Co-op City Times 12/24/11

Co-op City’s official newspaper serving the world’s largest cooperative community. © Copyright 2011 Co-op City Times

Vol. 46 No. 52

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Deadline for return of postal surveys is Monday

BY BILL STUTTIG Shareholders are reminded that the deadline to return the two surveys they received in the mail from the United States Postal Service is this Monday, December 26th, the day after Christmas.

It is essential that a very large percentage of the community mail back both surveys – one for the Einstein Post Office and one for the Dreiser Post Office in order to prevent the closure of one or both.

Just last week, the Postal Service announced that they are postponing any decision of the closure of facilities throughout the nation until May, but community leaders including Congressman Joe Crowley and Board Director Eleanor Bailey are urging residents not to be lulled to sleep by the delay, but to continue to voice their opinions and fight the closures.

“We still need to keep the pressure on and it is essential that all residents here fill out both questionnaires they recently received and send them in before Monday’s deadline, December 26th,” Director Bailey said last week.

She added that residents who have not yet received or have misplaced their

surveys in the holiday rush, can get additional surveys by contacting the District Office of Congressman Joe Crowley office at (718) 320-2314.

Following the announcement by the Postal Service on December 14th about the delay in the potential closures, Crowley said: “With the holidays just days away, this decision is welcome news for families in Queens and the Bronx. While this decision does not mean our postal facilities are in the clear, it does allow for more time to seek alternatives to help USPS meet its financial obligations. I understand the Postal Service has a bottom line, but balancing its books on the backs of Queens and Bronx families is not the answer. I will continue to fight to keep these facilities open, keep jobs in Queens and the Bronx, and keep the critical services residents need in our community.”

The deadline for returning the surveys on the day after Christmas is forcing residents to take time out from busy schedules during a particularly hectic time of the year. Cooperators United President Sonja Maxwell said that the (Continued on page 2)

Section 5 residents may park in Garage 5 at half cost

BY ROZAAN BOONE A resolution approved by the Riverbay Board last Wednesday will allow Section 5 residents on the waiting list for a garage parking space in either Garage 7 or 8 the opportunity to park their vehicle in Garage 5 at half the monthly charge for unreserved parking.

The resolution, which was submitted

by Director Bill Gordon, Chair of the Board’s Garage Committee, and second-

ed by Director Khalil Abdul-Wahhab, noted that Garage 5, which is located in Section 4, has no waiting list and ample available parking.

“This initiative has been in place for some time without a formal Board resolution and had been offered to new cooperators,” said Director Gordon. “The Board wanted this policy to be available to all

25¢

Looking towards the New Year I wanted to take the rush?" A judge the opportunity to President’s Message in Kings County wish a happy Supreme Court in Chanukah, merry Brooklyn issued a President Christmas, happy ruling in February Kwanzaa, and a which may have wonderful winter holiday season to tremendous implications on the entire everyone regardless of how or what they issue of privatization. celebrate. It's a time of year for joy and Quite simply, the judge ruled that the good will, and of fun and excitement, privatization of Trump Village 3 will cost particularly for children. Many will be the reconstituted cooperative more than visiting families and I'm extending my $21 million in New York City transfer best to everyone for a happy and safe hol- taxes. As long as this issue remains unreiday wherever you may be. solved, no action can be taken on privatiAs we look toward the new year, I zation. Trump Village has challenged the hope we can see the Board working amount of the tax in court, but it's anytogether as a true governing body instead body's guess when a final determination of engaging in petty politics; politics, I'm will be made. afraid, where the best interests of the Perhaps more important, from a financooperators tend to be forgotten. We, as a cial standpoint, if the current ruling Board, were elected to represent our fel- stands, if Co-op City decides to privatize, low cooperators to the best of our ability, we would be subject to a tax of approxiand that is a responsibility I take very mately $60 million in transfer taxes. And seriously. if the Brooklyn Judge's ruling stands conI want to report that it sounds as if cerning the city transfer tax, being a state Stephen Kaufman, our Assemblyman for Mitchell-Lama, there is little doubt that so many years, and HCR Commissioner the State of New York will also move to Darryl C. Towns are making progress in charge Co-op City a transfer tax. efforts concerning the $4 million we are "The devil is in the details," as the spending per year on what has proven to saying goes, and whether one is for or be unnecessary abatement and air moni- against privatization, now was just not the toring on our floor tiles. I was pleased time to take a vote committing us to anythat Commissioner Towns came to Co-op thing to do with the privatization process City in September, and I am confident when there are too many unknown facthat these two gentlemen will continue to tors ahead. press our case before the powers that be.

For the new year, I believe it's enough Ultimately, right is on our side. to concentrate on what we can effectiveThis past week was a major one in ly control, such as getting the most for determining what we, as a Board, should our carrying charge dollars. We need to concentrate on, and that is our fiduciary concentrate on savings, while still ensurresponsibility and trying to represent the ing essential services, services cooperabest interests of the people of Co-op City. tors expect, are delivered in a timely and The Board convincing voted to reject a cost effective manner. resolution calling for a community wide There is always room for improvereferendum, which, if passed by a simply ment, and if one really wants, it's not hard majority of those voting, would move to find things to complain about, but the forward with the privatization process by bottom line is Co-op City still remains, calling for a feasibly study to be conduct- by far, the best housing buy in New York ed, not to exceed $100,000.

City. I, for one, am grateful to live here I want to repeat, I have an open mind and I love our community and am when it comes to privatization, but I have certainly proud to represent my fellow to agree with my fellow Director Khalil cooperators as President of Riverbay Abdul-Wahhab when he asks, "What's Corporation.

Helen Atkins

(Continued on page 2)

Early deadline notice Riverbay’s administrative offices will be closed on Monday, December 26th in observance of the Christmas Holiday, and again on Monday, January 2, 2012 in observance of New Year’s Day. Because of these holiday shortened work week, Directors’ viewpoints and community organizations’ articles must be submitted by 9 a.m. on Tuesday, December 27 and on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012. Material submitted after these times will not be considered for publication in the Saturday, December 31, 2010 and the Saturday, January 7, 2012 issues of the Co-op City Times.

Please note that the regular business hours of the Co-op City Times are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each weekday. Material for publication may be emailed to cctimes@riverbaycorp.com; faxed to (718) 320-2595 or slipped under the office door at 2049 Bartow Ave., Rm. 21.

The Co-op City Times will be delivered as usual on Saturday, December 31, 2011.

Although the administrative offices will be closed on Monday, December 26 and January 2, shareholders may contact their local CSO for services and the Co-op City Public Safety Department at (718) 671-3050, and 9-1-1 with emergencies.

We wish our readers a happy Hanukkah, merry Christmas, happy Kwanzaa and a healthy and prosperous New Year.

Holiday magic out of the mouths of babes… Children from Co-op City’s Garvey School chorus, ages 5 to 8, sing holiday songs for seniors attending JASA Senior Center’s annual Christmas luncheon at the Einstein Center Thursday afternoon. The program included a rousing rendition of O Holy Night sung in French. After the performance, the children were treated to gifts handed out by the seniors and donated by the general community in response to a toy drive sponsored by CCPD and the Riverbay Fund. Thank you to all who donated to this effort.

Photo by Bill Stuttig

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Co-op City Times / December 24, 2011

Postal Surveys timing of providing the surveys at this time is probably not a coincidence and designed to minimize residents participation so it is vital that residents not be deterred by this strategy and take the time to return both surveys.

Maxwell said that she and others have reached out to all Building Presidents to put reminders throughout their buildings on each floor for residents to fill out and send in both surveys. “Even at this late date, we are still asking all residents to read and answer all questions on the surveys, fill out both surveys completely and send them in,” she said.

Congressman Crowley has held rallies against the threatened closure of the Dreiser and Einstein Post Offices and the Queens Processing Center, all of which threaten jobs and services within his district. He is co-sponsor of H.R. 1351, legislation that will free the Postal Service from pre-paying its pension obligations in an effort to alleviate the financial burden facing the Postal Service.

The Postal Service said as part of its statement issued recently that it hopes that this delay in the decision of what services and offices to cut nationwide will help facilitate the enactment of comprehensive postal legislation.

“Given the Postal Service’s financial situation and the loss of mail volume, the Postal Service must continue to take all steps necessary to reduce costs and increase revenue,” the Postal Service stated in a recent press release. “The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.”

Bailey has warned that this issue is far

Garage 5 cooperators in Section Five as a possible means to help shorten the waiting lists in Garages 7 and 8. A cooperator who does not frequently use their car, might take advantage of the discount and park in Garage 5.”

Warren Mitchell, Director of the Riverbay Parking Facilities Department, said that the goal at this point is to help those who do not use their vehicles regularly and are interested in reducing their parking costs to obtain an alternative parking space in Garage 5, which would in turn, open spaces on the waiting lists for Garages 7 & 8 and allow those who do need their vehicles on a regular basis a chance to park their vehicles closer to their homes.

“We encourage anyone in Section 5 who do not use their vehicles regularly to take advantage of this opportunity and allow those who do need their cars for every day use a chance to obtain a space in Garage 7 or 8,” said Mitchell.

Section 5 shareholders who are willing to park in Garage 5 will be charged half the monthly rate for unreserved parking, or $33.12 a month as opposed $66.24, the regular monthly charge.

(Continued from page 1)

from a local issue, but instead affects thousands of jobs throughout the nation, as well as services that this nation has relied on ever since it began.

“We cannot allow the Postal Service to dilute the service that we rely on,” Bailey said. “They say they need to cut jobs, but I fail to see how cutting jobs is going to help our economy recover. We need to put pressure on Congress not to allow them to take away our service.”

The surveys mailed out to each household in Co-op City earlier this month are part of a discontinuance feasibility study being conducted by the United States Postal Service to determine the fate of 17 post offices in the Bronx being considered for closure among more than 3,600 threatened throughout the nation in an effort to save the cash strapped Postal Service more than $200 million in annual expenses. Other measures proposed include reduced and slower service throughout the system, and the possible elimination of Saturday deliveries.

Fact sheets handed out by the Postal Service prior to hearings held in the community in November stated that the Postal Service would save $169,679 annually if it were to close the Dreiser Post Office and $191,079 if it were to close the Einstein Post office. They make this claim despite the fact that the Dreiser Post Office made $332,112 in revenues last year and the Einstein Post Office, $318,286.

Revenue has only dropped by roughly $21,000 in Einstein and by less than $35,000 in Dreiser over the last four years.

Postal Service officials have maintained that revenue from first class mailings have dropped by 28% nationwide during that same time frame, meaning that the revenue

drop for Co-op City is far less than the national trend. Still, Co-op City post offices are being threatened with closure.

Bronx Postmaster Howard Sample reiterated several times at last month’s hearings that the current procedure, which includes the public hearings and the surveys, are merely part of a study to determine which post offices would be more feasible to close.

In the recent mailings to each Co-op City household, Sample stated, “Comments received from the questionnaire, community meetings, and proposal will be considered prior to making a final determination.”

According to the Postal Service, even if a postal facility is determined to be considered for closure, a public notice of the Postal Services’ intentions to close the facility must be posted and the community has 30 days to appeal that final decision before the Postal Regulatory Commission who then would render a final decision within 120 days of the community’s final appeal.

With the decision to postpone any initial decision on the elimination of facilities and/or services until at least May, the community has time to continue its fight, but it must continue to fight and voice their disapproval despite the postponement.

Bailey, with the help of others, collected more than 5,000 signatures on petitions that were presented to Bronx Postmaster Sample at a hearing held in the community in November. More than 600 residents in total attended the Postal Service hearings on

consecutive evenings held on November 1st and 2nd in Dreiser and Einstein Centers, respectively.

Prior to that, public protests were staged outside each post office in August and September and on November 14th, Congressman Crowley led a rally outside the Einstein Post Office in which more than 200 residents participated.

In making their case for the community, Crowley, Assemblyman Mike Benedetto and others have repeatedly referred to Coop City’s standing as the nation’s largest Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC) with a large percentage of residents who are elderly or disabled, making it essential that postal services be available within blocks of their home.

Other points made at recent rallies and hearings are that an older population is much more dependent on traditional postal services, rather than depending on digital devices or computers to correspond with others and pay their bills. Other commonly made points are that the community’s recently cut bus services makes it more difficult to reach post offices outside the community, especially for the community’s large senior and disabled population.

Bailey said that these points need to be made again and again, and residents need to express these valid points, as well as others in the comment section of the surveys and then put those surveys in the mail by Monday.

DR. LEWIS WOLSTEIN Podiatrist — Foot Specialist

(Continued from page 1)

The resolution, approved by the Board at its December 14th meeting, becomes effective immediately.

Director Abdul-Wahhab said: “I’m glad that we were able to pass this resolution. As a matter of fact, this policy has been in place for a while and cooperators need to be reminded of it. It is definitely a convenience for cooperators and I think it’s a very good idea.”

In addition to Directors Gordon and Abdul-Wahhab, Board President Helen Atkins, Directors Eleanor Bailey, Bernard Cylich, Leah Graham, Tony Illis, Daryl Johnson, Francine Jones, Othelia Jones, Andrea Leslie and Raymond Tirado all voted in support of the resolution.

Directors Rev. Calvin Owens, Evelyn Santiago and Al Shapiro were absent.

Any Section 5 resident interested in taking advantage of the opportunity to park their vehicles in Garage 5 at half the monthly charge, should visit the Riverbay Parking Facilities office in Room 24 in the administrative building, 2049 Bartow Avenue. For the convenience of shareholders, the office is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

No Co-op City Times? Call 646.479.1041; Saturday: 9 am - 2 pm.

• Practicing in Co-op City since 1975 • Board Certified in Foot Surgery • ALL conditions of the foot treated • We

accept most health insurance plans

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

Dr. Lewis Wolstein

Call:

“Se Habla Español”

718.671.7226 100 DeKruif Place

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

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Co-op City Times / December 24, 2011

2nd Combing ty p Cinext Blood Co-oDrive Community’s 15th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration The Coalition of African American Churches and Community Organizations’ 15th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration will be held on Thursday, December 29, 5 p.m., Bartow Community Center, Room 31, 2049 Bartow Ave. (Co-op City), Bronx NY, featuring Dr. Rosalind R. Jeffries (School of Visual Arts in NYC, educator, activist); and Sistah Yaa Asantewaa Nzingaa (Spoken Word Artist). This event is free and is sponsored in part by Poets & Writers, Inc. Traditional African attire should be worn, although it is not mandatory.

Your attendance and participation are required to make this family, community, and cultural festivity a success.

You are cordially invited.

First CB #10 Meeting of 2012 The first Community Board #10 meeting of the new year will be held on Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. at Fort Schuyler House, 3077 Cross Bx. Expressway, Bronx, N.Y. 10465. For further information, please call (718) 892-1161.

Early deadline notice Riverbay’s administrative offices will be closed on Monday, December 26th in observance of the Christmas Holiday, and again on Monday, January 2, 2012 in observance of New Year’s Day. Because of these holiday shortened work week, Directors’ viewpoints and community organizations’ articles must be submitted by 9 a.m. on Tuesday, December 27 and on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012. Material submitted after these times will not be considered for publication in the Saturday, December 31, 2010 and the Saturday, January 7, 2012 issues of the Co-op City Times.

Please note that the regular business hours of the Co-op City Times are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each weekday.

Material for publication may be emailed to cctimes@riverbaycorp .com; faxed to (718) 320-2595 or slipped under the office door at 2049 Bartow Ave., Rm. 21.

The Co-op City Times will be delivered as usual on Saturday, December 31, 2011.

Although the administrative offices will be closed on Monday, December 26 and January 2, shareholders may contact their local CSO for services and the Co-op City Public Safety Department at (718) 671-3050, and 91-1 with emergencies.

FRONT PA G E

2011: The Year in Review J a n u a r y to J u n e

BY BILL STUTTIG

The following is an account of the major events occurring in or affecting Coop City during the first six months of 2011 as reported by the Co-op City Times. Next week’s issue will feature an account of the second half of 2011 J a nu a r y 2011: With all of the city’s homes, businesses and, especially, housing developments buried under mounds of garbage bags and other unsightly refuse due to a more than week-long postponement of the city’s regular garbage collection schedule following an untimely Christmas week blizzard, Co-op City remained clear of such unsightly and unsanitary mountains of trash thanks largely to the hard work of Riverbay’s porters and drivers and the presence of the community’s own refuse handling facility on Peartree Avenue.

Luis Salazar, Riverbay long-time Director of Janitorial Services whose duties include oversight of the operation of the Peartree facility, said that without the garbage facility, Co-op City would have faced a real crisis at the exact time of year when the amount of refuse produced by the community is at its highest.

A long-time Co-op City resident who raised three children in the community lost his life in a tragic accident in the Bartow Shopping Center on January 10.

Jerrold Chaleff, 71, was walking in the parking lot of the shopping plaza around 8:30 a.m. that day when he was struck by a motorist driving a Ford Focus. Chaleff was taken to Jacobi Hospital, but did not survive the accident. Chaleff was born in the Bronx and moved to Co-op City in the early 1970s, living in Building 28C for nearly 40 years.

State grant money that will total $2 million, won by Riverbay Corporation through a competitive grant program, helped in part to pay for the ongoing capital projects that are continuing to rebuild Co-op City and maintain the community

as one of the best housing buys in New York City.

Riverbay Corporation won the $2 million grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) in 2006 to help pay for the construction of Co-op City’s 40-megawatt cogeneration plant.

The first $800,000 of the grant came after the cogeneration plant became operational and Riverbay received another $600,000 in January, 2011.

On January 10, several changes were made within the Riverbay Cooperators Services Office (CSO) and as a result Warren Mitchell, who had served as the Area Manager of CSO 3 for five years, was promoted to Director of the Riverbay Parking Facilities Department. A Riverbay employee of approximately 15 years, Mitchell was place in charge of the administration and operation of the community’s eight parking garages.

On January 18th, the Department of Public Safety began training 15 new recruits who then joined the force in late March at the conclusion of an extensive eight week training program.

They were the first new recruits to be hired and trained since the winter of 2009, nearly two years ago. Chief Frank Apollo said that to lose 15 officers to other jobs and retirement over a two-year period is a slow rate of attrition, but nevertheless one that needs to be addressed if the community is going to retain its full compliment of officers.

On January 20th, at a meeting between State Assemblyman Mike Benedetto and Riverbay Board President Helen Atkins, Benedetto said that the MTA had indicated to him that they would be open to some changes to the community’s local bus routes as long as those changes do not come at an additional expense to the financially strapped agency.

Meetings with MTA leaders were held later in the year and in November it was announced that the MTA would restore

Bx. 30 service along Asch Loop.

Elected officials and residents alike were left scratching their heads and wondering if nationally known conservative commentator Glen Beck had even the slightest knowledge about life in Co-op City after he insinuated that the complex was an example of failed socialism. Beck, during his national cable television show seen at the time on Fox News, presented unflattering and unfair images of Co-op City on the screen on January 25th and asked his audience, “Do you want to live there?” He also called Co-op City an example of the ideal that makes “everyone’s life interchangeable and everyone has exactly the same stuff.”

Defenders of Co-op City against insinuations of failure pointed to a near 100% occupancy rate which the community has consistently maintained for more than a decade, one of the lowest per capita crime rates in all of New York City, and the recent completion or near completion of major capital improvements, such as new garages, roofs, balconies, windows and a cogeneration plant providing the community its own energy supply, freeing it from expensive dependencies on utilities.

Feb r ua r y: Riverbay’s hired a news sales director, Sheena McNeil, who brought approximately two decades of experience in managing and marketing government supervised housing to her new position. She immediately began the task of filling the more than 200 existing vacancies within the community at the time.

In early February, the New York City Department of Finance notified the Finance Department that Riverbay Corporation will receive approximately $1.1M in New York State School Tax Relief (STAR) Property Tax Exemptions which will be shared among those who applied for the credit for tax year 2010/2011. In all, out of Co-op City’s (Continued on page 4)

A Miracle Harvest Grows in the Bronx

BY DEMETRI TSOULOS

On Friday, December 16, Middle School 180's Community Team, led by its irrepressible Parent Coordinator, Mrs. Rita Henry, raised over 13,500 pounds of canned goods for the city's food pantries. Beginning in October, Ms. Henry and her community team of student volunteers solicited countless donations from parents, teachers and members of the Parents' Association. The Food Harvest culminated in a wave of charitable giving that couldn't have come at a better time.

Anticipating a difficult winter ahead, coupled with a sluggish economy, food pantries throughout the country have been reporting shortages in their ability to meet the many needs of the poor, homeless and hungry. "This is really a blessing," said Ms. Henry to Principal Frank Uzzo, himself a tireless advocate of the poor, as they braved the winter temperatures to load the truck that would carry thousands of pounds of food to New York City's most vulnerable.

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Year in Review 15,372 apartments, 9,055 received the credit which amounts to $1,054,147.48 for Basic or Enhanced STAR. The credit for Basic STAR is $93 per apartment and for Enhanced STAR, $186.04.

“These are a one-time credit provided to Riverbay for tax year 2010/2011 and Riverbay, in turn, passes the credit through to the eligible shareholders,” said Peter Merola, Riverbay’s Director of Finance. “The STAR credits were posted to the eligible shareholders’ accounts and appeared on their February, 2011 carrying charge monthly statements.”

At an open board meeting on February 9th, the Riverbay Board of Directors approved the hiring of a leading national energy consulting firm to study and produce a report on the plant’s current operation and how it can be made more efficient.

NAES Corporation, described as one of the world’s leading energy consulting firms specializing in operations and maintenance and dedicated to optimizing energy generation systems and facilities throughout the world, was hired, in an initial step by the Board, to produce a comprehensive report on the plant’s operation with an eye towards “optimizing the asset.”

At the same open Board meeting, the community was briefed about a new experimental technology that could save shareholders a million dollars or more every year in ever-increasing water costs.

The technology which tested successfully during a trial run in Building 4 as the new “water management valve” system cut the water meter readings by 10% to 15%.

Within months after the meeting, the valves were installed in each building throughout the community, cutting Co-op City’s water expenses each year by 15% or more.

A 63,000 pound black start generator was maneuvered into its permanent home within the power plant grounds on February 17th with final connections soon completed in the weeks that followed.

The massive generator serves as an insurance policy against a major regional blackout such as the one that hit the northeast in August of 2003, allowing power plant crews to restart the plant in approximately three hours if a major shut down of the grid occurs. Power Plant Director Brian Reardon explained that even with Co-op City’s new co-generation facility providing virtually all of the power for the community with very little reliance on outside utilities, the plant is still interconnected to the grid and as such can likely trip off should the grid suffer a major region-wide outage such as what occurred in 2003.

Beginning February 21, Riverbay’s laundry vendor began upgrading the plumbing system in the laundry rooms of the triple core buildings to help prevent water from backing up into the drain lines in the washers during the rinse cycle.

“This work is an upgrade of the existing plumbing system and will help circumvent the back ups that negatively impacts on residents’ ability to use the laundry rooms because the existing plumbing lines cannot handle the volume of water that is discharged when all or most of the washers are being used simultaneously,” said

Co-op City Times / December 24, 2011 (Continued from page 3)

General Manager Vernon Cooper.

M a r ch : A nearly three-year legal battle to win back the community’s control of the Yellow Schoolhouse resulted in victory as Riverbay received word in early March that a panel of three judges comprising the First Department of the Appellate Term of the Supreme Court has ruled that the original court decision to have the Gloria Wise Community Center evicted from the premises was correctly concluded.

The decision upheld the original ruling

by Civil Court Judge Raul Cruz on November 30th, 2009 which awarded Riverbay possession and use and occupancy of 950 Baychester Avenue, popularly referred to as the Little Yellow Schoolhouse. In the original ruling, the tenant of the property, the Gloria Wise Community Center, was ordered to vacate the premises as of February 28th 2010, but appealed Cruz’s decision and was allowed to stay and operate on the premises, pending the result of its appeal. Following this decision, the Gloria Wise Community Center was allowed by Riverbay to continue operating out of 950 Baychester Avenue until the end of the school year in June.

In early March, it was revealed that Coop City’s cogeneration plant had saved shareholders $20.2 million since the plant went online in April 2009. That $20.2 million – which would have gone to Con Edison to pay electricity bills – helped pay for thousands of windows and terrace doors and balcony repairs over the past two years as part of the community’s massive rebuilding project.

Out of the total cogeneration savings, $6.6 million helped pay for new energyefficient windows in Buildings 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 30 and another $8.8 million paid for Local Law 11 repairs to balconies in many Co-op City buildings. Another $4.8 million of the energy savings from the community’s cogeneration plant were used to finish its construction.

In mid-March, it was reported that the Einstein Senior Center was on a list of 105 senior centers citywide to be closed due to budget cuts that were part of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s plan to eliminate a $10 billion state budget gap.

The Bartow and Dreiser Centers were to remain open under the proposed list from the city. The state budget was due to be passed by April 1, and, unless other city, state or federal dollars were found, Einstein Center was due to be closed within three weeks.

Three and a half years after the commission of one of the most horrific crimes in the history of Co-op City, the trial of Paulino Valenzuela, a former Co-op City resident and worker accused of shooting and killing his former supervisor and wounding two others, began on March 14th in the criminal term of Bronx Supreme Court.

Valenzuela, a former porter for Riverbay from 1994 until he was fired in 2005 for a documented history of incidents related to threats and violence against co-workers and supervisors, and drinking on the job, allegedly took revenge for his firing two years later just days after a federal judge disallowed his

claim that his firing was based on discrimination. With some surviving victims of the horrific crime testifying, Velenzuela was found guilty three weeks later and eventually sentenced to life in prison.

In late March, New York State officials and a representative for Riverbay Corporation went to Washington, D.C. to talk with leaders of the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development in an effort to make some progress in the ongoing pursuit of a refinancing of Co-op City’s $475 million mortgage. Michael Skrebutenas, President of the Office of Housing Preservation of the New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) department; Richmond McCurnin, Deputy Commissioner of HCR, and Herbert Freedman, principal of Marion Scott Real Estate Inc., managing agent for Co-op City, met with HUD officials to find out what the federal government needs to consider in guaranteeing a proposed refinancing of Co-op City’s current mortgage by Wells Fargo/Wachovia. According to Freedman, the HUD officials indicated they could consider Riverbay’s request that HUD guarantee the proposed mortgage refinancing under the agency’s 223F program if they receive a satisfactory plan that provides debt service reserves, along with assurances that the state HCR will play a significant role in ensuring that the federal loan guarantee is protected.

After nearly nine months of meetings, surveys, petitions and protests, State Assemblyman Mike Benedetto decided to change strategy and go right to the top in his quest to have the MTA restore some or much of the Co-op City bus service cut by the agency last year.

In late March, Benedetto personally invited MTA Chairman Jay Walder to come to the community in the near future and join him and City Council Transportation Chairman James Vacca in touring the community and surveying the quality of the bus service Co-op City residents receive in the wake of last summer’s cuts. The invitation was eventually accepted by New York City Transit President Tom Prendergast who met with Benedetto and Co-op City community leaders about the bus service in June.

Ap r il: After one of the coldest and snowiest winters in recent memory, the hard work of preparing the community for the warm weather ahead began in early April.

Riverbay General Manager Vernon Cooper explained that Riverbay operational departments would be working together to not only freshen and clean-up, but also make a series of visual and physical improvements throughout the complex. In addition, Riverbay contacted government agencies responsible for the conditions of areas adjacent to Co-op City to ensure that they live up to their responsibilities for these areas at the outset of the spring and throughout the warm weather months.

In early April, the state supervising agency for Mitchell-Lama developments such as Co-op City, the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR), Office of Housing Operations, issued an overview of the rent

increase process so residents can better understand the process through which their monthly maintenance charges may increase.

According to the overview, NYS Private Housing Finance Law (PHFL) provides for Mitchell-Lama rents to be increased periodically, upon application by the housing company, to ensure the financial viability of each housing company, and in accordance with the PHFL, the DHCR Commissioner is required to set rents at the minimum amount sufficient to meet all of the housing company's financial obligations.

Co-op City senior residents scored a victory in the fight to save the Einstein Senior Center as proposed cuts by Governor Andrew Cuomo to money that the state sends to New York City to pay for senior centers were restored in the final 2011-12 state budget that was passed last week in Albany. “Both the State Senate and the Assembly rejected the Governor’s proposal in his budget and we elected to restore all funds to the City of New York to be used for senior citizen programs,” said State Assemblyman Mike Benedetto.

After two years of searching for the best way to stabilize its financial picture during a historic national recession, Riverbay Corporation reached a deal to refinance its mortgage at a lower interest rate, to continue ongoing capital projects, rebuild its reserve funds and help address skyrocketing water bills from New York City. At a meeting on April 13, the Riverbay Board of Directors approved a recapitalization of the existing $475 million mortgage with New York Community Bank. Under the deal, Riverbay will pay off the existing $475 million debt and take out a new mortgage with New York Community Bank for $555 million.

At the same meeting, the Riverbay Board of Directors approved a contract change order which extends the contract with Riverbay’s laundry room vendor, Coinmach, Inc., for another six years while requiring a wide array of improvements to each laundry room including upgraded efficient new washers, new floors, and the installation of new televisions in each laundry room hooked up to basic cable.

The contract option approved by the Board at the meeting called for Coinmach, Inc. to pay Riverbay a monthly rent of $260,000 plus 75% of all income collected in excess of $3.8 million.

A team of Riverbay managers and directors led by General Manager Vernon Cooper met on April 27th with representatives of a wide variety of city and state agencies responsible for providing services to Co-op City and maintaining properties in and around the community that had fallen into various states of disrepair.

Agencies that sent representatives to the meeting included the city’s departments of Transportation, Parks and Recreation, Sanitation, and Environmental Protection and the state Department of Transportation. The meeting led to various improvements in conditions in and around the community in the months that followed.

(Continued on page 16)

5

Co-op City Times / December 24, 2011

Keeping you informed of our progress We believe that this year’s cleanest building contest was well received, as a number of the porters expressed that they were pleased to be acknowledged for their hard work. As we stated in last week’s Management Corner, going forward we are looking to expand this initiative to include people in other departments who do a wonderful job as well, including those men and women who are porters in the Commercial Leasing and Parking Facilities Departments.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Ms. Rebecca Adorno of the Human Resources Department for her invaluable help in making the luncheon a success. Had it not been for her assistance with respect to preparing the certificates, scheduling the room, ordering and serving the food to the participants, the luncheon would not have happened.

Another benefit to doing mass inspections over a relatively short period of time is that it enables you to glean conditions and issues that exist throughout the buildings that are either not being addressed in a timely manner or not addressed at all, and therefore subsequently supervisors can be put on notice that said conditions must be on their radar when they conduct their routine inspections and that they must follow up to ensure that they are being corrected in a timely manner. Coming off of this month’s building inspections, we will implement a program to sweep buildings with a team of people including staff members who will be expected to make the corrections/repairs found, i.e. porters, utility men. We may try to enlist the help of the building associations as it relates to the kinds of things that should be addressed by the cooperators as well, for example, bath-

Management Corner

Marion Scott Real Estate, Inc. room shower walls and fixtures that are leaking, apartment doors and saddles that need cleaning, etc. We’ll keep the community informed of our progress.

E levat or Safet y Com es F ir st – WithVer -Tech E levat or Safet y is Pa r a m ount An unfortunate accident took place this past week in a Manhattan commercial building high-rise elevator when the elevator cab began to rise, killing its occupant.

This is indeed a tragedy and our hearts go out to the victim’s family.

To date, there has been no official cause listed relating to the incident, and the investigation continues though it is believed that human mechanical error or mechanical failure may be to blame on the part of the building’s elevator vendor. Only a thorough investigation and time will tell.

Ver-Tech Elevator, Riverbay’s maintenance vendor who is responsible for the day-to-day maintenance and repair of Riverbay’s elevators, has been with us for the past two years and has done an excellent job of maintaining the community’s 179 elevators and 1 handicapped lift. Since taking over the maintenance of our elevators on January 1, 2010 emergency breakdowns have been reduced significantly as they are very pro active in general maintenance and upkeep of the elevators.

Monthly, we are provided a maintenance schedule showing their pro-activeness in cleaning the hoist motors, checking the

controllers, hoist cables, counter weights, sheaves, Governor ropes, rollers, brakes, etc. In addition, all elevator pits are cleaned out quarterly and machines rooms painted annually. Ver-Tech maintains a team of qualified mechanics onsite seven days a week. Weekly, Monday thru Friday, there are four mechanics and two supervisors covering the day-to-day needs of our elevators. Additionally, there is a critical repair team here each day tending to the major repairs needing more than one mechanic. During the evenings, we have an onsite mechanic covering all of Co-op City from 4:00 p.m. till midnight. After midnight, we have a mechanic on call to respond to any of our needs during the night. Weekends are also covered by a mechanic.

Safety is paramount with Ver-Tech elevator company, and they have a very stringent safety policy in effect. On a weekly basis, all of our site mechanics are required to attend a safety meeting during which they are apprised of the latest safety techniques and are shown the use of new tools and their application. In addition, they critique difficult calls and repairs handled during the week.

Additionally, our onsite supervisors attend a more in-depth safety meeting monthly at Ver-Tech’s main office in Richmond Hills, Queens bringing back additional information to share with our site mechanics. VerTech has spent a great deal of money to bring to us the latest in safety technology and in handling our elevators in a very prudent manner.

New M a na ger of CSO II Ms. Vanessa Aldea has been promoted to the position of CSO Manager and she will work out of CSO II, which is in the

Bartow Center. Ms. Aldea has been employed here at Riverbay for approximately ten years and she has basically moved up the ranks in that her first appointment back in 2001 was that of a temporary clerk with the Window Guard program. Early on, she demonstrated a desire to learn all that she could about the departments she had to interact with in that capacity; she also demonstrated a willingness to assist residents whenever she could. When a position in Finance became available to process income affidavits, she was quickly picked for that position and her diligence and demeanor helped to garner her a position within the CSO Department in 2004, where she has worked ever since.

Ms. Aldea’s title in the CSO Department before this promotion was that of a Secretary, however her actual duties and responsibilities exceeded the job description and she has proven to be an asset to the CSO Managers whom she has worked under, as well as to the Director of this department, Ms. Juanita Net. Ms. Aldea is a fast learner, a hard worker and a conscientious person who has consistently demonstrated a willingness to help the residents of Riverbay; she works well with all of the operating departments that she communicates with on a daily basis (Maintenance, Restorations, Buildings and Grounds), in addition to the Finance and Legal Departments, among others. I am sure that she will do well in this new assignment.

On behalf of your management, Marion Scott Real Estate, Inc., I’d like to wish you a happy Hanukkah, merry Christmas, happy Kwanzaa, and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

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6

Co-op City Times / December 24, 2011

Co-op City Times

Letters to the Editor

Time to move on To t he E dit or : I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the Riverbay Corporation

Board of Directors who voted against the privatization survey.

I sincerely hope that this will be a final

chapter and we can move on to more important things.

—St a n ley H ir schh or n

Co-op City’s official newspaper serving the world’s largest cooperative community.

(718) 320-3300, ext. 3375 cctimes@riverbaycorp.com

Derek Alger Director of Communications

Rozaan Boone

Sigh of relief To t he E dit or : The year of 2011 is leaving the shareholders with a sigh of relief, thanks to the Board of Directors for taking the stand at this time to vote down the resolution for a feasibility study to privatize. I agree with one Director, what's the rush, one wonders?

What is the motive? Could it be greed?

I also agree with another Director, who expressed that 99.5% of the shareholders chose Co-op City as their home. Some have been here since the inception of Co-op City, this alone would suggest how much

they love their homes.

When there is a lot of land or real estate, the first thing I believe one of greed would want to know is how can one benefit and make a profit? So I believe this is why the notion of privatization has been festering for many years. When one feels why should we continue to rely on state regulations, in essence the Mitchell-Lama program, well this is what makes the co-ops affordable. The Mitchell-Lama program keeps the cap on carrying charges or rental from going to market rate, this is the main

Editor-in-Chief

Bill Stuttig issue. I would like to encourage the shareholders, do your own research, go to meetings and find out for yourselves the consequences of privatization. I would like to suggest, if one is bent on privatization, why not move to buildings that are privatized and meet your standards and then you can feel free to sell your apartment and make all the profits you wish.

On a good note, I would like to wish all shareholders, a happy, healthy and prosperous new year 2012.

—H. Over ma n

Maintaining affordable housing To t h e E d it or : The Board has spoken and defeated the privatization issue and now we as a community and Board can move ahead and focus on refinancing. It's apparent that the Board saw what I and many other well informed cooperators did about the economy that this was not the direction for the future. We live in affordable housing and our wish is to be able to one day pass that legacy on hopefully to our chil-

dren and the next generation, unlike Trump Village, Lafayette Boyton, Fordham Hill. Yes, they have high prices on their property, but that doesn't ensure that in this economy that they will get their market value. On top of that, Trump Village may have a $21+ million tax bill for leaving Mitchell-Lama. We did not move here for profit, but for affordability.

Stop listening to City News editor who does not live here and lives in Riverdale.

Someone wants to pocket a finder’s fee or something for trying to make this development private. The revenue stream would have been a stream to nowhere. We would have lost and we all know that.

Thank you, Board members for opening your eyes to the greedy few who want to cash out and not be a part of the future here and those who are trying to grab our community.

—Da vid Sa n q u ich e

Parking Facilities Rules and Regulations The Riverbay Parking Facilities Department would like to remind shareholders and their families who park in the garages to observe and comply with the following G a r a ge Agr eem en t r u les a n d r egu la t ion s: • Dr iver s sh a ll d r ive wit h h ea d ligh t s on wh ile d r ivin g wit h in t h e G a r a ges • Drivers must observe the posted speed limit of 5 mph while inside the garages (do not accelerate your speed in any area of the garage) • Follow directional signs and arrows (in order to avoid collisions, do not drive in the opposite direction of posted arrows and signs) • Drivers must park their vehicles fully within the painted lines (be considerate and leave enough room for your neighbor to enter and leave their vehicle) • Drivers shall be in compliance with the Vehicle and Traffic Law of the State of New York (this means that you must have a current inspection sticker, registration sticker and license plates on your vehicle inside the garage) • Drivers must not park in the designated Fire Zone areas of

the garage (the affected Fire Zone spaces are located on the up and down ramps from the 2nd floor to roof ramps) indicated by signs on the adjacent wall.

We would also like to remind you of the following additional rules and regulations which are included in your Garage Agreement that you perhaps did not know: • Shareholders may not loan or reassign their Garage Access Card to another person or transfer their Garage Sticker to another vehicle • Shareholders may not park their vehicle in another garage other than that which they were assigned to after 6 p.m. without authorization • Shareholders must maintain the cleanliness of their vehicle while parked in the garage • Vehicle repairs/washing are not permitted in the garages • If the shareholder violates any terms, covenants or conditions of the Garage Agreement, including payment of carrying charges, Riverbay Corporation reserves the right to terminate the agreement.

—R iver b a y P a r k in g Fa cilit ies Dep a r t m en t

Associate Editor

Jim Roberts Business Manager

Jennifer Piovanetti Operations Manager

Ralph Henriquez Production Manager

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

Writers will be limited to one letter per topic. And to give everyone a chance, we will limit writers to one published letter every 30 days.

Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication.

Letters cannot exceed 350 words.

Ideally, they should be typed. All letters must be in the Co-op City Times office in Room 21, Bartow Community Center, by 3 p.m. every Monday to be considered for publication in that week’s edition. Views and opinions expressed in letters and Directors’ Viewpoint are solely the writer’s, and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times or Riverbay Corp.

Advertisements and classified advertisements in the Co-op City Times do not necessarily reflect an endorsement from Riverbay Corporation of goods and services, but present greater options to cooperators of products and services available.

The Riverbay Corporation does not assume any responsibility nor is it a party to any contract or agreement between the cooperator and the vendor.

All matter published herein is copyrighted by the Co-op City Times.

Permission for reprints of advertising or editorial contents produced by the Co-op City Times must be obtained in writing from Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Ave., Bronx, New York 10475.

Send us your

Letters!

Important Notice to Shareholders of Building 19 Article SIXTH of your Occupancy submit your completed form for a short- lease, notify Riverbay, in writing, Attention: Agreement provides, in part, that your lease term lease no later than thirty (30) days Sales Support Office, 2049 Bartow Avenue, automatically renews for an additional before the expiration of your present lease. Bronx, NY 10475, ninety (90) days prior to three (3) year period. You need to do noth- If you will be moving out at the end of your lease expiration. ing if you want your lease to extend for another three (3) New Three (3) Year Last Date to Request Current Lease either a One (1) or year period. If you desire a Expiration Date Expiration Date lease of less than three (3) Two (2) Year Lease years, you may call 718-3203373 to request a form to subBuilding 19 March 31, 2012 March 31, 2015 March 1, 2012 mit for either a one (1) year or 140 Alcott Place two (2) year lease. You must

r es Edito City Tim e. p o A o w v5 C Barto 2049 , NY 1047 x Bron

email: cctimes@riverbaycorp.com

7

Co-op City Times / December 24, 2011

Public Safety Report C C P D wish es ever yon e a h a p p y, h ea lt h y a n d sa fe h olid a y sea son

BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO The Co-op City Department of Public Safety would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our readers a happy, healthy and safe holiday season. Whether you celebrate Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa or another winter holiday, we would like to wish you happiness and joy this season.

Holidays are a busy time, but be sure to relax and enjoy yourself.

Frazzled holiday shoppers present a variety of opportunities for unscrupulous thieves. Auto crimes are heightened this time of the year. The criminal may observe packages or other valuables inside your vehicle and chose to break into your vehicle. 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 if possible. Avoid the temptation of using your automobile as a location to store gifts.

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 them.

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 authorized parkers and their property.

Reports of suspicious persons or activities are investigated promptly. Any persons observed in the garage may be asked to

Public Safety Blotter: December 4 - 17, 2011 Decem ber 16, C ooper Townh ouses CCPD officers were originally called to this area for a complaint of several suspicious persons loitering. One male was found at the rear of location (one of the townhouses) and was questioned as to his presence and identity. The male became belligerent, attacked an officer causing injury, then fled from pursuing officers.

Other officers began conducting an investigation at the scene when the wanted suspect returned and was able to enter the apartment injuring an officer. The male then barricaded himself inside. NYPD’s Emergency Services Unit was called and they were able to get the male into custody.

He was hit with numerous charges.

Decemb er 14, 120 Dr eiser L oop CCPD officers broke up a group of disorderly individuals. During the course of doing so, one male became belligerent and refused to comply with orders to disperse.

He was charged and cited for disorderly conduct.

140 Dek r u if P la ce CCPD officers arrived here to quell a disturbance amongst teens. They discovered two females had been fighting. When they dispersed the parties, one of the female combatants refused to disperse and as such, was arrested for disorderly conduct.

December 13, 140 Dekr uif P la ce A person walking in this area was knocked to the ground and robbed of personal property. The suspect is described as a male black wearing all black. The victim was not hurt.

Decemb er 12, 100 Aldr ich Pla ce CCPD officers arrived at this location to break up a fight. The two females engaged in the fight were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct. A third female was also arrested when she refused to leave the area after being instructed to do so.

Decemb er 10, 99 E instein L oop A victim reported to CCPD that they were approached by a man brandishing a

gun in this area who then relieved them of personal property and fled. The matter is under investigation and there were no injuries.

140 C a sa ls P la ce CCPD officers found two persons loitering in a stairwell and questioned them as to their presence. During the course of the interview, a male suspect tried to dispose of a knife in his possession and was arrested as a result. He was cited for knife possession.

Decem ber 09, 120 Debs Pla ce A complainant reports he was set upon by another male who knocked him down then went into his pockets to take property but found nothing. During the course, the male was scared off by the arrival of another civilian and fled without any property.

December 06, 100 Alcot t Pla ce CCPD officers responded to this location to investigate a report of a large group of teens hanging out. Upon arrival, most of the group fled but two were stopped. After an investigation, the two were arrested and charged with criminal trespass.

December 04, 120 Er dm a n Pla ce CCPD and the FDNY were called out to this location after receiving a report of smoke from an apartment. Upon arrival, it was discovered that the call resulted from a family dispute where a relative and former resident made the call hoping the FDNY would force entry so he could get back into the apartment. The resident has an order of protection against him. After conducting an investigation, CCPD was able to determine the call was a false call which is a misdemeanor in the State of New York. The male was arrested, charged accordingly and remanded.

120 Debs Pla ce CCPD officers arrested a female at this location after one brandishing a knife threatened another female. She was charged with weapons possession and menacing. She was remanded.

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.

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.

Distracted shoppers also present an opportunity for thieves. As you bustle

around to complete holiday shopping, be sure to be alert to your surroundings. Extra crowds provide an excellent opportunity for criminals such as pickpockets. Shop with a friend and consider giving gift cards or cash for your remaining gifts. It’s always the thought that counts.

Don’t forget, the Department of Public Safety has a lost and found for keys and eyeglasses located at our office at 2049 Bartow Avenue, lower level. Just this week, three cooperators were reunited with their property. If you find keys or eyeglasses, bring them to Public Safety. Be sure to check here if you are missing these items.

Have a safe and healthy NewYear 2012.

I would like to thank all of my avid readers for their support and input throughout the year. 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 91-1 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.

8

Co-op City Times / December 24, 2011

Referendum on privatization As reported in last week’s Co-op City Times, I was one of only two Directors who supported a resolution to hold a referendum which would have allowed the cooperators of Co-op City to vote on the issue of privatization. This referendum would have been similar to the referendum in 2002, but conducted under rules that have been revised by the state since our last referendum. Although, I am personally an opponent of privatization, I feel this is an issue that should be given to and decided by a majority of the cooperators of Co-op City, not just a majority of the Board.

During our discussion before the vote on the resolution, and in last week’s newspaper article, I heard and

Director’s Viewpoint

Bill Gordon Treasurer

saw various arguments against the resolution. Some said this was not the right time due to the cost and the ongoing Trump Village Court case. Director Tirado amended the resolution so that nothing would progress without a favorable ruling in the Trump Case.

The opponents who mentioned cost were usually talking about the feasibility study, something that could not happen until after a positive vote of the referendum. One Director made an eloquent statement at the discussion of

the fact that a referendum on whether to pursue information in regards to privatization was one of only three times that it was mandated that cooperators be given the opportunity to vote and that the Director was normally in favor of any regulation that gave power to the individual cooperator. However because the new state regulation would require over 7500 voters to vote in favor of pursuing information in regards to privatization, the history of voting participation in Co-op City would make this an impossible task, so there is no use in wasting time and money to have a vote. I would think the opponents of privatization if they felt this was true would welcome a vote; this would negate the argument

of the proponents who point to the 2002 referendum as a reason to continue to study privatization. Some Directors used the possibility of getting the HUD guaranteed loan and its prohibition of leaving the MitchellLama program as a reason to vote against the referendum; the loan is not a sure thing and we will probably know the final decision of HUD before the final Trump Case decision.

This vote will not stop supporters of privatization in our community, a positive vote and a defeat at a referendum would have given them no recourse but to desist. It is my opinion that this issue should be decided at the ballot box, not the board room.

—Bill G or d on

Building 13 Association Building 13 Association wishes all our cooperators "MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HANUKKAH, HAPPY KWANZAA AND A JOYOUS AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR." The holidays season are still with us with the joy and the dangers.

We r em in d you t o b e ca r efu l: 1) NOT to overload electrical outlets.

2) Make sure your Christmas Tree is secure 3) Avoid open light (candles) around

flammable decorations etc.

Thanks to all who participated in our Christmas Party on Sunday, Dec. 18th.

Fun was had by all.

We can always use more eyes to help us keep our building looking good. All floor captains will be contacted for a meeting scheduled to be held after the holidays in January.

For information on any events, check the bulletin board or contact the Social Committee: Leslie Peterson at 718-320-

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P lea se ob ey t h e followin g q u a lit y-oflife r egu la t ion s: a) NO DOG is allowed in the apartment; b) NO LOITERING in the lobby and on the stairways. c) NO SELLING in the lobby. Period. d) NO VANDALIZING the stairs and the elevators.

Unannounced police sweeps are conducted day and night to enforce these rules.

Please don't text and drive.

Report any criminal activities to Riverbay Public Safety at (718) 320-3050 and/or the 45th Precinct at (718) 8225411 For all NYC non-emergency inquiries, call 3-1-1.

For traffic updates, call 5-1-1.

—O lu b iyi Seh in d em i (M r. B )

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9

Co-op City Times / December 24, 2011

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10

Co-op City Times / December 24, 2011

A Time for Reflection and Focus A lot has happened in this past year.

The community has been able to benefit from some clearly positive action.

As an example, because of the new energy efficient equipment installed in the cogeneration plant, we have received over $1M in grant money from NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority). Grant money becomes part of the operating budget for the community and helps to reduce carrying charge increases.

Keep t h e Wor k G loves O n Another plus is that the window project is coming to an end. According to the Capital Projects Status Report, we have installed over 123,000 windows, and more than 5,000 doors. Still more positive news is that we have installed 24,000 lighting fixtures in all of the high rise buildings and our eight garages. Twenty “Emergency Call” boxes have been installed throughout the community. The Co-op City Public Safety Department and the 45th Precinct have formed a very effective relationship and through their coordinated efforts, crime statistics for our

Director’s Viewpoint

Khalil Abdul-Wahhab community remain low.

In the newly completed Public Safety Security Center, there is a 40ft. wall of monitors connected to over 600 cameras located at strategic locations around the property. The balcony repairs for 30 high rise buildings and all of the townhouses have been completed; the façades work for twenty-eight high rises and all townhouses have been done; and the Peartree Garbage facility with 20 trash compactors continue to help maintain a better quality of life for all cooperators.

Yes, we have accomplished a lot, however, there is still a lot to do.

Among other things, roof repairs are required on 10 high rise buildings; additional security cameras are being

installed in the garages; twenty-one compactors are waiting replacement; and two main transformers and highvoltage lines to twelve buildings are also scheduled to be replaced.

A Sim p le Aler t With 35 high rise buildings and 235 townhouse dwellings spread out over 320 acres of landscaped property – there will always be something that needs doing. Even with a staff of nearly one thousand, things can get missed if there is no input from community residents.

On page 6 of the Co-op City Times this past weekend (12/17/11) a list of first readings were printed. First readings are resolutions that will be voted on at the next scheduled Board Business meeting. They are provided to Directors in advance so that we can read the information and supporting data prior to having a final discussion and vote. Earlier this year, I submitted Resolution #11-31 requesting that first readings be published to alert cooperators of items that would be coming up for vote. I wrote the resolution with the intent that a one-line format be used.

The simple one-line description indicates the subject. If you have a special interest in a subject listed among the first reading entries, you can contact a Director using the contact information at the end of his or her Viewpoint or you can send your request, questions, or concerns to the Board Office at 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475 for review by the entire Board.

Finally, I want to personally thank every cooperator who has taken the time to read Director’s Viewpoints, write letters, send e-mails, and/or have made their concerns known in the Coop City Times by a letter to the editor.

Your ideas, suggestions and support are greatly appreciated.

Fellow cooperators – friends and neighbors – I wish you all a safe, happy, healthy holiday, filled with laughter, fun, and fond memories.

If you see something, say something. Share your suggestions, complaints, or special concerns with me.

Send letters to Khalil Abdul-Wahhab, c/o Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475 or e-mail to kwahhab10475@hotmail.com.

Building 31 Association HAPPY HANUKKAH, MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY KWANZAA to everyone and to all, a HAPPY NEW YEAR. We have celebrated with our neighbors, Fri., 12/16, with our pot luck dinner which was once again coordinated by Esther Batista from the B side and to her we say, “Thank you.” So many homemade dishes adorned the table stretched across the room and blessed by Sarah Able. We listen to the music while we ate and had a cup of cheer to toast each other and threw in a few dance steps or two.

Our children’s Christmas celebration was awesome with Mrs. Hedgepeth reading to our children. She began with a question of “what is a tradition?” And, as the

children shared their family tradition we were led to the story “Twas the night before Christmas,” which was written by Clement Moore. She continued with reading a poem, “Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus” and we moved on to another book, “It’s Christmas, David.” We all enjoyed and learned something from these readings. The children enjoyed their cookies and snacks and juice during the break and then we were treated to a movie, “Happy Feet.” What a delight listening to the children sing along and laugh throughout the movie. They received goodie bags filled with fruit and candy and wrapped presents from Santa once the entertainment ended.

What a wonderful afternoon these children were given, all because a few neighbors

cared and gave up their time to make it happen. Thanks to Santa’s helpers, Loretta, Marilyn, Robert, Esther, Joyce.

We took up a collection for the porters and lobby attendants last week and thanks to everyone who contributed, your generosity was overwhelming. We are sure that they appreciated the gift you gave each one of them and they will acknowledge it at a later date.

We were successful in our raffles which help to fund our children’s Christmas celebration. We have posted the winners in the lobby and we congratulate each one and thank all of those who were in it, but didn’t win. Your donation went to a good cause.

1st prize awarded to Bldg. B-Apt. 3H; 2nd prize went to Bldg. A-Apt. 22D and 3rd

prize winner was Bldg. A-Apt. 23D. Unfortunately, we are disappointed that most parents from the A and B side did not send their children down or even participate in the celebration on Sat., 12/17.

Remember, someone needs to take up the baton from those of us who are now the seniors. It is up to you, the parent, to make sure our children enjoy their childhood with different types of entertainment made available to them. If you ignore these types of events, they might not continue and our traditions will die out. Your association is built on volunteerism and also on love of what we do. Consider joining in and sharing your ideas at our meetings each month; perhaps you too can make a difference.

—M a r ilyn M cDa niel

NAACP, Co-op City Branch Today, Christmas Eve, is a universally celebrated day of smiles, good will and optimism. The NAACP, Co-op City Branch wishes everyone a perfect holiday celebration, whichever you celebrate, have a wonderful holiday. The December 9th "Stand-For Freedom” rally was great, reports President Jeannette Graves. Flyers were posted in some lobbies and our cooperators went.

President Graves walked half the way to the United Nation Plaza. Many walked from the beginning, 67th Street. The NAACP encourages you, start 2012 right, make sure you are registered to vote. In an effort to fight against the nationwide effort to deny millions of African Americans, Latinos, young and elderly voters the right to vote, the NAACP is organizing “Stand for Freedom.” This is a massive nationwide

program to ensure voter turnout and participation in the year ahead. Access the NAACP website for more information.

From Brenda Brown, Chairperson of the Membership Committee, we have the following quote regarding our first annual Open House reception, “Many, many thanks to everyone who made the NAACP Holiday Open House a success.

Your presence, donations and willingness to serve are appreciated. Your generous contributions of toys were donated to Co-op City NAACP Day Care Center and the non-perishable food items were donated to Co-op City Church of the Savior. We send a special thank you to NAACP youth member Tremaine Brown for all his work and participation. We look forward to working with our cooperators and the community going forward in 2012.”

January 1, 2012, Jubilee Day, a great program honoring the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation is being presented by the NAACP, Co-op City Branch, hosted by the Co-op City Baptist Church. A wonderful and diversified program is planned. Rev. Dr. Sheldon Williams is a main speaker for this multifaceted celebration with other local clerics participating. Praise dancing and singing are on the program. Doors open at 2 p.m., Co-op City Baptist Church, lower level, Einstein Community Center when light refreshments will be offered.

The program begins at 3 p.m. A free will offering will be taken at Jubilee Day. December 20th was the last general meeting of the NAACP Co-op City Branch for the year 2011.

Members join branch committees NOW. Committees include: education,

health, youth, membership, civic engagement and others. Each offers an opportunity to contribute to the NAACP community. Contact the NAACP by mail, P.O. Box 75-3111, Einstein Station, Bronx, NY 10475 or phone 718671-7856. Visit the NAACP website: http://action.naacp.org/ or the New York State Branch website for news.

Community leaders, activists and artists will be leading meetings in 2012. They include Co-op City talent Mr. Daren Chambers, Gospel Comedian and Writer; Pat D’Gorge Walker (aka Sister Betty), and others. Please call or write to have a tiding included in our press release. Write to P.O. Box #75-3111, Einstein Loop Station. This press release is submitted with the approval of President Jeannette Graves.

—E va L a za a r

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

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12

Co-op City Times / December 24, 2011

Pride of ownership Unfortunately, I did not have enough support to pass Resolution 11-97 for a feasibility study.

I would like to thank Bill Gordon for his support as he was the only Director who supported this resolution other than myself. I had hoped to pass this resolution, and if it was found to be of benefit, we could have built a sense of pride of ownership and become owners in the traditional sense. The majority has spoken and the rest is up to you, the shareholders.

If this is truly something you are willing to fight for as many of you have expressed to me, then I suggest you make it as clear to the rest of the Board

Director’s Viewpoint

Raymond Tirado of Directors, as you have to myself so that they may also have a better understanding of how you feel about this issue.

Ta k in g ca r e of ou r own I have requested that the Corporation offer a $1000 reward for information leading to the apprehension and convic-

tion of the perpetrator who attacked one of our own in Co-op City I will inform you if it is approved.

2012 I would also like to state my goals as a Board Director for 2012.

• Observe the installation of the last window in Co-op City.

To those who have had to wait the longest, thank you for your patience and cooperation. We will have completed the largest window replacement program in New York's history. Another first for us, right behind our Power Plant.

• Help stem and eliminate the atmosphere of apathy that has prevented this

community from being as great as it could be and reaching its full potential.

Our community is only as strong and committed as its people and its leaders.

• Help generate a more cohesive atmosphere among our Board of Directors thereby fostering and nurturing new ideas, technology and policies that would keep Co-op City viable and strong and for generations to come.

Sea son s G r eet ings To all of Co-op City's people, employees and you, I wish you all a very merry Christmas, happy holidays, Feliz Navidad, happy Hanukkah, AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL. God bless us all.

Building 18 Association Hi neighbors, thanks to all who attended our last general meeting on Tuesday, December 13. Our guest speaker, Juanita Net, Director of CSO, gave a very informative presentation and some very worthy hand outs. Thank you, Ms. Net. Our next general meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. We WILL NOT have a guest speaker, INSTEAD we will have a post holiday get-together. If you would like to share a dish(es) with your neighbors, by all means please bring it down to the association room at 6:30 p.m. If you would like to help set-up, please contact Gertie

Brown at 347-275-2995 or Lorraine Turner at 718-379-2145, thanks. We know everyone will have a good time.

Come on down and enjoy the food and meet your neighbors all are welcome.

Looking forward to seeing all this coming new year. Remember: Together we can make a difference.

To all who purchased our Scholarship Fund Holiday Lottery tickets, thank you, you help to make it a success.

Thanks to all who gave monetary donations to our porters. We know it is greatly appreciated. All contributors will be posted on the bulletin board in the very

Our holiday party was a lot of fun for the fourteen members who attended dinner at BBQ’s last week Friday. We did not let the vandalism (decorated tree thrown across the lobby) of our Christmas tree dampen our spirit. Thanks to our porter, Sandy, we were able to repair and redecorate our tree.

Next month, please attend our annual meeting which will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. in the rear of the building’s meeting room. In line with our leadership succession plan, our current president-elect Valencia Pinckney will be sworn in to become our president. DaReese Frierson is currently running un-opposed for the presidentelect vacancy. If anyone wishes to run against DaReese, you must notify me

by December 31, at 347-427-4746 or

bldg19assoc@gmail.com.

Our January meeting is also important because we review our 2011 year accomplishments and concur on plans for the fiscal year 2012. I am sure you will want to be there to share your ideas towards “Cooperators Doing Something,” as well as extending your best wishes and success in the next two years to your newly elected officers. Please make a notation on your new calendar to attend this very important meeting.

It has been my utmost pleasure to serve as president for Building 19 Association during the last four years.

While we transition into a new executive board for our Association, I will be remiss if again I do not thank our committee members who, during my leadership, consistently donated their time to ensure

near future. Also, thanks to all who sat down in the lobby to collect the monetary gifts, thank you, thank you, thank you.

You are very important to us.

Movie Matinee is scheduled for Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 3:30 p.m. in the association room. Come on down; we promise you will enjoy the refreshments and the movie.

G a m e Night : Please watch the bulletin board for date and time.

Please continue to send your articles to our building e-mail address: BLDG18newsletter@aol.com. Sorry, but due to various reasons, our November and

December issues of the newsletter were not published. It will be combined with the 2012 January and February issue.

May all your occasions during this holiday season be healthy, prosperous and blessed. May it also be enjoyable and safe.

Our deepest sympathies to Liza Ellis and family in the loss of her grandmother. To the bereaved families, we give our sincere sympathies and to the sick and homebound, we wish you a speedy recovery. Please stay alert: If you SEE something, say something. HAPPY HOLIDAYS. —G er t ie Br own

Building 19 Association each meeting and event was successful: Nzingha Adimu, Marie Beaudouin, Dominick Bonnano, Sharon Bryan, Jennie Colon, Bartu Cottle, Carmella Davis, Sonia Feliciano, Edwina and Chelsea Francois, DaReese Frierson, Lillie Hall, Madge Haynes, Betty James, Rosetta Jenkins, Yvonne Jones-Klien, Voncile Mallory, Albertha Manley, Bertha Means, Laura Morgan, Lorene Moss, Valencia Pinckney, Lisa Proto, Catherine Ryans, Sylvia Small, Leon Tulton, Lenita Waller, and Deborah Weston. A hearty thank you also goes out to members who I have missed or who donated their support for special events: You know who you are! Lastly, thankfulness to building members who over the years donated money in support of our fund raising events. They say, “Building

19 Rocks”! Let’s keep the reputation and our motto of “Cooperators Doing Something” alive and well! An old African proverb – God gives nothing to those who keep their arms crossed. Plan to join a committee next year.

Happy Chanukah, merry Christmas, and happy Kwanzaa, and any other special occasion you celebrated this month, with best wishes for a fantastic new year!

Please continue to pray for our members and their families who are ill with prayers that they feel better today than they did yesterday, especially for our hard working committee members, Bertha Means and Laura Morgan – we miss you. Also, please keep in prayer the Kee family in the loss of our member Mrs. Mae Kee. Be blessed!

—C h a r lot t e C od r ingt on

Building 33 Association The building association gave a Christmas Pot Luck Dinner last Friday night. The dinner was very nice. We had plenty of food, music, conversation, meet and greet our neighbors. We enjoyed the evening.

The Kwanzaa Celebration will be on Thursday, December 29, at 5 p.m. in the Bartow Community Center.

The New Year's Eve tickets are avail-

able for purchase. The dance will be in the Einstein Community Center, Room #45, Saturday night, December 31, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Everyone is invited to come. For tickets, please call me at 718-320-1861.

Having the party in Co-op City Section #5, you can walk, no driving. For your friends who are interested in coming, who live out of the area, the garages will be available for $5. Let's bring in the New

Year with a bang.

The Association tries very hard to bring this building together. Age is not a factor, yes we are old school, that is why we need the younger generation to come in and help. We need everyone regardless of age, race, creed or color to come and join us and help make this association work. The association has a lot of information that could be helpful to you, but if you do not

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church Fr. Taylor and the congregation of St. Joseph's cordially invite you to worship with us at 155 Dreiser Loop, lower level, (718) 320-0844. All are welcomed. Sunday service and Sunday School are both at 9 a.m. Every 4th Sunday, our children participate in the

reading of the lessons and every 5th Sunday, our young adults assist in the service. Bible study is held each Wednesday at 7 p.m., Choir rehearsal is on Thursday at 7 p.m. and the Young Adults meet on Friday at 6:30 p.m.

The Bible Study Group is presently

on break and will resume Wednesday, January 11, 2012.

Up com in g even t s: • Saturday, December 24, Christmas Eve, 7 p.m. Service of Lessons and Carols with Sermon and Holy Communion.

try to be a part of the Building Association, you miss out on so much. Next month, it would be nice if you would really make an effort to attend the building meeting. Get involved in your building and community.

Get well wishes go out to the sick and the shut-ins. Hope that the coming year brings you good health.

HAPPY HOLIDAY TO YOU ALL. —Pa t r icia Bona pa r t e • Sunday, December 25, Christmas Day - Service with Sermon and Holy Communion.

“Your love, O Lord, for ever will I sing* from age to age my mouth will proclaim your faithfulness.” (Psalm 89:1) —M er ville C h a m b er s

13

Co-op City Times / December 24, 2011

Black Forum Black For um’s Kids E nr ichment P r ogr am On Friday, December 30th, KDDBIZ2000, in partnership with the Black Forum of Co-op City, will be taking kids to see the Chipmunks movie “Chipwrecked,” in Bay Plaza. We will be departing from the Dreiser Community Center, 10 a.m. sharp!

For further information, please contact Lisa at (718) 825-9361.

Next Defensive Dr iving Our next defensive driving course will be held on Saturday, January 14, Rm. 1, Dreiser

Community Center, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Call today to register, 718-320-8035. Lower your insurance cost by 15% and remove up to 4 points from your driver’s license. Please make your check in the amount of $35, payable to “the Black Forum of Co-op City,” and mail to P.O. Box 563, Bronx, N.Y. 10475 at least 1_ 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.

E m er gen cy Food P r ogr a m New H ou r s & Da ys We are open on Tuesdays,

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

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

the future.

We Need You - J oin Us Tod a y Now is the time for us to get involved.

Membership is $5 per year/person. Call (718) 320-8035 or write to Black Forum, P.O. Box 563, Bronx, NY 10475; email: coopcityblackforum@gmail.com. Help us keep independent community organizations alive in Co-op City. Everyone is encouraged to join. Call us or visit us in Room 20 in the Dreiser Community Center.

—Ton y I llis

Building 34 Association The holiday season kicked off nicely with the pot luck meet and greet celebration Saturday, December 17th. There was plenty of food to go around with a big emphasis on desserts of all kind.

Apparently, we all enjoy a sweet tooth around the holidays. There were more than enough presents for the children who

seemed to enjoy being able to indulge their appetite for all those sweets and Christmas gifts at the same time. We would like to thank all of our neighbors for their participation and generosity, not only for the party, but also in the collection for the building staff.

Celebrations for the new year abound

Building 21 Association Gr ea t stu ff! ! !

Happy Holidays to all. We are fortunate to share this festive time with people we love and those who share our love. We must be conscious and considerate of those who are not as fortunate. Let’s take the time to reach out to a neighbor living alone or without nearby relatives. This time of celebration should also be a time to reflect on those we have lost in our lives. We need to be mindful and thankful for what we have.

Sometimes a smile or a hearty good morning can change the way a person feels the rest of their day. That domino effect can lead to hundreds and even thousands of good deeds all because you said, “Good morning” to someone.

Unfortunately, the opposite can prove to have a negative effect. One negative or hateful person can spread discomfort and can ruin the potential greatness of a community. Be the better person. Ignite positive reinforcement within your community. Concentrate on bringing people together rather than separating them. All

of these things can start from within your household and will eventually spread throughout your community. A strong positive mind will reflect a strong positive heart.

If you know of someone in your building who practices positive apportion, let us know so that we may recognize them at our next meeting. You must contact us at least 2 weeks before each meeting.

(Our contact information is below).

Our next Building Association meeting will be Tuesday, January 17, 2012.

Our focus will be on future possible endeavors for our association. There will also be an opportunity for anyone to express ideas or thoughts moving forward. We will also have a reflection on 2011. We look forward to seeing everyone at our next meeting.

You may contact us at our new number: 347-504-1821 or email us at: 21association@gmail.com.

May God bless and continue to keep you and yours safe.

—Kevin L a m b r igh t

Building 30 Association We have an email address. It is: Building30@hotmail.com.

This organization cannot work without the participation of the cooperators of Building 30 A&B. I hope that we can help each other.

C om in g E ven t s: We continue to look forward to Wednesdays when we happily attend our Crochet class at 1:00 p.m. We have a wonderful teacher, Linda Werner, who will teach you with a lot of patience. It’s great exercise for arthritic fingers. It’s a challenge and gratifying. Surprise someone with a hand-made gift. Try it! I’m sure that it will be greatly appreciated.

We raffled off two beautiful crocheted afghans. Lucky Mrs. Beale won both afghans.

Members of the Building 30 Association participated in the Holiday Party on Saturday, December 17. The

food was delicious and plentiful. We are thankful to all who contributed to this fun evening with food and desserts, etc.

Thank you to Allen Usher for the great music and last, but not least, to Pres.

Linda Werner for putting this all together.

Check the Association Bulletin Board in your lobby for dates and times of events. Make a difference!!

G ood & Welfa r e: Happy Chanukah to our Jewish neighbors on December 20 and joyous Christmas to our Christian neighbors and Kwaanza greetings. Health and happiness to all for the New Year.

Speedy get well wishes to all who are under the weather. If you are celebrating a special occasion, an anniversary or a birthday, we hope that you enjoy your day.

SEE YOU SOON. —M ir ia m E . Ber lofsk y

in Co-op City. I hope you will take this opportunity to enjoy some of the festivities in your neighborhood and you won’t have to go far when it is time to go home.

Whether it is the party, church or both, have a good time and stay safe.

We are looking forward to a wonderful and active year ahead. Our next meeting

will be in the middle of January, date to be posted soon. Our agenda will include the plans for the upcoming year. Hope you will join us in making them a success.

Wishing you all a very happy Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa. See you in 2012.

—L a Ver n e F loyd

Building 29 Association The Executive Committee of our Building Association owes an apology to the general membership. We of the Executive Committee failed to carry out our scheduled membership meeting.

Instead, a majority of Executive Board was too busy traveling in the month of December. We did manage to get volun-

teers to decorate for the holidays. We want to thank Diana Tull, Jacquiline Gomez, Valerie McNeil, Mr. & Mrs. Carmen and Robert Feliciano.

We on the Executive Committee want to wish all of the members and fellow cooperators a happy & healthy New Year!

—St u a r t E d wa r d s

14

Co-op City Times / December 24, 2011

Co-op City Times / December 24, 2011

15

16

Year in Review M a y: Persistence by Riverbay’s Finance Department paid off with a $3.9 million refund from New York City for overcharges in shelter rent taxes paid by Coop City over the past four years. Riverbay Finance Director Peter Merola credited the efforts of Lou Salegna, Riverbay’s Controller, for the successful conclusion to many months of work that finally convinced New York City’s Department of Finance that the city owed Co-op City shareholders the $3.9 million that the community was overcharged.

Riverbay Corporation received word in mid-May that the city’s Department of Buildings has signed off on the satisfactory removal of numerous longstanding violations that existed in Co-op City, most of it related to the city’s required Local Law 11 work, clearing the way for the community to apply for available J-51 tax abatements from the City of New York. This abatement added approximately $2 million more to Riverbay’s bottom line.

Possible alternative options for refinancing Co-op City’s existing $475 million mortgage, held by New York Community Bank, were returned to the table last week by a competing bank, Wells Fargo.

Three weeks after the Riverbay Board of Directors voted to approve management pursuing a proposed new refinancing loan with New York Community Bank, Wells Fargo officials communicated terms of a potential loan by Freddie Mac to Riverbay, and also brought a delegation of representatives from the federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) from Washington, D.C. for a fact finding tour of Co-op City.

On May 12, four officials from HUD, including the Deputy Secretary for MultiFamily, met with Herbert Freedman, principal of Marion Scott Real Estate, Inc.,

Co-op City Times / December 24, 2011 (Continued from page 4)

Riverbay’s managing agent; and Riverbay Board President Helen Atkins, former Board Presidents Othelia Jones and Al Shapiro, and Khalil AbdulWahhab, Second Vice President of the Board here in Co-op City, to take a first hand look at the community and discuss the potential for a federal loan to Riverbay through Freddie Mac. Rev. Calvin E. Owens was the big winner in this year's annual Riverbay Board election on May 18th, placing first out of 13 candidates running for five seats on the 15-resident Riverbay Board of Directors.

Owens, who headed back to the Board for a third consecutive three-year term, received 130 votes more than his closest competitor, Leah Graham, who came in second. Based on the results, Owens and Graham were joined by Tony Illis, Eleanor G. Bailey and Daryl Johnson in serving new three year terms on the Riverbay Board of Directors.

Carol Felton, better known by many as D.J Carol, was honored on May 19th by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and Deputy Borough President Aurelia Greene for her decades of providing great music for Bronx senior events. Carol, who has provided the music for hundreds of parties staged in Co-op City over the decades, was making her first public appearance in more than a year as she was recovering from an illness.

J u n e: Public Safety’s new mobile command unit hit the streets in early June providing police coverage to key areas of the community or known trouble spots. The mobile unit is a converted mobile home that was transformed into a mini-police station thanks to the donation of materials from several vendors who have worked with the community for many years.

Both current and former Bronx Borough Presidents, Ruben Diaz Jr. and

Adolfo Carrion, were on hand at Co-op City’s P.S. 153 in early June to accept recognition and thanks for the role they played in helping to fund the modernization of the school’s new library.

Both Diaz and Carrion, whose two administrations spanned the effort to fund the badly needed school library, joined with school administrators, past and present, to officially cut the ribbon on the state-of-the art facility which combines a wide-range of new books and reference materials with the latest computer technologies complete with modern furnishings for the students.

In one of the closest votes in recent memory, Helen Atkins was re-elected by her fellow Board Directors to serve as the Riverbay Board President for a second consecutive year. The Board voted 8 to 7 to re-elect Atkins over the other nominee, Director Evelyn Santiago, during an open Board meeting held June 9th at the Bartow Community Center. The election for the key position of President which oversees the setting of the Board’s agenda for the next 12 months and presides over each Board meeting, came down to a final vote by newly elected Director Tony Illis to break a 7 to 7 tie. Illis, after holding his vote to the end, to the surprise of many voted for Atkins for President over Santiago.

On June 14th, the refinancing of Coop City’s mortgage with New York Community Bank was completed with the Riverbay Board voting 13-2 to approve the measure which will provide new money to continue capital projects and strengthen the community’s balance sheet.

The deal with NYCB also leaves open the possibility of a replacement loan that could reduce interest charges by millions of dollars over time if the federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) agency agrees to guarantee that proposed loan, which is under discussion with HUD by a

different bank, Wells Fargo.

Proving the old adage that a squeaky wheel gets some grease, representatives from city and state agencies responsible for property conditions and services in and around Co-op City this week reported some progress in correcting some of the problems that were brought to their attention six weeks ago.

In the follow-up to a previous meeting held by Riverbay General Manager Vernon Cooper on April 27th at which representatives from the city’s Departments of Sanitation, Transportation, Parks and Environmental Protection were given photos documenting sloppy, unkempt and sometimes dangerous conditions in and around properties under the jurisdiction of the city, the same representatives reported back to Cooper and operational department heads and Riverbay Board Directors on Monday, June 13, to say that some of the reported conditions have been corrected and others are scheduled to be corrected in the coming weeks.

Two representatives of Wells Fargo Bank on June 28th provided the shareholders attending a management forum with the details of a possible low interest refinancing loan with HUD (United States Department of Housing and Urban Development) sometime in 2012. At the management forum, Matt Weiner and Paula Levine of Wells Fargo bank took questions and provided answers which indicated that a $4.5% interest loan with HUD is currently being negotiated and could be closed on by mid-2012 if all goes as hoped.

The negotiations with HUD continues even as Riverbay closed on a 15-year, 5.75% $555 million loan with New York Community Bank on June 15th which has allowed Riverbay to accelerate capital improvement projects, such as window replacement during the second half of 2011.

Building 12 Association Wishing all of you a joyous and safe holiday. At our last meeting, holiday gifts were handed out. Congratulations to all of our winners. Thank you for contributing to our annual building dues drive. We would also like to thank Sonia and her helpers who decorated our lobby and to all of our decorators on our various floors.

In this time of rushing around and getting prepared for the holidays, let’s give thanks for what we have, extend a helping hand to those who are less fortunate and pray for the recovery of our sick and shut-ins. Let’s go one further and check

on our elderly neighbors to see if they need anything or just to wish them a happy holiday.

Continue to send your two (2) Postal Service questionnaires in. Although a decision has been made not to close Dreiser and/or Einstein before May, we need to keep the pressure on. Delaying a decision does not mean that the decision is off the table. Therefore, continue to write and call our Congressman regarding the closing of these two vital post offices.

Also, the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) and the National

Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) desperately need your help. If you are not a member, please join. These organizations have been at the forefront of civil and labor rights. Speaking of organizations, all of our organizations need your membership as they fight to keep what gains we have made in both civil, women’s rights and labor.

If you have recently moved to another apartment or are a newcomer to Co-op City, please register to vote.

It’s important that you participate in

your Building Association to learn what is going on in your building and throughout Co-op City.

If you see something, say something.

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

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who are sick, shut-in and have lost relatives/friends and to our troops. The best to everyone celebrating a special day this month.

We can be reached at MLSAH @aol.com.

—Son j a M a xwell

Building 27 Association "Who could ask for anything more?

No one did!!! At the annual holiday party, all the residents enjoyed a full and delicious catered meal. On top of that, there were lots of laughs and prize winning line dancing. Even many of the more senior residents got into the action. We also had some young dancers who were a great

challenge to keep up with.

After dinner and a fine dessert, we had a free raffle with prizes for everyone. The first three received gift cards for Pathmark, Applebee’s and Dollar Tree.

We are grateful to Pathmark for their generous gift contribution to our Association.

All during the festivities, we had a young

resident making amazing balloon creations for the wrists of the ladies and “crazy” hats for many. He is Mr. Angel Vega who is a resident of our building and volunteered all this wonderful entertainment. He also does private parties for companies or family celebrations. If you want to contact him, he can be reached at

347-945-1857. His creations are just amazing and lots of fun for a party. The consensus is that this was the best Association party of them all. We wish everyone a happy holiday season celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah or Kwanzaa and hope all have a very happy —Don Doh er t y New Year."

Co-op City Times / December 24, 2011

17

African-American Association Alvin Ailey Da n cer s – The Association thanks all the families and friends who attended the performances at City Center on December 10th and 17th and for your expressions of what a fantastic holiday outing they were.

Appreciation is extended to Sandra Mitchell for planning these events.

K wa n za a C eleb r a t ion – The Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City, Inc., of which the African-American Association is a member, enthusiastically invites you to attend its 15th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration on Thursday, December 29, at 5:00 p.m. in Room 31 of the Bartow Community Center.

Kwanzaa is the seven-day (December 26-January1) African celebration of family, community and culture as personified in African “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 (Selfdetermination); Ujima (Collective work and responsibility); Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics); Nia (Purpose); Kuumba (Creativity); and Imani (Faith).

There will be presentations and/or performances by Dr. Rosalind R. Jeffries, Queen Nzingaa and the United African Dance Troupe. There will also be a Kwanzaa ceremony, vendors, the Karamu (feast), dancers and drummers.

Everyone is required to bring an offering of a large dish of food to share with others (NO PORK, PLEASE). African garb is preferred, but not mandatory. We look forward to seeing you. Habara gani!

The following are programs sponsored or supported by the AfricanAmerican Association and you are

encouraged to participate: Yoga & P ila t es M a t C la sses – Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m., Dreiser Center, Room 2. Call 718-671-8364.

Belly Dance Classes – Mondays at 7:00 p.m., Dreiser Center, Room 2. Call 646-281-4570.

Bu sin ess O p p or t u n it y Wor k sh op – Wednesdays, 7 p.m., Dreiser Center, Rm 2. Call Kevin Lambright 646-721-8185.

C om p u t er C la sses – There will be no laptop computer class on Monday, December 26th. Thereafter, this class meets every 2nd and 4th Mondays, 7:00 p.m., Dreiser Center, Room 15. Bring your laptop and $5. Members get one FREE class. Call 718-379-5555.

E d u ca t ion – The Per Ankh Study Group/Communiversity of AfricanCentered Education meets every 1st and 3rd Mondays, 7:00 p.m., Dreiser Center, Room 15 to review and discuss books and films on classical African civilizations, which are essential for the survival of people of color. “Magical Egypt” will

be shown and discussed at our next gathering, led by Brother Kaba Hiawatha Kamene. All are welcome. 718-3795555.

C u b Scou t s Pa ck – A pack leader and assistants are needed to give guidance to boys 6-11 years old. Call 718379-5555. Females welcomed.

G en er a l M em b er sh ip M eet in g – The next general membership meeting will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2012, 4:00 p.m. in the Dreiser Center, Room 15. We always welcome new members. You can join or renew your membership at any time. If you cannot attend a meeting, you may send your check or money order (DO NOT MAIL CASH) of $15 for a single membership and $25 for families to: AfricanAmerican Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475. Your membership helps to support this organization that sustains our community.

—F r a n cin e R eva J on es

NCNW On Saturday, December 17th, the Saturday School spent half of the class time celebrating the approaching Christmas holiday. The children ate pizza, snacks, candy canes and juice and sang Christmas carols. It was a festive ending to the first half of the school year and this was the last day of classes before the NewYear.

The NCNW Saturday School classes will resume on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 9 a.m. New students who register in January for half the year will pay half the fees. Our school has licensed teachers who work with children in grades 2-8 to strengthen their reading and computational skills. In addition, an art teacher spends their snack break at 11 a.m. helping them to learn to appreciate fine art. Co-op City Section of NCNW has supported the elementary school children of the neighborhood since

the year after our establishment in 1971.

We take pride in how our former students have flourished in life.

For our membership meeting that was held on Sunday, December 11, we would like to thank the Hospitality Committee with the help of Janet Allen and Maxine Sullivan for the wonderful feast.

A good time was had by all who attended our special holiday celebration. Lots of fun was also had with the grab bag event.

Theatre Club members will be going to see the Alicia Keys’ new play “Stick Fly,” Sunday matinee, January 29th, 2012.

F YI : Our next General Membership meeting is scheduled for Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. in Room 11, Dreiser Community Center. Come out and join us.

Save the Da t e: April 28, 2012, Co-op City Section will be celebrating its 41st

Building 9 Association Hi neighbors, please mark your calendars for a holiday gathering for Building 9A and 9B on December 30th, 8 p.m. to 12 p.m. This holiday gathering will be held in the community room located in Building 9B-120 Dreiser Loop. Come out and meet the new board members and your neighbors. Bring your family and let’s celebrate the holidays! Refreshments will be served.

Thank you to those who attended our last meeting, which was held on November 15. There was a great turnout for our election of officers. The Building 9 Association would like to give a special appreciation and thanks to all the volunteers who collected for our

porters. The support we got from the cooperators of 9A and 9B was overwhelming.

A special thank you to our members of Building 9A and 9B who always take their time out to do a wonderful job of decorating the lobbies. Please take pride of where you live, no loitering in the lobby and stairways. Keep our laundry room and elevators clean. If you have some complaints or concerns come and voice your opinions at our meetings.

Please be safe for the holidays. We would like to wish our members and their families a joyful “Christmas” and happy New Year. We can make a difference.

—Wa n d a R a n d a ll

Building 16 Association Meeting was held on December 12.

We discussed the upcoming Christmas party. The party was planned to be on December 17. I want to thank everyone who gave a donation for the porters and lobby attendants; once again, “Thanks!”

Our Christmas party was a success.

Everyone had a good time. Thanks to the

porters, our lobbies look good. Hope everyone has a happy holiday and a healthy one.

To the ones who are celebrating a special occasion, congratulations! To the sick & shut-in, get well soon!

A special bereavement goes out to the —C la r a C ost on Essie Hunt family.

Anniversary at Marina Del Rey. Additional info. will be coming soon.

Heartfelt condolences to Florence Orage on the loss of her brother; and to Pamela Jackson in the loss of her father.

To our sick and shut-in, you are not forgotten. You are in our thoughts and prayers daily. Please contact Sadie Gilmore, 718-

671-3721, to notify us of birthdays, illness or bereavement.

We would like to wish all of members of the Co-op City Section and our neighboring friends and family, a merry Christmas, happy Chanukah, happy Kwanzaa and a healthy and prosperous —-M a xine Sulliva n New Year.

18

Co-op City Times / December 24, 2011

Looking back over the year Well, it’s almost over. Yes, we have a few more celebrations. However, 2011 is almost finished. So, I thought that we should look back and see what has occurred over the past year.

L ookin g Ba ck I knew something was special when I agreed to run for the Board of Directors here. First, I knew that I liked this community and everyone here.

Also, I liked the fact that this community of more than 50,000 people is very diverse. Moreover, we have people here with good backgrounds. So, I knew that if we could put our minds together, then we could make our community much better than what it was.

However, we would have to change the rules of the way that we do business.

This way of doing business would entail listening, discussion, and then taking action. Therefore, our cooperators would be the ones in charge. And, then, they would see the results of what they wanted.

G et t in g on t he Ba llot I knew a lot of people in this community before I was elected as a Board member. However, I said that I wanted to reach out, meet, and get to know thousands of other people here.

So, I picked up my forms and I greeted people. "How are you doing? My name is Daryl Johnson, and I'm running for the Co-op City Board of Directors."

That message helped me to get on the ballot. However, the road to the finish line was busy. So, I knew that I had to write good messages and get out there and meet people.

The main goal would be to show people that we could get better if we

Director’s Viewpoint

Daryl Johnson could share some basic human qualities such as caring, understanding, thoughtfulness, etc.

And, I knew that these attributes could be displayed by treating people in a good and a beneficial way.

Can we relate to one another? Can we build each other up? Can I write something that can inspire and help someone to see things differently? What can I do to help make this community better?

What about the senior citizens, people with disabilities, single parents, youths, and everyone in this community? How can I reach everyone and let them know that their concerns are important?

G et t ing E lect ed a n d M a k in g it H a pp en The results were in and the race was finally over. Now, it was time to put everything in motion. So, I said that I would review a lot of our reports and develop some conclusions on the way that we should be doing business.

Thereafter, I said that I would present my conclusions to you, the cooperators.

Then, you could be the judge. Along with that concept, I knew that there were a lot of social issues that needed to be

addressed.

Some cooperators had lost their job.

Youth were hanging out drinking and messing around with drugs. Affordable child care was and is a big issue here.

There were reports about discrimination on various levels here. Crime was present in the community. And, there were several other issues that we faced.

So, I figured that I would use my weekly column to try to reach out to the entire community. Sure, some of the articles were on the rough side.

However, I always wanted people to know that we, as a group, must be strong if we're going to make it.

T h e St r on gest C ha in is O n ly a s G ood a s t he Wea kest L ink You've probably heard that expression before. So, strong and positive leaders will not allow negative influences to destroy this community.

All of us must make improvements in our lives. By an unfortunate act, a person might have lost their job.

However, we cannot and will not let our lives go down. So, we're going to get right back up and make it happen.

Therefore, we must be presented with positive messages to encourage us to stay strong. And, that has been my primary goal when I write my articles.

There will be differences. However, all of us are going to stay together like a strong family.

G oin g For wa r d in t o 2012 I'm going to be sharing my thoughts about 2012 in a future article. However, here is a brief preview.

Co-op City is the largest housing cooperative in the world. And, we have no choice but to get better. Times are

getting tougher for the average resident in NYC. So, we are going to have to make sure that our business practices reflect these tough times.

Also, we have to make sure that we develop some good plans to enhance our revenue. Now, I have some very good plans that I would like to present in the near future. However, I will do my best to make sure that we stay in the Mitchell-Lama program, stay affordable, and expand our range our services and businesses to everyone.

Bot t om line: I want us to make sure that Co-op City will be better than it ever was before. Thank you.

H a p p y H olid a ys - P lea se Don ' t Dr in k a n d Dr ive A lot of people are going to be celebrating this holiday season. So, I would like for you to please have a safe and enjoyable time. However, again, please do not drink any alcoholic beverages and drive a vehicle. Also, please do not let your friends and associates drink alcoholic beverages and drive a vehicle.

Are you going to a holiday party? If yes, then please make sure that you have a safe way of returning home. Again, as they say, "Please think before you drink." Thank you.

Questions or comments? Please send a message to: Daryl Johnson, Riverbay Board Director, c/o Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. Or, please send a message to me at darylhjohnson@optonline.net Okay, that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful week and a happy holiday season. And, may God bless you and your family. Thank you.

Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club The Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club will hold its Regular Scheduled Monthly Meeting on Thursday, January 19, 2012 in the Bartow Center, Room #28 at 7:30 p.m. It is requested that all members attend this very important meeting.

This will be the first meeting of the year and I am hoping that you will be there to help us plan our future activities for the upcoming year. Please attend.

The Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club cordially invites you to attend the 9th

Annual St. Valentine's Day Dance on Saturday, February 11, 2012 in the Dreiser Loop Auditorium B. The time is from 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Music will be provided by DJ Carol Productions. For ticket information, please contact Barbara Irby at 3799294, Gloria Clarke at 379-5430, or Sylvia Polite at 320-2837. Please come out and have an enjoyable time while celebrating the annual observance of Valentine's Day. The club would like to wish all our

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

members a very merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah (observed), Feliz Navidad, and a happy Kwanzaa. This wish is also extended to the members of the local community.

The club continues to extend get well wishes to those members who have been ill and are recovering. This message is also extended to those members who are home-bound and recovering from various medical procedures. Our prayers are with you all for a full recovery. Best wishes are

also extended to those members who are celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or special event during the month of December.

Special thanks to all the membership who attended our Christmas Party on Dec. 15. Everyone enjoyed themselves.

Special thanks to Assemblyman Michael Benedetto and community activist Andy King for attending also.

I would like to thank the membership and the local community for your contin—G eor ge T. C la r k e ued support.

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(Bldg. 17 • Sect. 3) • Co-op City

718-379-8029 Medicare and many insurances accepted.

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

Co-op City Times / December 24, 2011

19

Faith @ Work Christian Church Meeting at 177 Dreiser Loop/Dreiser Community Center, Room 8, 9:30 a.m.

(Sundays). Church telephone: (718) 644-0951; email: fatwcc@aol.com.

Week ly Wor sh ip E xp er ien ces: 5:30 p.m. Thursdays Praise Team Rehearsal 6:30 p.m. Thursday Bible Study Sunday morning worship, 9:30 a.m.

Youth Church, 9:00 a.m., 2nd through 4th Sundays.

C h u r c h M ot t o: "We are ChristCentered, Family-Focused with Power and Authority."

C h u r ch M ission : 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!

New Yea r ' s E ve Wa t ch n igh t Ser vice 10:30 p.m. Join us as we bring in 2012, singing songs of praise, sharing our hopes for 2012 and hearing the prophetic word of God as shared by his servants.

We are not ashamed of the Gospel of

Jesus Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation of everyone who believes!

(Rom 1:16) What great power that is when you realize that you are not in this alone. Our witness is to God's goodness and not our personal accomplishments.

Remember, it's never about us but always about the goodness of the Lord.

—P a st or Deb or a h

Co-op City Seventh Day Adventist Church

“And God said, Let there be light: and there was light” (Genesis 1:3 KJV). For many Americans, an abundance of sunlight plays an important and crucial role in their moods. Many are affected by the gradual decrease in the amount of hours of sunlight during the winter hours. This is called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). According to the National Institutes of Health NIH, the symptoms of SAD are usually those displayed below, the symptoms may vary in individuals: • Sad, anxious or "empty" feelings • Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness • Irritability, restlessness • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy

• Fatigue and decreased energy • Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions • Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping • Changes in weight • Thoughts of death or suicide These symptoms are listed on their website: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ seasonalaffectivedisorder.html The general consensus is to increase the amount of light in your home during these hours. This is called light therapy.

Special lamps are sold for this purpose.

The NIH website lists other methods of addressing this condition. When there are thoughts of harming oneself, this should be taken seriously and professional help sought.

Bet t er L ivin g T ip of t h e Week Cultivate a taste for water, a most essential nutrient. Drink it freely, espe-

Coalition of African-American Churches and Community Organizations The Coalition next general membership meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 3, 2012, at 12 p.m., 177 Dreiser Community Center, Room 15. Our 15th Annual Kwanzaa Celebrations will be held on Thursday, December 29, 5 p.m., Bartow Community Center, Room 31, 2049 Bartow Ave. (Co-op City), Bronx, NY, featuring: Dr. Rosalind R. Jeffries (School of Visual Arts in NYC, Educator, Activist); Queen Nzingaa, and the United African Dance Troupe. This event is free and is sponsored in part by Poets & Writers, Inc. 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 of value and practice of Ingathering, Reverence, Commemoration, Recomitment, 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 (Selfdetermination), Ujima (Collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative economics) Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). The Coalition members are requested to bring an offering of a main dish of food (no pork, please), dessert, or juice to share with others. Please contact by Mr. Leacock (718-671-9610) or Ms. Jones (718-671-5957) by December 22 to advise of what your offering will be.

Traditional African attire should be worn, although it is not mandatory. Your attendance and participation are required to make this family, community, and cultural festivity a success. This event is free.

Please inform the Coalition of any suggestions that you may have. Patricia Bonaparte is the President of the Coalition.

Phone number: 1-718-320-1861.

The Coalition is a non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining and improving the quality of life of cooperators and providing educational and culturally enriching programs for the community.

We also act as one voice for all Coalition members where there are issues of common concern and human rights. Members of the Coalition include the following African-American Association; Co-op City Baptist Church; Harriet Tubman Independent Democratic Club; NAACP, Co-op City Branch; Retirees of Dreiser Loop; St. Joseph Episcopal Church, and Zodiacs Track Club Please support our efforts by sending us your tax deductible contribution, made payable to: Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City, Inc., Post Office Box 619, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. Churches and organizations that desire to join the Coalition may apply for membership by either writing or calling (718) 320-1861 or (718) 671-5957 for a membership application which should be returned with a letter on your church/organization’s stationery and signed by the minister/president.

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

The Coalition wishes everyone a healthy, happy holidays, and a prosperous new year.

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

—H a r ma n T. L ea cock

cially between meals. In order to be sure you get the 6-8 cupfuls your body needs each day, try putting it in a container each morning. When the container is empty, you will know you have gotten the needed amount. Lose Weight Naturally, Greater New York Conference SeventhDay Adventist Community Health Services, 1989, 1991.

C o-op C it y SDA Bet t er L ivin g H ea lt h & F it n ess E d u ca t ion C en t er • Children’s Exercise Program, Sundays, 11:00—12:00 p.m., Free • Adult Exercise Program, Sundays, 12:00 p.m.—1:00 p.m., Free • Walkers for Wellness with NYC – walk around Co-op City with this group a distance of about 3 miles on: Sunday mornings 7:00 a.m., Free Wednesday afternoons, Free We have an active Disabilities

Ministry. Please ask us about disabilities facts and information for children and adults. Please share your special needs with us so that we may try to accommodate you in our worship service.

Br ea d M in ist r y: Pick up on Saturdays between 2:30 —3:30 p.m.

Week ly Bibles St u d ies: Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.

Sa t u r d a y Wor sh ip Ser vices: 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

The Co-op City SDA Church: 1010 Baychester Ave., Bronx, NY 10475.

Pastor Okezie Erondu can be reached at 718-320-0518. We are located next to the Ramada Inn. Reach us on the web @ www.CoopCitySDAChurch.org.

“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10) New King James Version (NKJV). —C h er yl C . Silver a

No Co-op City Times? Call 646.479.1041; Saturday: 9 am - 2 pm.

20

Co-op City Times / December 24, 2011

Community Protestant Church On behalf of our Pastor, Reverend Dr. Calvin E. Owens, and our church family, welcome to Community Protestant Church, a church of love and understanding, located at 1659 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, NY 10469; Telephone: (718) 862-9172.

CHUR CH SCHE DUL E Sunday School - 9:00 a.m.

Worship Service - 11:00 a.m. (Christmas Service will be held at 9:00 a.m., Sunday, December 25th) Communion Service - Every first and third Sundays Prayer Meeting & Bible Study – Wednesday, 7 p.m.

T HE FOLL OW ING P ROGR AM S AR E AT THE CHUR CH’S ANNEX: 2053 ASC H LOOP NORTH (CO-OP C IT Y) 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.

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

OTHE R SC HEDULE D E VE NT S:

Sunday December 25th, 9:00 a.m.- Christmas Service at Community Protestant Church. Before or after opening your Christmas gifts, come out and give God thanks for the greatest gift of all - His Son Jesus - and enjoy the fellowship of a wonderful Christmas Morn.

PLE ASE NOT E TIM E C HANGE FOR SE RVIC E DE C E M BE R 31st : Instead of watch night service, Community Protestant will have “a year’s end celebration service” on Saturday, December 31st from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.

All are welcome to join in this special service of prayers and thanksgiving for the past year and looking forward with prayerful anticipation to the coming New Year 2012.

Thursday, March 22, 2012, CPC Tours sponsors a trip to Sight and Sound to see JONAH. Set sail on an extraordinary journey with one of the Bible’s most colorful prophets!

Dinner to follow at Miller’s Restaurant. Shopping before the show at the Tanger Outlets. Ticket: $130. For ticket and/or additional information, call (718) 671-1182.

The Women ’s Guild’s FANTASTIC 17-DAY AM ER IC A THE BEAUT IFUL …W EST TOUR - June 26-July

12, 2012. Tour includes: round-trip transportation by Amtrak Rail and deluxe Motorcoach; reclining coach seat with leg rest or private roomette sleeping accommodation; first class hotel accommodations; 19 meals; sightseeing at the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco and Salt Lake City. For additional info., call (718) 671-5961; (718) 320-1435; (718) 798-3337, or (718) 320-2608.

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.

At this Christmas time, our Community Protestant Church family extends to cherished old friends and valued new friends our prayer that: You may have the gladness of Christmas – which is Hope, the spirit of Christmas – which is peace, and the heart of Christmas – which is love.

A HAPPY AND JOYOUS CHRISTMAS TO ALL. —E va n G. M itchell

Co-op City Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invite you to join us tomorrow for worship service at 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Sunday School 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 phone is 718-320-3774.

Visit us on the web at www.coopcitybaptistchurch.org.

Mid-week worship service is will be held on Wednesday, December 21 at 12 p.m. and Bible study class will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, December 21. The evening Bible study classes will not be held on Wednesday, December 21.

There will be no noon day service or Bible study classes on Wednesday, December 28. Prayer service will resume on Friday, January 6, 2012.

The Sunday School Christmas program will be held on Saturday, December 24 at 10 a.m. We invite everyone to

come out to hear of our Savior’s birth.

We invite all to come to our Watch Night service as we bring in the New Year lifting up Jesus the Christ on Saturday, December 31 at 10:30 p.m.

The NAACP Co-op City Branch will celebrate Jubilee Day on January 1, 2012 at 3 p.m. here at the Co-op City Baptist Church. Jubilee Day commemorates the Signing of the Emancipation Proclamation freeing the slaves from bondage. The worship leader will be Rev. Dr. Calvin E. Owens, Pastor of the Community Protestant Church and our very own Rev. Dr. Williams will bring the message. All are invited to join us for the celebratory event.

Pack your bags! The Scholarship Ministry invites you to hit the high seas again. They will be sailing on the Carnival Miracle leaving from New York City on Monday, July 9, 2012 sailing to San Juan, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and Grand Turk. A deposit of $150 is due immediately. For addi-

tional information, call 718-379-0541, 718-671-7507 or the church at 718-320-3774.

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

The Co-op City Baptist Church family wishes the Co-op City community a Happy Chanukah, a Merry Christmas, a Happy Kwanzaa and a Blessed and Happy New Year 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.

—Ha ttie L . Lucas

Evangelical Church of Co-op City - UMC Open Door s, Open Hea rts a nd Open Minds Come & Visit Us – We welcome you to God’s House – Your House – One Family in Christ. We are a congregation with spirit-filled worship, offering a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship and service to God and our community. We are a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and bilingual congregation and all are welcome. Services are at the church at 2350 Palmer Avenue, across the street from Building 30. Parking is available. Visit our website at www.co-opcityumchurch.org.

Sunda y Ser vices – The first Sunday of the month is a bilingual service with communion at 10 a.m. All other Sunday services are as follows: English Service at 9 a.m. and the Spanish Service at 11:30 a.m. There are Bible studies in English and Spanish at 10:30 a.m. We also have a children’s service during the English service.

Pr a yer Night: We have a prayer night on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the church building. Come and bring your prayer needs so we can all pray and become prayer warriors. Bring a friend who would like prayer. You know the Lord said, “whenever two or more are gathered in my name I will be in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20.

Spanish Pr a yer m eeting: Thursdays, 10 a.m.

After Sch ool Pr ogr a m: In Room 43 of Einstein Community Center is a safe environment, where children can do homework, learn God’s word and just have some fun.

Please call (718) 671-1033.

Cr escendo Chr istia n M usic School: Learn piano, guitar, percussion, voice and theory. Contact Maestro Frank Colon at (917) 753-3644. The school will be open from Monday – Thursday, 2 p.m. – 8 p.m. Private and group lessons are available. Earlier lessons can be arranged. All ages are welcome. Registration is free and rates are affordable.

Men’s Fellowship: On Saturday, January 7th, there will be a Men’s Brunch at the church starting at 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

The Thursday night fellowship will start again on January 12th at 7 to 8 p.m. Come and share your testimonies, explore your gifts and be Blessed in the Word of our Lord. Bring a

friend so they can get a blessing too. Hope to see you there.

Choir : If you love to sing and want to sing for the Lord, come Thursday evenings at 8 p.m. for choir practice.

Fa mily Night: Friday nights are for the family. We will be having Bible studies and other spiritual growth activities for all ages. There will be English & Spanish groups. Bring

a friend or two or more.

Upcoming Events: Tonight, December 24th, is our beautiful Candle Light Service at 8 p.m. On December 25th is a bilingual service at 10 a.m. and December 31st is our New Year’s Eve Celebration, 10 p.m. to midnight. Come and be blessed in the Lord. —R ev. Dr. Milca Alva r ez-Pla ud

Family Owned and Operated • Large Chapel on premises

• Pre-need counseling

• Ample Parking on premises

• Out of town services

• Casket Showroom on premises

• Cremations

A dignified funeral every family can afford.

All areas are handicapped accessible

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

718-231-7647 Call 24 Hours

Fax: 718-231-7665 NOW WEBCASTING TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS ABROAD

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

Serving all cultures & faiths

Co-op City Times / December 24, 2011

21

Church of the New Vision The family of the late David Robert Palmore extends to the Co-op City community our heartfelt thanks to everyone for the outpouring of love, care and concern during our difficult time of sorrow.

Please visit our website at www.churchofthevision.com.

Pastor Anne L. Palmore and the congregation of the Church of the New Vision extend a warm and friendly invitation to everyone to worship with us every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. We are a church where inspirational messages from the Word of God, the Bible, are delivered every Sunday morning.

The church is designed to meet the spiritual needs of our community by offering anointed singing and preaching, and a general atmosphere of Christian love and friendly hospitality.

We also invite the youth of our com-

munity to attend our Sunday Morning services, which are designed to meet the special needs of our young people.

Parents, please send your children to learn of the Lord Jesus.

Prayer Service takes place every Wednesday evening from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. followed by Bible Teaching from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Be with us to learn the truth from the Word of God. L ist of Pr ogr a m s a nd E vent s: Adult Sunday School is from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Youth Sunday School is also from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Holy Communion is served the first Sunday of the month.

Youth Sunday takes place on the second Sunday of the month.

Missionary Sunday takes place on the third Sunday of the month

Rev. Dr. Robert A. Smith, Jr., Pastor; Lady Theresa M. Smith, co-founder; Rev. McMillian, Assistant Pastor, and the Church of the Savior family extend an invitation to every person to worship with us. We are a non-denominational, inter-racial, inter-cultural, intergenerational fellowship of believers. We care about you, not your W2. We are not church as usual. Come as you are, we leave the judging to God. The Church of the Savior family extends love and affirmation to the Coop City community; A warm welcome awaits you!! We love you for who you are, not what you have. Please call us at 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.

Su n d a y M or n in g Sch ed u le: Adult Bible Study – 9:15 a.m.

Divine Worship - 10:30 a.m. Come and be blessed, we want an opportunity to love you. See you in church.

Our children's Sunday School will teach and nurture your child/children in the word of God. All sessions are during worship service.

Dr. Sm it h ' s Ser m on Top ic: "God said "Yes!" Reading from Holy

The Pentecostal Tabernacle, 120 Benchley Pl., Bldg. 24, Bronx, N.Y. 10475.

You are invited to attend worship service on Christmas morning, December 25, starting at 10:30 a.m. Please note that the time change for mid-day service will only be effective for December 25th. This was done to allow anyone who would like to leave early to be with their family.

Prayer meeting every Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m.

Bible study every Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Watch night service will be held on December 31st starting at 9 p.m.

F O C US: The King Has Come.

Astonishing as it may be, the King of all was born as a babe in the town of Bethlehem; he was adored and worshiped.

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. Saying, where is he that was born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and have come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests

Memorial Sunday (Men's Day) takes place on the fourth Sunday of the month Seniors' Sunday takes place on the fifth Sunday of the month.

Sin gles' M inist r y meets every third Tuesday evening of the month at 6 p.m.

K id s For C h r ist C h oir & C lu b meets 1st & 2nd Friday of the month, 6:30 p.m.

Sen ior s' M in istr y meets 1st Tuesday of the month at 11:00 a.m.

M id -da y Bib le St u dy meets every Tuesday afternoon from 12 to 1 p.m.

P lea se j oin us on C hr ist m a s Da y (Sunday, December 25th) as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ during our 11:00 a.m. SERVICE ONLY. Also on Saturday, December 31, at 10:00 p.m. for our Watch Night service as we welcome in the New Year with songs and praises unto our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Join us on January 1st, 2012 as we celebrate the New Year during the 11:00 a.m.

SERVICE ONLY. We invite everyone to join us on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. as we celebrate the opening of our new church home at 115 Einstein Loop, Section 5.

Come join New Vision's “Partners in Reading Program” every Sunday afternoon from 1:40 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Students in Grades 1 through 8 discover the joy of reading. Parents, we encourage you to bring your children to benefit from this free program, taught by trained professionals.

The Church of the New Vision is located at 135 Einstein Loop, Room #33, Bronx, NY 10475; Telephone: (718) 6713746 or (718) 320-0409.

—C a r ole Ha qu e

Church of the Savior Scripture, Isaiah 9:6, Colossians 1:16-17.

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

Ber ea vem en t Su p p or t G r ou p meets Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m. Are you grieving the loss of a loved one? Come, our arms and hearts are open to you.

God Bless You! " I wa s h u n gr y a n d you fed m e" …

Church of the Savior is reaching out to individuals and families who need nutritious food. Our food pantry, coordinated

by First Lady Theresa Smith is just a

phone call away. For more information in donating or receiving food, please call her at 718-925-5052.

I nvit a t ion s t o t h e com m u n it y: Would you like to celebrate Christmas in a special way? We would be honored if you worshipped with us on Christmas Day. Our services will be highlighted by sacred music, prayers, sacred readings and time of sharing. Our doors and hearts are open to everyone.

The community is invited to our WatchNight service beginning at 7:00, December 31. A warm, loving welcome is our gift to every person worshipping with us. Bring someone special with you.

C h r ist m a s T h ou gh t : "To get into heaven, it’s who you know that counts."

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

Pentacostal Tabernacle and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him in Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, and thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. (St. Matthew 2:1-6) The finding of the king: God was still leading the wise men when they left Herod. They continued to follow the star until they reached the house where Jesus was staying with His mother Mary. They

must have felt greatly rewarded for having accomplished their task of a long journey with all its hardship. The wise men no longer have to search for Jesus in the form of a babe, He can be found today regardless of a person’s need. His spirit will fill the heart of anyone who willingly seeks him. We can have a deeper and more meaningful walk with the Lord if we are willing to seek Him through prayer and studying of the word.

For further information, call (718) 3240334 or (718) 320-4218, 646-345-6707.

—R ev. R . Sibblies

American Legion Post 1871 Our Post is located in Section 5 Community Center, 135 Einstein Loop, Room 41. Our office phone number is 718320-8165 and you can also reach us by email at post1871@optimum.net.

Greeting to all of our comrades who are home-bound and recovering from various medical operations.

Happy birthday to all of our post members who have a birthday in January: Hector R. Rosado, Earl Smith, Hector M. RosarioFlores, Julio Figueroa, Lowell A. James, Nehemiah Eutsey, Lenard Blasiovich, Jr., Rodney Goulding, Sr. Richard A. Shade, Roben O. McCann, Jr. and Thomas L. Gratison. If I have forgotten to include your name for your birthday, please let me know

ASAP and I will include your name in the next edition in the Co-op City Times.

For all our Post members, here is a list of the up and coming events for our Post members: The next Executive meeting will take place on January 7, 2012 at 11 a.m. sharp on Saturday at Post 1871, Room 41. Upon your arrival, please turn off your cell phone, sign in and take a seat. There will be a Bronx County meeting on January 3rd, Tuesday, at Post 156 at 1930 hours.

Midwinter conference in Albany, NY from January 27, 28 and 29th. For any Post member who would like to attend this meeting, please contact the Post Commander ASAP for information.

Healthy snacks for your children: apples and cheese combine protein and carbohydrates for a well-balanced snack. It will keep you satisfied through the afternoon.

Pair an apple with 2 ounces of low fat cheese or two cheese sticks.

Did you know that the only company authorized to print Bibles in China recently produced its 80-million copy. The company produces 1 million Bibles per month--a quarter of all those currently being printed worldwide.

Post 1871 would like to welcome two of our Post new members: Ms. Yolene Borgos who was in the U.S. Marines and Army, and Mr. Francisco Montanez, who was in the U.S. Army. Welcome aboard Post 1871. In

mid-January, we will be sending out raffles books to all members for Memorial Day event.

The pool table is on order; we will have a regulation pool table on the way as soon as the check clears. Several members have volunteered to join our honor guard. The executive committee will make the final decision at the next meeting.

Charles Lirio has obtained 235 plates from different Posts around the country.

Know that the 9-year war in Iraq is over and our troops will be home by Christmas; please hire a veteran.

This information was brought to you by the Post 1871 information officer.

—Richar d I. La wson, J r.

22

Co-op City Times / December 24, 2011

ALL JASA CENTERS CLOSED

Current Events: 10 a.m., Rm. 31

Einstein

Dreiser

ALL JASA CENTERS CLOSED

ALL JASA CENTERS CLOSED

Dominos: 10 a.m., Rm. 49

Bingo: 10 a.m., Rm. 31 Tai Chi: 11 a.m., Rm. 45 Dominos: 2:30 p.m., Rm. 25 Bingo: 1 p.m., Rm. 49 Word Games: 9:30 –11:30 a.m., Rm. 31

Wed., December 28

Stay Well Exercise: 10 a.m., Room 31 Dominos: 2:30 p.m., Rm. 25 Word Games: 9:30 a.m.

– 1:30 p.m., Rm. 31 Bingo: 2 p.m., Rm. 25 Blood Pressure: 1st & 3rd Wed., 9–10 a.m., Rm. 31 Card Games: 2-4 p.m., Rm. 25

Thurs., December 29

Card Games: 2:30 - 4 p.m., Rm. 25

Library: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Rm. 31 Chat Session: 9:30 a.m.1 p.m., Rm. 31 Dominos: 2:30 p.m., Rm. 31 Word Games: 9:30 11:30 a.m., Rm. 31 Bingo: 2 p.m., Rm. 31 Card Games: 2:30-4 p.m., Rm. 31

Fri., December 30

Tues., December 27

Mon., December 26

Bartow

Movie Madness: 9:30 a.m., Rm. 31 Men’s Line Dancing: 9-10 a.m., Rm. 31 Women’s Line Dancing: 10-11 a.m., Rm. 31 Spelling Bee: 11 a.m., Rm. 31 Dominos: 2:30 p.m., Rm. 31 Word Games: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., Rm. 31 Bingo: 2 p.m., Rm. 25 Card Games: 2-4 p.m., Rm. 31

Matinee Movie w/ George: 2-4 p.m., Rm. 45

Dominoes: 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Spelling Bee: 10 a.m., Rm. 49 Spanish Practice Class: 10:30 a.m., Computer lab Bingo: 1 p.m., Rm. 49 Advanced Line Dance: 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Dominos: 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Stay Well Exercise: 10 11 a.m., Rm. 45 Spelling Bee: 11 a.m., Rm. 49 Bingo: 1 p.m., Rm. 49

Dominos: 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Art: 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Line Dancing: 10 a.m.

Self Defense: 10-11 a.m., Rm. 36 Belly Dancing: 12:30 p.m.

Handi-Flex: 1 p.m.

Bingo: 1 p.m., Rm. 49 Card Games: 2-4 p.m., Rm. 49 Blood Pressure: 2nd and 4th Friday, 10-11:30 a.m., Rm. 49

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session: 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., Rm. 7 Alert & Alive: 10:3011:30 a.m., Rm. 7 Mixed Cultural Dance: 10:30-11:30 a.m., Aud. A Mind Teasers: 12-1 p.m., Rm. 4 Zumba: 1:30-2:30 p.m., Aud. A Tuesday Movie w/popcorn: 2-4 p.m., Rm. 7 Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session: 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., Rm. 7 Sewing w/Raymonde: 9:30–11:30 a.m., Rm. 7 Tai Chi: 11 a.m. -12 p.m., Rm. 2 Mind Teasers: 12-1 p.m., Rm. 7 Art Class: 1-3 p.m., Rm. 7 Yoga: 1st, 2nd and last Wed, 2-3 p.m., Aud. A Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session: 9:30-10:30 a.m., Rm. 7 Blood Pressure: 1st & 3rd Thursday 10-11:30 a.m., Rm. 7 Line Dancing: 3rd & 4th Thurs. 10-11 a.m., Aud. A Mind Teasers: 12-1 p.m., Rm. 4 Belly Dancing: 12:30-1 p.m., Aud. A Handi-Flex: 1-2 p.m., Aud. A Drama:1:30-4 p.m., Rm. 7 Piano Sing Along: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., Rm. 7 Crochet and Knitting: 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 7 Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session: 9:30 10:30 a.m., Rm. 7 Meditative Moments: 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 2 Mind Teasers: 12-1 p.m., Rm. 4 Card Games, Dominoes: 2-4 p.m., Rm. 7 *Schedule subject to change without notice*

We ask that members please call their center at least one day in advance to register for lunch.

WEEKLY TRIPS DATES

WEEKLY TRIPS

PRICE

PICK-UP TIMES

1st Monday: 1st Mondays: Fridays Tuesdays

Stew Leonards Super Wal-Mart Swimming Bowling

$5 $12 $3 $12.50

Bartow Dreiser 1 p.m. 1:15 p.m.

8:30 a.m. 8:45 a.m.

1:15 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

11 a.m. 11:30 a.m.

Einstein 1:30 p.m.

9:00 a.m.

1:30 p.m.

11:15 a.m.

To register for trips and classes, please call: (718) 320-2066 Monday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, The NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation

Date:

Kosher

Non-Kosher

Soups, Breads and Desserts

Mon., Dec. 26

ALL JASA CENTERS CLOSED

ALL JASA CENTERS CLOSED

ALL JASA CENTERS CLOSED

Tuna loaf Orzo w/mushrooms Beets

Rye bread Pineapple chunks

Orange juice Tues., Herb marinated chicken Dec. Oven browned potatoes 27 Brussels sprouts

Wed., Dec. 28

Apple juice Beef macaroni casserole Broccoli/cauliflower

Beef pot roast Mashed potato Broccoli florets

Italian bread Seedless grapes

Thurs., Dec. 29

Baked turkey leg Fresh yams Italian blend

Honey turkey wings Sweet potato Green beans

Whole wheat bread Orange

Fri., Dec. 30

Orange/pineapple juice Fish cake, Kale Corn-on-the-cob

Meat lasagna Tossed salad

Whole wheat bread Fruit salad

All meals served w/margarine and fresh milk *Menu subject to change without notice. We ask that members please call their center at least one day in advance to register for lunch:

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

Upcoming Events/Trips E M PI RE CI T Y C ASI NO, $3 - IF your name is on the list, your payment MUST be made by the Friday prior to the trip. Tuesdays, December 20th.

Wednesdays, December 21st and December 28th. Trip includes round transportation and boxed lunch. Pick-ups: Einstein-10 a.m.; Bartow-10:15 a.m. and Dreiser-10:30 a.m. Effective JANUARY, 2012, we will be going to the Empire Casino on a monthly basis. The new dates are as follows: Wednesday, January 18th, February 15th and March 15th.

WAL M ART - Tuesday, December 27. $12, trip includes transportation and boxed lunch. Pick-ups: Bartow - 8:30 a.m.; Dreiser - 8:45 a.m. and Einstein - 9:00 a.m.

J ASA will b e closed Decem ber 26 – Ha pp y Holida ys.

ST E W L E O NAR DS - Friday, December 30. $3 – trip includes transportation. Pick-ups: Bartow-1 p.m., Dreiser-1:15 p.m. and Einstein-1:30 p.m.

WAL M ART – Monday, January 9, 2012 - $13 – trip includes boxed lunch and transportation. Pick-ups: Bartow-.9:00 a.m.; Dreiser–9:15 a.m.; Einstein-9:30 a.m.

C E NTR AL AVENUE – Wednesday, January 11th, 2012 - XMAS Tree Store, Trader Joe’s & Amazing Savings – Boxed lunch and transportation included. Pickups: Bartow - 9:00 a.m.; Dreiser - 9:15 a.m., Einstein - 9:30 a.m.

AI LE Y I I – Thursday, January 19th, 2012 - $7 – Come join us to see a wonderful performance of AILEY II at HOSTOS Center for the Arts – Show time is 12:15 p.m. – Boxed lunch and transportation included. Pick–ups: Bartow – 10 a.m.; Dreiser – 10:15 a.m., Einstein – 10:30 a.m.

M E DI E VAL T I M E S – Friday, January 19, 2012- $40. Come and experience a traditional feast and jousting tournament set inside a beautiful 11th centurystyle castle -$40 includes round trip transportation, meal & show. Pick-ups: Bartow, 8:30 a.m.; Dreiser, 8:45 a.m. and Einstein, 9:00 a.m. Flyers will be posted in the senior centers. (Only 20 seats available.)

SC R I E C L INI C: JASA will continue to hold a SCRIE Clinic. Please call to make an appointment with a Social Worker, 718320-2066, to sign up. Documents to bring: 1. Must be 62 years of age or older; bring proof of age.

2. Have an annual household income of $29,000 or less; bring proof of income:

Pension, Dividends, Wages, Social Security, etc.

3. Federal Tax returns, if filed; bring a copy of your 10-40 from 2010.

Be sure to bring your Medicaid/ Medicare Part B card with you.

W E I G H T M A NAG E M E N T SUPP ORT GROUP - Mondays, 10 a.m., Bartow Ave., Room 25.

C ARE GI VER SUP PORT GROUP A Caregiver Support Group can offer an atmosphere of understanding and support for caregivers to discuss issues and concerns. Whether you care for a loved one from a distance or in your home, you are most welcome. The group meets every other Tuesday at: 2049 Bartow Avenue, Room 31 from 1-2 p.m. The next session is Tuesday, January 10, 2012 and January 24, 2012. The support group is facilitated by a social worker. If you have any questions, please contact JASA at 718-320-2066.

DISABIL I TY SUPP ORT /SOC IAL IZ AT ION GROUP – Effective Friday, January 6, 2012, the disability support group will resume. The group will meet every 1st Friday of the month.

DI ABE T I C SUP P O RT GRO UP Diabetes can seem to be an overwhelming disease because it impacts so many areas of your daily life. The Diabetic Support Group goals are to keep you informed and motivated on how to stay healthy. The group meets every last Monday of the month at 177 Dreiser Loop, 2nd floor, room 7, 1-2 p.m. The next session is scheduled for Monday, January 30, 2012. For more information and to register, please contact Chidinma Ezihe, 718-671-2090 (Ext. 3011) or Rosella Stone, 718-3202066 (Ext. 2003).

Senior C enter F ield Tr ip Per mission Slip – Effective immediately, all senior center participants are required to fill out a Senior Center Field Trip Permission Slip before going on any JASA senior center trips. If you are paying for someone to go on the trip, you must make sure that they bring the form with them on the day of the trip. All forms must be filled out prior to going on the trip; No exceptions.

BL OOD P R ESSUR E – Locations and schedule – 135 Einstein Loop, Room 45, every 2nd & 4th Friday, 10–11:30 a.m.; 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 7, every 1st & 3rd Thursday, 10 - 11:30 a.m.; Bartow Avenue, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 9 - 10 a.m..

23

Co-op City Times / December 24, 2011

WEEKLY SCHEDULE EDUCATION African-American Association, “Business Education Classes” Wed., 12/28, 7 p.m., Dreiser, Room #2

HOBBIES Duplicate Bridge Club, “Bridge Game” Wed., 12/28, 4 p.m. Dreiser, Room #9 African American Association, “Belly Dancing” Mon., 12/26, 7 p.m., Dreiser, Room #2; “Yoga/Pilates” Tues., 12/27, 7 p.m., Dreiser, Room #2

RELIGIOUS Deeper Life Church, “Bible Study” Tues., 12/27, 7 p.m., Dreiser, Room #1 Church of the New Vision, “Bible Studies” Sun., 1/1, 9:30 a.m., Einstein, Rm #38 Faith @ Work Christian Church, “Bible Study” Thurs., 12/29, 5:30 p.m., Dreiser, Room #8; “Youth Ministry” Fri., 12/30, 3:30 p.m., Dreiser, Room #10; “Worship Service” Sun., 1/1, 8 a.m., Dreiser, Room #8 Iglesia Cristiana Marcos 16:15, “Bible Study” Sun., 1/1, 10 a.m., Einstein, Rm #35 Harvest Restoration Ministries, “Bible Study” Wed., 12/28, 6 p.m., Dreiser, Room #10; “Worship Service” Sun., 1/1, 10 a.m., Dreiser, Room #9 Circle of Christ “Children’s Bible Study” Sun., 1/1, 10 a.m., Dreiser, Room #2 Greater Love Cathedral Baptist Church, “Bible Study” Wed., 12/28, 6:30 p.m., Dreiser, Room #8; “Worship Service” Sun., 1/1, 3 p.m., Dreiser, Room #1 Mount Calvary Baptist Church, “Bible Study” Thurs., 12/29, 5:30 p.m., Dreiser, Room #9

SENIORS J.A.S.A. Senior Luncheon, Mon. - Fri., 12/26 - 12/30, 9 a.m., Bartow, Room #31; Dreiser, Room #4 and Einstein, Room #49

SERVICE AND CIVIC Weight Watchers Nutrition Program, “Meeting Time” Tues., 12/27, 6 p.m., Dreiser Room #4

SPORTS New York Lyons Mane Track, “Track Practice” Mon., 12/26 & Wed., 12/28, 5:30 p.m., Dreiser, Aud. B Zodiac Track Foundation, “Track Practice” Tues., 12/27 and Thurs., 12/29, 6 p.m., Dreiser Loop, Aud. B

Baychester Library Events VISIT THE LIBRARY - A GREAT WEALTH OF INFORMATION

AARP Chapter #4997 F YI : The first meeting of the New Year is scheduled for MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 2012, 1 p.m. in Dreiser Auditorium “A”. Remember to make one of your New Year’s Resolutions to join AARP Peachtree Chapter #4997. This will put you in the know of what’s going on in New York State, Albany, and Washington (DC) in relation to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid and other issues affecting the elderly, retired, or disabled persons. All are welcomed to join us….

NOT E : To our sick, on the mend and shut-in members, and those bereaved members, please know that you are in our prayers. Contact Frances Wilson, Good & Welfare Coordinator, 718-671-5493.

2011 TO UR AC T I VI T I E S Dec. 30 – Jan. 1, 2012 – New Year’s Eve Weekend Celebration at the DESMOND – Lavish New Year’s Eve Party; cocktail party w/hot hors d’oeuvres & pasta station; 5 hours open bar; Surf & Turf Dinner; Champagne toast; Music/dancing; lunch after arriving in Lancaster (PA); then to the all-New Christmas Show at the American Music Theater; after check-in, dinner w/fun & games; full-hot buffet breakfast; then you can go to an Atlantic City Casino or shopping at QVC Studio Tour or shopping at King of Prussia Mall or relaxing at the Desmond; 2 nights deluxe accommodations; New Year’s Day Champagne Brunch & show – BUS DEPARTURE at 8 a.m. (NOTE TIME CHANGE) from Asch Loop (in front of the library). Arrive early to get your luggage tags and bus seating…Contact Delores, 718-3792176.

2012 TO UR AC T I VI T I E S April 23-24, 2012 – “JONAH” – experience the mighty storm at sea that breaks

apart an enormous ship; peer into the underwater world & see the giant fish swallow up God’s misguided Prophet Jonah -- at the Millennium Theater in Lancaster (PA) – trip includes: a stop in Bethlehem (PA) known as the “Christmas City;” visit the Sands Casino ($35 Casino Bonus) -- current photo ID or passport required; lodging at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Reading; wine & cheese Reception w/a sit-down dinner and live Musical Comedy Show; 2nd day hot breakfast buffet; visit an Amish quilt shop, cannery & Kitchen Kettle gift shops; w/reserved seats at the Millennium Theater for “JONAH”; stop for dinner on the way home…$281/person double; $331 – single; Trip insurance - $14/each – double; $29/single; call Jean, 718-3793742, for registration info.

May 22, 2012 – New York Botanical Gardens, presenting Monet’s Gardens: Impressions of Giverny, France – admission & guided Docent Tour of Monet’s Garden Exhibit; plus 4-hour Casino stay at Empire City Casino (including Casino package of the Day) - $75/person - contact Daisy, 718-671-3241.

June 1–11, 2012 (11 days/10 nights) – Mount Rushmore, the Badlands & Black Hills of South Dakota – trip includes 10 nights lodging (w/4 consecutive nights in South Dakota); 10 breakfasts/8 dinners; visit Mt. Rushmore National Memorial; tour of Wildlife Loop Road at Custer State Park; admission to the Unique Journey Museum; guided tour of Deadwood, plus gaming at a Deadwood Casino; visit the Crazy Horse Memorial; & visit the Badlands National Park & much more… $905/double; $1265/single; $885/triple; trip insurance available upon request. Contact Jean, 718-379—Delor es Deb n a m 3742.

LIBRARY CLOSED - Saturday, December 24 & Monday, December 26.

All Libraries: 9am-5pm, Saturday, December 31, No Film, Holiday Observance WEEKLY EVENTS KIDS Game On Nintendo Wii! - Every Monday @ 3:30 p.m.

Tween Time - Every Tuesday @ 3:30 p.m.

Teen Advisory Group (TAG) - Every Tuesday @ 4 p.m.; Blockbuster Bks; Dec. 13; Manga Drawing Workshop, Tuesday, Dec. 20 & Dec. 27.

Arts & Crafts - Tuesday, Dec. 27 & Friday, Dec. 30 @ 2 p.m.

Read Aloud - Every Wednesday @ 3:30 p.m.

Teen Book Café - Every Wednesday @ 4 p.m.

Chess Club - Every Thursday @ 3 p.m.

Teen Time - Every Friday, 2:30 - 4 p.m.

Drawing - Friday, December 30 @ 3 p.m.

The New York Public Library Baychester Branch • 2049 Asch Loop • Bronx, NY 10475

Einstein Cancer Fund We wish everyone a joyous Merry Christmas and Happy Kwanzaa. Good health to all. Enjoy a happy New Year with friends and family.

On Tuesday, January 10th, we will be going to the Showboat Casino. Cost per person, $30, with a casino $30 slot play. Time of pick-up is 8 a.m. starting at Einstein Loop followed by Asch Loop and Dreiser Loop. Please bring a valid photo I.D. and your casino card

For the above trips, please call Mildred at 718-320-0288, Loretta 718671-2958 or Lydia at 718-671-3005.

For memorial cards, please call Loretta.

Please remember those who are ill and homebound in your prayers of goof health and healing.

We also welcome back our men and women in the military -- a job well done.

—Lyd ia R u a s

Goose Island Seniors HAPPY HOLIDAY TO ALL OUR FRIENDS AND MEMBERS. Monday, December 26 and also Monday, January 2, all centers will be closed.

Wednesday, December 28—Bingo game in Room 39 at 1:30 p.m. Admission is $2. Refreshments served. Everyone is welcome to join the game.

You can start paying your 2012 yearly dues, $12.

For more information, see Ann or Mary at 135 Einstein Center, Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. in Room 39 or call us 718-379-9613. You can call Mary in the evening at 718-379-4899.

GOOD HEALTH TO ALL. —M a r y P illa

(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

Co-op City Department of Public Safety (718) 671-3050 • www.ccpd.us.

If you SEE something, SAY something!

24

Co-op City Times / December 24, 2011

Reflections

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

We are now celebrating Chanukah, the festival of Lights. We light candles to cut through the winter darkness. In doing so, they symbolize for us a hope for spiritual illumination.

The lighting of the Menorah occurs during the shortest days of the year. At this moment of seasonal darkness, we turn toward the light, yearning for the conquest of bleakness, despair and apathy. The light of the Menorah reminds us that the darkness can be transcended with the new commitments to the free-

dom for which the Maccabees fought.

Since the Maccabees overthrew the Greeks, Jews have seen many dark days. They have witnessed persecutions and the cruelest brutalities. They have faced virtual extermination, but they have always survived.

The light from the Menorah is the light of survival, the light of hope, the light of our certainty that we will rise above the darkness of the season or the darkness of the moment.

It is the light of our salvation.

Retirees of Dreiser Loop “Season’s Greetings:” The season of warmth, joy and good cheer is here. We trust that our members, family, friends and neighbors will have a Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, and Happy Kwanzaa.

Best wishes for a healthy, joyous, and fulfilling New Year.

Come join the RETIREES and friends for your weekday socializing pleasure in Clubroom 19 (718-379-0377). Have fun and laughs as you play cards, Board games, or just watch one of your favorite TV programs with others.

T R AVE L AC T I VI T I E S: Join the fun in the year 2012 (mark your calendar): • Sight & Sound show, JONAH - Price: $99 - SECOND TRIP. Date to be determined. Min. 50% deposit required.

(Contacts: Lorraine Parker, 718-6716403/Beverly James, 718-379-0377).

• April 11–25, 2012 trip to LAS VEGAS via Motor coach. 14 nights lodging including 4 consecutive nights in a Las Vegas Casino Hotel; 18 meals: 10 breakfasts and 8 dinners. Gaming and sight-seeing on the Vegas Strip. Price: $1185 double/$1650 single. Details in flyers available in Room 19. (Contact: Eleanora Jones, 718-671-5707).

• On Saturday, June 9, 2012, SENIOR OUTING to Holiday Hills, CT (a day of fun and relaxation with first class food all

H A P P Y

day, service, and entertainment). Price: $25 - full payment required. (Contacts: Beverly James/Harman Leacock, 718-3790377.)

T HE AT R E C O M M I T T E E : All program prices include transportation.

In 2012, we are going to Lehman College to see: • Sat. Jan. 14th, 8:00 p.m. - THE O’JAYS - $72. (Full payment required.)

• Sat. Jan. 28th, 8:00 p.m. - DOO WOP show - $55.

• Sat. Apr. 28th, 8:00 p.m. - SMOKEY ROBINSON - $85.

See Committee members in Clubroom 19 after 3:00 p.m. on Thursdays. Later, after 7 p.m., any questions regarding theatre shows, call 718-324-7847 or 718-6718637.

All payments (for parties, trips and shows) will be accepted by check/money order (only) payable to RETIREES of Dreiser Loop.

G O O D AND W E L FAR E : We support all of you on the mend and send warm and bright wishes for a speedy recovery.

Contact Elinor Gordon at 718-379-8755 regarding illnesses and bereavements.

"May your walls know joy, may every room hold laughter, and every window open to great possibility.” Happy —C la u d et t e Davis Holidays!

H O L I D A Y S !

Castle Hill Funeral Directors, Inc.

SHALOM Jewish George Farr - Funeral Director funeral “The Bronx Jewish Community home, inc.

Memorial Chapel” (718) 828-9222 (718) 828-1700 1528 Castle Hill Avenue Bronx, New York 10462 Keeping Tradition Under Rabbinical Supervision Services from Our Chapel, Graveside or Synagogue Parking Facilities • Pre-Arrangements

Traditional Synagogue The Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City, Young Israel of Baychester, Section 5 (new address) at Bldg. 27B-120 Erdman Place (behind the lobby), welcomes you to pray with them. Tel. for the Shule (same old number) 1-718-379-6920.

Not e: Office hours are on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Sunday, we are here from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Candle lighting on Friday, December 30, is before 4:18 p.m. Be sure to get home early in order to first light the Chanukah candles before you light the Shabbos candles. Shabbat ends today, Saturday, December 24, at 5:18 p.m. We recite Havdallah (The Recital over the Wine) at the end of Shabbos.

Mincha services on Saturday, December 24 followed by Musaf around 12 p.m.

The community is always welcome to attend our various functions and enjoy a great day of fun and friendship.

C om in g E ven ts: Saturday, December 24 - The Torah lecture/sermon will take place at 10 a.m.

Also, we will recite Mi-she-baeirachs. We will start Torah reading about 10:30 a.m.

The parsha is “MiKetz.” The Rabbi class commences at 4:15 p.m. during Shalosh Seudos. Shabbat ends at 5:18 p.m.

Sunday, December 25 - Merry Christmas to our Christian friends and a happy New Year.

Monday, December 26 - A Chanukah

Celebration and Luncheon. The cost is $6 per person. Payment is due by Sunday, December 18. Remember - -space is limited.

Monday, December 26 & 27 - Rosh Chodesh-Tevet in the midst of the Chanukah Festival.

Sunday, January 15, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.Sisterhood sponsors an afternoon of Bingo. The cost is $3/person and includes snacks and refreshments.

Sunday, January 22, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. The Synagogue sponsors an afternoon of Bingo.

G ood a n d Welfa r e: Come on down to the synagogue to purchase kosher wine.

Do you need a tree certificate sent “in Honor” or “in Memory” of a special occasion or a condolence? For information, you can call Mimi at 1-347-427-4526 and we can accommodate you.

December Simchas: Happy birthday wishes to Al Abel on the 23; to Jerome Berlofsky and Gary Schwartz on the 26 and Sheila Linder on the 28. Mazel Tov! We all have Esther in our prayers for a speedy recovery and await your return. We miss your lovely smile.

I spoke to Bea Kimmelman and she sends regards to all who remember her.

Please! Support the Synagogue. We always need your help. Thank you.

Shalom!

—M ir ia m E velyn Ber lofsky

Young Israel of Co-op City Young Israel of Co-op City (lower level of the Dreiser Loop shopping center) is a house of worship that opens its doors every morning from 6 until 7 a.m.

Anyone who wishes to start the daily routine with prayers, during which our spiritual leader, Rabbi Solomon I. Berl, offers a brief Bible teaching is welcome.

On Friday evening, Sabbath services begin at 10 minutes after the candle-lighting time. Saturday morning services start

at 9 a.m. Rabbi Berl delivers his sermon at 10:30 a.m.

The Rabbi’s class on the Torah reading of the week begins one hour before sunset every Saturday afternoon.

For office hours or any information you may seek, feel free to call (718) 6712300 and leave your name, phone number and a brief message on the synagogue’s answering machine, and your call will be returned as soon as possible.

Assoc. of Building 14 Cooperators (AB14C) This holiday issue brings the simplest, yet sincerest of messages: MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY KWANZAA! As the New Year approaches, please consider giving back to your community by becoming [more] involved with our building association. We welcome your

suggestions and, more importantly, your participation as we strive to make the Association all that it can be. We can do better – the operative word being “WE.” Reach out to me at jdfergie31@gmail.com or 917.612.1951.

—J D Fer gu son

DIVORCE - BANKRUPTCY • ABSOLUTE LOWEST FEES • EVENING APPTS. AVAILABLE • IMMEDIATE FILING

• FREE CONSULTATION • FLEXIBLE PAYMENT PLANS

“COURTEOUS AND PROMPT SERVICE AT AN AFFORDABLE FEE”

633 Lydig Ave • Bronx, NY 1 block from Pelham Parkway & White Plains Road Accessible by #2 & #5 trains • #12, #22 & #39 buses

DAVID BRODMAN,Esq.

718.239.7110

25

Co-op City Times / December 24, 2011

Faith in God Church & Bible Institute Rev. Dr. Gladys R. Little, Apostle, and Pastor & Evangelist Vernon Little greet everyone in the name of Jesus, that name which is above every name. We want you to know that you are welcome in this house of the Lord! It is His house by ownership: it is our house by stewardship and it can be your house by membership; so come on in and join with us. May God

bless you in this house!

The birth of Jesus was the beginning of the end of death. “The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:56-57). The birth of Christ brought God to man; the cross of Christ brings man to God.

Iglesia Cristiana Marcos 16:15 Pastor Fernando Figueroa and Pastor Thomas Garrett and the congregation of Iglesia Cristiana Marcos 16:15 extend an invitation for you to come together and celebrate the day that the Lord has made, worshipping his precious and holy name.

"Let us give thanks to the God and the father of our Lord Jesus Christ! Because of his great mercy he gave us new life by raising Jesus Christ from death. This fills us with a living hope. (1 Peter 1:3).

C H UR C H H O UR S: SPANI SH

Tuesday: Prayer Service 8:00 p.m.

Friday: Bible Study 8:00 p.m.

Sunday: Sunday School 10:00 a.m.

Evangelistic Service: 12:00 p.m.

C h ur ch H ou r s: E n glish Sunday: Evangelistic Service 4 p.m.

All are welcome. We are located in the Section 5 community center, Room 42.

For any questions or prayers, call 718671-6112 or 247-275-5500.

God bless you and may the Lord’s face —Pa st or Fer na n d o shine upon you.

I nvit a tion s: Sweet Hour of Prayer will commence Saturday from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Every Sunday, I offer a class for Sunday School at 10 a.m. followed by Worship Service at 11 a.m. Every 3rd Sunday following the morning worship, we serve Holy Communion. Pastor Vernon Little’s album ‘A New Beginning’ is available now on

CO-OP CITY FOOT CARE CENTER SECTION 5 • BUILDING 29C 4240 HUTCHINSON RIVER PARKWAY EAST

(718) 671-2233 DR. LOUIS JACOBS, DIRECTOR

Church of God’s Children Pastors Archbishop Angelo and Bishop Nancy Rosario and the members of Church of God’s Children invite you to come and worship with us every Sunday at 1:15 p.m. We are at 127 Dreiser Loop downstairs near the Montefiore Health Center. 718-790-9120.

We are not just a church, we are a family.

Sunday – Worship in English at 1:15 p.m.

Sunday – Worship in Spanish at 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday – Prayer 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; 12-Step fellowship at 159 Dreiser Loop – 7 p.m.

Goodwill Shop/Fundraising ministry is open Tues. & Thurs., 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.– Bibles, children’s books, gift items, new & used books. Free coats.

Sat., Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve Service, 6:30 p.m.

Sun., Christmas Day Service – 9:30 a.m. (One service only) Sat., Dec. 31 – Candlelight service –Welcoming 2012 at 10 p.m.

Sun., Jan 1, 2012 – FIRST SERVICE OF THE YEAR AT 9:30 A.M. Christmas is the time to spread the mes-

ALL FOOT CONDITIONS TREATED

sage of love, harmony and peace. Best of all, Christmas means a spirit of love, a time when the love of God and the love of our fellow men should prevail over all hatred and bitterness, a time when our thoughts and deeds and the spirit of our lives manifest the presence of God. The baby in Bethlehem's manger was a gift, a present from a loving heavenly father to his lost and hurting children.

Christ was born in the first century, yet he belongs to all centuries. He was born a Jew, yet He belongs to all races. He was born in Bethlehem, yet He belongs to all countries. This Christmas, may you and your family be blessed by God. May baby Jesus reign in your hearts forever. Faith makes all things possible, Hope makes all things work, Love makes all things beautiful. May you have all the three for this Christmas! Christmas spells out love, hope and joy. Pass it on to everyone in your life. Join Bishop Angelo Rosario as we continue to pray for the Peace of Israel and peace to all mankind.

—Bish op Na n cy R osa r io

CLASSIFIEDS Child Care

The in-office surgical correction of BUNIONS • HAMMERTOES • INGROWN TOENAILS PAINFUL CORNS and CALLOUSES The treatment of traumatic foot injuries, heel spurs, bursitis and arthritis of the joints of the feet, toenail and skin infections, as well as other conditions.

Most Union and Insurance Plans Accepted.

HIP CMO (Montefiore) Health Plan Accepted.

We participate in Postal Workers, Mail Handlers, Letter Carriers, Verizon Workers, 1199, GHI, Blue Shield, Empire Plan, Medicare, Travelers, United Health Care and many other union and major medical plans.

Se Habla Español MEDICARE ACCEPTED • HOUSE CALLS BY APPOINTMENT

Diabetic Patients with Medicare may be eligible for shoes.

Co-op City Times • cctimes@riverbaycorp.com Records Wanted

Your friendly neighborhood Child Care Provider. Drop off at 6 a.m., pick up at 7 p.m. From ages 5 up to 14 years old. Space is limited. With registration, you will receive a FREE name-brand pocketbook (DB, LV, Coach), your choice. For info, contact Ms. Willette at 646-796-6173.

SERVICES

G et Top C a sh for your Jazz, Soul, R&B and Gospel albums from 50s to 70s.

C a ll H owa r d a t 212-873-4016 a n yt im e.

1/7/12

12/24

Furniture Sale Five piece tan top microfiber and dark bonded leather bottom furniture set. Comes with eight large pillows and four small ones. Excellent condition: $1500. Will throw in 20 inch Samsung TV and two floor lamps for free! Call 914-539-2864. 12/24

Home Business

For Sale

DISCO SPEAKERS Good for Clubs, Basement or Bars.

Call Ray @ 917-757-0005 12/31

Dolce & Gabbana - CoCo Chanel. St a r t A H om e Based Bu s in ess S el li n g Na m e Br a n d F r agr a n ces At Hu ge Discou n t ed P r ices! Join Our Buyers Club And Make Some Serious Cash Now!! www.scen t sfor lessny.com 1/7

Position Wanted Nurse’s Aide with 25 years experience in hospitals, nursing homes and private homes. Seeks employment. Will live in or out. Call 718-364-7771.

12/31

iTunes, Amazon, etc.

We love you, and may God forever bless you is our prayer. We don’t worry about anything, but we pray about everything. We are located at 171 Dreiser Loop in Section 1. Our phone #’s are (347) 2764925 & (718) 671-3627. Merry Christmas to all! Jesus loves you, and so do we.

—Ap ost le G la d ys R. L it tle

Old Records Wanted.

Will Pay Top $$ for JAZZ, JAZZ, JAZZ, Rock & Roll, 50s, 60s, & 70s.

LP, 78 or 45.

Call Joe 718-384-7554 1/29/12

•

SERVICES

Appliances Repair

EMERGENCY SERVICE

L & L APPLIANCE REPAIR

• ALL MAKES & MODELS

• Stoves • Washers • Dryers •Lamps • Dishwashers • Refrigerators • Bags • Hoses • Belts • Vacuum Cleaners Family Owned & Operated Since 1954 NYC License #1233497 10% DISCOUNT For More Information, Call (except vacuums)

718.792.2655 2951 Middletown Road, Bronx, NY 10461 (Near Pelham Bay Station)

10/22/12

26

Co-op City Times / December 24, 2011

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

Appliances Repair

ACE APPLIANCE REPAIR For prompt service call:

(718) 379-8782 • Stoves • Washers • Dryers • Refrigerators • Vacuum Cleaners and more 10% DISCOUNT (except vacuums and lamps) NYC License #1233497

Call 718.792.2655 10/22/12

12/31

DR. STEVE’S APPLIANCE REPAIR • 1 Year Guarantee on parts • Over 25 Years Experience • Insured • Seniors Discount • 10% OFF with this Ad Call (718) 671-0700 12/31

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

STOVES • WASHERS • REFRIGERATORS VACUUM CLEANERS and more NYC License #1233497

A BEE RAG SERVICE, INC.

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• Cleaning Service(s): Weekly, Carpet, Wall, Upholstery, Snow Removal.

• Interior Renovation(s): Painting, Floors, Windows, Sheetrock, Carpet Removal & Installation, Wall Paper Removal & Installation.

• Personal Service(s): Party Planner, House Sitter, Cook, Personal Shopper.

We are the R.A.G.S. that wipe away Dust.

EMERGENCY SERVICE

$20 OFF

Cleaning Service

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

L & L APPLIANCE REPAIR

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10/22/12

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1/6/12

www.abeeragservice.org to see a list of most of our services.

JACKSON CLEANING SERVICE Licensed & Bonded Cleaning Service — Our staff are expertly trained with the utmost professionalism. We use the highest quality environmental safe green products. We do residential checklist and service agreement to ensure your satisfaction.

Kitchen: Wash, Dry & Store Dishes • Clean Appliances • Cabinets • Tables & Chairs • Sanitize & Scrubs • Sinks & Back Splash

All Rooms:

Call

P&R APPLIANCE SERVICE

if you are tired of paying too much for repairs!

718-829-9090 Ser vice C h a r ge on ly $24.95

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

• Clean • Nightstands • Mirrors • Dressers • Lamps & Under Bed • Dust & Vacuum • Doors • Blinds • Lamps • Furniture • Wash Floors • All Bed Linen Changed Bathrooms: Disinfect Showers • Vanities • Mirrors • Sink & Toilets • Wash & Scrub Floors

Call For FREE Estimates — Seniors Will Receive Discounted Rate!

Call:

www.spoonercleaning.com Call

(718) 320-5112 Cleaning Service - Windows

GEORGE’S CLEAN WINDOWS Professional Window Cleaning • FAST RELIABLE SERVICE Cell:

1-203-482-6337

12/31

New P a la ce W in d ow Wa sh in g Ser vice We do all the work and you get all the credit 718-671-1736 / in fo@n ewp a la ceclea n in g.com W in d ow Wa sh in g $5 per window/ WITHOUT Guards $7 per window/ WITH Guards 5 window minimum charge.

Screen washing $2 extra per screen.

2/25/12

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Computer Consultant, Sales & Repair

Access Computer Consultants

Ms. Jackson

718.496.7286

Vacuums FREE Pick-up and Delivery!

12/24 • 4 Hour Minimum • General Cleaning — $72 + tax • Semi-Heavy Duty & Senior Care — $80 + tax • Super Heavy — $120 + tax Bonded • 7 Days • Accept Cash, Pay-Pal

Service • Repair • Instruction 12/31

New Pa la ce C lea n in g Ser vices We do all the work and you get all the credit

718-671-1736 / in fo@n ewp a la ceclea n in g.com

1058 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx

12/31

VACUUM

SALES & SERVICE

718-829-9090 Bags, Belts & Filters

Free Pick up & Delivery 1058 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx

12/31

Blinds

FAMILY BLINDS SERVICE Serving Co-op City for over 25 years

NEW STYLE BLINDS

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

FREE VALANCE & INSTALLATION NEW WINDOWS? Removal & Re-installation of any types of Blinds Quality work! Lowest Prices in Town!

Repair Closet Doors and much more!

Call Mike at: 718-974-1290 3/10/12 Call Anytime • Seven Days/Week • “When You See Me, You’ll Know Me!”

Hou se C lea n in g $60-$75 for 3-hrs of General/Heavy duty cleaning $15-$20 each additional hour Labor ONLY/ supplies NOT included W in d ow Wa sh in g $5 per window/ WITHOUT Guards $7 per window/ WITH Guards 5 window minimum charge. Screen washing $2/screen.

H ou se P a in t in g Prices start at $150 per room 2 coats - 1 color/ FREE ESTIMATES Scraping, spackling, etc. additional fees 2/25/12 Labor ONLY/ paint NOT included. www.n ewp a la ceclea n in g.com / BY a p p oin t m en t O NLY

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Call (718) 473-0772 Free Telephone Consultation $25/Hour Field Service Professional, Knowledgeable and Courteous Service

24-Hours a day / 7 days a week

12/24

Dataway Computers, Inc. Networking, Maintenance, Repair

$40 Field Service MICROSOFT CERTIFIED PROFESSIONALS

FREE Phone Consultation

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Call: Ava ila ble: Au th en tic Upgr a d e Vist a to W in dows 7

Visit Us: www.dattaway.com • F r ee Internet Phone Service • K eep Your Current Phone Number • Why Pay Over $300 An n u a lly?

Celebrating 10 years of service to Co-op City.

1/14/12

27

Co-op City Times / December 24, 2011

CLASSIFIEDS

Music

Co-op City Times • cctimes@riverbaycorp.com

Coaching and Counseling

Laundry Service

LOVE-JONES PRODUCTION FOR THE LOVE OF MUSIC DJ PLAYETTE

Ab e’s P ick u p a n d Deliver y L a u n d r om a t

DJPlayette.com DJPlayette1@aol.com 347-664-1952 DJPlayette@facebook.com DJPlayette@twitter.com

3374 C or sa Ave. Bx 10469

347-792-4061 We p ick u p , clea n a n d fold for 80¢/lb.

1/7/12

Sa m e Da y t o Next Da y Wa sh a n d Deliver 1/7/12 is O u r Bu sin ess!

12/31

Painting Services

A-1 PAINTING PLUS CUSTOM COLOR

WE SAVE YOU MONEY!

Decorator Locksmith 12/17

FAMILY LOCKSMITH Licensed and Bonded

Bathroom $74.95 • Kitchen $99 & up • Floor Service • Wallpaper, Panel, Carpet Removal • Blinds, Doors & Kitchen Cabinets Repaired

FREE!

Call Bill

ESTIMATE!

718.320.5270 12/31

HIGH SECURITY LOCKS 20% Off Any Lock Job!

Medco • MultiLock • Wilson High Quality Labor For a Low Price!

Serving Co-op City for over 25 years.

“When you see me, 3/10/12 You’ll know me.”

Call Anytime • Seven Days A Week

Floors

M & M FLOORS

Hardwood floors installed - Sanding & Refinishing. Polyurethane, Fabulon & Moisture Cure Finishes. Staining in all colors. Free estimates.

10% Co-op City resident discount.

Call Mike. (718) 792-0024

H A I R

7 No L u m p s No Bum ps H a ir E xtension s 1 1815 West ch est er Ave., Bx, NY 10472 8 Tr y ou r Micr od ot -Weave: Extremely flat

E X T E N S I O N S

6 8 4

and worry-free! We do not use glue, rubberbands or braids. No one else is doing this technique in the Bronx.

C a ll J oya 718-684-3000. 100% Guarantee!

We Do All Hair Textures.

12/31

3 0 0 0 Home Improvement

1-800-479-2667 JASON LASH

• RANGE HOODS • LIGHT FIXTURES • KITCHEN CABINETS • CABINET REFACING • COUNTERTOPS • CUSTOM CLOSET MIRROR DOORS • CUSTOM WALL MIRRORS 12/31

We do all the work and you get all the credit 718-671-1736 / in fo@n ewp a la ceclea n in g.com H ou se P a in t in g Prices start at $150 per room 2 coats - 1 color/ FREE ESTIMATES Scraping, spackling, etc. additional fees Labor ONLY/ paint NOT included.

2/25/12

www.n ewp a la ceclea n in g.com / BY a p p oin t m en t O NLY

12/31

Hair Extensions

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

Call Mike at: 718-974-1290

New P a la ce H ou se P a in t in g Ser vice

Moving

R O N ’S Trucking Corp.

914.

423.

1773

Slipcovers

MOVING Low Low Rates Residential/Commercial Local & Long Distance NO Extra Charge for Stairs, Weekends or Holidays.

FREE Mattress Covers Flat Rate/Free Estimates NYSDOT #T-35528 USDOT #1060058

RUBBISH REMOVAL Residential/Commercial Estate Clean-Outs ✔ Construction ✔ Appliances ✔ Furniture ✔ Paint Cans ✔ Wood Anything Non-Hazardous Heavy-Duty Cleaning

Building Management Companies Welcome to Enquire!

12/31

(718) 746-8925 PLASTIC SLIPCOVERS TABLE PADS CUSHIONS REFILLED • NEW FOAM RUBBER SOFA PLATFORMS LOW, LOW PRICES

ALL STATE DECORATORS 12/31

Telephone Jacks

TELEPHONE JACKS Installation/Repairs • Business & Residential

$75

FIRST JACK

Verizon Trained - 28 years

917-482-5135

• CAT 5-Wiring • No Dial Tone • Static On Line • Hum On Line Repairs, TimeWarner, Cablevision, Verizon 12/31 Upholstery/Blinds

Advertise in the Co-op City Times Classifieds!

Call 718-320-3300, x3380 for our affordable rates!

REUPHOLSTERING

Custom Craftsmen - 40 yrs. experience. Sofas & Chairs upholstered; Slipcovers-Fabric & Plastic; Kitchen Chairs - $8.99 & up: Caning; Venetian Blinds; Drapes - Custom made Refinishing, Touch up & Polishing of Furniture

STYLISH DECORATORS 3314 White Plains Rd. • Bronx, NY 10467

718.881.7691

12/31

28

Co-op City Times / December 24, 2011