Co-op City Times 11/27/10

Co-op City’s official newspaper serving the world’s largest cooperative community. © Copyright 2010 Co-op City Times

Vol. 45 No. 47

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Public Safety officers chase down and arrest an armed man after shooting near Building 11

BY BILL STUTTIG Three fast moving and well-trained Public Safety officers, responding to reports of shots fired outside Building 11 on Tuesday afternoon, quickly chased down an armed shooter and, after a brief struggle, arrested him.

According to Public Safety, the suspect, a 20-year-old Building 10 resident with a prior arrest record, fired shots at two young Building 11 residents shortly after 3 p.m.

Reports of shots fired came over the radio, just as a cab driver in the area alerted Public Safety Officer Jonathan Frias of the location of the shooting.

According to the Public Safety report,

Officer Frias arrived at the scene to witness the suspect running down Co-op City Blvd. in the direction of Baychester Avenue.

Officer Frias gave chase and was joined by fellow Officers Shanta Carpenter and Juan Santiago who approached the scene from the opposite direction. The suspect was caught near Baychester Avenue and after a brief struggle was disarmed and apprehended. He was taken to the 45th Precinct and then Central Booking for processing.

A sweep of Building 11 immediately following the arrest found three shell casings in front of the building. The weapon (Continued on page 5)

Zipcars coming to Co-op City

BY JIM ROBERTS

online, by phone, mobile device or Need a car to drive somewhere for a iPhone. At the time of the reservation, a couple of hours or a few days? Soon, Coop City residents will be able to “share” (Continued on page 4) an auto for as long as they need it, without the hassle or expense of owning their own vehicle.

Zipcar, the company that lets its members share cars all around the nation, will begin service here by parking two of their autos in front of Garage 5 facing Bartow Avenue. The service should begin in early December and could expand throughout Co-op City.

Once you become a member, Zipcars will place 2 cars in Co-op City in early you can reserve a Zipcar either December.

25¢

Board votes to accept findings and recommendations in General Counsel’s report on “out of turn” townhouse transfer

BY DEREK ALGER The Riverbay Board voted this week to accept the findings and recommendations in a report by the corporation’s General Counsel concerning the Director of the Residential Sales Department approving a townhouse “out of turn” for Board Director Leticia Morales.

Riverbay’s General Counsel Jeffrey Buss was directed to initiate an investigation and prepare a report on his findings after a Daily News article reported four Directors released a memo calling for such an internal investigation.

The resolution, submitted by Director Bill Gordon and seconded by Second Vice President Khalil AbdulWahhab, was approved by a vote of 101, with Morales the lone vote against it.

Morales has consistently maintained that she had no awareness that when she moved into her townhouse on Cooper Place in September, a cou-

ple months ago, that she was jumping anyone on the waiting list.

In addition to Gordon and AbdulWahhab, voting in favor of the resolution to adopt the findings and recommendations in General Counsel Jeffrey Buss’s investigative report were Board President Helen Atkins and Directors Eleanor Bailey, Bernard Cylich, Francine Jones, Andrea Leslie, Manny Torres, Evelyn Santiago, and Raymond Tirado.

Not in attendance at the Monday evening meeting were Directors Othelia Jones, Jose Rodriguez, and Rev. Calvin E. Owens, while Director Al Shapiro was absent for the vote due to illness.

The same day, Nov. 22, 2010, prior to the Board meeting, Assistant Commissioner Richmond McCurnin of the State of New York’s Homes & (Continued on page 2)

All signs point to loitering crackdown night, the Department of Public Safety said recently that they are preparing initiatives to stem these activities in the future.

Chief Frank Apollo, Commanding Officer of the Department of Public Safety, said this week that this is a growing concern largely because these types of congregations generally Signs prohibiting loitering on Riverbay property during result in quality of life offenses, overnight hours will become more prevalent in the community in the coming weeks.

Photo by Bill Stuttig such as noise violations, and public consumption of alcoholic bevBY BILL STUTTIG erages. These gatherings can also often In the wake of a summer which saw a result in more serious problems, such as perceived increase in congregations of the use and sale of illegal drugs and, in large groups of youth and others outside of buildings and in other public areas late at (Continued on page 4)

All the trimmings … Co-op City’s seniors enjoyed a Thanksgiving feast with all the trimmings and more Wednesday afternoon in the Dreiser Community Center.

When not enjoying the turkey dinner, complete with stuffing, green beans, yams, and apple pie, seniors were dancing to the music provided by DJ Chris Robinson or listening to the singing of the talented Co-op City Senior Chorus. The feast was offered by JASA Senior Services of Co-op City, in association with Riverbay.

Photos by Bill Stuttig

2

Co-op City Times / November 27, 2010

Board approves Report Community Renewal (HCR), previously known as DHCR, in a letter to Buss, stated, the state agency “extends its appreciation for the evident effort you and your office made in coming to the findings and recommendations in the Report.”

Atkins directed Buss on Oct. 3, 2010 to investigate an allegation that Steve Gold, Director of the Riverbay Sales Department, had approved a townhouse transfer out of turn to Morales, and the report was completed on Nov. 8, 2010.

According to the resolution, the Board accepted the following findings set forth in the General Counsel’s Nov. 8th, 2010 report—that Morales was improperly awarded a townhouse ahead of other eligible shareholders in violation of Title 9 NYCRR Part 1727, and that the Director of Riverbay Sales facilitated the townhouse transfer to Morales.

Furthermore, the resolution approved the report’s findings that “it is believed that Steve Gold did not act alone, and has not adequately explained his motives;” that management failed to adequately supervise or monitor the Sales Department; and that “statements and explanations offered to the ‘as is’ condition of the townhouse are not credible.”

The report, approved by the Board, also concluded that “in accepting and remaining in a townhouse that was awarded in violation of Riverbay policy and State Regulations, Ms. Morales has attained a benefit that was greater than the benefits enjoyed by other shareholders” and that

(Continued from page 1)

“the individual opportunity afforded to Ms. Morales in obtaining a valuable townhouse conflicts with her duty of loyalty and care to her fellow shareholders.”

The Board also adopted the following recommendations set forth in the General Counsel’s Nov. 8, 2010 report, that the transfer of Morales to a townhouse be reversed, and that appropriate sanctions be imposed,

by Management, after consultation with General Counsel, on all individuals involved in the improper transfer.

In his Nov. 22, 2010 letter to Buss, McCurnin stated: “DHCR, based on its review of the Report and its own internal review of its approval of this transfer, believes there is substantial evidence indicating the transfer of the townhouse to Ms. Morales was in violation of DHCR regulations. An administrative agency has the inherent authority to revisit a determination where such determination is based on fraud, illegality or irregularity in a vital matter.”

The letter continued, “DHCR will make its assessment as to whether to revoke its determination approving the transfer upon formal notice to Ms. Morales and after affording her an opportunity to respond.

She will receive such notice shortly and Riverbay will receive a copy of that notice with its own opportunity to comment.”

The Board further approved the General Counsel’s recommendations that the Audit Committee and the Director of Internal Audit perform a compliance audit of the Sales Department Waiting Lists.

Finally, the Board approved the General Counsel report’s recommendations that Board members should not interact with Department Directors or Management to advance personal or political agendas; Board members should limit their involvement in operations consistent with the provisions of 9 NYCRR Part 1725-3.3; and that Management should improve and strengthen oversight and control of the Sales Department to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability.

In his letter to Buss, McCurnin stated: “In conclusion, we wish to emphasize that although our recommendations are detailed, we believe that Riverbay its Board, employ-

ees, management and residents do a remarkable job in creating one of the more affordable and desirable living spaces in New York City, if not the entire country. Our recommendations should be taken in the spirit that even a good situation can be made better and that it is our collective obligation to do so.”

The Board also resolved that General Counsel’s Nov. 8, 2010 Report be made publicly available in electronic form. To read the report, one can find a full copy at www.sbjlaw.com. The Executive Summary of the report is printed on pages 14-19 and pages 22-23 in this issue of the Co-op City Times, followed by HCR’s response on page 24.

Correction Last week, Director Bill Gordon submitted a “thank you” message, which ran on page 8, for cooperator Klaus Wolters, not for himself. The correct version of Mr. Wolters’ message to his neighbors is reprinted below. We sincerely apologize for the error and hope that Director Gordon, who is not the one recuperating, is still in the best of health. We also wish Mr. Wolters a speedy recovery, and sincerely apologize for the error.

Sincere gratitude I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who took time out of their busy lives to send cards, make telephone calls, and to visit me during my recent illness and hospitalization. I was overwhelmed by the various displays of friendship from all my friends, but I was especially touched by my Section Five buddies. The inspiration your actions gave me, helped me through the difficult times; Friendship is a great prescription.

—K la u s Wolt er s

DR. LEWIS WOLSTEIN Podiatrist — Foot Specialist • Practicing in Co-op City since 1975 • Board Certified in Foot Surgery • ALL conditions of the foot treated • Most insurance plans accepted, including:

• Most GHI plans • Health Plus • Affinity • H.I.P. Montefiore • Metro Plus Dr. Lewis Wolstein

The Wright Agency: Serving Co-op City for 29 years!

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

“Se Habla Español” Hours:

Call:

718.671.7226 100 DeKruif Place

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

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

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

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

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

3

Co-op City Times / November 27, 2010

2nd Combing ty Blood p Cinext Co-oDrive

Riverbay’s annual Menorah and Tree Lighting ceremony set for Wednesday

BY BILL STUTTIG

Co-op City teen cookbook signing set for today More than 300 recipes, ranging from family favorites to President Obama’s chili have been compiled by the teens of the Building 18 Scholarship Incentive Awards Program and published in a cookbook which will be available for signing and sale at a book signing reception from 1 to 4 p.m. today, Saturday, November 27th in the Building 18 meeting room. Signed cookbooks will be on sale for $18 each that day. They are being made available to coincide with the beginning of the holiday shopping season.

The publishing of the book and the reception is part of a year-long fundraising effort undertaken by the teens of Building 18 Scholarship Incentive Program to help finance a cultural excursion to Europe next summer. Last month, the teens hosted an auction in the Bartow Community Center which raised more than $1000 for the trip.

For more information, call Ruth Edwards, founder and director of the Building 18 Scholarship Incentive Awards Program, at 718-671-9475.

14th Annual Kwanzaa celebration set for December 28

The annual holiday tree and Menorah lighting ceremony, Riverbay’s perennial celebration kicking off the holiday season in Co-op City, will begin at 6 p.m., Wednesday, December 1st, in the auditorium of the Dreiser Community Center.

This traditional event, which is really a celebration of the holiday customs of many of the cultures that comprise this community, has grown in recent years, from a brief outdoor ceremony held in the Bartow Shopping Mall Plaza, to a major indoor celebration through which numerous houses of worship, and the community’s senior and youth groups, come together to celebrate the start of the season.

Riverbay Board President Helen Atkins and Board Director Al Shapiro will serve as the emcees for the evening.

The Co-op City Senior Chorus, comprised of about 30 senior citizens from the community, will begin the evening with their rendition of Carol of the Bells. The chorus, under the direction of Ione Foote, has been rehearsing the holiday songs they will sing since October.

After Board President Atkins welcomes the gathering of residents, the

Building 16 Youth Chorus will sing a medley of holiday songs.

Director Shapiro will then begin the observance of Chanukah with welcoming remarks followed by the Senior Chorus asking the audience to join in a rendition of O Chanukah. Jewish scholar and long time Co-op City community leader Hillel Valentine will tell the story of Chanukah and then be joined by Shapiro as they light the community’s Menorah.

The Senior Chorus will then perform a medley of holiday music to be followed

by Pastor Deborah Jenkins of Faith at Work Christian Church telling the Story of Christmas.

The Faith at Work Christian Church’s Acappella Angels will sing their selection of Christmas songs to be followed by the lighting of the Christmas Tree by State Assemblyman Mike Benedetto as the Senior Chorus sings Oh Christmas Tree.

Benedetto and Riverbay Community Relations Director Michelle Sajous will present community service awards to the 62 young people from the community who volunteered to help stage the community’s very successful Halloween celebrations last month.

After a performance of Life Is What

Finding Parking Space for the Handicapped

The Coalition of African American Churches and Community Organizations will present their 14th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration on Tuesday, December 28, at 5:00 p.m. in the Bartow Community Center, Room 31, located at 2049 Bartow Avenue (Co-op City), Bronx NY. This event is free, and everyone is invited to attend.

Bereavement support Church of the Savior’s Bereavement Support Group meets every Monday, 7-8:15 p.m., at 120 DeKruif Place (Building 7, street level). This is a free service and anyone may attend for confidential counseling and support.

This service is open to all residents, as well as members of the faith community and social agencies within Coop City, who would like to attend or refer their members or clients to the bereavement support group. The Holiday season is generally a very difficult time for those who have suffered the lost of a loved one, and anyone who would like to take advantage of this service is asked to contact Rev. Dr. Robert A. Smith, Jr. of the Church of the Savior at (718) 3200002 or (917) 734-4058.

FRONT PA G E

Ken Kearns, District Manager of Community Board 10, said this week that he has filed a written request with the city’s Department of Transportation to create a number of parking spaces for the handicapped on Elgar Place (above) near Buildings 33, 34, and 35. Kearns’ action came as a result of concerns expressed by disabled residents at a recent meeting of Community Board 10 held in Co-op City. The residents said that disabled parkers with handicapped parking status have been targeted as part of a ticket blitz launched by traffic enforcement agents to cut down on illegal parking in the area by government agency employees. Kearns said that officially designating a number of spots as exclusive handicapped parking spots should create an area where disabled residents of those buildings can park close by without fear of receiving a summons.

Kearns said he expects to receive an answer from DOT within a month.

Photo by Bill Stuttig

You Make It by the Senior Chorus, the Girls Scouts of Co-op City will join together in explaining the principles of Kwanzaa.

The Senior Chorus will sing Pinata in a Pine Tree as a lead-in to the Rev. Dr. Milca Plaud of the Evangelical Church of Co-op City presenting the meaning of the Three Kings Celebration, observed in most Hispanic cultures.

The Blessed Wings of the Evangelical Church will then present a dance recital in celebration of the Three Kings holiday.

The Senior Chorus and the gathering of residents will join together for the singing of Happy Holidays.

Pastor Anne Palmore of the Church of New Vision will offer her remarks on the meaning of the holidays, followed by a performance by the Praise Dance Ministry of the Church of New Vision.

The Senior Chorus will then lead everybody in a rendition of Santa Claus is Coming to Town which will cue Ol’ Saint Nick to park his sleigh on the roof of Garage 2 before stopping by and handing out candy to the children.

Panera Bread, Pizza Hut and Verizon will provide the refreshments for the evening.

Benedetto’s staff to monitor bus service next week

BY BILL STUTTIG Staff from the office of Assemblyman Mike Benedetto will be at bus stops serving Co-op City next week to monitor the punctuality of service. Staff members will be recording the times that buses arrive and how closely that mirrors posted schedules.

They will be at Pelham Bay station on Tuesday evening, November 30th, beginning at 6 p.m. to monitor buses that bring residents to Co-op City from the train station. On Wednesday morning beginning at 7 a.m., staff will be stationed in Section 5 at Hutchinson River Parkway East and Einstein Loop.

Residents are invited to seek these staff members out and offer their opinion on the quality and the timeliness of the bus service. A report on their findings will be shared with MTA officials in the near future.

Have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving weekend!

4

Co-op City Times / November 27, 2010

Signs

(Continued from page 1)

the use and sale of illegal drugs and, in some rare cases, youth-based violence that spills into public areas and endangers the welfare of shareholders and the general public.

While youth congregations are not a major problem during the cold weather months, Apollo said that his department has already begun preparations to be on top of the situation now and continuing through next spring and summer.

Signs have been posted in recent days in public areas where unlawful congregations have been a problem during this recent summer. The signs informing the public that no standing, sitting or congre-

Zip Cars

gating will be permitted in public areas have already been posted around Building 35 and Buildings 15 and 16.

Additional signs will be going up throughout public areas surrounding Building 23 and Building 25. Apollo said that in the coming months, the signs will be visible around most buildings in the community.

“These posted rules will be strictly enforced,” Apollo said. “The affected areas are private property and it is the right and responsibility of this department to make sure that these rules are adhered to and the quality of life in public areas around all buildings, especially during the

overnight hours, is maintained as much as possible throughout the community.”

The persistent presence of youth congregations during the warm weather months was a major topic of discussion at the 45th Precinct Community Council meeting hosted by Riverbay on Thursday, November 4th in the Bartow Center. While most residents who spoke on the subject acknowledged Public Safety does apparently make a concerted effort to break up illegal congregations of people that result in noise violations or other problems, such as public drinking of alcoholic beverages, it is frustrating to them to see the same groups reassemble a few nights later and in

many cases the very next night.

Apollo said that when Public Safety intervenes in these cases, violators who do not heed the warning to cease their activities and disperse are often arrested, processed through the justice system, and given community complaint summonses.

Apollo said that more than 1000 summonses have been issued by the department in just this year alone. He said the department is prepared to step up enforcement in the coming months, including starting eviction proceedings against individuals who are found to be chronic repeat offenders of the community’s quality of life policies.

a great thing.”

“It’s a win-win situation,” said Noel Ellison, Riverbay’s Director of Parking Facilities. “We’ll be providing a service to shareholders that seems to be growing throughout the country, creating additional revenue for Riverbay and also potentially use of the cars by Riverbay employees who may need to utilize the service themselves.”

Problems created by cutbacks in the availability of Access-A-Ride might also be solved when the Zipcars become available in Co-op City.

“Individuals who are capable of driving or who know people who can drive

for them may find a benefit using the Zipcars,” Ellison said.

Riverbay’s Director of Risk Management, Ron Caesar, pointed out that Zipcars is a private company that is renting space from Riverbay.

“They are leasing external space to provide a service to the shareholders of Co-op City,” said Caesar. “This is an independent operation and Riverbay Corporation is not involved in their dayto-day operations, services or functions so all questions, inquiries about their services, and concerns, including complaints, should be directed to their principals of Zipcars or their employees.”

(Continued from page 1)

wireless signal is sent to the Zipcar.

When members arrive at the Zipcar, they simply use their Zipcard to unlock the door. When they’ve finished using the car, members just return the Zipcar to its spot, lock the car using their Zipcard, and walk away. Gas, insurance, a designated parking space, 24/7 roadside assistance and maintenance are included in the hourly and daily rates.

Zipcar will pay a monthly parking fee to Riverbay for each space they use and Co-op City shareholders will receive a discounted $25 membership fee the first year (down from the usual fee of $75 to $100). The hourly rates for

driving the cars are between $8 and $12, depending on what car is chosen. Daily rates are $77 during the week and $115 on weekends.

The company is expected to begin with 2 cars in Co-op City.

“I think it’s a great idea,” said Vernon Cooper, Riverbay’s General Manager.

“The area behind Garage 5 is underutilized and the Zipcar program should help to generate some additional funds to the housing company while providing a service for the residents to take advantage of. This is just another layer of service that residents now have right here in their community and I think it’s

Cooperators United Hope all enjoyed your Thanksgiving.

Our next meeting is Tuesday, November 30, 7:00 p.m., Bartow, Room 31. We are asking that our Building/Townhouse Presidents attend this meeting. If you cannot attend, please send a representative.

Representatives from our Youth Committee will be in attendance along with Mr. Johnson from MMCC, and others who are concerned about our youth.

We have also reached out to our legislators and city council member to attend this

meeting. In addition to those already mentioned, General Manager Vernon Cooper will also be in attendance to discuss the cut back of porters to our buildings.

Congratulations to everyone who is celebrating a special day this month. Our thoughts and prayers to all who are sick, lost relatives/friends to our sick and shutins and to our troops.

We can be reached at MLSAH@aol.com.

—Son j a M a xwell

Assemblyman Benedetto’s Winter Coat Drive Assemblyman Michael R. Benedetto is once again organizing a coat drive for the needy in our local area.

All coats brought to Assemblyman Benedetto’s office will be donated to local charitable organizations for distribution.

Coats will be collected at Assemblyman Benedetto’s office until December 15. Please, only donate coats

that are in clean and usable condition.

To donate a coat or to obtain more information about Assemblyman Benedetto’s Coat Drive, please contact his office at: 3602 E. East Tremont Avenue, Suite 201 (new address); 718892-2235 or 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 12, 2nd Fl., Co-op City; 718-3202220.

BASEMENT STORAGE Shareholders, please ensure that you secure your personal belongings in the unit you pay for.

Do not leave items outside of your unit door, the aisles, or on top of the units.

Unsecured items (regardless of what it is) can and will be discarded. This includes items tucked away in unauthorized units.

Riverbay Corporation is not responsible for personal items left unsecured for any reason in the basement storage room or outside of the room.

—R iver b a y C om mer cia l P r op er t ies Dep a r tm en t

Co-op City Times / November 27, 2010

Arrest

(Continued from page 1)

taken from the suspect is described as a Davis P38 pistol.

Chief Frank Apollo, Commanding Officer of the Public Safety Department, said of Officers Frias, Carpenter and Santiago in a formal commendation letter filed later that evening: “Their actions, which resulted in disarming a male with a firearm has made an incredible impact in the community. The male displayed a disregard for human life by discharging the weapon at several young men and it is because of the professionalism and bravery exhibited by our members that the people of this community can live in peace knowing that this criminal has been removed from our streets.”

The officers’ Commendation Letter from Chief Apollo was read at all roll calls throughout the day Wednesday.

MetroCard bus to visit Co-op City this week The MetroCard bus will be visiting all three Co-op City shopping malls again this month, enabling people to sign up for the reduced-Fare MetroCard or purchase or add money to existing Metrocard.

On Thursday, December 2, and again on Thursday, December 16, the MetroCard bus will be at Bartow Mall on Co-op City Blvd., from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; at Dreiser Loop from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and at Einstein Loop from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

“Our mobile Metrocard sales vehicles are part of our outreach effort to senior citizens and people with disabilities who might have problems accessing our subway station booths,” said NYC Transit President Lawrence G. Reuter.

Senior citizens and persons with disabilities may apply for the reduced Fare MetroCard on the bus during regular visits to this community or other locations on scheduled dates throughout the Bronx.

To sign up for the Reduced-Fare Card, seniors must be over 65 years and bring proof of age with a photo, such as a Medicare card, driver’s license or passport.

Persons with disabilities must have a valid U.S. Medicare card (red, white and blue) along with a valid federal/state issued photo identification card in order to be immediately processed.

Disabled persons without Medicare Cards must ensure that their doctors complete the physician’s section of the application.

After a review process, permanent Reduced Fare MetroCards are mailed to qualified applicants.

In addition to being able to sign up for a ReducedFare MetroCard or have one refilled, anyone can add value to their MetroCards or purchase pre-encoded MetroCards, including daily, weekly and monthly unlimited-ride passes. Also, Transit staff is on hand to answer any MetroCard-related questions.

For more information, call (212) METROCARD.

RIVERBAY SAFETY FLASH Thanksgiving Eat and drink in moderation Remember, “Don’t drink and drive”

—Riverbay Safety Department

Memorial Plaques unveiled — Ramon Betancourt of the Handicapped Adults Association unveils two memorial plaques to the late Anna Capell and Jack Amaro, the long-standing President and Vice-President of the HAA. Both beloved leaders passed away earlier this year and the community’s seniors joined family members and JASA leaders at the unveiling that took part as part of JASA’s Thanksgiving Celebration on Wednesday in the Dreiser Center.

Photo by Bill Stuttig

5

6

Co-op City Times / November 27, 2010

Letters to the Editor

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

Bicycle parking options To t h e E d it or : I’m writing in regards to last week’s Viewpoint by Bill Gordon on bike parking in our garages.

As an avid cyclist, and ride leader for our Co-op City cycling group, I’m delighted that bike parking is being discussed. It is important to understand why bike parking is needed in Co-op City, as it is in the rest of the city. Besides how popular cycling has become, bike parking will help promote cycling. It’s simple; not having an appropriate place to store bikes prevents people from even considering purchasing a bike for themselves or for their family. Not many people want to keep a bike or bikes in their living room. I’m an exception, but would rather have an appropriate alternative.

Encouraging healthy activity should be a priority, and cycling is a healthy, outdoor activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family at a relatively low cost.

Unfortunately, many kids don’t know how to bike anymore. We should stop and ask ourselves WHY? There’s probably no simple answer, but I believe having less space in our homes has contributed to this phenomenon. This is a shame, especially with an obesity epidemic at hand. Today, Co-op City has an opportunity to help fight the obesity epidemic by supporting smart bike infrastructure.

This can be achieved by not only converting space in our garages into bike parking, but by also finding “dead” space in our buildings that may not be suitable

as meeting rooms, but can easily be used as bike rooms. Note: bikes take up 1/10 the space as a car. If fees are necessary, they should NOT be prohibitive to families. A fee of $25 per bike is outrageous.

Finally, I’d ask residents to not only support bike parking, but also support the proposed bike lanes for our streets, the Hutchinson River Greenway path slated for construction by Parks in 2011 which will give us access to Pelham Bay Park, and all future bike events I will help organize. For anyone interested in joining our cycling group or sending their comments, please email BikeTheBronx@gmail.com or go to “Bike the Bronx” on Facebook.

—M el R od r igu ez

Amended Seccond Resolution #10-59 SUBM I T T E D BY: E lea n or Ba iley SE C O NDE D BY: H elen At k in s BOAR D O F DI R E C T OR S M E E T I NG : Novem b er 22n d , 2010 W h er ea s, The Division of Housing and Community Renewal (“DHCR”) Management Manual for Housing Companies (9 NYCRR 1727-4.1) states, “Payment of rent promptly by tenants can be made a matter of habit” and that managers must diligently follow procedures to ensure timely monthly payments; and W h er ea s, Management, in a report dated September 8, 2010, advised the Board that for the one year period from July 2009 to June 2010 the average number of Co-op City’s 15,372 shareholders who did not pay their carrying charges by the 10th of the month was 1,900; and W h er ea s, Management reports the late payments by these 1,900 shareholders causes Co-op City to have an average

monthly negative cash flow of $1.9 million and impacts the housing company’s ability to pay bills on time, avoid late fees and interest and lose discounts available for early payments; and W h er ea s Management recommends that the present $30 late fee, which was approved by the Board on October 9, 1996

by Resolution #96-75, be increased to $50 as a method to influence shareholders to pay their carrying charges on time and to cover the administrative costs incurred; and W her ea s Management has notified the Board that legal action will also be taken against shareholders who are found to be chronically late if three non-payment actions have been started against them in a 12 month period and that the legal fee for non-payment actions is being increased from $150 to $200.

NO W T H E R E F O R E , B E I T R E SO LVE D, that Board of Directors approves increasing the late fee from $30

to $50 for those shareholders who have not paid their carrying charges by the 10th of the month and such late fee will be collectible as additional rent; and BE I T F URT H E R R E SO LVE D, that this Resolution will take effect no sooner than January 1, 2011 and that management will advise shareholders of the new late fee and legal fee by publication in a minimum of three (3) consecutive issues of the Co-op City Times.

BE I T F URT HE R R E SOLVE D, that the legal fees for Non-payment actions is increased from $150-$200 BE I T F URT HE R R E SOLVE D, that resolution 96-75 is hereby rescinded.

YE S: At k in s, Ba iley, G or d on , F. J on es, M or a le s, Sa n t ia go, T ir a d o, Abd u l-Wa h h a b NO: C ylich , L eslie ABSE NT F O R VOT E : Sh a pir o AB SE NT: O . J o n es , O w en s , R od r iguez Pa ssed

(See pages 25-27 for more resolutions)

We wish our readers a happy and safe Thanskgiving holiday weekend and a happy Hanukkah to those celebrating next week.

Derek Alger Director of Communications

Rozaan Boone Editor-in-Chief

Bill Stuttig Associate Editor

Jim Roberts Business Manager

Jennifer Flynn Operations Manager

Ralph Henriquez Production Manager

Mary Ann Sowah Graphic Artist

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

Writers will be limited to one letter per topic. And to give every one 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 Coop City Times must be obtained in writing from Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Ave., Bronx, New York 10475.

Send us your

Letters!

Important Notice to Shareholders of Building 6 Article SIXTH of your Occupancy submit your completed form for a short- lease, notify Riverbay, in writing, Agreement provides, in part, that your lease term lease no later than thirty (30) days Attention: Sales Support Office, 2049 automatically renews for an additional before the expiration of your present lease. Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475, ninety three (3) year period. You need to do noth- If you will be moving out at the end of your (90) days prior to lease expiration. ing if you want your lease to extend for another three (3) New Three (3) Year Last Date to Request Current Lease year period. If you desire a either a One (1) or Expiration Date Expiration Date lease of less than three (3) Two (2) Year Lease years, you may call 718-3203373 to request a form to subBuilding 6 February 28, 2011 February 28, 2014 January 30, 2011 mit for either a one (1) year or 140 DeKruif Place two (2) year lease. You must

r es Edito City Tim e. p o A Co Bartow v 5 2049 , NY 1047 x Bron

email: cctimes@riverbaycorp.com

7

Co-op City Times / November 27, 2010

Public Safety Report CCPD offers ROBBERY PREVENTION TIPS

BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO

The Co-op City Department of Public Safety has become aware of a pattern of robberies taking place in elevators throughout the community.

In these robberies, the suspect enters the elevator with the victim, threatens to use a knife or sharp instrument and demands cash or property. There have not been any injuries, but it is still important to be aware of these crimes and take action to keep yourself safe.

Be alert to any persons loitering near banks or cash machines. Be alert to persons who follow you from a bank or cash machine. Avoid using cash machines at night. If you must use a cash machine at night, choose a well lit location which you are familiar with. Also, use caution when using a drive-up cash machine, be sure your car doors are locked. Consider doing banking errands with a friend or family member. Try to avoid days such as the first or the fifteenth of the month when many people receive checks.

Always walk confidently and with a purpose. Wearing practical shoes or sneakers is a good idea when conducting errands which include banking or

carrying of cash. Proper footwear makes it easier to speed up at the first sign of danger. Wearing headphones with the volume turned up high makes it difficult for you to stay in touch with your surroundings.

Before you enter your vehicle or building, be sure no one is lurking about. If someone suspicious is observed near your vehicle, do not enter, call 9-1-1 and the Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050.

Do not permit strangers to enter your building behind you. Persons intent on committing crimes often attempt to enter the building behind a resident who has unlocked the door, do not give them that opportunity. Not holding the door may seem rude, but can keep a robber from entering your building. This will help to insure the safety of your family and other residents of the building.

To minimize the impact of all crimes involving theft of property from your person, keep your keys, money, identification and cell phone in your front pocket, separate from your non-valuables. Also consider an inside the clothing travel type wallet

Public Safety Blotter: November 14 - November 20 November 19, 120 Aldrich Street A female complainant reported that she was approached by a male teen who grabbed her purse and fled the area. The woman was not injured and the matter is under investigation.

November 19, 99 Darrow Place A complainant reports finding the passenger door of her car missing. She apparently went to her car and found someone smashed in a window, ransacked the car, then stole the door.

November 18, Emigrant Bank Bartow and Asch Upon exiting the location, the com-

plainant was approached by a male and a female who proceeded to rob the victim.

The victim was not injured.

November 14, 140 Benchley Place A complainant reported that an unknown male displayed what appeared to be an ice pick and used it to rob the victim in an elevator. The matter is currently under investigation.

November 14, 140 Elgar Place A complainant reported that they were approached by a male with what appeared to be a knife and robbed them of various items. The matter is currently under investigation.

for your personal items and valuables.

A pocket with a zipper or button is ideal for this purpose. If carrying valuables and personal documents in your purse, place them inside of a container, such as a mint case, which does not look like a wallet. Keep less important items with a token amount of cash, this way the criminal will think he scored big.

Remember, property can always be replaced; your safety is the most important thing. If someone does try to rob you despite your precautions, do not resist, especially if the person is armed with a weapon of any type. Try to remember as many details of the crime as well as a description of the perpetrator. Notify police immediately if you have been the victim of a crime.

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

Bicycle riders must give pedestrians the

same level of respect that they expect from motor vehicles. Everyone needs to share the road safely.

Never operate a motor vehicle if you have consumed alcoholic beverages or are tired. Designate a driver before you begin your holiday festivities. Always buckle your seatbelt; it will save your life in a serious collision. Avoid distractions and excess speed when driving; these are the two leading causes of collisions within New York State.

Always remember, if you see something, say something. If you see suspicious persons in the garage or lurking near parked vehicles on the street, an auto crime could be taking place, an auto crime could be ready to happen, notify the authorities. Call 9-1-1 and the Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050 or online at www.ccpd.us.

Callers may remain anonymous when giving information.

The Co-op City Department of Public Safety would like to thank all persons who have called in suspicious activity or sent information via our website. It is by your actions that the crime rate remains low and a high quality of life is maintained.

Building 12 Association We hope all of you enjoyed your Thanksgiving. Our next meeting is Monday, November 29, 7:30 p.m., Activity Room. We will have the drawing for our turkey raffle.

As you know, we have begun collecting dues. Please return your envelope to your floor captain or to the apartment number on your envelope by December 8.

We need volunteers for some of our floors that do not have floor captains. If you would like to know more about the

duties of the floor captains, see Donald Wood.

If you see something, say something.

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

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who are sick, shut-in and have lost relatives/friends and to our troops.

Congratulations to everyone celebrating a special day this month. We can be reached at MLSAH@aol.com.

—Son j a M a xwell

No Co-op City Times? Call 646.479.1041 or 646.261.1761; Saturday: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Broun Place Townhouse Association We continue to have great turnouts for our meetings. Lois English, CSO, and Joseph Boiko, Ombudsman, were our guest speakers at the last meeting. We received valuable information from both.

Mr. Boiko spoke about the various types of locks and security gates approved by the Fire Department. Locks and security gates that require keys to open them are not acceptable. Mr. Boiko expressed that in the event of a fire, it can be difficult to locate the key, even if you have it nearby.

He added that in the event of an emergency and Riverbay needs to enter your apartment to repair water leakage, fire, etc., and they have to break any locks to gain entry, you will be responsible to have your locks replaced. They would prefer having a duplicate of your top lock key

which will be secured in a locked vault.

Only four employees have access to the vault. (Riverbay keeps duplicates of the bottom locks.) Check with your locksmith regarding installation of locks/gates approved by Riverbay. They can contact Mr. Boiko at 718-320-3300, Ext. 3409.

Ms. English brought us up-to-date on various complaints that have been addressed.

If you have a complaint, you must contact her at 718-320-3300, Ext. 3407 so that the complaint is documented and forwarded to the appropriate department/s.

Please be careful when stepping off the curb in back of townhouses 1-6. The catch basin has become partially dislodged from the sidewalk leaving a gaping hole. I reported this condition to 3-1-1 and ask that everyone else call. The more calls

they receive, the quicker they will respond. You will be given a reference number. You can obtain the status of your complaint by calling 3-1-1 or online at www.nyc.gov/311. Contact 3-1-1 to report any hazardous or dangerous conditions you see on the streets and sidewalks.

Be alert and aware of those around you while shopping and entering your building/apartment/townhouse and especially when using the elevators. Certain criminal activities tend to escalate during this time of the year and we must be very diligent.

If you see something out of the ordinary, don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1 and Public Safety at 718-671-3050. Be careful and stay safe!

A meeting is being scheduled with the Executive Board, Directors and

Chairpersons in preparation for our Holiday Party scheduled on Friday, December 17th from 7-9 p.m. at the Bartow Center in Room 31. If you plan to attend the party, please return your completed form to me. We ask that you contribute your favorite dish for all to enjoy.

COME JOIN US & BE PREPARED TO HAVE THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE! I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving.

We pray for a speedy recovery for those experiencing health challenges and to the homebound. Congratulations to those celebrating a special event. Happy Hanukkah to all celebrating this special holiday. You can contact me by email at brounplaceassoc@ hotline.com. Thank —M a r j or ie H elm s you.

8

Co-op City Times / November 27, 2010

Doing The Right Thing For Our Youth It was a pleasure to witness the recent The entire discussion Director’s Viewpoint “Youth Speak Out” when nearly 100 of cannot be printed here. the Co-op City youth were invited to However, I feel the followgather together to express themselves. ing were important comAsst. Secretary Parents and concerned supporters were ments made by a panelist also in attendance. And express themand worth mentioning. The Co-op City youth selves they did. The discussion covered a are fortunate in that they have a clean and relawide range of topics from personal feeltively safe environment in which to live. It is not ings to gangs and violence, which ended easy for working parents, especially single paron a positive note. ents, to raise young boys. There is a reason why Some of the youth people appeared the youth are attracted to gangs. Gangs give eager to express themselves and the topics them what they need or want. The neighborvaried. The discussion included how the hood outside of Co-op City has changed. The youth were being chased from the malls.

Co-op City community does not produce They are the victims of crime and violence. They kill killers. Most Co-op City families are doing well. They each other; gang awareness meetings are not what’s are not victims of poverty. There is someone cleaning needed. Since they have lived in the community for so your building and protecting you everyday. Many long, they fall into the habit of doing what others do.

Some feel that adults don’t care about them and that without a positive influence, they can go in the wrong direction. They do what they see adults do, such as drinking and smoking. They feel stressed from their parents telling them what to do and what not to do all the time. They expressed interest in writing, art and music and want space in the Co-op City Times for their poetry to be published.

Naturally, there was guidance and direction by the panelists, including Norbert Davidson from the Office of School and Youth Development; Detectives Mike Mabry and Debra Smith, CCPD Community Affairs; Officer Henry Verdejo, NYPD School Safety; Leo Johnson, Director, Section 5 Teen Center and Michelle Sajous, from the Riverbay Fund.

They led with questions and offered solutions, which included that young people should tell their friends to correct themselves when they are doing the wrong thing, such as bullying. If they are the victims of a bully, they should first tell their parents, and, in cases of emergency, they should call the police. We must bridge the gap by bringing youth and adults together and also start mentoring programs. The youth and their parents should attend their Building Association meetings, many of which have youth programs or other interesting activities. The panelists will structure regular youth gatherings, targeted for January.

youngsters outside of Co-op City are not as fortunate.

As co-Chairperson of the Youth Committee, I commend the representatives of these organizations for their efforts. I, and the Chairperson of the Riverbay Youth Committee, Andrea Leslie, intend to do everything possible to bring their ideas to fruition.

Join your Building Association today. It will make for a better building and a stronger community.

Remember, Co-op City is your home. Get involved.

E VI L AND G R E E D W I L L P R E VAI L W H E N G O O D P E O P L E SI T BACK AND DO NOT H I NG .

Since there are so few Open Board Meetings, if you have any comments, issues, complaints, etc. that cannot be resolved through your Building Association, please write to me and I will try to help you: Francine Reva Jones, Board Director, c/o Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475.

Francine Reva Jones

Joey’s Cleaners Inc. GreenEarth Cleaning Solutions See • Touch • Feel The Difference

Laundry Shirts 99¢ min. of $15 on Dry Cleaning

Expert Tailoring Wash and fold service available

Free pick up and delivery

Building 2 Association The holiday season is upon us again. On December 4th (Saturday) between 1 and 3 p.m., we will be decorating the lobbies in both buildings. Please come down and give us a hand. We especially need those who are able to climb up on ladders and install lights.

In conjunction with decorating, we will be collecting monies for holiday gifts for the porters and lobby attendants. There will also be someone collecting on December 8th (Wednesday) evening between 5 - 7 p.m. On December 18th (Saturday), between 3 - 6 p.m., we will have our annual holiday party. Refreshments will be served. There will be music and a good time to mix and mingle with your neighbors. Admittance to the party requires that you bring an unwrapped toy or book for the children at the neighboring shelter. If you haven’t done so already, someone will be on hand to take your building association dues. There are a lot of interesting things going on. Come and be a part of your building’s activities.

We wish you all a very happy and healthy holiday season.

—Carlyn Jones

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

1244 E. Gun Hill Road • 718-652-6334 “Where Excellence is the Precedence”

Suits

Jackets

Blouses

7

$ 49

4

$ 49

$ 49 Prepaid - Cash Only

Pants

Skirts

3

$ 49

$ 49 Prepaid - Cash Only

3

Prepaid - Cash Only

3

Prepaid - Cash Only

Prepaid - Cash Only

Prepaid - Cash Only

Coats

12

$

and up

Shirts

3

$ 49 Prepaid - Cash Only

Prepaid - Cash Only

20% off Alterations

Co-op City Times / November 27, 2010

9

10

Co-op City Times / November 27, 2010

Building 31 Association Thanksgiving is a time to be with family and friends and to share and be thankful for all the blessings we have received.

Hopefully, you all enjoyed your day.

We have more holidays that are approaching very fast and we continue to plan our festivities around them and wish that everyone include in their plans to join in with us.

We are so thankful that we have a group of men and women that work in our building who take care of the cleaning and security. We will be making a collection to

show them our appreciation for their dedication on the following dates: Wed., Dec 8th at 5 p.m.-8 p.m.; also Fri., Dec. 10 at 5 p.m.-8 p.m., and completing the collection on Sat., Dec. 11th at 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

VOLUNTEERS FROM THE ASSOCIATION WILL BE AVAILABLE IN YOUR LOBBY TO RECEIVE CONTRIBUTIONS ON THOSE DATES. We will also be raffling off a Christmas cookie jar from Davids cookies to help defray cost of our children’s party.

The Children’s party will be hosted by

Audrey Cabbell. She is from the B-side of our building. Sat., Dec. 18th is the planned date.

The Adult Christmas party will be held on Fri., Dec. 17th in our meeting room.

Esther and Margo from the B-side of our building will be the host for the evening.

They ask that every member attending please bring a dish that will be shared with your neighbors, please check with them to prevent any duplications.

In a few days, look for the flyers in the lobby with further information on any of

these events.

Were you aware that we have a Sunshine Committee? Rosie, who is at the helm, sends cards from all of the association members to anyone in need of encouragement because of illness or bereavement. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of a few words that can help someone feel better to know someone cares enough.

NOT E : Your association now has an email address. If you need to get in touch, it is bldg31assoc@gmail.com.

—M a r ilyn M cDa n iel

Building 30 Association The Building 30 Association (A & B) is here for you! There is always an advantage to becoming a member of your association.

Won’t you please join? Be sure to read the Building 30 Bulletin Board located in your lobby to learn of future get together events.

At tention : We have an email address. It is: Building30@hotmail.com.

Join the Crochet Club this fall. We meet every Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m. in our meeting room on the “B” side.

Learn how to crochet with Linda. Her students have progressed very nicely.

She has patience and teaches you with

feeling. Give it a try! It’s a great way to exercise your mind and fingers. We have discovered that this crochet class is helping your mental attitude as well. It is stimulating and relaxing too. Throw away the tranquillizers and join in the fun.

C om in g E ven t s: We are so happy to congratulate the winners of the turkey raffle which was drawn at our Association Meeting on Wednesday, November 17. The winners were: Carlos Moray (30A), Jose DeJesus (30B) and Jesus Morales

Advertising works!

T

he perfect family, wedding or group vacation is a masterpiece that requires a great artist’s touch.

Monica Smith is a master.

Don’t consider booking your group without talking to her!

W

here are you and your group going in 2011? Monica Smith has 15 years of experience booking and handling groups of all sizes.

Whether you are looking to go to a Caribbean island, or hope to take a cruise in the Mediterranean next summer, you want the peace and comfort of knowing that every detail is handled by a professional who is available when you need her.

W

ant a great beach vacation this fall but are afraid of getting rained out? Try Brazil’s northeast coast where it is not rainy season and there are never hurricanes. Visit Salvador de Bahia, home of Brazil’s Afro-centrist culture, where you will experience a UNESCO World Heritage Site that will inspire and amaze you. We guarantee that you will be satisfied.

ALTOUR TRAVEL

1270 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020

TO CONTACT MONICA - PLEASE CALL 212-497-7674 or cell 646-515-8702

(30B). Everyone have a Happy Thanksgiving. We had the 50/50 raffle at this meeting and Ruth Jacob was the lucky winner.

The date has been set for the Association Holiday Party. It will be in the Association Room on Saturday, December 11 from 8 p.m. to ?? We are looking for your participation to make this party a complete success. Can you bring a side dish and/or a homemade dessert? This is sure to be a fun evening.

Please give me a call at 1-347-427-4527 and let me know what you will bring. I

will also put a sign up list on the association door. Please help!

We will continue to run our 50/50 raffle at our meetings. Refreshments always follow at the end of the meeting. Check the Association Bulletin Board in your lobby for dates and times of events. Get involved and make a difference!! We are looking forward to meeting and greeting you at the meetings.

Due to hustle and bustle of the upcoming Holidays, we have cancelled the Pokeno game nights until January 2011.

M ir ia m E . Ber lofsky —M

Call 718.320.3300, Ext. 3384 for our affordable rates.

11

Co-op City Times / November 27, 2010

Building 27 Association All the turkey dinners are over for another year. We hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday with family and friends. Two of our building residents were the lucky winners of two turkeys in our annual free raffle. We also raffled off two gift boxes of cookies to two other winners. We did not forget our usual 50/50 raffle also. This all followed the main agenda of our meeting.

We began with a presentation from Chief Apollo who was accompanied by Officer Garcia and Lt. Duran. The Chief gave an extensive and informative report on all the busy work of the department handled by 100 Officers.

They respond to an amazing number of calls. They do many sweeps, issue summonses and make arrests. He indicated that he is looking to hire more help and, if pos-

Building 19 Association My wish is that everyone’s Thanksgiving was blessed with a full stomach and the love of family and friends. I am certain that we all are enjoying the spacious beauty of the exterior of our building now that the bridgework is removed just in time for the holidays.

Our final general meeting for the 2010 calendar year was well attended by over 31 financial members. Our guest speaker, and financial member, Riverbay’s Ombudsman, Joe Boiko, made the turnout worthwhile. Joe covered a myriad of topics on what’s going on in Co-op City and provided advice on how to resolve several problems to the member’s satisfaction. Thank you, Joe, for making this closeout meeting a success and we look forward to your support as we move into the 2011 calendar year.

We did it again! Huge thanks to over thirty-five committee and supporting members for your generous contribution of food and services to ensure the success of our third annual International Food Festival. Most of the food was prepared by the gifted hands of our wonderful members and some was purchased. Nonetheless, every year, the food is better than the last. We even had several folks come back to buy “seconds” for themselves and additional meals for their families. I am very proud to have such a dedicated and committed team of Building 19 members who continue to unselfishly come through for the Association.

Our next committee meeting will be held on Thursday, December 2, at 7:30 p.m. The agenda will cover our holiday party and art contest for the youth. If you can support these last two events of the year, please attend this meeting.

Committee members will be in the lobby collecting holiday money for the porters on Friday, December 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, December 4, from 2 to 4 p.m. By a unanimous vote at last week’s general meeting, we will include the late Mr. Gaspar Martinez’s family in the sharing of the holiday collection. Mr. Martinez was a very friendly porter who performed an exceptional job of cleaning the floors. May he rest in peace, we will miss him.

Attention all Building 19 financial members, between the ages of 6 and 18, the Association will hold its annual youth art contest during the second week in December.

Once again, please create a winter/holiday theme. Check for further details on the building’s flyer.

Our holiday party is scheduled to take place on Friday, December 10, at 8 p.m. Please close out the year as one of the “Cooperators Doing Something” by volunteering your support for the benefit of our building association.

—C ha r lotte Codr ington

sible, the Kiosk could be better manned. He addressed many of the residents’ problems with quality of life and nuisances. Signage will be soon posted about curfews to control loitering around the buildings. He warned us to be vigilant about people boarding the elevators. Do not let anyone “piggyback” with you entering the lobby. Use the lobby call box if suspicious about someone hanging in the lobby area. The Winnebago command center is still under construction. Chief Apollo welcomes anyone to call him without hesitation. The minutes and financial reports were read and accepted. President Nelson Sweeting made a few announcements.

The floor was then opened for nominations for board offices. The following nominations were made. For President: Nelson Sweeting. Vice President, Hattie Overman. For treasurer, Bea Chatterton. For Secretary, Carol Pressley. For corresponding secretary, Don

Doherty and for Sergeant at Arms, Charles Dobson.

Elections will take place in January. The annual collection for Service workers will be on Thursday & Friday, December 2nd& 3rd, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the lobby. Volunteers were requested for decorating the lobby and many offered to help. Anyone is welcome to join us on December 2nd starting at 11:00 a.m.

Residents answered the call for volunteers to help the Refreshment committee.

Officer Michael Garcia asked that we call him with any problems. We were reminded to be welcoming to new residents. Again this year, we will have a Holiday Party in January. It will be catered like last year which was a great success. The date will be announced later.

We wish all residents a very happy and peaceful Holiday Season.

—Don Doh er t y

MEGASUDS LAUNDRY 1490 Boston Road, Bronx, NY • 347-590-6654

WE ARE NOW OPEN!!!

Let Us Clean Your Clothes...

AND NEVER DO LAUNDRY AGAIN! FREE Pick-up and Delivery!

• • • • •

Only 75¢ Per Pound!

20lb Minimum Professional Wash & Fold Name Brand Detergents FREE MEGASUDS Laundry Bag and Keychain to first 50 Pick-up & Delivery Accounts • Senior Citizen Discount • 6000 Sq. Feet • 150 Machines

Please Call Us To Set Up An Account And Learn More!

WE HAVE 20LB, 30LB, 40LB, 60LB AND 80LB MACHINES! Building 19 Association held its third annual International Food Festival on Saturday, November 20. Shown above (LR) are committee members, Chelsea Francois, Sharon Bryan, Marie Beaudouin, Lisa Proto, Charlotte Codrington, Lorene Moss, Laura Morgan, Valencia Pinckney, Catherine Ryans, and Jennie Colon.

Comfortable Rest Area & TVs! Se Habla Español

12

Co-op City Times / November 27, 2010

Black Forum Defensive Driving Our defensive driving course will be back on Saturday, December 11, Rm. 1, Dreiser Community Center, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Call today to register, 718-3208035. Please mail check in the amount of $35 to P.O. Box 563, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. All money must be received at least one week prior to the class. No personal checks will be accepted on the day of the class, only cash.

Black Forum Aerobics in session Aerobics classes have begun. Classes are held every Monday and Wednesday, Dreiser Aud. A, 7:30 p.m. Salsa classes to begin in early October. Call today. Belly dancing, dance classes for children and Tai Chi will also begin in October. To register for any of the above classes, please

call us at (718) 320-8035. There is a nominal fee for each of these classes.

Two major end of year events On December 31, big New Year’s Eve party. Midnight champagne, live band, DJ. Tickets: $25/pp. BYOBB. Both events at Dreiser Aud. B, 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Tickets available, call now, 718-320-8035.

Calling all men Beginning in January, we will be having workout sessions for men. Activities include exercise, health awareness classes, open discussions. Einstein and Dreiser Community Centers. Call to register today, (718) 320-8035, or email us at coopcityblackforum@gmail.com.

Black Forum’s Lyons Mane Track Club Try-outs are ongoing Mondays and Wednesdays, Dreiser Auditorium. A

small fee is required for participation. For further information, please call (718) 320-8035.

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

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

the future.

New email address The Black Forum has a new email address, coopcityblackforum@gmail.com.

For membership applications, inquiries or to join the Black Forum, you may call anytime and leave a message or email us.

We Need You - Join Us Today Now is the time for us to get involved.

Membership is $5 per year/person. Call (718) 320-8035 or write to Black Forum, P.O. Box 563, Bronx, NY 10475; email: tonyshome10475@gmail.com. Help us keep independent community organizations alive in Co-op City. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Everyone is encouraged to join. Call us or visit us in Room 20 in the Dreiser Community Center.

Second Reading #10-60 L I L R AI NM AKE R Z , I NC .

SUBM I T T E D BY: Bill G or d on SE C O NDE D BY: E lea n or Ba iley BOAR D OF DI R E C T OR S M E E T I NG DAT E D: Novemb er 22n d , 2010 W H E R E AS, Lil Rainmakerz, Inc. has requested a lease from Riverbay Corporation for the premises at 4180

Hutchinson River Parkway East, Bronx, New York, to be used as a day care center; and W H E R E AS, the term of the lease is with a Two month rent concession November 1, 2010 – December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2011 - October 31, 2016 and annual rental rates are within the provisions of Resolution #85-16 as amended by Resolution #95-44; NOW, T H E R E F O R E , BE I T

R E SO LVE D, that the lease agreement for the premises at 4180 Hutchinson River Parkway East Bronx, New York, by and between Riverbay Corporation, Owner, and Lil Rainmakerz, Inc., Tenant, containing the terms as negotiated by Riverbay Corporation’s management is hereby approved as submitted by management in accordance with Resolution #85-16 as amended by Resolution #95-44; and be it F UR T H E R R E SO LVE D, that the

President of the Corporation is authorized to sign the lease agreement and related documents on behalf of Riverbay Corporation.

YE S: At kin s, Ba iley, C ylich , Gor don, F. J on es, L eslie, M or a les, Sa n t ia go, Tir a d o, Tor r es, Ab du l-Wa hh a b ABSE NT F OR VOT E : Sh a pir o ABSE NT: O . J on es, O wen s, R od r igu ez Pa ssed

Co-op City Times / November 27, 2010

13

14

Co-op City Times / November 27, 2010

Riverbay General Counsel’s Report regarding an improper preference on the Townhouse Transfer Waiting List (T h e p or t ion of t h e G en er a l C ou n cel’s R ep or t p u b lish ed h er e is on ly t h e E xecu t ive Su m m a r y. T h e en t ir e r ep or t is a va ila b le on lin e a t www.sb j la w.com .

H a r d cop ies ca n a lso b e r eq u est ed t h r ou gh R iver b a y’s L ega l Dep a r t m en t .)

Novem b er 8, 2010 Smit h , Bu ss & J a cob s, L L P By: J effr ey D. Bu ss, E sq.

J en n ifer St ewa r t , E sq.

An d r e Ha ynes, E sq.

H ea t h er M or a n , Sr. P a r a lega l/I nvest iga t or M a r ia Aya lya , P a r a lega l/I nvest iga t or

E xecu t ive Su m m a r y On October 3rd, 2010, Riverbay Board President Helen Atkins directed General Counsel to investigate an allegation that Leticia Morales, a member of the Riverbay Board of Directors, had received preferential treatment from the Riverbay Sales Department. Specifically, it was alleged that Steven Gold, Director of the Riverbay Sales Department, had facilitated the transfer of a townhouse to Ms. Morales ahead of other eligible shareholders on the waiting list.

Counsel’s investigation has determined that the allegation is true: Ms. Morales obtained a townhouse out of turn. This transfer violated New York State Regulations that govern the operation of Riverbay, Riverbay By-Laws and established Riverbay procedures and Corporate Resolutions. The Director of the Sales Department admitted that he permitted Ms. Morales to jump the wait list, and it is not clear who else may have requested, authorized, or been aware of the jump. It is also not clear why Mr. Gold authorized the improper transfer. Marion Scott Realty, the Managing Agent at Riverbay, and the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (“DHCR”), the supervising agency, did not adequately supervise the Sales Department, and their failures made the improper transfer possible.

R esu lt s of Fa ct u a l I nvest iga t ion I . Un d isp u t ed Fa ct s On July 23, 2008, Ms. Morales applied for a townhouse, and her name was placed on the Townhouse Transfer Waiting List. On June 29, 2010, a townhouse became available on Cooper Place.

The keys to that townhouse were first delivered to the Sales Department and then to the Restorations Department.

When the townhouse became available, Ms. Morales was approximately sixth on the Townhouse Transfer Waiting List.

Without legal justification, Ms. Morales skipped over five eligible shareholders and on September 3rd, 2010, she moved into the Cooper Place townhouse.

On July 6, 2010, restoration work was performed in the townhouse, even though it was supposed to be transferred in “as-is” condition. During this same July time period, there were at least two meetings involving Mr. Gold, Vernon Cooper, the Riverbay General Manager, and Corey Jones, the Director of Restorations, at which the restoration work was dis-

cussed. Everyone at the meetings knew that the townhouse was expected to go to Ms. Morales, but it is not clear who other than Mr. Gold knew that Ms. Morales was not next in line for a townhouse.

Documentary evidence establishes that Mr. Gold approved the transfer of the townhouse to Ms. Morales on July 19th, 2010, without having offered the townhouse to any shareholder ahead of her on the Townhouse Transfer Waiting List. On July 27, 2010, an inaccurate transfer request was submitted to DHCR, and on August 23, 2010, DHCR approved it, even though it had a copy of a transfer list showing that Ms. Morales was not next in line. On September 3, 2010, Ms. Morales moved into the townhouse.

I I . Un r esolved Qu est ion s It is not clear when and how Ms. Morales learned that the townhouse was available. Ms. Morales insists that she did not know anything about it until Mr. Gold offered it to her sometime in late July.

She has no recollection of visiting the townhouse with anyone from the Sales Department, and she claims to have never approached anyone in the Sales Department about getting a townhouse other than in the ordinary course. In contradiction, Mr. Gold says that Ms. Morales constantly approached him inquiring when she would get a townhouse, and then approached him about this specific townhouse shortly after it became available. Mr. Gold states that Ms. Morales told him she would take the newly available Cooper Place townhouse “as-is.” Mr. Gold stated his belief that Ms. Morales saw the townhouse even before he did, surmising that she was able to do so due to personal connections in the Restorations Department.

It is not clear why extensive restoration work was performed on a townhouse that was supposed to be transferred “as-is.” Pursuant to a Riverbay Resolution, after December 2008, all transfers are to be “as-is,” except to the extent that work may be performed to correct certain safety concerns. In this case, multiple meetings were held to discuss the scope of restoration work to be performed, and cosmetic work was performed at Riverbay expense on floors, closets, closet doors, and the kitchen, all in addition to work that would ordinarily be done to meet habitability standards for an “as-is” transfer.

It is not clear why the first meeting with Mr. Gold, Mr. Vernon, and Mr. Jones even occurred. Counsel was not able to

verify what occurred since no records, e-mails, notes, or other documents related to the meeting could be found. Mr. Gold described the meeting as unusual, and his statement is credible, since, notwithstanding the resolution that transfers were to be “as is”, Mr. Gold was able to identify, and Counsel verified, at least five (5) other townhouses where restoration work was performed without such a meeting being called. All three men who were at the meeting stated that they discussed the condition of the townhouse, whether any restoration work should be performed, and how that work should be documented. They all deny any explicit discussion of the wait list, but admit that they knew that the townhouse was to be transferred to Ms. Morales, a board member.

No one has alleged that Mr. Jones was aware of the jump.

Accounts differ regarding whether Mr. Cooper knew during the meeting that Ms. Morales was jumping the list, and aside from the opinion of Mr. Gold, there is no testimony or documentary evidence that Mr. Cooper knew that Ms. Morales was jumping the list. Mr. Gold states he interpreted the meeting as an unspoken command to jump Ms. Morales ahead of other shareholders on the list, and Mr. Gold believes Mr. Cooper knew that Ms. Morales was not next in line for a townhouse when the meeting was held. Mr. Cooper denies any knowledge of the list-jumping until after Ms. Morales had moved into the townhouse.

Whether or not Mr. Cooper was aware of the jumping, it is not clear why he and Mr. Gold, or Mr. Gold acting alone, would permit Ms. Morales to jump the list. Both Mr. Gold and Mr. Cooper deny receiving anything of value in exchange for the preferential treatment, and deny that any board member, management official, co-employee or other person requested their intervention. Mr. Gold stated that Ms. Morales often asked him when she was getting a townhouse, and that for two years he constantly told her she was not next. However, he offers no credible explanation for why he suddenly changed his position in July of 2010. The initial explanation, that only Morales was willing to accept the townhouse in “as is” condition, is patently untrue. The follow up explanation, that his superior gave him a “wink and a nod”, is woefully inadequate and unsupported. Counsel does not find it credible that Mr. Gold would risk his job for no benefit whatsoever, and believes that he has not adequately explained his motivations, nor been completely forth-

coming about the possible identity and involvement of others.

Viola t ions of L a w R egu la t ion s a n d R iver ba y Byla ws Riverbay is governed by Article II of the Private Housing Finance Law [PHFL §2, 31, 32 and 32-a]. Riverbay is also subject to the regulations of DHCR, which are published at Title 9, Subtitle S, Chapter IV of the Codes, Rules and Regulations of New York State. As discussed herein, Sections 1725, 1727, and 1728 of those regulations are applicable to the present situation. Riverbay is also governed by its own Bylaws and Board Resolutions.

The DHCR Regulations require, among other things, that transfers be processed through a web-based, publicly accessible, Automated Waiting List (“AWL”). At present, Riverbay and DHCR each maintain a pre-AWL list and an AWL list. The Riverbay and DHCR lists are not always consistent, and Riverbay’s list was completely within the control of a single individual — Mr. Gold.

The present system is not transparent, and extremely confusing, and enabled the improper transfer that is the subject of this investigation.

The DHCR Regulations require that eligible shareholders be provided with notice and an opportunity to accept available townhouses in the order that their transfer applications were received, and that transfers be processed equitably. As explained more fully in the report, these Regulations have been violated.

Subject to the regulatory standards imposed by DHCR, Riverbay, as a private housing cooperative, is governed by a fifteen (15) member board of directors elected by its residents, and managed on a daily basis by Marion Scott Realty, a private management company retained by the Board of Directors and approved by DHCR. The conduct of Board Members is regulated by common law, the Business Corporation Law, the Private Housing Finance Law, DHCR Regulations, Riverbay By-Laws, Board Resolutions, common sense and the sound judgment of the individuals elected to the Board.

A Riverbay Board Member is required to avoid interference with the day-to-day management of Riverbay, and to affirm that she will not exercise rights or privileges as a Board Member that are any greater than any other shareholder. In the (Continued on next page)

15

Co-op City Times / November 27, 2010 (Continued from previous page)

event of conduct inconsistent with a Board Member’s fiduciary and statutory duties to Riverbay, DHCR has the authority to remove the Board Member.

As discussed more fully in this report, whether or not Ms. Morales knew at the time of her transfer that she had jumped the line, she is now aware that such was the case. She has been afforded a privilege that is not generally available to other shareholders, and should agree to undo the transfer. If not, it is Counsel’s recommendation that appropriate legal steps be taken to reverse and annul the transfer.

C on clu sion Regardless of how, when, or whether the open questions are resolved, the basic facts are not in dispute. The transfer was improperly approved, contrary to law, and fundamentally unfair to the other shareholders and the public. For the reasons set forth herein, Counsel is making the following findings and recommendations: F ind in gs • Ms. Morales was improperly awarded a townhouse ahead of other eligible shareholders in violation of Title 9 NYCRR Part 1727; • Steve Gold improperly facilitated the townhouse transfer to Ms. Morales; • Steve Gold did not act alone, and has not adequately explained his motives; • Management failed to adequately supervise or monitor the Sales Department; • The statements and explanations offered relating to the “as is” condition of the townhouse are not credible; • In accepting and remaining in a townhouse that was awarded in violation of Riverbay policy and State Regulations, Ms. Morales has attained a benefit that was greater than the benefits enjoyed by other shareholders; • The individual opportunity afforded to Ms. Morales in obtaining a valuable townhouse conflicts with her duty of loyalty and care to her fellow shareholders; R ecom m en d a t ion s • The transfer of the townhouse to Ms. Morales should be reversed; • Appropriate sanctions should be imposed on all individuals involved in the improper transfer; • The Audit Committee and the Director of Internal Audit should perform a compliance audit of the Sales Department Waiting Lists; • Board Members should not interact with Department Directors or Management to advance personal or political agendas; • Board Members should limit their involvement in operations consistent with the provisions of 9 NYCRR Part 1725-3.3; • Management should improve and strengthen oversight and control of the Sales Department to ensure transparency, fairness and accountability; • DHCR should eliminate the distinction

between pre-AWL waiting lists and postAWL waiting lists, and order Riverbay to use one, public list; which should be publicized, with minimal preferences, in a manner designed to ensure applicant confidentiality; DHCR should, consistent with the provisions of 9 NYCRR Part 1700.7, with Part 1700.8, and with the new evidence presented in this report, re-open and reconsider its prior administrative determination approving the transfer of a townhouse at 21B Cooper Place to Leticia Morales; • DHCR should order Riverbay Management to prepare and submit a management plan designed to enhance transparency and accountability, in compliance with the provisions of Parts 1727 and 1728.

G en er a l C ou n sel’s R ep or t Ba ck gr ou n d A. G en er a l Riverbay Corporation, commonly known as “Co-op City”, is a residential cooperative located on 330 acres in the Baychester section of the Bronx.

Riverbay was formed pursuant to Article II of the Private Housing Finance Law, referred to as the “Mitchell-Lama” program, to provide affordable housing.

Riverbay consists of 15,372 residential units, 14,900 of which are residential apartments located in 35 high-rise towers and 472 of which are townhouses located in seven (7) separate clusters. Riverbay also contains three (3) separate shopping centers, 50 commercial offices located on the ground floor of the various high rise towers, 8 multi-story garages with 10,790 parking spaces, a forty megawatt (40MW) electric generating facility, and various recreational and community facilities. Riverbay has over 1,000 employees, including its own police force, has one of the lowest crime rates in the City of New York, and is home to more than 55,000 individuals.

The Mitchell-Lama program creates affordable housing by providing low cost financing for land acquisition and construction and tax exemptions to assist completed projects. In cooperative projects such as Riverbay, residents are required to meet certain income standards for admission. Maximum income levels, which vary by household size and other factors, currently range from $58,826 for a 1 bedroom unit to $140,760 for a 3 bedroom unit. Residents purchase their housing units at below market prices and agree to forego any gain on their units when they move out in exchange for long term affordability.

Presently, cooperative units are priced at $4,500 per room, with monthly maintenance established at $193 per room, including utilities. Units vary in size from a three room, one bedroom unit to a seven room, three bedroom townhouse. A one bedroom unit with a monthly maintenance of $579 can be acquired for $13,500, and a three bedroom townhouse with a monthly maintenance of $1,351 can be acquired for $31,500. As a result of these low prices, and the general quality of life at Co-op City, there is a significant waiting list for admission and for

intra-project transfers.

Affordable housing is a scarce public resource, and understandably, Riverbay has a significant waiting list of qualified families who desire to live in Co-op City. In addition, existing residents of Riverbay have the right to request a “transfer” to different size units within the complex. The waiting list is long, and Counsel has found that the existing process lacks adequate transparency and accountability.

B. G over n a n ce Pursuant to Article II of the Private Housing Finance Law [PHFL §§2, 31, 32 and 32-a], Riverbay is a residential Mitchell-Lama housing cooperative, subject to regulation by the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal [DHCR]. DHCR has published regulations governing all aspects of the finance and operation of affordable housing projects, including the approval and selection of occupants, the review and approval of annual operating and capital budgets, the approval of all debt service, financing, expenditures, contracts, management, purchase prices, maintenance charges, and governance. These regulations are generally found at Title 9, Subtitle S, Chapter IV of the Codes, Rules and Regulations of New York State.

For purposes of this report, three sections of those regulations are relevant: Section 1727, which regulates occupancy standards; Section 1725, which establishes board governance standards; and section 1728 which imposes management standards.

R esu lt s of F a ct u a l I nvest iga t ion Counsel conducted an investigation into an allegation that Board Member Leticia Morales obtained an improper transfer to a townhouse when she was not the next person on the applicable waiting list. The investigation revealed that the allegation is true; that Sales Director Steven Gold facilitated and approved the transfer, knowing that it was improper; that DHCR also approved the transfer, even though its records demonstrated that Ms. Morales was not next on the list; and that avoidable failures by Riverbay management and DHCR enabled the improper transfer.

T h e I m p r op er Tr a n sfer A. M s. M or a les F iles a Tr a nsfer Ap p lica tion Ms. Morales is a resident of Riverbay in good standing, and has served the community in various capacities, including her present service on the Corporation’s Board of Directors. From 2004 through 2007, Ms. Morales served as President of the Riverbay Board of Directors. Until recently, Ms. Morales occupied a three bedroom apartment with members of her immediate family.

On July 23, 2008, Ms. Morales submitted a transfer application to the Riverbay Sales Department.1 At the time of that application was submitted, Ms. Morales met all income and occupancy standards and was properly determined to be eligible. In 2008, Ms. Morales signed a disclosure form agreeing to accept a

townhouse in “as-is” condition.

[E xh ibit 6]. According to the As Is Disclosure Form:

An “As-Is” apartment is one that is sold in its current condition. There is no restoration done to the apartment and the incoming shareholder assumes responsibility for any and all restoration and repairs. Nothing in the apartment is repaired or restored. Riverbay does not even enter the apartment prior to the new shareholder moving in.

In his statement to Counsel, Mr. Gold explained that Ms. Morales approached him frequently as he was leaving work and she was going to church, to inquire when she would get a transfer to a townhouse. Mr. Gold said that he told her repeatedly that she would get a transfer when she was next on the list. While several Riverbay employees told Counsel that Ms. Morales frequently visited Mr. Gold in the Sales Office, Ms. Morales denied that she ever visited the Sales Office except to sign documents to process the transfer and closing of the townhouse, and claims that she had only minimal contact with Mr. Gold. Counsel does not find Ms. Morales to be credible on this point.

B. A Town h ouse Becom es Ava ila b le On June 29th, 2010, the Estate of Ralph Schatzberg surrendered possession of a townhouse located at Cooper Place to Riverbay and the keys for said townhouse were delivered to the Sales Department [E xhib it 9]. Mr. Schatzberg had resided in the townhouse for 41 years, and had served Riverbay as its first Director of Public Safety. On the same day, the keys were transferred from the Sales Department to the Restoration Department [E xh ib it 10].

On June 29th, 2010, Ms. Morales was not the next person on the wait list for a townhouse transfer. [E xh ib it 1]. Mr. Gold admitted to Counsel that Ms. Morales was at least the sixth (6th) person on the Townhouse Transfer Waiting List. Thus, there is no dispute that Ms. Morales was not the next eligible person on the Townhouse Transfer Waiting List.

C . M s. M or a le s a n d M r. G old I n sp ect t h e Ava ila b le Town h ouse Sometime in June or July of 2010, Ms. Morales became aware that the townhouse on Cooper Place was, or would be, available. There is conflicting testimony regarding when and how Ms. Morales became aware of the unit, and when she inspected it [E xh ib it 13 includes summaries of Mr. Gold’s and Ms. Morales’s Statements]. Mr. Gold told Counsel he believes Ms. Morales inspected the unit in late June or early July, before anyone from the Sales Department saw it. He denies showing it to her, and speculates that someone in the Restoration Department, which had the key after June 29th, 2010 [E xh ib it 10], advised her of the vacancy and allowed her to inspect it shortly after it became available. This theory is plausible due to Ms. Morales’s (Continued on next page)

16 (Continued from previous page)

family and personal connections to individuals in the Restorations Department, and is corroborated by other evidence.2 Mr. Gold stated that, shortly after the townhouse became available, Ms. Morales approached him and offered to take it in “as-is” condition.

Mr. Gold also stated that he independently inspected the townhouse with an employee of the Sales Department during the same general time period. Mr. Gold told Counsel that they wanted to see the Townhouse because they had “heard it was different”. According to an interview of a Sales Department employee found to be credible by Counsel, when he first visited the apartment, Mr. Gold stated he “knew someone who wanted it.” Mr. Gold also admitted during his interview that he is not ordinarily involved with the administration of transfers, but he chose to assume personal responsibility for this transfer because Ms. Morales kept approaching him. Interviews of Sales Department staff confirm that an individual other than Mr. Gold handles the administration of transfers, and that this individual was told by Mr. Gold to step aside so he could personally handle this transfer. Accordingly, Counsel finds that Mr. Gold went to inspect the townhouse because he knew that Ms. Morales wanted it and because he intended to deliver the townhouse to her. No credible explanation has yet been offered for why Mr. Gold, who claims to have rebuffed Ms. Morale’s entreaties for two years, chose to change his position at this time.

Mr. Gold then contacted Corey Jones, the Director of the Restorations Department, to arrange for Mr. Jones to inspect the apartment. Mr. Jones told Counsel that Mr. Gold contacted him directly and advised him that the unit was about to become available, and that Mr. Gold knew a party interested in taking the townhouse “as-is”. Mr. Jones stated he considered this communication from Mr. Gold unusual since Mr. Gold did not generally bring transfers to his attention; since transfers were generally “as is,” it was not significant that someone wanted to take it in “as-is” condition; and since Restorations would normally not perform work on an “as is” transfer unless there was a condition that might violate the Housing Maintenance Code or the Occupancy Agreement.

Ms. Morales denies any knowledge of the available townhouse until mid-July when she says Mr. Gold offered it to her.

However, considering the statements of Mssrs. Gold and Jones, and the complete course of events described hereinafter, Counsel concludes that Ms. Morales did, in fact, see the townhouse and express her interest to Mr. Gold in late June or early July.

Mr. Gold admitted during his interview that he took control over the processing and administration of this transfer from the Sales Department employee who normally handles transfers. The only credible explanation for that act is that Mr. Gold intended to deliver the townhouse to Ms. Morales, and he knew that absent his intervention, the staff member who normally processes transfers would

Co-op City Times / November 27, 2010 have offered the townhouse to a shareholder other than Ms. Morales.

D. M r. G old Visit s th e Town h ou se Aga in a n d R est or a t ions a r e P la n ned Mr. Gold stated that, after Ms. Morales expressed interest in the townhouse, he went back with members of the Restorations Department to determine whether any work was required. Mr. Gold did not state that Mr. Jones was present for this inspection, but Mr. Jones said that he inspected the townhouse with Mr. Gold before any work was performed, and had detailed knowledge of the condition of the townhouse and the personal property in it. Mr. Jones told Counsel that the townhouse was in average condition and that there was some limited work appropriate for Restorations to perform in order to correct conditions that might violate applicable building codes. Mr. Gold stated that he and Mr. Jones determined that the townhouse should be restored because it was dated and the kitchen and bathroom both needed to be completely redone.

Mr. Jones stated that sometime after that meeting, but before any work was performed, Mr. Gold instructed him that Restorations should touch nothing but the furniture, because the townhouse was to be transferred “as-is” to Ms. Morales.

This statement by Mr. Jones corroborates Mr. Gold’s statement that Ms. Morales had already seen the apartment at this time. Mr. Jones said that Mr. Gold also told him that other people had seen the townhouse but did not want it due to its condition. The statement that others had seen and rejected the apartment is not supported by any other evidence and is directly contradicted by the other applicants, who told Counsel that they were not offered the townhouse. However, Mr. Gold may nonetheless have made this statement to Mr. Jones in an effort to conceal the fact that the transfer to Ms. Morales was improper.

E . Did M s. M or a les M eet wit h M r.

C oop er ?

According to Mr. Gold, after he and Mr. Jones had decided that the townhouse required some restoration work, Ms. Morales approached him again, saying that she would take the townhouse “as-is” and pay for any and all restoration work.

According to Mr. Gold, Ms. Morales suggested that Mr. Gold talk to Mr. Cooper about giving her the apartment. Mr. Gold further stated that shortly after this conversation, and before his meeting with Mr. Cooper, he witnessed Ms. Morales exiting from Mr. Cooper’s office via a door which leads to the main hallway adjacent to the Public Safety Department.

Mr. Gold stated that he had no idea whether Mr. Cooper was present in his office at the time, nor what, if anything, was discussed.

Mr. Cooper has no independent recollection of such a meeting with Ms. Morales. Mr. Cooper stated that on an average day he receives multiple visits from multiple Board members, and admitted that he has often had visits from Ms. Morales. However, he stated that he and Ms. Morales never discussed approving a townhouse transfer for her, and that

they never discussed jumping her ahead on the townhouse transfer waiting list.

Mr. Cooper denies that he had any such conversations with anyone, including any other board member.

F. M r. G old , M r. C oop er a n d M r.

J ones Ha ve a M eet in g Despite the existing “as-is” policy, a meeting was held in the office of Riverbay General Manager Vernon Cooper, on an unspecified date in early July. Vernon Cooper, Steven Gold and Corey Jones were present, and they discussed what work should be done in the townhouse. No written notes or memoranda related to the meeting exist. No one present at the meeting has any e-mails, calendar, diary or other records to establish who called the meeting, exactly when it occurred, or what the agenda for the meeting was. Counsel believes the meeting occurred sometime after June 29th, 2010 - the date the townhouse was surrendered to Riverbay by the prior occupant’s estate - and before July 6th, 2010, the date that Restorations began work on the townhouse, [see E xh ib it 12, Time Line].

The three men at the meeting agree that they discussed the condition of the townhouse and the extent of the work to be performed in it [see E xh ib it 13, summary of Cooper, Jones and Gold interviews, as well as E xh ib it 11, Restoration Department Memorandum outlining work performed and the unit’s condition].

The parties agreed that the work should be limited in scope and that it should be documented, with photographs and videotape, since it involved a townhouse that was being transferred to a Board Member.

Mssrs. Gold, Cooper, and Jones admit that they knew at the meeting that the townhouse was going to Ms. Morales.

They also agree that the question of her eligibility for the townhouse was not discussed, the assumption being that the transfer to Ms. Morales was not an issue.

However, there is a dearth of evidence to support a conclusion that anyone other than Mr. Gold knew the transfer to Ms. Morales was improper. Mr. Gold did not bring a copy of the Townhouse Transfer Waiting List to the meeting, and there is no indication that Mr. Cooper had ever seen the List at that time. Mr. Cooper told Counsel that he did not normally receive copies of any waiting list, including the Townhouse Transfer Waiting List, and that he was not involved in the day-to-day processing or administration of the Transfer Waiting List. Counsel did verify that the Transfer Waiting List was not ordinarily shared with the General Manager.3 Mr. Gold stated that he interpreted the July meeting as a “wink and a nod” from Mr. Cooper indicating he should jump Ms. Morales ahead on the Townhouse Transfer Waiting List. His position, as explained in greater detail in E xh ibit 13, is that the very act of holding such a meeting was unusual, as was his participation in such a meeting. Mr. Gold maintains that his participation in the meeting as Director of Sales, as opposed to just a meeting between the General Manager and the Restoration Department, implied that there were actually two topics being

discussed, one the explicit discussion regarding restoration work, and two an implicit but unspoken message to Sales to jump Ms. Morales ahead on the waiting list. Mr. Gold, who is represented by counsel, was unable to supply any direct or documentary evidence to support his position that he was implicitly directed by Mr. Cooper to jump Ms. Morales ahead on the transfer waiting list, or that Mr. Cooper had actual knowledge that Ms. Morales was not next on the list.

Prior to the meeting, according to a Sales Department employee who Counsel found credible, Mr. Gold advised that employee that he was going to a meeting with the General Manager “to get approval to transfer the townhouse to Ms. Morales.” Nonetheless, while everyone at the meeting was aware that the townhouse was to be transferred to Ms. Morales, there was no discussion of the waiting list, the fact that Ms. Morales was not next on the waiting list, or of any approval of an out of turn transfer to Ms. Morales. Further, despite his statement that he was going to get approval for the transfer from Mr. Cooper, according to Mr. Gold he emerged from the meeting without any documentary proof or evidence that a transfer to Ms. Morales out of the ordinary course had been approved.

G. R est or a t ions Per for m s Wor k in t he Townh ou se On July 6th, 2010, three Restoration Department employees entered the townhouse to perform work. The limited purpose of their visit was to remove debris, furniture and personal property, to clean the unit, and to correct any potential code E xh ib it 11, Restoration violations [E Department Memorandum]. The workers did not take any photographs of the unit, and did not videotape its condition or the work performed, in contravention of the stated instructions arising out of the meeting between Mssrs. Cooper, Gold and Jones.4 The workers removed personal property as directed. However, they also broke a banister and did unauthorized work that then necessitated additional corrective work, which benefited Ms. Morales.

The workers removed bi-fold doors installed on the second floor closets and removed window treatments and a stained glass panel that, according to a subsequent Restoration Department memorandum, “the incoming shareholder wanted to keep” [E xh ib it 11]. This memorandum adds credibility to Mr. Gold’s statement that Ms. Morales had inspected the apartment early on. It also supports a conclusion that Ms. Morales had reason to believe that she was going to get the townhouse at least 3 weeks before her name was submitted to DHCR for approval.

It is not clear whether the workers stopped at the end of the day or because someone discovered that they were doing unauthorized work and stopped them. Mr. Jones stated that Mr. Gold called him to inform him of the unauthorized work.

Neither Mr. Jones nor Mr. Gold provided an explanation of how Mr. Gold came to learn of the unauthorized work. Mr. Jones surmised that the unauthorized work was (Continued on next page)

17

Co-op City Times / November 27, 2010 (Continued from previous page)

discovered after the workers stopped for the day, but he did not have personal knowledge of whether anyone stopped them. Mr. Jones also speculated that the performance of the unauthorized work was the result of a miscommunication.

Mr. Jones then went to the townhouse with Restorations employees, and directed them to replace the closet doors which had already been removed and to fix the broken banister. Mr. Jones then called Mr. Cooper to alert him to the unauthorized work and to tell him that they would replace the closet doors and banister.

According to the Restoration Department memorandum, six items of work were performed. All closet doors that were removed were replaced, including framing, plastering, and taping of the adjacent wall areas and replacement of the floor tiles in front of the closet opening(s); old light fixtures were replaced; deep cracks deemed to be “stress fractures” were plastered; one wood floor in one of the bedrooms was replaced, purportedly because it was damaged by a convector leak which allegedly occurred between August 26th and August 30th, 2010; a loose kitchen countertop was replaced; and window guards were installed throughout the unit [E xh ib it 11].

H. T h e Secon d M eet in g wit h C oop er, Gold a nd J ones After most of the above work had been completed a second meeting was held between Mssrs. Cooper, Gold and Jones. It is unclear if the meeting was by phone or in person. Mr. Cooper recalled that he had expressed displeasure at the replacement of the closet doors, as that was not part of the work he had previously authorized. No records were kept or maintained of this meeting.

I . Tr a n sfer Ap p r oved wit hou t Notice to E ligib le Sh a r eh older s On July 19, 2010, Mr. Gold approved the transfer of the townhouse to Ms. Morales, as demonstrated by internal Sales Department records [E xh ib it 4].

Counsel’s investigation conclusively demonstrated that the townhouse was not offered to any of the people ahead of Ms. Morales on the townhouse transfer list.

Counsel attempted to interview each household on the Townhouse Transfer Waiting List, regardless of their apparent eligibility. All shareholders interviewed by Counsel’s office, including all five (5) eligible shareholders ahead of Ms. Morales, stated that they were not offered an opportunity to inspect or accept the townhouse.

On July 27th, 2010, Janine Nelson, an employee of the Sales Department, submitted a request to DHCR to approve the transfer of the Cooper Place townhouse to Ms. Morales, [E xh ib it 5]. The form submitted by the Sales Department, an HM-14, contains a signed Certification that “the above application has been processed in accordance with 9 NYCRR part 1727... and applicants were selected in the prescribed order ”. This certification was demonstrably untrue.

In mid-August, the Sales Department sent an e-mail to DHCR inquiring when the transfer would be approved.

On August 23, 2010, DHCR approved the transfer. At the time, DHCR had its own version of the Townhouse Transfer Waiting List. Ms. Morales was last on that list.

On September 3, 2010, Ms. Morales moved into the townhouse.

J . T h e I m p r op er Tr a n sfer is Discover ed a n d G old is Su sp en d ed The improper transfer most likely would not have attracted any attention but for questions posed by another Board Member, Mr. Emmanuel Torres.

According to Mr. Torres, in late September 2010, another Riverbay resident, Bishop Rosario, told Torres that Ms. Morales had moved into a townhouse on his block.5 Mr. Torres told Counsel that he was surprised since he had been on the townhouse transfer waiting list since December 5th, 2006, nearly two years before Ms. E xh ib it s 2 a n d 3, applicant Morales, [E number 15], and he knew that Ms. Morales had submitted her name to the list after his.

Mr. Torres demanded an explanation from Mr. Gold and Herbert Freedman, one of the principals of Marion Scott Realty.

Mr. Freedman telephone Mr. Gold who indicated in that phone call that Mr. Torres had been removed from the Townhouse Transfer Waiting List and placed on a different Waiting List due to a change in family composition. Mr. Torres conceded the change, but insisted that he remained eligible for a townhouse due to other information and subsequent filings he made with Finance and Sales which were not considered by the Sales Department.6 During the conversation, Mr. Freedman pressed Mr. Gold for detail on the approval of Ms. Morales. Mr. Gold told Mr. Freedman that he approved Ms. Morales ahead of other people on the list since she was willing to take the townhouse “as is”.

At that point, Mr. Freedman, aware of the Board Resolution requiring all transfers to be “as is,” directed Mr. Gold to come to his office with a copy of the file and the transfer waiting list.

Later that day, Mr. Gold arrived at Mr. Freedman’s office with a copy of his files including the applicable Transfer Waiting List. According to both Mr. Gold and Mr. Freedman, Mr. Freedman examined the Transfer Waiting List, noted that Ms. Morales was the last person on the List, and asked Mr. Gold for an explanation. Mr. Gold admitted to Mr. Freedman that he had jumped Ms. Morales ahead of other shareholders on the list. Mr. Freedman asked why he would do such a thing, and Mr. Gold replied because Ms. Morales was willing to take the townhouse “as is”.

Mr. Freedman correctly expressed his opinion that such a statement was not acceptable since all transfers are “as is.”

Mr. Gold responded by stating that Mr. Cooper “knew about it.” Mr. Freedman then summoned Mr. Cooper to his office.

Various conversations reportedly followed involving Mr. Freedman, Mr. Gold, Mr. Cooper, Mr. Jones, and Ms. Gail Badger-Morgan, an employee of Marion Scott Realty. Mr. Gold repeated his admission that he jumped Ms. Morales ahead of other shareholders on the list, and repeated his statement that Mr. Cooper knew about it. Mr. Cooper admitted that he knew that

Ms. Morales had moved to a townhouse, and admitted that he knew about the transfer before the move, but denied that he had any knowledge that Ms. Morales was not next on the list, or that she was jumping ahead of other shareholders.

Mr. Freedman advised Mr. Gold that he was suspended, effective October 1st, 2010, based upon Mr. Gold’s admission that he knowingly jumped Ms. Morales to the top of the transfer waiting list in violation of Riverbay policy and DHCR regulations. In the opinion of Counsel, based upon Mr. Gold’s admission, his suspension by management was legally justifiable.

G en er a l C ou n sel’s I nvest iga t ion A. T h e B o a r d R e q u e s t s a n I nvest iga t ion General Counsel, at the direction of the Corporation’s President, and in furtherance of its ethical obligations, commenced an investigation of the transfer of a townhouse to Ms. Morales. Subsequently, the entire Board of Directors voted to confirm and direct General Counsel to continue and complete the investigation.7 Due to the public interest in the matter, Counsel, with the approval and consent of the Riverbay Board of Directors, determined that the findings should be made public, and that a report, even if only preliminary, should be issued promptly. This is that report.

B. C oun sel’s M et h od ology This report was prepared after a detailed review of the internal records of the Corporation, including records maintained by the Sales Department, the Restoration Department, the Finance Department and the Legal Department.

Counsel interviewed numerous individuals in the Sales Department, the Restoration Department and principals of Marion Scott Realty, the Riverbay management company. Counsel also interviewed DHCR staff, various board members, the individuals identified as being directly involved with the transfer, and applicants whose names appeared on the townhouse transfer waiting list. Summaries of some of the interviews of the key individuals directly involved in this matter are appended as E xh ib it 13 to this Report.

Counsel also reviewed all records maintained by Steve Gold, the Director of Sales, which were located in his office.

Counsel also reviewed all electronic records maintained on Mr. Gold’s office computer, all emails sent and received by Mr. Gold on that computer, and all voice mail messages recorded on Mr. Gold’s office telephone.

Throughout the process, Counsel found that Riverbay staff were forthcoming and cooperative, met with Counsel when requested, answered questions and provided access to documents.

Add it ion a l Fa ct u a l F in d in gs A. C ou n sel Does Not F in d M s.

M or a les’s Accou n t C r edib le As noted earlier, Ms. Morales denies any knowledge of preferential treatment and denies ever requesting any preferential treatment. She states that the first time she was aware of any such issue is when public accu-

sations were made on or about September 29th, 2010, three weeks after she moved into the Cooper Place Townhouse. She denies that she ever met with, or spoke to anyone to request a preference. She denies that she offered anything of value to anyone to obtain preferential treatment. She further denies having seen the townhouse prior to the initial work by Restorations on July 6th, 2010. She denies any regular contact with Steve Gold, and denies that she regularly asked Steve Gold for a townhouse. She also denies speaking to Vernon Cooper about the townhouse transfer. She denies everything.

In order to find Ms. Morales’ statements credible, Counsel would be required to find the statements by Mr. Gold and Mr. Jones, and the Restoration Department memorandum relating to Ms. Morales’ knowledge of the townhouse’s condition prior to July 6th, 2010, to be false. Counsel would also have to conclude that Mr. Gold, Mr. Cooper, and/or presently unidentified other individuals conceived a plan to give Ms. Morales a townhouse out of turn, without any input, request, or pressure from Ms. Morales herself. Counsel does not so find.

As of the date that this report is written, the objective facts show that Ms. Morales was legitimately on the transfer waiting list for two years, and that her transfer was preapproved by DHCR. Counsel has not, at this time, uncovered admissible evidence of any thing of value being given or offered by Ms. Morales in exchange for preferential treatment. However, Counsel does not find Ms. Morales’ total disclaimer of all knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the improper, out of turn transfer, to be credible.

Further, Ms. Morales made statements to the press, published in the Daily News on October 26th, 2010 that establish her knowledge of facts that were not publicly known. For example, Ms. Morales states in the published article that Mr. Tirado could not be ahead of her on the waiting list, since he had only applied for a unit on Adler Place. However, the investigation demonstrated that the Adler Place preference as to Mr. Tirado was an error present only on the pre-AWL list maintained by Mr. Gold, and that even Mr. Tirado was not aware of the factual error. There is no credible explanation for how Ms. Morales knew this information unless she had reviewed the pre-AWL waiting list maintained by Mr. Gold, or Mr. Gold or someone else, provided her with the information.

According to Ms. Morales, the rumors surrounding the transfer and the request for Counsel to investigate were and are motivated by bad faith, and she is an innocent victim-beneficiary of other people’s errors, mistakes, mis-judgments or bias.

While political and personal differences may exist between Ms. Morales, Mr. Torres, and other persons involved in this matter, such issues do not change the fact that Ms. Morales received the benefit of an improper transfer to a townhouse when she was not the next person on the list. Nor does it justify or excuse the simple fact that she, as a Board Member, received a benefit not available to other shareholders.

(Continued on next page)

18 (Continued from previous page)

B. C ou n sel F in d s it I m p r ob a b le t ha t M r. G old Acted Alon e Mr. Gold is the only individual who admits that he knew Ms. Morales was jumping the line. Ms. Morales denies any knowledge, and Mr. Cooper, whom Mr. Gold points to as having implicitly authorized the improper transfer, denies any knowledge. No other participants have as yet been publicly identified. The fundamental question of “why” Mr. Gold would grant a preference to Ms. Morales remains unanswered. The risks to his job and reputation were considerable. The hypothetical benefits revealed by this investigation — causing Ms. Morales to stop approaching him about an apartment, building goodwill with a Board Member, or simply performing a gratuitous favor - do not outweigh the clear risks.

Counsel’s investigation has not yet uncovered the reason why Mr. Gold would help Ms. Morales jump the line after making her wait two years, or uncovered evidence to answer without speculation the question of whether Mr. Gold was acting alone, or in concert with some other, presently unidentified individual(s).

However, common sense and the circumstantial evidence uncovered to date persuade Counsel that Mr. Gold was not acting alone and that he has failed to be completely forthcoming about his motive(s).

C . T h e “ As - I s ” I s s u e W a s A Dist r a ct ion I nven t ed t o C over Up t h e I m p r op er Tr a n sfer a n d F r u st r a t e I n qu ir y During his statement, Mr. Gold said that after the townhouse became available in June of 2010, Ms. Morales approached him and offered to take it in “as-is” condition, supporting the theory that Ms. Morales was aware of the opportunity and had already seen the townhouse by this time. Ms. Morales claims that Mr. Gold offered her the townhouse “as-is,” and that she accepted it in its “as-is” condition. During this investigation, Ms. Morales still claimed that, if it was true that she had been offered the townhouse out of turn, it was only because she was willing to take it “as-is.” Counsel finds the argument that Ms. Morales was awarded the townhouse because she was willing to take it “as is”, to be a red herring designed to distract from the real reasons for the transfer and to frustrate inquiry.

On October 22, 2008, the Board of Directors, including Ms. Morales, adopted Resolution 08-50 which provides that “as of December 1, 2008, any existing resident who acquires a new apartment shall acquire said unit “as is,” except to the extent that the Corporation is required to perform repairs under the Occupancy Agreement” [E xh ib it 8]. Ms. Morales executed an “as-is” disclosure form in 2008 pursuant to which she agreed to accept the apartment in whatever condition it was in. The disclosure form also stated that Riverbay personnel would not enter the apartment until after possession was delivered to the applicant [E xh ib it 6]. On September 2nd, 2010, Ms. Morales executed a second, “as-is” acceptance form, [E xh ib it 7]. The second

Co-op City Times / November 27, 2010 form states that she accepted the townhouse “as-is” and “violation free”.

According to the form, “this means neither Riverbay Corporation nor anyone else will be entering your apartment until the day you receive the keys and move into the apartment.” Notably, these forms would have been required of any other shareholder, as all transfers were supposed to be “as-is” transfers.

The claims made at various times by Ms. Morales and Mr. Gold that she received the townhouse because she was willing to take it “as-is”, while other shareholders were lot, are not credible.

Any shareholder who wanted the apartment should have been required to accept it “as-is” pursuant to Board Resolution 08-50. The representations that others had refused to accept the townhouse “as is” are simply untrue. This investigation demonstrated conclusively that no other shareholders were given the opportunity to accept or reject the townhouse. In order to find the argument that only Ms. Morales was willing to accept the townhouse in “as is” condition, Counsel would be required to find the statements of every other applicant to be false. Counsel does not so find, and to the contrary, Counsel finds the statements of other shareholders to be truthful. Finally, despite the written Board policy, Ms. Morales’s supposed representations, and everyone’s focus on the supposed “as is” transfer, the townhouse was not in fact transferred in “as is” condition. Work was performed, at Riverbay’s expense, in preparation for this improper “as is” transfer, including floor repairs, closet door removal and replacement, and a kitchen counter replacement.

D. W h ile M r. G old Ha s a n E xcellen t E mp loym en t R ecor d , I t is M a r r ed b y Two Su b st a n t ia ted P r ior I n cid en t s O f Sim ila r F a vor it ism Towa r d Boa r d M em b er s Mr. Gold has been employed by Riverbay since October 11, 1976 in various departments including Restorations, Finance and Sales. In January of 1992 he was laid off for a 22-month period for fiscal reasons. He returned to Riverbay in December of 1993 as the Director of Sales. Mr. Gold is an “at will”, management level employee, not a member of any union, nor the beneficiary of any contract of employment.

Mr. Gold has, with two exceptions, an exemplary employment record. He is a licensed real estate broker, and a certified instructor of real estate management skills, having taught a real estate management course for a number of years. He regularly attends continuing education programs. He has received written commendations on numerous occasions for his service, including his performance in reducing the vacancy rate at Riverbay, and his demeanor and presentations at new shareholder orientation meetings.

His annual performance evaluations, performed by different persons over the years, have all been outstanding. He also received a perfect attendance record award. He is regularly called upon by shareholders for assistance and resolution of issues and has represented Riverbay publicly.

Counsel reviewed Mr. Gold’s office, his files, his emails, his voice mails and his computer files. Counsel also interviewed Mr. Gold in the presence of his counsel, and two additional times on the telephone, also with the representation of his counsel. One clear impression taken from this review is that Mr. Gold is hard working, dedicated, and appears to spend little time with non-work related distractions. It also demonstrated that Mr. Gold routinely and thoroughly documented all aspects of his responsibilities at Riverbay, with the exception of the Morales transfer.

Despite this near perfect work record, there were two prior incidents in Mr. Gold’s file which are reminiscent of the present situation. The first occurred in 1994. Mr. Gold, at the direction of the then Board President Iris Baez, intervened to ensure that a particular individual was placed in an apartment unit next to a relative of the Board President.

Subsequently, in 1997, Mr. Gold intervened to grant preferential treatment to the daughter of the Board President during the restoration of an apartment. In each instance, Mr. Gold admitted that the conduct was improper but took the position that he was ordered to do so by the Board President.

Viola t ion s of L a ws, R egu la t ion s a n d Byla ws G over n in g Boa r d M em b er s A. Or ga niza t ion of t h e Boa r d Subject to the regulatory standards imposed by DHCR, Riverbay, as a private housing cooperative, is governed by fifteen (15) member board of directors elected by its residents, and managed on a daily basis by a private management company, retained by the Board of Directors and approved by DHCR. Board members are elected to staggered, three year terms, with five (5) positions up for election each year. Board members must be residents, in good standing, and are selected through a hard fought, formal election process. Those elections resemble municipal elections, with candidates circulating nominating petitions, participating in numerous candidate debates and forums, and culminating in a day long election at which votes are tabulated on New York City Board of Election voting machines maintained at 65 polling sites throughout the complex.

B. Du t ies a n d R esp on sib ilit ies of Boa r d M em b er s The duties and responsibilities of Riverbay’s corporate directors are established by common law, the Business Corporation Law, the Private Housing Finance Law, DHCR regulations, Riverbay’s By-Laws, Board resolutions, and by the common sense and sound judgment of the individuals elected to the Board.

DH C R h a s defin ed t h e d u t ies a nd p ower s of b oa r d m em b er s a s follows: The board of directors has the responsibility for establishing policy covering administration of property, interests, business and transactions of the corporation and may delegate to officers such authority as it deems necessary. Sound organization dictates that members of the board

should not interfere with day-to-day management and operation of project or with its employees or intrude upon management functions. Failure to adhere to this policy reduces the efficiency of the operating staff by creating conflicts in control and in the chain of command.

[9 NYCRR Part 1725-3.3.]

Other provisions of DHCR’s regulations empower the agency to remove elected directors if the agency believes that the conduct of the elected director is inconsistent with the statutory and fiduciary duties of an affordable housing cooperative director. In the past, DHCR has exercised this power over a board president at Riverbay, and the agency’s power to remove elected Riverbay directors has been upheld by the Courts in an action entitled In re Hazell, 251 A.D. 2d 132, (App. Div. 1st Dept. 1998).

Riverbay’s By-Laws, adopted and approved by the shareholders, the Board and DHCR, provide further guidance and clarification of the fiduciary duty of individual Board members.

According to Article III of the By-Laws: (a) Responsibility to the Public.

Members of the Board of Directors bear a high public responsibility since they have elected to operate under a state-aided program and to effectuate public policy by encouraging the building and operating of housing projects for families of moderate income. (b) Responsibility to Cooperators.

Members of the Board of Directors have an obligation to cooperators of their projects .... (d) Conflict of Interest. Members of the Board of Directors shall make every effort to avoid contracts or other transactions for materials or services which may involve a possible conflict of interest .... (e) Each board member must recognize that his or her authority is limited to the oversight of the well being of the cooperative as a whole .... (g) Each board member must recognize that ... no board member may exercise rights that are any greater than any other shareholder... (i) Each board member must recognize and carry out his or her statutory duties of loyalty and care to the Corporation and to the cooperators it serves and ...such duties are utmost and paramount and supersede any conflicting individual opportunity.

In furtherance of these fiduciary duties, each board member takes an oath of office upon their election which provides in pertinent part that: I furthermore affirm that by accepting the election of the shareholders of Riverbay Corporation to the Riverbay Board of Directors, I understand that I, individually, have no more rights or privileges than any other resident within this community.

C . Ap p lica b ilit y t o M s. M or a les As a Board Member, Ms. Morales should not have received a benefit greater than that available to other Riverbay shareholders.

(Continued on next page)

19

Co-op City Times / November 27, 2010 (Continued from previous page)

Ms. Morales affirmed when taking her oath of office that she had “no more rights or privileges than any other resident within this community.” Further, as stated in Article III, Sections 3 (g) and (i) of the Corporation’s By-Laws, “no board member may exercise rights that are any greater than any other shareholder” and “each, board member must recognize and carry out ... her statutory duties of loyalty and care to the ... cooperators and ... such duties ... supersede any conflicting individual opportunity”.

Even if Ms. Morales had nothing to do with manipulated priority according to her transfer application, the fact is Ms. Morales received a benefit from an improper act. She received a privilege not accorded to other shareholders. She obtained a valuable townhouse property out of turn, ahead of other qualified shareholders. She was permitted to jump the wait list. Her “individual opportunity” improperly superseded her duty of loyalty and care to the other shareholders.

As such, Counsel recommends that that the transfer should be reversed.

Viola t ion s of L a ws, R egu la t ion s, a n d Byla ws G over n in g R iver ba y A. Ap plica b le R egu la t ion s DHCR Regulations, set forth at 9 NYCRR Part 1727, provide that the selection of cooperators for admission shall be governed by standards established by DHCR, and by legal requirements imposed by other statutes such as federal and state fair housing, nondiscrimination, disability and civil rights laws. Counsel’s investigation demonstrates that several of these requirements are not properly respected at Riverbay.

The Regulations require that: (1) applications shall be processed through a webbased Automated Waiting List (AWL) [1727-1.1 (a)]; (2) that all segments of the public shall have an equal opportunity to apply for apartments [1727-1.1 (b)]; (3) that prospective applicants may not be rejected based upon prohibited criteria such as race, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, etc., [1725-1.1 ( c)]; (4) that all applications will be processed in an equitable manner [1727-1.1 (d)]; (5) that applicants must comply with applicable income and occupancy standards at both the time of their application and at the time a unit becomes available [1727-1.1(e) and (f)]; and (6) that applications for admission and transfer require the prior approval of DHCR in each instance [1727-1.1 (g)].

Additional regulations provide that intra-project transfers shall be given priority over new admissions in the allocation of available apartments, subject to the limitation that one of every four available apartments shall be set aside and offered to an applicant on the outside waiting list [1727-1.3 (a)].8 Transfers must be subject to a written transfer policy, with transferees in good standing, and in compliance with occupancy standards at both the time of their application and transfer [1727-1.3 (b)]. All costs related to a transfer, including any rental loss, must be borne by the transferring tenant,

and all transfers are subject to the prior written approval of DHCR {1727-1.3.(b) (3) and 17271.3.(b) (4)].

B. R iver b a y Fa ils t o E n su r e t h a t its Wa it in g L ist s a r e P u b licly Post ed , a n d F a ils t o Use t h e AW L for All Ap plica t ion s, I n clu d in g T h ose M a d e Befor e Decemb er 16, 2008 In an effort to improve fairness and transparency, DHCR initiated the web based, Automated Waiting List (AWL).

Under the AWL, applicants are supposed to be able to check their position on the waiting list by logging on to a web site administered by DHCR. The concept is laudatory and should be encouraged and expanded. However, due to the size and complexity of Riverbay’ s existing pool of applicants, and differing computer systems, the AWL was initiated on a “go-forward” basis, with an implementation date of December 16th, 2008.

Further, as described below, the AWL system, as administered at Riverbay, fails to achieve its stated purpose.

When an application for admission or transfer is received it must be time and date-stamped consecutively and recorded in order of receipt in the AWL, or issued an application number and entered, in ink, in a permanently bound book [1727-1.3 (c) (3). Counsel found that this is not the case at Riverbay.

1. T h er e a r e M u lt ip le Wa itin g L ist s Presently, there are multiple waiting lists for apartments at Co-op City. The lists are generally divided into categories consisting of new applicants and transfer applicants, and applicants before December 16, 2008 [the pre-AWL list] and applicants after December 16th, 2008, [the AWL list]. To make matters worse, DHCR and Riverbay maintain separate, inconsistent pre-AWL lists for each group of applicants.

This investigation only focused on one of the lists described above, and only one particular portion of that list. Specifically, the list involved here was the pre-AWL transfer list, and the relevant part included existing shareholders who applied to transfer to a three-bedroom townhouse.

However, the systemic problems that were revealed during this investigation affect the rights of persons on all of the waiting lists.

2. T h e P u b lic AW L L ist Does Not C onvey An App lica n t’s Tr u e P r ior it y Sin ce it I s Su b j ec t t o t h e P r iva t e p r e-AW L L ist Mr. Gold told Counsel that he periodically updates DHCR on the names and information contained on the pre-AWL townhouse transfer list maintained by him. Upon receipt of the spreadsheet prepared by Mr. Gold, DHCR manually enters the information into their computer, and maintains that information separate from the AWL waiting list. Thus, an individual who attempts to ascertain her position on the web-based AWL list maintained by DHCR does not receive accurate information, and remains unaware that her true priority is, in fact, subject to both the pre-AWL list and to Mr. Gold’s unsupervised determination and administration of preferences on that list.

The Regulations require that waiting lists be publicly available. The AWL attempts to satisfy this requirement, while protecting privacy rights. However, the pre-AWL lists are insufficiently public and susceptible to tampering, as demonstrated by this investigation. Making a public list subordinate to a prior, private list defeats the concept underlying the enactment of the web-based AWL List.

Counsel notes that the Riverbay Board of Directors recently enacted a Resolution [E xh ib it 14] mandating that all waiting lists at Riverbay, including those for garage spaces, hall storage rooms, and basement storage space, be posted for public viewing, with appropriate redactions to preserve the confidentiality of applicant names. Counsel agrees and supports this action by the Board.

Cou n sel r ecommen ds th a t th e distin ction between th e AWL List, a n d th e pr e-AWL list be discontin ued, th a t th e lists be mer ged, a n d th a t th e r esu ltin g list, be posted for pu blic viewin g, with a ppr opr ia te r eda ction s to pr eser ve th e con fiden tia lity of a pplica nt n a mes.

C . C ou n sel F in d s T h a t M u lt ip le Wa it in g L ist s Ar e Und u ly C on fusin g, I n con sist en t a n d Su b j ect t o Abu se 1. M r. G old H a d E xcessive C ont r ol of t h e p r e-AW L Town h ou se Tr a n sfer Wa it in g L ist M a in t a in ed a t R iver b a y Mr. Gold, as the Director of Sales, had total control over the pre-AWL waiting lists. He compiled and edited the lists on both his office and home computer using Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. Mr. Gold was essentially the sole judge and determiner of what information was on the list, particularly with regard to the description and administration of “preferences.”

There was no meaningful oversight of Mr. Gold’s creation and maintenance of the transfer waiting list by management or by DHCR. E xh ib it 1 to this report is an attempt to analyze the waiting list as of July 2010, E xh ib it 2 is a copy of the actual pre-AWL townhouse waiting list maintained by Steve Gold on behalf of Riverbay, and E xh ib it 3 is a copy of the actual pre-AWL townhouse waiting list as maintained by DHCR in July of 2010. All exhibits have been redacted to preserve the confidentiality of the applicant’s name, with the exception of Ms. Morales.

The list maintained by Mr. Gold sorts applicants by number based on the date of their initial application. There are 24 numbers on the list. Individuals who have been removed from the list by acceptance of a townhouse, or because they are not eligible, or because they voluntarily removed their name from the list, are still identified. As such, the list is inherently confusing.

In July there were 24 numbered applicants, but only 11 or perhaps 12 of those applicants were still “active.” The determination of whether or not an application was “active” was wholly within the discretion of Mr. Gold, which he made based on stated “preferences” which were not always accurate. For example, applicant number 23, Mr. Raymond Tirado (recently elected to the Riverbay Board of Directors) is listed as limiting his selec-

tion to a townhouse on Adler Place. When interviewed, Mr. Tirado stated that although his original application included the Adler Place limitation, he changed his application after it was submitted to “all sections”. A review of his file in the Sales Department establishes that, in February 2009, Mr. Tirado did submit a written change, stating “all sections”. However, as of July 2010, that change had not been noted on Mr. Tirado’s application by Mr. Gold.9 Further, Mr. Tirado was never contacted or made aware that a townhouse meeting his criteria was available.10 2. T h e R iver b a y a n d DHC R Wa it L ist s a r e I n con sisten t E xh ib it 2, the pre-AWL Riverbay Townhouse Transfer Waiting List, contains 24 names.

E xhib it 3, the DHCR version of the pre-AWL Townhouse Transfer Waiting List, contains 21 names.

In July and August of 2010, DHCR was unaware of three (3) families on the pre-AWL Riverbay Townhouse Transfer List. Those three, numbers 19, 20 and 22 on the Riverbay list, were previously on the waiting list for a different size unit, and subsequently transferred to the townhouse waiting list by Mr. Gold. While preservation of their chronological priority may have been appropriate and in accordance with existing and approved transfer list procedures, the fact that DHCR had an incomplete and inaccurate list at the time its approval of the Morales transfer was sought is inappropriate.

Further, a comparison of the two lists shows different data entries regarding preferences, eligibility and acceptance for applicants 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, and 18 on the Lists. This is also unacceptable.

Finally, Exhib it 1 shows that as of July 2010, Ms. Morales was number 6 on the list of qualified and eligible shareholders maintained by the Sales Department, and number 9 on the list maintained by DHCR. Although these numbers are inconsistent, the two waiting lists are consistent in one important fact relevant to this investigation. Ms. Morales was in last place on both waiting lists, and should only have been offered the townhouse after every other applicant had been notified of the opportunity, and then either determined to be ineligible or found to have rejected the opportunity, as evidenced by a letter in the file of each applicant D. R iver b a y Fa ils t o Ad m in ist er Accu r a t e Wa it in g L ist s Du e in P a r t to I n a ccu r a t e R e cor d s a n d Not a t ion s R ega r d ing P r efer en ces Riverbay’s pre-AWL waiting lists allowed applicants to state a number of preferences when placing their name on the waiting list. Those preferences included the size of the apartment (3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 6, 6.5 and 7 room units); the type of building desired (Riverbay has 3 different apartment building types - Chevron, Tower and Triple Core - and townhouses); the Section where the building is located (Riverbay has five different geographical “sections”); the view (NY City, Long Island Sound); the floor plan; and the floor (above or below a certain floor).

(Continued on page 22)

20

Co-op City Times / November 27, 2010

Co-op City Times / November 27, 2010

21

22

Co-op City Times / November 27, 2010 (Continued from page 19)

DHCR’s computer system is reportedly unable to process or segregate applicants by these categories, which are in many respects, unique to Riverbay. For example, DHCR’s system segregates apartments by the traditional one-bedroom (1BR), twobedroom (2BR) and three-bedroom (3BR) classifications rather than the number of rooms used at Riverbay. Further, Riverbay’s computer system integrates the data in the waiting list with other important Riverbay administrative functions, such as move in/move out permits and withdrawal forms.

As noted in a 2009 report prepared by Riverbay’s Director of Internal Audit, the detailed preferences contained on Riverbay’s internal waiting list had unexpected negative consequences. Applicants tended to list as many preferences as possible, motivated in part by DHCR regulations which require the removal of applicants from the waiting list if they refuse to accept an available apartment.

However, by listing multiple preferences, applicants actually limited the pool of apartments available to them, substantially increasing their waiting time. In addition, listing multiple preferences made it difficult to determine and verify whether Riverbay was properly administering the lists.

Riverbay and DHCR have eliminated many of the “special preferences” set forth in the earlier applications. However, as demonstrated herein by the experience of Mr. Tirado, whose transfer application was delayed due to an erroneous note regarding a preference for Adler Place, the remaining preferences still impair accountability and vest excess discretion in the Sales Department.

Cou n sel r ecommen ds tha t th ese pr efer en ces be fu r th er limited, a n d th a t DH CR a n d ma na gemen t wor k together to implemen t a ver ifia ble system of pr ocessin g a pplica tion s, with a ppr opr ia te checks a n d ba la n ces on th e discr etion of th e Sa les Depa r tmen t in th e a dmin istr a tion of th e sta ted pr efer en ces.

E . R iver b a y F a ils t o Not ify I n d ivid u a ls on t h e Wa it in g L ist of Ava ila b le Un it s in t h e O r d er of T heir Ap p lica t ion s DHCR Regulations further provide that upon the availability of an apartment, prospective applicants shall be notified of the availability of the apartment in the order of their application. Notice may be by telephone but if so, it must be confirmed by mail. Copies of all notification letters must be retained by the housing company [1727-1.3 (3) (d)].

As found by Counsel, Riverbay did not follow this procedure with regard to the Morales transfer. Prospective applicants were not notified in the order of their application, and there are no written letters contained in any file examined by Counsel confirming that any such notice was ever sent. Aside from the specific failure to follow this procedure with regard to the Morales transfer, Counsel’s review of applicant files indicates that written notice is not routinely provided to applicants.

Cou n sel r ecommen ds th a t pr oce-

du r es a nd for ms be esta blish ed to en su r e th a t wr itten notifica tion is pr ovided to eligible a pplica n ts, a n d th a t copies of sa id letter s, con ta in in g th e in for ma tion set for th in 9 NYCRR 1727-1.3 (3)(d) be ma in ta in ed in th e a pplica n t’s file.

F. R iver b a y Fa lsely C er t ified t h e M or a les Ap p lica t ion In this matter, Riverbay’s Sales Department made a false representation to DHCR on the HM-14 form requesting approval for the Morales transfer. The submission of this form is an important opportunity for Riverbay to double check that the transfer is proper. That form, signed by Sales Department employee Janine Nelson, contains a Certification that “the above application has been processed in accordance with 9 NYCRR part 1727 .... and applicants were selected in the prescribed order.” This Certification was false. The applicant was not “selected in the prescribed order” since Ms. Morales was last on the list.

The representation on the form was also false because the application was not, in fact, processed in accordance with 9 NYCRR Part 1727 since not all segments of the population were provided with an equal opportunity to apply for the townhouse in accordance with 1727-1.3 (a);11 the application was not processed in an equitable manner as required by 1727-1.1(d); and no written confirmation that applicants ahead of Ms. Morales on the pre-AWL townhouse transfer list were notified was contained in the file of such applicants as required by 1727-1.3(3)(d).

The submission of the HM-14 form by the Sales Department to DHCR is an opportunity for DHCR to check the application against the applicable waiting list and state regulations to make sure that the representations on the form are, in fact, true. It does not appear that DHCR verified or undertook any meaningful review of the Morales transfer application.

DHCR should have noticed that the transfer was improper, despite the false representations on the form. As previously noted, both Riverbay and DHCR maintain separate copies of the pre-AWL transfer list. While there are discrepancies between the two lists relating to shareholders who were no longer eligible, [see E xh ib it s 2 a nd 3], Ms. Morales is the very last name on each list. Before approving the transfer, DHCR should have reviewed its list [E xh ib it 3] to verify that Ms. Morales was next. Had it done so, it would have been evident that the last person on the waiting list had jumped to the top of the list, without any explanation or accompanying justification. This contradiction alone should have invited further inquiry from DHCR. G . T h er e is No L egit im a t e R ea son for t h e Sa les Dep a r t men t t o R et a in A T ime a n d Da t e St a m p M a ch ine t h a t Does Not R ecor d t he Yea r A 1999 audit of the Riverbay Sales Department by Riverbay’s Internal Audit Department uncovered the fact that the Sales Department was time and date stamping applications with a machine which failed to record the year. At the recommendation of the Auditor, the machine was replaced in 1999 with a machine

which records the year, month, date and time that the application is submitted. As previously discussed herein, even though the machine was replaced, the old machine remains operable, and is housed in a closet within the Sales Department.

There is no reason why it should remain there.

H . C oun sel’s F in d in gs Wa r r a n t a n Au d it of Sa les Depa r t m ent R ecor d s Additional questions regarding the manner in which the lists were administered were evident during Counsel’s Review. As stated, the pre-AWL Transfer Waiting List, was created and maintained solely by Mr. Gold, without any oversight. Multiple versions, adjusted by date, were located on his office computer.

A comparison of the pre-AWL Townhouse Transfer List prepared in July of 2009 with the same list prepared in January of 2010 shows that 43 households were removed from the townhouse Transfer List during that five (5) month period. The July 2009 list had 67 names.

The January 2010 list had 24 names. The January list does not substantiate how, or why 43 households were removed.

Inexplicably, the current list of 24 names includes 13 applicants, identified by number in chronological order, who have been removed from the list either because they were i) transferred to an acceptable accommodation, ii) voluntarily removed their names from the list; or iii) were determined to be ineligible for various reasons. Logically, if the current list were prepared in a consistent manner, it would have 67 names, with appropriate notations showing why 56 applicants were not currently eligible, and indicating that 11 applicants remained eligible.

Counsel contacted Mr. Gold, through his counsel, for an explanation. During the course of that phone call it was evident that Mr. Gold had monthly reports which Counsel did not. Even so, it was not possible for Mr. Gold to explain the reason for each change using the monthly reports, or for the change in reporting format. He indicated that an answer would require the review of each household’s individual file located in the sales office.

Such a review is beyond the scope of this investigation, but it does raise a substantial question of whether the waiting lists are being managed and supervised in a fair and equitable manner. The integrity of the system demands transparency, fairness and accountability.

Accordingly, Counsel r ecommen ds th a t 1) th e Au dit Committee dir ect a complia n ce Au dit of th e Sa les Depa r tmen t Wa itin g Lists by th e Dir ector of I n ter n a l Audit; a n d 2) th a t Ma n a geme n t u pda te a n d file a Ma n a gemen t P la n with DH CR a ddr essin g th e n ee d for ver ifica tion a n d a ccou n ta bility in th e a dministr a tion of th e Sa les Depa r tmen t Wa iting Lists.

C on clusion Despite the lack of a clear and credible explanation of “why” Mr. Gold jumped Ms. Morales ahead of other shareholders, there are certain facts and conclusions which are obvious. The transfer to Ms. Morales was wrong. It should not have

occurred. She was not the next person on the list. The transfer waiting system as currently administered is in dire need of transparency and accountability. There is no excuse for the administration of an important public resource in the manner described herein.

Accordingly, based upon the findings of this investigation, Counsel respectfully makes the following recommendations to the Riverbay Board of Directors, to Management and to the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal: F in din gs • Ms. Morales was improperly awarded a townhouse ahead of other eligible shareholders in violation of Title 9 NYCRR Part 1727; • Steve Gold improperly facilitated the townhouse transfer to Ms.Morales; • Steve Gold did not act alone, and has not adequately explained his motives; • Management failed to adequately supervise or monitor the Sales Department; • The statements and explanations offered relating to the “as is” condition of the townhouse are not credible; • In accepting and remaining in a townhouse that was awarded in violation of Riverbay policy and State Regulations, Ms. Morales has attained a benefit that was greater than the benefits enjoyed by other shareholders; • The individual opportunity afforded to Ms. Morales in obtaining a valuable townhouse conflicts with her duty of loyalty and care to her fellow shareholders; R ecom m en d a t ions • The transfer of the townhouse to Ms. Morales should be reversed; • Appropriate sanctions should be imposed on all individuals involved in the improper transfer; • The Audit Committee should direct the Director of Internal Audit to perform a compliance audit of the Sales Department Waiting Lists; • Board Members should not interact with Department Directors or Management to advance personal or political agendas; • Board Members should limit their involvement in operations consistent with the provisions of 9 NYCRR Part 1725-3.3; • Management should improve and strengthen oversight and control of the Sales Department to ensure transparency, fairness and accountability; • DHCR should eliminate the distinction between pre-AWL waiting lists and post-AWL waiting lists, and order Riverbay to use one, public list; which should be publicized, with minimal preferences, in a manner designed to ensure applicant confidentiality; • DHCR should, consistent with the provisions of 9 NYCRR Part 1700.7, with Part 1700.8, and with the new evidence presented in this report, re-open and reconsider its prior administrative determination approving the transfer of a (Continued on next page)

Co-op City Times / November 27, 2010 (Continued from previous page)

townhouse at 21B Cooper Place to Leticia Morales; • DHCR should order Riverbay Management to prepare and submit a management plan designed to enhance transparency and accountability, in compliance with the provisions of Parts 1727 and 1728.

Novem b er 8, 2010 R esp ect fu lly su b m it t ed , Sm it h , Bu ss & J a cob s, L L P By: J effr ey D. Bu ss, E sq .

J en n ifer St ewa r t , E sq .

An d r e H a yn es, E sq .

H ea t h er M or a n , Sr. P a r a lega l/I nvest iga t or M a r ia Aya lya , P a r a lega l/I nvest iga t or

Footnotes 1. Ms. Morales’s application is date-stamped with the date and time, but not the year. At the time of her application, the Sales Department was using an old machine that failed to record the year. Counsel’s investigation established that the Sales Department has since acquired and now uses a new machine that does record the year. However, Counsel also discovered that the old machine remains on the premises, and is stored in a closet within the Sales Department.

The old machine still works, and when it was plugged in, it recorded the correct month, day and time, but not the year. There is no reason for the continued presence of this machine and counsel recommends that it be removed from the Sales Department.

Because the application was not stamped with the year, Counsel investigated further to verify that Ms. Morales in fact applied in 2008.

In 2008, applicants were charged a $200 application fee, and Finance Department receipt of Ms. Morales’s fee is duly recorded on the books and records of the Corporation within two days of her 2008 application. In addition, in 2009, the application fee was reduced to $75, and applicants who had paid the higher fee were issued a refund. The Corporation’s records duly reflect the issuance of a $125 credit to Ms. Morales in 2009. Further, documents and excel spreadsheets created and stored on Mr. Gold’s comput-

er and documents transmitted to DHCR, conclusively establish that Ms. Morales actually did apply on July 23, 2008.

2. As verified during the investigation, Ms. Morales’s personal friend, Mr. Hector Rosario, is an employee of the Restorations Department, as is her daughter. A son works in another department. A review of the Restoration Department records, and interviews with the Director and various staff members of that department, produced no evidence that either Mr. Rosario or Ms. Morales’s daughter or son performed any work on the townhouse, or exercised any approval over any issue related to the townhouse. However, credible testimony indicates that Hector Rosario asked for and obtained the key for the townhouse in or about early August of 2010, approximately one month prior to the transfer of possession to Ms. Morales. At this time, Ms. Morales had already been officially selected by Steve Gold for the townhouse transfer (on July 19th), the transfer application had been submitted to DHCR for approval (on July 27th), and Restorations had already performed work on the townhouse (July 6th), (see timeline in Exh ibit 12).

3. As discussed in greater detail later in this report, although potentially exculpatory in this instance, this practice is indicative of inadequate management control and inadequate accountability. As found herein, Mr. Gold had total control over the generation and maintenance of the list, a situation which prudence and good management practice should not allow.

4. Restorations had the capability to videotape or photograph the unit, yet failed to do so despite the explicit instruction of the General Manager and two Department Heads. In contrast, Restoration did manage to videotape the condition of the 3 bedroom apartment being surrendered by Ms. Morales and a digital copy of that videotape was supplied to Counsel.

5. In addition to this conversation, which took place on or about September 28th, 2010, Nancy Rosario, the wife of Bishop Rosario and a Riverbay employee, sent an e-mail to Steve Gold at 5:22 PM on July 27th, 2010, the same afternoon that Ms. Morales application was submitted to DHCR, asking if the unit on her block was vacant. Mr. Gold replied that it was vacant, that it was being sold, “as is” to an unnamed transfer, and that the transfer was to “someone you know”. Mr. Gold did not identity Ms.

Morales in the email.

6. Arguments were presented to Counsel that the motivation of Mr. Torres in bringing this issue to Mr. Freedman were suspect because Mr. Torres was also seeking a townhouse, and/or because Ms. Morales supported a candidate for the office of First Vice-President other than Mr. Torres. The motivation of Mr. Torres is, like the “as-is” argument, a red herring designed to deflect attention from the true underlying issue: Ms. Morales was improperly placed ahead of five other shareholders, NOT counting Mr. Torres, and awarded a valuable townhouse out of turn. What is troubling to Counsel is that there are no safeguards in the system to prevent such an improper transfer from occurring, and that only the intervention of another Board Member who thought his rights had been trampled upon brought the incident to light. Riverbay needs a system with checks and balances that protects the rights of all shareholders.

7. On September 29th, 2010, shortly after Sales Director Gold was notified of his suspension, Board Member Othelia Jones called and left a recorded message on the office voice mail of suspended Director Steve Gold, asking him to call her at her home number. Mr. Gold’s access to his office computer, email and voice mail was frozen as part of the investigation. The message from Ms. Jones was retrieved and preserved as part of that lock down. According to Mr. Gold, Ms. Jones subsequently telephoned Mr. Gold at his home on October 8th, to offer her support and to voice an opinion that his suspension was “outrageous”. The exact discussion is unknown. Following these two interventions, Ms. Jones signed a letter, addressed only to the current Board President, in which she questioned the authority and propriety of Counsel’s investigation, incorrectly asserting that the only authority for the investigation was a vote taken in an executive session of the board. General Counsel and the other Board Members did not receive a copy of that letter. However, the letter was immediately “leaked” to a reporter at the New York Daily News, resulting in a story which in part, questioned whether Counsel’s investigation was authorized.

As noted above, General Counsel has an ethical and fiduciary obligation to investigate the issues, independent of any other authority that might be vested in it. In addition, the current Board President directed Counsel to conduct this invstigation. What may or may not have

23 been discussed in an Executive Session of the Board, including sessions at which General Counsel may not have been present, are irrelevant and supposedly, confidential. Nonetheless, it is undisputable that the Board of Directors, in an open session, voted to authorize General Counsel to continue and complete this investigation by a vote of 12 in favor, 1 absent from the meeting, 1 present for the meeting but absent for the vote, and 1 abstention.

In the opinion of Counsel, individual Board Members should not contact a suspended corporate employee during the pendency of an investigation of that suspended employee, nor should they have contact with individuals whose interest may be adverse to the Corporation when the potential for litigation against the Corporation by that individual is extant. Board Members are further reminded of the provisions of 9 NYCRR 1725-3.3 which counsels Board members not to interfere with day-to-day management and operation of Riverbay or its employees.

8. Riverbay, with the knowledge and apparent consent of DHCR, does not comply with this requirement in the allocation of townhouses, which are only provided to existing tenants.

Counsel was unable to locate a written waiver.

9. As noted earlier, Mr. Tirado was not aware of this mistake, but Ms. Morales cited it to the Daily News in an article published on October 26th, 2010, prior to the public disclosure of this information.

10. E xh ib it 1 does not include applicant number 15, also a Riverbay Board Member, Emmanuel Torres, since Sales removed Mr. Torres from the list, without prior notice, based upon information informally known to Sales regarding a change in the composition of Mr. Torres’ household. Mr. Torres disputes his removal from the list based upon updated information previously submitted to Finance and Sales. Counsel, for purposes of this report, presented the data as actually maintained by Sales in July of 2010. That list, [Exhibit 2] did not include Mr. Torres. The DHCR list did [E xh ibit 3]. Regardless of Mr. Torres’ eligibility, Ms. Morales was last, not first, on every version of the pre-AWL townhouse transfer waiting list.

11. Aside from the five applicants who were improperly passed over, no member of the public who was not already a resident was allowed to apply for a townhouse.

Emergency Resolution #10-91 TOW NH OUSE T R ANSF E R SUBM I T T E D BY: Bill Gor d on SE C O NDE D BY: Kh a lil Ab d ulWa h h a b BOAR D O F DI R E C T O R S M E E T I NG DAT E D: NOVE M BE R 22, 2010 W H E R E AS, on October 3rd, 2010, the Board President directed General Counsel to investigate an allegation that Steve Gold, Director of the Riverbay Sales Department had approved a townhouse transfer out of turn to Ms. Leticia Morales, a member of the Riverbay Board of Directors; and

W H E R E AS, on November 8th, 2010, General Counsel provided the Board of Directors with a written report containing its findings and recommendations; and W H E R E AS, on November 22nd, 2010, the Board of Directors, pursuant to Emergency Resolution 10-90 adopted the Findings and Recommendations set forth in General Counsel’s November 8th, 2010 Report to the Board; and W H E R E AS, among the findings and recommendations of General Counsel and the Board was a finding that Ms. Leticia Morales was improperly awarded a townhouse ahead of other eligible shareholders in violation of Title 9 NYCRR Part 1727; that Ms. Morales thereby attained a benefit greater than the

benefits enjoyed by other shareholders; and that the opportunity afforded to Ms. Morales in obtaining a valuable townhouse in violation of State Regulation and Riverbay policies, ahead of other shareholders, conflicts with her duty of loyalty and care to her fellow shareholders; and W HE R E AS, the Board of Directors, pursuant to Emergency Resolution 10-90 recommended that the transfer of a townhouse to Ms. Morales be reversed; NO W T H E R E F O R E B E I T R E SOLVE D, that the Board of Directors finds that the transfer of the townhouse to Ms. Morales was, and is improper regardless of whether Ms. Morales had any prior knowledge that she was being granted a preference over other shareholders;

and BE I T F URT H E R R E SO LVE D that the Board of Directors recommends that Ms. Morales, as a member of the Board, relinquish the townhouse awarded to her and that Ms. Morales, and the Corporation, consensually agree to reverse the transfer, and to restore the parties to the positions they were in prior to said transfer.

YE S: At k ins, Ba iley, C ylich , Gor d on , F. J on es, L eslie, Sa n t ia go, Tir a d o, Tor r es, Abd u l-Wa h h a b NO : M or a les ABSE NT F O R VOT E : Sh a p ir o ABSE NT: O . J ones, O wens, R od r igu ez Pa ssed

24

Co-op City Times / November 27, 2010

NYS Homes & Community Renewal’s response to Riverbay General Counsel’s report Novem b er 22, 2010 Dea r M r. Bu ss: Thank you for your letter of November 8, 2010 transmitting your report of the investigation of the recent incident involving Riverbay's Sales and Restoration Departments.

DHCR extends its appreciation for the evident effort you and your office made in coming to the findings and recommendations in the Report. I understand the Riverbay Board of Directors has already met in an executive session to discuss the Report and will be meeting on the evening of November 22, 2010 to continue its review. DHCR, therefore, deems it appropriate to formalize it's preliminary reactions to the Report in an effort to aid the Board in that additional review. We have used your recommendations on pages 8 and 48 of the Report as a framework for our comments.

T h e M or a les Tr a n sfer Your first and eighth recommendation is that the transfer of the townhouse to Ms. Morales should be reversed and reconsidered.

DHCR, based on its review of the Report and its own internal review of its approval of this transfer, believes there is substantial evidence indicating the transfer of the townhouse to Ms. Morales was in violation of DHCR regulations. An administrative agency has the inherent authority to revisit a determination where such determination is based on fraud, illegality or irregularity in a vital matter. DHCR will make its assessment as to whether to revoke its determination approving the transfer upon formal notice to Ms. Morales and after affording her an opportunity to respond. She will receive such notice shortly and Riverbay will receive a copy of that notice with its own opportunity to comment. In the meantime, DHCR suggests that if her former apartment has not been re-sold that it be left vacant in the event DHCR revokes its approval. Should said apartment already be sold, the next vacated, comparable-sized unit should be kept off the market pending DHCR's determination G oin g For wa r d wit h M od ifica t ion s of Select ion P r oced u r es As noted throughout your Report, the process used by Riverbay for tenant selection and transfers grandfathered in an obsolete system of hand written waiting lists that existed before DHCR mandated that they be updated through the use of DHCR's web-based, automated waiting list (AWL). By letter dated September 3, 2009, DHCR suggested that Riverbay's preference system, by which residents could limit their transfer without losing their place in the transfer waiting list, needed to be reformed and simplified. Riverbay implemented such recommendations in part. Nonetheless, the preference system as it still exists together with these old waiting list procedures create, as you point out, the opportunity for even honest errors and confusion.

DHCR's internal review recognized the need for further refinement of DHCR procedures to check the submissions of Riverbay as to whether a transfer should

be approved; these procedures have already been implemented. This internal review and refinement not only involves changes to DHCR procedures going forward, but will involve review of other recent three bedroom and townhouse transfers, besides that of Ms. Morales, to assure that DHCR's approval in those instances was appropriate.

R ecom m en d a t ion (s): (1) Riverbay must minimize the “special requirements” as to apartment type or location that admission and transfer applicants are permitted to make; DHCR approved “special requirements” must be clearly and concisely identified on applications and waiting lists; and Riverbay must indicate which requirements pertain to each apartment assignment on the “HM14” (the form sent by Riverbay to DHCR seeking approval of an admission or transfer.).

(2) Riverbay must identify on the HM14 any transaction involving a possible conflict of interest, including assignments to Board Members, and Riverbay and managing agent staff, or their relatives.

(3) Riverbay must post and maintain current pre-AWL Excel spreadsheet waiting lists on Riverbay's website and publicize their availability to admission and transfer applicants. Waiting lists should have applicant names redacted and should include the following information: waiting list position #, application date, special requirements (if any), preferences (if any), and apartment refusals and pending assignments. This will eliminate the need to supply DHCR with updated hard copies and will ensure that Riverbay, DHCR and applicants have access to the same lists and will provide the transparency and reliability available through the AWL even though these older lists cannot themselves now be easily converted into the system.

(4) DHCR will conduct a thorough review of the selection order for all future apartment assignments by referring first to Riverbay's website waiting list (if any) and second to the AWL when those AWL lists become operative, taking into consideration applicants' "special requirements" indicated on the waiting list and those that apply to the apartment being assigned.

A printout of the applicable waiting list(s) will be appended to DHCR's copy of the reviewed HM-14 in order to document the justification of the order of selection.

(5) For transactions identified by Riverbay, as involving a possible conflict of interest, a second review will be conducted by DHCR's unit supervisor.

(6) DHCR will be working with its Housing Information Services/ Information Technology Unit to implement planned AWL modifications which will include an enhanced public access function so it displays each applicant's "special requirements" and/or "preferences," as well as apartment offers made to each transfer applicant.

Ap p r op r ia t e Sa n ct ion s sh ou ld b e im p osed on a ll in d ivid u a ls involved This is your second recommendation. The imposition of sanctions is a clear housing company prerogative as all

of the individuals referenced in the Report are either (a) employees of Riverbay, (b) employees of the management company with which Riverbay has contracted for services, or (c) board members who can be removed by the Riverbay Board itself pursuant to Riverbay's bylaws.

The actual individuals who should be the subject of sanctions are not identified in your recommendations. In your findings, you identify Steve Gold as having improperly facilitated the townhouse transfer but conclude he did not act alone.

R ecom m en d a t ion : It is important that you meet with us to discuss as to what the next steps should be in concluding the necessary review to establish who else may be responsible.

R efor m s a n d Au d it s of I n t er n a l G over n a n ce Recommendations three, four, five, six and nine in your report all involve either compliance audits and oversight of the Sales Department (Recommendations 3 and 6), additional directives with respect to Board member interaction (Recommendations 4 and 5), or the submission of a management plan to DHCR (Recommendation 9). We have no objections and fully support all of the above but believe that the recommendations need to be supplemented as indicated below.

C om p lia n ce Au d it /O ver sigh t of Sa les Dep a r t m en t While the actual transfer of the unit is the focus of your Report, the narrative leading to your findings and recommendations indicate concern over the conduct of the Restoration Department that touch upon this transfer. Ms. Morales may have been alerted as to the vacancy in the townhouse by the employees of the Restoration Department which included her relatives. The work to her apartment by the Restoration Department seems to have exceeded the "as is" policy of Riverbay that transfers accept an apartment in its present condition except for possible code violations.

Obviously, the implementation of this policy requires some exercise of discretion. However, the "as-is" policy itself did not seem to be clearly understood by anyone who you interviewed which left room for too much subjectivity and incomplete documentation of its implementation by the Restoration Department (as well as by Sales) in what everyone would acknowledge was a transfer that in all aspects needed to be handled in the most transparent, fair and accountable manner.

R ecom m en d a t ion (s): (1) The audit requirements as well as an examination to ascertain the need for greater oversight and control functions recommended in your Report for the Sales Department should be extended to the Restoration Department as well.

(2) These reviews and recommendations be performed in conjunction with an outside corporate consultant retained pursuant to a Request for Proposals with both the form of the RFP and selection

of the consultant to be approved by DHCR. (3) Until such reviews and recommendations are made (and DHCR concurs) the "as-is" policy of Riverbay should be suspended.

Ad d it ion a l Dir ect ives wit h r esp ect t o Boa r d M em b er in t er a ct ion DHCR agrees with your recommendation that Board Members should not interact with Department Directors or Management to advance personal or political agendas and should limit their involvement to operations consistent with 9 NYCRR 1725-3.3.

In light of Riverbay's unique size and complexity which you note in your Report, it is important to seek to develop an even more formal and precise set of protocols. The need for these protocols seems to be further buttressed by the significant number of Riverbay employees who reside in Co-op City. In many ways this dual residency/employment is a positive as it gives employees a greater stake in their work, is in line with empowering the community both to take care of itself and take care of its own.

However, as pointed out in how you surmise Ms. Morales became aware of the vacancy, the various conflicting levels of allegiance creates yet another level of complexity where formal rules on interaction and disclosure, not merely limited to Board Members, would be beneficial.

These should also fall within the province of the outside corporate consultant to help develop and recommend.

R ecom m en d a t ion : Rules should be developed with the aid of outside consultants with respect to the conduct of Board Members as well as other Riverbay employees and members of management particularly dealing with areas of possible conflicts of interest.

R iver b a y M a n a gem en t P la n For all the reasons stated above, DHCR agrees with your recommendation for the creation of a management plan in compliance with the provisions of Parts 1727 and 1728 of DHCR's regulations, but again suggest an outside corporate consultant to aid management in its preparation.

In conclusion, we wish to emphasize that although our recommendations are detailed, we believe that Riverbay, its Board, employees, management and residents do a remarkable job in creating one of the more affordable and desirable living spaces in New York City, if not the entire country. Our recommendations should be taken in the spirit that even a good situation can be made better and that is our collective obligation to do so.

We again extend our appreciation for the work that you and your firm did on this Report and look forward to working with Riverbay, its Board and management in securing the advances proposed by your Report as supplemented by our observations and recommendations.

Sin cer ely, R ich m on d M cC u r n in Assist a n t C om m ission er

Co-op City Times / November 27, 2010

25

Second Reading - Resolutions #10-73 SUBM I T T E D BY: L et icia M or a les SE C O NDE D BY: Kh a lil Ab d ulWa h h a b BOAR D O F DI R E C T O R S M E E T I NG , DAT E D: Novem b er 22n d , 2010 W H E R E AS, McCabe Environmental Consultants is doing work under Contract # 2431, Environmental Health and Safety Consultant; and

W H E R E AS, a Change Order One (1) is being requested to extend the contract for six (6) months from 10/30/2010 to 4/30/2011; and W H E R E AS, there is no monetary increase since there is a substantial amount of money left in the contract; and W H E R E AS, the Project Manager is in agreement with the Change Order and is satisfied with their work performance.

(See attached memorandum from Project

Manager) NOW T HE R E F O R E , L E T I T BE R E SO LVE D: that the proposed Change Order One (1) to Contract 2431 with McCabe Environmental Consultants with no increase in dollars (Original Contract Amount – Not to exceed $1.5 million) be approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and amended by Board of Directors Resolution 95-44 and

the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.

YE S: At k in s, Ba ile y, C ylich , G or d on , F. J on es, L eslie , M or a les, Sa n t ia go, T ir a d o, Tor r es, Ab d u lWa h h a b ABSE NT F O R VOT E : Sh a p ir o ABSE NT: O . J on es, O wen s, R od r igu ez Pa ssed

Manager) NOW T HE R E F O R E , L E T I T BE R E SOLVE D: that the proposed Change Order One (1) to Contract P111 with Patriot Hardwood Floor & Supply Inc. with no increase in dollar amount (Original Contract Amount – Not to exceed $1,900,000.00 plus tax + CO1 $0 – Extension of Time Only) be approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and amended by

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

YE S: At kin s, Ba iley, C ylich, Gor d on, F. J on es, L eslie, M or a les, Sa n t ia go, Tir a d o, Tor r es, Abd ul-Wa hh a b ABSE NT F O R VOT E : Sh a p ir o ABSE NT: O . J ones, O wens, R od r igu ez Pa ssed

Elevator Ventures under the contract.

Elevator Ventures agrees that Riverbay has the right to terminate the Contract if the performance bond is not maintained or renewed annually; and W HE R E AS, the Project Manager is in agreement with the consent to assignment (see attached).

NOW T HE R E F O R E , L E T IT BE R E SOLVED: that the proposed consent to assignment to Contract 2509, Elevator Maintenance at Co-op City 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 change orders and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.

YE S: At k in s, Ba ile y, C ylich , G or d on , F. J on es, L eslie , M or a les, Sa n t ia go, T ir a d o, Tor r es, Ab d u lWa h h a b ABSE NT F O R VOT E : Sh a p ir o ABSE NT: O . J ones, O wens, R od r igu ez Pa ssed

P l a ce Bronx, New York, by and between Riverbay Corporation, Owner, and N.A.A.C .P. Da y C a r e, Tenant, containing the terms as negotiated by Riverbay Corporation’s management is hereby approved as submitted by management in accordance with Resolution #85-16 as amended by Resolution #9544; and be it F URT H E R R E SO LVE D, that the President of the Corporation is authorized

to sign the lease agreement and related documents on behalf of Riverbay Corporation.

YE S: At k in s, Ba iley, G or d on , F. J on es, M or a les, Ab d u l-Wa h h a b NO : C ylich , T ir a d o ABSTAI N: L eslie, Sa n t ia go, Tor r es ABSE NT F O R VOT E : Sh a p ir o ABSE NT: O . J on es, O wen s, R od r igu ez Pa ssed

Second Reading - Resolutions #10-74 SUBM I T T E D BY: E lea n or Ba iley SE C O NDE D BY: Bill G or don BOAR D O F DI R E C T O R S M E E T I NG , DAT E D: Novem b er 22n d , 2010 W H E R E AS, Patriot Hardwood Floor & Supply Inc. is supplying Riverbay Corporation with flooring tiles under Contract P111, Purchase of Bruce K-36 and Hartco Cabin or Better Wood Floor

Tiles; and W H E R E AS, a Change Order One (1) is requested to extend the contract for one (1) year from November 2010 to October 2011; and W H E R E AS, there is no monetary increase since there is a still money left in the contract; and W H E R E AS, the Project Manager is in agreement with the Change order and is satisfied with their product. (See attached memorandum from Project

Second Reading - Resolutions #10-77 SUBM I T T E D BY: L et icia M or a les SE C O NDE D BY: E lea n or Ba iley BOAR D O F DI R E C T O R S M E E T I NG , DAT E D: Novem b er 22n d , 2010 W H E R E AS, Ver-Tech Elevator Co., Inc. (Ver-Tech) is performing work under Contract 2509, Elevator Maintenance at Co-op City; and WHE R EAS, Ver-Tech has entered into an agreement with Elevator Ventures Corporation (Elevator Ventures) to sell “cer-

tain assets” on or around July 29, 2010; and W H E R E AS, Elevator Ventures is a subsidiary of the United Technologies Corporation; and W H E R E AS, Riverbay Corporation’s contract requires Ver-Tech to receive written consent from Riverbay Corporation prior to Ver-Tech assigning its interest to Elevator Ventures; and W H E R E AS, Ver-Tech Elevator’s original owners will remain as operators and Elevator Ventures will maintain for the duration of the contract a performance bond for the work to be performed by

Second Reading: #10-78 SUBM I T T E D BY: H elen At kin s SE C ONDED BY: Fr a n cin e R eva J on es BOAR D O F DI R E C T O R S M E E T I NG DAT E D: Novem b er 22n d , 2010 W H E R E AS, N.A.A.C .P. Da y C a r e has requested a lease from Riverbay Corporation for the premises at 100 E r sk in e P la ce (3,000 sq. ft .), Bronx,

New York, to be used a s a d a y ca r e cen t er ; and W H E R E AS, the term of the lease is with a t h r ee yea r lea se fr om Decem b er 1, 2010-Novem b er 30, 2013 and annual rental rates are within the provisions of Resolution #85-16 as amended by Resolution #95-44; NOW, T H E R E F OR E , BE I T R E SO LVE D, that the lease agreement for the premises at 100 E r sk in e

Donizetti Building 4 Association Our next general building meeting will be held on December 9, at 7:30 p.m.

Our first Thanksgiving dinner for the seniors held on 11/13 was a successful event. There were approximately 30 seniors in attendance. Special thanks go out to Jackie Riley and the young ladies of her Girl Scout Troop who volunteered for the event. The girls took orders from the seniors, according to their menu order, and personally fixed and served them their dinner. We are asking all those who

took pictures at this event and the Halloween party to please forward some of those magnificent photos to the association. We would like to post them as a collage inside the meeting for all to see.

THANK YOU FOR SHARING! All cooperatives of Building 4A, 4B and 4C are urged to come down to their respective lobby on Saturday, December 11th and join in decorating their building lobby. Please donate your time and/or decorations in helping to beautify our

buildings for the holiday. We hope to see you there. What a wonderful sight it will be when your family or friends come for a visit.

Again, we are asking cooperatives to complete or update their emergency contact information forms and submit it to Riverbay Corporation. This information is important for various reasons as well as it could one day save your life. To obtain a form you may contact the building association, our CSO office or our Ombudsman,

Mr. Boiko, at 320-3300, Ext. 3409.

With the holidays upon us please be reminded that extremely large and oversized boxes should be discarded in the ash cart area of the basement.

Get well wishes are sent to our sick and shut-in. Let’s show our concern and compassion by continuing to check on our sick, elderly and handicapped neighbors.

Remember, this is our home…IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING. —Yvonn e Bur r u s

26

Co-op City Times / November 27, 2010

Second Reading - Resolution #10-79 SUBM I T T E D BY: E lea n or Ba iley SE C ONDE D BY: H elen At k in s BOAR D O F DI R E C T O R S M E E T I NG , DAT E D: Novem b er 22n d , 2010 W H E R E AS, Coinmach is currently working under contract 2143, Laundry Room Services and Renovations; and W H E R E AS, a Change Order is being requested since Riverbay Corporation has not increased laundry room fees since the years 2004/2005 and has been subsidizing the costs of doing laundry due to increased costs for gas and water, and

maintenance fees; and W H E R E AS, Riverbay Corporation Management has conducted a study of local Laundromats within a four (4) mile radius of Co-op City whereby it was found that we are at least fifty percent (50%) lower in charges for doing washes; and W H E R E AS, Management is recommending that fees be increased for doing laundry in the amount of twenty five cents ($0.25) for the twenty pound (20 lb.) and thirty pound (30 lb.) washers; and W H E R E AS, if possible, with the present smart card system in place, Management would like to enact discount

days during specific hours whereby during this period costs will be reduced for doing laundry to the present rate for the twenty pound (20 lb.) washers and the thirty pound (30 lb.) washers as a way of offsetting increased costs to our senior population, and in doing so will reduce overcrowding during evening and weekend hours; and W HE R E AS, the Project Manager is in agreement as indicated by the attached dated October 14, 2010.

NOW T HE R E F O R E , L E T I T BE R E SOLVE D: that the proposed Change Order to Contract 2143 with Coinmach as outlined above be

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

YE S: At k in s, Ba iley, G or d on , M or a les, Tir a d o, Ab d u l-Wa h ha b NO : C ylich , L eslie, Sa nt ia go ABSTAI N: F. J on es, Tor r es ABSE NT F O R VOT E : Sh a p ir o ABSE NT: O . J on es, O wen s, R odr iguez PASSE D

W HE R E AS, the Project Manager is recommending we accept GE Mobile’s proposal (See attached memorandum from Project Manager).

NOW T HE R E F O R E , L E T I T BE R E SOLVE D: that the proposed contract 2594 with GE Mobile Inc. in the amount of $434,640.00 for a One (1) year period be approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and amended by Board of Directors

Resolution 95-44 and the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.

YE S: At k in s, Ba ile y, C ylich , G or d on , F. J on es, L eslie , M or a les, Sa n t ia go, T ir a d o, Tor r es, Ab d u lWa h h a b ABSE NT F O R VOT E : Sh a p ir o ABSE NT: O . J on es, O wen s, R od r igu ez Pa ssed

and W HE R E AS, the Project Manager is in agreement with the consent to assignment (see attached).

NOW T HE R E F O R E , L E T I T BE R E SOLVE D: that the proposed consent to assignment to Contract 2531 as indicated above 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 change orders and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.

YE S: At k in s, Ba ile y, C ylich , G or d on , F. J on es, L eslie , M or a les, Sa n t ia go, T ir a d o, Tor r es, Ab d u lWa h h a b ABSE NT F O R VOT E : Sh a p ir o ABSE NT: O . J on es, O wen s, R od r igu ez Pa ssed

presented the Board with the attached analysis of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement and recommends that the Riverbay Board of Directors ratify this Collective Bargaining Agreement.

NOW T HE R E F O R E , L E T I T BE R E SO LVE D, that the Riverbay Board of Directors ratifies the Collective Bargaining Agreement by and between Riverbay and the Office & Professional Employees International Union Local 153, AFL-CIO for a period of three (3) years

commencing on February 1, 2010 and ending January 31, 2013, and authorizes Riverbay’s President, following ratification by the union membership, to sign the agreement on behalf of the Corporation.

YE S: At k in s, Ba ile y, C ylich , G or d on , F. J on es, L eslie , M or a les, Sa n t ia go, Sh a p ir o, T ir a d o, Tor r es, Ab d u l-Wa h h a b ABSE NT: O . J on es, O wen s, R od r igu ez Pa ssed

Second Reading - Resolution #10-80 SUBM I T T E D BY: L et icia M or a les SE C O NDE D BY: E lea n or Ba iley BOAR D O F DI R E C T O R S M E E T I NG , DAT E D: Novem b er 22n d , 2010 W H E R E AS, Riverbay Corporation has been renting on a month-to-month basis, water treatment equipment from GE Mobile; and W H E R E AS, in order to reduce cost,

it was determined that a contract should replace the month-to-month rentals; and W H E R E AS, due to the nature of the contract, only Siemens and GE Mobile would be able to support Riverbay Corporation’s needs; and W H E R E AS, a contract will save the Corporation between $2,000.00 to $6,000.00 per month which will be determined by the total steam production of the plant; since this varies with load, actual costs per month will change; and

Second Reading - Resolution #10-82 SUBM I T T E D BY: E lea n or Ba iley SE C O NDE D BY: Kh a lil Ab d ulWa h h a b BOAR D O F DI R E C T O R S M E E T I NG , DAT E D: Novem b er 22n d , 2010 W H E R E AS, IEA Engineering, LLC (“IEAE”) is performing work under Contract 2531, Engineering Services for Riverbay Corporation Water Treatment

Facility; and W H E R E AS, on July 2, 2010 the assets of IEAE was acquired by Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. (“Stantec”); and W H ER E AS, Riverbay Corporation’s contract requires IEAE to receive written consent from Riverbay Corporation prior to IEAE assigning its interest to Stantec; and W H E R E AS, the caliber of the personnel currently working will not change and, except for the assignment requested herein, no other aspect will be affected;

Emergency Resolution #10-87 SUBM I T T E D BY: E lea n or Ba iley SE C O NDE D BY: Al Sh a p ir o BOAR D O F DI R E C T O R S M E E T I NG : Novem b er 22nd , 2010 W HER E AS, the Collective Bargaining Agreement by and between Riverbay Corporation and the Office & Professional Employees International Union Local 153, AFL-CIO (“Local 153”) expired on January 31, 2010; and

W H E R E AS, the representatives of Riverbay Corporation and of Local 153 did undertake collective bargaining negotiations; and W HE R E AS, as a result of these negotiations the parties have agreed, subject to a ratification vote by the union membership and the Riverbay Board of Directors, upon a new Collective Bargaining Agreement for a period of three (3) years up to, and including, January 31, 2013 ; and W H E R E AS, Riverbay Management

Spanish American Community Club The Cultural and Social Committees of the Spanish-American Community Club of Co-op City invites everyone to attend its Annual Holiday Bash on Saturday, December

11, 177 Dreiser Loop Auditorium, 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. BYOB. There are no refunds.

Dance the evening away to the sounds of La Excelencia, David Cedeno & his Orchestra and DJ Salsero.

For tickets, please contact Alfonso Gonzales, (718) 671-5922; Delia

Anaya, (917 587-7143 or the Spanish American Clubroom at (718) 379-7017.

Feliz Navidad y prospero ana nuevo.

—Na n cy Vega -Sa n t ia go

Co-op City Times / November 27, 2010

27

Emergency Resolution #10-88 SUBM I T T E D BY: E lea n or Ba iley SE C O NDE D BY: Bill G or don BOAR D O F DI R E C T O R S M E E T I NG : Novem b er 22nd , 2010 W H E R E AS , the Collective Bargaining Agreement by and between Riverbay Corporation and the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 94 (“Local 94”) expired on October 31, 2010; and

W H E R E AS, the representatives of Riverbay Corporation and of Local 94 did undertake collective bargaining negotiations; and W H E R E AS, as a result of these negotiations the parties have agreed, subject to ratification by the union membership and the Riverbay Board of Directors, upon a new Collective Bargaining Agreement for a period of five (5) years up to, and including, October 31, 2015; and W H E R E AS, Riverbay Management

presented the Board with the attached analysis of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement and recommends that the Riverbay Board of Directors ratify this Collective Bargaining Agreement.

NO W T H E R E F O R E , L E T I T B E R E SO LVE D, that the Riverbay Board of Directors ratifies the Collective Bargaining Agreement by and between Riverbay and the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 94 for a period of five (5) years commencing on

November 1, 2010 and ending October 31, 2015, and authorizes Riverbay’s President to sign, following ratification by the union membership, the agreement on behalf of the Corporation.

YE S: At k in s, B a il e y, C yl ic h , G or d on , F. J on es , L es lie , M or a le s, Sa n t i a go, S h a p ir o, T ir a d o, To r r e s, Ab d u l-Wa h h a b A B S E N T: O . J o n e s , O w e n s, R od r igu ez P a s s ed

the townhouse are not credible; In accepting and remaining in a townhouse that was awarded in violation of Riverbay policy and State Regulations, Ms. Morales has attained a benefit that was greater than the benefits enjoyed by other shareholders; The individual opportunity afforded to Ms. Morales in obtaining a valuable townhouse conflicts with her duty of loyalty and care to her fellow shareholders; and BE I T F URT HE R R E SO LVE D that the Board of Directors adopts the following recommendations set forth in General Counsel’s November 8th, 2010 Report and recommends that: The transfer of the townhouse to Ms. Morales be reversed; Appropriate sanctions be imposed, by Management after consultation with General Counsel, on all individuals involved in the improper transfer; The Audit Committee and the Director of Internal Audit perform a compliance audit of

the Sales Department Waiting Lists; Board Members should not interact with Department Directors or Management to advance personal or political agendas; Board Members should limit their involvement in operations consistent with the provisions of 9 NYCRR Part 1725-3.3; Management should improve and strengthen oversight and control of the Sales Department to ensure transparency, fairness and accountability; and BE I T F URT H E R R E SOLVE D that General Counsel’s November 8th, 2010 Report be made publicly available in electronic format.

YE S: Atk in s, Ba iley, C ylich , Gor d on, F. J on es, L e slie, Sa n t ia go, T ir a d o, Tor r es, Ab d ul-Wa hh a b NO : M or a les ABSE NT F O R VOT E : Sh a p ir o ABSE NT: O . J on es, O wen s, R od r igu ez Pa ssed

Emergency Resolution #10-90 (Amended) SALES DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATION SUBMITTED BY: Bill Gordon SECONDED BY: Khalil Abdul-Wahhab BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING DATED: NOVEMBER 22, 2010 W H E R E AS, on October 3rd, 2010, the Board President directed General Counsel to investigate an allegation that Steve Gold, Director of the Riverbay Sales Department, had approved a townhouse transfer out of turn to Ms. Leticia Morales, a member of the Riverbay Board of Directors; and W H E R E AS, on November 8th, 2010, General Counsel provided the Board of Directors with a written report containing its findings and recommendations; and W H E R E AS, the Board of Directors has previously met and discussed General Counsel’s November 8th, 2010 Report to

the Board; N OW T H E R E F O R E B E I T R E SO LVE D, that the Findings and Recommendations set forth in General Counsel’s November 8th, 2010 Report, as set forth below, are hereby adopted by the Board of Directors, and BE I T F URT H E R R E SO LVE D that the Board of Directors accepts the following findings set forth in General Counsel’s November 8th, 2010 Report and finds that: Ms. Morales was improperly awarded a townhouse ahead of other eligible shareholders in violation of Title 9 NYCRR Part 1727; Steve Gold improperly facilitated the townhouse transfer to Ms. Morales; It is believed that Steve Gold did not act alone, and has not adequately explained his motives; Management failed to adequately supervise or monitor the Sales Department; The statements and explanations offered relating to the “as is” condition of

Building 25 Association Many thanks to our guest speaker, Chief Apollo of the Co op City Public Safety Department.

There was an extensive question and answer session and he was very informative regarding the workings of his department and things to come. He spoke about cooperators being aware of their surroundings and watchful of strangers in and around the building. This is always a good idea, but very important during the holiday season; Go with your “gut” feeling. If a situation does not feel comfort-

able, then avoid it. Do not get in that elevator or enter the building at that time.

Also, be careful about opening your apartment door. The door chain is not really effective in preventing a forced entry.

Chief Apollo is interested in establishing a more personal relation ship between his department and the cooperators. We can expect a 10 p.m.-6 a.m. curfew against loitering to be implemented in the area similar to the one in Section 5.

In speaking with our mail carrier, I dis-

covered that some cooperators do not remove mail from their boxes in a timely manner. This means that it takes our carrier longer to complete delivery and causes possible damage to the contents of the mail box. Also, it should be obvious that the more interruptions that take place, the longer the process of delivery takes.

Let’s face it, we all miss Eddie, who had been our carrier for a number of years, and for different reasons. But he is gone now, so let’s take a step back and give our current carrier a chance. Apparently, these

conditions also exist in other buildings also.

We would like to welcome a new member, Ms. Francis. The turkey raffle was won by yours truly and a delicious chocolate cake by our president was part of the light refreshments provided at the conclusion of the meeting. We hope everyone had an enjoyable Thanksgiving.

REMEMBER, STAY ALERT AND IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING. —Dock H a r vey

Faith in God Church & Bible Institute, Inc. HQ Pastor, President, and Founder Rev. Dr. Gladys R. Little and Assistant Pastor, Minister Vernon Little extend to everyone a healthy, happy, prosperous welcome!

Let’s keep the faith. Most of the time, you’re going to feel like you’re in the minority when it comes to standing up for righteousness, but don’t waver.

Remember, our road is narrow.

Let’s go into the Word of God. Today,

we’re coming from 2nd Timothy 2:20-22: 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.

21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.

22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue

righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

I nvit a t ions: Church doors open this morning at 10:30 for Dr. Little to teach an Evangelism class. We have a ‘Sweet Hour of Prayer’ at 3 p.m. Tomorrow morning, at 10 a.m.; we have a Sunday School class. Morning Worship is at 11 a.m. If you will, go online and listen to Min. Vernon Little’s new

song: ‘Double Minded.’ It talks about Christians who have one foot in the world, and one foot in the church. Also, go to YouTube and see Min. Vernon Little’s video for his song ‘Proverbs.’

We are located at 171 Dreiser Loop in section 1. Our phone numbers are (347) 276-4925 & (718) 671-3627. Jesus loves you, and so do we.

—M in . Ver n on L it t le

Harvest Restoration Ministries Pastor Anthony Davis and Pastor Andrée Davis, co-founders of Harvest Restoration Ministries, Inc. extend to you a warm invitation to come and worship the Lord Jesus Christ with us.

We are a community oriented nondenominational Church that preaches and

teaches the Bible in an exegetical style.

Our focus is to teach members of the ministry to use biblical doctrines in a practical sense to be a blessing to both the home and the community. We meet at: 177 Dreiser Loop Community Center, Room 10.

Order of Services Sunday School – 11:00 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship – 12:00 p.m.

Wed. Night Bible Study – 7:30 p.m.

Children’s Church – Every 2nd Sunday of every month Communion – 1st Sunday of every month

Pastor Anthony Davis is currently being mentored by one of the most prolific preacher’s in America, Bishop Noel Jones of the City of Refuge, Gardena, CA. Pastor Davis will be speaking at the City of Refuge on January 16th at 6 p.m.

—Pa stor Anthony Davis

28

Co-op City Times / November 27, 2010

Co-op City Branch of the NAACP Election Day at the Co-op City Branch of the NAACP went off without a problem and the slate is elected and will be sworn-in as part of the holiday celebration, December 19th, 3 p.m. at 100 Erskine Place, Bldg., 31A, Gr. Fl. The slate of the newly elected executive branch of the Co-op City Branch of the NAACP is President, Jeannette Graves; First Vice President, Joyce Wilson; Second Vice President, Brenda Brown; Secretary, Eva Lazaar; Assistant Secretary, Clotilda Hartfield; Treasurer, Lisa Solomon. With this executive committee and you, the NAACP will continue to prosper in Co-op City. Thank you to the Election Committee that stayed till 6 p.m. to conduct the proceedings: Elayne Cole, Lottie Townes, Alfred Lynch Jr., Marie McCants and

Regina Usher.

Continued appreciation goes out to Mr. Kenneth D. Cohen, Regional Director NAACP, NYC Metro Council and President, NAACP Northeast Queens Branch for certifying the election proceedings on October 24 and the Nominating Committee led by Leonard Murrell for their assistance and support.

We know it is hard to get everything done especially during the holiday season, but keep in mind that the work of the NAACP in the community is alive, 24/7. So please take the time to join with your friends and members of the Co-op City Branch of the NAACP. Celebrate the joy and brotherhood of this most important holiday tradition by attending branch meetings. Truly, your presence is the gift that never stops giving.

The NAACP takes an aggressive position in reviewing national spending, education and other issues in the United States and participates in legal actions.

With that in mind, the NAACP Daisy Bates Education Summit honoring the late Daisy Bates, former president of the Arkansas State Conference of the NAACP and advisor in 1957 to the Little Rock Nine, will be announced.

Despite threats of violence, Mrs. Bates persisted.

The 2010 Daisy Bates Summit will bring grassroots organizers from allover the U.S.A. to focus on moving the NAACP’s agenda forward with a combination of traditional and innovative events and seminars. This summit is part of our year-round training regimen for state and unit Education Chairs and

focuses on the four-part agenda developed at our retreat in 2009 and focused on throughout 2010. It will be held Thursday, December 2—Saturday, December 4. Please visit the website for more current information.

We all wish Mr. Len Murrell a speedy recovery and renewed good health for the season. He was missed November 21.

The branch sends deep condolence to the family of life member, Barbara Albright, who transitioned November 18, 2010.

May they know no more sorrow. Join the NAACP at: http://action.naacp.org/ BeAMember, monthly meetings are held at 3:00 p.m., 100 Erskine Place, Bldg.

31A, Gr. Fl., dates published here.

Phone: 718-671-7856 with questions and announcements.

—E va L a za a r

Coalition to Save Affordable Housing C O M M UNI C AT I O N The Coalition to Save Affordable Housing has a website that provides cooperators with news and views on community issues—information that may not be easily available from other sources. Our website, for example, may discuss Co-op City finances or explain the way carrying charges are spent. In addition, communicating via the web helps reduce wasteful consumption of natural resources, such as trees, and represents a local contribution to the public movement for environmental responsibility. We invite everyone to visit our

website, www.CTSAH.net .

F I SH -TAST I C F UNDR AI SE R AND C O M I NG SP R I NG DANC E Our thanks to the Coalition’s Fundraising Committee for the hard work they put into making a great success – once again – of our Saturday, November 20, Fish Fry. And special thanks to everyone who came out to enjoy the food and the socializing. We congratulate the winners of the raffle cash prizes ($250, $100, $50) that were awarded at the Fish Fry. The Fundraising Committee will begin work on a big Pre-Valentine

Today is GAMES DAY (1 p.m. in Clubroom 19, Dreiser Loop). We play card and board games. Come laugh and have fun. Light refreshments will be served.

Donations: $2. (Contacts: Susie Fuzzell and Marie Williams at 718-379-0377.

The RETIREES’ next General meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 1st at 1:30 p.m. in the Dreiser Loop conference room. Annual dues are $20.

Circle the date! Join us for some festive fun on Thursday, December 16th. The RETIREES’ Holiday Party will be held in the Dreiser Loop Community Center Auditorium from 4 – 9 p.m. Ticket price: $45. For your holiday pleasure, we will have drinks, dining, and dancing. Music provided by DJ Carol Productions. Tickets are available, see Beverly Waller in Clubroom 19 or call her at 718-379-0377.

T R AVE L AC T I VI T I E S: New and exciting 2011 trips. Join us as we travel to: (a) Harrah’s Chester Casino and Racetrack in PA on Monday, Jan. 17, 2011 – Price: $45.

Sign up with your phone number and a deposit. (Your contact is Lorraine Parker, 718-671-6403). (b) Cape Cod MA, May 23 to 27th (5 days/4 nights). Price: $529/double and $619/single. (c) Dover DE and Crab Feast-Aug. 9 to 11th (3 days/2 nights). Price: $409/double and $499/single.

Note: $100 deposit due now (price per person) to hold your seat. Check/Money Order (only) payable to: RETIREES of DREISER LOOP, along with your name, address and phone number.

Dance and is looking for a DJ and a band. Plans for the dance, and much else, will be reviewed at the November 29th meeting of the Coalition’s Executive Committee. A Coalition committee that was set up to recommend candidates for the 2011 Riverbay Board election has completed its work and will meet with the campaign committee to prepare our candidates for the race.

G E T I NF O R M E D AND STAY AF F O R DABL E All Coalition General and Executive Committee meetings are open to everyone. There is no Co-op City resident

who doesn’t have a stake in keeping Coop City affordable! Don’t leave it to your neighbor. Come to hear, to learn, to discuss, and to debate — and become a member.

Our next Executive Committee meeting will be on Monday, November 29th at 7:30 p.m. in Room 28 at the Bartow Community Center.

Our next General meeting will be a week later on Monday, December 6th at 7:30 p.m., also in Room 28 at the Bartow Community Center.

We’d like to meet you!

—Seb a st ia n Ula n ga Sa n t ia go

Retirees of Dreiser Loop (Your contact is Dolores Shivers at 917-282-0320). Pick up your flyers in Clubroom 19.

T H E AT R E C O M M I T T E E : Come with us to see the following 2011 shows at Lehman College: Sat., Jan. 15th, Doo Wop Forever, Price: $53.

Sat., April 9th, the Temptations and the Marvelettes. (Price-to be announced).

Sat., May 21st, Johnny Mathis. Price: $82.

If interested in any show – Sign UP ASAP with your name and phone number and a deposit is required. Committee members meet in Clubroom 19 on Thursdays after 3 p.m. or call them at 718-379-0377.

G O OD AND W E L FAR E : We support all of you on the mend and

send warm and bright wishes for a speedy recovery, and a subsequent long and healthy life. We sadly announce the passing of our Fred Lewis and our Barbara Albright, both of whom passed within the week. And to the families, please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Contact Elinor Gordon at (718) 3798755 regarding illnesses and bereavements.

RETIREES and Friends, keep in mind that our Clubroom 19, (718-379-0377), continues to be available for your weekday socializing pleasure to have fun and laughs, play cards, board games, or just watch one of your favorite TV programs with friends. Don’t be alone, come join us.

Good health and good fortune to all!

—C la u d et t e Da vis

Zodiacs Track Club The Zodiacs were blessed with another great performance at the (NYRR) New York Road Runner’s Young Runners 1.5 Cross Country Invitational on Sunday, November 21st at Van Cortlandt Park. There must have been over 200 children ages 6 to 16 competing in this event. The Zodiacs girls dominated the field, with 6 Zodiacs girls, finishing in the top 10 overall.

Winning the race was Beverly Seignious with time of 9:37 in the 1.5 mile run. Taking second was Aaliyah Wajid with a time of 9:48. Getting better after

every race, taking 4th place was 9 year old Giovanna Tolbert. 5th place was Erica Pate and 6th place was Josephine Kendall, with her younger sister (8 year old) Jacqueline Kendall taking 9th overall. Without two of our top XC boys runners, the boys were able to have 3 boys in the top 10. Taking 3rd place was Jaquan McClure, followed by Kevin Mathis with 4th place. A strong finish by Devante Mclean gave him 6th place. It was a great day for the Zodiacs.

On November 27th and 28th, we

will be competing in the TC Sports Northeast Cross Country Championship at the Fairgrounds in Flowerfield, St. James, N.Y. The following week, (Dec. 4th) we will be competing in the 2010 AAU Cross Country National Championship at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in the Walt Disney World Resort. We have 16 children flying to Florida to represent New York. Please put us in your prays to have a safe trip there and back.

If you have or know of any children

between the ages of 6 and 16, who are looking to utilize track and field to improve their horizon, please contact us.

Please continue to help us advance our children by sending a tax deductible donation to the Zodiacs Track Foundation, to P.O. Box 67, Bronx. New York 10475.

For additional information, please contact President Thomas Francis at 718-679-2060 or co-President Winston Dinkins at 914-441-6196, email WATCLT@AOL.COM or visit our website Z O DI AC ST R AC K .O R G .

NO CO-OP CITY TIMES? Call 646.479.1041 or 646.261.1761; Saturday: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Co-op Insurance

29

Co-op City Times / November 27, 2010

The Wright Agency: Serving Co-op City for 29 years!

Riverbay Requires Current Co-op Shareholders to Obtain Coverage!

Your Co-op is an Investment Worth Protecting!

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

We offer:

• Low Premiums

• Protective Device Discounts • Auto-Home Discounts

• 55 & Retired Discounts

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

Other Lines of Insurance: • Auto

• Homeowners • Life

The Wright Agency

Agency Owner

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

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

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

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

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

(near Eastchester Road)

1435 East Gun Hill Road

718-671-8000 Call Us Today!

Courteous Staff!

Convenient Hours!

30

Co-op City Times / November 27, 2010

African-American Association We hope that all our friends and neighbors had an enjoyable and safe Thanksgiving.

The Association sponsors the following programs, and invites you to participate: T he J obs/E nt r ep r eneu r ia l P r ogr a m: Our mission is to help anyone who wants to work and is seeking a job. All are welcome on the first Thursdays: Dec. 2, from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the Dreiser Center, Room 15. Roger Toppin, Sr., Chairperson/Coordinator, (718) 320-1424.

Bu siness O p p or tu n it y Wor k sh op Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m., Dreiser Center, Room 15. Call Kevin Lambright, 646721-8185.

Belly Da nce C la sses – Mondays at 7:00 p.m., Dreiser Center, Room 2. This is a fun and healthy way to stay in shape. No experience is needed. The fee: $15, per class or 5 classes for $65; plus $15 membership. Call Ms. Barnes, 646-281-4570.

Yoga & P ila t es M a t C la sses – Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:00 p.m., Dreiser Center, Room 2. This class consists of exercises to promote weight loss, tone and strengthen muscles. Call Ms. Sharpe-Hicks, 718-671-8364.

C onver sa t iona l Sp a nish C la sses – Meets on Saturdays at 3:00 p.m. for beginners and 4:00 p.m. for intermediate and advanced students in Dreiser Center, Room 15. There will be no class on Nov. 27th. Call 718-379-5555.

C u b Scou t s P a ck – The next Pack meeting will be Thursday, December 2nd, 6:30 p.m., Dreiser Center, Room 4.

Boys, ages 6-11, are welcome to join.

They will get the experience of developing new skills, working on projects together, going places together, being in a friendly/safe environment, making friends, having fun, and much more. If you have not already registered your son,

please arrive early. The fee: $30. Call 718-379-5555.

C h ild r en ’s E a r ly M or n in g P r ogr a m – If you need childcare in the morning before school begins, we are available to care for your child on school days starting in September. Call Ms. Hinds at 347-283-3809.

C hild r en ’s After School P r ogr a m – The Learning Source is available to care for your children, assist them with homework and offers other enrichment activities. To register, call Ms. Stevens at 914907-7936.

Book Discu ssion s – The Communiversity of African-Centered Education will meet on Monday, December 13th, 7:00 p.m., Dreiser Center, Room 15 to discuss chapters from “Egypt Revisited” by Ivan Van Sertimer.

The group is led by Brother Kaba Hiawatha Kamene, a/k/a Dr. Booker T.

Coleman, a retired educator. All are welcome. Call 718-379-5555.

G en er a l M em b er sh ip M eet in g/ Holid a y P a r t y – The next meeting is scheduled for Saturday, December 11th, 6:00 p.m. when there will be a holiday party for members, including good food, music and entertainment. If you would like to show off your talents, please let us know by calling 718-379-5555 or 718320-1424.

You can join or renew your membership at any time. If you cannot attend a meeting, you may mail your check or money order (DO NOT SEND CASH) of $15 for a single membership and $25 for families to: African-American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475. Your membership helps to support this organization that sustains our community.

—F r a n cin e R eva J on es

American Legion Post 1871 Post 1871 is located in Section # 5, 135 Einstein Loop Community Center.

Our phone is 718-320-8165, Room 41 on the 2nd floor. If you have a computer, you can also reach us by using our e-mail address, post1871@optimum.net. Post 1871 has a new website for all Post members, www.mylegion.org. You must register to open this website. The only people who can change this information are the Commander and the Adjutant of the Post.

Greetings to all our comrades who are residing in the Bay Park Nursing Home.

Our minds and hearts are with you each and every day hoping that you will have a blessed day.

Happy birthday to all our comrades who have a birthday in the month of December: Vernon N. Frazer, Jose Pacheco, Carl C. Ash, Irwin Rudman,

John E. King, Jr. Vernon C. Taylor, Wesley Banks, Lloyd R. Johnson, John McMillan, Michael D. O’Livas, Rafael Echevarria, Herbert H. Kantrowitz, Willie A. Thompson, John E. King, Jr. Bettie J. Storey, Andre R. Green, Fernando Hernandez, Ear Bruer, Jasmin A. Lirio, Alfonso Rodriguez, David Walker, Lucius Kennedy and Michael D. Olivas.

A destroyer was named after a late Black Navel officer, Vice Adm. Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. He was the African American Navel Officer to command a warship. His name will be on the newest guided missile destroyer, the USS Gravely, the ship will be commissioned in Wilmington, N.C. Gravely was born in Richmond, VA in 1922. he attended Virginia Union University and later joined the Navel Reserve. Gravely com-

pleted his midshipman training in 1944 and became the first African American commissioned as an officer. His naval career spanned 38 years. The Gravely, a Missile ship, is the most advanced ship ever developed. It’s 508 feet in length, draws 3 feet of water and there are 380 officers and enlisted personnel serving on board.

Post 1871 sends our condolence to two of our Post members who passed away: Junius E. Ayler, who passed away in July and Car Barr, who passed away in November. Time and prayer are the keys to healing pain.

A Post member donated an American flag to our Post. Thanks, Donald Fuller, for your kind deed. At last, we caught up with Paul Graves. He was the last Executive member to be sworn in by

Commander Robert Feliciano on November 20th. Congratulations, comrade Paul Graves.

Our Post picked up two new members on November 20th. Joshua Reyes was a Marine Corps veteran and Juliana Oliver happens to be a U.S. Air Force Veteran. Congratulations on joining our Post. A short ceremony was held for two of our Post members who passed away this year—Junius Ayler, who departed in July, and Carl Barr, who departed on Nov. 17. Both members were WWII veterans.

The definition of the Tea Party: This is a party for little girls who have imaginary friends.

This information was provided to you by your Post information officer.

—R ich a r d I . L a wson, J r.

Baychester Visual Arts Association If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to draw and paint, this is the time to get expert instruction at BVA. The instructors teach drawing skills, as well as painting.

You will be able to complete original paintings worthy of exhibiting.

On Saturday, December 18, we will have an in-house art show and boutique

from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. in our permanent room 5 in the Dreiser Community Center.

Dinners will also be available. BVA members will once again exhibit their beautiful artwork and boutique items will also be on sale. We hope you can stop by since you will be impressed by the beautiful artwork.

BVA offers art classes in our permanent room 5, Dreiser Center. Tuesday classes have 3 sessions to choose from: 1 – 3 p.m., 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. or 5:45 – 7:45 p.m. with Mr. Groves, an award winning artist who studied at NYU and the Art Student’s League, as the instructor.

Membership dues are $35 for the year and

VISION CARE SPECIALIST

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

• COMPLETE VISION CARE - EYE EXAMINATION • VISUAL PERCEPTUAL TRAINING • CONTACT LENSES

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

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

120 ALCOTT PLACE

(Bldg. 17 • Sect. 3) • Co-op City

718-379-8029 Medicare and many insurances accepted.

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

a session of 10 classes is $60. BVA’s art instructor will guide you along a creative path that will bring hours, weeks and years of joy into the life of those who avail themselves of this opportunity.

Science is for the body, but art is for the soul.

—Sylvia Lochansky

PIONEER TRANSMISSION and auto repair center Serving the Bronx Community for over 25 Years!

HOURS Monday - Friday: 3564 Boston Rd., Bronx, NY 10469 Corner of Tiemann Ave., 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. between Tiemann Sat.: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. and Kingsland.

718-519-1872

FREE: • Transmission Multi-Check • Loaner Car(when available)

• Diagnostic Check • Towing - 24 Hours

• Road Test

Motor Oi l Ch a ng e Sp ecia l

T r ansmiss ion Ser vice

$29.95 up to 5 qt. regular motor oil w/filter

$5995

Offer valid w/coupon only. Coupon must be presented before work is started. Exp. 11/30/10

$100 off Valid for one major transmission repair Offer valid with coupon only. Coupon must be presented before work is started. Exp. 11/30/10

• • • •

New Fluid & Pan Gasket Adjust Bands & Linkage Check Modulator & U-Joints Clean Oil Filter (if applicable)

Foreign & Front Wheel overdrive, light trucks additional.

We may refuse to perform these services if transmission check shows a problem already exists.

Offer valid w/coupon only. Coupon must be presented before work is started. Exp. 11/30/10

• • • • ALL WORK IS GUARANTEED! • • • •

Co-op City Times / November 27, 2010

31

32

Co-op City Times / November 27, 2010

Co-op City Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invite the community to join us tomorrow for worship service at 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Sunday School for adults and children will be held at 9:15 a.m.

The Co-op City Baptist Church is located at 135 Einstein Loop, Room 50 (lower level). Our telephone number is 718-320-3774. We invite you to worship, study, and pray with us. Visit us on the web at www.coopcitybaptistchurch.org. If you are unable to attend, you may dial in to listen on PODCAST. Call (646) 929-2953 at 12 p.m. to hear the service. The podcast is also available on our website.

Feast Delivers,” hosted by the Just For Men Ministry, invites everyone to participate. Make your selection by circling the item(s) on the menu. Add $5 to your total, as a service charge and bring your receipt at pick-up time. This month, the feast has a

Christmas Day Special, a 7 to 9 lb. ham with all the trimmings at a cost of $21. The deadline for payment is Sunday, December 5 and distribution will be at the church on Saturday, December 11 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Call the church at 718-320-3774 for additional information.

The Missionary Ministry will celebrate their anniversary on Sunday, December 12 at the 11:00 a.m. service. Please join us for this joyous occasion.

The Christian Education Ministry invites you to attend their annual Christmas Program on Saturday, December 18 at 10:00 a.m. as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.

The Co-op City Intergenerational Outreach Center, Inc. Saturday Tutoring Program will resume in January 2011. Our tutoring sessions are semi-private.

Please note the fees have been significantly reduced.

The fee is now $30 a month. For additional informa-

tion, call 917-620-2859 or 718-671- 8449.

Rev. Dr. Williams has a radio show on WMCA 570 AM every Friday at 1:30 p.m. Rev. Dr. Williams is the author of Principle Centered Living: 9 Reasons To Maintain Your Values in a Pressure Filled World and Founder of SEW Universal, Inc. Visit his websites: www.PrincipleCenteredLiving.com or www.RevDrSheldonEWilliams.com.

Have you considered where you will go on your next vacation? The Scholarship Ministry invites you to travel with them to Orlando, Florida on August 13, 2011 for nine days. Visit the Holy Land Experience - a recreation of ancient Jerusalem, Arabian Nights for a Dinner Show, visit many attractions and sightseeing on the way to and from Florida. Prices are $765/pp/double occupancy. For additional information, call 718-6711918, 718-671-7507 or 718-320-3774.

—H a t t ie L . L u ca s

Church of the Savior Rev. Dr. Robert A. Smith, Jr., Pastor; Lady Theresa M. Smith, co-founder; Rev. McMillian, Assistant Pastor and the Church of the Savior family extend an invitation to every person to worship with us. We are a non-denominational, inter-racial, inter-cultural, inter-

Coalition of AfricanAmerican Churches and Community Organizations The Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City, Inc. Next general membership meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 7, at 7 p.m., 177 Dreiser Community Center, Room 15.

Our 14th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration will be held on Tuesday, December 28, at 5:00 p.m., Bartow Community Center, Room 31, 2049 Bartow Avenue (Co-op City), Bronx NY. This event is free.

The Coalition continues to plan activities that will enhance the quality of life in our community. Please inform the Coalition of any suggestions that you may have. Patricia Bonaparte is the President of the Coalition. Phone number, 1-718-320-1861.

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

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

Please support our efforts by sending us your tax deductible contribution, made payable to: Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City, Inc., Post Office Box 619, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. Churches and organizations that desire to join the Coalition may apply for membership by either writing or calling (718) 320-1861 or (718) 671-5957 for a membership application which should be returned with a letter on your church/organization’s stationery and signed by the minister/president.

Read Coalition’s weekly column for information about events and issues.

Our sincere condolences to the family of Fred R. Lewis who recently passed away.

Remember the Coalition motto is: “Coming Together is a Beginning, Keeping Together is Progress, Working Together is Success.”

—H a r m a n T. L ea cock

generational 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. Our prayer is that everyone had a great Thanksgiving with friends and loved ones. The Church of the Savior family extends love and affirmation to the Co-op City community; A warm welcome awaits you!!

We love you for who you are, not what you have. Please call us at 718-320-0002 or 917-734-4058 for more information. Do you want a place that allows you to meet the living God? Do you want to be connected to people who care about you not what you have on or how much money you make? A special seat and friend awaits you.

Church of the Savior is located at 120 DeKruif Place – street level, (under Building #7 near Dreiser Loop).

Take the 38 to Dreiser Loop and DeKruif Pl. Our mailing address is: P.O. Box 86, Bronx, NY 10475.

Sunday Morning Schedule: Adult Bible Study – 9:15 a.m.

Divine Worship — 10:30 a.m.

Divine message will be delivered by Rev. Gregory McMillian, Assistant Pastor.

Good News! Our children's Sunday School is ready to teach and nurture your child/children in the word of

God. All sessions are during worship service.

Weekly Activity – • Church of the Savior worship at 10:30 a.m. Come and be blessed, we want an opportunity to love you. See you in church.

• Tune in!!– Each Thursday at 10:00 a.m., Channel 70, Bronxnet. Tune in and be blessed. If this program has lifted you, please let us know. Dr. Smith can be contacted at 718-320-0002. If you prefer to drop a personal note: P.O. Box 86, Bronx, NY 10475 is our mailing address.

• New Hours - Bereavement Support Group meets Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m. Are you grieving the loss of a loved one? Come, our arms and hearts are open to you. God bless you!

• New Hours - Every Thursday evening, 6:00-7:30 p.m., Bible Study in session. The dynamic Evangelist and gifted teacher, Dr. Margaret Watson, is the instructor. Do you know what the scriptures are saying, instead of what's been passed down from tradition and culture? Come join us, bring a friend, everyone is welcome! The truth shall set you free!

Thought to Lift your Spirits: "A person who hungers for money will starve to death spiritually."

—R ev. Dr . R ob er t A. Sm it h , J r .

Family Owned and Operated • Large Chapel on premises

• Pre-need counseling

• Ample Parking on premises

• Out of town services

• Casket Showroom on premises

• Cremations

Personalized & Professional Care

A dignified funeral every family can afford.

All areas are handicapped accessible

Worldwide Shipping including Caribbean, Africa & South America

718-231-7647 Call 24 Hours

Fax: 718-231-7665 www.mccalls.net • director@mccalls.net 4035 Bronxwood Avenue, Bronx, N.Y.

Serving all cultures & faiths

33

Co-op City Times / November 27, 2010

Community Protestant Church On behalf of our Pastor, Reverend Dr. Calvin E. Owens, and our church family, welcome to Community Protestant Church, a church of love and understanding, located at 1659 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, NY 10469; telephone: (718) 8629172.

C H UR C H SC H E DUL E Sunday School - 9:00 a.m.

Worship Service - 11:00 a.m.

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

THE FOLLOW ING PROGRAM S ARE AT THE C HURC H’S ANNEX: 2053 ASC H LOOP NORTH (C O-OP CI TY)

Morning Prayer Services Tuesday, 6:00 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.

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

Fellowship, “Life on God’s Terms” Every Friday (except 4th Friday) 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

OT HE R SC H E DUL E D E VE NT S: The Willing Workers Annual Pecan sale will be held after service on tomorrow. Stop by their table and pick up a great holiday gift of pecans.

Sister to Sister Women’s Ministry hosts two regularly scheduled events on the first Saturday of the month at the Annex – Soul Sisters Reading Network

and CRAFTworkshop. At 10:00 a.m., December 4, they will be reading BRING ON THE BLESSINGS by Beverly Jenkins. It will be followed by the wildly popular knitting and crocheting sisterhood of women and girls at 12:00 p.m.

Nominal fee for new crafters, $8, and $5 for returning artists. Light refreshments.

RSVP your attendance for one or both by November 29 at cpcsisters@aol.com or (718) 320-1193.

CPC TOURS SPONSORS THE FOLLOWING TRIPS. CALL (718) 6711182 FOR TICKETS AND/OR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. 1. Tuesday, December 7th CPC Tours’ trip to Foxwoods Resort and Casino to

see “Home for the Holidays,”featuring Herb Reed and The Platters. Tickets: $59 include $15 rebate and $10 food voucher.

2. Saturday, December 11th, CPC Tours’ Annual Christmas Shopping Spree to Tanger Outlet Center in Riverhead, LI. Stock up on gifts from Banana Republic, Gap, Coach Factory Store, Jones NY, J. Crew, Easy Spirit, Timberland, London Fog. Tickets: $40.

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

—E va n G . M it ch ell

Evangelical Church of Co-op City – UMC Come & Visit Us – We welcome you to God’s House – Your House – One Family in Christ.

We are a congregation with spiritfilled worship, offering a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship and service to God and our community. We are a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and bilingual congregation and all are welcome. Services are at the church at 2350 Palmer Avenue, across the street from Building 30.

Parking is available.

Sunday Services – The first Sunday of the month is a bilingual service with communion at 10 a.m. Every other Sunday, the services are as follows:

Open Doors, Open Hearts and Open Minds

English Service at 9 a.m. and the Spanish Service at 11:30 a.m. There are Bible studies in English and Spanish at 10:30 a.m. We also have a children’s service during the English service.

Website - Visit our new website at www.co-opcityumchurch.org to learn more about our church and worship.

Also learn about Buy for Charity on our website and learn how to support our church while shopping online for no extra cost to you.

Neos Programs – The teens, tweens and children’s programs every Friday night at 8 p.m. at the church. We also have for girls & boys liturgical dancing, ages 5 to 12, 8 p.m. on Fridays.

Music School – The church is happy to announce the start of the Crescendo Christian Music School at the church.

Learn piano, guitar, voice and theory.

You can contact Maestro Frank Colon at (917) 753-3644. The school will be open from Monday – Thursday, 2 p.m. – 8 p.m. Private and group lessons. Earlier lessons can be arranged. Come and register if you are interested in learning music. All ages welcome. Free registration and affordable rates.

Choir – All ages are welcome and rehearsals are Thursday evenings at 8 p.m. – 9 p.m. There will be a special choir rehearsal today at 6pm.

After School Program – The after

school program will be starting again and anyone wishing to send their children to a safe environment, where they can do homework, learn what’s in God’s word and just have some fun, please call (718) 671-1033. The after school program is held in the Room 43 of Einstein Community Center.

Lighting of the Manger – Saturday, December 4th is the Lighting of the Manger on the church lawn at 6:30 p.m.

There will also be caroling. After, we will be serving hot chocolate, cake and other goodies. Come and bring a friend and share a blessing as we honor the Lord’s birth.

—Rev. Dr. Milca Alvarez-Plaud

Pentecostal Tabernacle The Pentecostal Tabernacle welcomes everyone to attend worship service at 120 Benchley Pl., Building 24, Bronx, NY 10475.

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

Wednesday evening prayer meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. Bible study on Friday evening at 7:30 p.m.

Focus: The Miracle in the storm- Jesus walks on the things that cause us to fear.

And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying,

It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear: But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer, it is I; be not afraid.

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

And immediately Jesus stretched forth

The Fastest, Most Reliable Car Service in The Bronx!

SKYLINE 3850 Bronxwood Ave., Bronx, NY 10467

718-881-2777 • 718-881-2778 • 718-655-7903 www.skylineluxurycars.net Put Luxury In Your Memory • Courteous Drivers • 24 Hours 7 Days A Week • Service to Airports • Air Conditioned Cars

his hand, and caught him, and said unto him O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

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

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

Just as Jesus was the key to the disci-

ples, security on the sea that faithful night, He is our miracle in the storm of our lives.

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

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

—R ev. R . Sibb lies

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

• FREE CONSULTATION • FLEXIBLE PAYMENT PLANS

“COURTEOUS AND PROMPT SERVICE AT AN AFFORDABLE FEE”

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

DAVID BRODMAN,Esq.

718.239.7110

34

Co-op City Times / November 27, 2010

Bartow

Einstein

Monday, November 29

Library 9:30-1pm, Rm.31

Bingo 11:00 in Rm. 31

Dominos 2pm, Rm. 25

Word Games 9:30 – 11:30, Rm. 31

Canasta 2pm -4pm

Card Games

Thursday, December 2

Wednesday, December 1

Tuesday, November 30

2– 4 pm, Rm. 25 Current Events 10am in Rm. 31 Bingo 10:00 in Rm. 31 Beginner’s Self Defense 9 am in Rm. 31 Advanced Self Defense 10 am in Rm. 31 Dominos 2:30 pm, Rm. 25 Word Games 9:30 –11:30 am in Rm. 31 Card Games 2:30-4 pm in Rm. 25 Stay Well Exercise 10am, Rm. 31 Line Dancing 11 am, Rm. 31 Dominos 2:30pm, Rm. 25 Word Games 9:30–11:30am Rm. 31 Bingo 2pm in Rm. 25 Blood Pressure 1st & 3rd 9-10am, Rm. 31 Card Games 2-4pm, Rm. 25 Library 9am-1pm, Rm. 31 Chat session 9:30am – 1:00pm, Rm. 31 Dominos 2:30pm, Rm.25 Word Games 9:30 -11:30, Rm. 31 Bingo 2pm in Rm. 25 Card games 2:30-4pm, Rm. 25

Friday, December 3

“Movie Madness” 9:30 a.m., Rm. 31 Spelling Bee 11am, Rm. 31 Dominos 2:30pm, Rm. 31 Word Games 9:30 – 11:30am, Rm. 31 Bingo 2pm in Rm. 25 Card Games 2-4pm rm 25

Library 9:30-1pm, Rm.49 Dominos 10:00am, Rm.45 Around the Lunch Table-11:30 in Rm. 49 Bingo1:00 in Rm. 49 Internet Café Rm. 34 2-4pm Walking & Exercise w/Ms. Gaskill 2pm – 4 pm Line Dancing, Rm. 45

Dominos 10:00 in Rm. 49 Tai Chi 11:00 in Rm. 45 Bingo 1:00 in Rm. 49 Internet Café in the Computer Lab 2-4 pm in Rm. 34

Dreiser Crochet & Knitting 9am, Rm. 7

Library, Exercise, Chat Session Rm. 7, 9:30 – 1:00

Stay Well Exercise Afternoon Movie 2-4pm, Rm. 7

Library, Exercise, Chat Session Rm. 7, 9:30 – 1:00 Alert & Alive 10:30, Rm. 7 Mixed Cultural Dance 10:30 in Aud. A Tuesday Movie w/popcorn 2-4 pm in Rm. 7

Non-Kosher

Soups, Breads and Desserts

Shepards pie Carrots

Whole wheat bread Red apples

Mon., Orange pineapple juice Beef casserole Nov. w/macaroni 29 Tossed salad w/dressing Tues., Nov. 30

Apple juice Baked chicken Mixed vegetables Mashed potatoes

Orange chicken Yellow rice Spinach

Rye bread Banana

Wed., Dec. 1

Meatloaf w/gravy Baked fresh yams Green beans and carrots

Meatloaf Linguine Collard greens

Whole wheat bread Fresh orange

Thurs., Dec. 2

Orange juice Rosemary chicken Linguine Broccoli florets

Oven baked chicken Mashed potatoes Oriental blend

Rye bread Peaches in juice

Fri., Dec. 3

Pineapple juice Shindler breaded fish w/tartar sauce

Lentil soup Breaded flounder Potato wedges Green beans

Whole wheat bread Bosc pear

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

Dominos 10 am, Rm. 45

Library, Exercise, Chat session,

Spelling Bee

Rm. 7, 9:30 – 1:00

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

10am, Rm. 49

Tai Chi Spanish Practice Class

11:00 am, Rm. 2

10:30 in Computer lab

Art 1-4pm, Rm. 7

Bingo 1:00 in Rm. 49

Sewing w/Raymonde Internet Café

9:30-11:30, Rm. 7

Rm. 34, 2-4 pm

Library, Exercise, Chat session, Rm. 7, 9:30 – 1:00 Belly Dancing 12:30pm Aud. A Line Dancing 10:00 a.m., Aud. A. “Handi-Flex 1pm, Aud. A Drama – Rm. 7 Blood Pressure 1st & 3rd Thursday 10:00-11:30, Rm. 7 Thursday Movie w/popcorn 2-4pm, Rm. 7

Dominos 10 am, Rm. 45 Stay Well Exercise 10-11, Rm. 45 Spelling Bee 11:00, Rm. 49 Bingo 1:00 in Rm. 49 Internet Café Rm. 34 in 2-4pm Dominos 10 am, Rm. 45 Art 10:00 in Rm. 45 Self Defense 10 am Rm. 45 Bingo 1:00 pm in Rm. 49 Internet Café Rm. 34 2-4pm Card Games Rm. 49 2pm – 4pm Blood Pressure 2nd & 4th Friday 10:00-11:30 Rm. 49

Crochet & Knitting 9:00 in Rm. 2 Day at the Movies w/popcorn 10:00pm, Rm. 7 Meditative Moments 11:00 in Rm. 8 Whist Card Game/ Scrabble 2-4 pm, Rm. 7

*Schedule subject to changes without notice*

WEEKLY TRIPS WEEKLY TRIPS

1st Monday, Dec. 6: 1st & 3rd Mondays: Fridays Tuesdays

Kosher

10:00 in Rm. 2

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

DATES

Date:

Fairway Super Wal-Mart Swimming Classes Bowling

PRICE

$3 $12 $3 $10

PICK UP TIMES Bartow Dreiser

Einstein

1:15 p.m. 1:30 p.m.

9 a.m. 9:15 a.m.

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

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

1:00 p.m.

9:30 a.m.

1:30 p.m.

11:15 a.m.

To register for trips and classes, please call:

(718) 320-2066 Monday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

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

Upcoming Events/Trips I NTE R NE T C AF É E VE RYDAY AT TH E EINSTEI N SENI OR CENT ER, 135 Einstein Loop, FROM 2:00-4:00 P.M. IN ROOM 34. You can explore on the web, check your e-mail, etc. NOTE: THIS IS NOT A COMPUTER CLASS. YOU NEED TO BE ABLE TO USE THE COMPUTER ON YOU OWN. AFT ERNO ON M OVI ES AT DR EISE R FRO M 2: 00 – 4: 00 p.m. in RO OM 7, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday.

Popcorn will be served. Come to the Dreiser senior center to participate in a game of Bid Whist and for all Scrabble fanatics, come join us every Friday afternoon, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Room 7. Come & join us to play Bingo, Word Games, Card games & Dominoes in the Bartow Senior Center from 2-4 p.m. on Monday and Friday and 2:30 p.m.-4 p.m. on Tuesday-Thursday in Room 25.

M on d a y, Decem b er 6t h sch ed u le for sh op p in g a t Fa ir wa y h a s b een ch a n ged t o t h e a ft er n oon , p r ice $3. Transportation – Pick-ups: Einstein Loop at 1:00 p.m., Asch Loop at 1:15 p.m. and Dreiser Loop at 1:30 p.m.

C en t r a l Aven u e Sh op p i n g Tr ip – M on d a y, D e ce m b e r 20t h Tr a n sp or t a t ion /b oxed lu n ch : $13. T h r ee st op s – 1st st op -C h r ist m a s Sh op -2 h ou r s, 2n d St op -Tr a d er J oe’s-1 h ou r , 3r d st op Am a zin g Savin gs-2 h ou r s of sh op p in g.

Pick-ups: Bartow-9:00 a.m., Dreiser Loop9:15 a.m., Einstein Loop-9:30 a.m.

Departure time: 3:00 p.m.

M onday, December 27th, the schedule for shopping at Fair way will be changed b ack t o t h e m or n in g, p r ice $3.

Transportation - Pick-ups: Einstein Loop at 1:00 p.m., Asch Loop at 1:15 p.m. and Dreiser Loop at 1:30 p.m.

Do you need suppor t for an older per son?

A caregiver support group can offer an atmosphere of understanding and support for caregivers to discuss issues and problems.

Whether you care for a loved one from a distance or in your home, you are most welcome.

The group meets every other Tuesday at: 2049 Bartow Avenue, Room 31 from 1-2 p.m. Next session is scheduled for Tuesday, December 7th. The support group is facilitated by a social worker. If you have any questions, please contact JASA at: 718-320-2066.

J ERSE Y GARDENS MALL & IK EAM on d a y, Novem b er 29t h , M on da y Decem ber 13th - 3 hours of shopping at mall & 2 hours at IKEA for only $12. Price includes transportation/boxed lunch. Pick-ups will be as follows: Bartow-8:00 a.m., Dreiser-8:15 a.m. and Einstein-8:30 a.m.

Wa lma r t tr ip has been scheduled for M on d a y, Decem b er 6t h a n d F r ida y, Decem ber 17t h – $12. Price includes transportation/boxed lunch. Pick-ups: Bartow – 9:00 a.m., Dreiser – 9:15 a.m. and Einstein – 9:30 a.m.

Senior Cent er Field Tr ip Per m ission Slip – Effective immediately, all senior center participants will be required to fill out a Senior Center Field Trip Permission Slip before going on any JASA senior center trips. The driver should have a copy of the permission slip in the van at all times. All forms must be filled out prior to going on the trip. If you have not filled out a form prior to the trip, the driver will have blank forms in the vehicle.

DI SABI LI TY SUPPO RT/ SOCI ALI ZATI ON GRO UP The Disability Support/Socialization group meets every 1st Friday of the month at 2049 Bartow Avenue, Room 25 at 1 p.m. For more information and to register, please call: John Sullivan, (718) 671-2090, Ext. 3010.

Transportation will be provided if required.

Blood Pressure screenings Trained volunteers are providing FREE blood pressure screenings to the 60+ community conveniently located at all three of the Co-op City Community Centers.

All you need is to become a member by simply filling out a short application form available at any of the local centers.

L O C AT I O NS & SC H E DUL E : 135 Einstein Loop, Room 45, every 2nd & 4th Friday at 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.; 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 7, every 1st & 3rd Thursday at 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.; 2049 Bartow Avenue, Room 31, every 1st & 3rd Wednesday at 9 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

35

Co-op City Times / November 27, 2010

WEEKLY SCHEDULE BUILDING & TOWNHOUSES ASSOCIATIONS Cooperator’s United: “Meeting” Tues., 12/2; 7:00 pm (Bartow Room 31)

HOBBIES African American Association: “Belly Dance Class” Mon., 11/29; 7:00 pm (Dreiser Room #2) “Yoga/Pilates” Tues., 12/2; & Thurs., 12/2; 7:00 pm (Dreiser Room #2)

Co-op City Duplicate Bridge Club: “Bridge Training Class” Wed., 12/1; 4:00 pm (Dreiser Room #9), “Bridge Game” Wed., 12/1; 6:00 pm (Dreiser Room #9)

RELIGIOUS Deeper Life Church: Tues., 12/2; 7:00 pm (Dreiser Room #1) Church of the New Vision: “Bible Studies” Sun., 12/5; 9:30 am (Einstein Room #38) Faith @ Work Christian Church: Thurs., 12/2; 6:30 pm and Sun., 12/5; 8:00 am both dates in (Dreiser Room #8)

Iglesia Cristiana Marcos 16:15: Sun., 12/5; 10:00 am (Einstein Rm #35) Harvest Restoration Ministries: Wed., 12/1; 7 pm & Sun., 12/5; 10:00 am (Dreiser Room #10)

Mt. Calvary Baptist Church: Thurs., 12/2; 5:30 (Dreiser Room #9) Circle of Christ Church: “Children’s Bible Class” Sun., 12/5; 10:00 am (Dreiser Room #2)

SCOUTS Girls Scouts of New York: “Meeting” Fri., 12/3; 5:00 pm (Dreiser Rooms #1, 2, 4, & 9) Cub Scouts: “Meeting” Thurs., 12/2; 6:30 pm (Dreiser Room #4)

SENIORS JASA Senior Services “luncheon”: Mon-Fri 11/29;-12/3; 8:00 am (Bartow Room #31) Retirees of Dreiser Loop: “Meeting” Wed., 12/1; 1:00 pm (Dreiser Aud. A)

SERVICE & CIVIC Weight Watchers Nutrition Program: Tues., 12/2; “Meeting Time” 6:00 pm (Dreiser Room 4)

Williamsbridge Club: “Meeting” Fri., 12/3; 5:00 pm Dreiser Room #

Baychester Library Events VISIT THE LIBRARY — A GREAT WEALTH OF INFORMATION

— 2010/2011 Book Discussion — Thursdays • 1:30 p.m.

Titles can now be reserved through the library. Participants should read each selection in advance and be prepared to take part in the discussion. Admission is free.

Please sign up at the Information Desk.

Game On! - Every Monday, 3:30 p.m. • TAG - Every Tuesday, 4 p.m. • Storytelling/ Poetry Group - 1st Wednesday, 4 p.m. • KIDS Reading Aloud - Every Wednesday, 3:30 p.m. • Teen Book Café - 3rd Wednesday, 4 p.m. • Chess For All - 1st Friday & 3rd Thursday, 3:00 p.m. • Card Games - 3rd Friday, 3:15 p.m. • Teen Book Group - 1st Friday, 3:15 p.m. • Teen Games - 3rd Friday, 3:15 p.m.

The Baychester Branch Library presents the following programs:

Sing for Life, Sing for Joy — Pamela Warrick-Smith A Ten-Session Workshop To Promote Enjoyment of Choral Singing Class Dates: 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.: Tuesdays, Nov. 23, 30; additional session: Tues., Dec. 14, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Performance and Reception/Sat., Dec. 11 • 2 p.m.

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

NEW HOURS: Monday & Wednesday, 10-7; Tuesday & Thursday, 10-6; Friday & Saturday, 10-5 Libros En Español (Books in Spanish) Horario de la biblioteca: Lunes 10-7, Martes 10-6, Miércoles 10-7, Jueves 10-6, Viernes 10-5, Sábado 10-5, Domingo Cerrado

718.379.6700

FREE ADMISSION TO ALL

AARP Chapter #4997 FYI: Peachtree Holiday Celebration at Villa Barone Manor, Thursday, December 9, 1 p.m.-5 p.m.

Transportation: (2 buses) available on a “first come, first serve” basis, leaving from Asch Loop (in front of the library) at 11:45 a.m. Please be on time…

Get well wishes extended to our member, Margaret Watson.

To notify Peachtree Chapter of illness or bereavement, contact Frances Wilson, Good & Welfare Coordinator, 718-671-5493.

2010 T O UR C O M M I T T E E AC T I VI T I E S December 30 (Thurs.) - January 1 (Sat.), 2011 – New Year’s Eve at the Desmond Hotel (Malvern, PA); includes 4 hour stay at the Sands Casino (Bethlehem, PA) or free time in the town of Bethlehem; after checking-in, dinner & show at the Desmond Hotel; buffet breakfast at the hotel; choice for the day (New Year’s Eve): 4 hour stay in Atlantic City or a narrated tour of Philadelphia or shopping at the King of Prussia Mall or a day at the Desmond (playing cards, a movie, Bingo or swimming); attend the New Year’s Eve Cocktail Party and Surf & Turf Dinner w/Open Bar, champagne toast, hats, noise makers, music & dancing & more; New Year’s Day Brunch w/music & dancing and a show before departing for home – $530/person - double; $630 single; $520/person - triple; ($50/person trip insurance – optional) -- There are a few seats available w/full payment – IMMEDIATELY!!…contact Delores – 718-379-2176.

2011 TOUR C OM M ITT EE AC TI VI TI ES: January 19 – 29 – “No-Fly” Cruise Winter Escape; 11 days/10 nights; depart from New York via Deluxe Motor Coach w/overnight stops; arriving in Charleston (SC) to board the ship to Key West (FL); Nassau & Freeport (Bahamas); returning with overnight stops; pricing to be announced; trip insurance optional (recommended) – contact Jeanne – 718-379-3742.

February 15 – Try your “New Year’s Luck” at the Tropicana Casino (Atlantic City, NJ); roundtrip deluxe Motor coach - $38 -- (bonus to be announced) – contact Daisy, 718-671-3241.

April 7-19 (12 days) - TRIP CANCELLED. May 2nd & 3rd – It Just Doesn’t Get Better Than This – 2 days/1 night (at Comfort Inn - Mystic, CT); Shopping in Olde Mistick Village; Live Musical Theater at the Cornerstone Playhouse; 5 hour stay at Foxwoods Casino (meal voucher & Keno); Breakfast at Comfort Inn; off to Mohegan Sun w/lunch meal voucher and casino bonus; back to Cornerstone Playhouse w/shopping and show time and home w/a box lunch -- $165/double & $195/single – $50 deposit due w/registration/balance due

by March meeting – contact Delores, 718379-2176.

May 24 (Tues.) – Chubby Checker & the Wildcats at the Twin River (MA) Casino; roundtrip motor coach; $10 slot bonus; gourmet box sandwich @ the Casino - $90/person – contact Delores, 718—Delor es Debnam 379-2176.

Handicapped Adults Association On Wednesday, November 24, there will be an unveiling of a plaque for Anna Capell and Jack Amaro. It will be held at 10:30 a.m. in the hallway with our wall of plaques.

FLEA MARKET: We will be selling Christmas cards and wrapping paper for the holidays. Watch this column for further information.

DUES: Dues for the year 2011 is now

due. Either mail or bring the dues to the Handicapped Adults, 177 Dreiser Loop, Rm. #13, Bronx, N.Y. 10475., or bring it to the office.

MEETINGS: Our next Board meeting will be January 14, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. The General Membership meeting will follow at 11:30 a.m., Dreiser Community Center, Room #1.

—Ar len e R od r iq u ez

Goose Island Seniors Sunday, November 28—Bingo Game in Room 39 at 1:30 p.m. Admission is $3.

Everyone is welcome. Refreshments served.

Tuesday, November 30—Going to Atlantic City RESORTS CASINO. Price is $27. Rebate is $20. You can use more than one machine. Time 8 a.m. at 3 usual bus stops--Einstein Center, Asch Loop (back of library) and Dreiser Loop.

Wednesday, December 1 - Bingo Game

in Room 39 at 1:30 p.m. Admission $2 for members only. Refreshments served.

Our Meeting November 18 was a big success. We wished everyone HAPPY HOLIDAYS. Our next meeting will be March 17, 2011.

See Ann or Mary for more information 718-379-9613, Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. 4:30 p.m. or come to 135 Einstein Center.

GOOD HEALTH TO ALL. —M ar y P illa

Einstein Cancer Fund A Happy birthday or Anniversary is wished to all celebrating this coming month of December.

We are going to Showboat Casino on Tuesday, December14th.The cost is $27 with a bonus of $30 slot play. Please bring your casino plus a valid photo ID. Pick-up is 8 at a.m. starting at Einstein Loop, followed by Asch Loop and Dreiser Loop.

Our next membership meeting will be on Tuesday, December 7th at 1:30 p.m. in room 38. This will be a Bingo meeting and you can bring your friends If they wish to

attend. This will be our last meeting until March 1st. Lets make this meeting a celebration of the holidays. Refreshments will be served.

For the Showboat Casino trip , please call Mildred at 718-320-0288, Loretta at 718-671-2958, or Lydia at 718-671-3005.

For memorial cards, please call Loretta.

Our prayers of healing and well wishes go out to Mildred Morgenstern who suffered a fall causing her painful discomfort to her back and wrist. Good health is —Lyd ia R u a s wished to all.

36

Co-op City Times / November 27, 2010

Thanksgiving Reflections

by Rabbi Solomon I. Berl Spiritual Leader of Young Israel Synagogue In large groups and in small, people all over the United States gathered on Thursday to celebrate Thanksgiving.

During the early years of our nation, Thanksgiving represented an in-gathering of true harvest. Today, as most of us lead compartmentalized, urban lives, Thanksgiving more accurately represents an ingathering of the clan.

Relatives, extended family and friends come together at Thanksgiving - from across the miles and down the street.

On Thanksgiving, we take special delight in preparing and eating a festive turkey dinner complete with all the table-laden trimmings. We enjoy the long weekend holiday that follows,

and the opportunity it affords for family members and friends to be together on a happy occasion.

On a more serious note, Thanksgiving - to Jew and Christian alike - is a time for religious reflection and prayer; it is a special occasion to acknowledge G-d’s role in helping provide the bountiful harvest - the good life - we are privileged to enjoy.

Finally, occurring as it does on the very precipice of winter, Thanksgiving remind us that at the same time we partake of the cornucopia of plenty, we must also prepare for the leaner times and greater challenges that inevitably lie ahead.

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 a.m. until 7 a.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A HAPPY CHANUKAH TO ALL. DONATIONS OR DUES CAN BE SENT TO THE OFFICE. —F r ied a E p st ein

Men’s Club Traditional Synagogue I would like to announce that the Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City will hold a CHANUKAH LUNCHEON and GAME PARTY on Sunday, December 5.

The TIME of the party will be 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., at a COST of $5 per person.

The main refreshments will be fruit cup, potato latkas, sour cream and applesauce, egg salad and tuna fish salad.

Dessert will be donuts, coffee and tea.

After the luncheon, we will be playing bingo or bring your own playing cards, board games, Rummy Q, or Mah-Jong.

Call for reservation: Mimi, (347) 4274526 or office, (718) 379-6920.

Remember: Everyone is welcome.

The Men's Club would like to wish everyone a HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY. —Br u ce G it elson Shalom!

Castle Hill

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

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

Traditional Synagogue

The Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City, Young Israel of Baychester, Section 5 at 115 Einstein Loop, welcomes you to pray with them. Tel. 718-379-6920 Note: Office hours are on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Sunday, we are here from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Candle lighting on Friday, December 3, is before 4:09 p.m. Shabbos ends today, Saturday, November 27, at 5:14 p.m. We recite Havdallah (The Recital over the Wine) at the end of Shabbos.

Mincha services on Saturday, November 27 are 12 p.m./12:13 p.m.

The community is always welcome to attend our various functions and enjoy a great day of fun and friendship. Rabbi Kronengold is encouraging you all to attend his most informative classes on the “Codes and Customs of Jewish Prayers.”

Coming Events Saturday, November 27 at 9 a.m.Morning services. The Parsha is: Vayeshev. Join us at the Shabbat services. Mincha is 12 p.m./12:13 p.m. The Rabbi’s class is at 4:150 p.m. Shabbat ends at 5:14 p.m.

Chanukah: Wednesday evening, December 1st through Thursday, December 9th.

As the Torah commands us not to light fires on the Shabbos day (December 3rd), we light Chanukah candles before Shabbos candles, and we light larger candles.

Sunday, December 5 from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. – A Chanukah celebration sponsored by the Jewish Community Council of Pelham Parkway. Let’s get together for a fun afternoon of latkes, applesauce, etc. This is a game afternoon

too! Bring your favorite game(s) and bring your friends. The cost is $5 per person. Reservations are necessary.

Make your reservations by calling Mimi at 1-347-427-4526. If I am not available, leave a message on my answering machine, include your telephone number and I will return your call. We are in the shule on Thursday and Sunday, so you can call 1-718-379-6920 (see office hours).

Rosh Chodesh (The beginning of the month) Tevet commences on December 6th (nightfall) through the 8th.

Monday, December 6 at 1 p.m.Sisterhood General Membership Meeting and drawing of the annual raffle.

Sunday, December 12 - Sisterhood Bingo at 1:30 p.m.

Good and Welfare: Happy birthday and anniversary greetings to all who are celebrating during the month of December.

For Sale: Metal folding chairs reasonably priced at $2.50/chair. Thanksgiving is coming and you may need extra seating. This is a great bargain! Call Mimi at 1-347-427-4526.

Do you need a tree certificate sent in “Honor or in Memory” of a special occasion or a condolence? You can call the shule at 1-718-379-6920 and we can accommodate you.

Happy birthday wishes for December to Robert Linder on the 21; to Albert Abel on the 23; to Jerry Berlofsky & Gary Schwartz on the 26 and to Sheila Linder on the 28th.

Please! Support the Synagogue. We always need your help. Thank you.

Shalom!

—Miriam Evelyn Berlofsky

Co-op City Jewish Community Council The Co-op City Jewish Community Council is happy to host its annual Hanukkah luncheon on Tuesday, December 7 at 12:30 p.m. in Room #9 of the Dreiser Community Center. Rabbi Berl will be on hand to lead us in song, and Anita Gelarre will accompany him on the piano. The cost will be $4, and you can reserve a seat by coming into our office in Room 18 (Dreiser Community Center), or by calling 718-320-1234. Please call AFTER 9 a.m. on Monday, the 29th, as we

will not be taking calls over the weekend!

We also are pleased to announce a new program called HOPS - Home Organized Personal Services. It is sponsored by the NORC Supportive Services Center, Inc. This is similar to a purchasing co-op in that by joining, you can receive discounts on eyeglasses, hearing aids, home health care, legal services and, most significantly, a personal emergency alert system. For more info., please contact Lynn Levine at the Council: 718-320-1234. —Lyn n L evin e

Association of Building 14 Cooperators Congratulations to Kimberly Reed, the winner of our first Thanksgiving holiday giveaway! Ms. Reed and some 125 other cooperators were eligible for the holiday drawing having joined the Association during its initial 2011 Membership Drive.

She received a $25 Stop & Shop gift card.

As the winter holidays approach, at last week’s meeting, the membership decided on the following schedule of activities and invite all to participate: On Thursday, December 9, starting at 6 p.m., we will decorate the lobby and serve light refreshments there as well. Then, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 10-12, we will conduct our collection for building staff during various times. A final schedule will be in next week’s newspaper and/or posted via a flyer. Thanks to all

who have already volunteered to help; others are welcome to “show up and pitch in.”

Since Thanksgiving really kicks off the holidays, we hope that each and every one of you remember the reasons for the holiday seasons and thus will take the opportunity to reflect on your inner spirit and draw closer to your family, friends and community. Should times be particularly difficult at this time, I encourage you to “hold on.” Many of us are just a paycheck away from hardship and “the unpredictable” certainly doesn’t discriminate, so let’s be thankful and thoughtful.

Please direct any comments or concerns to jdfergienyc@juno.com or call 917.612.1951.

—J .D. Fer gu son

37

Co-op City Times / November 27, 2010

Church of God’s Children Church of God’s Children and its pastors, Archbishop Angelo and Bishop Nancy Rosario, invite you to come and worship with us every Sunday at 1:00 p.m. We are at 127 Dreiser Loop downstairs near the Montefiore Health Center.

718-790-9120.

Sunday - Worship in English at 1 p.m.

Sunday -Worship in Spanish at 9:30 a.m.

Sunday - Bible Studies – 11:30 a.m.

Tues. & Thurs. - Bible Study - 7 p.m.

Wednesday – Prayer 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.; 12-Step fellowship at 159 Dreiser Loop, 7 p.m.

Fundraising ministry is opens Tues. & Thurs., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. – Bibles, children’s books, gift items, new & used books, CD and DVD’s of Bishop Rosario’s sermons.

Bronx Clergy Task Force Reminder of Peace in our Streets initiative – call 1-866

GUN-STOP to anonymously report any illegal guns. Bronx Clergy Task Force Meetings are held the 2nd Wednesday of each month at Bx. County Supreme Court House, 851 Grand Concourse – Rm. 915 – 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Next meeting, Wed., Dec. 8th.

The Adopt-A-Friend, the Bronx Clergy Task Force, Bronx Elected Officials, Bronx Community Boards along with other Peace-Promoting Partners, are calling for the City leadership to make December a Peace Month in the Bronx. This Peace December concept has been conceived out of the involvement we have in both citywide and borough wide programs, to address the social perspectives in promoting a friendlier atmosphere in the Bronx and the city.

PEACE DECEMBER GRAND

LAUNCH ON Wednesday, December 1, 12:30-3:30 p.m., Bronx Supreme Court Rotunda, 851 Grand Concourse.

Officiated by Hon. Aurealia Greene, Bronx Deputy Borough President.

Sat., Dec. 18 – Women’s fellowship will be at the annual Bay Park Nursery Holiday Visit-if you want to attend, please be at the church at 1:00 p.m.

Sat., Dec. 18 – at 7 p.m. – we will present a Free Holiday Praise and Worship Concert.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: The Purpose of Blessings How do we respond to the life God has given us? One important aspect of our response is a willingness to help other people. The good things God gives us should be used to serve others. People often ask why God allows trials. When

we are in a trial, we want to know why.

Why has this pain come upon us? Why me? We may even stay awake at night thinking about it, praying about it.

But have we ever considered why God allows blessings? We usually don't lie awake at night wondering why God has allowed such a thing to happen to us. We act like it's normal for God to give us a good life. We usually accept these blessings, give thanks and enjoy them without a lot of further thought.

But we really do not deserve blessings, so when they come, we ought to ask, Why? God doesn't owe us anything. He has not promised us health and wealth.

Yet every one of us has blessings, and we need to ask, Lord, why has this happened —Bishop Na ncy Rosa r io to me?

St. Joseph’s Anglican Episcopal Church St. Joseph’s Anglican Episcopal Church is located at 155 Dreiser Loop, Bronx, NY 10475 on the lower level.

Telephone: (718) 320-0844.

Week ly Sch ed u le: Sunday: Service 9 a.m. Sunday School 9 a.m.

Wednesday: Bible Study 7 p.m.

Thursday: Choir Rehearsal 7-8 p.m.

Friday: Youth Group 4-6:00 p.m.

Young Adults 6:30-9 p.m. The Sunday School leads services every fourth Sunday and the Young Adults lead

services every fifth Sunday.

Up com in g E ven t s: Tentative Calendar of Services and Events for December, 2010.

1. November 21 – Last Sunday of Pentecost, Christ the King Sunday, Harvest Sunday, National Thanksgiving Day Celebrated 2. Sunday, November 27 – Fundraising Trip to Atlantic City 3. Saturday, December 4th…TBA 4. Sunday, December 5th - Second Sunday in Advent (A service of

CO-OP CITY FOOT CARE CENTER

Advent Songs and Readings.)

5. Saturday, December 11thMutual Study of Ministry, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

6. Sunday, December 12th- Third Sunday in Advent 7. Saturday, December 18th – All Church Christmas Party sponsored by the Men’s Club 8. Sunday, December 19th – Fourth Sunday in Advent (A Service of Christmas Carols and Lessons) 9. Friday, December 24th –

Christmas Eve; Mass with Carols and Lessons, Beginning at 7 p.m.

10. Saturday, December 25th Christmas Day – No Service.

11. Sunday, December 26th – First Sunday after Christmas (Sunday School Children Leading the Service; Christmas Pageant in place of Sermon) My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.

(Psalm 121) —Kevin Wa lla ce

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

SECTION 5 • BUILDING 29C 4240 HUTCHINSON RIVER PARKWAY EAST

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

Most Union and Insurance Plans Accepted.

HIP CMO (Montefiore) Health Plan Accepted.

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

Se Habla Español MEDICARE ACCEPTED • HOUSE CALLS BY APPOINTMENT

Diabetic Patients with Medicare may be eligible for shoes.

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

Evening and Saturday Appointments Available

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

(718) 671 - 6000

38

Co-op City Times / November 27, 2010

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

Records Wanted

SE RVICE S

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

1/1/11

Appliances Repair

L & L APPLIANCE REPAIR

NYC License # 1233497

Present This Coupon (except Vacuums)

STOVES • WASHERS • REFRIGERATORS VACUUM CLEANERS and more NYC License #1233497

718.792.2655

3637 BRUCKNER BLVD.

718.684.4140 • 631.838.9456 (c)

B e a u t y B e gi n s He r e!

T r e a t y o u r s el f t o d a y !

• Eyelashes 1-2 weeks $15.99 • Airbrush Make-up (For Brides to be $125/w Free Lashes) • Eyebrows $5 • Facial waxing $50

EMERGENCY SERVICE

L & L APPLIANCE REPAIR

• Clean Appliances • Cabinets • Tables & Chairs • Sanitize & Scrubs • Sinks & Back Splash

• • • • • •

Under Arms $10 Full Legs $40 Back Waxing $45 Facials $50 Mini Facials $35 Microdermabrasion (10 Sections) $400

All Rooms: • Clean • Nightstands • Mirrors • Dressers • Lamps & Under Bed • Dust & Vacuum • Doors • Blinds • Lamps • Furniture • Wash Floors throughout • All Bed Linen Changed

Bathrooms: Disinfect Showers/Bathrooms • Vanities Mirrors • Sink & Toilets • Wash & Scrub Floors Call For FREE Estimates — Seniors Will Receive Discounted Rate!

P er m a n en t m a k e u p : • Eyebrows $150 • Eyeliner $100 (pair)

• ALL MAKES & MODELS

• Stoves • Washers • Dryers • Dishwashers • Refrigerators • Bags • Hoses • Belts • Vacuum Cleaners

Call:

• Lip liner $180 • Moles $30

Blinds

For More Information, Call

718.792.2655

10% DISCOUNT

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

(except Vacuums) 10/22/11

SERVING THE BRONX SINCE 1939 UNITED APPLIANCE SERVICE Sales & Service on All Makes: Washers, Dryers, Dishwashers, Stove & Refrigerators, Air Conditioning, Vaccum Cleaners

• Service within 24 Hours • In Home Repairs • Free Estimates with Repairs • Short time only service charge $24.95

718.829.9090

FAMILY BLINDS SERVICE Serving Co-op City for over 25 years

1/1

RENOTEX.COM

Carpet, Furniture & Vinyl Floor Cleaning Since 1945

NEW STYLE BLINDS All Colors • Vertical • Minis Woods • 2 in. Regulars

FREE VALANCE & INSTALLATION NEW WINDOWS?

SUMMER CLEANING SPECIAL ANY 3 ROOMS OF CARPET — $99 3 SEAT SOFA — $90 AREA/FINE RUGS PICK-UP & CLEANED Includes FREE DEODORIZER

FREE PHONE QUOTES FABRIC & LEATHER FURNITURE CLEANED FURNITURE WOOD POLISHING

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 12/4

Ms. Jackson

718.496.7286

11/27

Family Owned & Operated Since 1954 NYC License # 1233497

10% Discount when Mentioning This Ad

Kitchen: Wash, Dry & Store Dishes

S h a in a’ s S pa & M a ke - u p

10/22/11

LIMIT — One Coupon Per Person

Licensed & Bonded

Cleaning Service — Our staff are expertly trained with the utmost professionalism. We use the highest quality environmental safe green products. We do residential checklist and service agreement to ensure your satisfaction.

Holiday Specials @

L&L APPLIANCE REPAIR $20 OFF

11/27

Beauty

EMERGENCY SERVICE

SE RVICE S

JACKSON CLEANING SERVICE

For prompt service call:

(718) 379-8782

•

Cleaning Service—Carpet, Furniture

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

12/25

10/22/11

S ERV IC ES

Appliances Repair

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

Call 718.792.2655

SE R VI CE S

AC E AP PLI ANC E RE PA IR

DR. STEVE’S APPLIANCE REPAIR

Stoves • Washers Dryers • Refrigerators Vacuum Cleaners, and more 10% DISCOUNT (except vacuums)

•

DAY-EVENING-SATURDAY APPOINTMENTS

(718) 829.7970

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

E-Mail: Info@Renotex.com Residential & Commercial • Fully Insured & Certified 11/27 All Major Credit Cards Accepted

1058 Morris Park Avenue 11/27

Cleaning Service

UNITED APPLIANCE SERVICE Vacuums

11/27

SALES & SERVICE Bags, Belts & Filters 1058 Morris Park Avenue 718-829-9090 Free Pick up & Delivery

Co-op City Department of Public Safety

(718) 671-3050 www.ccpd.us.

A BEE RAG SERVICE, INC. LET US SERVE YOU!

1/1/11

Cleaning Service • Carpet Cleaning • Carpet Removal • Personal Shopper Elder Care ($100 for 4 hrs.) • Painting • Upholstery Cleaning • Floor Re-finishes Call us for a quote and other services we provide.

(718) 798-4259 or sales@abrags.org. THANK YOU!

Advertise! Call: 718.320.3300 ext. 3380

SPOONERS DOMESTIC SE RV I C E • • • •

4 Hour Minimum General Cleaning — $72 + tax Semi-Heavy Duty & Senior Care — $80 + tax Super Heavy — $120 + tax Bonded • 7 Day Accept Cash, Pay-Pal:

www.spoonercleaning.com Call

(718) 320-5112

1/29

39

Co-op City Times / November 27, 2010

CLASSIFIEDS

C o - o p C i t y T i m e s • c c t im e s @ r i v e r b a y c o r p . c o m

Computer Consultant, Sales & Repair

Locksmith

Slipcovers

Dataway

FAMILY LOCKSMITH

(718) 746-8925

Computers, Inc. Networking, Maintenance, Repair

HIGH SECURITY LOCKS 20% Off Any Lock Job! Medco • MultiLock • Wilson

$40 Field Service MICROSOFT CERTIFIED PROFESSIONALS

High Quality Labor For a Low Price!

FREE Phone Consultation Call:

646-326-2676

Visit Us: www.dattaway.com All Major Credit Cards Accepted Celebrating 10 years of service to Co-op City.

PLASTIC SLIPCOVERS

Licensed and Bonded

TABLE PADS CUSHIONS REFILLED • NEW FOAM RUBBER SOFA PLATFORMS 1/8 LOW, LOW PRICES

ALL STATE DECORATORS

Serving Co-op City for over 25 years.

“When you see me, You’ll know me.”

12/4 Call Anytime • Seven Days A Week

Call Mike at: 718-974-1290

1/8/11

Moving

Upholstery/Blinds

REUPHOLSTERING

Custom Craftsmen - 40 yrs. experience. Sofas & Chairs upholstered; Slipcovers-Fabric & Plastic; Kitchen Chairs - $8.99 & up: Caning; Venetian Blinds; Drapes - Custom made Refinishing, Touch up & Polishing of Furniture

S T Y LI S H DEC O RAT O RS 3314 White Plains Rd. • Bronx, NY 10467

Access Computer Consultants Service • Repair • Instruction

Call (718) 473-0772 Free Telephone Consultation $25/Hour Field Service Professional, Knowledgeable and Courteous Service

24-Hours a day / 7 days a week

11/27

Floors

M & M FLOORS

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

10% Co-op City resident discount.

Call Mike. (718) 792-0024

1/1

Handyman

HANDYMAN

MOVING

R O N ’S

Low Low Rates Residential/Commercial Local & Long Distance NO Extra Charge for Stairs, Weekends or Holidays.

FREE Mattress Covers Flat Rate/Free Estimates NYSDOT # T-35528 USDOT # 1060058

RUBBISH REMOVAL

Trucking Corp.

914.

423.

1773

Residential/Commercial Estate Clean-Outs ✔ Construction ✔ Refrigerators ✔ Stove ✔ Paint Cans ✔ Wood Anything Non-Hazardous

Building Management Companies Welcome to Enquire!

Telephone Jacks

TELEPHONE JACKS Installation/Repairs • Business & Residential

$75

917-482-5135

•CAT 5-Wiring • No Dial Tone • Static On Line • Hum On Line Verizon Trained 11/27 Window Cleaning

GEORGE’S CLEAN WINDOWS Professional Window Cleaning • FAST RELIABLE SERVICE Cell:

12/25

FIRST JACK

Verizon Charges $201/Jack

914.423.1773

THE HOLIDAYS ARE HERE! NEED THE HOME SPRUCED UP? CALL ME 646-234-1676. I AM YOUR HANDYMAN!

11/27

7 18 . 88 1 . 7 6 91

1-203-482-6337

11/27

1/15

Home Improvement

1-800-479-2667

Music

LOVE-JONES PRODUCTION FOR THE LOVE OF MUSIC

Advertise! Call: 718.320.3300 ext. 3380

JASON LASH

DJ PLAYETTE

• VERTICAL BLINDS • RANGE HOODS • MINI BLINDS • LIGHT FIXTURES • SINK VANITIES • KITCHEN CABINETS • SPACE SAVERS • CABINET REFACING • MATCHING HAMPERS • COUNTERTOPS • BATHTUB ENCLOSURES • CUSTOM CLOSET MIRROR DOORS • CLIP-ON MIRROR FRAMES • CUSTOM WALL MIRRORS

DJPlayette.com DJPlayette@aol.com

Co-op City Times

347-664-1952 DJPlayette@facebook DJPlayette@twitter

CLASSIFIED ADS: 718-320-3300, x3380

11/27

11/27/10

Rates: $6 for 20 words or less

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

Display Classified: $8.00 per column inch.

Submit your articles for clubs & organizations via email to: cctimes@riverbaycorp.com

Fee is payable in advance. No exceptions. No refunds.

Checks or Money Orders ONLY payable to Co-op City Times must accompany ad. (We will no longer accept cash.)

Deadline is MONDAY at 3 P.M., except when there is a holiday, in which case the deadline is moved up one day or as announced.

40

Co-op City Times / November 27, 2010

Co-op Sales Est. 1969

www.co-opsales.info

Need a Facelift?

Change all your Doors, Drawers and Hardware for

UNDER $1000!

WE ALSO DO: • Tub Enclosures • Wall Mirrors • New Kitchen Cabinets and Cabinet Refacing • Medicine Cabinets • Range Hoods • Carpet Cleaning • Vanities • Light Fixtures

CALL 1-800-479-COOP (ask for Jay) Licensed and Insured, NYC Better Business Bureau, NYC Dept. of Consumer Affairs