Co-op City Times 1/06/2024 by Co-op City Times

Vol. 59 No. 1

Saturday, January 6, 2024

$1.25

CB #10 Votes No On Cannabis Retail Shop in Peartree Mall BY BRANDON ORTIZ

Riverbay Board Director Rod Saunders was one of several shareholders who spoke out against an adult-use cannabis retail disSHQVDU\ DW &R RS &LW\ %OYG GXULQJ &RPPXQLW\ %RDUG ¶V public hearing held on Jan. 4 in the Bartow Center. Photo by Brandon Ortiz

HCR Carrying Charge Conference on Jan. 30th for Shareholders’ Comments on Proposed Increases Written Comments Also Being Accepted

BY ROZAAN BOONE

NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) has scheduled a Jan. 30, 2024 virtual carrying charge conference with Co-op City shareholders to discuss a proposed 2.1% increase in monthly per room carrying charges effective April 1, 2024. Riverbay’s application cites a shortfall in operating expenses due to rising insurance costs, asbestos abatement expenses, increased funding of replacement reserves and general price increases for supplies, materials and services. A 2.1% carrying charge increase adds $5.37 in average monthly per room carrying charges to the current maximum average of $255.87 per room, which includes utilities. The virtual carrying charge conference will be held with Co-op City stakeholders on Tuesday, January 30, at 7 p.m. on Webex. To log in to the meeting from a mobile device, use the following information: https://riverbaycorporation-205.my.webex.com/riverbaycor(Continued on page 2)

See Annual Window Guard Notice on pg. 4

Community Board #10 voted no on an application for an adult-use cannabis retail shop in the Peartree Mall during a public hearing in Bartow Community Center’s Room 31 on Thursday, January 4, 2024. 7KH DSSOLFDWLRQ ¿OHG E\ 0HOOR 7\PHV //& LV for a cannabis dispensary at 675 Co-op City Boulevard (old Chase building). &% ¶V GHFLVLRQ RQ 7KXUVGD\ LV QRW WKH ¿QDO VWHS LQ WKH SURFHVV DV WKH 1HZ <RUN 2I¿FH RI &DQnabis Management (OCM) will ultimately decide RQ WKH ¿QDO RXWFRPH RI WKH DSSOLFDWLRQ IURP 0HOOR 7\PHV //& Before the public had an opportunity to voice their opinion on the potential adult-use cannabis reWDLO VKRS PHPEHUV RI 0HOOR 7\PHV //& GHOLYHUHG a brief presentation. Roger Thomas, CEO and COO of Mello Tymes, explained the general plan for how the space would be converted into a dispensary and also discussed basic management logistics. “Basically, we want to remodel inside the former Chase Bank. Employee-wise, we’ll have approximately 25 to 30 hirees who tend or (work with) delivery. Our store hours will be – it’s tentative right now – 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.,” Thomas said. The presentation then went into security measures for the location followed by a personal anHFGRWH RQ WKH EHQH¿WV RI PHGLFLQDO FDQQDELV IURP one of Mello Tymes’ educators. In the last portion of the presentation, Eric Spencer, CCO and Policy $QDO\VW IRU 0HOOR 7\PHV FODUL¿HG WKH DSSUR[LPDWH hours of business for the dispensary. “The times will be approximately, as the Chief &RPSOLDQFH 2I¿FHU WKH WLPHV ZLOO EH DSSUR[LPDWHly 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.,” Spencer said. Following the presentation from Mello Tymes, participants who signed up to speak before the meeting were given three minutes to express their opinions on the potential dispensary location. (Continued on page 4)

NYC Planning Info Session RQ %URQ[ 0HWUR 1RUWK 6WXG\ NYC Department of City Planning will host an Info Session to provide an overview of community planning thus far around the building of four new Metro-North stations, one of which will be in Co-op City, and details on the upcoming formal public review process, also known DV WKH 8QLIRUP /DQG 8VH 5HYLHZ 3URFHGXUH 8/853 The Info Session is scheduled for Wednesday, January 10, 2024 and it will take place virtually on Zoom from 6-8 p.m. 7R UHJLVWHU IRU WKH %URQ[ 0HWUR 1RUWK 3UH &HUWL¿FDWLRQ Zoom meeting, go to https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Tm/OB '&5,&F:: N& O/U4 OR use bit.ly/3S6GnaF RU WKH 45 FRGH KHUH To join the January 10th meeting by phone, you may dial any of the following numbers: (Continued on page 5)

Co-op City Times / January 6, 2024

HCR ––––– (Continued from page 1) poration-205.my.webex.com/riverbaycorporation-205.my/j.php?MTID=ma7f86b8de3e574ac51fa491a4fe2ea16; or use bit.ly/3vv3QJM; or use the QR Code on page 1: Meeting number (access code): 2631 015 9320 Meeting password: fJxGCdCa687 (35942322 from phones and video systems) 1. If requested, enter your name and email address. 2. If a password is required, enter the meeting password above, fJxGCdCa687 (35942322 from phones and video systems) 3. Click “Join” 4. Follow the instructions that appear on your screen. DHCR is also accepting written comments from shareholders which must be postmarked or emailed on or before Monday, January 29, 2024. Written comments should be addressed to: George Simon (georgesimon@hcr.ny.gov) New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal 2I¿FH RI ,QWHJUDWHG +RXVLQJ 0DQDJHPHQW 641 Lexington Avenue, 4th Floor East New York, NY 10022 In the Dec. 16, 2023 issue of the Co-op City Times, the HCR Notice to shareholders was published on page 1. In that same issue of the newspaper, Riverbay’s proposed Budget/Rent Determination forms and related documents as well as the preliminary budget and carrying charge increase Application/ Motion were also printed for shareholders’ review. Riverbay Corporation, shareholders and their representatives have a 30-day window to comment on the proposed carrying charge increase in written format. Shareholders can also attend the remote Jan. 30th carrying charge conference and listen to discussion of the budget and proposed increases. They will be able to ask questions or express their opinions at the conference. In addition, VKDUHKROGHUV FDQ UHTXHVW WR VHH WKH FRUSRUDWLRQ¶V ¿QDQFLDO UHFRUGV GXULQJ WKLV 30-day period, which is available at Riverbay Corporation’s Administrative 2I¿FH ORFDWHG DW %DUWRZ $YHQXH %URQ[ 1< According to the HCR notice to shareholders, interpreter services will be made available by the housing company for deaf persons who wish to attend the Jan. 30th carrying charge conference. “A written request for such services must be submitted to the Housing Company at least two weeks prior to the

FRQIHUHQFH GDWH ´ WKH RI¿FH RI '+&5 &RXQVHO ZURWH LQ WKH 1RWLFH RI 5HQW Conference. Following the conference, “Comments will be reviewed by DHCR accounts, attorneys and housing management representatives. After receipt of FRPPHQWV DGGLWLRQDO DQDO\VLV PD\ EH PDGH RI ¿QDQFLDO DVSHFWV RI KRXVLQJ FRPSDQ\ RSHUDWLRQV DQG WKH ¿QDQFLDO VFKHGXOHV PD\ EH UHYLVHG LQ WKH OLJKW RI information obtained,” the HCR directive stated. HCR staff will make a carrying charge increase recommendation to HCR Commissioner Ruthanne Visnauskas, and Commissioner Visnauskas will PDNH WKH ¿QDO GHWHUPLQDWLRQ DV WR ZKHWKHU RU QRW DQ LQFUHDVH LV QHFHVVDU\ DQG if so, in what amount. In making her decision, the commissioner will consider WKH H[WHQW WR ZKLFK WKH SUHVHQW FDUU\LQJ FKDUJHV DUH VXI¿FLHQW WR HQDEOH WKH corporation to meet its expenditures, the vacancy rate, size of the waiting list, economic impact the increase would have on shareholders and market demand IRU DSDUWPHQWV LQ &R RS &LW\ 2QFH WKH FRPPLVVLRQHU PDNHV D ¿QDO GHWHUPLnation, she will issue a Carrying Charge Order which will state the amount of the carrying charge increase, if an increase is indeed issued, and the commissioner’s basis for the decision. The commissioner’s order will also include any miscellaneous charges, for example, for parking, the commissioner deems necessary. The order will also state the effective date of the increase. The Riverbay Board of Directors approved Resolution 23-19, Riverbay’s SURSRVHG EXGJHW IRU ¿VFDO DQG EDVHG RQ PDLQWDLQLQJ the current level of services to shareholders, at its March 29, 2023 meeting. The budget, as approved by the Board, includes funding for the Five-Year Capital Plan to provide essential infrastructure repairs to Co-op City and a 30% increase in transient and parking passes for Co-op City’s eight garages which was approved and implemented on April 1, 2023. To maintain a balanced budget through March 31, 2025, Resolution 23-19 proposed a 2.1% carrying charge increase effective April 1, 2024, pending HCR review, analysis, discussion and approval. The last carrying charge increase in the amount of 7.5% went into effect on January 1, 2023. Senior and disabled shareholders who meet the criteria but have not yet applied for the NYC Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) and Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) programs are encouraged to do so WR UHFHLYH ¿QDQFLDO DVVLVWDQFH ZLWK WKHVH DQG IXWXUH FDUU\LQJ FKDUJH LQFUHDVHV

DR. LEWIS WOLSTEIN ADVERTISE!

Podiatrist – Foot Specialist • Practicing in Co-op City since 1975 • Board Certified in Foot Surgery • ALL conditions of the foot treated • Evening and Saturday appointments • Most health insurance plans accepted Se Habla Español

Call:

718.671.7226 100 DeKruif Place

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

Co-op City Times / January 6, 2024

Co-op City Times COMBING

Find out what’s going on in Co-op City here...

Senior Box Distribution Date Change Due to several Food Bank closures in January, changes have been made to the distribution schedule. As a result, the January 11th distribution date has been moved to Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, at Dreiser by the hardware store. Please mark your calendar!

PS 160 Walt Disney School Open House PS 160, The Walt Disney Magnet STEAM School, will hold an Open House on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. PS 160 is located in Co-op City at 4140 Hutchinson River Parkway East, Bronx, NY 10475. Pre-K and Kindergarten registration packets will be available. For more information, please contact the school at (718) 822-8402 or online at www.thewaltdisneyschool. org. Scan the QR Code here to register:

Assemblyman Benedetto 2024 Lobby Visits Assemblyman Michael Benedetto will host his next three Co-op City Lobby Visits as follows: • Thursday, January 11 – 150 Dreiser Loop • Thursday, January 18– 100 Aldrich Street • Thursday January 25 – 100 Dreiser Loop All visits will take place from 5:15-7 p.m. “Please join me so I can share key highlights of the Legislative Session with you, as well as discuss your own concerns on local and personal matters,” said Assemblyman Benedetto.

Next CB #10 Meeting The next General Board meeting and public hearing of CB #10 will take place on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024 at 7 p.m. at Jeanne Jugan Residence, 2999 Schurz Avenue, Bronx, NY 10465. For additional information, you may contact CB#10 at (718) 892-1161 or by email: bx10@cb.nyc.gov.

Front nd Page

Applying for SCRIE and DRIE BY ROZAAN BOONE

Senior shareholders 62 years and older, and shareholders who are disabled may be eligible for the city’s SCRIE (Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption) or DRIE (Disability Rent Increase Exemption) program. Those who qualify may be minimally affected by the proposed 2.1% carrying charge increase to be implemented on April 1, 2024, pending approval by Co-op City’s state-supervisory agency, New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR). Shareholders already receiving SCRIE or DRIE do not need to reapply. Riverbay will submit the paperwork when the increase becomes effective. Both SCRIE and DRIE are part of the city’s Rent Freeze Program, and for homeowners in Mitchell-Lama developments such as Co-op City, SCRIE is administered by the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), not the NYC Department of Finance. Information on SCRIE can be obtained by calling HPD’s SCRIE Unit at (212) 863-8494, or 311, or by going online to nyc.gov/hpd. Shareholders applying for DRIE do so through the NYC Rent Freeze program which is processed through the NYC Department of Finance. For information and application forms, visit https://www1.nyc.gov/site/rentfreeze/index. page, or use https://on.nyc.gov/3T7fZLN, or call 311. Shareholders already enrolled in the SCRIE and DRIE programs are sent recertification packages, however, both initial and renewal applications are available online. For the convenience of Riverbay shareholders, initial SCRIE and DRIE applications can also be picked up at the reception desk at the Riverbay administrative office, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, N.Y. Completed SCRIE applications and supporting documents can be returned by mail directly to: SCRIE Unit, New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, Division of Housing Supervision, 100 Gold Street, 7th floor, New York, NY 10038, or emailed to SCRIE@hpd.nyc.gov. Completed DRIE applications and supporting documents must be returned by mail to: New York City Department of Finance Rent Freeze Program: DRIE, P.O. Box 3179, Union, NJ 07083. For assistance, call 311 or send DOF a message by visiting www.nyc.gov/contactdrie. TTY callers, use (212) 639-9675. Virtual appointments are also available. To be eligible for SCRIE, applicants must meet all of the following criteria on the effective date of the carrying charge increase: • You (or spouse) lived in the apartment • Your (or spouse) are head of the household • You (or spouse) are 62 years of age or older • Total household income does not exceed $50,000 (household income for all persons living in unit) • Monthly basic carrying charge is more than or equal to 1/3 of your total annual household income (Any portion of your carrying charge that is for other fees/charges is not considered part of your base carrying charge) • You are NOT on any other carrying charge assisted program (i.e., DRIE, Section 8) Supporting documents for SCRIE applicants must be provided for all persons living in the unit. All financial information required is for the calendar year immediately PRIOR to the year in which the carrying charge increase becomes effective. Supporting documents include: • Current year Social Security award letter • Proof of age (government issued Driver’s license, ID, passport or birth certificate) • Federal and New York State tax return with All schedules or tax transcripts. If taxes not filed, provide a non-filing verification letter from the IRS for each occupant in unit • W-2 for all wage earners • 1099-R form for all pension(s) held

• November and December bank statements to verify SSI and SSP • Proof of public assistance or unemployment, if applicable • Retirement letter, if applicable Eligibility for DRIE (must answer “yes” to all of the following): • Be 18 years old or older • Be named on the lease/occupancy agreement or have been granted succession rights • Have a combined household income of $50,000 or less • Spend more than one-third of your monthly household income on carrying charges/maintenance • Have you been awarded one the following benefits? • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) • Federal Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability pension or compensation, or • Disability-related Medicaid if the applicant has received either SSI or SSDI in the past • Do you live in NYC in one of these types of housing? • a rent stabilized apartment • a rent controlled apartment • a Mitchell-Lama development • a Limited Dividend development • a redevelopment company development • Housing Development Fund Company (HDFC) Cooperative development • a Section 213 Cooperative unit • a rent regulated hotel or single room occupancy unit Supporting documents to accompany a DRIE application (for applicant and each additional household member): 1. Proof of Age – Copy of birth certificate, baptismal record, passport, Driver’s license, government-issued photo identification card, or other federal, state, or local document displaying date of birth. 2. Proof of Income – Copy of federal or state income tax returns with all schedules and 1099s (for calendar year immediately prior to date carrying charge increase becomes effective). If applicant or any additional household member who did not file a federal or state tax return, submit copies of all sources of income including wages, salaries, and tips; Social Security benefits (SSA, SSDI, SSI); Pension payments; unemployment, workers’ compensation, or disability benefits; IRA earnings; annuity earnings; capital gains; Interest or dividends (taxable and non-taxable); child support or alimony payments received; public assistance (cash); financial support from family or friends for rent/carrying charges; debt cancellation, and all other sources of income 3. Proof of carrying charge – For Mitchell-Lama shareholders, submit HCR Commissioner’s Orders, carrying charge history printout or letter from management office specifying the date of your last carrying charge increase and the amount before and after the most recent carrying charge increase 4. Power of Attorney (if applicable) – If a power of attorney or court-appointed guardian signs the DRIE application on behalf of the applicant, documentation for the power of attorney or guardianship must be submitted. Applicants of both SCRIE and DRIE are urged to consult the application package for more details or call 311, or visit the respective agency’s website online. One hundred and ninety-seven (197) Co-op City shareholders are currently enrolled in the DRIE program and 1,370 in the SCRIE program. SCRIE and DRIE exempt those who qualify from future carrying charge increases, essentially freezing their carrying charges, and provides the housing corporation with a tax credit. Shareholders not currently enrolled who believe they qualify for either program are encouraged to submit their application as soon as the HCR Commissioner’s Carrying Charge Order is issued.

Co-op City Times / January 6, 2024

Cannabis ––––– (Continued from page 1) Riverbay Board Director Rod Saunders began the public commentary period. “I’m opposed to having a cannabis dispensary on Co-op City Boulevard… We do not need to have a drug dealing store in our community…We cannot control where people coming out of the cannabis store come into our community…What I fear is this dispensary will bring people – undesirables – into this community, who would otherwise not be here,” Director Saunders said. Another shareholder, Patricia Johnson, spoke after Director Saunders. “I’ve only been living in Co-op City a little over six years, but I am concerned and I am against a cannabis shop in our community,” she said. “I’ve read some things that really concern me. Since cannabis has been legalized, over 1400 legal shops have been open. So, the criminals don’t distinguish between the non-criminals…It’s going to bring – I think – a certain amount of undesirables into our community.” Shareholder Eleanor Campbell followed Ms. Johnson and echoed similar sentiments. “I am against the cannabis shop in our community,” said Ms. Campbell. “I live directly across the street from where you want to place your cannabis shop. I’ve been a resident of Co-op City off and on for fifty years. One of the things that is happening in Co-op City in that corner is an increase of traffic. And I think having a cannabis shop there with the hours you are proposing will allow for higher traffic, more noise within our community and we try to get away from that kind of community here in Co-op City.” Barbara Purdy-Hill, another shareholder, spoke out in opposition to the proposed adult-use cannabis retail shop. “Businesses, organizations, educational institutions, et cetera, are generally selected because there is a need in the community for the particular product that is being offered,” said Ms. Purdy-Hill. “There is no need for a cannabis dispensary in Co-op City. In fact, this company – I believe – simply wants to profit from the community that is already established in Co-op City. We have many needs like a youth center, which would attract our youth – our young people who desperately need a place to cultivate their needs…The product that is being offered by this company does not serve the needs of our community. In fact, it is detrimental to the health of Co-op City… Companies such as yours have a list of records – a history – that says what happens after you move into a community is not good.” The following speakers after Ms. Purdy-Hill were also shareholders who expressed opposition to the proposed dispensary location. “Cannabis has its positive aspects and its negative aspects. So does fentanyl, so does morphine, so does Oxycodone, so does Vicodin. If you want to go further, arsenic, heroin – take your pick…A dispensary for cannabis does not belong on the corner adjacent to Co-op City…It is not within 500 feet of a church or a school. It is, however, within 1000 feet of an exit to I-95 for a very quick getaway in the event something happens at the store,” one shareholder said. A Section 5 shareholder who spoke highlighted how the dispensary would contribute negatively to more public consumption in Co-op City, more traffic and could potentially lead to an increase in crime. “I do not believe it adds or will enhance our community’s quality of life or align with the long term vision of this community’s values,” the shareholder said. One shareholder, Jay Berman, spoke in favor of the dispensary. “I’m pro-dispensary. I think it’s not a harm to the community. There are people my age – older and younger – that use it for recreational benefits and for medicinal benefits…If you’re worried about your children getting marijuana, they don’t need to go to the dispensary. The dispensary won’t let them in. They can get it on the street wherever they go. They’ve been getting it for years. This is nothing new,” Berman said. Several other speakers followed Mr. Berman, discussing their opposition to the dispensary and offered the same reasons that were discussed by earlier participants such as the dispensary’s potential negative impact on the community and security concerns. Next, the members of CB #10 had an opportunity to offer their comments or questions about the potential dispensary at 675 Co-op City Boulevard. Tom Smith, Economic Development Committee co-chairperson for CB #10, spoke first and highlighted his concerns with the potential location being in close proximity to Bay Plaza. “This (dispensary) may attract people there and lead to problems with people hanging out at the mall,” Smith said. CB #10 member Nelson Nunez then asked a question regarding security of the dispensary and whether the guards stationed there would be armed. “No marijuana dispensary has armed guards. That is not a requirement,” Richard Watson, CEO of Ridgeline Security Group LLC, said in response. “We will provide security guards at the location – four or five – depending on the layout. Once we get in there, we will do an assessment and we’ll provide security appropriately,” Watson said. CB #10 held a vote after members had a chance to ask questions and a majority voted no. As for the next step in the process, OCM will take the recommendation of CB #10 into consideration before rendering a final decision on the application from Mello Tymes for a cannabis dispensary at 675 Co-op City Boulevard.

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Dear Tenant This booklet contains importan t safety information. It contains important fire safety informat ion and some questions that will determine whether your apartment requires a lead paint inspection or window guards. For your safety, please take a few minutes to read the information provided. Be sure to complete the enclosed form and return it in the postage-paid envelope that is included to enable your landlord to ensure a safe environment for you and your family. ੡ıĀӮϢ ĔǕŇ७Ŕ̞ߒą ȶđĀȫƼ Ʊʜ뼶Ⱥġ̞ಗą ȶđĀϥ֑ ȫƼѺնŠĂȏɝ ʚůŗಉ‫ג‬ ǷĀȓ฿Ąۚ̀đ ɘǄߒ໾Ѕ ࿚নзͱȫ̔‫ܢ‬е ‫܀‬᢬뼶 ħąǷĀȫƼŐȒ 뼷ɑɒǴŒ ѧĴǎ୯փĈȱƱ ʜ뼶Ӫɑฒ ϶ʭઐȩϜ˄݇Ę ࡬Ж௾ƫ뼷 ̹ǷĀӭʁĻ‫̝ڨ‬ ǷŠǷĀŝ ĉǃĈȫƼĀց‫ؗ‬ 뼶

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Este folleto contiene informac ión importante sobre la segurida Contiene información importan d. te sobre la seguridad en caso de incendios y algunas pregunta s que determinarán si es necesario llevar a cabo una inspección para detectar pintura con plomo o instalar rejas en las ventanas de su apartam ento. Por su seguridad, dedique algunos minutos a leer la información que se proporciona. Asegúres e de completar el formular io adjunto y de devolverlo en el sobre con franqueo pago que se incluye para que el propietario pueda garantiza r un entorno seguro para usted y para su familia. ໞၮၴ ࿥೻ึ ၦ ໴ᅙၴ࿝௴ თဠ ዽ ྦ႖ શഏ ຫጃ ၦ ༘ഛ౗࿌ ၰཀఁ ఋ ችᎁ თဠዽ ጷႁ શഏ ྦ႖ ຫጃ ෟ ໞၮၴఆၡ ྤኒቼਜ਼ இ ໜึၦ ዅጀౘ ኲၨቼച ᆷጄႦ ၦ࿝ ఝዽ ႙ અၦ ዶဠዽხ ವ௴ ᅖබ࿝ ෮ጭම ၦ ዶဠዽხ൐ છ ႜዻ௴వ ᅒધዾ ൢ ዽ ඘ ਜ਼ხ ჲබ ၕ ዅጀዻધ ၰཀఁ ఋ ໞၮၴఆၡ ྦ႖ၕ ၁ གྷ࿌ ႞લ౗௴ ႜพ ጄ ၻଉ ᄁၕ ஏ ൐ ၪ࿌พགྷૺ ෡ ೦ఁఋ ౏ฦౘ ࿅ང ၕ ၵໜዻཅ ፎ ဨዑ൐ ฿࿥ ႔፻࿝ ઎ ဨኻၒച ෧໽ ጄ ჎གྷඓ ၭఝ჎ਜ਼ ໞၮၴ ึ઴ ໞၮ ၴ ึ ਜ਼Ⴏၡ ྦ႖ዽ ჎੿ ጹઠၕ พ ၿዾ ༘ ၰ౅ഛ ிഎ ዻઔཀఁఋ

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Be on the Lookout … The annual Window Guard Notice (depicted above) has been posted in every residential building lobby. The Notice will be mailed to each unit beginning this month and must be completed and returned to Riverbay Corporation by February 15, 2024. The mailing will also include the Fire Safety plan.

Co-op City Times / January 6, 2024

Co-op City Creatives: Geraldo Rivera BY P.M. CAMPBELL

Sixty-five-year-old Geraldo Rivera’s love of painting started when he was four, and persists even in retirement. He moved to Co-op 22 years ago, and has turned part of his apartment into his personal art studio. He taught an art class in the Dreiser Community Center a decade ago, and now he teaches a class in the Einstein Center’s Room 45. In his youth, Rivera’s mother, an elementary school teacher, nurtured his talent and he says that since then, he never stopped. Though he attended Morris High School, he emphasized, “I’ve never gone to an art school. I was self-taught.” Geraldo Rivera Rivera’s 43-year-long career as a handyman at Kips Bay Towers Condominium heavily influenced his artistic development. He was a member of the Arts Committee there, and they organized 17 annual galleries with artists from the buildings. The job provided a community of painters and sculptors with whom Rivera could discuss work and grow to admire. He does not paint with a reference, but rather, Rivera pulls from memories to create his landscapes. He explained his love

for the dynamic aspects of nature, his fascination with water running between rocks, with trees growing in angular ways, and with the movement of the sky. Rivera sees these as unexplainable aspects of life. While he does not sell his paintings, and only gifts them to his children, he did have an exhibition with JASA last year. “If you can draw, if you can paint, it’s a very good career if you can make it up there,” he said. “It’s good for the soul, it’s therapy.”

Planning –– (Continued from page 1) • (877) 853-5247 (Toll free) • (888) 788-0099 (Toll Free) • (213) 338-8477 (Toll) • (253) 215-8782 (Toll) When prompted, enter: Meeting ID: 852 5357 8566 Participant ID: press “pound” (#) to skip Password: 1 If you are having technical difficulties, NYC Planning staff will be available to provide support. Please dial one of the phone numbers listed above, then enter the following meeting ID and password when prompted: Meeting ID: 618 237 7396 Participant ID: press “pound” (#) to skip Password: 1 Opening of the four new East Bronx Metro-North stations is slated for 2027. At the Jan. 10th Info Session, NYC Department of City Planning will update the public on the latest iteration of the project, which has been developed with public input from previous public hearings and surveys held from 2018-2023. Those who join the January 10th Info Session will be able to provide feedback as the process approaches the ULURP phase later this winter. During the 7-month ULURP process, local community boards and borough presidents will become involved. This will be followed by votes at the City Planning Commission and the New York City Council.

Coffee With Mike The next Coffee with Mike will take place on Saturday, January 20, 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Dreiser Loop pizzeria.

MetroCard Bus The MetroCard Bus visits Co-op City every first and third Thursday of the month. The bus only makes one stop in Co-op City: between 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. by Bartow Mall on Co-op City Boulevard. For more MetroCard information, please visit the MTA’s website: new.mta.info/fares.

Co-op City Times / January 6, 2024

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 signed 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. 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 are solely the writer’s and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times or Riverbay Corp.

– • Letters to the Editor • –

New Yorkers of Note

World War I Christmas Truce

To the Editor: Hundreds of supporters turned out on December 22nd for Charles and Inez Barron, NYC Council Member and NY State Assemblywoman, respectively, in appreciation for their many years of dedication and love for their East New York community. Those in attendance learned of many accomplishments achieved by the Barrons, including the building of affordable housing, new schools, parks, a library, community center and much more. Their constituents graciously thanked them and gave testimonies of the assistance they received as a result of the efforts of these two committed representatives. As Councilman, Charles Barron proposed Bill 1099 to protect the health care choice of retired employees of the City of NY. On December 19, 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul signed the Reparations Bill cosponsored by then-Assemblyman Charles Barron to create a community commission to study the history of slavery in NY state to examine various forms of preparations. The members of the Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City, Inc. were privileged to have the Honorable Charles Barron as keynote speaker at its Friends and Family Day event a few years ago. Among the guests at this auspicious affair were pastors, politicians, activists and supporters throughout the city. I was pleased to be among them. Charles and Inez Barron are heroes and sheroes in their community, city and state and deserving of this special tribute. —Francine Jones

To the Editor: During this holiday season, it is important to remember what the Christmas holiday is really all about. This coming Christmas (2024) marks the 110th anniversary of the famous World War I Christmas truce. Many of the soldiers on both sides routinely spent copious amounts of time lying in mud waiting to be attacked, or preparing for orders to attack the soldiers on the other side of the barbed wire. This was trench warfare. Many soldiers participated in the truce. Soldiers frequently interacted with the other side, but there were exceptions. One notable exception was Corporal Adolf Hitler. Hitler, an atheist who also refused to take part in any religious festivities held during this season. In one location, it was reported, military personnel refused a direct order to ﬁre their weapons at the other side (the enemy). These soldiers purposedly shot their weapons above the heads of the enemy combatants. At that time, the media, for whatever reason, generally refused to cover the Christmas truce, and it is seldom mentioned today. The purported reason for the war, the assassination of the Archduke Ferdinand of Austria Hungary, makes little sense to the discerning viewer. If World War I had not occurred, it is likely that the League of Nations (a precursor to today’s United Nations) would not have been formed. That would have had major consequences for the era’s proponents of world government. Hopefully, more persons will remember the Christmas truce as a unifying force during a time of great tragedy and suffering. Let’s pray for a better year in 2024. —David Hammer

HCR Carrying Charge Increase Comment Deadline Shareholders who wish to submit written comments to the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) on Riverbay’s application for a carrying charge increase effective April 1, 2024, may do so on or before January 29, 2024. Written comments can be emailed to George. simon@hcr.ny.gov or mailed to George Simon, Ofﬁce of Integrated Housing Management, Division of Housing and Community Renewal, 641 Lexington Avenue, 4th Fl. East, New York, NY 10022.

Correction In the Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023 issue of the Co-op City Times, the Bartow Swingers was incorrectly identiﬁed as the Bartow Line Dancers in the JASA Holiday Celebration article. We apologize for the mix-up.

Contacting the Riverbay Call Center Riverbay Management has heard your concerns regarding “How do I reach the Call Center?” and will update the phone prompts to make the process easier and more direct. Currently, callers to Riverbay’s main line, (718) 320-3300, select option #2 to be directed to Maintenance, Restorations and Inspections. Once the phone prompt recording is updated, Option #2 will be dedicated to the Call Center, which will include Maintenance, Restorations and Inspections.

Submit to Co-op City Creatives! BY P.M. CAMPBELL

With thousands of residents from all across the globe, Co-op City is home to artists of all kinds. Shareholders have written books, performed poetry, directed ﬁlms, created murals, and they all deserve a spotlight. The column, “Co-op City Creatives,” serves not only to analyze shareholders’ art from Sections 1-5, but to also take a deep dive on what makes that artist unique. If you consider yourself an artist, regardless of age, medium, or education, send your work to cctimes@riverbaycorp.com with the subject “Co-op Creatives” and include your phone number so you’ll have the chance to be interviewed and your work displayed in the Co-op City Times.

READ IT ONLINE www.issuu.com/cctimes

SCAN QR CODE

Co-op City Times Co-op City’s ofﬁcial newspaper serving the world’s largest cooperative community. (718) 320-3300, ext. 3375 cctimes@riverbaycorp.com

Rozaan Boone Editor-in-Chief

Jennifer Piovanetti Operations Manager

Ralph Henriquez Production Manager

John Crow New Media Producer 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 signed by the writer and include their address and phone number, which will be kept confidential, so that the editor can verify the authenticity of the author. Writers will be limited to one letter per topic. Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Letters cannot exceed 350 words. Ideally, they should be typed. All letters must be submitted to the Co-op City Times by 3 p.m. Monday to be considered for publication in that week’s edition. Email cctimes@ riverbaycorp.com or mail to 2049 Bartow Ave., Room 21, Bronx, NY 10475. 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 Corp. 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.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR We welcome letters to the editor, only from Co-op City shareholders, at cctimes@riverbaycorp.com. Letters should address issues of interest to the Co-op City community. Comments should be fact-based and responsible. Letters should not personally attack others and must be written in a respectful manner. Only signed letters will be considered for publication. The Co-op City Times does not publish anonymous material. Submissions must include the writer’s address and phone number – which will be kept conﬁdential – so authenticity and residency of the writer can be veriﬁed. Thank you for your cooperation.

Co-op City Times / January 6, 2024

Obscure Laws in New York City

Public Safety Report

New York City, a bustling metropolis that never sleeps, is home to millions of people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. As one of the most iconic cities in the world, it is governed by a complex legal system designed to maintain order and harmony. Beyond the well-known laws and regulations, there exists a realm of obscure and often overlooked legal statutes that contribute to the unique fabric of the city. This week, we will attempt an amusing look at a few, as we delve into the intricacies of some lesser-known laws that shape the daily lives of New Yorkers, shedding light on the peculiar and unexpected regulations that make this city so distinct. In a city renowned for its vibrant energy, the regulation of noise is a necessary aspect of urban governance. However, New York City takes this to a whole new level with some remarkably specific noise regulations. For instance, did you know that honking your car horn for an unnecessary reason can result in a fine? According to NYC traffic rules, honking should be reserved for warning others of imminent danger, making the cacophony of constant honking a potential legal violation. Beyond vehicular noise, there are laws addressing excessive noise in residential areas. This includes regulations regarding construction noise, loud music, and even noisy pets. Exploring these regulations provides insight into the city’s efforts to balance the vitality of urban living with the need for a peaceful coexistence. In the heart of the concrete jungle, there are restrictions on a seemingly innocent activity—playing ball in the streets. An obscure law prohibits playing games like baseball and football on city streets and sidewalks. While this law may seem outdated in the context of modern recreational facilities, it reflects an historical concern for public safety and the need to maintain orderly traffic flow. However, with the evolving landscape of public spaces, from parks to dedicated sports fields, the relevance of this law has diminished. This raises questions about the continued enforcement and the potential for revision or repeal to accommodate changing societal norms and recreational preferences. The New York City subway system is a lifeline for millions of commuters daily. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the underground network, there are peculiar laws regulating behavior within subway cars and stations. For instance, it is illegal to carry an open container of alcohol within the subway premises. This law is rooted in concerns about public intoxication and unruly behavior, aiming to maintain a safe and orderly transit environment. Additionally, certain restrictions govern the transport of large items, such as shopping carts, on the subway. These regulations, though seemingly mundane, play a role in ensuring the efficiency and safety of the subway system, prompting reflection on the balance between individual freedoms and collective well-being. In a city where diversity is celebrated, even the choice of pets is subject to regulation. New York City once had a ban on owning ferrets, classifying them as wild animals. However, in 1999, the ban was lifted, allowing ferrets as legal pets. Still, owning a ferret in the city comes with a unique set of regulations, including the requirement of a valid rabies vaccination and a limit on the number of ferrets per household. This quirky law sheds light on the intersection of urban living and the diverse preferences of pet owners, prompting considerations about responsible pet ownership and the adaptability of regulations to changing societal attitudes. Amidst the towering skyscrapers and densely populated residential areas, there exists a law that addresses a specific safety concern—window guards. New York City mandates the installation of window guards in certain resi-

Public Safety Blotter

December 24 – December 30, 2023 Dec. 24 120 Aldrich St. CCPD responded to a past robbery. A non-resident stated that he was struck and had property forcibly removed. NYPD and EMS were notified and responded. Dec. 25 140 Asch Loop CCPD responded for graffiti on the apartment door. A cooperator reported that a known individual marked her door. A report was prepared. 4120 Hutch. River Pkwy. E. CCPD officers arrested an individual for DWI. Dec. 26 120 Erskine Pl. CCPD officers responded to a motor vehicle accident. The driver stated that he lost control and struck

two parked vehicles. NYPD and EMS were on scene; no injuries reported. 120 Aldrich St. CCPD officers responded for a suspicious group looking into vehicles and trying door handles. Dec. 28 140 Asch Loop A cooperator reported a package missing from the lobby. Dec. 29 140 Benchley Pl. A cooperator reported her vehicle stolen. 900 Co-op City Blvd. FDNY responded for an apartment fire. Dec. 30 140 Alcott Pl. CCPD officers responded on a past assault. EMS was on scene treating the victim’s injuries.

dential buildings with young children to prevent accidental falls. This law reflects a proactive approach to child safety, acknowledging the unique challenges posed by high-rise living. While the law is well-intentioned, its implementation raises questions about the balance between individual responsibility and governmental intervention in safeguarding the well-being of residents. Exploring the nuances of this regulation provides insights into the complexities of urban living and the ongoing efforts to enhance safety standards. Watch where you park your horse! In a city that has transitioned from horsedrawn carriages to a modern urban landscape, remnants of equine-related regulations still exist. One such law prohibits the tying of a horse to a tree or any other object on a public street for more than two hours. This law, rooted in historical practices, reflects a concern for animal welfare and the potential hazards posed by unattended horses. While the enforcement of this law may be less common in the contemporary cityscape, it highlights the city’s evolving relationship with animal rights and welfare. Examining the historical context and current relevance of such laws offers a glimpse into the dynamic nature of urban governance. For pet owners in New York City, saying a final farewell to a beloved furry friend comes with a unique set of regulations. Burial of pets in public parks and other green spaces is prohibited, necessitating alternative arrangements such as cremation or private pet cemeteries. This law reflects a balance between the emotional needs of pet owners and the preservation of public spaces. As urban spaces continue to evolve, questions arise about the adaptability of these regulations to changing cultural attitudes towards pet ownership and the desire for more environmentally conscious end-of-life options for pets. New York City’s legal landscape is as diverse and dynamic as its population. Beyond the well-known laws that govern daily life, a myriad of obscure regulations shapes the city’s character and uniqueness. From noise restrictions to bans on ball playing, ferret ownership regulations to horse-related laws, each statute tells a story about the city’s history, values, and ongoing efforts to adapt to the ever-changing needs of its residents. Exploring these obscure laws provides a fascinating journey into the intricacies of urban governance and prompts critical reflections on the balance between individual freedoms and collective well-being. As the city continues to evolve, so too will its legal landscape, offering new chapters in the ongoing narrative of New York City’s vibrant and multifaceted identity.

Domestic Violence The Department of Public Safety reminds shareholders that if they are threatened or are being subjected to Domestic Violence, help is available. To get help, call 1-800-621-HOPE for the NYC Domestic Violence Hotline, or 311 and ask for the Domestic Violence Hotline.

OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY For information on CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES ONLY, please contact: Lenya Garcia at Lgarcia@riverbaycorp.com; and Anatoliy Budnitskiy at abudnitskiy@riverbaycorp.com. Please note: emails should be sent to both parties. Please DO NOT email resumes for EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES to the aforementioned emails. For EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, please see below for speciﬁc directions.

CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES There are no contract opportunities to list this week. Please check back. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

For employment opportunities, please search “Riverbay Corporation” at the following sites: www.Indeed.com • www.Glassdoor.com Candidates may review full position descriptions and apply at either site. Current Riverbay employees should submit a transfer request and resumé directly to the HR department. Thank you for your interest in working for Riverbay Corporation.

Co-op City Times / January 6, 2024 Director’s’ Viewpoint –

Daryl Johnson

Some Marijuana is Now More Potent Than Before Several published reports are now stating that some of the legal marijuana that’s sold today is far more potent than the marijuana that was produced several years ago. Additionally, the health risks that are associated with this legal marijuana can be extremely bad. Don’t Get Involved With Marijuana There is a compound inside of marijuana that’s called tetrahydrocannabinol (or just THC) that gives a person the feeling of being high. Back in the 80s, the level of THC inside of marijuana products was about 4 percent. Then, in 2012, several police agencies across the country stated that the THC level inside of illegal marijuana was about 15 percent. Today, some researchers are now saying that the THC in some marijuana can easily be between 20 – 30 percent. So, this heavy concentration of THC can cause lots of health risks. Furthermore, users can become addicted to this type of marijuana. One report stated that a 33-year-old lady had to stay in the hospital for two weeks because of a mystery illness. And, that illness caused her to suffer from the shakes, an elevated heart rate, extreme vomiting, etc. But, the doctors could not find the actual cause of her illness. So, they sent her home. Then, she thought about her habit of using cannabis several times on a daily basis. Thereafter, her symptoms eventually stopped when she stopped smoking marijuana. One guy said that he used to work 12-hour shifts. So, he would go home and smoke weed after his shift. Thereafter, he would use nicotine to sustain his “high.” The next day he would load up on energy drinks and pre-workout supplements. Nevertheless, he knew that he was severely addicted to marijuana. Some dispensaries and some drug dealers can sell marijuana with very high levels of THC. Thereafter, several studies suggest that high levels of THC can cause several symptoms like paranoia, delusions, and episodes of psychosis. So, I want to encourage everyone to please consider this matter with your family. Thereafter, please make a determination to not get addicted to marijuana and other illegal drugs. Help Other People During October 2023, NYC Mayor Eric Adams announced that his administration worked with 1,903 city-certified minority and women-owned businesses during his first fiscal year, FY23, in office. Furthermore, his administration awarded over $6 billion in contracts to these groups. And, in 2026, NYC’s goal is to award $25 billion to minority and women-owned businesses. “Through these historic investments, we are giving underrepresented groups a chance at succeed-

P.O. Box 318, Bronx, NY 10469

ing in the business world and creating a more equitable business landscape. We will continue moving full speed ahead to address the disparities certain business owners still face and expand our support of minority and women-owned businesses,” said Adams. NYC has several programs to help minority and women-owned businesses. For instance, the NYC Department of Small Business Services expanded their Contract Financing Loan Fund to assist these groups. And, these loans can be used for “growing capacity, hiring, and capital improvements as they fulfill city contracts.” So, this loan fund’s budget will be increased by $50 million. Adams even hired NYC’s first Chief Business Diversity Officer Michael J. Garner. Garner then said: “The successes of our minority and women-owned business program have achieved this past fiscal year are a testament to the mayor’s vision to firmly place the city’s minority and women-owned program as a national model.” Co-op City has 50,000 cooperators, 35 huge buildings, 7 townhouse clusters, 3 shopping malls, a tremendous power plant, 320 acres of land, over 900 employees, and other wonderful features. So, can we say that we’re a city within a city? Absolutely! Now, did you see the comments that Adams made in reference to the disparities that affect minority and women-owned businesses? Those comments are true. In fact, some companies do not have any provisions for hiring minority or women-owned businesses to do any work for them. Furthermore, some companies might do everything they can to take advantage of these types of businesses. In other words, some minority and women-owned businesses might be hired because of certain mandates. Thereafter, some of the company’s representatives might demand special favors or even kickbacks from them. Recently, a company was awarded $600,000 just to repair the sidewalks in Co-op City. Furthermore, we are losing a fortune every month because we have over 100 vacant apartments here. So, is Riverbay actively recruiting minority and women-owned businesses to work here?

Join Us for a Day or More of Fun on Our Upcoming 2024 Trips! Lunch Included.

• Wed. Feb. 28, 2024

AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM Nassau County, NY

• Sat., Apr. 13, 2024

“BEEHIVE” THE 60s MUSICAL Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, Hampton, NJ

• Fri., May 24, 2024

DANIEL

• Thurs.-Sat., July 11-13, 2024

CAPE COD & MARTHA’S VINEYARD Peninsula of MA

• Sat., Sept. 7, 2024

HERITAGE CAPE MAY

Cape May, NJ

• Sat., Oct. 5, 2024

PHILLIPS CRABFEAST

Baltimore, MD

Sight & Sound Theatre, Ronk, PA

TWO PICK-UP/DROP-OFF LOCATIONS: 177 Dreiser Loop The Park @ 161st Street (Front of H&R Block)

(Bet. Grand Concourse & Walton Ave., Opposite Bronx Courthouse)

For Information, Please Call Lessie Harris @ 347-866-4625

If yes, then how come they’re not participating in these types of projects? If no, then what does that say about the way that we’re conducting business here? Bottom line: I do not blindly follow anyone or anything. So, yes, I am going to speak out when I see that our business matters are not being conducted in a proper way. Also, I want to encourage our cooperators to speak out when you see this type of nonsense going on here. Close I hope that everyone will have a Happy New Year. Thank you. Contact Information Please send a letter to: Board Director Daryl Johnson, Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. Currently, here is my ONLY email account: djohnson@riverbayboard. com I will never ask for or accept money from anyone. Therefore, please do not respond to any message with my name on it that requests money, money transfers, gift cards, personal information, or anything from you. And, please do not ever send money or anything to anyone because you saw my name on a false message. Also, please call me ONLY at 718-671-4544 if you would like to have a brief discussion with me. And, please hang up your phone immediately if someone calls you and says that they’re Daryl Johnson or is associated with me and asks you for money or anything else. Okay, that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful week. And, may God bless you and your family. Thank you.

Co-op City Times / January 6, 2024

Building 27 Association

Building 10 Association

Building 33 Association

Hello, neighbors, we trust all is well. Stay vigilant, cautious and wear your masks in crowds. Go to the doctor; take \RXU ÀX VKRW ZKDWHYHU \RX QHHG WR GR Happy New Year – To one and all, we wish a blessed, happy, healthy and safe year 2024. Retail Cannabis Dispensary – After the public hearing held January 4, 2024, we trust and hope all involved will make the right decision to protect the quality of life of the people within this peaceful and lovely community. Happy Birthday to all celebrating this month. We offer our sincere sympathy and condolences to the families who lost loved ones. We wish all the best of health and safety. Contact Lydia Rondon at 718583-3040 and she will gladly acknowledge your birthday by sending you a card. She is excellent in sharing good will. Also notify her of any illness, or if a neighbor has become deceased or transferred to a nursing home. For our community to be a better place to live is for the people of the community to understand and accept their personal responsibility for what happens. –Davis Merritt, Jr. —H. Overman

Greetings, fellow cooperators. Happy New Year!!! New Cooperators – Welcome, all new cooperators. We look forward to seeing you at the next General 0HPEHUVKLS PHHWLQJ Ladies Night – Ladies Night will be held on Friday, January 12, from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. in the Association Room located in the rear of 120 Debs Place. Come out for some laughter and fun. Light refreshments will be served. Just a Few Reminders – Remember to turn on your car headlights when driving in the garage and please follow all directional signs. Turn your car off, lock it and take your keys with you. Please wipe up spills in KDOOZD\V HOHYDWRUV DQG OREE\ ÀRRU 3URPSWO\ UHPRYH your completed laundry from the washers and dryers. If You See Something, Say Something – For emergencies, call Co-op City Public Safety at 718671-3050 and NYPD at 911. For non-emergencies, call 311. You can also contact CCPD at their anonymous tips hotline: 718-879-6311. Suicide Prevention – If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or in emotional distress, the number to call for help is 988, you can call or text. Someone is available 24 hours a day. Questions, Comments and Suggestions – You can contact the Building 10 Association via email at Building10Assoc@gmail.com. We are also on Facebook, “Building 10 “ABC” Association.” Like our page and JHW QRWL¿HG RI DOO WKH KDSSHQLQJV LQ DQG DURXQG %XLOGing 10. We would like to wish all who are born this month an incredibly happy birthday. Celebrating an anniversary this month? Happy Anniversary!!! To the homebound and sick, we wish you a speedy recovery. To all who have lost a loved one recently, we offer our deepest condolences. Be kind. Have a wonderful week. —Jewel Crawford-Duncan

Happy New Year, fellow shareholders, The Building 33 Association hopes everyone welcomed in the new year positively, enjoying the holiday season. We want to again thank all shareholders who contributed their time and money to make our holiday bright and memorable. We especially want to thank William Staggers for volunteering to be our Santa Claus. He did a wonderful job with children and adults enjoying him being here. In the future, we will discuss how we asked around 20 men in this building to volunteer to be Santa and they turned us down. We have some serious challenges facing Co-op City shareholders in the near future. Riverbay submitted a request to increase our carrying charges effective April 1. If this is an issue for you, we suggest you email *HRUJH 6LPRQ 2I¿FH RI ,QWHJUDWHG +RXVLQJ 0DQagement at Georgesimon@hcr.ny.gov, ASAP. If no RQH HPDLOV WKH LQFUHDVH ZLOO GH¿QLWHO\ WDNH place. If everyone emails, we might have a chance to stop the increase! It’s you who can make a difference! Another serious challenge, marijuana dispensaries wanting to open in our community. Community Board #10 is having a meeting on Thursday. January 4, at 7 p.m. in the Bartow Community Center, Room 31, regarding this issue. Again, if this is a concern for you, attend the meeting or you can email Roger Thomas, 0HOOR 7\PHV &(2 &22 DW PHOORW\PHV#JPDLO FRP I will be emailing him. He stated he searched far and wide for the best location but I’d like to know why not LQ KLV FRPPXQLW\" 'LG KH FRQVLGHU ZKHUH KH OLYHV ¿UVW" We certainly don’t want a dispensary in our community, do we? Wake up, people! These issues affect us and our families in a great way! If you need additional information or have questions, I’ll do my best to get answers! Contact the Association at building33association@gmail.com. Take care now and walk good, —Andrea Mayo

Co-op City is Your Home! Get involved with your building association, join a Board Committee and/or community group, or write a Letter to the Editor about quality of life concerns!

30 zz

Celebrate Life with these NEW Fabulous Tours! We do Payment Plans and Installment Plans! Queen Mary 2 *NEW* New England and Canada New York Departure, Sept. 22, 2024 Caribbean from Brooklyn December 22, 2024

Southern Charm September, 2024

Greece August 2025 Coming Soon!

The Italian Vista Rome, Florence, Pisa 10 days, Aug. 31, 2024

Treasures of Egypt Oct. 17-28, 2024

Netherlands, South Africa, Belgium & France Victoria Falls April 20, 2025 and Botswana Feb. 28-Mar. 14, 2025

ALTOUR 1270 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10020

Join us for our next Meet and Greet January 13, 12 p.m. Sharp St. Michael’s Church.

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Co-op City Times / January 6, 2024 Director’s Viewpoint

Lynette Wright

Happy New Year, Co-op City! I hope all of your holiday season was positive, heartfelt and prosperous. As we move into the New Year, we have a recent change that occurred during our final meeting of 2023: the discontinuation of the Deferred Equity Program (Resolution #23-66). As the first sponsor of the resolution, I wanted you to know the thought process behind it and the reasons for changes being made. I’ll admit, it’s too detailed to put in one article, so I’ll be splitting it into two. The Deferred Equity Program was developed in 2011 after the 2009 Financial Crisis in response to some new and transferring shareholders finding difficulties with securing bank loans. During this time, many market homeowners defaulted on their mortgage loans, which made banks lose money. The ways in which banks were lending in the past were deemed to be unsustainable. This had a direct impact on their lending practice for all loans, tightening the eligibility requirements for consumers (e.g., us) and scrutinizing the profiles of consumers more. As a result, many former prospective shareholders were unable to get loans for financing, leading to a significantly higher apartment vacancy rate. If apartment vacancies were high, this would make the budget unbalanced as maintenance fees are used to sustain services, and a lower collection rate leads to a deficit in funds. As a result, the Deferred Equity Program was developed. The premise of the program was that prospective shareholders would provide 25% of the equity at closing, while paying off the remaining 75% over seven years at a 5% interest rate (this was later changed to 35%/65% within the same time frame). The program also requires that shareholders who moved out before program term ends would need to pay both the balance of the equity as well as the expected interest. Overall, to date, the program has only had about a 5% default rate. Based on these positive results, why was the deci-

sion made to end it? In a 2018 interview with the Co-op City Times, Peter Merola, former Director of Finance, spoke of the program’s benefits: more occupied apartments equals more revenue. However, he also noted one key problem: it hurts Riverbay’s cash flow. During the December 20th Board meeting, Marvin Walton, Executive General Manager, confirmed this, noting that this had been apparent for a while upon review of past financial data. Between the months of April 2023 (the start of our fiscal year) and November 2023, we collected about $1.9 million in equity. If we were able to collect in full, we would have had about $5 million in the same amount of time. This then leads to the question about the interest rate on the equity (5%): does this help the corporation to make money? Not really. Over the 7 years, it takes 6 years and 10 months to collect the total amount of equity due; the remaining 1 year and 2 months is profit from interest, which only amounts to about $2,000 to $4,000 based on the apartment size. Considering the amount of time it takes to profit from the program, a timeframe longer than most bank loans which are normally about 60 months or 5 years, I’ll use the proverbial saying, “sometimes the juice isn’t worth the squeeze.” While attempting to get to the point of interest, we still have financial responsibilities that are consistently increasing yearly (payroll allocations, materials, contracts, taxes, municipal bills, etc). When that money isn’t available, it leads to maintenance increases to cover the shortfall. As a side note, I do not personally agree with this model of finance in how funds are used, but I’ll discuss that next week. Another question then arises: why couldn’t we maintain it as a safety net program for incoming shareholders who were not eligible for bank loans? I was concerned about this as well and thought about maintaining it under these conditions. However, banks have a level of financial leverage in

Building 22A&B Association Happy New Year to all, health and prosperity. I hope your New Year’s Resolution can be accomplished – good luck! This year, as a building, we can work together for harmony. Our next meeting is January 22, at 7 p.m. on the B side in the Association Room. Bring your chairs. We are having elections for all board members. All ideas for events and outings are welcomed. Thank you very much for your Christmas collections to the Maintenance staff; it’s listed on the bulletin board. Please continue to keep our building safe and clean. Happy Birthday to all. Prayers to all who lost loved ones. Check on the sick and shut-ins. If you see something, say something. Thank you. ––Betty Leak

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their money that we, as a housing corporation, will never have. Banks have money to invest to make their reserves grow and give us (consumers) smaller portions of that growth through savings, checking accounts, and certificates of deposits (AKA CDs). This also allows them to lend money and make us an investment by charging us interest; hence, they make money off of us. They can also assess the risk of lending to borrowers, e.g., will this person, based on past financial history, usage of debt, and bank reserves, be able to pay back the money. We, as a housing corporation, do not have transactions that allow us to take on large amounts of risk. We simply collect, and pay for our bills. Because we are not a bank, if a shareholder leaves prior to the 7 years and still owes, we are unable to collect the remaining balance or interest in court if the shareholder refuses to pay, once again, putting us in an unfavorable position. The money that would have been used in chargebacks for damages to the apartment are only available within what the person already paid which, if before the seven-year mark, is less than the original value of the apartment. My stance was that if a bank, which has a plethora of financial resources, is unwilling to lend money to someone because their risk of nonpayment is too high, why should we be taking on that risk? Homeownership is not based on good will and good intentions. Its foundations remain in two things – financial fortitude and time. Next week, I will write more about how the conversation will continue as we work with Management on how to help applicants become attractive candidates for loans, suggestions for improving lending qualification, and maintain financial stability. Please feel free to send me your thoughts and concerns at lwright@riverbayboard.com or write to c/o Liaison Office, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. Thank you for taking the time to read and respond.

Co-op City Times / January 6, 2024

Building 13 Association Happy New Year What a fantastic Holiday event we had last Saturday. It’s great seeing longtime shareholders coming back out and new shareholders to our building family joining the festivities. Thanks to Nelly Rodriguez’s brother (Lisa’s uncle), we had some live music and kudos to DJ Valerie for the oldies and goodies music along with Afro beats. Our Ghanaian friend showed us some moves. We welcomed visitors from other buildings and other sections and were united in our goal to have a great evening, so we ate, drank and were merry. The food was great (mainly from one of our Harlem favorites) but we also want to thank those who provided desserts, additional food and goodies. Thank you to Elena for her decorating ideas and everyone who helped pull it together and of course assisted in the clean-up. May our Building continue to be a happy, united and friendly place to call home this New Year and those to come. Community Board 10: After the Community

Building 6 Association Happy New Year, neighbors! I hope everyone had a wonderful, joyous holiday season. The new year is upon us and it’s time to get back to work.

This January makes the new Building Association’s six-month mark where we hope this year to make even more positive strides for the Building 6 shareholders and community overall. Our first new year Association meeting will be held in Dreiser on Thursday, January 11th, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. A few months back in September, the NY law school presented all of the 35 building and townhouse associations with the opportunity of becoming a nonprofit 501c3, as only two buildings already possess this status. Now that the opportunity has come to fruition and is a time-sensitive matter, at next week’s Association meeting, we will discuss the benefits of the 501c3 and vote on it. This meeting will be in person and also have Zoom capacity for the shareholders who can’t attend in person. Look out for the Zoom link posters information in the lobby bulletin board, laundry room and 18th floor elevators. For all questions, information, complaints and compliments, feel free to contact Pres. Lassiter: 347-366-7690; VP Gilliard: 917-613-2520 or e-mail the Association at bldng6assoc@gmail.com. As every time, I pray for safety over all. God speed. My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.” –Archbishop Desmond Tutu. ––Lauren K. Lassiter

Board meeting scheduled prior to submission of this article, we will decide whether to have a meeting about the intended dispensary that is tentatively scheduled to receive a lease from the property owners of the former Chase bank, to serve as their store location, 675 Co-op City Blvd. Staffing: Movement of staffing is temporarily on hold until further notice. Some misinformation was shared with cooperators so we will wait to have conversation and clarity on the matter from Management. FYI: We have had several attempts by Management to fix our door. They are aware we are currently having more problems with the lobby entrance door. Sorry for any inconvenience. Building 13 Election: Nomination for offices shall take place at the regular Membership meeting in February. The Election shall be at the regular Membership meeting in March. The newly elected officers’ term shall commence April 1st following

installations and shall be for a term of two years. Guidelines for Eligibility and Election for office is currently posted on the bulletin board. The FDNY fire safety education unit reminds us that the winter holidays are a time for everyone to be aware and take precautions to protect yourselves and your loved ones from fires. Make sure to keep burning candles away from curtains, lampshades, blankets, and other flammable objects. Space heaters must be kept no less than three feet away from bedding, drapes, and Christmas trees. If you are using a space heater or air conditioner, make sure to never use extension cords for large appliances. Candles should always be kept away from the reach of children. Stay safe! “We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community.” –Cesar Chavez Visit our Facebook Page at: Building 13 Association Inc.–Co-op City. Our website is http://www.bldg13assoc.com or e-mail us at building13assoc@yahoo.com. Contacts: Leslie Peterson, president, at 718-3201370, or Wendell Mattison, V.P., at 917-330-1380. Thank you for supporting our Team. —Leslie Peterson

Co-op City Times / January 6, 2024

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Co-op City Times / January 6, 2024 Director’s Viewpoint

Mary Pearson

Happy New Year! Happy Three King’s Day! I was out of town for a couple of days between the first of the year and Three King’s Day so I missed this past Thursday’s pot store hearing. Anyone who reads my viewpoints knows where I stand on the issue – I’m pro any legal business that’s responsibly run. Still, I’m awfully curious about how the hearing went. I’m astounded how riled up some folks get over other folks’ choices but when it comes to rallying to aid the people of Section 5 (and you know I’m talking about saving Ramp C’s autonomy and full purpose) apathy reigns with a nah, too busy, not my problem. So I’m curious as to how many turned out, incentivized by ancient Reefer Madness screenings, boogieman tales, and Just Say No political campaigns. The pharmaceutical and alcohol industries couldn’t have maintained their stranglehold on the feel good market for all these decades without your help. I’m sure they’re grateful. But as the Community Board 10 manager points out, the final say is up to the New York State Office of Cannabis Management. They’re the ones scrutinizing the 84-page Cannabis Dispensary applications. If they say it’s a go, it’s probably a go. MetroCard Bus: No need to go out of your way all the way to Bartow, Dreiser and Einstein people, in order to refill your MetroCard or Reduced Fare MetroCard at an MTA Mobile Sales Vehicle anymore. Dreiser and Einstein are getting four visits this year. Yes, four visits this year. Maybe.

As long as you’re good at planning ahead, that is, and only until the MetroCard is completely and permanently replaced by the OMNY system. OMNY has been rolling out since 2019 and it’s not finished rolling yet. It’s hit a few snags and had a few bugs. Looks great on paper, but so far it’s coming in way late and over budget, and it has already been responsible for a severe privacy breach. Personally, I’m in no hurry to start the tap and go process until absolutely necessary, so the MetroCard Bus’ return to all three former Co-op City locations is welcome, sparse as those visits will be. After complaining for months about the MTA Mobile Sales Vehicle (aka the MetroCard refill bus) squatting for hours (four and a half hours down from the former six-hour multi-stop schedule) at Bartow (and only Bartow) when post-Covid service resumed, word came down that Dreiser and Einstein would finally get some service, too. No need to spend bus fare to refill the card. Yay! But when? The refill bus was scheduled to go to Einstein in the morning and Dreiser in the afternoon on September 29 and December 29. Really?! Visits three months apart? I’d forgotten it was supposed to make its return on September 29, so I didn’t look for it, but there it was, on Friday, December 29, parked on Einstein Loop from 10:00 to noon. I learned a couple of things during the visit. For one thing, if you are part of a couple, you’ll need separate credit cards to reload your individual

OMNY cards (once you make the switch). Even if you have your two different names on the same account? Nope. No good. You’ll need two totally separate cards, each with its own number. You don’t see that anywhere on the MTA site. The bus staff didn’t even know that bit of info, they said, till they tried signing up a couple with the same credit card earlier in the week. Something else you can’t find on the MTA site is the new schedule for the Mobile Sales Vehicle’s (aka the MetroCard refill bus) Co-op City Einstein and Dreiser stops. It still says it only services the Bartow stop from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of each month. No Einstein visit listed. No Dreiser visit listed. And the site was updated on 12/19/23. I called 511 to verify the new schedule. The agents I spoke with won’t have information for March until March, I was told... repeatedly. Luckily, the mobile bus staff was given fuller information when I asked on Friday, December 29, what the 2024 schedule would look like. The new Einstein/Dreiser morning/afternoon routine is fifth Fridays. Remember, that’s not the fifth of each month, just the fifth Friday of the months that have five Fridays. So circle those March, May, August, and November dates: 3/29, 5/31, 8/30, and 11/29. And since that seems to be the state of our public service for the foreseeable future, I suggest you circle those Fridays in pencil, not ink. Have a good week, everybody. MPearson@ RiverbayBoard.com/718-219-2211.

Toastmasters Club Greetings, to our members, future members, and friends. Happy New Year. It’s 2024 and we are excited about 2024 and all the WIIFM (What’s In It For Me) communication projects planned. We remain committed to the Toastmaster’s Mission to provide and help those seeking help with communication and leadership skills. Thank you also to our guests and members who attended the end-of-year intergenerational Holiday Celebration held on December 21. You made it a huge success with the largest attendance to date, including the young generation. It was enjoyed by all. We had learning, and food and fun!! It was a great affair with lots of opportunities to network and make new friends. For the business part, kudos to the speakers whose presentations demonstrated some of the beneﬁts Toastmasters offers. For instance, TM Lincoln Pressley bravely took us on a brief journey through a life of despair and self-destruction up to the present, announcing his sobriety and other personal successes. President Kathy Blount used her distinct voice and spoke on the importance of identifying and practicing everyday moments of gratitude. She even challenged the audience to do the same. Lastly, we heard from Guest Speaker TM Hugh Maynard. His dramatic style and accent won over the audience immediately. Hugh’s message was especially relatable as he showed how easily one can be scammed, regardless of IQ or station in life, as he offered how he once willingly turned over his personal info to unknown “scammers.” It was well presented with a bit of humor, showed us how to do a dramatic speech. Then it was time for holiday fun. TM Melvin Pemberton, representing the BAS club, rafﬂed off gifts so that everyone would be engaged and get a free gift. The gentlemen in the room gathered and offered a “Toast to 2024” and, of course, everyone dined on the delicious home-cooked food and desserts, laughed, and fellowshipped with another. Welcome in 2024. Mark your calendar for upcoming meetings. CCTM meets 7:30 p.m., Jan. 18, in Rm. 5, Dreiser Center. Feb. 1st – online meeting. Call 347-927-1069 for Driver’s Education information and advance regis-

tration. BAS meets at 7 p.m., Jan. 9, in Rm. 5, Dreiser Center. ––Lauretta Jaysura

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Co-op City Times / January 6, 2024

African-American Association of Co-op City The AAACC Stimulus Package To show you how much we care about your presence and impact on this organization, we are offering a gift. Our very own stimulus package. These are important and pivotal years. We are passionate about the struggle of all people and the importance of banding together to show the generations after us the importance of our “push.” Our youth must see us helping, supporting, and pushing each other into a bright, productive, prosperous future. Our gift to each member is a complimentary 4-night hotel stay or cruise. Hopefully you will be stimulated enough, refreshed and renewed enough that you will “join us” and enjoy your “vacation on us,” and make an impact, just by being a part of the African-American Association of Co-op City. Tell a friend about this incentive. Help us put the AAACC on the map! Join the African-American Association of Co-op City Membership is $25.00/year single membership and $35.00/year family/ household. You can Zelle us your payment to become a member using our email address. Email: aaaccpower@gmail.com. Call us at: 929-430-3255. The African American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475. AAACC Meetings & Events: January 27, 2024 – General Meeting, 3 p.m. on Zoom February 3, 2024 – Black Film Festival, 3 p.m. on Zoom February 17, 2024 – Open MIC, Fundraiser, 4 p.m.-8 p.m., Dreiser, Room 15 March 16, 2024 – General Meeting, 3 p.m. on Zoom April 6, 2024 – Open MIC, Fundraiser, 4 p.m.-8 p.m., Dreiser, Room 15 April 20, 2024 – Holistic Health and Wellness Fair, noon-6 p.m., Room 31 May 18, 2024 – Co-op City Spelling Bee, noon-5 p.m., Dreiser, Room 4 May 19, 2024 – General Meeting, 3 p.m. via Zoom June 8, 2024 – Open MIC/Juneteenth Celebration, 4 p.m.-8 p.m., Dreiser, Room 15 June 30, 2024 – General Meeting, 3 p.m., Dreiser, Room 15 The AAACC Sponsors the Following Programs for your Participation: Belly Dance Classes with Xonia Wilson – Contact: Xonia, 646-301-9438 Evening Line Dance Classes with Cynthia Dixon – Contact: Cynthia, 917-903-7073 Yoga & Pilates Classes with Meena Sharpe-Hicks – Contact: Meena at 917-863-1507 Co-op City Baptist Church “Gospel Line Dancers” with Joyce Smith – Contact: Joyce, 718-320-0714 We bid you peace and blessings, this holiday season. —Michelle Marbury

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Section Five Association The Section 5 Association trusts all in Section 5 are doing well. We hope that we have a peaceful and good winter. Please stay vigilant; there are new variants, Covid on the rise again. Keep wearing your masks when around crowds. RSV and Covid are still spreading. As we begin the year 2024, we wish all a blessed, happy, healthy and wonderful New Year as we move forward. The year 2023 is over. We hope things will be much better; the pandemic alert has been removed, even though the virus is still around. We are out and about more than in the past four years. This cannabis situation, after the public hearing on January 4, 2024, held here in Co-op City, we trust all will work out for the beneﬁt of this peaceful community. The students from IS 160 are beginning to hang out in our shopping mall in Section 5; trouble and ﬁghting are brewing. We need to go to the school staffing and the Board of Education to inquire what is being done to monitor these middle grade students. Public Safety is seen on the Mall site, however, these students ignore Public Safety. This means we have a problem. Saturday Volunteers – are needed for food distribution at 10:30 a.m. at the Co-op City Fridge. Interested in volunteering? Contact Coopcitycommunityfridge@gmail.com. One may reach Nelson Sweeting, president of SFA, at 646-644-4055. “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” –Henry Ford —H. Overman

My Favorite Time Of Year BY FRANK MAYES I love the scent of flowers and the songs that birds all sing, as they fly up high across the sky, announcing the dawn of spring. The snow that melts down from the hills seem to acknowledge the seasons change, the sunshine warmth will say goodbye to all winter that remains. Then comes the heat of summer that comes when springtime ends, we see the flow of hydrants that bring kids and all their friends. The heat will bring the evening showers but never is its foe, because it brings a cooling breeze that helps the green grass grow. We fish, we swim, we shower more and wear very little clothes, do we enjoy the days of summer best? Who’s to say who keeps score. And just in time the summer heat reclines, and we enjoy the cooling winds, like a painted picture on a scripted canvas, it tells us fall begins. The touch of nature’s brush is like an artist as he tends to draw, we see the beauty of the colored leaves as they begin to fall. This wondrous season has its reason as the heat of summer fails to stay, The autumn’s calm prepares us for the winter’s cold that comes our way. We behold the gathering of dark clouds knowing soon that they will burst, and spray the lands with beautiful snow as autumn has rehearsed. The time of year when all rejoice and spread joy the way they should, although our Heavenly Father prefers that throughout the year we should. We pray and praise and bless the day they say our Lord was born, the bells that ring and choirs that sing, enhance the days we mourn. This time of year might be best of all but I know not how high it rates, because for you and me when all is through, with our GOD, another season waits.

Co-op City Times / January 6, 2024

National Council of Negro Women

Building 9 Association

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Co-op City Times / January 6, 2024

Broun Place Townhouse Association

Black Forum

Happy New Year to you and Season’s Greetings to all our neighbors. Let’s hope the coming year brings new hope and a year of joy and successes for all cooperators. Real winter has hardly begun but it is time to return the lights and ornaments to their boxes till next year. Our patios truly looked holiday sparkly for 2023. Broun Place Townhouse Association collected a generous holiday gift for our hardworking Grounds department staff. Neighbors, thank you for your generous donations. We extended our schedule to complete collection as of December 27. We also gave to the Holiday Toy Drive sponsored by CCPD. A photo was published in the issue of the Co-op City Times two weeks ago showing President Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar submitting the donation of new unwrapped gifts. After being cooperators in Broun Place since 1996, we learned CSO installs safety bars on bathroom walls over the tub. This is great news for those of us over 65 years old. We are getting these hand bars. The bars using suction hold well, but the bars permanently attached are even more secure. Please note, a new light and new signage has been placed designating the north and south lane entries to I-95 off Pelham Parkway East and West, plus each has a light. In this way, traffic is controlled. Pay attention and drive safely. Two weeks ago, rain flooded the road to City Island but by the time this is published, the road to City Island should be viable, perhaps even repaired. Changes and updates in the roads need to be communicated to Bronxites. Signage is minimal, scarce, and hard to see. Share your tidings and remembrances here in your townhouse article. Just submit a note to our mailbox and it will be included. Broun Place Townhouse cluster is seeking Broun Place residents to serve on our Executive Board. Our executive committee is, Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar, president; Vivian Burrus, vice president, and Lillian Richardson, treasurer. Join, be part of the Broun Place Association. Riverbay Corporation responded to keeping the Bartow Ave. parking lot cleaner and the need for more frequent garbage collection in the Bartow Mall. This needs to be professionally kept up and looking good, especially during the holiday. The basketball court and gutters around Bellamy Loop also need to be swept more frequently. Regarding garbage bins in the dumpster pad, they are assigned as follows: the white bin is paper, the blue and green are designated for house garbage, plastic, and glass. Read the signs! Mattress disposal requires covering them as they sit at the dumpster pad. Neighbors, please don’t walk while talking on your cell phones. Parents, teach your children to look before crossing. We are having too many close calls with kids running into the streets, especially at the basketball court. Read the Co-op City Times for all local news. Hoping for healthier days for all. —Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

Emergency Food Pantry 920 Baychester Ave., Bldg. 1A (basketball court). The pantry is open on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m. for grocery distribution. Guests are eligible to pick up food once a month. Look at the last date on your pantry card. The next pick up would be one month from the last pick up or after. It is a 30/31-day rotation, on average. Black Forum will text registered guests if items outside of regular distribution become available. All guests must present a pantry card to receive food. Remember to bring at least 4-6 clean shopping bags with a handle and a shopping cart. Please do not bring black shopping bags, since they pose a health hazard. We require guests to wear masks when visiting the pantry. The Emergency Food Pantry has been feeding the community for more than thirty years, and all profits go toward supporting this effort through the Black Forum of Co-op City organization. We sincerely appreciate your unwavering support. Section 5 guests should visit the Co-op City United Methodist Church at 2350 Palmer Avenue to pick up groceries. They open on Thursdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Religious affiliation is not necessary to receive food. New Client Registration & Re-Certification for Returning Guests The period of registration and re-certification is now open through April 2024. Guests must be 18 years or older to apply or recertify. The required identification is as follows: NYC I.D. (zip code 10475), NY State Driver’s license, or NY State Non-Driver’s license. Passports, Medicaid and Medicare cards, employment identification, and Access-A-Ride identification are not accepted. At the time of registration or recertification, every member of the household must be present and produce valid identification. Every member of the household needs to have the same 10475 address. The intake forms will only include the number of household members who are able to show up in person at the office. Those living in Sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 will register or recertify at the 920 Baychester Avenue location. Those living in Section 5 will register or recertify at the 2350 Palmer Avenue location on Thursdays. Upcoming Trips In 2024, Black Forum will sponsor an exciting season of events! This is a preview of what’s to come: Saturday, February 17 – Winds Creek Casino, Bethlehem, PA ($60) Saturday, April 20 – Black Eyed Sally Southern Cajun Kitchen & Bar then MGM Casino ($120) Saturday, June 8 – Caesars Atlantic City Casino, NJ ($60) Saturday, August 17 – The Nordic then Foxwoods Resort Casino, CT ($225) Saturday, October 19 – Black Eyed Sally Southern Cajun Kitchen & Bar then MGM Casino ($120). Payment plan options will be available for some trips. Non-refundable payments will only be accepted in the following forms: cash, personal checks, and only postal money orders. A Western Union money order will not be accepted, for example. We’ll have more details about each trip soon. Contact Us: coopcityblackforum@gmail.com. ––D. Illis

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Co-op City Times / January 6, 2024

AARP Chapter #4997

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

We are entering a new year, 2024, and new adventures. Hopefully, all our friends and families enjoyed a happy holiday season with the companionship of their choice and are healthy and ready to start a new year together. At AARP Chapter #4997, we will be back in the office on our regular schedule. The office hours are Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 177 Dreiser Loop, Room “0,” second floor; 718-320-1946; email, aarp4997@gmail.com. When you call or e-mail, please leave a message and we will contact you on our next in-office day. Our next General Membership Meeting is January 8th, 2024. It will be held at 177 Dreiser Loop, auditorium, second floor; 1 p.m. We will have a guest presentation on the topic of Fraud Alerts and how to better protect yourself. The matter of fraud and scams is rising at rapid speed and schemes being used are monumental with the new technology that scammers use. We would like to thank all who joined us for the Holiday Celebration on December 12, 2023, and helped us start the holiday break off with good company, good food and fellowship. Remember that our offices and meetings are mask mandated for the health and safety of everyone. If you do not have a mask, one will be supplied for you. Health is continuing to be a major issue and concern for all Americans. We have travelled to other cities, states and countries that are all suffering from the same viruses as we do. Covid-19, Flu and RSV are not leaving anytime soon so we must always be aware of the surrounding areas and conditions. There has been a significant increase in cases of all three of the viruses mentioned. During the break, our Tour Committee continued to make reservations for our one-day trip to Wind Creek Casino for a presentation of “A Tribute to the Supremes” on April 30, 2024. The cost is $169.00 and includes transportation, a food voucher and a casino voucher to try your luck. You can still request information on our Hawaiian Cruise, which has met our original goal, but may still have space available. The dates for the cruise are September 12-21, 2024. Contact Ms. Wright, 718-379-3370, or Ms. Brown, 718-379-7962, with questions. There will be trip updates at our General Membership meeting. The new/renewal membership names are increasing, and Ms. Baker is continuing to accept calls 718-379-2088 from our members. You may also come to the office during our open hours and fill in the application at your convenience. Mrs. Wilson, the Good and Welfare contact, 718-671-5493, advises that most of our family and friends are continuing to recover from their personal issues. We send condolences to the families of Ms. Odom and Ms. Gadson for the losses their families have suffered during our break. Continued prayers for our members and their families. We are here to serve—not to be served. —Ann Purnell

Hello, retirees and friends, We hope the New Year is off to a good start for all. We wish everyone a happy and healthy 2024. Carnival Cruise 2024 – Our Eastern Caribbean 9-day/8-night cruise, traveling to Amber Cove (Dominican Republic), Grand Turks, and Half Moon Cay (Bahamas) on the beautiful new ship Venezia, will leave from NYC on July 16, cruising through July 24, 2024. Please contact Serita at (347) 564-5722 for additional information. Membership Committee – New members and renewing members can remit a check for the $25 annual dues for the 2024 calendar year (2023 dues will still be accepted if you need to catch up). Checks should be made payable to the “Retirees of Dreiser Loop” and mailed to: Retirees of Dreiser Loop, 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 19, Bronx, NY 10475. Please note “new member” or “renewing member” in the memo line on your check. Questions may be addressed to Mary at (718) 655-9170. Happy Birthday – Cheers to all our January birthday celebrants. We wish you an incredibly happy birthday and continued peace and happiness throughout the year. Good and Welfare – Please keep all of those who are sick and/or shut in, in your thoughts and healing prayers. We hope they will soon see brighter days ahead. Please notify Lorraine Parker at (718) 671-6403 of any member illnesses or deaths. Condolences – Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who have recently experienced the loss of loved ones. General Meeting – Thank you to all members who attended our first meeting in 2024 on January 3. Your presence made our meeting a success. Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 7, at 1 p.m. in the Dreiser Center Auditorium C. Please mark your calendar and plan to attend. We look forward to seeing you there. —Georgianna Rodriguez

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

NAACP Mission Statement: Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons. Known as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), it profoundly affected the struggle for civil rights and the course of 20th Century American History. NYS Conference 1st Quarterly Meeting – Saturday, January 13, 2024, 10 a.m. at the UFT office, 52 Broadway, NY. Members attending, please submit names by January 8th. Branch T-shirt Fundraiser begins January 2024, link to follow. Update – The Reparations and Remedies Community Act Bill S1163A was signed by Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday, December 19th. Thank you to everyone who made a call, sent an email letter or signed petitions. Together, we made a difference. Youth Scholarship: The Bronx Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has published their 2024 Youth Scholarship. Applications must be postmarked by February 23rd, 2024. Please share this with anyone you know who may need it. You can find out more by contacting scholarship@dstbx.org. 2024 NAACP 55th Image Awards will broadcast live in Los Angeles on Saturday, March 16, at 8 p.m. Nominees will be announced Thursday, January 25, 2024. 2024 NAACP 115th National Convention – July 13-17, will be held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas. Voting: This election season, we hold the most powerful tool to make democracy work for Black Americans: our vote. The issues that affect our community will make or break how we continue to thrive in this country. We can fix America’s broken democracy, Vote. For more information on the NAACP’s work to mobilize Black voters, visit naacp.org/vote. NAACP Office hours: Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-noon. Commemorative Pins and Journals available to purchase. Follow us on Facebook: Co-op City NAACP – Become a member, gift a membership or upgrade your membership: Join the NAACP to help us do the work. We march to defend democracy. Take your advocacy further by joining in the fight for our sacred right to vote. Annual Adult, $30; & Youth, $10; or Silver Life, $750. Make check/money order payable to: NAACP Co-op City. Mail to: NAACP Co-op City, 135 Einstein Loop, Room 36, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. To leave a message, call the office phone at: 718-320-3210 or email: naacpccity2210@gmail.com. or naacpcoopbb@yahoo.com. —Brenda Brown

Please Drive Slowly and Cautiously in all Co-op City’s Parking Facilities!

Co-op City Times / January 6, 2024

JASA Co-op City NORC Program Invites You for These In-Person & Virtual Activities Bartow OAC Food Shopping Trips: BJ’s/Shoprite, Fri., Jan. 19, $6; Stew Leonard’s, Wed., Jan. 24, $6, & Costco, Thurs., Jan. 26, $6. Limited seating for 10 people. Please pay at the Bartow Center only. Pick up place/time given when paying. JASA NORC Office Jewelry Making Class – Wed., Jan. 10 & 24, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Workshops held in back of JASA Main Office, 2049 Bartow Ave. Office # is 718-320-2066. Common Pantry is scheduled for Tues., Jan. 23, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. The state still has a freeze and we will not be taking any new participants at this time. Bartow/Dreiser OAC’s Coach Bus trip to the African American Museum of Nassau County – Thurs., February 21, $60. Also enjoy a delicious luncheon at

Bartow

Sat., Jan. 13

Fri., Jan. 12

Thurs., Jan. 11

Wed., Jan. 10

Tues., Jan. 9

Mon., Jan. 8

Room 31 unless otherwise noted

BARTOW CENTER CLOSED (NORC) Line Dancing w/Bartow Swingers (ONLY) 12-1 p.m., Every Mon.

Uncle Bacala’s Restaurant w/choice of entrees. Sign up at Bartow OAC, Room 31, or Dreiser OAC, Room 7. Pick up times/ locations will be given at the Center. Agatha House Foundation – National Diabetes Prevention Program (Zoom class), weekly diabetes prevention, 6–9 month program. For more information or to register, call Coach Brittany 917-9433503. Bartow OAC trip to Sight & Sound “Daniel,” Lancaster, PA with all you can eat buffet at the Golden Corral – Thurs., April 11. Cost: $195pp. Please pay at the Bartow OAC Center only. Pick up times/ locations will be given at the Center. Memory Matters: Coping w/Memory & Cognitive Changes presented by: Alzheimer’s Assoc. in partnership w/JASA

Einstein

Room 49 unless otherwise noted

Mindful Mornings Tai Chi 9-10 a.m. Line Dance w/Sassy 10:30-11:30 a.m. Book Club, 11 a.m.-12 pm. Ageless Facials & Self Care, 1 p.m.-3 p.m., Rm. 35 Appointments Only

meeting weekly on Fridays for 9 wks. Feb. 9 – Education & Orientation; Feb. 16-April 5, weekly group discussions, 1-2:30 p.m., JASA NORC Office. Pre- registration by Feb. 2 is required. Contact 646-651-4717 or rrkersey@alz.org. Request a pre-registration interview. Please allow two business days for a response. Caringkind – The Heart of Alzheimer’s Caregiving Representative will be in the Bartow Main Office every third Mon. of the month, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. for Alzheimer and Dementia Consultation/Health Care Proxy & Power of Attorney Consultation & other services. Steel Drum Classes – JASA NORC Office on Wed., 12:30-2:30 p.m. Medicare Information – Thurs., 9 a.m.-12 p.m., JASA NORC Office.

Dreiser

Room 7 unless otherwise noted

Chair Yoga w/ Charles Tyler 10 -11 a.m. Virtual. 863-4924183, Passcode: Dreiser23 Stay Well w/Denise 10:00-11:00 a.m., Rm. 2

Notary – JASA NORC Office, Tues., 9-10:30 a.m.; Weds. and Thurs., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. By appointment. Technology Class – Thurs., 6:30-7:30 p.m. Dial in number: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 862 5043 9695, Passcode: 896989. Line Dance with Bartow Swingers, Wed. & Fri., 12-1 p.m., Dreiser Loop Aud. A. Notary – Einstein OAC, until Feb. Appointments only, Thurs., 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Starting Feb. will be on Tues. & Thurs. for Affidavit Notarizations, etc. Please call Einstein OACP – 718-6715161, for: Hair Styling, 1st & 3rd Wed. of the month, 9-11 a.m.: Braids, haircuts, shape-up, twist, ponytails, curls and more. Facials & Manicure, Every Mon., 1-3 p.m. Call for appointments.

LUNCH & DINNER MENUS Alternate Kosher Meals are available

LUNCH: KOSHER: Hot Deli Roast Beef, Baked Potato, Roasted Green Beans NON-KOSHER: Turkey Meatloaf, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Carrots NO DINNER SERVED

Never Too Old to Learn Spanish, 10-11 a.m., Rm. 35

Recreation Morning, 10-11 a.m. JASA OAC & NORC Wellness Bridge to Care Arthritis Exer- Concert @ Dreiser Auditorium cise, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 45 11 a.m.-3:p.m. Computer & Tablet Class w/Ralph Creative Arts & Painting, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. 1-2 p.m., Room 35 Dial in number: 347-893-2966 Go Easy on us Computers Meeting ID: 854 2963 5300 2:30-3:30 p.m., Rm. 40 Passcode: Dreiser23

LUNCH: KOSHER: Sweet & Sour Chicken, Brown Rice, Oriental Blend Vegetables ; NON-KOSHER: Caribbean Style BBQ Chicken, Perfect White Rice, Steamed Sliced Carrots DINNER: BARTOW ONLY KOSHER: Sweet & Sour Chicken Breast, Brown Rice, Oriental Blend Vegetables, Pear; NONKOSHER: Turkey Meatloaf, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Broccoli & Carrot, Apple

Stay Well Exercise w/Odessa Hair Care 4U, 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Coloring Time, 9-10 a.m. 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Appointments Only Wellness Mornings, 10-11 a.m. Spring in Your Step Stretch, Bereavement Hour w/Dorine (1st Wednesday only per month) & Tone w/Ola, 10-11 a.m., Rm. 45 Arthritis Exercise w/Damion 11 a.m.-noon, Room 2 Action Bodies In Motion 12-1 p.m. 11 a.m.-noon, Room 45 Afternoon Crafts w/Ines Line Dancing w/Cynthia Prize Bingo & Board Games 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m. Wed. & Fri., 12:30-1:45 p.m. 1 p.m.-2 p.m., Rm. 49A Dominoes w/Jose, 1-2:30 p.m. Grab & Go, 10 a.m.-11 a.m., Drama Club 1:30-3:30 p.m., Rm. 4 Dinner Hour: 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Free w/$2 donation Arthritis exercise w/Damion, Visual Arts, 10 a.m.-noon 10 a.m.-11:15 a.m. Game time, 9-10 a.m. Visual Arts w/Laura via Zoom Health & Wellness (AMOB), Current Events, 10-11 a.m. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Knitting/Crocheting with Lynne 10-11 a.m. Wellness Mornings, 11:00 a.m.and Betty, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Salsa Dancing, 11 am-noon 12:00 p.m. Computer Learning w/Steve, Walk With Ease, 1 p.m.-2 p.m. 1 p.m.-2 p.m. Spanish Class w/Angelica Grab & Go, 10 a.m.-11 a.m., Card Games with Frankie, 1:00-2:00 p.m. (Twice a month) 1 p.m.-2 p.m. Free w/$2 donation Dinner Hour, 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Massage Therapy, 10 a.m.-noon Coloring for Calmness Walmart Super Center, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m Sewing Class w/Joy, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Manicure, 10:30 a.m-noon Rm. 2 Line Dance with Cynthia Knitting & Crocheting w/Loretta Chess Club, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. 12:30 p.m.-1:45 p.m. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Alert & Alive w/Cathy and Essie Dinner Hour, 3-4:30 p.m. 10-11 a.m., Rm. 4 Drama Club w/Dazee Windley Blood Pressure Screening Line Dance w/Sassy, 1-2 p.m., Aud. A 10:30 a.m.-noon 3-4 p.m., in the back of the Bingo w/Gay, 1:20 p.m.-2:50 p.m., JASA NORC Office Rm. 4

LUNCH: KOSHER: Vegetable Cutlet, Roasted California Blend Vegetables; NONKOSHER: Whole Wheat Mac & Cheese w/ Butternut Squash, Whole Wheat Pasta Salad DINNER: BARTOW ONLY KOSHER: Breaded Vegetable cutlet, Roasted Butternut Squash, California Blend Vegetables; NON-KOSHER: BBQ Style Chicken, Perfect White Rice, Steamed Sliced Carrots

Walk w/Odessa, On Break Until Spring 2024 Blood Pressure, 12-1 p.m. (1st & 3rd Tues.) Health & Wellness w/Ann 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Adult coloring, 12-1 p.m. Smart/phone & Tablet Class w/Julesa, 1:45-2:45 p.m. Dinner Hour: 3-4:30 p.m.

Intergenerational Arts & Crafts w/Denise, 10 a.m.-noon Salsa with Rasheed 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Word Games 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Bingo on Saturdays, 1:30-3:30 p.m. in the back of the JASA NORC Office.

Menu Fee for lunch is $2 & $5 for guest. ALL meals served w/margarine and fresh milk. Menu subject to change without notice. For information, please call: (718) 320-2066. Schedule subject to change without notice. Payments for trips at the Bartow office can be made Monday – Friday: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. & 2 p.m.-4 p.m. only Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, the NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation.

LUNCH: KOSHER: Baked Salmon w/ Lemon, Herbed Rice, Roasted Root Vegetables; NON-KOSHER: Sunshine Salad w/Grilled Chicken, Whole Wheat Pasta Salad DINNER: BARTOW ONLY KOSHER: Baked Salmon w/Lemon, Rice, Roasted Root Vegetables, Tangerine; NON-KOSHER: Sunshine Salad w/ Grilled Chicken, Whole Wheat Pasta Salad, Apple LUNCH: KOSHER: Orange Glazed Chicken, w/Rosemary, Kasha w/Noodles, Steamed Cabbage; NON-KOSHER: Beef Fajitas, Brown Rice, Sautéed Spinach DINNER: BARTOW ONLY KOSHER: Orange Chicken w/Rosemary, Bowtie Pasta w/Kasha, Steamed Cabbage, Plum; NON-KOSHER: Beef Fajitas, Brown Rice, Sautéed spinach, Banana Saturday: Lunch OAC servedLUNCH at 12:30 p.m. BARTOW KOSHER: Beef of Pot Roast, Garlic until finished: BARTOW ONLY Mashed Potatoes, Sautéed String Beans, KOSHER: Moroccan Style Roasted Apple Chicken Legs, Brown Rice, Steamed NON-KOSHER: Whole Wheat Green Mac Beans, Plum & Cheese w/Butter Squash, Sautéed Green Beans &Soft Three Bean Salad, NON-KOSHER: Taco w/Vegetables., Orange Rice Pilaf, Baby Carrots w/Parsley, Banana

Co-op City Times / January 6, 2024

Circle of Christ Church Iglesia Circulo de Cristo

Renewed Spirit The year 2024 has come with the promise of newness and an ending to a difficult 2023. Many of us will set goals, write resolutions, and promise to make changes. All of these things might be good but the reality is that we will only go forward as far as our will and resolve prevails. Soon we will be back to the same old behavior unless we call on God to step in and help us break patterns of sinful attitudes that draw us back into slavery. Zechariah 3:1 The angel showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him. 2 The Lord said to Satan, The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire? 3 Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. 4 The angel said to those who were standing before him, Take off his filthy clothes. Then he said to Joshua, See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put fine garments on you. Through God’s mercy, Joshua is provided with clean clothing that he could not find on his own. In the same way, God has snatched us from fire and doom and yet we often get close to the edge and God pulls us back to safety. All God wants from us is obe-

dience and trust. We are renewed spiritually forever when we agree with God and let him clothe us. We are in waiting mode, serving God here while looking forward to fulfilling his promises. Our new clothing is the salvation that only God could provide. Although often difficult to see, God is working out our salvation and causing all things to come together for our good. Schedule 147 Dreiser Loop (lower level) The Church will be open Mon.-Sat. at 6 p.m. throughout January for prayer. Sunday: Every 1st Sunday of the month – Bilingual Communion Service Sunday: Spanish, 9 a.m., & English Service, 11:30 a.m. Tuesday: Prayer, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Wed. & Thurs.: Non-perishable food distribution from 12-2 p.m. Thursday: Prayer/Bible Study, 6:30-8 p.m. Friday: Youth Service (Operation Grace), 6:309 p.m. Saturday: All Fellowships are postponed until February. Blessings in Christ, —Pastor Luis F. Ramos Jr.

Church of the New Vision Greetings, in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The Church of the New Vision and Pastors Kenneth and Deborah Hodge welcome you to worship with us at 115 Einstein Loop North, Bronx, NY 10475. Church phone: 718-671-8746, and Pastor’s phone: 914-522-5039. Happy, Healthy New Year to all. Our scripture verse for 2024 is: Hebrews 12:2 NIV “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Sunday service at 11:00 a.m. All are welcomed. Masks are required and temperature will be taken. Noon Day Prayer Line now open 12-12:30 p.m. Wednesday Night Prayer Service and Bible Study, 7:00-8:00 p.m. The Conference Line Number: 646-769-9900; Access Code: 3099388#. Please mute your phone. December 31, 2023 Worship Service Theme: “Fix Your Eyes on Jesus the Author and Perfecter of our Faith.” Scripture: Hebrews 12:2 NJV “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and set down at the fight hand of the throne of God.” Announcements & Save the Dates Friday, January 12, 2024 – Join the Women’s Zoom book discussion on “Of Fire and Lion” by Mesu Andrews. To RSVP and obtain Zoom information, call 718-671-2623, or email Sis. L Scott at LJSCOTT_2000@yahoo.com. Saturday, February 10, 2024 – Amen Ministries and Church of the New Vision present “A Blueprint for Wellness” at the church location 135 Einstein Loop from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Neighbors: Please curb your dog! It’s the LAW!

Services offered are Pre-Bio Metric Health Screening, Covid-19 vaccine and flu shots, eye exam and blood pressure testing. Bring family, friends and guests. All are welcome. Wednesday, August 14, 2024 – Now accepting $50 deposits to see “Daniel” at the Sight & Sound Theatre. Adults, $215/Youth, $175. We continue to pray for speedy recovery for the sick and shut-in, and offer condolences to families who lost loved ones and good health and wellness for all. Your contributions, tithes and offerings can be mailed to Church of New Vision, P.O. Box 753037, Einstein Station, Bronx, New York 10475. Thank you. —Brenda Brown

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church St. Joseph’s is located at 155 Dreiser Loop, lower level, Co-op City, Bronx, NY 10475. E-mail: stjosephsepc@aol.com. Church phone number: 718-320-0844. Priest-in-Charge: Fr. Simeon O. Johnson; cell: 917-227-4303. Greetings! Due to the ongoing pandemic and related repairs to our space, St. Joseph’s Church has made some adjustment to our schedule of services until further notice. We are gradually getting back to normal. In-person worship service for the First Sunday after The Epiphany: The Baptism of Our Lord, will be conducted by Father Simeon Johnson at the church on Sunday, January 7, at 9 a.m. as well as via teleconference. Please also remember to tune in for the usual teleconference weekday prayers at noon. To participate by teleconference, dial 1-425-436-6344, Access Code: 509 898, followed by the # sign. Good news! On Sunday, January 14, Sunday School will be reopened. Please be prepared to take your young children and/or grandchildren with you on Sundays. It is that time of year again when we collect, complete and return our Pledge Cards. These cards are meant to reflect our financial pledge as well as an offer to volunteer our time and talent where and when possible. Please remember to pray about these commitments and do the best that you can. Sincere condolences to our members, families and friends who have recently lost loved ones. May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace. To our sick and shut-in, we extend our well wishes and prayers for a speedy recovery. Happy Birthday and best wishes to all the December birthday celebrants. We at St. Joseph’s are collecting food (cans and dry goods) for the food pantry at Grace Episcopal Church, West Farms. If you can, please contribute for those in need. Grace and Peace! —Merville Chambers

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Co-op City Times / January 6, 2024

Co-op City Baptist Church

The Church of St. Thomas The Apostle

Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invite you to join us for Worship Service tomorrow at 8 a.m. in person only and at 11 a.m. in person and on Zoom. Sunday School classes for all ages will not be held at 9:30 a.m. We are located at 135 Einstein Loop, Room 50 (lower level), Bronx, NY 10475. Telephone 718-320-3774. Masks are required. The service is also available on Zoom at https://us04web.zoom. us/j/9623430102 or Zoom Telephone Conference Line, (646) 568-7788, Conference ID: 962 343 0102#, Password: 788175#. The Church Free Conference Call Line dial in number is 857-357-0254, Access Code is 660065#. Rev. Williams asks everyone who calls into the Sunday Worship service to use Zoom through your computer or dial in using the Zoom information shown above. This Week’s Events: Both the Wednesday 1 p.m. Bible Study class and the 5 p.m. Bible Study Class; the Prayer Warriors Prayer Service on Thursday at noon; the Friday Mid-Morning Prayer Service at 10 a.m. and the 7:30 p.m. Friday Evening Prayer Service will be held. All are on the Church conference call line. The Nurses Ministry presents a seminar on “Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia” on Wednesday, January 17, at 7 p.m. The program will be done by Zoom using the church’s Zoom through your computer or dial-in number listed above. Ms. Jackie Lopez, Program Manager, Alzheimer’s Association, NYC Chapter, will be the facilitator. We invite everyone to join us. The Scholarship Ministry invites you to cruise with them aboard the Celebrity Equinox ship from Tuesday, July 30, to Thursday, August 8, 2024. Ports of call are Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Price for inside double occupancy staterooms is $3,995 per person. Only two staterooms in this category remain. To make the required deposit, contact Ms. Hermena Smith, travel agent, at 646-780-9813. If you are interested in acquiring a balcony stateroom, contact Sis. Claudette Cutlar Day at 718-379-0541. The church has a free app available on your app store by putting in Co Op CBC. This APP is open to all. GOD will strengthen us as we continue to travel through this storm. GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. –Psalm 46:1 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. —Marilyn C. Williams

177 Dreiser Loop, second floor, Room 2. Happy New Year! The entire St. Thomas Church family prays that you and your loved ones will have a blessed new year. All are invited to worship with us. Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20) The Kwanzaa celebration, observed last Sunday, was an uplifting event. Our annual custom of learning about the seven principles and reflecting upon how we can apply them to our lives was beautifully presented by the members of our congregation and clergy who participated. A special thank you is extended to Rev. Brewer for organizing this celebration. This Sunday is Epiphany Sunday. Just as the Three Kings followed the star that shone above Christ to present themselves to him, let us follow the light of Christ and present ourselves to him. Notice of Annual Meeting: The annual meeting of the membership of The Church of St. Thomas The Apostle, Inc. will be held on January 21, following a brief service for Covenant Sunday. The service will begin at 11 a.m. Sunday, January 7: 11 a.m. – Epiphany Sunday Communion Service. Fellowship with light refreshments following the service Bible Lessons: Revelation 21:3-6, 22:20; Matthew 2:1-12 Prayer: O God, who by the leading of a star didst manifest our Lord to the Wise Men of old, we ask such zeal and wisdom as may help us to guide longing souls to thee, who art the father of all. Amen. —Rev. Dorian Miceli

Pentecostal Tabernacle Co-op City Pentecostal Tabernacle, 100 Co-op City Blvd., Building 22A, welcomes everyone to join in worship service on Sundays. Sunday school starts at 10:30 a.m. Worship service starts noon-2 p.m. Wednesday morning: Prayer and fasting service at 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Bible Study and prayer meeting will also be held every Wednesday evening, 7:30 p.m. Prayer and worship service will be held every Friday evening, 7:30 p.m. All night’s services will be on Zoom. Call 646-931-3860, meeting ID: 7215591000, Code: 505050#. Wishing everyone a Happy and Prosperous New Year. Focus: Protection By Peace God provides a covering to equip and protect the feet, the gospel of peace to give stability and mobility that allow the believer flexibility to move and advance as God directs. Believers need to have their feet protected. Ephesians 6:15 stated: And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. The enemy is aligned against us whose purpose is clearly defined by the scriptures: “The thief cometh not, but to steal, and to kill, and to destroy” (John 10:10) Satan is bent on the complete destruction of every child of God. He will take what he can from and what he cannot take he will seek to slaughter, what he cannot kill, he will attempt to ruin to render it unfit for its divine purpose. Ephesians 6: 10-14, 16-18 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places, Wherefore take unto you the whole amour of God, that he may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. We are absolutely engaged in a battle in which our enemy is more than willing and capable of being the aggressor. The amour of God in general and the gospel of peace provide for us safety against his attacks. Our footing is sure, our foundation will never move or crumble. We are protected, God is our shield, our fortress, our high tower, our bulwark, and our refuge. Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 91:10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. —Rev. R. Sibblies

Co-op City United Methodist Church IEMU de Co-op City Open Doors, Open Hearts, and Open Minds Come and Visit Us – We are a multi-ethnic and bilingual, Bible-centered congregation with spirit-filled worship. We offer a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship, and service to God and our community. Services are held in person at 2350 Palmer Avenue across from Building 30. Parking is available. You can also participate with us via Zoom (904-4685745) or Facebook live (United Methodist Church of Co-op City). You’re always welcome. –Pastor, David Jolly “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.” –Psalm 37:5 As we take time to reflect on the past year and set goals for the future, Psalm 37:5, it’s a reminder to pray and fast, seeking God’s guidance and wisdom. In Matthew 6:6, Jesus tells us, ‘But when you pray, go into your room, and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.’ So, let us find a quiet place, away from distractions, and pour out our hearts to God. As we anticipate the changes that will come our way, let us remember the words of Isaiah 43:19: ‘Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.’ God is always at work, even in the midst of uncertainty. Let us trust in Him and stand firm in our faith, knowing that He will guide us through every step of our journey and provide us with the strength we need. Just as God instructed Moses to use what he had in his hand, let us also use the resources and talents that God has blessed us with. In Exodus 4:2, the Lord said to Moses, ‘What is that in your hand?’ Moses had a staff, and God used it to perform miracles. Similarly, let us use our skills, abilities, and opportunities to make a positive impact in the world around us. Finally, let all that you do be done in love. May this new year be a time of prayer, reflection, and action, as we trust in God’s promises and follow His leading. Amen. –J. Medina Come and Receive a Blessing Tuesday: Online Bible Study (Zoom: 904-468-5745) Español at 12:15 p.m. – Estudiando El Libro de Daniel English at 6 p.m. – Studying the Book of Daniel Thursday: Bilingual Prayer Service, in person, 10 a.m. Food Pantry, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Upcoming Events – Save the Dates (All are welcome) Sunday, January 7 – Bilingual Service and Communion at 11:30 a.m. Celebrating Birthdays with prayer and cake. Selling soups and salad donations, $5 and up. Other Sundays: Spanish Service at 10 a.m., English Service at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, the 14th – Bronx Cooperative Parish has their Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Service that Sunday afternoon. Further details will come. ––G. Abadia

DID YOU KNOW... There is a Lost and Found located in the Bartow Community Center’s Public Safety office. Please check there if you have recently lost keys, glasses, or other items.

Co-op City Times / January 6, 2024

Word Search Solution ––– (Continued from page 17)

WORLD CLASS FOOT & ANKLE CARE

TWO LOCATIONS! SECTION 2 BUILDING 13 100 CASALS PLACE

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718-671-2233 OPEN MON. – SAT. Most Health Insurance Plans Accepted. Affordable Prices Available For Patients With High Deductibles/No Insurance.

Co-op City Times / January 6, 2024

Important! Please Respond. Co-op City Emergency Alert System Phone Tree Update form Last Name: -------------- First Name: ----------- Date: -------Building#: --------

Apt.#:------

PLEASE NOTE: You may choose to be notified by phone call and/or text and email. Fill out the appropriate section below.

To receive automated phone messages, please enter your Home Phone, Cell Phone, Work Phone numbers. Alternate phone numbers may be used for additional family members in your household. Voice Numbers {up to 5 numbers - include Home, Cell, and alternate Voice Numbers)

□ OPT-OUT: I only wish to receive calls relating to emergencies and not general information. Voice Numbers

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(I).

o Home o Cell □Work o Ext.# needed:

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To receive E-mail messages, or to be contacted by Text, please enter the following information: E-mail /Text address (up to 5 personal or work E-Mail/Text messages may be sent to you or may be used for additional family members in your household)

Why register for Phone Tree notifications?

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Phone Tree Update Riverbay Corporation 2049 Bartow Avenue Bronx, NY 10475

You may also return this form to your CSO

It is important that Riverbay has up-to-date contact information for all shareholders in the event of an emergency or to disseminate notifications and alerts on matters that affect the community and its shareholders. Your personal contact information is not used for any other purpose or shared with external entities. With the current Coronavirus pandemic, it is essential for shareholders to receive alerts and advisories concerning the virus and other matters that pertain to your safety and well-being. Information is also shared on the Riverbay Crawler, channel 12 on MATV and channel 591 on Altice Optimum, so be sure to check in regularly. We appreciate your cooperation. -Riverbay Management

Co-op City Times / January 6, 2024

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Buy 1lb., Get 1 FREE with $50+ retail purchase

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm | Sat 8am-5pm

(718) 994-9600 www.co-opcitytire.com

 Differential Repair  Axle, CV Joint &  Preventive Maintenance  Tire Services  Electrical Systems Driveshaft Repair  Transmission Repair  Starting, Charging  Engine Diagnostics  Belts & Hoses  Vehicle Inspection & Batteries  Four Wheel Drive System  Steering &  Brake Repair  Wheel Alignment  Climate Control Systems  Lube, Oil & Filter  Wheel Services Suspension Systems  Cooling System Repair  Mufflers & Exhaust  Tire Pressure And More!  Nitrogen Inflation  Diesel Engine Repair Monitoring System

10 $

15999

Not responsible for typographical errors. Prices subject to change without notice.

3525 CONNER ST BRONX, NY 10475

ALL THIS FOR

DOZEN EGGS FREE

Visit Us For New Tires & Full Service Repair

2 lbs Chicken Legs 2 lbs Chicken Breasts 2 lbs Chuck Chop 2 lbs Sausage 2 lbs CC Pork Chops

OFF

REGULAR PRICE

ALIGNMENT SPECIAL Most cars & light trucks. No other discounts apply. Must present coupon to get this price. Offer expires 2/29/2024.

OFF

REGULAR PRICE

BATTERY

REPLACEMENT THE INSTALLATION OF ANY DELCO BATTERY

Most cars & light trucks. No other discounts apply. Must present coupon to get this price. Offer expires 2/29/2024.

WINTER CAR CARE SPECIAL

 Lube, oil change & new filter (up to 5 quarts major brand oil)  Top off fluids under the hood  Complete tire rotation  Inspect brake pads  Adjust tire pressure to manufacturer’s specs  Check tread depth on all 4 tires

Most cars & light trucks. No other discounts apply. Must present coupon to get this price. Vehicles requiring synthetic or diesel oil & filter may be extra. Additional charge for shop supplies and disposal fee may be added. Offer expires 2/29/2024.

OFF

REGULAR PRICE

FRONT DISC

BRAKE SPECIAL FREE BRAKE CHECK WITH COUPON Most cars & light trucks. No other discounts apply. Must present coupon to get this price. Offer expires 2/29/2024.