Co-op City’s official newspaper serving the world’s largest cooperative community.
Vol. 48 No. 49
Riverbay receives more than $383,000 for participating in Con Ed’s summer demand response events This week, representatives of Energy Spectrum, Riverbay’s energy consultants, delivered two checks totaling approximately $383,649 to Riverbay’s Finance Director for the community’s participation in the Con Ed Rider U and Rider S demand response programs during the summer of 2013. “We’re very appreciative of the shareholders, along with the Power Plant operators, for the hard work that goes into participating in these programs,” said David Ahrens, Managing Director of Energy Spectrum. “We look forward to the summer of 2014.” Con Ed’s Rider U program or the Distribution Load Relief Program (DLRP), runs from May through October, and is designed to help Con Edison resolve distribution problems on its electrical networks. Basically, participants, such as the Co-op City Power Plant, are given 1-2 hours BY ROZAAN BOONE
advance notice to reduce their electric demand, then there is either an hour of testing, or five-hour events. The Rider S program, or the Commercial System Relief System, runs concurrent with the DLRP and is open to customers who can curtail load or bring on certain on-site generation to reduce their demand with a minimum of 21 hour notice before a planned event which is generally called when the day-ahead forecasted load level is at least 96 percent of Con Ed’s forecasted summer system peak. Riverbay is in a night peaking network. Both of these programs offer financial incentives for those who have the ability to curtail load during network emergencies. It was developed to complement the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) demand response program, according to Con Edison’s website. While Riverbay has
Thousands of Co-op City residents turned out for one or more of a series of three informational presentations on the recent bulk sale proposal made to Co-op City by Cablevision. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, overflow crowds crammed into the Dreiser, Bartow and Einstein Centers, respectively, to hear details of the proposal which, if accepted, can save the bulk of the community’s cable customers up to $50.95 on their monthly cable bills. Ben Topor, Vice President of Sales BY BILL STUTTIG
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and Retention for Cablevision, made the presentation at each of the three centers on consecutive evenings. During the first half of each meeting, Topor explained the exact details of the proposal, including the monthly savings, which, according to Cablevision, will amount to $50.95 for the vast majority of customers in Co-op City no matter what tier of service they presently receive or plan to receive when and if the bulk sale agreement is approved. Specifically, as Topor pointed out (Continued on page 2)
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Ongoing NYC Health & Nutrition survey includes 60 households from Co-op City
The New York City Health Department and the CUNY School of Public Health have announced that they are conducting the second New York City Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NYC HANES). Until early next year, adults from 3,000 randomly selected NYC households, including 60 from Co-op City, will be asked to answer survey questions and take a physical exam that will provide a picture of the city’s health almost 10 years after the first NYC HANES. Funded by the de Beaumont Foundation, the survey enables researchers to examine changes in New Yorkers’ health over two points in time and assess the impact of several health policies that have occurred since 2004. “NYC HANES helps us get a better look at how New Yorkers are doing and determine ways we can improve the city’s health,” said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley. “For example, ten years ago, blood tests in NYC HANES showed that New Yorkers were breathing in more second-hand smoke than elsewhere in the country. In part because of these results, the city’s parks, beaches and hospital entrances are now smoke-free. An
Cablevision explains bulk sale offer to overflow crowds at all three centers
© Copyright 2013 Co-op City Times
Saturday, December 7, 2013
updated NYC HANES will allow us to gain critical insights about overall health in New York City and will directly set directions for public health for the next decade.” “Unlike many health surveys, which are based entirely on self-report, NYC HANES asks participants to take a brief physical exam and to provide blood, urine and saliva samples for lab tests to assess for common health conditions. This allows us to gain critical new insights about overall health in New York City,” said Ayman A.E. ElMohandes, MD, MPH, the new dean of the CUNY School of Public Health, which is conducting the NYC HANES 2013 survey in partnership with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. “It’s also why the participation of those selected is so critical to the success of NYC HANES. Our rigorous statistical methods have ensured that those selected to participate in this survey represent New York City’s six million adult residents. And by comparing the new findings to those from 2004, we can analyze more objectively how the health of New Yorkers (Continued on page 4)
Ben Topor, Vice President of Sales and Retention for Cablevision, explains the details of the cable company’s bulk sale offer to Co-op City before a standing-room-only crowd in Room 31 of the Bartow Community Center Tuesday evening. Overflow crowds jammed into all three community centers this week to hear details, ask questions and express concerns before deciding whether or not they will vote to accept Cablevision’s offer. Photo by Bill Stuttig
REMINDER: NYS registration deadline for Basic STAR tax credit is December 31, 2013
Co-op City shareholders who are recipients of Basic STAR (School Tax Relief Exemption) are reminded that the deadline to register with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance in order to receive the credit in 2014 and in subsequent years is December 31, 2013. Shareholders who receive Enhanced STAR do not have to participate in this registration process with the state and should continue to do what they have been doing all along – either reapply each year for STAR or opt in for automatic annual income verification. The Basic STAR registration process was undertaken by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance this year in an effort to protect taxpayers from inappropriate or fraudulent STAR claims, and it is a one-time assignment. According to the State Department of Finance and Taxation website, once registration is completed BY ROZAAN S. BOONE
by the December 31st deadline, homeowners who are receiving Basic STAR will not have to re-register every year. Going forward, based on the information provided in the registration process, the Tax Department will monitor homeowners’ eligibility in future years. Earlier this year, the State Department of Taxation and Finance mailed a code to each Basic STAR recipient’s primary address which has to be used to complete the registration process. If you are currently receiving Basic STAR credit and have not received your code, you should contact the department at (518) 457-2036 for further directions. Basic STAR recipients can register for the 2013/2014 STAR tax credit at the New York State Taxation and Finance Department’s website at www.tax.ny.gov, or by calling the (Continued on page 4)
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Cablevision
during his presentation of Tuesday evening in Bartow Center, Optimum Preferred customers who now pay the non-promotional rate of $74.95 per month will have their cable bill affect no charge for their television service and they will pay only $24 that will added to the Riverbay maintenance bill, a savings of $50.95 Customers who subscribe to the higher tier packages of Optimum Gold and Silver will also save $50.95, but will receive a slight charge on their cable bill reflective of the price of the elevated service—a $15 monthly charge for Silver and a $35 charge on their cable bill for the highest end Optimum Gold package which includes numerous commercial free movie channels, such as HBO and Showtime. In all these cases, as Topor explained Tuesday evening, as well as in the cases where shareholders also subscribe to Optimum Online and/or Optimum Voice, the savings on the monthly Cablevision bill will be $50.95. The voice and online services are not affected by the bulk service package from Cablevision should it be approved by the community. One package, the Optimum Value package, a lower tier subscription which now costs $64.95 per month at the non-promotional rate, is being offered at a saving of $40.95 per month when accounting for the additional $24 charge on the maintenance bill. With more than 13,000 Co-op City homes now subscribing to Cablevision, the less than 2,000 residents who receive no cable service now will be offered basic channels free of charge with one free cable box provided by Cablevision. The residents who choose to stay with this option will not be charged $24 on their maintenance bill. Residents also have the option of staying with the master antennae service which has provided basic broadcast channels to the community’s homes over several decades. The residents will also not be charged the $24. Topor said during his presentation that aside from the approximately 75% savings on the cost of most subscription packages, the cable company is willing to offer the community additional WiFi hotspots, and an additional fourth community channel to be used at Co-op City’s discretion, and also increased support of Co-op City community events, such as fairs and special live entertainment events in the community centers and on the Greenway during warmer months. Additional services are open for negotiation before the exact terms of the five year contract are negotiated should the community approve the bulk sale agreement. Topor further said that one of the advantages of the five-year deal is that the flat rate of $24 will stay fixed for the first two years and only increase by a small percentage in the final three years to $25.20 in year three, $26.46 in year four and $27.78 in year five, thereby exempting the community from the frequent rate increases imposed by most cable providers in recent years. Many shareholders asked what will happen after the fifth year. Topor said that the community will be given the opportunity to renegotiate the contract or opt out and return to standard pricing after five years. In trying to explain Cablevision’s rationale for offering the cable television packages at such a reduced rate, Topor said that the hope is that with more customers paying a reduced rate, they will likely opt to increase their subscriptions of the top tier premium packages, such as Gold and Silver, and possibly opt to purchase other packages such as Optimum Online and Optimum Voice. After Topor’s approximately 45-minute presentation, he began reading and answering questions submitted by the overflow crowd Tuesday evening. The latter part of the evening involved taking live comments and questions from shareholders that were answered by Topor and Herb Freedman of Co-op City’s managing agent, Marion Scott Real Estate, Inc. The major point of contention regarding the proposed bulk sale agreement is the fact that the $24 charge appears on the maintenance bill as an extra charge. The fact that in lieu of this $74.95 is then taken off your monthly cable bill for a saving of more than $50 did not appease some in the audience Tuesday evening who repeatedly asked for an explanation of why any additional charge had to appear on the maintenance bill at all. Topor tried to explain that all cable television bulk sale agreements, including the thousands that he said are currently in place throughout the nation, including dozens that Cablevision already has in place in the Bronx, works by having the cable company bill the housing company directly for the service and then having the per customer charge passed onto the shareholders in their monthly rent, or in Co-op City’s case, maintenance bills. Freedman, at the outset of the meeting in introducing
Co-op City Times / December 7, 2013 Topor, and several times throughout the meeting, emphasized that the managing agent and Riverbay, in general, has no preference as to whether the community decides to accept the bulk sale agreement or reject it, but was only fulfilling its obligation by presenting the offer to the Board of Directors who then decided to have the shareholders decide by a vote in which at least two-thirds of the shareholders must participate and then two-thirds of those who vote must accept the proposal in order for it to go forward. Freedman further explained that even if the overwhelming majority of the community agrees to accept Cablevision’s plan, in Co-op City’s unique case, it must then go before final approval to the state’s Housing and Community Renewal (HCR) and the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) before going into effect, saying that it will likely be a while before the agreement goes into effect even if and after the community votes for it. HCR has already granted preliminary approval to allow the offer to the point where it is now, which is, having the bulk sale agreement presented to the community in detail and then the community deciding whether to accept or reject the offer, before moving forward with final approval by the supervising agencies. Several who made comments on Tuesday evening at Bartow Center questioned the validity of the voting procedure which involved the collection of thousands of paper ballots. One long-time cooperator suggested printing the question with a “yes” and “no” boxes to be checked on the monthly maintenance bill to get a more accurate accounting of the wishes of each home. Riverbay Board First Vice President Khalil AbdulWahhab, during public comments at the meeting, stressed the importance of getting an accurate count and suggested sending out ballots in a separate mailing to each home. After the meeting, Abdul-Wahhab further explained that he felt that the collection of paper ballots was sufficient for the initial stage of the process as the community’s general interest in the proposed offer is gauged. He added that at this point it has become clear that the community is very interested and now the Board needs to come up with a way to accurately tally the entire community. In a memorandum to the Board of Directors sent Wednesday, the day after Tuesday’s forum in Bartow Center, Freedman, in explaining his suggestion for the voting process after consultation with the Board President Bill Gordon, stated that the proposed or suggested process involves collecting all the ballots and then doing a rough count to determine if a total number of ballots representing two-thirds of the total number of apartments, not counting vacancies, has been collected, that
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number being 10,238. If the amount of ballots collected does not reach that number and it appears clearly that two-thirds of the shareholders have not voted yes for the agreement, then the proposal would be defeated at that initial point, Freedman explained. If it is apparent or possible that two-thirds of the shareholders voted and another two-thirds likely have voted yes, then another count will be conducted under the auspices of many community leaders, such as Building Presidents and organization leaders, during which possible duplicate and/or fraudulent ballots will be eliminated to provide an accurate count in much the same way that paper ballots are counted and verified during the annual Board elections. Another major objection that some cooperators expressed during Tuesday evening’s meeting is what has been perceived to be a deliberate attempt to shut Verizon FiOS from the community, thereby eliminating competition. Freedman emphatically stressed that he and other officials of Riverbay have met and talked with Verizon representatives about coming into Co-op City and wiring its buildings several times over the past few years and in fact reached out to Verizon very recently in trying to get a counter-offer to be presented to the community to the offer presented by Cablevision. The managing agent stressed that Riverbay does not have the legal authority nor would they ever want to keep Verizon FiOs out of the community pointing out that Riverbay has several existing contracts with Verizon to bring phone service into the community. Some at the meeting also questioned Cablevision’s exclusive marketing agreement with Riverbay which has been in place since 2007 and provides Co-op City residents with annual payments of a half-million dollars in exchange for the right for Cablevision to exclusively market their products through Riverbay’s resources. The agreement also calls for several in-kind services provided to the community, including three free community access channels used for the community crawler messaging system and around the clock broadcasts from lobby cameras situated in each building into each Co-op City home in that building . Topor stressed that the agreement does not give Cablevision the right to block Verizon FiOs from wiring and offering their service in Co-op City. He said that to block Verizon FiOs from entering Co-op City would be a serious violation of New York City’s franchising regulations and agreements, all of which Cablevision must strictly adhere to. Freedman added that the decision not to wire Co-op City’s buildings for FiOs to this point has strictly been Verizon’s decision.
THANK YOU for your support for the last 2 years!
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Co-op City Times / December 7, 2013
2nd
Combing ty p Cinext Co-oDrive Blood
Sunday, Dec. 8 — Save the date!!!
Co-op City resident and talented musician Frank Senior will be the featured guest vocalist during the jazz Vespers at St. Peter’s Church with the world renown piano player, Michael Kanan, and the incomparable Valerie Capers, tomorrow, Sunday, December 8th, from 5 to 6 p.m., 619 Lexington Ave., New York; enter on East 54th St. This service will take place during advent, a season of waiting and light. Please join Mr. Senior and this exceptional group of musicians as they bring in and celebrate the holidays. Admission is free and all are invited.
Cablevision sponsors Melba Moore concert in Co-op City
On Friday, Dec. 13, Cablevision is sponsoring two free concerts featuring superstar performer Melba Moore in the Dreiser Auditorium in Co-op City. The first concert is at 6 p.m., and the second at 8 p.m. The entrance ticket is a completed new yellow bulk cable voting ballot – which will be delivered to each Co-op City apartment prior to Friday — with either a “yes” or “no” vote. Ms. Moore will be autographing and taking photos at the end of each concert.
Community Feast and Fellowship, Dec. 25
The Co-op City Seventh-Day Adventist Church is inviting the community to join them as they host their first community Feast and Fellowship on Christmas day, Wednesday, Dec. 25, from 12-3 p.m. at 1010 Baychester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. Stop by and enjoy a meal prepared with love, pick-up a giveaway, fellowship, and/or simply pick up your meal to take out. This event is free and open to the community. Invite your family and friends. For further information, please contact the church at (718) 320-0518.
Remembering the late, great Nelson Mandela.
FRONT PA G E
Riverbay’s Bookkeeping window extended hours remain in effect
In consideration of Riverbay shareholders who work outside of the community and must leave early to travel to their jobs, Riverbay Corporation will continue the extension of the Finance Department’s Bookkeeping window into the new year. The Bookkeeping window, which is located in the Riverbay administrative reception area in the Bartow Community Center, 2049 Bartow Avenue, will continue to open at 8 a.m., instead of 9 a.m., on the two busiest days of the month for the Finance Department—the 10th of the month which is the last day for shareholders to pay their maintenance charges without the $50 late fee, and the last business day of the month when maintenance charges must be paid before legal action commences and a $200 legal fee is assessed. “We are happy to be able to provide the extra hour for the shareholders to remit their payments during the two busiest days of the month,” said Riverbay’s Finance Director, Peter Merola. “This added service comes at no additional cost to the corporation’s shareholders because the Bookkeeping employees agreed to change their work schedule to accommodate the extended hours.” Primarily, shareholders pay their monthly carrying charges by placing their payments in one of the 3 drop boxes located in each community center, but some also pay at the bookkeeping window. Prior to the extended hours being
Load shedding
been participating in the NYISO program since 2004, it was also enrolled and began participating in the Con Ed DLRP in 2008 to maximize the profitability out of the cogeneration plant. Since then, the community has realized significant payments resulting in several million dollars for these load shedding events. With temperatures peaking well into the mid-90’s and above for a whole week this past July therefore increasing demand for energy throughout Con Ed’s service area, the utility called load shedding events for 5 consecutive business days in which the Riverbay Power Plant successfully participated. Brian Reardon, Director of the Riverbay Power Plant, applauded his staff for their superb performance back in July when, over the course of the extremely hot 5 days, they per-
implemented, shareholders waited in the reception area for the window to open at 9 a.m., usually resulting in a crowded waiting room and sometimes with the line stretching out into the corridor. Since its implementation, many more shareholders, including seniors and those who are disabled, have been taking advantage of the extended hours which also results in a crowded waiting room. As a result, Riverbay’s Management implemented a ticketing system whereby shareholders take a number upon entering the Riverbay reception area, and then wait in another room down the hall until their number is called over the intercom and they are directed to report to the reception area for service at the Bookkeeping window. Generally, 5-6 shareholders are called at a time so as not to overcrowd the reception area and create a safety concern. “It became apparent that the crowd which usually fills the reception area on these two days of the month when the Bookkeeping window is open for extended hours is not a healthy one,” explained Riverbay’s General Manager Vernon Cooper. “In addition to making it difficult for staff personnel to access the Administrative office, it also presents a potential fire hazard, and a safety concern. As a result, we’ve taken steps to move some of the shareholders to another room where they can sit and wait more comfortably until they are ready to be seen at the window. This (Continued from page 1)
formed above the expected level, with the end result being the checks that were presented to Riverbay this week. “While maintaining the chilled water system during trips on the main chillers and the temporary loss of one of the Cooling Tower fan for a couple of hours, the plant consistently produced 46-47 degree water out to the buildings,” Reardon said. “Working in a plant that averaged over 110 degrees daily, the staff also ran the second Gas Turbine to export a minimum of 6,000kw to the Con Edison grid. So besides handling Riverbay’s total electrical load, the Cogen Plant exported enough electricity to power an additional 2000 homes from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. every night over the course of those five days.” As a matter of fact, the Riverbay Cogeneration Plant continued to pro-
will also eliminate shareholders standing and waiting in the hallway which prevents the free flow of pedestrian traffic through the building.” The next Bookkeeping window extended hours will be available on Tuesday, December 10, and Tuesday, December 31, when the service will commence at 8 a.m. In January, 2014, the extension of the Bookkeeping hours will continue on Friday, January 10 and Friday, January 31. On Monday, February 10 and again on Friday, February 28, extended Bookkeeping hours will be available starting at 8 a.m. Extended hours will also be available on Monday, march 10 and Monday, March 31, as well as Thursday, April 10 and Wednesday, April 30. In addition to shareholders paying their carrying charges at the bookkeeping window, or dropping them in the boxes in each of the three community centers, carrying charges can also be dropped off at New York Community Bank branch located inside of the Pathmark store in the Bay Plaza shopping mall. Riverbay does not accept cash; all payments must be made by personal check, bank check or money order. Shareholders should also write their account number and/or building and apartment numbers on any payment to Riverbay and return it along with the stub portion of their bill to ensure proper processing.
vide electricity to the shareholders of Co-op City even though a Con Ed failure during the week of the heat wave left some 4,000 people in the dark in the Eastchester section of the Bronx. In its report to the New York State Public Service Commission on the 2013 demand response, Con Ed wrote: “The Company (Con Ed) does recognize the need to consider and support alternative solutions and, therefore, is committed to further investigating the operational opportunities for resources such as those provided by export customers,” like Riverbay. Despite the fact that the Riverbay Cogeneration Plant is producing all of the community’s energy load, shareholders are still urged to conserve electricity where possible as it results in additional savings for the Riverbay Corporation.
Happy Holidays from the Co-op City Times!
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STAR deadline
Co-op City Times / December 7, 2013
department at (518) 457-2036, Mondays to Fridays, 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. “This new requirement was included in the 2013-2014 state budget to help improve the program and safeguard taxpayer money,” Assemblyman Michael Benedetto explained when the registration process was first announced several months ago. “Improper STAR exemptions cost New Yorkers an estimated $13 million in 2010/11, and that could increase to $74 million by 2015/16. To support the registration effort and to discourage fraud and abuse of STAR, individual fines and penalties were incorporated into the program.” STAR is a state tax relief program that reduces your school property taxes if your income is $500,000 or less. Any shareholder of record who earns $500,000 or less, and uses their Co-op City apartment as their primary resi-
dence is eligible for Basic STAR. Shareholders who may be eligible for Basic STAR, but have not yet applied for the credit, should first apply by going to the New York City Department of Finance website at www.tax.ny.gov, by calling the city’s Department of Finance at (212) 504-4080, or by contacting the city’s 3-1-1 hotline. The same applies to shareholders who may be eligible for the Enhanced STAR credit. To complete your STAR application, you will need the following information: * Buildings 1-25, and Adler, Asch, Broun, Cooper, Debs and Defoe Townhouses are all Block: 5141, Lot: 120. * Buildings 26-35 and the Earhart Townhouses are Block: 5135, Lot: 51. * To calculate your number of shares, you need to know that there are 18 shares per room. Therefore, if you have a 5 room apartment, your number of
has changed over the past decade.” Modeled after the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted by the CDC, NYC HANES gives public health professionals and elected officials the information they need to develop and fund new health programs, introduce new health regulations or laws and educate the public about increasing health risks. The Health Department conducted the first NYC HANES in 2004. Through a detailed health survey and a brief physical exam, NYC HANES collected data from nearly 2,000 New Yorkers. “The de Beaumont Foundation is pleased to support the second NYC HANES,” said James B. Sprague, MD, Chairman and CEO of the de Beaumont Foundation. “It is our hope that the results of this survey will inform public health programs and policies in New York City and, ultimately, provide insight into effective practices that can be replicated in other cities.” “Keeping New Yorkers healthy is fundamental to good quality of life,” said Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney [NY-12]. “Participation in the NYC HANES gives us a better understanding of the chronic health conditions that some City residents face. In the past, NYC HANES has also led to improvements in diabetes management and more smoke-free zones. The findings from this health survey help inform policymakers at all levels of government.” “The team comes to you and pays you to do a check up,” said Morris Park resident Elsie Picciano, one of 150 New Yorkers who already have completed the survey. “The interviewer was absolutely marvelous. They made my experience hassle-free! I can’t imagine anyone not wanting to do it.” Researchers used data from the first NYC HANES in 2004 to learn more about how many new depression and how well these conditions
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NYC HANES
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are controlled. They have also learned about environmental exposures, including second-hand tobacco smoke, lead and mercury. Findings from the study have led to changes in New York City laws and regulations, as well as educational campaigns to improve the health of New Yorkers. As one example, the Health Department was able to discover nearly 40% of all NYC adults were at high risk for heart disease because of their blood pressure or cholesterol levels, which supported the Health Department’s efforts to eliminate artificial trans fats from restaurants and implement the National Salt Reduction Initiative to reduce the salt content in processed foods. The Health Department and CUNY selected more than 100 neighborhoods across the five boroughs and will send invitations to 3,000 adults randomly selected based on the address of their households asking them to participate. Trained staff will follow-up with a visit to these households and randomly select one or two adults to participate. The Health Department and CUNY have solicited support from government officials, the faith community and health organizations to encourage participation. New Yorkers who agree to participate in NYC HANES will receive $100 for 2-3 hours of their time. They can complete the survey in their own homes or at a Manhattan location. Appointments can be scheduled at their convenience, including evening and weekend hours. Survey materials are translated into Spanish, Chinese and Russian. Support for NYC HANES is primarily provided by the de Beaumont Foundation with additional support from Robin Hood, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the New York State Health Foundation and Quest Diagnostics. For more information about NYC HANES 2013, visit www.nychanes.org.
shares will be calculated by multiplying the number of rooms by the number of shares per room (5 x 18) which equals 90 shares. If you have a 4.5 room apartment, your number of shares would be (4.5 x 18) 81 shares, and so on. All Co-op City shareholders of record are eligible for either Basic or Enhanced STAR, but this tax reduction must be filed for—it is not automatic. However, once you have been approved by the New York City Department of Finance to receive STAR benefits, there is no need to reapply each year unless you move. In this case, the shareholder should notify the Department of Finance to cancel STAR at the old address and reapply for it at the new address, if it is their primary residence. Completed applications for both Basic and Enhanced STAR should be mailed to NYC Department of Finance, P.O. Box
311, Maplewood, NJ 07040-0311. The deadline to file a STAR application with the New York City Department of Finance is March 15, 2014. If you are approved, your annual benefit will begin on July 1, 2014. Last year, out of Co-op City’s 15,372 total apartments, 8,714 received either Basic or Enhanced STAR for tax year 2012/2013, totaling $1,121,965. Last year’s credit for Basic STAR was $99.28 per apartment and for Enhanced STAR, $206.04. “These are a one-time credit provided to Riverbay for the current tax year and Riverbay, in turn, passes the credit on to the eligible shareholders,” said Peter Merola, Riverbay’s Director of Finance. “The STAR credits are reflected on the eligible shareholders’ accounts once they are received and listed on their carrying charge monthly statements when disbursed.”
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Management Report Co-op City Times / December 7, 2013
Holdover Proceedings Management meets on a regular basis to discuss lease violations in order to determine whether or not the incident/s at hand warrant that the housing company take legal action against the responsible cooperators and/or their family members. These violations include anti-social behavior, subletting of apartments, poor housekeeping, nuisance issues and any criminal activity that takes place on premises. The idea is that we give all of the information that we have available to our housing court attorneys and let them determine whether or not there is, in fact, enough information to justify going into housing court. Our meetings also allow us to review the cases that have been implemented and follow up on the status of each until they come to fruition. In cases such as poor housekeeping, the judges in housing court will normally give the cooperator in question a certain amount of time to correct the conditions found and will put them on long term probation to monitor how they maintain their unit going forward. In these cases our CSO managers conduct random inspections to ensure compliance; in the case of undesirable behavior, either the family is evicted or given a set amount of time to move out of the development or the judges will ban the individual in question from residing in the premises. In either case, all of this information is maintained by our Legal, CSO and Public Safety Departments.
Marion Scott Real Estate, Inc.
Management Corner
What is still needed, however, is more input from cooperators as you would be the first to know that someone may be subletting their apartment, or that family members in a particular household may be engaged in illegal activity. We will keep all information we receive confidential and we encourage people to call anonymously, if necessary, because if the information provided is accurate, it may go a long way in helping us to address the aforementioned issues. The adage, “If You See Something, Say Something” is very appropriate. As always, we thank you for your cooperation in this matter. Cablevision’s Bulk Rate Proposal This week, with the Board of Directors’ approval, Management held three townhall meetings, one in each community center, in order to give Cablevision a venue to discuss the details of their Bulk Rate Cable Service proposal. At the Monday night meeting, which I attended with Mr. Ben Topor, the representative from Cablevision, a few cooperators asked about the cable bill being considered part of their carrying charges because this initiative will mean that the charge will appear on their carrying charge statements and my response was that it would not be an item that the housing company would be able to bring into
housing court and seek possession for if not paid. Unfortunately, I must recant that statement as I’ve learned that if in fact the State of New York approves the Bulk Rate proposal, the cable charge must become part of the carrying charge in order to help facilitate the housing company’s ability to collect said payments in a timely manner. Therefore, I wanted to make certain that this point was made clear. As I stated at the meeting, the cooperators of this community will solely determine whether or not this proposal goes into effect by simply filling out and submitting the ballots that have been disseminated throughout the buildings. D.O.T. Traffic Survey Over the last few years, Management has made several requests that New York City’s Department of Transportation conduct a traffic survey to determine if and where there is a need for additional signage, traffic signals, markings, etc. throughout the community to help ensure that our residents and visitors are able to travel from one part of the development to the other safely, whether by foot or vehicle. The response that we’ve received in the past is that the traffic patterns that exist throughout the community do not warrant such a study and although we have repeatedly pointed out the significance of having additional traffic signals, in areas close to our shopping centers and schools, we were informed that we did not qualify.
5 However, Management raised the issue again here recently as a result of the construction taking place at Bay Plaza which will result in the addition of between 75 to 80 new stores. Our feeling is that this increase would certainly impact traffic in and out of the community. That being said, the Commissioner of the Bronx D.O.T., Ms. Connie Moran, stated that the new development may now warrant such a study and therefore we have submitted a new formal request to her attention for the implementation of such a study. In our letter, we are asking that any study conducted include certain items we believe are germane to the housing company’s traffic needs. In closing, I believe we are extremely fortunate to have lived during the same time Nelson Mandela lived on this earth. In my opinion, he is truly a great man who has dedicated his entire life to the struggle to improve the lives of others and to have done so in such a humble and forgiving manner for so many years is truly remarkable. Here are some of my favorite quotes from Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
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Co-op City Times / December 7, 2013
Letters to the Editor
Well reasoned letters on bulk cable debate
To the Editor: I was glad to see some well reasoned letters about the bulk cable sale that appeared in the November 30th edition. My former Board colleague, Stewart Berman, was, as usual, very convincing. However, although my individual instinct is to jump at the opportunity to save $50 per month on my Cablevision bill for the next 5 years, my shareholder self still has questions that need answers and I am going to wait to vote on the proposal until I have a chance to get answers when I attend one of the townhall meetings. According to my reading of the agreeTo the Editor: In the November 23rd edition, Tony Illis wrote: “the Board of Directors was never supposed to be a hobby for those who think they know everything or genuinely believe any opposition should be destroyed in the name of those with an unhealthy, inflated sense of self.” Unfortunately, it has become a hobby or status symbol for most of the “ancient relics” on the Board of Directors. We have Board members who believe that being on the Board for hundreds of years brings experience. It
ment, which is supported by the letters written by Berman and Peters, Riverbay would pay Cablevision $24 per month for every apartment that now has Cablevision TV. This is estimated by Berman as about 13,000. Riverbay would recoup this payment by collecting the identical amount from each subscriber. Therefore, there is no cost to Riverbay except the cost of collecting it along with the normal monthly carrying charges. However, by signing this agreement, isn’t Riverbay in effect guaranteeing Cablevision this amount every month? What happens if the number of subscribers changes for some reason? Will Riverbay be liable for the esti-
Real change
brings nothing but complacency and a sense of entitlement. We have people on the Board who should bow out gracefully and go back into retirement. Because of them, we are stuck with Marion Scott management, who, I believe, has a Jim Jones-style influence over them. The Board of Directors are stuck in an infinite loop because residents recycle the same tired Board members year after year by voting for them. In my opinion, the Board is nothing but a cult dedicated to serving the interests of Marion Scott management.
mated payment of about $300,000 each month regardless of any variation in the number of subscribers? This is not clear from what I have been reading. As a matter of fact, if we are indeed guaranteeing that bulk rate (about $300,000 per month), could it even mean that we could make a profit if the number of subscribers were to increase? When I attend the Dec. 2nd meeting in Dreiser and I receive information and assurances that convince me that my shareholder concerns are groundless, I will cast my ballot in favor of the bulk cable sale. —Nels Grumer Feverish belief has replaced reason. At election time, it’s always the same 15 and 20 plus year Board members who are desperately holding on to their seats. Why? What’s in it for them? They are dead weight taking up space. We are stuck with a sinister management company, who I sincerely feel in my heart, does not have Co-op City’s best interests. We will never experience real change as long as these ancient Board members and their management company are in place. —Carlos Hernandez
NYS students continue to receive less
To the Editor: As former President of Bronx Community School Board 11 and a former Board member of the Campaign for Fiscal Equity, I am outraged that students here in Co-op City, in our neighboring community schools, and many others throughout the Bronx, and all of New York, continue to receive less than the resources and opportunities guaranteed by the New York State constitution. The state’s goal of “college and career readiness” is simply empty rhetoric until it fulfills its obligation to provide a base of resources upon which schools can help students reach everhigher state standards and become active and capable civic participants.
The Campaign for Fiscal Equity’s historic win over the State of New York was to ensure that a significantly larger allocation of educational dollars come back from Albany, especially to New York City, and to be spent towards the goal of providing every child with a “Sound Basic Education.” When the Mayor of the City of New York received the votes from the Assembly & Senate legislators to take control of the New York City Schools system, he also took over the control of how the increased dollars in public education dollars from Albany to NYC were to be spent. It is no secret to New York students, parents, and educators, especially those
in lower-income communities, that our kids are being shortchanged, but that fact has also been borne out in several recent studies, including those issued by the Campaign for Educational Equity at Teachers College, Columbia University, and the New York City Independent Budget Office. Our community needs once again to raise its voice and say, loud and clear, “our children are valuable and they deserve better.” If your child’s opportunity to learn has been harmed by an inadequate level of staffing or services at your school, the Campaign for Educational Equity (equity@tc.edu) is interested in your story. —Rod Saunders
If you see something, say something! Call Public Safety at 718-671-3050
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The Co-op City Times welcomes issue-oriented letters to the editor to be considered for publication. All letters, in prose, not poetry, must be addressed to the editor, not to third parties. All letters must be handsigned by the writers and include their addresses and phone numbers, which will be kept confidential, so that the editor can verify the authenticity of the authors. Writers will be limited to one letter per topic. And to give everyone a chance, we will limit writers to one published letter every 30 days. Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Letters cannot exceed 350 words. Ideally, they should be typed. All letters must be in the Co-op City Times office in Room 21, Bartow Community Center, by 3 p.m. every Monday to be considered for publication in that week’s edition. Views and opinions expressed in letters and Directors’ Viewpoint are solely the writer’s, and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times or Riverbay Corp. Advertisements and classified advertisements in the Co-op City Times do not necessarily reflect an endorsement from Riverbay Corporation of goods and services, but present greater options to cooperators of products and services available. The Riverbay Corporation does not assume any responsibility nor is it a party to any contract or agreement between the cooperator and the vendor. All matter published herein is copyrighted by the Co-op City Times. Permission for reprints of advertising or editorial contents produced by the Co-op City Times must be obtained in writing from Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Ave., Bronx, New York 10475.
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Important Notice to Shareholders of Building 6
Article SIXTH of your Occupancy Agreement provides, in part, that your lease automatically renews for an additional three (3) year period. You need to do nothing if you want your lease to extend for another three (3) year period. If you will be moving out at the end of your lease, notify Riverbay, in writing, Attention: Sales Support Office, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475, ninety (90) days prior to lease expiration.
Co-op City Times
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Co-op City Times / December 7, 2013
Public Safety Report
CCPD offers tips for safeguarding your auto
BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO During the holiday season, it is important to be alert in regards to safeguarding your automobile in Co-op City and anywhere you may travel. Being vigilant of your surroundings will help keep you and your vehicle safe during the holiday season and all year long. Co-op City has eight garages available for resident and visitor parking. The garages serve to provide protection against the elements, as well as reducing the opportunity for crime to occur. The holiday season is a good opportunity to brush up on garage etiquette and safety so we provide these safety tips. Auto crimes are often crimes of opportunity. The criminal may observe packages or other valuables inside your vehicle and choose to break in. Try to avoid leaving packages in your auto even when shopping. If this is unavoidable, place packages in the trunk and move your vehicle to another parking spot. Nationwide, thefts of handheld global positioning systems (G.P.S. devices) have been on the rise. If you own one of these devices, never leave it in your auto. Even under the seat or in the glove compartment are not safe options. Be sure to remove the windshield bracket from the window. Carry window cleaning wipes to remove the telltale circles from the windshield caused by the G.P.S. mounting bracket. Parking in the garages offers residents a safer and more convenient option than street parking. Co-op City’s eight garages are patrolled 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year by the Public Safety Department. The Department of Public Safety offers these safety tips and requests the assistance of residents in keeping the garages as safe as possible. Co-op City’s eight garages have all exits locked with entry by key only for authorized persons who possess garage leases. The exits on all four corners, as well as front and rear doors require a key to gain access. It is most important that residents make certain doors lock behind themselves. Garage parkers should also make certain not to open the door for anyone they do not know. It may seem rude not to hold the door, but granting access to persons who are not authorized presents a hazard to
Cooperators United of Co-op City
Reminder that our next meeting is Tuesday, December 17th, 7:00 p.m., Bartow, Room 31, refreshments will be served. Don’t forget to remind our neighbors to hand in their Optimum Preferred Bulk Rate offer forms. It’s important that everyone responds. Please note: Basic STAR registration is ongoing until December 31. Don’t forget to sign up by calling 518-457-2036, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. or at www. tax.ny.gov. Apply for STAR at the NYC Department of Finance, 212-504-4080 or dial New York City Hotline, 3-1-1. We extend our thoughts and prayers to all who are sick and shut-in and to all of you celebrating a special day this month, enjoy. We can be reached at 718-379-7841 or MLSAH @aol.com. —Sonja Maxwell
authorized parkers and their property. It is essential that persons who park their vehicles in any of Co-op City’s parking facilities adhere to all traffic and safety rules. Speed limits must be obeyed at all times. Speed bumps are in place on the lower floors to reduce speeding. Arrows directing the flow of traffic must be followed at all times. Up and down ramps must only be utilized for their intended direction. What may seem like a shortcut can easily become a head-on collision. Garage rules and regulations are enforced by the Co-op City Department of Public Safety, as well as the Parking Facilities Department. Community Complaints can be issued for violations of garage rules. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety utilizes uniformed officers in vehicles, in scooters, on bicycles and on foot to patrol garages. Garage patrols are conducted around the clock. Foot sweeps of garages allow officers to conduct thorough and methodical inspections. Detectives in plain clothes are also utilized to patrol the garages. Video surveillance is also in use within the garages. Upgrading and expansion of video surveillance is ongoing. Reports of suspicious persons or activities are investigated promptly. Any persons observed in the garage may be asked to provide identification, including vehicle registration for vehicle parked in the garage. Persons observed within the garages without a valid reason can be placed under arrest and receive a Universal Summons for Trespass. Arrests can also be made for crimes, including Grand Larceny Auto, Burglary or Possession of Burglars Tools. If the arrested person is a Co-op City resident, a Co-op City Community Complaint which carries a monetary fine can also be issued in connection with the arrest. This year, Co-op City Department of Public Safety has joined City Harvest in its crusade to provide food to the hungry. Collection bins have been set up in all 3 community centers by Public Safety’s Sgt. Nat Diaz. The circular bins are white and gold in color and can be found next to the elevators on the lower level of the Dreiser and Einstein Community Centers, as well as the Public Safety Base next to the Administration Offices at Bartow
Avenue. There is 24-hour access to the last location. Please donate non-perishable items which are not expired. While picking up your holiday items, select a few items for those less fortunate. City Harvest picks up the donations and delivers them to those in need. Collection bins will be in place until January 10, 2014. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety is happy to be teaming up with City Harvest, an organization which helps to keep one million at-risk New Yorkers from going hungry. If donating cash is easier or you would like more information, contact City Harvest. Call 1-800-77-HARVEST or visit www.cityharvest.org/dnrc. In addition to this food drive, City Harvest also rescues unused food from stores and restaurants and delivers it to those in need. Donations are needed year-round for this excellent program. It is most important that garage parkers notify the Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050 and 9-1-1 if they observe any suspicious persons or activity in the garages. Suspicious activity near vehicles parked on the street should also be reported. If you see something that just does not seem right, be sure to call immediately. Your intuition that something is wrong usually is just that and is always worth investigating. Observations by residents have yielded many arrests over the years. Patterns of auto crimes are readily identified and put to an end with the arrest of the person(s) responsible. Active involvement by residents allows auto crime rates within Co-op City to remain among the lowest in the city. Have a safe and healthy New Year 2014. Also be sure to buckle your seatbelt and avoid distractions when driving. If you plan to consume alcoholic beverages, be sure to designate a driver who will not drink or call a taxi. Always remember, if you see something, say something. Call 9-1-1 and the Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050 or online at www.ccpd.us. Callers may remain anonymous when giving information. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety would like to thank all persons who have called in suspicious activity. It is by your actions that the crime rate remains low and a high quality of life is maintained.
2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475 • 718-320-3300
OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY
Tell your friends, relatives and employers about: CONTRACT SUMMARY
Contract 2889, Demolition of Riley Stoker Boiler #2: Demo the Riley Stoker Boiler located in the Cogeneration Plant. Pre-Bid Meeting: November 26, 2013 at 2:00 p.m.
7
Bids Due: December 17, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. Bonding: Bonding is required Insurance: Insurance is required
For information on CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES ONLY, please contact: Lenya Garcia at Lgarcia@riverbay corp.com; AND Barbara Penn at Bpenn@riverbaycorp.com. Please note that emails should be sent to both parties. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
There are no employment opportunities to list this week. Please check back again next week.
Applicants for EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES must apply IN PERSON at the Bartow Administrative Office, located at 2049 Bartow Avenue, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. *Riverbay Corporation is an equal opportunity employer*
Co-op City Department of Public Safety (718) 671-3050 • www.ccpd.us. If you SEE something, SAY something!
8
Where I stand
Co-op City Times / December 7, 2013
We are now in the holiday season, a time of festivity and joy, and also a time to reflect and be grateful for what we have. I’m tired of those who keep harping on how bad things are in Co-op City when I believe this is still the most affordable, relatively safe housing community for you and your family with fairly good services and amenities. Things could be better, yes, but for the most part, we have a good deal here. There’s always room for improvement in certain areas but overall, I think we live in a great community. I am a bit concerned about all the commotion and confusion going on about the idea of evaluating Marion Scott Real Estate, our managing agent. I’m not sure everyone understands what the goal behind this is, whether it’s to try and get rid of Marion Scott or a true evaluation where a Director lists areas where Management is doing well and other places where there’s room for improvement. And I do find it rather inconsistent that HUD credits Marion Scott with making the historic mortgage refinancing possible and then there are Directors who praise and celebrate the HUD agreement, but still want Marion Scott out. Sounds more like sour grapes and politics to me, rather than a true responsible and objective look at the way things are going. I know my position, there is definitely room for improvement, but I think we need to be objective and fair and consider all ramifications before throwing the baby out with the bath water. I don’t have a preference and judge only based on the
Tony Illis
Director’s Viewpoint
Second Vice President
quality of services rendered to cooperators. It’s sad when some Directors seem more concerned with implying or using innuendoes as if Management was always guilty instead of simply making inquiries in a calm and professional way. And I’m not sure when Directors felt the need to broadcast every exchange or encounter with a cooperator across the email universe, except to make sure others read their names. Well, I know my name, so I don’t have to repeat to everyone every week, and I also only want what’s best for the community, however, I can pursue that without feeling the compulsive need to take bows all the time, whether they are legitimate or not. I do believe that we have to improve areas like Restoration, which has gotten better, lobby attendants’ professionalism and attendance, lack of professionalism and phone etiquette in some departments which should be setting an example for the rest of the corporation, returning phone calls, janitorial, efficiency, and concentration on the delivery of essential services to cooperators in the most cost effective manner. Until we get our act together in these areas, I’m not sure it’s time to go looking into pie-in-thesky projects that I have trouble believing the majority of the community favors at this moment. I’m not sure what the rush is for development proposals here, there,
In Loving Memory
Ruth Korot, an original resident of Building 5A in Co-op City, passed away on October 25th, 2013 at age 94. Ruthie was a very loving, caring and devoted wife to the late Herman Korot, mother, grandmother and friend. All who knew her, loved her, and she will remain in our hearts forever. Ruth is survived by her children: Dori, Bruce, Michael, Terri, and granddaughter, Heather. The family appreciates and thanks those who have expressed their condolences, love and support during this difficult time.
Homegoing service for the late Cynthia Bailey Sunrise 10/16/47 - Sunset 11/23/13
Colin and Shamina Bailey are sad to report the passing of their mother, Cynthia Bailey, who died peacefully at home on November 23. Cynthia, also affectionately known to many as “the cake lady,” will be greatly missed by her family, friends and neighbors. Arrangements are as follows: Viewing – Today, Saturday, December 7, 2-6 p.m. – McCall’s Bronxwood Funeral Home, 4035 Bronxwood Avenue, Bronx, NY 10466; (718) 231-7647. Homegoing Service – Sunday, December 8; Viewing: 4-6 p.m.; Service: 6 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 227 East Lincoln Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY 10552; (914) 668-3334.
and everywhere around our shopping malls, or garages, blocking views and taking away the only remaining valuable green spaces other than the greenway, such as the Veterans’ Park and the Aldrich Park. I, for one, believe a strong effort to eliminate the $4 million we are being forced to pay for unnecessary asbestos abatement work should be more of a priority. That’s $4 million, or the equivalent of a 4% carrying charge increase each year that we should not be paying. Why should we look to pay developers when we should have money coming back to us if the newly elected Mayor looks truthfully at this situation? We are the only community with such floor tiles in the city paying for this unnecessary asbestos abatement work. Why us? Why are we being selectively punished? I will continue to speak out about this on a weekly basis until my concerns are heard on this issue. I think one of our top priorities should be taking care of this asbestos abatement program in the upcoming new year 2014. We cannot allow it to continue. Co-op City is a community of hard working residents, many of them civil servants, and many on fixed incomes, and we are being punished financially with no justifiable reason. I know our case is in court, but it would be nice if the newly elected Mayor could see how unfair and ridiculous this asbestos abate-
ment situation is and take steps to end it. We may live in New York City, however I don’t see why that means we should be ignored and lost in the maze of bureaucracy simply because entrenched government officials don’t care and couldn’t bother to do what was right. Lastly, would you want to commit yourself to pay Cablevision for a 5-year contractual obligation? It may be a good marketing ploy for Cablevision, but I don’t think it’s a good deal for us however, that’s just my opinion; the vote is in your hands, fellow cooperators. Use it wisely. Thank you once again for your enthusiastic response to our call for donations to benefit the village of Abetifi-Kwahu in Ghana. The Black Forum of Co-op City is still collecting donations of light clothing, school supplies, kitchen utensils, shopping bags, cooking oil, paper goods, hand sanitizer, bottled water, first aid supplies, and other non-perishables. For further information, please call (718) 320-8035. If you are a cooperator who moved into Co-op City within the last 3 month, I’d like to hear from you. Were you satisfied with the condition of the apartment you were offered? Call me at (718) 3208035 and let’s talk. Give me a call at (718) 320-8035, or email me at tonyshome10475@ gmail.com – no attachments, please.
9
Co-op City Times / December 7, 2013
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10 On the surface, the $24 fee from Cablevision to our cooperators seems like a good deal. But, we need to look at the overall consequences that everyone here, including the non-subscribers, will face if this agreement gets approved. Financial Considerations Riverbay will purchase cable television service for all 15,372 apartments, including the vacant apartments, in this community for five years if this agreement gets approved. Thereafter, Cablevision will charge Riverbay $24 per apartment. Therefore, Riverbay will have to pay Cablevision $368,928 every single month for the first two years. Thereafter, the price will go up by 5% in the third through fifth year. But, hey, that $24 cable fee looks good, right? Win-Win Deal Do you honestly think that the people that run this place are going to let you get away with paying a lower cable rate? Moreover, do you honestly think they’re going to take on guaranteed losses so that you can get a lower cable rate? Well, let’s look into this matter. Cablevision only has 13,000 subscribers here. However, do you think that everyone is going to stay with one cable company for 5 years? I don’t think so. Look, in my opinion, this $24 rate will not benefit this community. Nevertheless, the key is to try to make this so-called deal seem like a win-win situation. But, let’s look at the details. Everyone here can receive a low $24 cable rate for two years, and then they will receive annual 5% increases for the next three years. And, you know what? I believe that some people will be happy. Nevertheless, in my opinion, this so-
Let’s Clear Up a Few Things Co-op City Times / December 7, 2013
called deal is guaranteed to produce losses every single year. Thereafter, those losses must be made up by the entire community through higher carrying charge increases later. And, the cooperators that can’t pay their cable portion of their bill will wind up in housing court to come face-to-face with one word: eviction. Thereafter, their unpaid balance will go to a collection agency. So, did the community win with a $24 cable teaser fee? Yes, until we get another increase. But, the real question is: Did Management win? I believe that the answer is yes because they know that people will ultimately be priced out of this community. Competition is the Key Several workers from Verizon have stated to me that the wires for their FiOS service have been installed at each of our buildings. And, all they need to do is install the wires on each floor. So, we need for Verizon to send a package with good prices to the Board and to Management. This package cannot have anything to do with Riverbay charging cooperators for cable services. Thereafter, we will have at least two companies here that will engage in a competitive struggle, with lower prices, for our community. But, just look at the gyms around here as an example. What gym opened re-
cently near this community? And, now, how much are our gyms charging to join? So, competitive struggle is the key that will force these companies to reevaluate their prices for their share of the market. But, everyone needs to understand these principles before they sign on to an agreement that is going to lock this community down for 5 years. Thereafter, in my opinion, this agreement is guaranteed to produce annual losses. Bottom line: Cablevision should offer this $24 fee directly to our cooperators, without Riverbay’s involvement. Verizon needs to send a package of their services to the Board and Management. And, then, Verizon needs to make a presentation to this entire community. Push Them Out We have been getting increase after increase. But, this Management company still increased the number of fulltime and part-time employees from 925 to 1,032. Additionally, they wrote a budget that will allow them to increase the amount of employees to 1,070. Then, as pointed out before, we have about 500 contractors working here, at different times. Therefore, I want everyone here to see that there is a goal to increase our expenses and push people out of here. But, Management’s contract has expired. So now, it is time for this community to demand that we bid Management’s contract out or fight for just one new General Manager. Then, we can push Management out! STAR Credit The clock is running and December 31, 2013 is right around the corner. So, please make sure that you get your application in for your STAR credit. According to the NYS website, “The New York State School Tax
Relief Program (STAR) provides homeowners with partial exemptions from school property taxes. If you earn less than $500,000 and own and live in your home, you are probably eligible for the STAR exemption.” “I applied to this program last year. So, do I have to apply again?” The answer is yes. Also, again, please look out for your neighbors, if they need assistance. As mentioned before, there were only 8,714 apartments that received the STAR credit on their April, 2013 statement. The cooperators that were approved for the Basic STAR program received a $99.28 credit from Riverbay. The cooperators that were 65 or older, and were approved for the Enhanced STAR program, received a $206.04 credit from Riverbay. Okay, you can call 3-1-1 for more information or go to this NYC website: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dof /html/property/star.shtml You’ll be glad that you applied for this program when you get that nice little credit on your statement next year. Close I hope that everyone will agree and see the need to make some drastic changes to this Board and to this Management company. Management must get out of here! Thank you. Questions or comments? Please send a message to: Daryl Johnson, Riverbay Board Director, c/o Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. Or, please send a message to me at darylhjohnson@ optonline.net (Please double-check the spelling of this address.). Also, please call me at 718-671-4544 if you don’t receive a response from your message. Okay, that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful week. And, may God bless you and your family. Thank you.
We have several new shareholders in our building and would like to say welcome! Our meetings and activities are in the Association Room located under the portico, outside rear of the building. Want to know what’s planned; make sure to attend the Building 13 Association Meeting on Thursday, December 12, at 7:00 p.m. Our scheduled guest is Mr. Ed Arce, Construction Department Supervisor. Construction responsibilities include setting up and repairing all sidewalks, fencing and bridges around the buildings, drainage systems (drywell installation), concrete, interlocking bricks, glass blocks, ornamental walls; performing minor waterproofing and caulking around the windows. To show our appreciation for the
work done throughout the year, we have been accepting donations for various building staff personnel. The upkeep of a building is not an easy task, especially one with 33 floors and almost 400 apartments. A generous contribution is a great way to say, “Thanks.” If you missed us, but would still like to contribute, you can do so at the Association Meeting. Rivers Run Community Garden Next event will be a Meet and Greet at the Dreiser Center on December 19th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 9. Meet Green Thumb staff and members from other gardens in the city. Applications and additional information will be provided. Light refreshments will be served. Women Keeping It Real - Our next session of Women Keeping it Real will be on Saturday, December 21, from
6:30 - 8:30 p.m. in the Association Room. Our guest, CCPD Sgt. Gregory, will teach us self-defense tactics. You must be 18 and over to participate. Light refreshments. All are welcome. Holiday Party - Just celebrate with us. The Youth party will be on Sunday, December 22, from 12 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Adult Holiday/Pre New Year Event – will be held on Saturday, December 28, from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Music will be provided by DJ Val. Dishes and donations are welcome. **Soweto Gospel Choir** – Lehman has invited them back by popular demand! Join US, on February 15, 2014 at 8:00 p.m., at the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts for a celebration of song and culture. The 26 singers of South Africa’s Soweto Gospel Choir celebrate the unique and
inspirational power of South African gospel music with deep emotion and rich harmonies that lift the soul. Price $40 adults, $14 for children under twelve (price includes Lehman’s facility charge), orchestra seats. Send checks payable to Bldg. 13 Assoc. by December 21. There are a limited number of tickets, so don’t delay. Checks for events should be made payable to Building 13 Assoc. Inc. and mailed to Bldg. 13 Assoc., 100 Casals Place #32K, Bronx, NY 10475. All activities are on a first come basis. For information, contact Gail Sharbaan at 718-671-3801, Leslie Peterson at 718320-1370, our website: http://www. bldg13assoc.com or e-mail us at building 13assoc@yahoo.com. Thanks for making our team work. —Leslie Peterson
On December 10th, BVA will have an art show at the Baychester Library. BVA members will exhibit their artwork until January 7, 2014. Come to the library and look at beautiful paintings. There will be catalogues available so you will know the names of each artist and the picture they have painted. Our 2013-2014 season is in progress with art classes on Tuesdays, in Room 5, Dreiser Community Center. If you have ever wanted to
learn to paint and draw, this is your chance to discover your talent and the satisfaction of creating beautiful artwork. You can choose from the 2 class schedules which are 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. The fees are as follows: Annual membership is $35 a year and a session of 10 classes is $60. This is the best bargain in the Bronx – maybe even the city – given the quality of instruction offered. Mr. Moses Groves, BVA’s own art
instructor, is the artistic guide for these classes. Mr. Groves is an accomplished artist who has studied at the Art Students League and NYU. He has exhibited work in the New York and New Jersey area and has won awards for his artwork. BVA is a non-profit, self-supporting organization that needs your support to continue offering high level art instruction at these bargain prices. So come join BVA on this fabulous artis-
tic trek, take a class, make a donation, — tax deductible, and feel the satisfaction of being a creator and/or patron of the arts. All checks should be made out as indicated above. If you would like more information about classes or members’ artwork, you can call Moses Groves at 201862-0847. Science is for the body and art is for the soul. —Sylvia Lochansky
Daryl Johnson
Director’s Viewpoint
Building 13 Association
Baychester Visual Arts Association
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Co-op City Times / December 7, 2013
On December 13th and 20th, we will be collecting cash, toy and decoration donations for the Christmas party on December 21st, as well as gifts for the Riverbay staff. There will also be a raffle for an adult gift basket, a child gift basket and a 50/50 raffle. Tickets are $1 for one ticket and $5 for six tickets. We will tentatively have an association meeting on December 19th. TRAVEL EVENTS/2014: (Travel insurance encouraged) Wed., Jan. 15, 2014. RESORTS WORLD CASINO, at Aqueduct. Price: $30. Rebates: TBD. Contacts: Barbara W./Beverly J., 718-379-0377. Mar. 18-20, 2014. We are going back to Atlantic City to The Atlantic Club Casino Hotel. Double: $220/pp & Singles: $285. Rebates: Atlantic Club casino: $20 slot bonus + $20 food credit + $20 cash bonus. On day of return, will stop at RESORTS Casino – Rebate $25 slot bonus. How exciting! Contacts: Virginia S/Beverly J, 718-379-0377. Thurs., MAY 8, 2014, Matinee price: $125. A spring trip to see the Biblical story of “MOSES” at the Sight and Sound Theatre, plus luncheon at Good n Plenty’s family style dining. Deposit: $75 to reserve your seat. Contacts: Serita G., 347-5645722/Beverly J., 718-379-0377. Sept. 20-27, 2014, (8 days/7 nights) CALIFORNIA COASTAL CRUISE on the CROWN PRINCESS. Day 1, fly into Los Angeles, board the Crown Princess ship, then we are off to begin our incredible cruise to key sunshiny California cities. On day 8, sail back to Los Angeles for departure home. Deposit required: $325 for double pp/$650 pp single occupancy. Contacts: Claudette D., 718-379-4784/Beverly J., 718-379-0377. THEATRE COMMITTEE: (prices includes transportation/van will depart 11:45 a.m.** SHARP): Wed., December 18th, 2:00 p.m.** – “AFTER MIDNIGHT,” Brooks Atkinson Theatre, with special guest star, Fantasia. Price: $105. SOLD OUT! Contact: Eleanor Barlow. Sat. Jan. 4, 2014, 2:00 p.m.** ALVIN AILEY Matinee show. Price: $57. SOLD OUT! Wait list available. Contact: Ione for ticket information. (On Thursdays - from 3:00-5:00 p.m., Committee members will be in clubroom 19). GOOD AND WELFARE: To our members and friends under the weather, we hope that you perk up real soon. (Contact: Elinor Gordon, Chair, at 718-379-8755, regarding illnesses and bereavements.) NOTE: Please include phone numbers (with deposits to reserve seat) when signing up for shows and/or trips. Checks payable to RETIREES of Dreiser Loop. RETIREES Clubroom 19, Dreiser Loop, 718-3790377. FYI - Committee members available Mondays and/or Thursdays after 3:00 p.m. Apologies to all for the inadvertent General
Public Safety’s Holiday food drive
The Department of Public Safety, in association with City Harvest, is holding a holiday food drive from now until January 10 for needy families in New York City. Co-op City residents are encouraged to drop off non-perishable food items at any of the three designated bins situated in any of the three Co-op City community centers over the next two months. The ongoing food donation drive is being coordinated by Sergeant Nat Diaz of Public Safety.
We are 23 Building Association President’s Note I have been disheartened to hear that the stairwell has been spray painted with graffiti and someone has ripped the hand railing off as well after it was just recently repainted. I have also seen burn marks on the ceilings and people hanging out in the stairwells. I have also watched people drag items across the newly painted basement floor damaging it and leave garbage in front of their apartment. I started to ask myself:
Why am I even trying when people in this building don’t care? Then I have a situation where my laundry card isn’t working and I don’t have exact change to buy a new one. Not only are people trying to help me get a new card, but they are letting me use their card, some without recompense. These are the people that I work hard for and I thank you for your assistance and giving me the motivation to keep pushing forward. Have a great holiday! —Ericc Diaz
Meeting date error which appeared in the November 30th issue. Correction - the RETIREES’ General monthly meetings are usually held on the FIRST Wednesday, not the second Wednesday, as mistakenly written.
NOTE: The January meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2014. “Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.” —Claudette Davis
Retirees of Dreiser Loop
We cordially invite the residents of Co-op City to
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12
Shareholders have last word on cable bulk sale Co-op City Times / December 7, 2013
Here’s trusting that all cooperators had a safe and enjoyable holiday. Let’s move into the next holidays with an Attitude of Gratitude. All cooperators are encouraged to continue sharing your opinions about the Optimum Bulk Sale Proposal. Please remember, it’s only a proposal and you will have the last word. Also, because we are such a large housing development, could we even consider this opportunity to save on our cable bill? Of course, we must be careful and make sure the numbers add up and make sense. We don’t want to agree to any deal that results in a short term saving and a new
expense to the corporation. You are encouraged to attend the forums and get your questions answered. LATE CARRYING CHARGES It has been brought to my attention that ALL cooperators were not aware that the office would be closed the last day of the
month, Friday, November 29, 2013. Therefore, if you wanted to pay carrying charges at the main office, you were unable to do so and would be delinquent as of Monday, December 2, 2013. Moving forward, we will request that Management makes sure ALL cooperators are notified of the office being closed on a weekday. We need to make sure visible notices are placed in each Building and Townhouse so as not to inconvenience a cooperator who may not have available funds until the end of the month. TAKING TIME TO GIVE Thank you, cooperators, churches and community organizations of Co-op
City for taking time out to give during the holiday seasons. Certainly, our malls and stores were vital and vibrant. It’s not too late to reach out to a homeless shelter and select a family to shop for during the Christmas holiday. Also, when you have recently lost a loved one, it is going to be painful, particularly the first year. You can’t get over grief; you get through it. Continue to let your voices be heard! “If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” —African Proverb.” Please contact me at: Evelyn M. Turner, 917-324-1033, or evelyntinez @aol.com.
Today, December 7th, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, let us especially remember to appreciate and respect all the folks that sacrificed so much to keep us safe and sound and able to use all other means possible to not take extreme measures. Our next meeting will be a celebration to bring in the New Year, 2014. It will be on January 24th, 2014. Weather permitting, December 14th, the executive committee will be knocking on your door to ask for support and renewal of your membership. It is also time to start planning for our welcome to the New Year Party. Thank you again to Chief Frank Apollo, Chief of Public Safety, Co-op City and CSO Manager, Ms. Vanessa Aldea, for attending the November 14th meeting. Both spoke
on the suggested topics and answered some very important questions. Neighbors that came, heard quite a bit of important information. For example, we learned about new available hours and procedures for appointments with our CSO specialists, such as the exterminator. Thank you again to our guests and neighbors for attending that Thursday evening event. The Broun Place Executive Board hopes that there will be a mighty turnout of our neighbors in January and hopes you will get involved in the planning of that party. With the news of more construction on Gun Hill Road, there is great concern over the lack of transportation improvements. Neighbors have serious worries about local driving problems. The new Executive Committee is
working for the betterment of Broun Place. Again, your Broun Place Officers are Reverend Grace Emanuel, Secretary; Ms. Lillian Richardson, Treasurer; Mrs. Vivian Burrus, Vice President and Eva Lazaar, President. Ms. Lana Spaulding and Mr. Jesse Seise are our new support team. The collection of dues is ongoing and not pro-rated. Should you wish to renew and/or join, you can submit $12 in cash or check to any board member and it will be forwarded to our treasurer. We want to remind neighbors to please report to Public Safety: “If you see something, say something,” call: 718671-3050. Additionally, isn’t it great to see the uniformed officers on site? At this holiday season unfortunately, some folks as desperate as they are preying
on others. This is a reminder to not fall for folks trying to get you to join in some quick ride to financial gain and of course never give out your personal information. Also please let us remember, the great green garbage cans for street trash and recycle home garbage properly. Let’s help our neighborhood and keep it clean and if necessary we have to pick up other folk’s litter, please. The Broun Place press release is for you; please share your stories and events. Prayers are sent out to all recovering from an illness or injury. Congratulations to all celebrating a birthday or anniversary. If you wish a celebration acknowledged in your press release, please let us know. —Eva Lazaar
The Coalition’s next general membership meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 7, 2014 at 12 p.m., 177 Dreiser Community Center, Room 15. The Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City, Inc. of which your church/organization is a member, enthusiastically invites you to attend our 17th Annual Kwanzaa Celebrations on Saturday, December 28, at 3 p.m. in Room 31, 2049 Bartow Community Center, Bronx, NY. Kwanzaa is the seven-day (December 26-January 1) African celebration of family, community and culture as personified in Africa “First Fruits” or harvest celebrations. Kwanzaa incorporates the spirit, value and practice of Ingathering, Reverence, Commemoration, Recommitment and celebration; and evolves around Seven Principles, one for each day of Kwanzaa, called the Nguzo Saba. The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa are: Umoja (unity); Kujichagulia (self-determination); Ujima (collective work and responsibility); Ujamaa (cooperative economics); Nia (purpose); Kuumba (creativity); and Imani (faith). The
Coalition members attending the Kwanzaa Celebration are requested to bring an offering of a large, main dish of food (no pork, please) or dessert, etc. to share with others. Please contact Ms. Jones at 718-671-5957 or Mr. Leacock, 718-671-9610, by Dec. 22, to advise what your food offering will be. Your attendance and participation are required to make this family/community/cultural festivity a success. This event is free. Please inform the Coalition of any suggestions that you may have. Mrs. Joan Murrell is the President of the Coalition. Phone number, (718) 3793494. The Coalition is a non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining and improving the quality of life of cooperators while 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. We also sponsor Friends & Family Day Celebrations, and Kwanzaa free for the community. Members of the Coalition include the following: AfricanAmerican Association; Co-op City
Baptist Church; Retirees of Dreiser Loop; Harriet Tubman Independent Democratic Club; NAACP, Co-op City Branch; St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church and Zodiacs Track Club. Please support our efforts by sending us a tax deductible contribution made payable to Coalition of AfricanAmerican Churches and Community Development of Co-op City, Inc., P.O. Box 619, Bronx, NY 10475. Churches and organizations that desire to join the Coalition may apply for membership
by either writing or calling (718) 3793494 or (718) 671-5957 for a membership application, which should be returned with a letter on your church/organization’s letterhead and signed by the Minister/President. Read the Coalition’s weekly column for information about events and issues. Remember, the Coalition’s motto is, “Coming together is the Beginning, Keeping together is Progress and Working together is Success.” —Harman T. Leacock
Evelyn Turner
Director’s Viewpoint
Broun Place Townhouse Association
Coalition of African-American Churches and Community Organization
If You See Something, SAY SOMETHING!!! Co-op City Public Safety - 718-671-3050
Co-op City Times / December 7, 2013
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Co-op Insurance
14
Co-op City Times / December 7, 2013
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Co-op City Times / December 7, 2013
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Co-op City Times / December 7, 2013
North Bronx Youth Sports Association
North Bronx Cowboys Mitey Mite team completed an undefeated season with a 100 record.
The North Bronx Cowboys Mitey Mite team (ages 7-9) have completed an undefeated season by defeating the Whitepoint Wolverines in the Big Apple/New York City Championship by a score of 27-6. The Cowboys have had a great season run finishing the season with a 10-0 record. Outstanding work to prepare and complete the season was done by coaches Lennox Thompson, Tai Muldrew and Ricky Jaysura. Flag Football The Cowboys will conduct a Flag Football season and tournament that will run from March through May. Flag
Football is open to all youth between the ages of 5-13. Registration will begin in January. For more information, call our office at 718-684-4903. The Cowboys Jr. Mite, Jr. Midget and Mitey Mite teams are headed to North Carolina to compete in a National Tournament against teams from the Mid Atlantic and South. Registration for 2014 season is now open. Please call our office to make arrangements to register or send an email to nbysa.nbc@gmail.com to receive a flyer by mail. —Colville Bascom
Please feel free to join us at our general membership meetings, which take place at 8:00 p.m., on the 2nd Thursday of every month in our club room, Room 16, of the Dreiser Community Center. The Holiday Season is upon us! Join us at our upcoming events at the Dreiser Community Center: The Cultural Committee will be hosting our traditional holiday event, ‘Cantares Navideños,’ on Saturday, December 7th, in Auditorium ‘A,’ beginning at 7:00 p.m. Members will
be admitted free, non-members will be admitted for only $10. Donations for the ‘Pot Luck’ will be greatly appreciated. Bring your maracas, güiros and palitos and start your holiday celebrations with us! Tickets for the club’s annual Christmas Party, on Saturday, December 21st, are still available. Dance the night away to the music of 2 live bands and the stylings of DJ Salsero. Enjoy a wonderful evening for only $30. For tickets or more information, please contact Antoinette
Toro at (917) 744-4373 or Delia Anaya at (917) 587-7143. Details can also be obtained by dropping by the club room before our monthly meetings or visiting the Flyers page of our website. On New Year’s Eve, ring in 2014 in Auditorium ‘C’ from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. ‘Swing y Sabor’ will be our live band, with music by DJ Salsero. Tickets are $20. Bring your party hats and noise-makers and enjoy the evening with family and friends. Contact Jose Lopez at (347) 202-
7930 for all the details. The Three Kings will be visiting the young members of our community on Saturday, January 4th, 2014. The Youth Committee will be sponsoring this holiday wrap-up event from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Room 16. Volunteers will be appreciated. Additional information for all of our upcoming club events, as well as details concerning the club in general, can be found on our website: http://spanamcccc.synthasite.com. —Carmen Rodriguez
Congratulations, Co-op City Toastmasters – On Friday, Nov. 21, our club was honored and invited – free of charge - to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to hear World Champion Public Speaker Lance Miller. This invitation was an honor acknowledging clubs in our District 46 who in 2012-2013 earned “President’s Distinguish” status!! Members who attended said that it was an excellent evening; They enjoyed hearing Lance and they learned so much from the professional perspective of how to speak effectively in public. This was a real privilege to be recognized for the dedication and commitment we have to our members. Following the Friday event, on Sat., Nov. 23rd, there was District 46 Fall Conference at NY LaGuardia Marriott Hotel. We thank all members and
guests who came to support. We hope you enjoyed the fun, the seminars, food, networking among new friends and the Humorous and Table Topics contests finalists. Laughter and chatter were definitely in the air throughout the day and we ended with a “fun Night” party!! Thank you to Hospitality Chairpersons, Sherba Richards, Valerie M Palmer and Kathy Blount, all club members. “What a grand and wholesome setting you Toastmasters provided, an example of true leadership.” We also extend congratulations to Hall of Famer and club member TM Lauretta Jaysura for receiving Distinguished Toastmaster Award. Friends/guests, if you are interested in improving and/or enhancing your speaking and leadership skills - as you can see - Toastmasters is the place to be! Join us. Next meeting is Dec. 5th.
Spanish-American Community Club
Co-op City Toastmasters Club
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Lauretta Jaysura, DTM, receiving Distinguished Toastmasters Medal from Dist. Gov. Kazuo Noguchi at Toastmasters Dist. 46 Conference on Nov. 23.
Note: The movie “Speak” will be rescheduled at a later date. Club meetings are 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at 1249 Bartow Ave., Bartow Mall, Bronx, NY (Co-op City) at 7:30 p.m. You will find a warm, encouraging and supportive
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17 Now that the blessings have been said, the turkey has been cut, and the precious remains of a day spent with loved ones have come and gone, it may feel as though Thanksgiving is over, but that could not be more further from the truth. For the reason to give thanks still lies within you. The Association will host its 5th Annual Christmas Party on Saturday, 12/14, 4:00 p.m. in Dreiser Center, Room 15. There will be entertainment and delicious food. At the suggestion of Ebony Raé Lambright, the Association will donate Christmas toys to a youth center that cares for children between the ages of 5 and 12, some of which live in shelters. Members and friends are welcome to join us in this holiday gift-giving mission of love by bringing a new, unwrapped toy(s) to us on Friday, 12/6, 7:00 p.m., Dreiser Center, Room 15, or when you attend the
Reminder: Tomorrow, Sunday, December 8, at 3:00 p.m., General Membership meeting, Dreiser Community Center, Room 11. Following our meeting, we will have our holiday celebration & special grab bag. Once again…Congratulations to National Council of Negro Women, Inc. Life Member Attorney Kim Adair Wilson, who was elected as a Judge of the Civil Court Bronx County, this past November. Judge-Elect Wilson will assume the bench in January, 2014.
Co-op City Times / December 7, 2013
African-American Association
Christmas Party, Saturday, 12/14, 4 p.m. Alvin Ailey Holiday Dance Performance: Sunday, 12/15, 3:00 p.m., City Center in NYC. This is a Scholarship Fundraiser and tickets are $35 for current Association members and $40 for nonmembers. Call 718-379-5555. The Association sponsors the following ongoing programs and encourages your participation. Due to the holidays, some of the class dates have changed. Please call a day or two beforehand. Yoga & Pilates Mat Classes – Tuesdays, 7 p.m., Dreiser Center, Rm. 2. If your goal is to lose weight, tone and strengthen your muscles with exercises that reduce stress through breathing techniques, then this is for you! Call 718-6718364. Belly Dancing Classes – Wednesdays, 7 p.m., Dreiser Center, Rm. 2. A fun and healthy way to stay in shape! No
experience necessary. Call 646-3019438. Evening Line Dancing Classes – Thursdays, 7-9 p.m., Dreiser Center, Rm. 2. Dance to Soul, Latin, and Gospel music. Simple dance steps for easier participation. Call 917-903-7073. Music Appreciation/Singing Classes – Fridays, 7:30 p.m., Dreiser Center, Rm. 15. Sing along with us to sweet soul oldies, R&B, gospel, and popular classics. All levels of vocal abilities are accepted. Call 917-561-6211. Computer Laptop Classes – 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 7 p.m., Dreiser Center, Rm. 15. $5 fee. Members get one class free. Call 718-379-5555. Children’s Early Morning Drop-off and After School Programs – School days. Call 718-379-5555. Education – The Institute for Youth Study Group meets on 2nd Mondays, 7
National Council of Negro Women
Judge-Elect Wilson is a dedicated member of the Co-op City Section of NCNW. We are honored by her judicial achievement and salute her hard work. The Youth Committee will be collecting winter accessories, such as new hats, scarves, gloves and socks, in addition to new, unwrapped toys (no toy guns) for the children and teens at the Town and Country Residence Home and other local shelters in the Northeast Bronx. We will also accept canned goods and diapers. Items can de dropped off at the Dreiser
Loop shopping center, Room 14, tomorrow, Saturday, December 7 and 14, from 9 a.m.-1:00 p.m. For further information, please call 917-399-2643. Saturday Educational Program: Children in Grades 3-6 will receive small group instruction in reading and mathematics each Saturday during the school year with certified teachers. Registration: Began September 21 and is continuing each Saturday as space allows from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Dreiser Community Center, Room 14. Classes start: October 5, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fee for total year: $225, includes non-refundable registration fee: $25. All fees to be paid by December 31. For further information,
p.m. and 4th Saturdays, 10 a.m., Dreiser Center, Rm. 15. Call 718-379-5555. Employment Assistance – Contact us at 718-379-5555 for information about employment. Association Meeting – Our next meeting will be held on Saturday, 12/14, 4 p.m., Dreiser Center, Rm. 15. We will hold our Christmas party. If you are unable to attend, look for our weekly column for upcoming events. Also, if you wish to join or update your membership, please send a check or money order (DO NOT MAIL CASH) of $15 for a single membership or $25 for families to: African-American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475. Donations are welcomed. Like us on Facebook: “CoopcityAfricanamericanassoc.” Wishing a beautiful holiday season to all! —Mercedes A. Terzol
call (718) 655-9034 or (718) 671-2555. Few spaces are available for our next year trip: London & Paris, August 14-21, 2014. Yes, we have installment payments of the $3,750 price. To make your reservation, $500 deposit is due by now. Trip insurance is an additional $300. Join us as we see the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and cruise on the Thames River and so much more. In Paris, we’ll ascend to Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, cruise the Seine River and much more. Yes, there will be shopping galore. For further information: 718671-4804, 718-655-9034, 718-320-2366. Happy birthday to our December members. —Maxine Sullivan
Building 30A and B Association
The holiday season is here and we decorated our lobbies. The association would like to thank everyone who helped with the decorating. Don’t forget that the Association’s holiday party will be on Saturday, December 14th. The next general meeting is on December 11th where the holiday party particulars will be discussed. Doors for the general membership meetings as always will be open at 7 p.m. with the meeting starting at 7:30. The meeting, as always, will be in the Association Room in the ground floor of Building 30B side. The installations of the fire detectors will have started to be installed this past
week. Hoping that all is going well with the installations and that any problems with the installations are reported to Management immediately. This past week, a presentation by Cablevision of Optimum’s bulk sale took place at Einstein Center Auditorium. Hoping that all questions were answered and that all informed cooperators have an opportunity to vote on the bulk sale proposal. The Association gives its condolences to all that have recently lost their loved ones. Get well soon to all those who are under the weather. Have a happy to those who are having a special day this week. —Linda Werner
Building 33 Association
I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving holiday. The Building Association would like volunteers to come down to the building lobby on Saturday, December 12th at 2 p.m. to help decorate the lobby and the Christmas Tree. If anyone has any decorations to donate, please bring them down to the lobby on Saturday. The association will continue to collect for the porters until Dec. 21. Please give. The porters do a good job keeping our building clean. You see them always working very hard. Santa will be in the lobby to meet your youngsters. The date will be posted at a later date.
The Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City will present the Kwanzaa celebration on Saturday, December 28th in the Bartow Community Center, Room #31. The admission is free, everyone is encourage to bring a dish (no pork please), fruit drinks, cakes, fruit, etc. The Harriet Tubman Democratic Club, along with the Associates of Building 33, presents the New Year’s Eve Party in the Einstein Community Center on Tuesday, December 31, Room #49. Tickets are still available. Please call Pat, 718-320-1861. Get well wishes go out to the sick and the shut-in. —Patricia Mayo Bonaparte
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Co-op City Times / December 7, 2013
Velocity Track Club New York continues to roll. We were blessed with another good weekend at the races. First, at the Women Colgate Games, our 3 girls with points, Pearl Webster, Danielle Jackson and Dominique Jackson, continued to earn points in week 2 of the games. Pearl moved up in the ranking in the high school shot put, Danielle once again earned points in the Elementary B 400 meters race and her sister, Dominique, in the Middle School 200 and 400 meters. The semi-finals will be on Sunday, December 22nd at the 168th Armory in New York. Good luck, girls. As our mid-distance and sprinters were making noise at the Colgate Women’s Games, our Cross Country 11 – 12 years old athletes were competing
Velocity Track Club
at the USATF-NY Future Stars Meet at Nike Regional. The meet was held at Bowdoin Park in Wappingers Falls, NY. They competed in the 3 km (1.8 miles) race, which is a great tune up for the AAU National XC Championship on Saturday, December 7th in Fort Gordon, GA. Adrian Swift-Henry finished 7th in the Boys 3 km, Jacqueline Kendall is peaking at the right time, she took 3rd in the girls 3 km race and coCaptain Giovanna Tolbert took 1st place. Great job and good luck at the National!!!! Anyone interested in joining Velocity Track Club New York, please contact Coach Dinkins at 914-441-6196 or you can email me at WATCLT@AOL.COM. —Winston Dinkins
Black Forum
Next Defensive driving course The next Black Forum defensive driving course will be held on Saturday, December 14 in Rm. 1, Dreiser Community Center, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Lower your liability insurance cost by 10% and remove up to 4 points from your driver’s license. Please make your check in the amount of $35, payable to “the Black Forum of Co-op City,” and mail to P.O. Box 563, Bronx, N.Y. 10475 at least 1½ weeks before the class, or you can walk in on the day of the class but you must have $35 in cash to pay for the course. Remember, don’t text and drive. Community garden If you have a green thumb, or you are willing to learn, call us today to volunteer, (718) 320-8035. Notice: All Section 5 food pantry
participants All Section 5 residents must pick up their food packages on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Evangelical Church of Co-op City. You must bring your white cards to pick up your food. Volunteers needed for Wednesdays and Fridays. For information, please call (718) 320-8035. Lyon’s Mane Track Club Register your child(ren) 6-18 years of age for the Lyon’s Mane Track Club. Call for information, (718) 320-8035. Volunteers needed The Black Forum is looking for volunteers to help out 2 days a week at the food pantry from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. You choose the days. Training will take place on Thursday only. If you are interested, please call (718) 320-8035.
The Williamsbridge Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. is an organization dedicated to community service in the areas of health, employment, education and economic development. The Adult Club meets at Dreiser Center on the second Friday of every month. Young women 18-35, who are in or preparing for a business/professional career can become members of the Young Adult Club. There is a national membership drive from October 1 – December 31. If you take advantage of this drive, the initial dues are significantly reduced. Ombudsmen are men of the community interested in decreasing the drop out rate of our youth. The Ombudsmen, along with Trinity United Methodist Church of Morrisania, are presenting a Men’s Conference as we did in 2012. The title “Addressing the challenges of Minority Males: Each One Reach One.” We are reaching out to organizations in the community who are serving the youth as a goal to participate. The conference will take place Saturday, January 25, 2014 and you are invited to present information about your organization and enroll those interested youth. If you are interested in community service and in addressing any of the
areas mentioned above, please join us, call Sylvia Hicks, Membership Director, 917-921-5445. Information and applications for any of the club’s sections may be obtained by calling Mrs. Hicks at the above number. The Youth Club consists of youth 12 to 18 years of age. The Youth Club is dedicated to community service, higher education, technology and activism. If you fit this description, are interested in expressing yourself, obtaining community service credit, developing new programs and leadership skills, you should contact Sandra Hall, Youth Advisor, 917-972-7732. This is your chance, as a young person, to help plan the year’s activities of the club. Don’t delay obtaining your community service credits in a fun and interesting way. Anyone wishing to render community service, assist with any of our programs without joining any of our club areas may do so or obtain more information, by contacting Joetta Brown, First Vice President, 404-803-9869. Information concerning the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. may be found at www.nanbpwc.org or our mailing address: Williamsbridge Club, P.O. Box 6, Co-op City Station, Bronx, New York 10475. —Sylvia Hicks
The Williamsbridge Club
Jacqueline Kendall and Giovanna Tolbert sporting their medals from USATF-NY Future Stars Meet.
Computer help The Black Forum is looking for an experienced computer savvy individual. If interested, please call (718) 320-8035. Emergency Food Program We are open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., Room 20 at the Dreiser Community Center. Also, due to budget constraints and shortage of available food, you must live within zip code 10475 to participate in this program. You must also have your card with you and bring two clean plastic shopping bags. In order to receive food, you must
present a current photo ID such as a non or driver’s license or any photo ID card with proof of address. You will then be issued a card in order to pick up food in the future. We Need You - Join Us Today Membership is $5 per year/person. Call (718) 320-8035 or write to Black Forum, P.O. Box 563, Bronx, NY 10475; email: coopcityblackforum@gmail.com. Help us keep independent community organizations alive in Co-op City. Everyone is encouraged to join. Call or visit us, Room 20 in the Dreiser Community Center. —Tony Illis
Co-op City Times / December 7, 2013
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Co-op City Times / December 7, 2013
The Circle of Christ Church family extends a warm welcome to you and your family and invites you to come and worship with us at 147 Dreiser Loop, patio level. Thought for this week: “He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruits in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prosper.” Psalm 1:3 Is your life planted close to God? Does your heart have fertile soils for His Word to prosper? Do you feel lonely, thirsty and withering away, today can be the beginning of a new way of life and relief. When changes and new transitions visit our lives, life can become very difficult and lonely. These difficult times
Greetings to all of our Post members who are homebound and recovering from various medical operations. We wish you a speedy recovery. Happy birthday to all of our members who will be celebrating their birthday in December: Carl Ash, Junius E. Ayler, Wesley A. Banks, George G. Benjamin, Rafael Echevarria, Theodore Byrd, Jr., Fernando Hernandez, Vernon N. Frazier, James L. Frieson, Andre R. Greene, Herbert H. Kantrowitz, Lloyd R. Johnson, Jasmin A. Lirio, Lucius Kennedy, John E. King, Jr., Jose Pacheco, Alfonso Rodriguez, David R. Walker, Vernon C. Taylor, Willie A. Thompson and Fred Lochansky. If you don’t see your name in this issue, please bring it to my attention and it will be placed in the next issue of the Co-op City Times. Our Post is always looking for new members to join, so if you are a veteran from any branch of the military, stop by. Please bring your DD-214 with you. Post 1871 is located in Section #5 in the
Hi, neighbors: Thank you to those who attended the Building Association General Meeting on Tuesday, November 26th. I want to also thank our guest speaker, Chief Frank Apollo, for his interesting presentation on safety issues and the additional reference material he provided were both attention-grabbing and well-timed. Our next general meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 18th in the meeting room at 7:00 p.m. There will be a 50/50 drawing and refreshments will be served, this is our last meeting for 2013, please make all efforts to attend, new move-ins and young adults are welcome. Floor Captains: We are recruiting Floor Captains, if you are interested, please call Gertie Brown at 347275-2995. A floor captain meeting will be scheduled in the near future. Please check the bulletin board for date and time.
NAACP
Membership Meeting & Holiday Celebration on Sunday, December 22nd at 3:00 p.m. All are welcomed. Our annual Jubilee Day Celebration is scheduled for Saturday, January 4, 2014 and this year's host church is Church of the New Vision. The 2014 Calendar is ready for distribution. If you did not receive one, please call the office. Community Outreach Food Drive Collection Box: We are accepting nonperishable food items for Church of the Savior Food Pantry (e.g. canned goods, oatmeal, cereal, etc. ... please check expiration dates on all items). Thank you. Voter Registration Forms available in English & Spanish: Voter registration is an ongoing activity. Join us in signing the NAACP's petition to the Department of Justice asking them to file civil rights charges against George Zimmerman at http://www. naacp.org/DOJ-petition. Petitions are also available at the office. May your season be filled with blessings of good health, love, happiness, peace and joy. —Brenda Brown
Circle of Christ Church
can help you see something is missing. Make God part of your life. Don’t live Him out. Surrender to Him and spent time with Him praying and reading the Bible. A soul that is saved but not in relationship with Christ is void of His fullness. Plant your tree near His living waters. Do not plant your tree beside the streams of the world, seeking his temporary joy and fulfillment. Meditating in His word is the key to finding what is missing. Jesus is the way for a fulfill life. We remind you that we are collecting non-perishable items and supplies in order to provide and support families in need of food. We also are providing counseling and referrals services for families in the community. If you need or know someone in need, please
American Legion Post 1871
Community Center, in 135 Einstein Loop, Room 41. Our office telephone number is (718) 3208165 and our e-mail address is post1871@optimum.net. I would like to thank all of our Post members who attended the Senator Ruth Hassle-Thomson breakfast at the Eastwood Manor, thanks for your support. All of our Post members who came out to the Bronx VA Hospital to give Christmas support to our woun-ded and sick veterans, thanks for your support and time. Any Post member who would like to buy a Post shirt, cap or another American Legion item, please contact the Post Finance Officer. Remember, we accept cash, money orders and checks. Our Post has several applications for veterans to get “veteran” on their drivers’ license so if you’re in need of one, stop by the Post and pick it up. The next general meeting will take place on December 21, and after the meeting, we will have
Building 18 Association
Raffle Tickets: Scholarship Fundraiser raffle tickets will be available soon. Please watch the bulletin board for details. Holiday Collection: We will be collecting monetary gifts for our Porters and Lobby Attendant this week on December 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th in the lobby. Please check the bulletin board for times. We need your help to assist with the collecting. Please call 347-275-2995, if interested.
call 347-945-1992. Please leave a message and we will gladly call you back. Come join us at Circle of Christ Church and experience the love of God. CHURCH SERVICE SCHEDULE Wednesday – 7 - 9 p.m., Prayer & Bible Study Friday – 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Youth Night and Children’s Bible Club Sunday - 11 a.m., Worship and the Word Children’s Church – 5 years old to 12 years old Little Lambs - Potty trained SPECIAL EVENTS Christmas Dinner: December 13 at 6:30. —Rev. Sam Colon
a Commanders’ Dinner for all of our Post members. Please arrive on time and remember, this event is FREE. Put this on your calendar. When was the last time you called a fellow Post member that you haven’t seen in some time? I hope all of our Post members have paid their dues for the year. If not, it’s not too late to pay it. This will be the last call to pay. Know that the winter is fast approaching us. Make sure you dress warm and wear dry shoes according to the weather each and every day so that you will be able to make every meeting at the Post. The one thing women don’t want to find in their stockings on Christmas morning is their husband. The three wise men sound generous, but you have to remember their gifts were joint Christmasbirthday presents. This information was provided by the Post information officer. —Richard I. Lawson, Jr.
Holiday Party: Our Holiday Party is scheduled for December 31st at 10:30 p.m. in the meeting room. BRING IN THE NEW YEAR!!! Happy birthday to all with that special day this month! Season Greetings 2013 to all of you. To the bereaved, I give my deepest sympathy and to the sick and homebound, I wish you a speedy recovery. Please stay alert! If you SEE something, SAY something! —Gertie Brown
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718-231-7647 Call 24 Hours
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www.mccalls.net • director@mccalls.net 4035 Bronxwood Avenue, Bronx, N.Y.
Serving all cultures & faiths
21
Co-op City Times / December 7, 2013
Greater Love Cathedral United Baptist Church Romans 10:9. Special Announcements Free Bible Course Do you have a desire to learn about the Bible? Training for Service – A Survey of the Bible, is a free 18 month basic Bible course that is open to ages 13 to adult. The current topic is “How We Got our Bible.” Class meets at Greater Love on Thursday evenings from 7 p.m.-8 p.m. Open enrollment will soon close so we urge you to join now! We welcome students to sit in for a trial class. Prayer Requests Let us pray for you. Submit your requests via email to glcubc@optonline.net, or stop in to complete a prayer card, and we will take it to the Lord in prayer. Christian Book Drive Please donate your unused or surplus Bibles, Christian books, Bible dictionar-
ies/encyclopedias & inspirational books to the church library. Special thanks to our Co-op City neighbors for their generous donations. God bless you! Food Pantry We welcome donations of canned goods and non-perishable items. Please bring items to the church on Sunday from 2:30 to 3:30, or place items in the pantry drop box located in front of the church main entrance (Saturdays only). Tutoring Service Take advantage of our new tutoring and homework club program. Parents: please stop in to complete a questionnaire that will allow the tutors to assess the student’s needs, or send an email to glcubc@optonline.net. Save the Date Friday, December 20th at 7:00 p.m.: Greater Love Faithfuls first Youth Christmas Concert and Holiday Celebration - New Year’s Eve.,
Tuesday, December 31st at 10:00 p.m.: Watch Night Service. Weekly Schedule: Sunday Bible School/Study: 3:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Sunday Praise & Worship: 3:45 p.m. Holy Communion – First Sunday Prayer Service: Tuesday Evenings: 7:15 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. Training for Service - A Survey of the Bible: Thursday, 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Youth Choir - Open to all youth ages 15+…Rehearsal, Tuesday evenings, 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Youth/Family Nite: Ages 10+ - Next Date: TBA Greater Love is located on the ground level at 900 Co-op City Blvd. (Bldg 2A), Bronx, N.Y. 10475; main entrance - red buzzer. Sunday Worship Service is held at 3:45 p.m. —Pastor Carol Landrum
Meeting at 177 Dreiser Loop/Dreiser Community Center, Room 8, 9:30 a.m. (Sundays). Church telephone: (718) 6440951; Email: fatwcc@aol.com. Weekly Worship Experiences: 6:00 p.m. – Wednesday Prayer Service 6:30 p.m. – Wednesday Bible Study Sunday Morning Worship – 9:30 a.m. Children’s Church – 9:00 a.m. 2nd through 4th Sundays. Church Motto: “We are ChristCentered, Family-Focused with Power and Authority.” Church Mission: To empower, educate and motivate men, women,
boys and girls to reach their full potential and live abundant lives through preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Come worship with us, where we honor tradition, but are not bound by it! PRAYER: I pray for unity, within the community, from the Board of Directors, to Marion Scott Realty and the entire Riverbay staff. I pray that there will always be a recognition and high regard for all cooperators and that all will be treated with respect. I pray that cooperators will do the same. I pray that all will galvanize around one single goal, to make our unique community as positive and safe as possible. In Jesus’ name, amen. Blood Pressure Check: The Health
and Wellness Ministry will be doing FREE blood pressure checks every 3rd Sunday at 12 p.m. ALL ARE WELCOME! Today is our Healing and Power World AIDS Day Observance. Special prayer for PLWA and their families at 10:30 a.m. Please join us for this united prayer. Faith leaders and community against violence formed after the January 13th double youth shooting in Section 5. Join us and call to find out how we can and are willing to help you!! PRAYER WALKS EVERY SATURDAY AT 3 P.M. IN EVERY SECTION. Section 5 meets at 4 p.m. KNOCKOUT GAME: Please use
every precaution during this season as a rash of idiotic violent occurrences known as “Knockout” game has been plaguing the city and other parts of the country. Be alert, watch for large groups (not only youth). Blessings for your safety. We are not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for it is the power of Good unto salvation of everyone who believes! (Rom 1:16) What great power that is when you realize that you are in this alone. Our witness is to God’s goodness and not our personal accomplishments. Remember, it’s never about us, but always about the goodness of the Lord. —Pastor Deborah
On behalf of our Pastor, Reverend Dr. Calvin E. Owens, and our church family, welcome to Community Protestant Church, a church of love and understanding, located at 1659 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, NY 10469; Telephone: (718) 862-9172. Church Schedule: Sunday School - 9:00 a.m. Worship Service - 11:00 a.m. Communion Service - Every first and third Sundays Prayer Meeting and Bible Study – Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. The following programs are at
the Church’s Annex: 2053 Asch Loop North (Co-op City) Morning Prayer Services - Tuesday, 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.11:00 a.m. Neighborhood Bible Study Thursday at 10:00 a.m. Extension of Prayer and Worship Service – Every first, second and third Fridays at 7:00 p.m. Sunday School Breakfast Program For Our Children and Youth Sunday School for Children and Youth is now in session. Our program
begins at 9:00 a.m. with breakfast to follow. We welcome new and returning students and look forward to another opportunity to help train our children for a lifetime of faith and Christian growth. Other Scheduled Events: The Willing Workers Annual Pecan Sale will be held after service. Stop by their table and pick up a great holiday gift of pecans. Saturday, December 21st, 3:00-8:00 p.m. Come celebrate the Holiday Season with our Community Protestant Church family at our Annual Christmas
Party sponsored by the North Carolina Team, Bartow Community Center, Room 31, Co-op City. Music by DJ Lonnie Youngblood. Donation: Adults $15, Children under 16 years of age free (must be accompanied by parent or guardian). For tickets, call (718) 9943751 or (917) 509-2030. The doors of Community Protestant Church are open to all to worship and fellowship with Christian believers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You are cordially invited to come in, join in and receive your blessing. —Evan G. Mitchell
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” 1Peter 5:8-9 Let’s not underestimate the fact that we all have weaknesses, and unless we focus our minds and hearts on what God has said, we become an easy target for the devil and his appetites. So keep your eyes and ears open, because this is a fight that will find you, no matter where you are. Are you looking for a new church home; a place where you can give God praise openly and freely? Greater Love is a loving, teaching, preaching, tithing, faith and Bible way ministry. We believe that ANYONE can be saved according to our foundational Scripture,
Faith @ Work Christian Church
Community Protestant Church
COMMUNITY PROTESTANT CHURCH OF CO-OP CITY
CO-OP CITY BAPTIST CHURCH
1659 eaSt gUn Hill ROad bROnx, ny 10469
135 EINSTEIN LOOP (Section 5) • Rooms 50-51 Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams, Pastor
Rev., dR. Calvin e. OWenS, paStOR CHURCH
(718) 862-9172 OFFICE (718) 862-9179
An interdenominational Church of love and understanding, consisting of people of many faiths, races and cultural backgrounds, seeking to live the spirit of Christ with relevance. CHURCH SCHedUle WEEKLY:
CHURCH SCHOOl - SUnday, 9:00 a.m. WORSHip SeRviCe: SUnday, 11:00 a.m. bible ClaSS & pRayeR meeting - WedneSday, 7:30 p.m.
MONTHLY: COmmUniOn - 1St and 3Rd SUndayS
ALL ARE WELCOME!
(718) 320-3774 • Sunday School – 9:15 a.m. • Sunday Worship Services – 8:00 & 11:00 a.m. • Midweek Worship – Wednesday @ 12 Noon • Bible Class – Wednesday @ 1:00 & 7:30 p.m. • Prayer Service – Friday @ Noon & 7:30 p.m.
COMMUNION SERVICE EVERY FIRST SUNDAY. YOUTH DAY EVERY FOURTH SUNDAY. ALL ARE WELCOME TO WORSHIP WITH US.
22
Co-op City Times / December 7, 2013
Dreiser 10:00am-12:00pm, Rm. 7
2:00 – 4:00 pm
1:30 – 2:30pm, Rm. 7
Dominoes 10 a.m., Rm. 49
Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., Rm. 7 Alert & Alive Rm. 7, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Mixed Cultural Dance 10:30-11:30 a.m. Aud. B Mind Teasers 12 – 1 p.m., Rm. 4 Zumba 1-2 p.m., Aud. A Tuesday Movie w/ popcorn 2-4 p.m., Rm. 7
Tues., December 10
Crochet and Knitting
9:30am – 1:00 pm, Rm. 49
Wed., December 11
Library
Word Games 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., Rm. 31
Blood Pressure 1st & 3rd Wed 9:00-10:00am, Rm. 31 Word Games, Rm. 31 9:30am - 11:30am Stay Well Exercise 10am-11:00am, Rm. 31 Line Dancing w/Voncile 11am-12pm, Rm. 31 Bingo 1:00 – 3:30pm, Rm. 31 Card Games 2:00-4:00pm, Rm. 31 Dominoes 2:30pm, Rm. 31 Library
Fri., December 13
Einstein
Word Games 9:30 – 11:00 am, Rm. 31 Bingo 9:30 am – 11:30 am, Rm. 31 Library 9:30 am -1:00 pm, Rm. 31 Weight Management Support Group 10:00 - 11:30 am, Rm. 25 ZUMBA Class 10:30 – 11:30 am, Rm. 31 Card Games 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Rm. 31 Dominoes 2:30 pm, Rm. 31
Thurs., December 12
Mon., December 9
Bartow
Current Events 10 a.m., Rm. 31 Bingo 1-3:30 p.m., Rm. 31 Card Games 2-4 p.m., Rm. 31 Dominoes 2:30 p.m., Rm. 31
Dominoes 10:00am, Rm. 45
9:30am -10:30am, Rm. 7
Line Dancing
10:00 – 11:00am, Rm. 2
10:00am-11:00am, Rm. 45
12:00pm – 1:00pm, Rm. 4
Stay Well Exercise
Around The Lunch Table 11:30am, Rm. 49
Tai Chi 11 a.m., Rm. 45 Bingo 1 p.m., Rm. 49 Matinee Movie w/George 10:00am-12:00pm Rm 45 Dominoes 10:00am, Rm. 45 Spelling Bee 10:00am, Rm. 49 Spanish Practice Class 10:30 am, Computer Lab Bingo 1:00pm, Rm. 49
Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session 9:30 – 10:30am, Rm. 7 Sewing w/Raymonde 9:30-11:30 a.m., Rm. 7 Tai Chi 11am-12pm, Rm. 2 Mind Teasers 12 – 1pm, Rm. 4 Art Class 1-3pm, Rm. 7 YOGA w/Bhadra, 2-3pm, Rm. 2 Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session
10:00am, Rm. 45
9:30am-11:30 am, Rm. 31
10:00 -11:00am, Rm. 45
Chat Session
Blood Pressure 1st & 3rd Thursday 10:00 -11:30am, Rm. 8
9:30am-1:00pm, Rm. 31
Spelling Bee
Line Dancing w/Ellie
Bingo
11:00am, Rm. 49
10:00am-11:00am, Aud. A
Mind Teasers
1:00- 3:30pm, Rm. 31
Card Games
Po-ke-no
12:00pm-1:00pm, Rm. 4
2:00pm-4:00pm, Rm. 31
1pm - 2 pm, Rm. 49
Drama Club 1:30 – 4:00, Rm. 7
DATES
1st Mondays:
1st Mondays:
Tuesdays
11:00 am – 12:00pm, Rm. 7
Crochet and Knitting
Dominoes
10:00am-12:00pm, Rm. 7
10:00am, Rm. 45
Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session
Art 10:00am, Rm. 45 10:00 -11:00am, Rm. 36
9:30-10:30am, Rm. 7
Meditative Moments
Bingo 1:00pm, Rm. 49
11:00 – 12:00am, Rm. 8
Card Games
12:00pm-1:00pm, Rm. 4
Mind Teasers
2:00pm-4:00pm, Rm. 49
2nd and 4th Friday 10:00 -11:30am, Rm. 49
Stew Leonards Super Wal-Mart
Card Games, Dominoes 2:00pm-4:00pm, Rm. 7
Spanish Class
Blood Pressure
WEEKLY TRIPS
Bowling
Piano Sing Along
Bingo 1 p.m., Rm. 49
WEEKLY TRIPS
1pm – 2pm, Rm. 7
Therapeutic Yoga
1:30pm – 2:30pm, Rm. 8 (Schedule subject to change without notice)
PRICE
PICK-UP TIMES
Bartow Dreiser 9:30 a.m. 9:45 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 8:45 a.m. $2.50 11:00am 11:30am (for transportation)
$5 $15
Mon., Dec. 9
Orange pineapple juice Turkey meatloaf w/Mojo sauce Brown rice Cauliflower Alt: Tuna salad
Turkey cutlet w/stewed tomatoes & basil Spanish yellow rice Green salad (mixed greens)
Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit
Tues, Dec. 10
Apple juice Chicken breast w/creamy mushroom dill sauce Mashed potatoes Carrots Alt: Cold breaded fish
St. Louis ribs Mashed sweet potatoes Collard greens
Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit
Wed., Dec. 11
Orange juice Polish beef sausage w/onions Stewed tomatoes Green beans Alt: Sliced turkey
Salisbury steak w/gravy Red potatoes Carrots & peas
Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit
Thurs., Dec. 12
Orange pineapple juice Baked Salmon w/chive mustard sauce Kasha Varnishkes Winter blend vegetables Alt: Chicken salad
Roast chicken Israeli cous cous w/peas Creamed spinach
Calah bread Fresh fruit
1:15 - 2:00pm, Rm. 2
9:30-10:30pm, Rm. 7
Men’s Line Dancing w/Voncile 9-10am, Rm. 31 Word Games 9:30 – 11:30am, Rm. 31 Women’s Line Dancing w/ Jenifer 10–11:30am, Rm. 31 Chat Session 10am, Rm. 31 Bingo 10:30am – 12pm, Rm. 25 Sing along w/Charles Carrington 11am-12pm Rm. 31 Card Games 2-4pm, Rm. 31 Dominoes 2:30pm, Rm. 31
Soups, Breads and Desserts
Gentle Yoga w/Anne
Basic Cellphone & iPad Training course
Stay Well Exercise
2:30pm, Rm. 31
Non-Kosher
Mind Teasers
2-3pm, Rm. 2
Walking and Exercise w/Ms.Gaskill
Word Games
Dominos
Kosher
Intermediate Yoga
Dominoes
9:00am-1:00pm, Rm. 31
Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session
Date:
Einstein 10:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 11:15am
To register for trips, please call: (718) 320-2066
New Payment Schedule - Payments for trips @ the Bartow office can be made Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Only) Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, The NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation.
Fri., Dec. 13
Orange juice Roast chicken Greek style Tilapia w/lemon & dill Roasted potatoes Pesto pasta w/broccoli Spinach Carrots Alt: Gefilte fish
Chicken soup Whole wheat bread Mixed fruit in juice
Fee for lunch is $1.50 & $3.50 for guest
*Menu subject to change without notice. Lunch must be ordered a week in advance.
ALL meals served w/margarine and fresh milk
Upcoming Events/Trips
Bartow Center (718) 320-2066, Ext. 2010 Dreiser Center (718) 320-1345 • Einstein Center (718) 671-5161
There will be no refunds for all trips. All trips include r/t transportation! Ongoing STAR and SCRIE Help is available. Please call 718-320-2066 to make an appointment. Free Screenings for Nutrition Assistance (SNAP, the program formerly known as Food Stamps) Friday, December 13th & December 20th - 2049 Bartow Avenue, Room 25 – 10 a.m. TO 3 p.m. First come, first served! Please bring documents that verify your identity, address, income & expenses (rent, medical, etc.). For more information: 718-320-2066 Stew Leonard’s – Wednesday, December 11 - $5 – New time for pick-ups – Einstein Loop - 9:30 a.m., Bartow - 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser- 10 a.m. 10 seats available. Central Ave. – 2 hrs. Xmas Tree store, 1 hr. Trader Joe’s and 2 hrs. Amazing Savings – Thursday, December 12th – $13 – Pick-ups: Bartow – 9:00 a.m., Dreiser Loop – 9:15 a.m. and Einstein Loop – 9:30 a.m. Cross County Shopping Center (Macy’s etc.) – Friday, December 13th $12 – Pick-ups: Einstein - 9:00 a.m., Bartow – 9:15 a.m. & Dreiser Loop – 9:30 a.m. (4 hrs.) Fairway – Monday, December 16th $3 for 2 hrs. – Pick-ups: Einstein Loop – 9:00 a.m., Bartow – 9:15 a.m. & Dreiser Loop – 9:30 a.m. (10 seats available). Wal-mart – Tuesday, December 17th - $15 – Pick-ups: Bartow - 8:30 a.m., Dreiser Loop - 8:45 a.m. & Einstein Loop - 9:00 a.m. (10 seats available). Roosevelt Field Mall - Garden City – Thursday, December 19th – $15 – Pickups: Dreiser Loop - 9:00 a.m., Bartow – 9:15 a.m. & Einstein Loop - 9:30 a.m. (10 seats available). Empire Casino – Monday, December 23rd - $5 – Pick-ups: Einstein Loop – 10:00 a.m.; Bartow - 10:15 a.m. & Dreiser Loop – 10:30 a.m. $5 voucher to play & $5
voucher for a meal. NY Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show – Friday, December 27th - $23 Arrival time: 10:15 – Pick ups: Dreiser Loop – 9:15 a.m., Bartow – 9:30 a.m. & Einstein Loop – 9:45 a.m. Shoprite – Monday, December 30th $3 – Pick-ups: Einstein Loop – 9:00 a.m., Bartow - 9:15 a.m. & Dreiser Loop – 9:30 a.m. Christmas Holiday Party – Friday, December 20th at 135 Einstein Loop – Rm. 45 – 11:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m. $5 in advance & $7 at the door. Pick-ups: Dreiser – 10:00 & Bartow -10:30 a.m. Coat Drive @ 177 Dreiser Loop – Rm. 7, December 5 to February 5, 2014. If you have any used coats that are in decent condition, please bring them to the Dreiser Senior Center. Parkinson’s Disease Presentation – Friday, Dec. 13th – 1:00 p.m. – 177 Dreiser Loop – Rm. 7. Weight Management Support Group – Monday, December 9th - 10:00 a.m., 2049 Bartow Ave., Room 25, facilitated by social workers. Learn techniques and information that can help you maintain a Healthy Lifestyle. For information: 718320-2066. Caregiver Support Group – Tuesday, December 10th - 1:00 p.m., 2049 Bartow Ave., Room 31. The group offers resources, as well as an atmosphere of understanding and support, whether you care for a loved one from a distance or in your home. Facilitated by a social worker. For information: 718320-2066. Grandparent Connection – Next grandparent caregiver support group meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 12th at 10:30 a.m. at the teen center in Einstein Loop. For information, you may contact Hattie Lucas, 718379-0433, Ext. 2139, or 917-734-5935.
Co-op City Times / December 7, 2013
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
AARP Chapter #4997
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REMINDER: NO MEETING THE MONTH OF DECEMBER. Our next meeting is scheduled for MONDAY, JANUARY 13th, 2014. FINAL REMINDER: Our Holiday Luncheon is scheduled for Thursday, December 12th at Marina Del Rey, 12 p.m.-4:30 p.m. - $75/person. Bus will leave Asch Loop in front of the library at 11:30 a.m. and make three stops (Einstein Loop, Asch Loop and Dreiser Loop) on return. NOTE: To our sick, on the mend and shut-in members, and those bereaved members, please know that you are in our prayers. Contact Frances Wilson, Good & Welfare Coordinator, 718-671-5493. 2013 TOUR ACTIVITIES December 30- January 1, 2014 – New Year’s Eve Gala: 1920’s Great Gatsby – trip includes Deluxe Motor Coach transportation; first stop at the Sands Casino in Bethleham (PA); then to the Desmond Hotel (Malvern, PA) w/dinner after check-in; next day AllAmerican buffet breakfast; side trips include a choice of sightseeing; or shopping at King of Prussia Mall; or a
4-hour stay at an Atlantic City Casino; New Year’s Eve entertainment w/surf & turf dinner and an open bar; hats, noise-makers and Champagne toast at midnight; buffet breakfast & show before departure for home – BUS DEPARTURE: 8 a.m. SHARP from Asch Loop in front of the library; arrive by 7:30 a.m. to get luggage tags and bus seating…A few seats available with FULL PAYMENT NOW!!! $535/person (double); $645 (single); $525/person (triple); travel insurance (to be included w/payment, if you want it): $28/person (double or triple); $37/single… contact Jean, 718-3793742. 2014 TOUR ACTIVITIES March 31-April 1, 2014 – Sands Casino w/a $20 free play & lunch voucher; then to the hotel w/dinner and a show; full buffet breakfast and then to see MOSES at the Millennium Theater; traveling on Deluxe Motor Coach transportation…$295/double; $285/triple; $345/single (travel insurance to be determined)…contact Jean, 718-379-3742. —Delores Debnam
A happy birthday and/or anniversary to all celebrating this coming month of December. Attention – our membership meeting for Tuesday, December 3rd, was cancelled. Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, March 4th, 2014, “Moses” at the Millennium Theatre, Lancaster, Pa. This will be a 2-day trip, Wednesday, May 14th and Thursday, May 15th, 2014. Day 1-Lunch at the Hershey Farm Restaurant on your own. After lunch, at 2 p.m., a showing of “Moses.” Room accommodations at the Hawthorne Inn and dinner at Millers Restaurant. Day 2-After breakfast, off to the
Sands Casino and casino package of the day. Cost per person-double $245; triple-$235; and single-$287. Please send in your deposits to hold your reservations. All balances or full payments must be paid by March 17, 2014. For the above, please call Loretta at 718-671-2958, Lydia at 718-671-3005 or Mildred at 718-320-0288. We are available Mondays through Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Give us a call. Please remember those who are homebound or in nursing homes. Give them a call. Our prayers of good health are wished to all. —Lydia Ruas
Einstein Cancer Fund
Baychester Library Events VISIT THE LIBRARY - A GREAT WEALTH OF INFORMATION WEEKLY EVENTS Wii Gaming - Every Monday, 3:00 p.m. Toddler Time - Every Tuesday, 11 a.m. Teens TAG - Every Tuesday, 4 p.m. Teen Lounge - Every Wednesday, 3:00 - 4:30 p.m., Chess Club - Every Thursday, 3:00 Teen Lounge - Every Friday, 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
The New York Public Library Baychester Branch • 2049 Asch Loop • Bronx, NY 10475 (Fully Wheelchair Accessible)
HOURS: Monday & Wednesday, 10-7; Tuesday & Thursday, 10-6; Friday & Saturday, 10-5. Libros En Español (Books in Spanish). HORARIO DE LA BIBLIOTECA: Lunes 10-7, Martes 10-6, Miércoles 10-7, Jueves 10-6, Viernes 10-5, Sábado 10-5, Domingo Cerrado
718.379.6700 FREE ADMISSION TO ALL
Handicapped Adult Association
We are open two days a week, Monday and Thursday. Monday, 9:00 11:00 a.m.; Thursday, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. We are now selling jewelry, many choices of necklaces and earrings and bracelets. Our soft covered books are 25¢ each or 5 for $1, hard covered
books are 50¢ each. There is also a small selection of canes for $5, walkers for $10. We are located in Dreiser Community Center, 177 Dreiser Loop, Room #13, second floor. —Arlene Rodriquez
Goose Island Seniors
Wednesday, December 11—Bingo game in Room 39 at 1:30 p.m. Admission is $2. Refreshments served. Wednesday, April 23—Come and have an enjoyable day with Music and Comedy. They are having “THE RAT PACK” with special guest joining us, MARILYN MONROE, singing and including members of the audience. Price is $69. Pick-up time is 9 a.m. at our 3 usual bus stops: Einstein Loop, Asch Loop (back of library) and Dreiser Loop. A small deposit will hold your seat. MENU: Appetizer, salad, choice of 3 entrées: beef, chicken and fish, dessert, coffee, tea, soda. Also, a complimentary glass of wine or beer. Monday, June 2—Going to VILLA
ROMA. They are having “THE JERSEY BOYS.” Wonderful music of Frankie Valle and Four Seasons. Price is $79. Pick-up time is 8 a.m. at our 3 usual bus stops. MENU: Fruit cup, minestrone, soup, half chicken, London broil and Tilapia. All served with potato, and assorted vegetables, desserts, coffee, tea and soda, also a small deposit will hold your seat. For more information, call Ann or Mary at 718-379-9613 or come to 135 Einstein Loop, Monday-Thursday, from l0 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. or call Mary at 718-379-4899 in the evening. GOOD HEALTH TO ALL. —Mary Pilla
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Co-op City Times / December 7, 2013
Reflections by Rabbi Solomon I. Berl Spiritual Leader of Young Israel Synagogue With Thanksgiving behind us, we know that winter, with its forbidding austerity, will soon come upon our world. Soon, the paralysis of cold will strike. Soon nature will cover its growing glory with a mask of snow. I can see the birds in their migrations southward, seeking the comforts of a warmer home. Who taught the birds to follow the journey south? Who mapped out their
itinerary? Who gave them the spirit of adventure to follow the promise of a better life, and who gives them the wisdom to find their way back when the winter is ended and a warm sun shines on our world once more? When I contemplate the wonder of the birds, I know that G-d Almighty guides it all. Not blind chance but a plan of infinite wisdom governs the life of the universe.
Young Israel of Co-op City
Young Israel of Co-op City (lower level of the Dreiser Loop shopping center) is a house of worship that opens its doors every morning from 6 until 7 a.m. Anyone who wishes to start the daily routine with prayers, during which our spiritual leader, Rabbi Solomon I. Berl, offers a brief Bible teaching is welcome. On Friday evening, Sabbath services begin at 10 minutes after the candlelighting 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.
Fr. Taylor and the congregation of St. Joseph’s cordially invite you to worship with us in Co-op City at 155 Dreiser Loop, lower level. All are welcome. Weekly Schedule: Sunday service with Holy Communion and Sunday School are both at 9 a.m. Every 4th Sunday, our children participate in the reading of the lessons and every 5th Sunday, our young adults assist in the service. Bible study is held each Wednesday at 7 p.m. Choir rehearsal is on Thursday at 7 p.m. The (ECW) Episcopal Church Women meet immediately after service on the 1st Sunday of each month. Membership is open to all women of the church and dues are $2 per month. We look forward to welcoming everyone at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 8, when we will celebrate the Second Sunday of Advent.
Calendar of Events: a) Advent Readings - Sunday, December 8 b) Lessons & Carols - Sunday, December 22 c) Christmas Eve Service - Tuesday, December 24 (7 p.m.) d) Service with Christmas Pageant by children of our Sunday School - Sunday, December 29. Many thanks to all the supporters of our fundraising event last Saturday. Outreach Program: We continue to collect non-perishable food for the feeding program at Grace Episcopal Church in West Farms. Please remember to donate. For additional information on the above, please call the church at 718-320-0844, or visit our website: http://www.stjosephs epcbronx.org. “Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds.” — (Psalm 72:18) —M. Chambers
St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church
Castle Hill Funeral Directors, Inc.
Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City
The Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City, Young Israel of Baychester, Section 5 (new address) at Bldg. 27B at 120 Erdman Place (behind the lobby), welcomes you to pray with them. Tel. for the Shule (same old number) 1-718-3796920. Note: Office hours are on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Candle lighting on Friday, December 13, is before 4:09 p.m. Shabbat ends today, Saturday, December 7, at 5:12 p.m. Coming Events: Saturday, December 7, at 9:00 a.m. – Please join Rabbi Kronengold and the congregation in prayer. Be part of the minyon. Sunday, December 8 at 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. - We are having a Chanukah/End of Year Luncheon. The menu includes potato latkes, apple sauce, sour cream, egg salad, tuna salad, garden salad, donuts, plus more. We hope that you will join us for a fun afternoon. Bring your games and we will also try to run a mini bingo. You’re sure to have a great time. Make reservations by calling Mimi at 1-347-427-4526. Your check in the
amount of $12 per person is payable to Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City and mail it or bring cash to 120 Erdman Place, Bronx, NY 10475. Space is limited, but we will have a waiting list. Sunday, December 15 at 1 p.m., the Sisterhood sponsors an afternoon of Bingo. The cost is $3/person and includes admission, snacks and refreshments. Good and Welfare: Do you need a tree certificate sent “in Honor of” or “in Memory of” a special occasion or a condolence? You can give a living gift for the cost of $15 per tree. For more information, you can call Mimi at 1347-427-4526. We can accommodate you. If you are feeling under the weather, we wish you all a speedy, painless and complete recovery in double quick time. We wish a speedy recovery to Nathan Sherman. Our prayers are with you. December brings happy birthday wishes on the 26th to Jerry Berlofsky and Gary Schwartz. Enjoy the day! Your help is always appreciated. Thank you. Shalom! —Miriam Evelyn Berlofsky
Building 26 Association
Happy fall greetings to our Co-op City families, friends, neighbors, and especially our new residents. Congratulations to all who are celebrating birthdays, new births, wedding anniversaries and other celebrated events during the month of December. Well wishes for a speedy recovery to all of you who are sick/shut in. Our sincere condolences to those families who have experienced the loss of a loved one. May they be eternally blessed. And may you and your families also be blessed during your time of bereavement. A belated happy Thanksgiving to all. All dues-paid members of our building association are invited to come celebrate the holidays with us on Friday, December 20, at 7 p.m. in the rear community room of Building 26B, 2420 Hunter Avenue. Come enjoy our festive celebrations for the
holidays. But remember, you must be a paid up member of our association. Do a good deed today. Check on your elderly, disabled, and/or homebound neighbor to see if they are okay. Some of our neighbors are unable to travel to the store and/or pharmacy. As you do your shopping, it would be nice for you to shop for them. You will be blessed abundantly for your good deeds. Please help to keep our community clean and green by properly disposing your garbage in the appropriate receptacle. Take out time to recycle your bottles, plastics, and papers. Bulk trash and large cartons are to be taken to the basement. And please be vigilant. If you see something, say something by calling 9-1-1 for emergencies and 3-1-1 for all other nonemergency complaints. The life you save could be your own. —YuVonne Lewis
Happy Holidays!!
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25
Co-op City Times / December 7, 2013
Church of the Savior
Rev. Dr. Robert A. Smith, Jr., Pastor; Lady Theresa M. Smith, co-founder; Rev. McMillian, Assistant Pastor, and the Church of the Savior family extend an invitation to every person to worship with us. We are a non-denominational, interracial, inter-cultural, intergenerational fellowship of believers. We care about you, not your W2. We are not church as usual. Come as you are, we leave the judging to God. The Church of the Savior family extends love and affirmation to the Co-op City community; A warm welcome awaits you!! A very special invitation to our new neighbors in Co-op City. We love you for who you are, not what you have. Please call us at 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. Special Scripture Reading: “Delight yourself in the Lord, and God will give you the desires of your heart.” Sunday Schedule: Meditation and Adult Bible Study 9:15 -10:15 a.m. Divine Worship - 10:30 a.m. Come and be blessed, we want an opportunity to love you. See you in church. Our children’s Sunday School will teach and nurture your child/children in the word of God. All sessions are during worship service.
Dr. Smith’s Sermon Topic: “You Need New Glasses.” Reading from Holy Scripture: Book of Hebrews 11:1,6. Thought of the Week: “Truth does not need a defender, only an Investigator.” Weekly Activities – Every person is welcomed. Bereavement Group - Monday evenings at 6:15 p.m. Bible Study Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. Please join us for our in depth study of the Gospel of Mark. Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. - Channel 70, Bronxnet. Every other Saturday - Food Pantry. For more information in donating or receiving food, please call 718-9255052. Also, here’s how you can help: WE NEED NON-PERISHABLE FOOD. No soda, potato chips, condiments, etc.
Please check expiration date on all items. You can drop off your donations at the church on Mondays, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Tuesdays, 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. or Sunday mornings, 9:00 - 10:00. To arrange special drop off time, call Ms. Weir at 347-375-3837. God bless all our donors. Do you or members of your family or friends need affordable health insurance? Good news! Go online, www.health insurance.gov. Don’t have a computer? Visit the local library. You can’t afford not to be insured. Invitation to the Community: Please join us for our early Watchnight Service, Tuesday, December 31 at 7:00 p.m. We will be praying for the sick, bereaved, brothers/sisters healing from broken relationships and caregivers. Our doors and hearts are open to everyone. —Rev. Dr. Robert A. Smith, Jr.
The Association met on November 20, at 7 p.m. and we are wishing a happy Thanksgiving to all. The association will be going to the Ace in the Hole located in Garfield, New Jersey on Saturday, December 7, to see the "DOO WOP CHRISTMAS SHOW." The price is $80 and includes round-trip transportation, a family style menu of ham, roast turkey with dressing, etc., 2 complimentary drinks.
The headliner is Joe Coleman, long time lead singer of the PLATTERS. The Fundraising Committee is accepting cash or money order only. The bus will pick up at 9:00 a.m. in front of the community center at 135 Einstein Loop. NOTE: THERE MAY BE SEATS STILL AVAILABLE. Contacts for further information, please call (917) 921-7749, (646) 644-4055. The contact (718) 671-1905 can be reached
from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. NOMINATION OF OFFICERS ARE AS FOLLOWS: President: Thalia Roach; Vice President: Nelson Sweeting; Secretary: Evelyn Brown; Corresponding Secretary: Hattie Overman; Treasurer: Lillian Sumpter; Sergeant at Arms: Charles Dodbson. Kudos to the 3 winners of the Thanksgiving raffles: 1st prize, Phyliss Miller (turkey), 2nd prize, Paquita
Myke (bottle of wine) and 3rd prize, Nelson Sweeting (cookies). Our deepest sympathy go out to those that have lost a loved one. Our prayers for the sick and shut-in and those that are on the mend. Please continue to pray for leaders everywhere that we will do the right thing in our service to the people. Enjoy life and have a safe and wonderful week. —H. Overman
Building 27 Association
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(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.
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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
718-324-0443 212-567-1144
Diabetic Patients with Medicare may be eligible for shoes.
26
Co-op City Times / December 7, 2013
Co-op City Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church invite you to join us tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. for worship service. Sunday School for children and adults is held at 9:15 a.m. We invite you to worship, study, and pray with us. The Co-op City Baptist Church is located at 135 Einstein Loop, Room 50 (lower level). Our telephone number is 718-320-3774. Visit us on the web at www.coopcitybaptistchurch.org. Stop The Violence Prayer Walks are held each Saturday in each section in Co-op City. Please join one of these walks against violence in our community when you can. The walks begin at 3 p.m. at the following locations: Library (Bartow); Town House Restaurant (Dreiser) and Basketball Court (Bellamy
and Benchley). The Section 5 Prayer Walk begins at 4 p.m. in front of the Teen Center. Join us for a mid-week spiritual pick-up at our midweek worship service which is held on Wednesdays at 12 noon. Bible study is held on Wednesdays at 1:00 and 7:30 p.m. Bible study will also be held on Wednesday, December 18 at 5:00 p.m. Prayer Service is held on Fridays at noon and 7:30 p.m. Men’s prayer service is held monthly at 7:30 a.m., we invite the men of the community to join us on Tuesday, November 12 at the next Men’s Prayer Service. On Tuesday, December 31, at 10:30 p.m., we will hold our Watch Night Service. We invite all to come to worship with us as we bring in the New Year. The Scholarship Ministry invites you to join them
next year as they sail to the Caribbean. They will be sailing on the Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas going to Kings Wharf, Bermuda, Philipsburg, St. Maarten, San Juan, Puerto Rico and Labadee, Haiti. This 10-day cruise will be from Thursday, July 17, 2014 to Saturday, July 26, 2014. For additional information or reservations, please call 718-379-0541, 917612-1245 or 718-320-3774. The Co-op City Baptist Church exists to glorify God and to establish a living community of people who follow the teachings of Jesus the Christ through worship, prayer, Bible study and fellowship. We seek to meet the spiritual and physical needs of the church through ministry. —Hattie L. Lucas
Rev. Dr. Gladys R. Little, Apostle, and Pastor & Evangelist Vernon Little greet everyone in the name of Jesus, that name which is above every name. We want you to know that you are welcome in this house of the Lord! It is His house by ownership: it is our house by stewardship: and it can be your house by membership; so come on in and join with us. May God bless you in this house! Let’s go into some wise counsel. Ephesians 4:2932 says: 29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your
mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Invitations: Our Sweet Hour of Prayer will be today at 3 p.m. Sunday school is tomorrow at 10 a.m. Our Sunday Morning Worship Service is at 11 a.m. Every 3rd
Sunday following the morning worship, we serve Holy Communion. Please come out and support these services. I want to accomplish a mission for the glory of God at this time. December 8, at 5 p.m. will be the beginning of a Holy Spirit End of the Year Blessing Night at Faith In God Church, Inc. This will also be a church dedication service. Please save this date. We are located at 171 Dreiser Loop in Section 1. Our phone #’s are (347) 276-4925 & (718) 671-3627. Jesus loves you, and so do we. —Apostle Gladys R. Little
Faith In God Church & Bible Institute Inc. HQ.
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1. CHURCH WORSHIP SPACE AVAILABLE: St. Paul's Episcopal /Anglican Church on 489 St. Paul's Place off Washington Avenue, Bronx, wishes to rent out its Worship space on Saturdays and other week days. The Worship space can also be made available for rent on Sundays after 3pm. The Church can seat over three hundred people. 2. 7,500 SQUARE FOOT SPACE, comprising a two story attached annex building to St. Paul's Episcopal Church available for rent. The space was used as a Pre-School until June 2012. If interested, call Father Scott on 914-384-2929 for an appointment. 12/28
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Fully Insured NYC License #1233497
Service Charge only $24.95 plus 10% off any repair Senior Citizen Discount
Blinds
• ALL MAKES & MODELS • Stoves • Washers • Dryers •Lamps • Dishwashers • Refrigerators • Bags • Hoses • Belts • Vacuum Cleaners
$20 OFF
P&R APPLIANCE SERVICE
if you are tired of paying too much for repairs! 718-829-9090
1058 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx
L & L APPLIANCE REPAIR
Fully Insured
Work Part Time
SERVICES
Appliances Repair
Refrigerators, stoves, air conditioners, washers, dryers, dishwashers. Free service call with repairs.
For Sale
•
10/11/14
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 11/30 Call Anytime • Seven Days/Week • “When You See Me, You’ll Know Me!”
Cleaning Service Houses, Apts., Offices cleaned. Reasonable Rates. References. 718-882-0598. 12/07
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Co-op City Times / December 7, 2013
Master Locktician
Painting
Hair
CLASSIFIEDS
• Locs • Loc Styles • Loc Repair • Loc Extensions • Loc Jewelry
Cleaning Service COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL CLEANING SERVICE Call: A BEE R.A.G. SERVICE, INC. Residential: $60 for 3 man hours, $75 with supplies Commercial: Call to discuss Call us @ 718-798-4259 or email us @ Sales@abrags.org Website: www.abrags.org for a list of services. 12/14
Richardson Avenue Bronx, NY 10470 Btwn 241st & 240th Sts.
718-515-0060 Closed Saturdays By Appt. Only
1/11/14
FREE!
ESTIMATE!
718.320.5270 12/28
12/28
FATHER & SON
Home Improvement
Top Quality Work - Painting, Plastering, Wallpapering, 2/1/14 Floor Sanding, Refinishing, Waxing.
1-800-479-2667
Call Wesley 212.996.7347 or
JASON LASH
• VERTICAL BLINDS • MINI BLINDS • SINK VANITIES • SPACE SAVERS • MATCHING HAMPERS • BATHTUB ENCLOSURES • CLIP-ON MIRROR FRAMES
A-1 PAINTING PLUS Bathroom, paint included, Kitchen $110 paint included, Bedroom - paint included • Floors Refinished • Doors Repaired • Wallpaper, Panel, Carpet Removal • Blinds, Doors & Kitchen Cabinets - Moderate Repairs • Closet Doors Repaired (very cheap)
• RANGE HOODS • LIGHT FIXTURES • KITCHEN CABINETS • CABINET REFACING • COUNTERTOPS • CUSTOM CLOSET MIRROR DOORS • CUSTOM WALL MIRRORS
917.325.5334
Pest Control 12/7
Grout & Carpet Cleaning SPOONERS DOMESTIC SERVICE • • • • •
General Cleaning — $80 + tax Semi-Heavy Cleaning — $90 + tax Super Heavy Cleaning — $120 + tax Bonded • 7 Days Accept Cash, Pay-Pal • 4 Hour Minimum
(718) 320-5112
1-800-479-2667 Co-op City Resident Specials
Elimin ate Bugs
CO-OP SALES BLINDS!
www.spoonercleaning.com Call
e
Breath Easy
— since 1969 — 3/22/14
Vertical, Mini, Wood, Pleats Slipcovers
1-800-479-2667
Cleaning Service - Carpet & Upholstery
• Don’t Pay More At Your Local Hardware Store •
We BEAT Any Quote!
12/28
PLASTIC SLIPCOVERS
Locksmith
FAMILY LOCKSMITH Licensed and Bonded
HIGH SECURITY LOCKS 8/2/14
20% Off Any Lock Job!
Medeco • MultiLock • Wilson
High Quality Labor For a Low Price! Cleaning Service - Windows
GEORGE’S CLEAN WINDOWS Professional Window Cleaning • FAST RELIABLE SERVICE Cell:
1-203-482-6337
Serving Co-op City for over 25 years. “When you see me, You’ll know me.” Call Anytime • Seven Days A Week
Call Mike at: 718-974-1290
12/28
TABLE PADS CUSHIONS REFILLED NEW FOAM RUBBER SOFA PLATFORMS LOW, LOW PRICES
ALL STATE DECORATORS 12/28
Volunteers
12/28
Makeup
Computer Consultant, Sales & Repair JB RYAN COMPUTER REPAIR & UPGRADE
(718) 746-8925
Repair - Upgrade - Trouble-shooting - Data Recovery Virus Removal - Laptop Overheat - Cracked Screen Broken Power Jack. Call James 646-281-4475 • 718-324-4332
3/1/14
Decorator
12/14
Floors
M & M FLOORS
12/21
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
12/28
Advertise in the Co-op City Times Classifieds! Call 718-320-3300, x3384 for affordable rates!
Don’t Be Fooled By Imitators! * *
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Co-op City Times / December 7, 2013
Reface or Replace? $1500
Packages with sink and countertop starting at
$2700
Packages with sink and countertop starting at
• All Wood • Full Height • Adjustable Hinges • Tons of Options!
Dozens of Styles and Colors! Something for Everyone’s Budget!
Co-op Sales Est. 1969
CALL 1-800-479-2667 Co-op City Exclusive! * *
Other Services Include: Custom Closet Doors, All Types of Flooring, Window Shades and Blinds, Range Hoods.
We Will Not Be Undersold! www.co-opsales.info
Licensed and Insured, NYC Better Business Bureau, NYC Dept. of Consumer Affairs