. Contact me, Eleanor G. Bailey, Riverbay Board of Directors, 2049 Bartow Ave., Bx., N.Y. 10475.
Deep Sadness
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Nathan Silverstein of Building 19 on March 11. He was the husband of Doris Silverstein and the father of Jason and the late Herbert Silverstein. He will be sorely missed. —Mrs. Doris Silverstein and son, Jason
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Co-op City Times / March 22, 2014
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Anger - Verizon Resolution voted down Co-op City Times / March 22, 2014
We had a Board meeting on Wednesday, Director’s March 12th, and we voted on several resolutions. However, only one resolution was printed in this paper last week, March 15th. That resolution was about having a meeting with the representatives from Verizon. Verizon Resolution Was printing that one resolution about inviting Verizon to come here supposed to be a slap in the face to all of our cooperators? Ridiculous! I don't care what anyone says. In my opinion, something negative is probably going on behind the scenes that makes things unfavorable for Verizon to come here. Look, the resolution was simple. I even drafted a letter to be signed by the president, Bill Gordon. "That all steps will be taken by our board of directors and our management agents to secure a meeting with the representatives of the Verizon organization within 30 days of the approval of this resolution." If that resolution had passed, then those representatives could have laid out their plans for this community. But, this resolution was voted down. Here are the Board members that outright voted no: Helen Atkins, Eleanor Bailey, Bill Gordon, Othelia Jones, and Rev. Calvin Owens. Tony Illis and Khalil Abdul-Wahhab abstained from this vote, therefore two other ‘no’ votes. This Board considers an abstention vote as a vote of no. Leslie Peterson and Al Shapiro were absent. The other Board members—Bernard Cylich, Leah Graham, Francine Jones, Andrea Leslie, Evelyn Turner, and I—voted yes. Boiler Demolition Resolution Water started pouring in from the ceiling in our Board room during this same meeting. But, that flood wasn't enough to cool down the following discussion over a resolution about the demolition of a boiler. Contractors came here several times and placed bids on the demolition work for a boiler. One contractor, IJZ Associates, Inc., initially placed a bid for $93,910. Thereafter, this contractor was allowed to more than double the bid to $187,835. Now, according to the res-
olution, this was the result of a "mathematical error." But, guess how much it was expected to cost for this demolition work? One manager told me that it was expected to cost $200,000 for this demolition work. Now, what do you think happened here? Community Problems Recently, a cooperator called in about a complaint about some lights that were out near Carver Loop. "Those lights were out for a month," he said. Thereafter, our skilled team of workers managed to get those lights going in one day. So, I want to thank the cooperator for the call. And, I want to thank the following workers for doing a good job with those lights: Matt Kroell, Toma Kastrati, Lou Loscalzo, Michael Sanders, Michael Tedeschi, and all of our electricians. Everyone, please get involved and report problems to our CSO Department at 718-320-3300. Thanks. Building 25 - Broken Mailboxes I've printed several articles in this paper about the broken mailboxes in Building 25. I've spoken to the post office manager, 718-515-5698, several times about this problem. Additionally, I've complained to the main post office on 33rd Street about this situation. Update: On March 15, I went back to the Conner Street post office to pick up my mail and to see why our mailboxes are still broken. Then, I asked if the manager or a supervisor was present. The mail clerk responded, "No. They're not here." I asked: "Do you know if our mailboxes are going to get fixed?" The mail clerk then stated: "I don't know anything about that." Look, this is complete nonsense! There is no way that we can have any business functioning in this way in our community. It's not going to happen. And, if it does happen, then we will take action against that business. Let's briefly review this case so that we can be on the same page. Similar to the other buildings, we have mailboxes that are grouped together in clusters. Each cluster of mailboxes opens with one lock. However, several of
these locks are broken in Building 25. Now, first, they told me that they didn't have any locks. Then, at another time, a clerk said that they had locks, but they didn't have a repair person to install them. Thereafter, the manager told me on Saturday, March 1st, that the mailboxes would be fixed by Monday, March 3rd. Then, on March 8th, they said that they received the locks from another post office. But, amazingly, they didn't have the keys to those locks. So now, since this post office can't get their act together, then this matter needs to go to the next level. Therefore, I've filed complaints with their bosses in NYC and in Washington, DC. And, now, we're going to see how this matter gets resolved. Patrick R. Donahoe, Postmaster General of the United States Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20260-0010. United States Postal Service, Consumer Affairs, 380 West 33rd Street, STE 4048, New York, NY 101999619. Their phone and fax numbers are: 1-800-ASKUSPS; and Fax: 212-330-3665. Bottom line: We are not going to have our cooperators go to Conner Street to pick up their mail. And, this post office will fix our mailboxes. Close What do you think about those Board members that cancelled our attempt to have a meeting with Verizon? All of this nonsense will stop and we will fire our management company if things go well with this election. So, please vote properly. Thank you. Questions or comments? Please send a message to: Daryl Johnson, Riverbay Board Director, c/o Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. Or, please send a message to me at darylhjohnson@optonline.net (Please double-check the spelling of this address). Also, please call me at 718671-4544 if you don't receive a response from your message. You can also join me on Facebook by typing in: Daryl H. Johnson. Okay, that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful week. And, may God bless you and your family. Thank you.
Lambright, Andrea Leslie, Dolores Rankin, Claudia Sampson, Bruce Silberman and Sheila Sinclair. Finally, the CTSAH held a general membership meeting at which we voted unanimously on a slate of five candidates for this year’s upcoming Riverbay Board election. We also formed an Election Campaign Committee. We
will be providing more details about our slate and platform in the coming weeks. We look forward to your continued support. You can also visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.co/ctsah10475 where you can post your comments and photos of the 1st Annual Mardi Gras Dance. —Sebastian Ulanga
Daryl Johnson Viewpoint
Coalition to Save Affordable Housing
On behalf of the Coalition to Save Affordable Housing and our community organizations and local businesses, such as People’s United Bank, Community Fitness and Pear Tree Nails & Beauty Supply, that supported us, I’d like to express our deepest gratitude. Our 1st Annual Fundraiser Mardi Dance was a huge success. Well over 200 guests attended and danced the night away to the extraordinary sounds of Classic Soul, Salsa, Soca, Reggae, R & B provided by DJ O. Minaya who warms up the audience for the “Wendy Williams Show” Monday through Friday. We couldn’t have asked for a better D.J. We did a little line dancing, even staged a Soul Train line, Followed the Leader (similar to a Conga Line, in case you’re wondering what that looks like), and, of course braved the Wobble. No one could resist the urge to dance because the music was truly great! In keeping with the theme of Mardi Gras, “Laissez les bonnes temps rouler,” we did indeed let the good times roll with the help of an awesome mixologist. If you were there, then you too can attest to the fact: we had a ball! There were beautiful ladies and gents all decked out in their party finest with colorful masks to support the continued CTSAH activities to promote affordable housing in our community. The weather was awesome! We couldn’t have asked for a better evening to host our 1st Annual Mardi Gras Dance. There were door prizes awarded and a 50/50 raffle. Even the ladies got a shout out from Riverbay Board member Bernie Cylich who was celebrating his birthday. We sang Happy Birthday (Stevie Wonder’s version), and Bernie reciprocated by giving each of the ladies at the dance a rose in commemoration of Women’s History Month. Way to go Bernie! For those of you who couldn’t attend the 1st Annual Mardi Gras Dance, we hope that you will do your best to make it to our next one. No excuses! I’d like to thank the following members for all the hard work that went into making the 1st Annual Mardi Gras Dance such a huge success: Linda Berk, Judy Camacho, Yolanda Canales-Schumann, Stuart Edwards, Ebony
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Co-op City Times / March 22, 2014
Building 27 Association
Hello, neighbors. Spring is on the way, looking forward to it, how about you? The association general meeting was held on March 20, and our speaker was our site manager, Ms. Lois English, who will give an update of what was shared with the shareholders. FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE: There is a tentative date for a trip to Atlantic City on Saturday, June 21; More information to follow. DEADLINE: MARCH 31ST, 2014: THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT Reminder if you, family or friends are not sure of one’s health and medical
status, please call 3-1-1. COLLECTION OF ANNUAL DUES: The dues are $5 per apartment for each building, A, B, and C and the date to collect is Friday, March 28th, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. We thank you for your contribution in advance. NEW COOPERATORS - You are welcome to attend any events in the community, keep an eye out on the bulletin boards, wherein there are much information of what is happening in our community. There will also be information regarding your building association in the Co-op City Times newspaper
In Loving Memory By now, many already know of the passing of Ms. Frenchie McDaniel. As President of Building 21 Association, I owe a great deal of gratitude to her for creating the situation for me to be enlightened to the goings on and critical importance of attending Building Association meetings. In addition to being an active member of the community, she was also founder of the Ladies Auxiliary of Co-op City. May she rest in peace among the greats that we were blessed to know. As the circle of life continues to hover in and around us all, let us also acknowledge the passing of Sue Lyons, a longtime former resident of Building 21. We would also like to welcome the return of Ms. Barbara Cokely from Bld. 21A. She has been out of commission for
quite some time now, but seems to be recovering well. We must continue to encourage good health and well-being throughout our community. It is not only the right thing to do, but it is also vital to our survival. Our last meeting was incredible. We had many sign-ups for floor captains. Ten people won NY Lotto scratch off cards. Two confirmed winners less than $100. But three people refused to reveal what theirs was. Wow!!! But they are entitled to their privacy. All floor captains attending received a free Preferred Customer Travel Card, giving them the opportunity to save on cruises/car rentals/hotels over and over again. We are neighbors and we are family, we will all win by working, sharing and living together. For further correspon-
from time to time. WOMEN HISTORY MONTH To those women who try to make a positive difference or change in our homes, community and social lives, CONGRATULATIONS. We have women such as Hazel Dukes and Leticia James, who spoke to us at an event this month, encouraging us to take a stand for the causes and issues one believe in. JASA WORKSHOP: These workshops were held on Fridays, Feb. 28, Mar. 7th and Mar. 14th. I personally would like to thank JASA for presenting this workshop for those inspired
Building 21 Association
dence: 21association@gmail.com or call us at: 347-504-1821. —Kevin Lambright
Frenchie McDaniel
ones who are concerned and who voice their opinions on issues. The workshop taught one must be involved to make a difference. Those that are celebrating a special day, birthdays this month, hope you received all your heart desired. We extend our deepest sympathy to those who have lost a loved one. We continue to pray for the sick and shut-in and also for those on the mend that you will be well soon. May we continue to keep our communities and leaders everywhere in prayer, that we all will serve in the spirit of unity. —H. Overman
Notice of non-delivery of the Co-op City Times
The Co-op City Times is the official newspaper of the residents of Co-op City. It is distributed to every residential building and townhouse cluster on Saturdays. If you do not receive the paper, it is imperative that you call the distributor between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at (347) 439-5632 or (646) 261-1761. You should also contact the Co-op City Times office at (718) 320-3300, Ext. 3375, or email us at cctimes@riverbaycorp.com, to notify us so that we can follow-up with the distributor to ensure that the situation is addressed and corrected, especially if it is an ongoing problem. Please note that the Co-op City Times or its distributor is not responsible for the package of circulars. Thank you for your cooperation.
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Co-op City Times / March 22, 2014
Riverbay Board Election Rules and Regulations
✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭ GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS RELATIVE TO THE RIVERBAY CORPORATION’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION AND THE ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS MEETING GOVERNED BY RIVERBAY CORPORATION BY-LAWS WEDNESDAY MAY 21, 2014.
A. GENERAL RULES 1. The election of Directors of Riverbay Corporation and the Annual Shareholders Meeting will take place on Wednesday, May 21, 2014, (hereafter "Election Day"), beginning at 6:00 a.m. and ending at 9:00 p.m. In addition, the Election Committee reserves the right to extend voting hours. 2. The election will be for five residents to serve on the Board of Directors and as many as needed to fill unexpired terms. 3. The Riverbay Board Election Committee shall be established during the month of January in any calendar year. a) The election shall be supervised by a Riverbay Board Election Committee (hereinafter "Committee"). b) The Chairman of the Committee shall be a member of the Riverbay Board of Directors, (hereinafter "Board") who is not a candidate in the election. c) The Chairman and Committee shall be appointed by the President and approved by the Board. All members shall be resident shareholders of Co-op City. d) The Committee shall be assisted by the Corporation's General Counsel or an attorney retained by the Corporation's Board of Directors. e) No member of the Committee or their immediate family shall in any way engage in any campaigning either for or against a candidate or slate of candidates. Committee members shall, to the extent reasonably possible, refrain from publicly commenting upon any issue in the campaign, and shall not engage in any activity which may create the appearance of partiality. Members of the Committee who are also members of the Corporation's Board of Directors shall refrain from writing viewpoints during the period of time commencing one week prior to the Date of Certification and continuing through the date of the election. f) A member of the Committee who violates the provisions of paragraph "e" or whose family member violates the provisions of paragraph "e" shall immediately be removed from the Committee. g) Nothing contained herein shall be construed as limiting a member of the Committee or a member of his/her immediate family from signing a nominating petition or voting. 4. There will be one vote per unit by residents who were shareholders on April 7, 2014. 5. Voting will be on May 21, 2014 by voting machines supplied by the Board of Elections. One voting machine will be placed in each of the 65 lobbies that compromise Co-op City from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. B. RULES FOR ELEGIBILTY OF CANDIDATES 1. A candidate must be a resident shareholder as indicated on the candidate's stock certificate, occupancy agreement and the current Occupants Annual Affidavit of Family Income and must continue to reside in Co-op City for the entire term of office in order to serve as a Director. 2. No more than one resident shareholder of a single unit may be a candidate for the Board of Directors; and no more than one resident shareholder from a single unit may serve as a Director.
3. No candidate may be indebted to the Corporation when picking up petitions; on the date they are certified; on the date votes are counted; and must remain current throughout the election period until the candidate is sworn in if elected, for unpaid carrying charges or other debts to the Corporation. If a candidate is indebted to the Corporation on any of these days, the candidate will be disqualified. At the close of business on the date the petition period ends and weekly thereafter, Riverbay's Finance Director will provide a written list to the Chair of the Election Committee of all candidates' indebtedness to the Corporation, if any. For the purpose herein, a candidate who is current on a written arrearage agreement shall be considered current on charges to the Corporation if such candidate is not otherwise indebted to the Corporation. No candidate shall have felony convictions or convictions of misdemeanors involving moral turpitude. 4. It is inappropriate for any person or entity doing business, or soliciting business with the Corporation, including present or prospective managing agents and contractors, vendors, professionals, unions, their employees, or persons having a direct or indirect interest in such companies to make campaign contributions or pay campaign expenses, whether in cash or in-kind, of persons running for the Board of Directors of a housing company. Directors of a corporation act in a fiduciary capacity with respect to the corporation, and are required to place the corporation's interest above their personal interests. Accepting campaign contributions from parties who contract with the corporation creates at least an appearance of a conflict of interest and, in most circumstances, an actual conflict as well. Any candidate who knowingly accepts campaign contributions or payment of campaign expenses, direct or indirect, in cash or in-kind from any person or entity doing business or soliciting business from the Corporation, including but not limited to the managing agent, or any vendor, union, professional or contractor, their employees, or persons having a direct or indirect interest in such companies, will be disqualified. C. RULES FOR CERTIFICATION OF CANDIDATES 1. Official Petition Forms (hereinafter "Petition"), in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 1, will be distributed to candidates at Riverbay Corporation's administration office, starting on Monday, March 24, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. Prospective candidates will also receive a copy of these Election Rules and Regulations (hereinafter "Rules"), and a copy of an agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 2. Prospective candidates are required to pick up their own petition materials. 2. a) The name of each candidate on a Petition and on the ballot must correspond to the name of the candidate as it appears on his/her occupancy agreement and signature card, or the name by which each candidate is commonly known. b) Each candidate's name and address must appear on the Petition sheet both at the time it is being circulated for signatures and at the time it is submitted.
c) No Petition shall be left in a commercial establishment located in Co-op City, nor shall any employee of such establishment circulate a petition in such establishment. This shall not preclude a cooperator who is employed in such a commercial establishment from circulating Petitions during the period when he/she is not working, or is outside of the premises of such establishment. 3. In order to be nominated, a candidate shall submit a Petition containing the signatures of at least seventy-five (75) resident shareholders (one per unit) within the time specified in these Rules. Each resident shareholder may sign the Petition of more than one candidate, but no more than one resident shareholder of a single unit may sign the Petition of any one candidate, with the earliest dated signature of a unit to be counted. In order to be verifiable, each signature should appear as it does on the shareholder's occupancy agreement, along with an address and/or building number and apartment number. Signatures that cannot be verified will be eliminated. 4. In order to assist the candidates in obtaining signatures correctly, each candidate will be given a list of building addresses containing corresponding building numbers with the petition package. 5. Completed Petitions must be returned to Riverbay no later than 5:00 p.m., on Monday, April 7, 2014. The Committee will designate an official or officials to receive the Petitions. A receipt will be issued for each Petition filed. 6. No set of Petitions will be accepted unless filed with an executed copy of the agreement attached hereto as Exhibit 2, acknowledging the candidate's receipt of these Rules and the candidate's agreement to abide by the Rules. If a candidate fails to provide such agreement to the Committee, the set of Petitions will not be valid, and the candidate shall be disqualified. 7. The Committee will certify Petitions as valid or reject them as invalid by 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April l5, 2014. Notice of the Committee's certification will be published in the Co-op City Times within ten days thereafter. 8. The Committee shall hold a briefing on the Rules for all candidates or their designees immediately after the random drawing called for under Section E, Paragraph 8. D. CAMPAIGNING STANDARDS OF CONDUCT 1. No audio and/or video equipment may be used in Co-op City by candidates or by those campaigning for candidates in connection with the election. 2. The posting of all campaign signs, literature and other material (posters, gummed stickers, etc.) in Co-op City is prohibited except on personal property, with the owner's permission. Campaign flyers may not be posted in commercial establishments within Co-op City. Residents, employees, and all candidates and their supporters may remove any improperly posted material as a service to Co-op City, and the Committee will cause a notice to this effect to be published in the Co-op City Times. 3. Except for the material prepared and published by Riverbay as described herein,
all literature used or distributed by or for a candidate must include the name, address, or post office box of the person or organization who issued such literature, and in the case of an organization, the name of the chairperson or treasurer. 4. Campaign literature may be slipped under apartment doors between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., and campaign handouts are permitted. 5. The unauthorized use of the Riverbay logo in any form is prohibited for use in or on campaign materials. (Resolution #9396). 6. No member of the Election Committee, Riverbay Board of Directors, Riverbay employees, Riverbay’s Management Staff or any contractor can participate in any prize(s) approved by the Riverbay Board of Directors during its election. E. USE OF CO-OP CITY FACILITIES FOR CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES 1. There shall be three official candidates' forums. One forum shall take place on Monday, April 28, 2014 in Auditorium B, Dreiser Center, at 7:30 p.m. The second forum shall take place on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 in the Bartow Communitv Center, Rm. 31 at 7:30 p.m. The third forum shall take place on Monday, May 12, 2014 in the Einstein Community Center, Rm. 45 at 7:30 p.m. No person, other than authorized Riverbay personnel must use audio or video equipment at either forum. All certified candidates will be invited to participate in the forums. If a candidate cannot attend the forum, and the candidate provides the Election Committee Chairman with the reason for non-attendance, the Committee Chairman, with the permission of the candidate, may announce the reason to the audience. 2. The use of any outdoor space owned by Riverbay for public gatherings related to the election is prohibited. 3. No candidate or organization may use the facilities of Riverbay Corporation for campaign activities, except as provided herein, unless applicable rates for the use of such facilities have been paid in advance to the Corporation, and unless all candidates can be provided with equal access to such facilities or services. 4. At no cost, Riverbay will publish pictures of each candidate and three different narrative statements or articles by each candidate in three successive issues of the Co-op City Times beginning with the Saturday, April 26, 2014 issue. The Editor shall set the deadlines and technical standards for these submissions. All candidates' articles will be reviewed by the Committee prior to publication. The Committee reserves the right to delete any material which, in its opinion, contains libelous statements, personal attacks, or material misstatement of fact. 5. In conjunction with the statements described herein, Riverbay will also publish at no charge a 1/4 page campaign ad by each candidate in three successive issues of the Co-op City Times beginning with the Saturday, April 26, 2014 issue. The same ad will be used in each of the (Continued on next page)
Co-op City Times / March 22, 2014
Riverbay Board Election Rules and Regulations
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✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭ three issues and will appear opposite each candidate's article for that week. The Editor shall set the deadlines and technical standards for these submissions. All ad copy will be reviewed by the Committee prior to publication. The Committee reserves the right to delete any material, which in its opinion constitutes a libelous statement, personal attack, or material misstatement of fact. 6. a) Campaigning by prospective candidates or their supporters may not begin until the day after the candidates' meeting is held, pursuant to Section E, Paragraph 8. b) Starting on the day candidates are certified and continuing during the period of the campaigning, Board members who are not running for election shall be free to continue to write Viewpoints of a "nonpolitical" nature except that they may endorse candidates in one viewpoint only. It shall not be deemed to be "political" for a non-candidate Board member to describe the activities and achievements of the Board as a whole, including the activities of any incumbent candidates. In the event the Board as a whole wishes to publish a joint Viewpoint, it may do so, but only if the Viewpoint has been unanimously approved by the full Board. c) Information of an operation, maintenance or emergency of a non-political nature may be published by the General Manager during this period of time. d) In the event that an article appears in a publication other than the Riverbay sponsored publication, which is currently titled the "Co-op City Times," in which the actions of the Board as a whole, or of an individual Board member are challenged, a Board member shall have the right to respond to such challenge, without regard to whether the Board member is a candidate in the election and without regard to the political nature ofthe comment. e) The same right shall apply to candidates who are not members of the Board of Directors. 7. A candidates meeting shall be held on Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at 8:00 p.m., in the Bartow Community Center, Room 31. Only certified candidates or their written designee may attend this meeting. A random drawing will be made to determine the order of placement of candidate statements and free campaign ads in each of the three election issues of the Co-op City Times and the order of speakers at the candidates' forum. The drawing for order of speakers will also determine the relative position of each candidate's name on a ballot. Names on the ballot will automatically rotate. 8. Campaign ads other than those provided by Riverbay may be placed in the Co-op City Times but must be paid in full by money order or certified check at least 48 hours before the normal deadline of an issue. The Committee will review all paid campaign ads prior to publication and reserves the right to reject any copy which, in its sole judgment, contains libelous statements, personal attacks or material misstatement of fact. 9. The election of a Board of Directors is a right of residents of Co-op City. Employees living in Co-op City are encouraged to exercise their rights as residents of the community during the Board of Directors election within the scope of this policy. All Riverbay employees are
reminded that as employees they have a duty of loyalty to Riverbay and should not engage in any activity which raises the appearance of impropriety. Participation in the electoral process must not interfere with employees' work duties. All employees shall refrain from engaging in any activity that might be construed as an attempt to abuse their positions as employees for the purpose of influencing the outcome of the election. Examples of acts that may be deemed to be an abuse of an employee position include: soliciting donations for particular candidate(s), distributing campaign material for or against particular candidate(s), or engaging in any other activity that may reasonably be viewed as an abuse of position. Non-resident employees and employee groups and organizations are prohibited from participation in the electoral process. Candidates who encourage, accept, or knowingly benefit from such prohibited participation are subject to disqualification by the Committee. This policy does not affect employees' right to engage in other concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection, or their right to refrain from any or all such activities. F. BALLOTING AND CERTIFICATION 1. Voting will be by machine and by absentee ballot and by paper ballot in the event that a machine breaks down or the voting is laid over beyond May 21, 2014, in order to achieve a quorum. 2. The Election Committee shall certify to the Board of Directors the names of the candidates who have been elected, as follows: (a) The five candidates who have received the highest number of votes will be certified to the Board as having been elected to full three-year terms. (b) The candidate receiving the sixth highest vote shall be certified as having been elected to a vacant Board seat, if any, which will have the longest unexpired term. (c) The Committee shall continue the certification of candidates by certifying the candidate with the next highest vote for each vacancy by the longest unexpired terms, if necessary, until all vacant seats on the Board are filled. 3. Each candidate will be allowed to have one resident observer present at the tallying of the votes. Candidates wishing such representation must submit to the Committee the name of the observer along with their petitions. The observer shall not interfere in any way with the tallying procedures. 4. The Board of Elections of the City of New York will assist the Corporation with the election for directors, in accordance with the governance of the New York State Election Law, Chapter #3-224, which permits the opportunity for such entities as Riverbay Corporation to utilize voting machines supplied by the Board of Elections of the City of New York and Chapter #3-506.2 which pertains to the scope of other auxiliary support services available. 5. One voting machine will be placed in the lobby of each of the sixty-five (65) lobbies of the buildings that comprise Co-op
City, thereby facilitating the election of certified candidates to the Corporation's Board of Directors on May 21, 2014, from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. 6. (a) The primary source of hiring of Inspectors shall be from a listing of Riverbay Corporation shareholders. Additional source shall be from The New York City Board of Election list. (b) Training sessions are to be given to ensure qualifications for working at the polls. No priority is to be given to individuals who have previously worked the polls unless they pass the training session. (c) A minimum of 6 classes of at least 25 participants will be necessary for recertification and training classes. All Inspectors shall attend their session in order to receive enumerations. 7. The Corporation will produce a computer generated register list of shareholders' signatures for each building in order to accept shareholders as duly authorized to cast a vote and to permit their signatures to be validated. Riverbay will instruct poll workers on the proper procedure to accept or challenge a shareholder's right to vote. The register list will contain a sample of the signature for each shareholder organized by apartment or unit number. At each voting place, a number of written ballots will be available for use in the event there is a defect or breakdown in the voting machines. The emergency ballot will be deposited into a box for emergency ballots. In addition, the shareholder should sign the register and the poll worker will note after the shareholder's signature the letter "E', standing for emergency ballot. In this way, the count of the voting machine, plus the emergency ballot submitted, should equal the number of shareholders who have signed the voting register. There shall be signatures of two (2) Inspectors on envelopes produced for emergency ballots. These envelopes should be checked for legibility of voter name and apartment. Emergency ballots shall have signatures of person/poll inspector who receives them. 8. The Riverbay Election Committee will provide procedures for obtaining and returning absentee ballots. These procedures will be contained in the notice of shareholders meeting which will be published in the Co-op City Times in a prominent and conspicuous place. 9. No emergency ballot will be opened or counted until the register list and papers from the buildings has been delivered by Public Safety to the committee. a) Absentee ballots shall not be opened nor counted until it has been determined the shareholder is valid to vote and has not voted at a voting machine. 10. Coordinators in charge of building Inspectors shall verify all forms utilized in the voting process by their signatures for completeness and legibility before they are transported to the Bartow Community Center Public Safety headquarters. 11. The Corporation's public safety officers will be responsible for maintaining control over the election results at the close of the voting time period by securing and delivering the sealed voting record from each voting machine after it is tallied and sealed by the designated
poll worker to the Corporation's administrative offices for collection and counting. 12. The Board of Elections of the City of New York will have no direct involvement with the candidates except for offering them and all interested parties an opportunity to visit the Board of Elections of the City of New York to inspect the machines and look at the rotated name placement of candidates in the machines. Any challenges to the process will be accepted through the Election Committee's system of handling inquiries and challenges posed by a shareholder or candidate. Those in charge of Inspectors (Coordinators) shall verify all polling forms which shall be submitted at the end of voting time by shareholders for completeness and legibility. 13. Each slate of candidates and each independent candidate will be entitled to have up to five resident poll watchers observing the balloting procedure. Independent candidates and slates of candidates wishing such representation must submit to the Committee the names of such poll watchers along with their Petitions. The poll watchers shall not interfere in any way with the voting procedures. Photo identification will be issued by the Corporation for each poll watcher. 14. Voting machines and paper ballots will not be opened until it has been determined that a quorum exists. In the event that it has been determined that a quorum does not exist, pursuant to Article II, Section 6 of the Corporation's By-laws, the meeting shall be laid over and continued for a period of not more than eight (8) days for the sole purpose of conducting, counting and reporting the vote. The vote from the machines will be sealed at the end of voting at approximately 9:00 p.m. on May 21, 2014, and secured by the Corporation's Public Safety Officers if a quorum is not reached. Commencing Thursday, May 22, 2014, at 8:00 a.m., paper ballots will be available in the building lobbies through Riverbay's poll workers for eligible shareholders who did not vote on May 21, 2014. 15. If a quorum is not achieved within the eight days of the "laid over" meeting, then pursuant to Article II, Section 4 (Quorum) of the by-laws, the Secretary shall notify the shareholders of the time and place of an adjourned meeting which shall be held within 20 days from the eighth day of the meeting at which a quorum did not attend, by sending a notice as required by Section 3 of Article II of the Corporation's By-laws. The Election Committee will maintain an official list of the candidates and of the vote count. The Election Committee will tally the votes and certify the count. Upon completion of the tally, the Election Committee will provide the Board an official list of candidates and of the vote count. The results of the election will be posted in the three community centers by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 29, 2014, and published in the next issue of the Co-op City Times. G. DISQUALIFICATION OF CANDIDATES FOR MISCONDUCT 1. The Committee may recommend the disqualification of a candidate for violation (Continued on page 20)
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Co-op City Times / March 22, 2014
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Co-op City Times / March 22, 2014
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Co-op City Times / March 22, 2014
Riverbay Board Election Rules and Regulations
✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭ of these rules, or impose an administrative charge, not in excess of the actual administrative cost to the cooperative of $300.00 on any candidate or any other resident that it determines, after a hearing in accordance with the Rules as set forth in "H" below, has violated, or caused or knowingly permitted others to violate these Rules. Such fee will be charged to the appropriate resident shareholder as follows: a) Notification of the Election Committee's decision will be hand delivered to the candidate by Riverbay's Department of Public Safety or if not home, left under the candidate's apartment door. b) Upon receipt of the notification of a fine, the candidate is indebted to the Corporation and payment is due at the bookkeeping office located at 2049 Bartow Avenue, along with a copy of the notice by 5:00 p.m. on the second business day following delivery of the notice by Public Safety. 2. Any candidate may object to a determination of the Committee, pursuant to Section G (1) above, and may, within ten (10) days of the notice by Public Safety, request a review of such determination by the Riverbay Corporation Cooperator Appeals Committee. H. CHALLENGES TO VOTING RESULTS 1. Any resident may challenge the certification of a candidate for election irregularities or qualifications by notifying the Chair of the Election Committee of the challenge, c/o Legal Department. The notice of challenge must be in writing. Such letter must set forth the reason for the challenge. This letter must be delivered by hand to the Legal Department by 5:00 p.m., on Thursday, May 29, 2014. Should the Committee find the challenge to be without merit, it may dispense with a hear-
ing and reject the challenge. If, after reviewing the notice of the challenge, the Committee determines that the challenge sets forth substantial questions concerning the certification of any candidate or candidates, then the Committee may hold a formal hearing to review the challenge. These hearings shall be scheduled with prior notice to the challenger and the candidates whose certifications are being challenged. The hearing shall take place no later than three days after the Committee's receipt of the challenge. The Chairperson may request a member recuse him/her self from the hearing if such committee member has a conflict of interest. 2. Upon notice of a formal hearing by the Committee, the challenger or candidate whose certification is being challenged (hereafter party or parties) may submit affidavits (to the Chairman of the Election Committee), setting forth the charges and facts. Such affidavits shall be delivered by hand to the opposing party's home address. At the hearing, either party may present testimony supporting their position. No witness will be allowed to present evidence except under oath as administered by the Chairperson of the Committee. No witness will be called on behalf of a challenger, unless the challenger has submitted an affidavit from the witness prior to such testimony and served it upon the candidate in the manner as set forth above. Challenger will also be required to appear at such hearing at the same time that the witness must appear. At any hearing, the General Counsel to the Corporation or any attorney designated by the General Counsel, shall be present to advise the Committee, and any candidate or resident participant shall be entitled to be represented by counsel of his or her own choice at his or her own expense.
Second Reading - Resolution #14-12 SUBMITTED BY: Bill Gordon SECONDED BY: Khalil Abdul-Wahhab BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: March 12th, 2014
WHEREAS, the Contracts Department sent twenty two (22) requests for proposals for Bid #2889 (REBID), Demolition of Riley Stoker Boiler #2; and
WHEREAS, we received six (6) proposals which were reviewed in detail by the Project Manager; and WHEREAS, the contractor’s original bid was for $93,910.00 due to mathematical errors the contractor has proposed an amended amount of $187,835 to complete the project (see attached letter from IJZ Associates (IJZ) dated February 7, 2014); and WHEREAS, the Project Manager feels IJZ is capable of meeting the specifications for the project and therefore
Second Reading - Resolution #14-13 SUBMITTED BY: Khalil Abdul-Wahhab SECONDED BY: Bill Gordon BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING DATED: March 12th, 2014
WHEREAS, On April 18, 2012 the Board voted unanimously to approve Resolution #12-25 to support legislation to grant full peace officer status to Riverbay’s Public Safety Officer; and WHEREAS, the Board subsequently
voted to approve Resolution #12-41 to retain the firm MirRam Group to lobby Albany for the passage and enactment of legislation granting full peace officer status to Riverbay Public Safety Officer for a one year period at the rate of $7,500.00 per month; and WHEREAS, The MirRam Group reports success during the 2013 legislative session in having bills introduced in both the Assembly and Senate, see attached memo, and requests that their retainer be extended for one year, at the same rate of $7,500
3. At such hearing, the Committee Chairperson shall be the presiding officer and shall make any ruling with respect to procedure. In the event a member of the Committee who is present shall dispute such a ruling by the Chair, the Chair may be overruled by a majority vote of those members present. After testimony by a witness for either party, the opposing party shall have the right to question the witness. 4. At the conclusion of such hearing, the Committee may disqualify the candidate for a violation of these Rules, apply other sanctions as set forth in Section G (1) of these Rules, or dismiss the charges brought. In order to disqualify a candidate, such violation must be deemed to be material by the Committee in light of the number of votes cast for the candidate and the number cast in the election. If a candidate who is disqualified received one of the highest vote counts, the candidate shall be ineligible to take office. The candidate who received the next highest count will be certified to the Board in his or her place. (If more than one candidate is disqualified, the next candidate or candidates with the highest vote will be certified). 5. The decision of the Committee shall constitute the final determination on the qualification of a candidate, and the Committee shall report any such disqualification to the Board of Directors promptly in writing, stating the reasons therefor. The Board of Directors, by majority vote, shall determine whether or not it shall confirm the Committee's determination. The Committee shall certify the elected candidates to the Board of Directors of Riverbay Corporation. If there are no charges brought against the five candidates with the highest vote totals, such certification will be made
immediately after the time to file a challenge has expired. If a challenge is brought against one or more candidates, then the Committee shall certify the candidates after the Committee has made its determination. Should the Committee fail to certify candidates, or to fill all the vacancies within ten days after election day for any reason, then the Board of Directors shall call a new election among the previously qualified candidates within thirty days, as it determines. 6. The Committee may call for a recount of all ballots cast, if it is determined by the Committee that such an action is warranted. Such recount of the ballots must be complete and the result certified by the Committee within four days of the date the Committee determines such recount is necessary. The results of this recount, upon certification by the Committee, will constitute the final election results. 7. The Committee may call for a new election if the Committee has determined that material irregularities cast doubt on the election results, or in the event the number of votes cast did not constitute the legally required quorum. Such a new election must take place in accordance with these rules on a date within thirty days after the final decision on the challenge and such election held among the previously qualified candidates. * These Election Rules were unanimously approved by the Riverbay Board of Directors.
has recommended they be awarded the contract (Recommendation attached). NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that the proposed contract 2889 (REBID) with IJZ Associates, Inc. for a total cost of $187,835.00 be approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and amended by Board of Directors Resolution #95-44 and the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to
take all steps necessary to make this action effective. YES: Helen Atkins, Eleanor Bailey, Bernard Cylich, Bill Gordon, Leah Graham, Tony Illis, Francine Reva Jones, Othelia Jones, Rev. Calvin Owens, Evelyn Turner, Khalil Abdul-Wahhab NO: Daryl Johnson, Andrea Leslie ABSENT: Leslie Peterson, Al Shapiro PASSED
per month, in order for MirRam to monitor the bills and work to get the bills through various committees and onto the floor for a vote during the 2014 legislative session. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Board of Directors approves retaining the MirRam Group to lobby Albany for the passage and enactment of legislation granting full peace officer status to Riverbay Public Safety Officer for a one year period starting March 1, 2014 at the rate of $7,500.00 per month.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President and management are authorized and directed to take all necessary steps to carry out this Resolution. YES: Helen Atkins, Eleanor Bailey, Bernard Cylich, Bill Gordon, Leah Graham, Tony Illis, Francine Reva Jones, Othelia Jones, Rev. Calvin Owens, Khalil Abdul-Wahhab NO: Daryl Johnson, Andrea Leslie, Evelyn Turner ABSENT: Leslie Peterson, Al Shapiro PASSED
MTA meeting
Co-op City Times / March 22, 2014 (Continued from page 1)
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York City Transit’s (NYCT) Assistant segment of residents who use the buses said. “Most of us are in a two fare zone to cabs to their homes from Pelham Bay Director of Government and Community for intra-community transportation. Station on a daily basis, costing her and even travel to other areas of the commuRelation, Jacqueline Carter. Campbell said that the TA’s figures in this many like her significant additional dolnity. For over 30 years, those two buses But instead of receiving praise and category is low likely because the study lars each week. ran and serviced everyone. The bus servgratitude for the improvements, the came after the bus cuts were in effect for Public comments at the meeting were ice here was not broken. Why did you majority of the more than a dozen resiseveral years, ruining the efficiency of preceded by a brief explanation of the come to the conclusion that those bus dents who spoke to the TA representatives former intra-community service and thus services were broken?” She added that changes coming this spring and stretching expressed frustration and anger that the making it far less practical to use the the recent changes still do not fix the into the summer. changes do not do enough to alleviate the buses for trips within the community. She problem of no BX.26/28 service for her According to the MTA representalong waits and unnecessary and costly said before the cuts took effect, intraarea and other northern areas of Co-op tives, the first of the changes scheduled to transfers caused by the budget cuts of community bus trips were much more City. come this spring involves the implemennearly four years ago. tation of a series of schedule running Aside from the comments from time adjustments on all lines serving many residents, almost all of whom Co-op City. This involves scheduling expressed continuing frustration with additional weekday trips on the Bx. the MTA and its bus service here, 12 Select Bus Service, the Bx. 26, the many more residents expressed their Bx. 28/38, the Bx. 29, the Bx. 30 and displeasure with the transportation the Q 50. agency by calling out and vocally In addition, scheduled running expressing their disagreement with times will be adjusted on the express some of the statements of the NYCT bus service to and from Co-op City – representatives in explaining the surthe BxM7 – to improve schedule vey conducted in Co-op City last adherence. September and October, and the Another change is the establishchanges that came about based on the ment of a uniformed Bx. 23 route at results of that survey. all times of the day to provide continBoard Director Bernie Cylich was uous service to and from all sections one of the first residents to speak of Co-op City and Pelham Bay stadirectly the NYCT representatives at tion throughout the day. the meeting. Cylich, who said he was The Q50, which also provides representing the Co-op City Coalition service from Co-op City to Pelham against the MTA Cuts which submitBay Station, with continuing service ted over 5,000 signatures from Co-op then onto Flushing, Queens, will City residents protesting the original Lewis Thorwaldson, a Senior Transportation Planner for New York City Transit, took questions and have a new stop added on Co-op City 2010 cuts, expressed the frustration of complaints from Co-op City residents at Monday’s presentation on the coming bus route changes. Blvd. and Dreiser Loop East, thus Photo by Bill Stuttig that group in that the improvements providing another option for resipractical and much more prevalent. don’t nearly do enough to mitigate the Thorwaldson answered that the BX 23 dents on the extreme northern border of Section 5’s Bob Kreps is apparently Co-op City to travel to Section 5 or onto harm caused by the original cuts. Cylich, which will soon loop the entire communiin particular, pointed to the MTA failure one of the 8% who use buses for intraPelham Bay Station via one bus ride. ty should provide service to the other bus to fully restore the BX. 26/28 lines, as community travel as he pointed out These changes and other specific route lines operating in the southern end of the requested, which previously provided that travelling to that evening’s meetchanges in Co-op City are scheduled to community, but Leslie countered that the vital direct bus service for residents in the ing in Dreiser Center from Section 5 take effect this summer. additional transfer will still cost her northern sections of the community to took him more than 45 minutes, a trip another fare. The other changes include the reroutSection 5, in particular, and the West that is between 2 and 3 miles in disResident Novella Thomas asked sucing of the Bx. 28 into Asch Loop, and the Bronx. tance. He also pointed out that the forcinctly, “What was broken in the first creation of a new bus stop at Asch Loop Cylich also pointed out the lack of mer QBX1 line provided a trip place? None of these cuts were necessary and Adler Place to serve riders on the Bx. service into the community’s loops, parbetween Section 5 and Pelham Bay in the first place.” 23, Bx. 26, Bx. 28 and Bx. 30. ticularly Dreiser Loop. Station that took approximately 5 minBruce Gitelson added that he The benefits of this change, according Residents in attendance also took to the MTA, will include “reducing walkutes. The QBX.1’s replacement, the believes the study that was done will exception to some of the results coming distances for riders accessing Adler BX 50, now takes 30 minutes to make be irrelevant in a few short months ing out of the 2013 survey as explained Place residences and Bartow Mall by the trip between the same two locabecause with the opening of the new by Lewis Thorwaldson, a Senior approximately 650 feet, providing additions as the new line circles back Mall at Bay Plaza, traffic patterns here Transportation Planner for New York through the entire community before tional travel options for southwest will change significantly and the time City Transit, in particular, a finding by heading to Pelham Bay. He also sugBellamy Loop, and providing improved to complete every one of the bus the MTA that claimed that between gested that the TA shorten the bus access to Asch Loop.” routes in the community will increase 65% and 76% of Co-op City weekday stops in Co-op City to provide more dramatically with it due to the expectIn order to provide the new bus stop bus riders are satisfied or very satisfied needed parking spaces on the streets. ed huge increase in traffic. that will serve four lines, 12 to 15 parking with the community’s bus service. Carlos Pacheco asked that the Transit Another resident complained that the spaces will be lost on Asch Loop. The Asked by some residents to explain Authority extend either Bx. 28 and/or the bus service here does not adequately current Bx. 28 stop on Bartow Avenue in who was surveyed and when, front of the Bartow Shopping Center will Bx. 38 line to the Mosholu Parkway area serve riders like her whose off-hour jobs Thorwaldson explained that the survey be eliminated and replaced by the Asch of the Bronx to allow residents here more require them to take public transportation was taken on numerous isolated days in Loop stop. This, in turn, will create addidirect access to the cultural, business and late at night. She said that because service late September and early October at all tional parking spaces on Bartow Avenue, medical facilities in that area. ends before 2 a.m., she and riders like her times of the day and more than 1,000 Thorwaldson said that an extension of according to the MTA report. are left stranded and are forced to take riders in the community were surveyed the Bx. 38 was considered, but the at random. expense of such an extension was costly Happy 12th Birthday, Wellena! Eleanor Campbell took exception to considering the low ridership demand for another finding of the survey which travelling to these locations from Co-op maintained that only 8% of rides originatCity. ing in Co-op City are to other locations Board Director Andrea Leslie, who Happy birthday to my daughter, Wellena Jael within Co-op City with 55% of trips lives in the underserved Benchley Place Spivey. Thank God for the things you have accomtaken to other areas of the Bronx and 27% area, told the TA representatives that plished in one year, despite the challenges you go taken to areas of Manhattan. Campbell before the 2010 cuts, her daily trip to through each day. Thanks also for all the support and other residents claimed that the perwork required one bus, the Bx. 26/28, but from friends and family. centage of people who use the buses to go now, with the 2010 cuts that same trip With all of our love, to and from locations within Co-op City requires three buses, as well as costly and —Your mom and your brother is much, much higher and therefore the time consuming transfers on a daily basis. lines should be adjusted to serve that large “Your saving money is costing us,” Leslie
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Reality and facts Co-op City Times / March 22, 2014
As I write this week, the long winter Director’s Viewpoint some $5.1 million which can be used in other areas appears to be behind us and the renewal that without the need for a carcomes with spring is upon us. I've said many rying charge increase. It times I don't feel the need to write seems pretty clear to me Viewpoints for the sake of seeing my name that someone must be doing something right at in print. It's not a matter of vanity or political Riverbay for our finances to be so much better. promotion with me. I need a reason, and my I don't like to just throw figures out here and reason this week is to remind everyone of there. I like to tell cooperators how it is, and things the remarkable achievement that cooperaare a whole lot better, and have gotten better every tors will not be receiving a carrying charge year since five of our eight garages were ordered increase this year. This is due to the historical $621 million refinancing agreement with closed in 2003 because they were considered a Wells Fargo Bank, guaranteed by HUD, potential hazard. There is indeed a history to Co-op City and some of us know we were on a life raft which significantly lowers our interest payments. I've facing potential foreclosure, with an inability to make read a lot of gibberish about this and that being wrong needed repairs to our community’s infrastructure. in Co-op City, but I like to deal with reality and facts. Because we obtained a $450 million refinancing with Unfortunately, there's an old adage about a lie getting New York Community Bank, we were able to repair halfway around the world before the truth gets out the our garages, replace our elevators, implement a new door, and sometimes that can be true here. window installment program for every apartment, and Getting back to facts, if we had not obtained the perhaps most important, construct our own cogenerarefinancing with Wells Fargo/HUD, there would be a need for a 5% carrying charge increase. That's quite a tion plant so we could be energy self-sufficient. So, as you can see, the refinancing with New York difference, no increase versus a 5% increase. That, in Community Bank allowed us to stay afloat and make itself, is a pretty major accomplishment. major repairs until we were able to get a great, historic Also, if we still had a refinancing with New York refinancing with Wells Fargo/HUD which puts us in Community Bank instead of one with Wells Fargo/ even better shape financially, now and for the future, to HUD, we would be paying $40.9 million for principal ensure Co-op City remains an affordable place to live. and interest in the upcoming year, compared to $35.8 Our savings in electricity from our cogeneration million with Wells Fargo/HUD. That's a difference of
Rev. Calvin Owens
plant has been phenomenal. Prior to cogeneration, in the fiscal year ending at the end of March in 2009, we spent $24 million for electricity. Based on our last fiscal year, the annual cost for electricity was $3.7 million. Simply put, since we can produce our own energy now, cooperators have saved some $21 million, funds which can be used for other operations and repairs without imposing a carrying charge increase. Also, as we all know, during Hurricane Sandy, we did not lose power as so much of the Tri-State area did because we had our own cogeneration plant producing electricity. That is also another major success on our part which is easy to forget. Try to imagine not having any power for over a week as was the case with many who live outside of Co-op City. If you consider just these few facts, suddenly all the things you take for granted become abundantly clear and you don't have time to deal with or listen to nonsense. Once again, I think it's important to point out that Co-op City is really a city of its own within New York City. Running operations in Co-op City is a major undertaking and yet, unfortunately, I believe some Directors look at their position and responsibility as if they were overseeing a local candy store. It's not that simple, and I am grateful for the experience of Directors Al Shapiro, Othelia Jones, and Helen Atkins, who have all served as President of Riverbay Corporation in the past and helped keep affordable housing alive and well in Co-op City.
Broun Place Townhouse Association
Some truly important subjects were placed on our back burner while we survived the extreme winter of 2014. Thanks to “Cooperators’ United” for bringing these matters to our attention. Petitions, regarding the local transportation issue, already a pressing matter, were delivered to building association chairpersons. For Broun Place, members of the Executive Committee will be contacted and organized to get your signature on these very important petitions. Congratulations to Mr. Frank Senior on accomplishing the installation of Accessible Pedestrian signals at two Co-op City locations. Lt. Jeff Bowman deserves high praise for the expansion of the “Are You Okay” program. We remember when this program began and all the great, now deceased folks of Co-op City that were behind it. Good luck to Riverbay Construction with getting construction repairs and upgrades accomplished. By this reading, the all-important Management Forum will have been held. If you attended, share your comments with the Broun Place Executive Committee. Many of us have ideas to better our community, but think one person is alone, powerless. Maybe the idea will catch support; “Ideas and songs, like you and me, a product of a long, long human chain, and even the strangest ones are distantly related to each other, as are we all.” Pete Seeger, September, 1964. Attention, our next business meeting is April 24. The end of the year celebration will be in May and all are invited to the party. It will be a grand, celebrate spring and the Year 2014. Our great neighbor, Dave Garcia, will be our DJ! The rules regarding dog owner-
Let us know…
If you have news you’d like to share with your neighbors, please give us a call at (718) 320-3300, Ext. 3375/6; email: cctimes@riverbaycorp.com or fax (718) 320-2595.
ship are regularly published in the Co-op City Times. A dog misbehaving badly should be reported to Public Safety. You can help by calling: 718-671-3050. Thank you to Public Safety for the foot patrol officers. Even with bad weather, uniformed officers are on the lookout doing their walking tours. Join or renew Broun Place Association membership by placing $12 dues in the mail slot of Apt. 31B, Apt. 10A or Apt. 22A. Broun Place Executive Officers are Reverend Grace Emanuel - Secretary; Ms. Lillian Richardson - Treasurer; Mrs. Vivian Burrus - Vice President and Eva Lazaar - President. Ms. Lana Spaulding and Mr. Jesse Seise are our new support team.
The Riverbay Board of Directors Election Season 2014 begins soon. Here in our Mitchell-Lama housing development, voting is your cooperator given responsibility. When you become a cooperator, it becomes your responsibility, one shareholder vote per household. The Broun Place press release is your space to share celebrations and events. As always, we send prayers to those healing from surgery, an illness or injury. We send sincere continued get well regard to former Treasurer, Mrs. Ann Ventrella. Congratulations to Dave Lazaar on his birthday today. Please let us know if you wish a celebration mentioned here. Please help keep —Eva Lazaar Broun Place clean and free of litter.
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Co-op City Times / March 22, 2014 March is Women’s History Month: “Most people think that I am a dreamer. Through dreams, many things have come true. I am interested in women and believe in their possibilities. The world has not been willing to accept the contributions that women have made. Their influence has been felt more definitely in the past ten years that ever before. We need vision for larger things, for the unfolding and reviewing of worthwhile things…We need an organization to open new doors for our young women and when the council speaks, its power will be felt.” —Mary McLeod Bethune.
Phase one of an oral history project has begun in Co-op City that focuses on residents’ and visitors’ experiences over the years. Of particular interest are stories of the local social life from the days of Freedomland to today. The project will culminate with an exhibition at the
Building 30A and B Association itinerary for the rest of month of March: Wednesdays from 12 to 1 p.m., sit and fit. Wednesdays from 1 to 3, Crochet class. On Friday, the 21st, we will have our movie night with the door to the association room opening at 7 p.m. with movie starting at 7:30 p.m. The association will be
NCNW
Walking on the Shoulders of our Sisters in honor of Women’s History Month, we celebrate and give thanks to our active founding/charter members, Ms. Roberta A. Booze, Olive Glasgow & Velma Garner. BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND: Saturday, May 3, we tour Franklin D. Roosevelt Estate and lunch at the Culinary Institute of America (lunch is prepared and served by the senior students). After lunch, we head to Woodbury Commons. On the return home, we will drop off at 3 locations. Cost $95. Call 718-671-4804 /718-3209694 and 718-320-2366 to make your
The Drammeh Institute
new Drammeh Center in Co-op City during 2015. The project is made possible in partnership with local historians and urban scholars and aims to highlight social, cultural and environmental transformations throughout Co-op City’s history.
having line dancing on March 20th with the door opening at 6:30 and the dancing starting at 7 p.m. The association room is located on the B side in the lobby of Building 30. We are planning a pot luck spring fling on May 3rd, so please come down to our next association meeting April 17th, to discuss plans.
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
Call:
People wishing to be interviewed on video are encouraged to bring memorabilia, photos, or other items to help illustrate their stories. Interviews will be conducted in English, Spanish, and Russian. To add your name to the list to be interviewed, send a letter of interest to
Building 30A and B Association
DR. LEWIS WOLSTEIN
Dr. Lewis Wolstein
reservation. Make checks payable to NCNW Co-op City Section, and mail to NCNW, P.O. Box 93, Bronx, NY 10475. 40th Annual Bethune/Height Recognition luncheon will be held Saturday, May 17 at New York LaGuardia Airport Marriott, 102-05 Ditmars Boulevard, East Elmhurst, NY. Tickets: $100. June 10-12, join us a fabulous 3 day/2 night Dover Downs Hotel & Casino Dover, De. (in conjunction with the Retiree of Dreiser Loop). Price: Double $400 per person/Single $490. Your package includes: Deluxe Motor
“Se Habla Español”
718.671.7226 100 DeKruif Place
Building 8 • Ground Floor Section 1 • Co-op City • Bronx, NY 10475
Building 30A and B Association will be a partner in Section 5 Fun in the Sun on August 23 and we need volunteers. Those who are having a birthday
Coach Transportation, 2 nights hotel accommodations at the Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, casino bonus (TBD), 2 buffet breakfast, crab feast at Woody’s Crab House, shopping at Rehoboth Outlet Stores, and on the way home, a new stop at the Harrington Raceway & Casino with free slot play bonus (TBD) free buffet. $100 deposit required now to hold seat. Check made payable: Retirees of Dreiser Loop. Final payment due Thursday, May 1. For more information: call 718-320-2366, Serita G., 347-564-5722. Happy birthday, March members. —Maxine Sullivan
The Drammeh Institute, c/o Oral History Project, P.O. Box 558, Co-op City Station, Bronx, New York 10475. By email, send to drammehcenter @gmail.com. In the subject line write: Oral History Project. —Elise Edwards
or anniversary this week, the association wishes you a happy and healthy. Those who are under the weather, get well soon. —Linda Werner
NAACP Co-op City Branch #2210
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 75-3111, Einstein Station, Bronx, NY 10475. President: Jerome Rice. Office telephone: (718) 320-3210. Address: 135 Einstein Community Center, Room 36. Office hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Email: naacpccity 2210@gmail.com. Membership Meeting on Sunday, March 23 at 3 p.m. All welcomed. Executive Committee Meeting on Wednesday, April 9th at 1 p.m. COAT DISTRIBUTION: Over 100 coats have been distributed in the community to those in need by networking with various churches and organizations. Approximately 150 coats and gloves donated to Salvation Army for the displaced families of the East Harlem fire on 116th Street. In addition, we are collecting toiletries, paper cups, paper plates and plastic cutlery. FUNDRAISERS: Branch signature T-Shirts now available $25; Motivate to Educate backpacks $5; and Stay At Home Tea. Call for order forms or stop by office. March Game Changer Focus HEALTH: AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE DEADLINE - March 31. The NY State of Health, the Official Health Plan Marketplace (855.355.5777 or TTY 800.662.1220) offers insurance to the uninsured and the underinsured. In Person Assistors (IPA) Navigators provide education on the Affordable Care Act and will provide in person application assistance. Ms. Veronica Carreras of Bronxworks will be at 159 Dreiser Loop, Rm. 10, every Thursday from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. For appointment, call 646-6293245. Please take advantage of this bene-
fit before the deadline. We must continue to hold firm on the Affordable Health Care Act. We must be visible, vocal and vigilant. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” —Nelson Mandela March Game Changer Focus PUBLIC SAFETY & CRIMINAL JUSTICE: RE: 801409; Raising the Age of Criminal Responsibility and S05385; The Second Chance Law. Placing a 16 or 17 year old teenage offender in an adult prison with thirty & forty year old criminals is counterproductive to rehabilitation. This legislation tries 16 & 17 year olds in Family Court with the opportunity for certain serious crimes to be tried in adult court as “juvenile offenders.” Placing the majority of cases in Family Court is beneficial in that judges are wellversed and experienced in the special circumstances that surround individuals under the age of 18. Placing a teenage offender in Juvenile Court increases the chances of rehabilitation, reduces the taxpayers burden of repeated incarceration costs and future exposure to harden would be criminals. Whereas the Second Chance Law will allow persons convicted of a non-violent misdemeanor or nonsexual misdemeanor criminal offense to return to the community after paying their debt to society, lead full productive lives without the stigma of their misdemeanor conviction haunting and handicapping them for the rest of their lives. This bill will also ease the burden on taxpayers by removing these misdemeanor offenders from collecting unemployment or welfare and allowing them to return to the work force which would bring in needed tax dollars to the state. —Brenda Brown
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Cable Service
Co-op City Times / March 22, 2014
The attempts by some of the Riverbay Board Directors to have a Verizon repre- Director’s sentative come to Co-op City to address the shareholders has failed. Director Daryl Johnson proposed, and yours truly seconded, Resolution #14-11 that stated that a letter be written to Verizon inviting a Verizon representative to come before the shareholders to inform the shareholders of why they will not provide cable service to our community. There was heated discussion that included statements that Management and the Board President had already discussed this matter with Verizon and it was Verizon’s decision not to provide the service; that the resolution speaks to what the community asked for, i.e. a Verizon rep. to come to speak directly to shareholders; that Board members think that the Board President is lying to them; that the invitation should be sent and Verizon probably would not accept it; that the shareholders should contact Verizon themselves to ask their questions and to get answers. In my opinion, there would have been nothing lost by extending the invitation. It would have put an end to a great deal of the tension that has built up over this issue of cable service through Cablevision and no one else. The final point of shareholders writing to Verizon themselves is something that some shareholders might do, but the majority of them will not. I regret that this resolution failed, but in case you missed the vote, please note that the Board members that voted for it were Daryl Johnson, Bernard Cylich, Leah Graham, Andrea Leslie, Evelyn Turner and myself. Those voting against it were: Helen Atkins, Eleanor Bailey, Bill Gordon, Othelia Jones and Rev. Calvin Owens. Abstentions: Tony Illis and Khalil AbdulWahhab. Absent: Leslie Peterson and Al Shapiro. Supporting our youth As most cooperators have seen, I write extensively about my concerns for the children of this community.
Why are there not more community centers for our children? Why are they chased out of the community centers? Why are the schools shut down to them in the afternoon hours? I recently attended a Community Board 10 meeting where decisions are made, some of them regarding the Co-op City community. My Board colleague was concerned about the Given Creek Woods, a park on Co-op City Blvd., and its need for a lane to be created in that park; and possibility a swimming pool. There are over 6,000 young people under the age of 19 years old and the community would make good use of a pool. I was informed that, unfortunately, the Given Creek Woods has been preserved as a natural habitat. However, a gentleman at the meeting made some good suggestions by stating that the Co-op City community should organize to get Truman H.S. to open its doors and allow us to use the pool. It was no surprise to hear him complain that the custodians have too much power in the decision and cost for use of the schools in their own community. Some communities have the Beacon Program at a school near them, with many after school activities. He also suggested that a private-public partnership be formed between the Department of Education and Friends of Schools. His final statement was that there is now a new city administration and we might be able to make this change happen. Since then, I have made our NYC Councilmember aware of these circumstances and our need for his assistance. Co-op City Spelling Bee Whether or not we have a center, park or a pool, I feel that we must continue to do as much as possible for the survival of our children. This is the reason that I, as President of the African-American Association and cochair of the Riverbay Youth Committee, suggested that we, and the Riverbay Fund co-sponsor the Co-op City Spelling Bee on Saturday, March 22, at 10:00 a.m. in
Bartow Community Center, Room 31. Children in the 4th through 8th grades have an opportunity to show how well they can spell and possibly win. The winning prize is $100 and all contestants will receive notable recognition. There will be socializing and refreshments. It will be a family affair where family and friends can come to support their child. Light refreshments served and admission is free. There is still time for your child to participate, if you can arrive at Bartow Center, Room 31 by 10:00 a.m. today. Women’s History Month I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the Williamsbridge Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. sponsored a very nice Women’s History Month program last Saturday. The topics were “Maintaining Wealth through Healthy Eating” and “What is Entrepreneurship?” I was unable to remain for the entire program and the food preparation segment was first. The chef prepared three delicious raw food meals while we watched and while she gave recommendations for a healthier lifestyle. If I don’t attend another Women’s History Month event this month, I am pleased and satisfied with this one that I did attend. Wholistic Health & Wellness Fair April has been designated Wholistic Health Month and, in honor of IMHOTEP, the world’s first doctor, the African-American Association will present its Tenth Annual Wholistic Health & Wellness Fair on Saturday, April 12th at 12:00 p.m. in the Bartow Community Center, Room 31. The notable Dr. Arthur Lewis, M.D. will be our guest speaker. There will be lots of information, advice, testimonies, entertainment and refreshments. Admission is FREE. That’s all for now. I hope to see some of you on Saturday. In the meantime, please support your Building Association so that we will be a strong and vibrant community. I can be reached at: Francine Jones, Board Director, Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475; or 718-671-5957.
To members recuperating, you are thought of warmly and may the sun bring you new energy every day. Contact: Elinor Gordon, Chair, at 718-379-8755, regarding illnesses and bereavements. Members and friends, we require your telephone number, along with a deposit to reserve your seat when signing up for shows and/or trips. Cash payments will no longer be accepted. Checks/money
orders payable - RETIREES of Dreiser Loop. Committee members will be available Mondays and/or Thursdays approximately 3:00 p.m. in Dreiser, Room 19. “The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month.” —Claudette Davis
Francine Reva Jones
Our Spring Bash will be held on Wednesday, April 16, from 4-8 p.m. - only for those persons who paid and attended our annual Holiday Party. Suggest speaking to person who sold you your Holiday ticket. Come join the party. Contacts: Beverly W. and Virginia S. at 718-379-0377. TRAVEL EVENTS: Thurs., May 8. A Spring trip to see the Biblical story of MOSES at the Sight and Sound Theatre, PA., plus a delicious luncheon at Good n Plenty’s family style dining. Matinee price: $125. SOLD OUT! No waitlist. Contacts: Serita G., 347-564-5722/Beverly J., 718-379-0377. June 10-12 (Tuesday-Thursday). Come stay and play at the Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, Dover, DE. (Casino bonus TBD). Price: Double $400 pp/Single $490. $100 deposit required to hold seat. Package includes - All You Can Eat Crabs at Woodys Crab House, and the menu also includes fried chicken, shrimps and other delicious delights; shopping at Rehoboth Outlet Stores; and on day of return, will stop at the Harrington Raceway & Casino and get a Free slot play and a Free buffet. (FINAL PAYMENT DUE THURSDAY, MAY 1.) Contacts: Serita G., 347564-5722/NCNW, 718-320-2366. Sept. 20-27, (8 days/7 nights) CALIFORNIA COASTAL CRUISE on the CROWN PRINCESS. (FINAL PAYMENT DUE WED., MAY 28.) Contacts: Claudette D., 718-379-4784/Beverly J., 718-3790377. THEATRE COMMITTEE: (prices include transportation): Wed., April 9. “HEART and LIGHTS,” starring the Rockettes. New York City comes alive in an all new spectacular show at Radio City Music Hall. 2:00 p.m. Price: $69. Full payment due now. (12:30 p.m. departure SHARP!) Contact: Paisley H., 718-379-0377. Sat., April 19. BB King (King of Blues) show at Lehman Performing Arts Center, Concert Hall, 8:00 p.m. Price – $75. Min. $40 deposit required to hold seat. Final payment due April 2. GOOD AND WELFARE: Our heartfelt condolences to the family of John Jenkins. Mr. Jenkins was a former Retirees van driver. May he rest in peace. Best wishes to Lillian Wilson who is now a resident in the Kings Harbor Rehab Center.
Viewpoint
Retirees of Dreiser Loop
Remember: Riverbay Corporation is requiring
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Co-op City Times / March 22, 2014
Black Forum
25
Next Defensive driving course The next Black Forum defensive driving course will be held on Saturday, April 12, in Rm. 1, Dreiser Community Center, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Lower your liability insurance cost by 10% and remove up to 4 points from your driver’s license. Please make your check in the amount of $35, payable to “the Black Forum of Co-op City,” and mail to P.O. Box 563, Bronx, N.Y. 10475 at least 1½ weeks before the class, or you can walk in on the day of the class but you must have $35 in cash to pay for the course. Remember, don’t text and drive. Going to Mohegan Sun On Saturday, April 12, we will be going to Mohegan Sun in Conn., CT., leaving Dreiser at 10 a.m., Asch Loop at
10:15 a.m., and 135 Einstein Loop at 10:30 a.m. Cost $40 per person. No refunds. Call for your reservation today: (718) 320-0033, (917) 209-5334 or (718) 320-8035. Return to Lobster Fest Saturday, Aug. 16. Cost is $150/person, payable in 3 installments of $50 each beginning March 15, April 19 and May 17. No REFUNDS. Make reservations today. Call (718) 320-0033, (917) 2095334 or (718) 320-8035. More details to follow. Notice: All Section 5 food pantry participants All Section 5 residents must pick up their food packages on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Evangelical Church of Co-op City. You must bring
your white cards to pick up your food. Volunteers needed for Wednesdays and Fridays. For information, please call (718) 320-8035. Volunteers needed The Black Forum is looking for volunteers to help out 2 days a week at the food pantry from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. You choose the days. Training will take place on Thursday only. If you are interested, please call (718) 320-8035. Emergency Food Program We are open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., Room 20 at the Dreiser Community Center. Also, due to budget constraints and shortage of available food, you must live within zip code 10475 to participate in this pro-
gram. 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 - Join Us Today Membership is $5 per year/person. Call (718) 320-8035 or write to Black Forum, P.O. Box 563, Bronx, NY 10475; email: coopcityblackforum@gmail.com. Help us keep independent community organizations alive in Co-op City. Everyone is encouraged to join. Call or visit us, Room 20 in the Dreiser Community Center. —Tony Illis
The Williamsbridge Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. (NANBPWC) is an organization dedicated to community service in the areas of health, employment, education and economic development. The Adult Club meets at Dreiser Center on the second Friday of every month. Young women 18-35, who are in or preparing for a business/professional career can become members of the Young Adult Club. Our Women’s History Month Program on Saturday, March 15: A Celebration of Women – Women on the Move to Higher Heights, Entrepreneur-ship and Health and Wealth was addressed by two
dynamic leaders Ms. Paulette Bailey, Realtor, speaking on “What is Entrepreneurship?” and Ms. Roz Francis, Chef and Director of Health Education Programs for Harlem Seeds speaking on “Maintaining Wealth through Healthy Eating: Why is it important for Women of the 21st Century. Participants received an up close and personal view of the ins and outs of establishing oneself in the real estate business, and how to eat for living. The eating for living session prepared an alternative meal to combat using food materials that are not good for our bodies [i.e. white processed rice and canned beans which are full of sodium]. Chef Roz prepared a delicious meal using tofu,
veganaise, Bragg’s Liquid Amino, Spike Seasoning. The meal included the tofu which was compared to egg salad, a pate using canned herring and sardines, a live green salad of broccoli, carrot and cabbage with seasons. The bread was green leaves. Participants shared in the delicious meal and made statements on how they would change their cooking and eating styles to include more live/raw foods. The upcoming events for the Williamsbridge Club are the regular meeting on April ll and our CPR Training on April 19. The CPR Training is noncertification. Be on the lookout for more
information. Our Founder’s Luncheon will be held on Saturday, May 3 at the Eastwood Manor. At this luncheon, we raise funds for scholarships for high school seniors going on to college. Further information will follow. Information concerning the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. (NANBPWC) may be found at www.nanbpwc.org or our mailing address: Williamsbridge Club, P.O. Box 6, Co-op City Station, Bronx, New York 10475. —Joetta Brown
Hi, neighbors…Yes, we had our first 2014 meeting. Don’t ask who was there – you weren’t, and neither were you. We had no weather-related problems, so why didn’t you come on down? We talked about getting members to attend and having more “adventures” (as we call our trips). We agreed that we have the same make-up as other Building Associations – men, women, retirees and stay-at-home persons. But the majority of the aforementioned don’t attend our meetings. Why? Why? Why? We had a clever and innovative suggestion from one of our members – she paid for all neighbors on
her floor and would give them their membership card and ask them to attend meetings as a paid member. Clever, clever!…At the April meeting we will have all information about our suggested trips and the Annual Mother’s Day Cake Sale. Keep these ideas in mind and plan to attend the April 8th meeting. Happy birthday to all of our March neighbors. Those who are under the weather – look out the window and see that the snow has disappeared (at present). This should give you a reason to get better and be ready for Spring. See you then… —Celestine Withey
Williamsbridge Club
Building 24 Association
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26
This is our land #6 Co-op City Times / March 22, 2014
The quest for development of vacant land is not only happening in Co-op City, but all over the state and other parts of the world. A local community organization is to be commended for taking on the issue of the traffic that will be coming in and out when the new mall opens. In my opinion, as soon as outsiders discover alternate routes to the new Bay Plaza Mall, we will have traffic coming down Co-op City Blvd. and Baychester Avenue. We are still awaiting a recommendation from Management and Developers looking to build on our open space which will add more traffic. COMMUNITY INITIATIVE A special thanks to Cooperative Frank Senior and the Pedestrians for Accessible and Safe Street (PASS) Coalition. Cooperative Senior is a prime example of “doing something” that will benefit the entire community in an unselfish way. Instead of criticizing what Board members do or don’t do, this Cooperative in his own way DID something that we should all be proud of. This service will not only benefit the visually impaired, but others who may have physical disabilities. Thank you, Cooperative Senior, for your genius and service to the community. What’s amazing about Cooperative Senior is that he didn’t have a need to make negative comments about elected officials or the Board of Directors like we are super human and can do everything. What have I done for my community to make it better should be a question we all
ask ourselves regardless of title. This beloved community belongs to ALL of us. UPDATE OF BOARD MEETING Here are some updates as promised: A five year lease was approved for a Dr. Mark Vaynkhadler to be located at 100 Einstein Loop. A five year lease was approved with a 5 year renewal option for the Post Office located at 127-129 Einstein Loop. (Approved) Electrical Contracting Solutions (ECS) for High Voltages Replacement at Buildings 9, 10, 11, 15, 16 & 20 for $3,321,655.00 which includes 3 Change Orders. (Approved) Water Treatment Equipment, which is critical to our Power Plant Operation $762,165.00. (Approved). Verizon Fios Service – Director Johnson had requested that we look at Verizon bringing FiOS and other services to Co-op City. Also, that the Board have a meeting with Verizon. NO was the majority vote. I voted yes and had previously submitted a similar Resolution that was not allowed to be presented to the Board. Additionally, I shared my frustration and
Toastmaster Honored Congratulations to TM Kathy Blount, who was among the honorees to receive an official award from newly elected City Councilman Andy King, at the Dreiser Community Center on Wed., March 13. TM Kathy is as active in her Toastmasters Club as she is in her Bronx community. We are very proud to have her membership and she has said that Toastmasters has helped improve her communication skills, which are so very necessary both in her civic and professional life as a social worker. On a daily basis, Kathy has to interact effectively with people from all walks of life. The club salutes you TM Kathy Blount, CC. Welcome…All are welcome to attend
a Toastmasters meeting on the 1st and 3rd Thursday, each month. We meet at 1249 Bartow Ave., Bartow Mall, Bronx, NY 10475 at 7:30 p.m. sharp. Come out on a Thursday and see what TM Kathy Blount is talking about. We can help with any fear that you might have of public speaking. Join in the program, meet new friends and have fun while learning. Upcoming meetings will be April 3rd and April 17th. Mark the dates on your calendar to attend a Toastmasters meeting. Membership Renewal…Please mail in your dues to Co-op City Toastmasters, P.O. Box 72, Conner St. Station, Bronx 10475. Join us on www.3824.toastmasters.org or toastmasters46.org. —Lauretta Jaysura
Evelyn Turner
Director’s Viewpoint
Co-op City Toastmasters
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stress for being accused of interfering with Management because a Verizon employee called me and asked if I could have the Board President arrange a meeting for Verizon to share what their Bulk Rate offer would look like. This Director made it clear that my health is not worth getting involved with this issue moving forward. Threats of interfering with dayto-day operations are not worth it. Cablevision will be back to offer a bulk rate deal. DEMOLITON OF Riley Stoker Boiler was approved. The Contractor changed their original bid from $93,910.00 due to “a mathematical error” to $187, 835.00. (Approved) The MirRam Group Lobbyist asked for another $7,500.00 monthly to support full peace officer status to Riverbay’s Public Safety Officer. (Bill #5794) (Passed). I voted NO because the bill has been drafted and has the full support of our Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson. I even shared that the Bill is sitting in Committee. Nothing is happening at this time and will not be happening because everyone is working on the State’s Billion Dollar Budget. Also, according to our Senator, the problem is that the Governor is not in favor of the Bill and if it was presented today, he would probably VETO it. Additionally, I have been informed that our Bill is a local community bill and MOST legislators on both sides usually respect other’s hometown bills. Additionally, a majority of the
Board voted YES without conducting a fact-check as to what this Group has actually accomplished. A comment made by the Group concerning our Senator’s “minority status” is being fact-checked. The only follow-up that is required is what will it mean if and when this Bill becomes Legislation granting Management and Public Safety power to hire Police Officers from outside the 5 boroughs? What will it mean to have officers who live Upstate and Long Island, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, etc. police our community? I believe statistics validate my paranoia of what happens to Black and Latino youth who run, talk back and disrespect Officers who don’t look like them; officers who have never lived in a minority community. CONTINUATION ON THE PAYROLL The MirRam Group has now proposed that they continue on the payroll to assist Management with the following: The Asbestos Abatement Issues – MTA issues - Bay Plaza Traffic congestion solution for $7,500.00 monthly. WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH Thanks to our community clubs and organizations for the fantastic celebration of women this month. Answers to last week’s quiz will be provided next week. Please continue to call me for scholarship information. It’s my pleasure to share what our volunteers have compiled. I may be reached at: Evelyn M. Turner – evelyntinez@aol.com – 917-324-1033.
27
Co-op City Times / March 22, 2014
African-American Association
With education being as powerful as the sting from a bee, it is the destiny of every child to be the best that they can bee. Co-op City Spelling Bee – The African-American Association and the Riverbay Fund welcomes all children in Grades 4 through 8 to participate for the opportunity to be the King or Queen bumble bee of the Co-op City Spelling Bee. This event will take place today, Saturday, March 22nd, at 10:00 a.m., Bartow Center, Room 31. The grand prize is $100, notable recognition of all contestants, refreshments and more. There’s still time to participate in the Spelling Bee. If you arrive in Bartow Center, Room 31, by 10:00 a.m., your child can still compete. So, come and join the fun! You won’t regret it. Wholistic Health & Wellness Fair – April has been designated Wholistic
Health Month and, in honor of IMHOTEP, the world’s first doctor, the African-American Association will present its Tenth Annual Wholistic Health & Wellness Fair on Saturday, April 12th at 12:00 p.m. in the Bartow Community Center, Room 31. The notable Dr. Arthur Lewis, M.D. will be our guest speaker. There will be lots of information, advice, testimonies, entertainment and refreshments. Admission is FREE. The Association sponsors the following ongoing programs and encourages your participation: Yoga & Pilates Mat Classes – Tuesdays, 7 p.m., Dreiser Center, Rm. 2. Lose weight, tone and strengthen your muscles with exercises that reduce stress through breathing techniques. Call 718-671-8364. Belly Dancing Classes – Wednesdays, 7 p.m., Dreiser Center, Rm. 2. A fun and healthy way to stay in shape!
No experience necessary. Call 646-3019438. Evening Line Dancing Classes – Thursdays, 7-9 p.m., Dreiser Center, Rm. 2. Dance to Soul, Latin, and Gospel music. Simple dance steps for easier participation. Come and enjoy! Call 917-903-7073. Music Appreciation/Singing Classes – Fridays, 7:30 p.m., Dreiser Center, Rm. 15. Sing along with us to sweet soul oldies, R&B, gospel, and popular classics. All levels of vocal abilities are accepted. Intro to Social Media and Digital Technology Classes – Tweeting, status updates, and pinning. Learn the new ways of digital communication with friends and loved ones on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest. Classes will take place on Saturdays at the end of April. Computer Laptop Classes – TBA Education – The Institute for Youth
will meet in April. Association Meeting – We thank and welcome all of our new members to the organization. Our next gathering will be at the Wholistic Health & Wellness Fair on Saturday, April 12th at 12:00 p.m. in the Bartow Center, Room 31. If you are unable to attend, look to our weekly column for upcoming events. Presently, a single membership is $7.50 and $12.50 for families until August 31st. This applies to NEW members only. The annual membership dues of $15 for singles and $25 for families will resume in September. You may send a check or money order (DO NOT MAIL CASH) to: AfricanAmerican Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475. Donations are welcomed. Like us on Facebook: “CoopcityAfricanamericanassoc.” —Mercedes A. Terzol
Hello. Our next general membership meeting is Monday, March 24th, 7:30 p.m., Activity Room. On our agenda will be the petitions regarding the Bay Plaza Mall. We ask that all of our Floor Captains come to this meeting. We urgently need your help in getting sig-
natures on the petition. Other items on the agenda will be our Summer Fun Day, Get to Know our Neighbor Day, RUOK program, updating your contact information. Part of our discussion will be the front of our building and how we would like it to look.
A warm and hearty welcome to our new neighbors. Come down and join us. If you have elderly or homebound neighbors on your floor, please check in on them. A special shout-out to all who are celebrating a special day this month. Our condolences to Leslie Peterson
on the loss of her son. We extend our thoughts and prayers to all who have suffered a loss, who are sick and shut-in and to our troops. We can be reached at 718-379-7841 and MLSAH@aol.com. —Sonja Maxwell
Building 12 Cooperators Civic Association
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28
Co-op City Times / March 22, 2014
On behalf of our Pastor, Reverend Dr. Calvin E. Owens, and our church family, welcome to Community Protestant Church, a church of love and understanding, located at 1659 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, NY 10469; telephone: (718) 862-9172. CHURCH SCHEDULE: Sunday School - 9:00 a.m. Worship Service - 11:00 a.m. Communion Service - Every first and third Sundays Prayer Meeting and Bible Study – Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. The following programs are at the Church’s Annex: 2053 Asch Loop North (Co-op City) Morning Prayer Services - Tuesday, 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Neighborhood Bible Study - Thursday at 10:00 a.m. Extension of Prayer and Worship Service – Every first, second and third Fridays at 7:00 p.m. OTHER SCHEDULED EVENTS: IN OBSERVANCE OF THE 45TH ANNIVER-
Co-op City Seventh-Day Adventist Church
Why Worry? (Part 2) I invited you to read Matthew 6.25-32. Ten times in this passage, Jesus commands us not to worry that’s right, it’s a command, not a suggestion — Don’t worry. We learned that there are five principles that could protect us from anxiety and change the way we live — if we would follow them. Last week, we shared the first three: 1. Keep focus on what’s important. 2. Accept the fact that worry is useless and pointless. 3. God knows what you need. Now let’s look at the last two. 4. Put God First and Your Worries Second - This is just a way of paraphrasing verse 33: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” This means, let God solve your problems. Keep on praying. Keep on trusting. Keep on believing. Keep on doing good. Keep on serving the Lord. Keep on helping others. Keep on sharing. And God promises to take care of you. Let God be God even in the hard times. And everything else you need will be added to you. 5. Don’t worry about the future - This is Jesus’ final piece of advice in verse 34. “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Don’t borrow trouble. There’s plenty to be thinking about right now. So many people are frozen with fear over what might happen two or three months down the road. Listen, if God could create the world in seven days, he can surely handle your problems in April or May. Each day has enough trouble to keep you plenty busy. You take care of today and God will take care of tomorrow. Worry is excessive concern over the affairs of life. The key, obviously, is the word “excessive.” Worry happens when you are so concerned about the problems of life that you can’t think of nothing else. It is an all-consuming feeling of uncertainty and fear. And it is a sin. Worry is a sin for two reasons: First, because it displaces God in your life. When you commit the sin of worry, you are living as though God did not exist. And you are living as though you alone can solve your problems. Second, because it distracts you from the things that really matter in life. As long as you are worrying, you can’t do anything else. You are strangled by worry. Right now, you can decide to have faith in God or worry. To be sure — you can’t do both at the same time. God specializes in the impossible—so why worry? Co-op City Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 1010 Baychester Avenue; 718.320.0518; www.coopcity sdachurch.org. Call for our schedule. Our services are open to everyone. On Tuesday, March 25, from 8:00 - 8:45 p.m., you may join others who know God answers prayer by calling (661) 673.8600; access code 936343#. —Pastor Terry Giles
Community Protestant Church SARY OF COMMUNITY PROTESTANT CHURCH... On Sunday, April 6th, 11:00 a.m.—We welcome you to worship with us at the 45th Anniversary Service of Community Protestant Church. Our theme for this very special service is “Still Standing By God’s Provision.” Our Guest Preacher will be Rev. Dr. Sheldon Williams, Pastor, Co-op City Baptist Church, Bronx, NY. Saturday, May 3rd, 4:00 p.m. – The Hospitality Ministry invites you to join us in A PRE-MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATION, featuring the Master of Entertainment, internationally renowned MR. HUNTER HAYES. A jazz legend and Emmy Award winner, Mr. Hayes has performed with such great artists as James Brown, Miles Davis and Lonnie Youngblood. It will be held in Room 31, Bartow Shopping Center, Co-op City. Admission: $25 for adults; $15 for children 17 and under. For tickets and/or additional information, contact: (718) 6716122, (718) 671-0425 or (718) 671-3181. Saturday, May 24th, 3:00 p.m. – The Deborah
Women’s Ministry presents the NYC WOMEN OF GOSPEL & SONG CONCERT featuring Keisha Washington, Community Protestant Church; Bishop Mary Freeman, Emmanuel Church of God; Rev. Lois Giles, Seventh Lights Baptist Church; Clarissa Sinceno, The Riverside Church and Requithelia Allen, Convent Avenue Baptist Church. Donation: $20. For tickets and/or additional information, call (718) 862-9172. Saturday, June 21st – Join the Willing Workers on a SPRING FLING. Enjoy a fun-filled day in Pennsylvania with many activities including a Southern comfort dinner and live blues and jazz show at Warmdaddy’s. Donation: $110. For tickets and/or additional information, call (718) 320-4278 or (718) 671-8658. The doors of Community Protestant Church are open to all to worship and fellowship with Christian believers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You are cordially invited to come in, join in and receive your blessing. —Evan G. Mitchell
Circle of Christ Church
The Circle of Christ Church family extends a warm welcome to you and your family and invites you to come and worship with us at 147 Dreiser Loop, patio level (located in the Dreiser Community Center). Thought for this week: “Do not be surprised at the painful things you are now suffering. These things are testing your faith. 1Peter 4:12-13 The world has a definition for what is a normal person. When a child is born, they would already have a list of do’s and don’ts that must be follow in order to fit and qualify as a normal person. God’s definition for normal is very different from the world’s. As you look at Christian history in the early days, they were anything but normal. These were quirky men and broken women from all walks of life who had a real devotion for Christ to the point of giving their own lives. They were abnormal in the love they showed and committed to God and His cause. Today, there are people persecuted every day for their faith in Jesus Christ. These people are very poor with very little possessions, but they are rich with joy, contentment and peace. They have chosen to follow Christ obediently even if it costs their lives. Is that normal? When simple people meet a great God, life takes a whole new meaning. We cannot encounter a living God and be the same. It compels us to live in such a
way that miracles are a daily occurrence. Are you desperately looking for an answer? Your life can be changed by a great God. You can feel that power that you cannot explain. You will hear a message that shouts God’s mercy and forgiveness. Jesus is the answer for you and hope for the future. We want to remind you that we are collecting nonperishable items and supplies in order to provide and support families in need of food. We also are providing counseling and referral services for families in the community. If you need or know someone in need, please call 347-945-1992. Please leave a message and we will gladly call you back. Come join us at Circle of Christ Church and experience the love of God. CHURCH SERVICE SCHEDULE Wednesday – 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Prayer & Bible Study Friday – 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Youth Night and Children’s Bible Club Sunday - 11 a.m. Worship and the Word Children’s Church – 5 years old to 12 years old Little Lambs - Potty trained SPECIAL EVENT Every first Sunday of the month, the service is bilingual. ALL ARE WELCOME. —Rev. Sam Colon
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29
Co-op City Times / March 22, 2014
Church of the New Vision
Pastor Anne L. Palmore and congregation of the Church of New Vision extend a warm and friendly invitation to everyone to worship with us every Sunday at 8 a.m. or 11 a.m. 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. List of Programs and Events: Adult Sunday School is from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Youth Sunday School is also from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Holy Communion is served the first Sunday of the month. Youth Sunday takes place on the second Sunday of the month. Missionary Sunday takes place on the third Sunday of the month Memorial Sunday (Men’s Day) takes place on the fourth Sunday of the month Seniors’ Sunday takes place on the fifth Sunday of the month. Singles’ Ministry meets every third Tuesday evening of the month at 6 p.m. Next Generation Choir & Club meets 1ot & 2nd Friday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Seniors’ Ministry meets 1st Wednesday of the month at 11 a.m. Mid-day Bible Study meets every Tuesday afternoon from 12 to 1 p.m. “Blooming in His Garden Brunch,” 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 22nd. Donations are $20 for adults, $15 for children under age 18. Please see any member of the Fellowship for tickets or for further information, contact
Sis. Loretta Scott at 718-671-2623. “Blooming in His Garden, Brunch,” 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 22nd. Donations are $20 for adults and $15 for children under age 18. Please join us for a beautiful time in Christian sisterhood. Please see any member of the Fellowship for tickets or for further information, contact Sis. Loretta Scott at 718-671-2623. Come join us every fourth Sunday for the breaking bread breakfast fundraiser sponsored by the Church of the New Vision Youth Ministry on March 23rd from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Toronto & Niagara Falls, Canada: 3-days/2-nights, August 20-22. Package includes: Roundtrip Deluxe Motor Coach transportation, hotel on Canadian Side, 2 breakfast buffets, 2 dinners, guided tour of Toronto, Maid of the Mist boat Ride, Niagara Falls Casino and duty free shopping. Quad $435pp, Triple $450pp, double $500pp and Single $580pp. VALID PASSPORT IS REQUIRED. Make checks/
money order payable to Church of the New Vision and mail to: Church of the New Vision, P.O. Box 753037 Einstein Station, Bronx, NY 10475; Attention: Canada. For information, please contact the church: 718-671-8746. Come join New Vision’s “Partners in Reading Program” every Sunday afternoon from 1:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. for 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. Church of the New Vision is located at 115 Einstein Loop, Bronx, NY 10475; Telephone #: (718) 671-8746 or (718) 320-0409. Our mailing address is: Church of the New Vision. P.O. Box 753037, Bronx, NY. 10475. Please visit our website at www.churchofnewvision.com. —Carole Haque
Rev. Dr. Robert A. Smith, Jr., Pastor; Lady Theresa M. Smith, cofounder; Rev. McMillian, Assistant Pastor, and the Church of the Savior family extend an invitation to every person to worship with us. We are a non-denominational, inter-racial, intercultural, intergenerational fellowship of believers. We care about you, not your W2. We are not church as usual. Come as you are, we leave the judging to God. The Church of the Savior family extends love and affirmation to the Co-op City community; A warm welcome awaits you!! A very special invitation to our new neighbors in Co-op City. We love you for who you are, not what you have. Please call us at 917734-4058 for more information.
Do you want a place that allows you to meet the living God? Do you want to be connected to people who care about you, not what you have on or how much money you make? A special seat and friend awaits you. Church of the Savior is located at 920 Baychester Ave. (Darrow Pl). Our mailing address is: P.O. Box 86, Bronx, NY 10475. Sunday Schedule: Meditation and Adult Bible Study 9:15 -10:15 a.m. Divine Worship - 10:30 a.m. Come and be blessed. We want an opportunity to love you. See you in church. Our children’s Sunday School will teach and nurture your child/children in the word of God. All sessions are
during worship service. Dr. Smith’s Sermon Topic: “Look What the Lord Did.” Sacred Reading: Psalm 127:1 Thought of the Week: “It’s not the load that brings you down, it’s how you carry it.” Weekly Activities Bereavement Group is in session Monday evenings at 6:00 p.m. All sessions are confidential. Every person is treated with respect. Referrals welcome. Never a fee, and is non-sectarian! Bible Study - Tuesday Bible Study & Prayer begins 1:00 p.m. Feel free to bring your lunch, a friend, or neighbor. Everyone is welcome! Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. - Channel 70, Bronxnet. Every other Saturday - Food
Pantry. For more information in donating or receiving food, please call 718-925-5052. Because of the increase of persons attending our Food Pantry, we are reaching out to the community for assistance. Here’s how you can help: WE NEED NONPERISHABLE FOOD. No soda, potato chips, condiments, etc...Please check expiration date on all items. You can drop off your donations at the church Mondays, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.; Tuesdays, 12:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m. or Sunday morning, 9:00 - 10:00. To arrange special drop off time, call Ms. Weir at 347-375-3837. God bless all our donors. Upcoming Event - Spring Revival April 30 - May 2. —Rev. Dr. Robert A. Smith, Jr.
Attention to any resident who happens to be a Vietnam War veteran. From the Warfront to the Homefront Foundation, Inc. is sponsoring a project for this Summer titled, VIETNAM WAR: AS TOLD IN PICTURES 1964-1975 as part of its con-
tribution to the 50th anniversary of the start of combat operations in Southeast Asia. Our project seeks to tell the story of this conflict through pictures and images that were taken by veterans of the Vietnam War that have been pre-
served by either veterans themselves or their surviving family members. ALL pictures will be returned to their owners. We are hoping to display these images at one of the main libraries here in New York City, and as I noted above,
some time this Summer. ALL pictures can be emailed to either Mark Bruh at mark. bruh@gmail.com and/or Emily Toro at goldielox59@aol.com. Feel free to contact me also at (646) 359-7723. —Mark P. Bruh
Church of the Savior
From the Warfront to the Homefront Foundation
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Co-op City Times / March 22, 2014
Fri., March 28
Thurs., March 27
Wed., March 26
Tues., March 25
Mon., March 24
Bartow Word Games 9:30 – 11:00 am, Rm. 31 Bingo 9:30am – 11:30am, Room 31 Library 9:30am -1:00pm, Rm. 31 Weight Management Support Group – Rm. 25 10:00am-11:30am ZUMBA Class 10:30am – 11:30am, Rm. 31 Card Games 2:00pm – 4:00 pm, Rm. 31 Dominoes 2:30 pm, Rm. 31
Word Games 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., Rm. 31
Einstein
10:00am-12:00pm, Rm. 7
9:30am – 1:00 pm, Rm. 49
Dominoes
Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session
10:00am, Rm. 45
9:30am -10:30am, Rm. 7
Line Dancing
10:00 – 11:00 – Rm. 2
Mind Teasers
Around The Lunch Table
12:00pm – 1:00pm, Rm. 4
11:30am, Rm. 49
Intermediate Yoga 2-3pm,
1:15 - 2:00pm, Rm. 2
2:00 – 4:00 pm
Rm. 2
Basic Cellphone & IPAD Training 1:30 – 2:30pm, Rm. 7
Bingo 1 p.m., Rm. 49
Card Games 2-4 p.m., Rm. 31
Matinee Movie w/George 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Rm. 45
Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., Rm. 7 Alert & Alive Rm. 7, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Mixed Cultural Dance 10:30-11:30 a.m. Aud. B Mind Teasers 12–1 p.m., Rm. 4 Zumba 1-2 p.m., Aud. A Tuesday Movie w/ popcorn 2-4 p.m., Rm. 7
Dominos 10 a.m., Rm 45 Spelling Bee 10 a.m., Rm 49 Spanish Practice Class 10:30 a.m., Computer Lab Bingo 1 p.m., Rm 49
Dominoes 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Stay Well Exercise 10-11 a.m., Rm. 45 Spelling Bee 11 a.m., Rm. 49 Po-ke-no 1-2 p.m., Rm. 49 Bingo 1 p.m., Rm. 49 Dominoes 10 a.m., Rm. 45
Art 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Bingo 1 p.m., Rm. 49 Card Games 2-4 p.m., Rm. 49
Blood Pressure 2nd and 4th Friday 10-11:30 a.m., Rm. 49
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 4 Art Class 1-3 p.m., Rm 7 YOGA w/Bhadra 2-3 p.m., Rm 2 Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session 9:30-10:30 a.m., Rm. 7 Blood Pressure 1st & 3rd Thursday 10-11:30 a.m., Rm. 8 Line Dancing w/Ellie 10– 11 a.m., Aud. A Poetry/Creative Writing w/ Lorraine 10-11 a.m., Rm 7 Piano Sing Along 11 a.m.–12 p.m., Rm. 7 Mind Teasers 12-1 p.m., Rm. 4 Drama Club 1:30 – 4 p.m., Rm. 7 Crochet and Knitting 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 7 Library, Exercise Bike, Chat 9:30-10:30 a.m., Rm. 7 Meditative Moments 11–12 p.m., Rm. 8 Mind Teasers 12-1 p.m., Rm. 4 Card Games, Dominoes 2-4 p.m., Rm. 7 Spanish Class (New) 1–2 p.m., Rm. 7 Therapeutic Yoga 1:30–2:30 p.m., Rm. 8 Poetry/Creative Writing w/ Lorraine 2–4 p.m., Rm 7
(Schedule subject to change without notice)
DATES
WEEKLY TRIPS
WEEKLY TRIPS 1st Monday:
Monday or Friday :
Stew Leonards
Super Wal-Mart
Kosher
Non-Kosher
Soups, Breads and Desserts
Mon., March 24
Orange juice Turkey Shepherd’s Pie w/mashed potatoes on top of pie Winter squash Stewed tomatoes Alt: Tuna & egg salad mix
Arroz con pollo (chicken thighs w/sofrito) Yellow rice Sautéed red peppers & onions
Whole wheat bread Healthy peach compote
Fish cakes Orzo w/vegetables Carrots
Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit
Gentle Yoga w/Anne
Walking and Exercise w/Ms.Gaskill
Bingo 1-3:30 p.m., Rm. 31
Men’s Line Dancing w/ Voncile 9-10 a.m., Rm. 31 Word Games 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., Rm. 31 Women’s Line Dancing w/ Jenifer 10–11:30 a.m., Rm. 31 Chat Session 10 a.m., Rm. 31 Bingo 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m., Rm. 25 Sing along w/Charles Carrington 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Rm. 31 Card Games 2-4 p.m., Rm. 31 Dominoes 2:30 p.m., Rm. 31
Stay Well Exercise
10:00am – 11:00am, Rm. 45
Current Events 10 a.m., Rm. 31
Blood Pressure 1st & 3rd Wednesday 9-10 a.m., Rm. 31 Word Games Rm 31 9:30am - 11:30am Stay Well Exercise 10-11 a.m. Rm 31 Line Dancing w/Voncile 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Rm 31 Bingo 1–3:30 p.m. Rm 31 Card Games2-4 p.m., Rm 31 Dominos 2:30 p.m., Rm 31 Library 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Rm. 31 Word Games 9:3011:30 a.m., Rm. 31 Chat Session 9:30 a.m. -1 p.m., Rm. 31 Bingo 1-3:30 p.m., Rm. 31 Card Games 2-4 p.m., Rm. 31 Dominoes 2:30 p.m., Rm. 31 Social Dance Club Music by Cecilia Tenconi - Every 2nd Thursday, Rm. 31
Date:
Crochet and Knitting
Library
Dominoes 10 a.m., Rm. 49 Tai Chi 11am, Rm. 45
Dominoes 2:30 p.m., Rm. 31
Dreiser
PRICE
PICK-UP TIMES
$15
8:30 a.m. 8:45 a.m.
$5
Bartow Dreiser 9:30 a.m. 9:45 a.m.
For information, please call: (718) 320-2066
Einstein 10:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m.
New Payment Schedule - Payments for trips @ the Bartow office can be made Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Only) Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, The NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation.
Apple juice
Tues, Shake & Bake chicken cutlet March Brown rice w/red beans 25 Kale & garlic Alt: Hummus
Wed., March 26
Orange juice Beef meatballs w/marinara sauce Whole grain spaghetti Green beans Alt: Sliced turkey
Thurs., March 27
Orange pineapple juice Baked salmon w/spinach sauce Toasted Orzo Mixed vegetables Alt: Grilled chicken
Turkey medallions Yucca w/onions Spinach w/feta & onions
Challah bread Fresh fruit
Fri., March 28
Orange juice Toast chicken potato kugel Carrots & dill Alt: Gefilte fish
Cod fish Poached w/tomato Brown rice pilaf Mixed vegetables
Turkey/rice soup Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit
Cheeseburger w/caramelized onions Whole wheat bread Baked fries Green salad Apricots packed in juice (mixed greens)
Fee for lunch is $2.00 & $3.50 for guest
*Menu subject to change without notice. Lunch must be ordered a week in advance.
ALL meals served w/margarine and fresh milk
Upcoming Events/Trips
Bartow Center (718) 320-2066, Ext. 2010 Dreiser Center (718) 320-1345 • Einstein Center (718) 671-5161
There will be no refunds for all trips. All trips include roundtrip transportation! AARP Tax- Aide – Hosted by JASA; Free tax preparation and free e-File - 135 Einstein Loop, Room 35, until April 9th, Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For information, call 718-320-2066. Free SNAP (Food Stamp) Application Assistance - 2049 Bartow Ave., Co-op City Senior Services/JASA main office, Friday, March 28th, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. First come, first served! Please bring documents that verify your identity: address, income, expenses (rent, medical, etc.). For information: 718-320-2066. Free Hypertension Workshop – Tuesday, March 25 - 10 a.m., Room 31. Free Diabetes Wellness Workshops for Medicare Beneficiaries – Friday, March 28th, 1–3 p.m., 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 8. To sign up, call 718-320-1345. CERT - Community Emergency Response Team – Tues., April 1st, 11 a.m., 2049 Bartow Ave., Room 31; Fri., May 9th, 1 p.m., 177 Dreiser Loop, Rm. 7; Tuesday, May 13th, 135 Einstein Loop, Room 49. Learn about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact this area and basic disaster response skills The Big Apple Senior Strollers 2014 Walking Group – Participate in Walk with Ease, the Arthritis Foundation’s evidence-based walking program. Every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. for 12 weeks, beginning April 8th. Meet at 2049 Bartow Avenue, Room 31. Legal Services NYC Bronx Elder Care Practice – will present information on the scope of their Elder law practice. They will also review the process involved in the creation of a will – Tuesday, April 1st, 11 a.m., 135 Einstein Loop, Room 49; Friday, May 2nd, 1 p.m., 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 4. Question and answer segment will follow the presentation. For information, call 718-320-2066.
Museum at Eldridge St. – Monday, March 24th, $7, 1hr. 15 min. tour starts at 11 a.m. The Eldridge Street Synagogue, built in 1887, is a national Historic landmark in Manhattan’s Chinatown. Discover the history, architecture and spiritual significance of the Eldridge Street Synagogue. Pick-ups: Bartow – 8:30 a.m.; Dreiser Loop - 8:45 a.m.; Einstein Loop - 9 a.m. Call 718-220-2066. Empire Casino – Monday, March 31st, $5. Pick-ups: Einstein Loop - 10 a.m., Bartow - 10:15 a.m., Dreiser Loop 10:30 a.m. Call the Bartow office to register (718-320-2066). SOLD OUT! Shoprite – Friday, April 4th, $3 (2 hrs.) Pick-ups: Einstein Loop – 9 a.m., Bartow - 9:15 a.m. & Dreiser Loop – 9:30 a.m. Call to register, 718-320-2066. Ace in the Hole Productions 2014 Fabulous 23rd Season at The Brownstone - Featuring Lonnie Youngblood, 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 8th, $55 for JASA members and $65 for non-JASA members. Coach bus pick-ups: Bartow – 9 a.m., Dreiser Loop – 9:15 a.m. & Einstein Loop - 9:30 a.m. Menu: 2 complimentary drinks, fresh garden salad, corn chowder, braised tips of beef, roast chicken, mashed potatoes & gravy, fresh vegetable medley, dessert, coffee, tea, decaf. Enjoy 2 complimentary drinks during the Happy Hour. Free soda all day. Weight Management Support Group – Monday, March 24th, 10 a.m., 2049 Bartow Ave., Room 25, facilitated by social workers. Learn techniques and information that can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. For info.: 718-320-2066. Grandparent Connection – Next grandparent caregiver support group meeting is scheduled for Thurs., April 3rd, 10:30 a.m. at the teen center in Einstein Loop. Contact Hattie Lucas, 718-379-0433, Ext. 2139 or 917-734-5935.
Co-op City Times / March 22, 2014
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
AARP Chapter #4997
FYI: 26% of 50+ adults provided financial support to grandchildren in the past 5 years; 36% of workers 55+ have less than $10,000 in savings and investments; and 1.2 million New Yorkers were kept out of poverty by Social Security income (on an average) from 2010-2012 (886,000 were 65 or older). REMINDER: AARP Chapter #4997 Anniversary Celebration – THURSDAY, MAY 29, 12 p.m.-5 p.m. (Cocktail hour, 12 p.m.-1 p.m.) at Eastwood Manor — $70/person. Contact Stella B. – 718-3792088 or Delores C. – 718-671-1672 or Room O – 718-320-1946. Get well wishes to Lillian Wilson Heartfelt Condolences to Helen Blakes on the loss of her brother-in-law and Gloria Wright on the loss of her sonin-law. We regret to announce the passing of our long-time member, Frenchie McDaniel. NOTE: To our sick, on the mend and shut-in members, and those bereaved members, please know that you are in our prayers. Contact Frances Wilson, Good & Welfare Coordinator, 718-671-5493. 2014 TOUR ACTIVITIES March 31-April 1 – Sands Casino w/a $20 free play & lunch voucher; then to the hotel w/dinner and a show; full buffet breakfast and then to see MOSES at the Millennium Theater; traveling on a Deluxe Motor Coach…$295/double;
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$285/triple; $345/single (travel insurance to be determined) – BUS DEPARTURE: from Asch Loop (in front of library) at 7:45 a.m. SHARP (arrive by 7 a.m. for bus seating & luggage tags) … contact: Marlene (718) 379-8337 (temporary). May 21 – The Magic of Motown at Foxwoods’ Fox Theatre – Stroll down memory lane with the Temptations, Four Tops, Smokey Robinson, The O’Jays, The Platters and many more…SOLD OUT; WAITING LIST AVAILABLE… $84/pp includes reserved seating, free buffet, $10 slot play, transportation and gratuities….contact Jean, 718-379-3742. July 24-25 – Spirit of Baltimore Cruise & lunch w/shopping at Arrundel Mills Outlet; buffet dinner at the Hotel; buffet breakfast and a 6-hour stay at Maryland Live Casino; traveling on a Deluxe Motor Coach (travel insurance to be determined)…$280 double; $270 triple; $340 single…contact Daisy, 718-671-3241. August 28 – September 6 – Canada & New England Cruise – Sail on the Royal Caribbean, 10 days/9 nights…Double inside cabin: N-$1,108; outside cabin: I$1,438; Balcony: E-2-$1,738; Balcony: E-1-$1,788; Single inside cabin: N$1,827; Outside cabin: I-$2,487; Balcony E-1-$3,187 – $350 deposit will secure early-bird rates ….contact Jean, 718-3793742. —Delores Debnam
Goose Island Seniors
Baychester Library Events VISIT THE LIBRARY - A GREAT WEALTH OF INFORMATION ATTENTION: The Baychester Branch will be closed March 8, to facilitate branch improvements. Please use the Eastchester Branch at 1385 East Gun Hill Road. We will re-open for regular service on Monday, March 10th. UPCOMING EVENTS ART FOR A LIFETIME 2014 - FREE Theatre Arts Workshops For Adults 55+. Call to register. Mondays through Apr. 28, 1:30 p.m. Instructor: Leona Heyward Hull. Click On - Google Docs - Tuesdays, 3/25, 10:30 a.m. Tech Connect - Thursdays, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.; App Vice, 3/27. Click On - Fridays, 10:30 a.m. - Microsoft Word, 3/28. FILM - The Family that Preys, w/Kathy Bates, Saturday, 3/22, 2:00 p.m. FDNY Recruitment - Monday, 3/24, 3-7 p.m. FILM - The Secret Life of Bees w/Queen Latifah, Saturday, 3/29, 2:00 p.m. WEEKLY EVENTS (Subject to change. Call library to confirm) Game On - Monday, 3/10, 3:30 p.m. Toddler Time - Every Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. Teen Lounge - Wednesday, March 12, 3:00 - 4:30 p.m., Chess Club - Every Thursday, 3:00 Teen Lounge - Every Friday, 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
The New York Public Library Baychester Branch • 2049 Asch Loop • Bronx, NY 10475 (Fully Wheelchair Accessible) HOURS: Monday & Wednesday, 10-7; Tuesday & Thursday, 10-6; Friday & Saturday, 10-5. Libros En Español (Books in Spanish). HORARIO DE LA BIBLIOTECA: Lunes 10-7, Martes 10-6, Miércoles 10-7, Jueves 10-6, Viernes 10-5, Sábado 10-5, Domingo Cerrado
718.379.6700 FREE ADMISSION TO ALL
Tuesday, March 25—Going to Mt. Airy Casino. Price $33. Rebate is $25 for slot play and $10 towards food. Pick-up time is 8:30 a.m. at our 3 usual bus stops: Einstein Loop, Asch Loop (back of library) and Dreiser Loop. Wednesday, March 26—No bingo. Wednesday, April 23—Going to Courtlandt, N.Y. for luncheon and show, The Rat Pack. Price is $69. Pickup time 9 a.m. at our 3 usual bus stops. Final payment must by March 20. Menu: Fruit cup, salad, prime rib of beef, chicken marsala, stuff filet of Sole, dessert, coffee, tea, soda also a complementary drink of wine or beer. Monday, June 2—Going to Villa Roma, N.Y. for luncheon and show The
Jersey Boys. Wonderful music of Frankie Vallie and Four Seasons. Price is $79 pick-up time is 8 a.m. at our 3 usual bus stops. All payments must be paid before May 15. Menu: Fruit cup, minestrone soup half of chicken, London broil and Tilapia, dessert, coffee, tea, soda. For more information, see Ann or Mary at 135 Einstein Loop, Room 39, Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. or call us at 718-379-9613 or call Mary at 718-379-4899 in evening. P.S.: Don’t forget to pay your dues, $15 per year. Also, come up and check our garage sale, You might like something. Good health to all —Mary Pilla
Handicapped Adults Association
OFFICE: We are open 2 days a week. Monday and Thursday. Monday, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Thursday, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. FLEA MARKET: We are now selling jewelry; many choices of necklaces and earrings and bracelets. Our soft covered books are 25¢ each, 5 for $1; hard
covered books are 50¢ each. We have walkers for $10 and $15 each. We are located in Dreiser Community Center, 177 Dreiser Loop, Room #13, second floor. Pennies, pennies please bring them to the office. —Arlene Rodriquez
Einstein Cancer Fund
Tuesday, April 1st, general membership meeting at 1:30 p.m., Room 38. Dues are $12 for members, as well as newcomers. This will be a Bingo meeting and all are welcome. Friday, April 4th, Hunterdon Hills Playhouse for a hilarious comedy drama, Busy Body. The cost per person is $78, which includes lunch, show, transportation and gratuities. Entrée choice of Yankee pot roast, fried shrimps, chicken Cordon Bleu, summer herb cod, chef’s daily special, baked vegetable lasagna vegetable kabobs, and a chef’s daily special. You have a selection of homemade breads, salad, mashed potato, potato pancakes and an array of miniature desserts, coffee or tea. Please make your
payment by March 28th. Time of pickup will be 8:30 a.m. at all usual stops. Reminder: Moses at the Millennium Theatre, has been sold-out. Please send in your final payments. Luggage tags will be sent to you just as soon as we receive them. Time of pick-up will be at 7:30 a.m. starting at Einstein, followed by Asch Loop and Dreiser Loop at 8:30 a.m. Please call Mildred at 718-3200288, Loretta at 718-671-2958, or Lydia at 718-671-3005. Remember those who are homebound and in nursing homes. Give them a call. Good health and healings are wished to all. —Lydia Ruas
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Co-op City Times / March 22, 2014
Reflections by Rabbi Solomon I. Berl Spiritual Leader of Young Israel Synagogue
There is a beautiful Rabbinic commentary that graphically and unequivocally describes our obligation: “The Holy One showed the first human being all the trees in the Garden of Eden and said: “See how lovely and excellent my works are. Do not corrupt or desolate my world. For if you corrupt or desolate it, there is no one to set it aright after you.” It is our duty to protect, preserve and cherish this world. In light of this duty, how can we stand by and permit neutron bombs to be built when we already have enough devices to destroy the universe ten times over?
Who will shield our children and our children’s children from the effects of radiation? How can we be silent when our waters are being polluted, our earth filled with hazardous wastes, our food contaminated? Since when are profits more important than people? Beautiful creatures, both great and small, from whales to small darters, are being systematically eliminated. Did G-d put us on this earth to use it – or abuse it? The destiny of the world is on our hands. For G-d’s sake, for our sake, for the sake of generations yet unborn, let us preserve life here on Earth.
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 can-
dle-lighting time. Saturday morning services start at 9 a.m. Rabbi Berl delivers his sermon at 10:30 a.m. The Rabbi’s class on the Torah reading of the week begins one hour before sunset every Saturday afternoon. For office hours or any information you may seek, feel free to call (718) 671-2300 and leave your name, phone number and a brief message on the synagogue’s answering machine, and your call will be returned as soon as possible.
Men’s Club Traditional Synagogue
The Men’s Club is running a trip to the MOUNT AIRY CASINO in Pennsylvania on MONDAY, May 5. The COST: $33 per person with a $25 slot and a $10 food voucher. Player may use any machine or table. I would like to remind you that you need a government photo ID card to get your bonus slot play. Payment is due by April 28. Please send checks to: The Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City, Attention: Men’s Club, 120 Erdman Place, Building 27B, Bronx, NY 10475.
We provide a free snack going, play games, and on the return trip, we show a movie. FOR RESERVATIONS, CALL: Gary (718) 671-8424 or Bruce (718) 320-2234. (PLEASE NOTE: PICK UP TIMES HAVE CHANGED). Pick-up stops: Einstein Loop, 8:00 a.m.; Asch Loop, 8:15 a.m.; Dreiser Loop, 8:20 a.m. Everyone is invited to all our functions. We hope you will join us. Shalom! —Bruce Gitelson
If you see something, say something! CCPD - 718-671-3050
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 of Co-op City
Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City, Young Israel of Baychester, Section 5 at 120 Erdman Place (behind the lobby 27B), welcomes you to pray with them. Tel. for the Synagogue, 1718-379-6920 or contact Marilyn at 347-449-5005. Note: New office hours are on Thursday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Candle Lighting on Friday, March 21st is at 6:48 p.m. Shabbat ends today, Saturday, March 22nd at 7:48 p.m. Coming Events: Saturday, March 22nd at 9:00am please join Rabbi Daniel Kronengold and the congregation in prayer. Be part of the Minyon. NOTE****We will not be having Bingo during March. Our Purim Luncheon was a great success. We sincerely appreciate David Edelstein and the Jewish Community
Counsel who helped to sponsor our luncheon. Thank you all for joining us and giving your support. Good and Welfare: Do you need a tree certificate sent “in Honor of” or “in Memory of” a special occasion or a condolence? You can give a living gift for the cost of $15 per tree. For more information, you can call the office at 1-718379-6920. We can accommodate you. If you are feeling under the weather, we wish you all a speedy and complete recovery in double quick time. Mimi Berlofsky is getting better by the day. We hope to see her very soon in time to run our Bingo coming up in April. Dues for 2014 are due NOW!! Thank you. Wishing all our members health, happiness, peace and prosperity. Your support is always appreciated. Thank you. Shalom. —Miriam Berlofsky
Fr. Taylor and the congregation of St. Joseph’s cordially invite you to worship with us in Co-op City at 155 Dreiser Loop, lower level. All are welcome. Weekly Schedule: Sunday service with Holy Communion and Sunday School are both at 9 a.m. Every 4th Sunday, our children participate in the reading of the lessons and every 5th Sunday, our young adults assist in the service. Bible study is held each Wednesday at 7 p.m. Choir rehearsal is on Thursday at 7 p.m. The (ECW) Episcopal Church Women meet immediately after service on the 1st Sunday of each month. Membership is open to all women of the church and dues are $2 per month. We look forward to welcoming everyone at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 23, when we will celebrate the Third Sunday in Lent. Lenten Services: Every Wednesday in Lent, Stations of the Cross at 7:00 p.m. Fundraising Events: St. Joseph’s Sunday School Delicious Breakfast, Saturday, March 22, starting at 8:30 a.m. Prices begin at $6 per plate. Come hungry, leave happy!! Raffle tickets are now available for sale. Drawing on Saturday, April 12. Book
of 6 for $5. Please contact June Grimes, 718-320-0503. St. Joseph’s Seventh Annual Luncheon at Eastwood Manor in the Bronx. Saturday, May 17, 12 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Rolling bar, cocktail reception and lLunch, Music by DJ Carol, $75 per person. Deluxe Motorcoach Transportation 3day trip to Toronto, Canada. Saturday, August 30 to Monday, September 1. Trip includes 2 nights hotel accommodation, 4 meals, professional guided historic tours and time at the casino. Single $469, Double $389, Triple $339, Quad. $329, Children $239. Prices are per person and a payment plan is available. For those on the payment plan, the 3rd deposit is now due. Please call June at 718-320-0503. Outreach Program: We continue to collect non-perishable food for the feeding program at Grace Episcopal Church in West Farms. Please remember to donate. For additional information on the above, please call the church at 718-3200844, or visit our website: http://www.stjosephsepcbronx.org. “Come, let us sing to the Lord; *let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.” (Psalm 95:1) —M. Chambers
St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church
FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY 20+ YEARS EXPERIENCE IN THE BRONX
• Divorce • Pre-Nup • Child Support • Custody/Visitation • ACS Cases
CALL FOR FREE CONSULTATION
718-681-2628 David M. Shapiro
903 Sheridan Avenue - 2nd Floor Bronx, NY Across the street from the Courthouse.
Available for Free Seminars with local community groups.
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Co-op City Times / March 22, 2014
Pentecostal Tabernacle
Pentecostal Tabernacle invites everyone to worship with them at 120 Benchley Pl., Building 24, Bronx, N.Y. 10475; Tel. 718-324-0334 or 718-3204218. Services are held on the following days: Sunday School begins at 10:30 a.m. Worship service starts at 11:45 a.m. Wednesdays: Prayer and fasting service will be held in the morning starting at 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Bible study and prayer meeting will also be held in the evening starting at 7:30 p.m. Friday evenings: Youth service starts at 7:30 p.m. And it came to pass, as she spake to
Joseph day by day, that he harkened not unto her; or to be with her. And it came to pass about this time that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within. And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled and got him out. Genesis 39: 10-12 The most effective way to flee temptation is to have an eternal focus. By focusing on heaven, earthly things will grow dim. The more we focus on heaven, the less we are distracted by temptation. Colossians 3:2 states: Set your affection on things above, not on things on earth. To avoid falling into temptation is to
stand against it, which requires courage and tenacity. Joseph refused the advances of Potiphar’s wife and tried to reason with her that he could not violate the trust his master had placed in him. When she began to force the issue, she caught his garment, and said, “Lie with me.” Joseph fled from her advance and from temptation. Although she lied to her husband and caused Joseph to lose his job and to be thrown into prison, he did not lose his relationship with God. Believers have to choose between fighting and fleeing, we must fight to be brave against all evil, never run nor even log behind, yet we must know when to flee or to stand, stand for the
right. Believers today are not just faced with temptation, they face alluring temptation. (Very tempting.) Satan knows that he only has a short time; and he is doing his best to defeat believers totally by bombarding them with enormous temptations. He dresses up evil and masquerades sin to make it look good and appealing. Satan is a salesperson of the underworld who presents his evil wares wrapped in attractive package, therefore, we must keep our spiritual eyes open and seek direction from God every day. And as Ephesians 6:11 states: Put on the whole armor of God that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. —Rev. R. Sibblies
South Pacific Mark your calendar for our trip to the Westchester Dinner Theatre. We will be going to the matinee performance of one of the most outstanding shows to have appeared on Broadway, South Pacific. The date is Wednesday, October 22, and the charge of $80 includes the show, a full course luncheon, all taxes and gratuities and round trip transportation. CONTACT Eleanor
Bailey at 718-379-7754 or Dolores Rankin at 718-379-0910. You can mail your payment to Ms. Bailey at 4180 Hutchinson River Pkwy, Apt. 10 A or Ms. Rankin at 4160 Hutchinson River Parkway, Apt. 10 E, Bronx NY 10475. It is not too early to reserve your spot. Presentation There was a marvelous, informative presentation given at our last meeting from our very special guests, Bronx
CERT 10. There was so much information offered; it was timely and gave all attendees something to think about. Knowledge is power and that's what the attendees now have. Cruising 8-night cruise from New Jersey, December 12-20 & 11 night cruise Feb. 2-13, 2015 on Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas. Payment plans available - no air needed. Contact
Grace at 914-997-8436 for rates & info. Also, check you building bulletin board to see the flyer. We can arrange transportation from Co-op City to the ship... Regretfully, our Atlantic City trip for April 5 has been canceled due to lack of participation. All monies will be sent back to you. The Lending Library will be open on Tuesday, from 1-2 p.m. and Friday, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. —Lorna Smith
Building 32 Association
If You See Something, SAY SOMETHING!!! Co-op City Public Safety - 718-671-3050
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.
34
Co-op City Times / March 22, 2014
Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church invite you to join us tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. for worship service. Sunday School for children and adults is held at 9:15 a.m. We invite you to worship, study, and pray with us. The Co-op City Baptist Church is located at 135 Einstein Loop, Room 50 (lower level). Our telephone number is 718-320-3774. Visit us on the web at www.coopcitybaptistchurch.org. Join us for a mid-week spiritual pick-up at our midweek worship service which is held on Wednesdays at 12 p.m. Bible study is held on Wednesdays at 1:00 and 7:30 p.m. Bible study will also be held on Wednesday, February 5 at 5:00 p.m. Prayer Service is held on Fridays at noon and 7:30 p.m. Men’s prayer service is held monthly at 7:00 p.m., we invite the men of the community to join us on
Mgmt. Report
number of issues whether it be lobbying for additional needed traffic control signage in areas where pedestrian safety needs to improve or tackling bigger issues, such as mitigating the obvious coming increase in traffic congestion in the community when the new Mall at Bay Plaza opens this summer. Right up front, we asked the Councilman if he could be helpful in getting city funding to help cover some of the expenses involved in installing a new long-overdue elevator for the Bartow Community Center, mainly to help our senior and disabled population more easily access the programs offered to them in the center. The Councilman agreed to do what he could by accessing city non-capital funding to help offset some of the cost of the longoverdue community amenity. Councilman King was also agreeable to reaching out to the leadership of the city’s DOT to try to get pedestrian crossing times extended at key
Co-op City Baptist Church
Tuesday, March 11, for the next Men’s Prayer Service. TODAY, March 22 at 10 a.m., the First Lady’s Ministry will present Her Story in recognition of Women’s History Month. The guest speaker will be Evangelist Darlene Thomas from Kelly Temple Church of God In Christ, Harlem, NY. The theme is A Woman of Faith, Hebrews 11:1. Donation is $15. For information, call 718320-3774. TOMORROW, Sunday, March 23, the Youth/Young Adult Choir will celebrate their anniversary at the 11 a.m. service. The guest speaker will be Rev. Dr. Eric Turner. All are invited to this celebratory service. The Co-op City Baptist Church Scholarship Ministry and the Co-op City Intergenerational Outreach Center, Inc. are having a Preparing for College: An Informational Seminar on next Saturday,
intersection in the community, where the thoroughfare is wide and the traffic is both busy and fast moving – specifically Bartow Avenue and Baychester Avenue, Co-op City Blvd. at Conner Street and Co-op City Blvd. and Dreiser Loop West. The Councilman indicated that adding just a few seconds to the timing might help improve the safety at these tricky locations and he also said he is in favor of reducing lanes particularly on Bartow Avenue which would have the effect of calming down the traffic and naturally reduce the speed of vehicles. While we might not be in total agreement on this measure, we are grateful that the Councilman is looking into different ways to improve traffic safety in and around the community. Other areas that were brought to Councilman King’s attention included the need for a traffic light at Aldrich St. and Asch Loop and the need for a stop sign and increased visibility at the
(Continued from page 5)
March 29 (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) at 135 Einstein Loop, Room 49 – The college application process can be daunting for many. This free informational seminar will provide middle and high school students and their parents with valuable information on the college application process, available scholarships, applying for financial aid and many other resources. For additional information or to RSVP, call 718-379-0541, 718-320-3240, 718-671-8449, 917620-2859 or 718-320-3774. All are urged to attend this informational seminar. The Co-op City Baptist Church exists to glorify God and to establish a living community of people who follow the teachings of Jesus the Christ through worship, prayer, Bible study and fellowship. We seek to meet the spiritual and physical needs of the church through ministry. —Hattie L. Lucas
entrance onto Asch Loop, just north of Garage 4. The Councilman also promised to look into having the DOT replace some of the crumbling cement barriers placed at “killer curve,” entering Section 5. To reduce some of the financial burden placed on this community by the City of New York, we also asked Councilman King to look into ways that the community can get some relief from the ever-increasing water taxes that shareholders are forced to pay, which have increased many times over in recent years, now totaling approximately $18M a year. The larger issue of the impending increased traffic coming with the opening of the new Mall this summer was also discussed and the Councilman expressed his confidence that the city and state agencies, along with the Governor’s office, will come together to finance solutions which will keep the bulk of the mall traffic away from
Co-op City’s streets. Perhaps the most important development to come out of this meting between the Councilman, Management and the Board Directors is an agreement to meet regularly, perhaps as often as monthly, to have ongoing discussions regarding the community’s relationship with city agencies and the services those agencies are obligated to deliver to this community, which, in my opinion, they have not done adequately over the years. We already have another meeting scheduled for April. As I told the Councilman at the outset of the meeting, there are many things this community needs and deserves from New York City government and we frankly cannot get them without his help and representation on behalf of all the residents of this community. I and all the Board Directors look forward to the next in our continuing series of meetings and we will keep the community updated.
CLASSIFIEDS Co-op City Times • cctimes@riverbaycorp.com
For Sale
Appliances Repair
Kirby vacuum for $1000. 50” SONY Floor TV for $1000. Call Henry 718-598-1907 3/22
Get Top Cash for your Jazz, Soul, R&B and Gospel albums from 50s to 70s. Call Howard 3/29 at 212-873-4016 anytime. Records Wanted
Old Records Wanted. Will Pay Top $$ for JAZZ, JAZZ, JAZZ, Rock & Roll, 50s, 60s, & 70s. LP, 78 or 45.
Call Joe 718-384-7554 Spaces for Rent
4/19
1. CHURCH WORSHIP SPACE AVAILABLE: St. Paul's Episcopal /Anglican Church on 489 St. Paul's Place off Washington Avenue, Bronx, wishes to rent out its Worship space on Saturdays and other week days. The Worship space can also be made available for rent on Sundays after 3pm. The Church can seat over three hundred people. 2. 7,500 SQUARE FOOT SPACE, comprising a two story attached annex building to St. Paul's Episcopal Church available for rent. The space was used as a Pre-School until June 2012. If interested, call Father Scott on 914-384-2929 for an appointment. 5/10
Appliances Repair
ACE APPLIANCE REPAIR
EMERGENCY SERVICE
L&L APPLIANCE REPAIR
Refrigerators, stoves, air conditioners, washers, dryers, dishwashers. Free service call with repairs.
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)
Fully Insured NYC License #1233497
Call 718.792.2655 10/11
3/29
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• 1 Year Guarantee on parts • Over 25 Years Experience • Insured • Seniors Discount • 10% OFF with this Ad Call (718) 671-0700 3/29
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Present This Coupon (except vacuums/lamps)
STOVES • WASHERS • REFRIGERATORS • VACUUM CLEANERS and more. LIMIT — One Coupon Per Person. Fully Insured NYC License #1233497
718.792.2655
10/11
Blinds
FAMILY BLINDS SERVICE Serving Co-op City for over 25 years
EMERGENCY SERVICE
NEW STYLE BLINDS
L & L APPLIANCE REPAIR
All Colors • Vertical • Minis • Woods • 2 in. Regulars • Wash, Tape, Cord Blinds
FREE VALANCE & INSTALLATION NEW WINDOWS?
• ALL MAKES & MODELS • Stoves • Washers • Dryers •Lamps • Dishwashers • Refrigerators • Bags • Hoses • Belts • Vacuum Cleaners
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
Family Owned & Operated Since 1954 NYC License #1233497 10% DISCOUNT Fully Insured
(except vacuums)
Call Anytime • Seven Days/Week • “When You See Me, You’ll Know Me!”
718.792.2655
2951 Middletown Road, Bronx, NY 10461 (Near Pelham Bay Station)
3/29
10/11
Advertise! Call 718-320-3300, x3384 for affordable rates!
35
Co-op City Times / March 22, 2014
CLASSIFIEDS Cleaning Service
Floors
COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL CLEANING SERVICE Call: A BEE R.A.G. SERVICE, INC. Residential: $60 for 3 man hours, $75 with supplies Commercial: Call to discuss Call us @ 718-798-4259 or email us @ Sales@abrags.org Website: www.abrags.org for a list of services. 3/22
M & M FLOORS
General Cleaning — $80 + tax Semi-Heavy Cleaning — $90 + tax Super Heavy Cleaning — $120 + tax Bonded • 7 Days Accept Cash, Pay-Pal • 4 Hour Minimum
(718) 320-5112
Hardwood floors installed - Sanding & Refinishing. Polyurethane, Fabulon & Moisture Cure Finishes. Staining in all colors. Free estimates. 10% Co-op City resident discount. Call (718) 792-0024 Health
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SPOONERS DOMESTIC SERVICE • • • • •
Volunteers
3/22
Cleaning Service - Carpet and Upholstery 3/29
BY THE OUNCE
Stop buying hair in the pack that tangles and doesn’t last. Buy your hair to match your own, we will blend, color, put on a weft, and install. Please call about intallations. Weaving Installation by appt. only. 718-515-5800
CALL 718-320-3300 x3384 for affordable rates!
3/29
Please be considerate of others when sharing use of the laundry room. While using the machines or waiting for your clothes to finish:
Home Improvement
• Please refrain from playing loud music;
1-800-479-2667
• Keep an eye on young children accompanying you;
JASON LASH
• VERTICAL BLINDS • MINI BLINDS • SINK VANITIES • SPACE SAVERS • MATCHING HAMPERS • BATHTUB ENCLOSURES • CLIP-ON MIRROR FRAMES
• RANGE HOODS • LIGHT FIXTURES • KITCHEN CABINETS • CABINET REFACING • COUNTERTOPS • CUSTOM CLOSET MIRROR DOORS • CUSTOM WALL MIRRORS
Grout & Carpet Cleaning e
Breath Easy
8/2
1-800-479-2667 Co-op City Resident Specials
Elimin ate Bugs
CO-OP SALES BLINDS! — since 1969 —
Vertical, Mini, Wood, Pleats
1-800-479-2667
Cleaning Service - Windows
GEORGE’S CLEAN WINDOWS Professional Window Cleaning • FAST RELIABLE SERVICE Cell:
1-203-482-6337
7/19
Computer Consultant, Sales & Repair JB RYAN COMPUTER REPAIR & UPGRADE
Repair - Upgrade - Trouble-shooting - Data Recovery Virus Removal - Laptop Overheat - Cracked Screen Broken Power Jack. Call James 646-281-4475 • 718-324-4332
8/30
DWI Program
HAVE YOU BEEN ARRESTED FOR DRINKING AND DRIVING (DWI)?
Sign up for New York State DMV Approved Jackson Drinking Driver Program at your local DMV or call 1-914-356-0463 or 718-496-7286. Sign up right away!! 3/22
Laundry Room Etiquette
• Don’t Pay More At Your Local Hardware Store •
We BEAT Any Quote!
3/29
Locksmith
FAMILY LOCKSMITH Licensed and Bonded
HIGH SECURITY LOCKS 20% Off Any Lock Job!
Medeco • MultiLock • Wilson
High Quality Labor For a Low Price! Serving Co-op City for over 25 years. “When you see me, You’ll know me.” Call Anytime • Seven Days A Week
Call Mike at: 718-974-1290
3/29
Advertise! Call 718-320-3300, x3384 for affordable rates!
• Do not leave clothes unattended in washers and dryers for long periods of time; • Do not remove carts from laundry rooms; • Do not use the laundry baskets and/or laundry tables to sort dirty clothes.
Co-op City Times / March 22, 2014
National Eye Care 718-320-0551 • 347-843-0430 691 Co-op City Blvd. Bronx, NY 10475 Located Inside National Wholesale Liquidators
SUPER SAVINGS Save up to
est Low es Pric eed! rant Gua
g ndin ou e p S y Flex before it ! Use lose it
Reading or Distance (Complete)
EYEGLASSES
$
99
Includes: • Eye Exam • Frame & Lenses
Reg. $49.99 each
89
2 PA I R
Restrictions Apply. With Coupon only.
2 Boxes of Disposables Contact Lenses & Eye Exam
$
50%
99
99
ACUVUE 2 Spherical contact lenses only. Restrictions Apply. With Coupon only.
FREE EY E EX A M AVAILABLE w/Purchase Only. (Contact Lenses Exam not included) Restrictions Apply. With Coupon only.
Bu y Now, Pay Later!
ur 1 Hoice Serv ble! ila Ava
• Eye Exams • Designer Frames • Prescriptions Filled • Contact Lenses • Sunglasses • Most Unions & Vision Plans Accepted
Progressive
EYEGLASSES
$
95
99
Includes: • Eye Exam • Frame & Lenses
Restrictions Apply. With Coupon only.
Transition Lenses (Single Vision) Complete
Please call for an appointment
OPEN 7 DAYS Mon-Sat: 10:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. Sun: 11:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
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Gucci • Dior • Dita • Cazal • Marc Jacobs • Fendi • D&G • Polo • Versace • Prada • Armani • Charriol
36
$
99
99
With Frame
Restrictions Apply. With Coupon only.
KIDS EYEGLASSES
$
2 PA I R
99
99
W/POLYCARBONATE LENSES & FRAME
Restrictions Apply. With Coupon only.
Reg. $69.99 each
D&G • Polo • Versace • Prada • Armani • Charriol