Co-op City Times 01/14/17 by Co-op City Times

Vol. 52 No. 2

Saturday, January 14, 2017

Community to rally Wednesday evening to prepare for the Women’s March on Washington BY BILL STUTTIG Just two days prior to hundreds of Co-op City residents boarding buses to take part in the massive Women’s March on Washington, D.C. on January 21st, the Co-op City community will hold a rally from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday evening, January 18th, in Dreiser Auditorium B to prepare for the march both physically and spiritually. A number of political leaders are scheduled to appear and effectively voice the concerns that many in Co-op City and elsewhere have as a new Presidential administration and a Republican Congress are about to take over the reins of power in this nation. Women’s issues, such as pay equality, reproductive rights and continuing access to family leave assurances and affordable health care, will be front and center at the rally, as well

as the march of Saturday, but issues of general concern to the entire nation will also be voiced within earshot of our leaders in Washington. Many in our nation, as well as our community, such as Riverbay Board First Vice President Bernie Cylich and President Linda Berk, have voiced great unwillingness to accept giving up the rights gained over a half century of struggle if not more. They, and perhaps millions of others, have expressed a willingness to wage a bitter fight with Washington in the coming years – if the nation is forced to give up gains in the areas of equal rights and access to basic services won over the past several decades. President Berk said this week: “I am excited that the rally will give many shareholders who cannot make (Continued on page 2)

Riverbay Management Meets With City DOT Commissioners BY ROZAAN BOONE On Thursday, Jan. 12, Riverbay’s Executive General Manager Bob Klehammer, General Manager Noel Ellison and Director of Special Projects Joe Boiko met with NYC Commissioner of the (Continued on page 13)

25¢

A Lot To Look Forward To In 2017 been able to perform a few audits, As we begin a new year, there are giving the board and mixed emotions for President’s Message management an 2016 that is now excellent reference behind us. We had point from where to problematic issues President begin with improving with the Cooper Place efficiency and profiwater leaks, construcciency in Advertising Revtion in Dreiser and Bartow enue, Accounts Receivable Centers, the high pressure boiler installation and and Restoration. There’s unreasonable delays in obviously more to be done restoration appointments. and more improvements With that said, the year expected. was not all problematic! I have noted and comWe were able to save $2 mented to management that million in the multi-family I have been impressed with a water conservation profew departments at Riverbay. gram with the pre-paid carrying They are Sanitation, Buildings and charge program. We earned $3 milGrounds and the Power Plant, which lion in our Con Ed program, in spite has come a long way. Sanitation removes gar-bage quietly, quickly of the issues we had with the new and does not leave trails of food and high pressure boiler still in the garbage along their routes like the installation process. Our move-out rate dropped down to 46 apartments NYC Department of Sanitation. a month, reinforcing the notion that I have noticed that Buildings and Co-op City is a desirable place to (Continued on page 2) live. Our new Internal Auditor has

Linda Berk

Holiday Closing For Dr. King, Jr. Day Celebration The Riverbay administrative offices will be closed on Monday, January 16, in observance of the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Although the administrative offices will be closed this Monday in observance of Dr. King Day, emergency services will be available. Shareholders may contact the maintenance desk for emergency maintenance at (718) 320-3300, choose Option #3, and the Co-op City Public Safety Department at (718) 671-3050, and 9-1-1 for emergencies. We wish everyone an enjoyable Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.

NYC DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg (second, left), Acting Bronx Borough Commissioner Nivardo Lopez (left) and Keith Kalb, Director, DOT Community Affairs (extreme right), listen attentively during Thursday’s meeting with Riverbay Executive General Manager Bob Klehammer, General Manager Noel Ellison, Director of Special Projects Joe Boiko and First Vice President Bernard Cylich. Photo by Rozaan Boone

Sterling National offers refinancing for deferred equity loans and other mortgages BY BILL STUTTIG Shareholders who paid for the equity on their Co-op City home through Riverbay’s deferred equity program now have the opportunity to refinance those loans at a much more affordable rate. Sterling National Bank, which in October became a second approved lender for new and transferring Co-op City shareholders, will begin mailing out notices to shareholders this weekend apprising them of the opportunity to refinance their deferred equity (Continued on page 4)

BUILDING 33 FIRE … An early morning fire on Wednesday in a 14th

floor apartment in Building 33 seriously injured two individuals who occupied the home, one critically. Preliminary reports are that the fire might have started due to a cigarette butt that was not properly extinguished hours before. Photo by Bill Stuttig

Co-op City Times / January 14, 2017

President’s Report

(Continued from page 1)

Grounds works seamlessly with Sanitation, coordinating the movement of dumpsters from the basement to the pads on the street. These dumpsters are never left around, reminding us of the unsightly overflowing dumpsters of the past. Grounds does a great job from summer to winter, from planting flowers and shrubs to removing snow at the crack of dawn. Now clearly, there are improvements we can recommend for all departments. However, in an environment where there has historically been complacency, lack of urgency and unacceptable status quo, I believe we should recognize departments who have not let sub-standard performance be their status quo. In that light, I have suggested to management that as we work to rebuild the departments in need, and improve on the other departments, we should establish an incentive program where we recognize a couple of top peforming departments each year, providing each staff member with a monetary bonus. Incentive-based programs will breed self-monitoring for improvements. On January 11, First Vice President Bernard Cylich, General Counsel Jeffrey Buss and I joined management in a meeting with Wells Fargo, HUD and HCR. The meeting was an opportunity to update the entities on the progress of DE’s management of Riverbay, along with a review of the proposed budget. It was a very constructive discussion, with good participation by everyone. At the end of the meeting, we were all in agreement that it was a very productive meeting and the entities expressed that they were very happy with the progress at Riverbay. They remained concerned about the progress of non-critical projects, but also expressed that they understood some of the delays. We were able to raise the question of HCR’s delay in approving contracts and the low threshold required for their approval. There is serious consideration to be given to the fact that Riverbay is much different from all other HCR properties and may, in fact, need different thresholds. The new executive Dan Murphy was eager to work with Riverbay to meet our different needs. We will continue to work on improving this relationship. As I expressed to them, we as a board, are interested in moving forward in a congenial and cooperative relationship to continue with the progress of moving Riverbay into the 21st century. I am happy to say that Riverbay Fund President Deborah Jenkins and I met with Ivor Bascom, coach of the Cowboys football team, to explain the board’s decision not to approve the multi-purpose field on the greenway. We explained that there were too many unanswered questions at this time to move forward. We also made it very clear that the board was very supportive of his efforts and those of the other coaches here at Co-op City. We realize the value they add for the community and, more importantly, our young people. Director Jenkins shared opportunities that might be available for them via the Riverbay Fund and we took a list of issues, none of which were major, and agreed we would have Riverbay address their concerns. We assured Mr. Bascom that solidifying our relationship with Truman High School and use of the Truman football field would be one of the critical issues addressed with the mayor’s office. I believe both Director Jenkins and myself felt that Mr. Bascom understood that the board is concerned about a place for our youth. We will continue to push for their needs on various fronts. Finally, I should be meeting with the mayor’s general counsel next week to set up Riverbay’s meeting with the mayor’s top staff. The mayor promised Riverbay a meeting during his recent Bronx town hall to discuss issues around our asbestos abatement for flooring and relief for expenses we incur providing services the city does not, such as sanitation and policing. On Wednesday evening, the board was presented with management’s 5year capital plan and a proposed budget for the next two years. The capital plan is ambitious, but I found it to be needed and very thorough. We have serious infrastructure issues, some of which have gone unattended and are problematic, such as our elevators and the pea gravel under the porticos. One of the challenging tasks we have as board directors is making difficult decision, decisions that must be made. So we have begun our initial review of the capital plans and budget and will start a healthy discussion at our next board meeting on how we can best meet the needs of the corporation and its shareholders. As this budget discussion is a work in progress that is in draft form, we are not at liberty to discuss details at this time. However, shareholders can expect to receive a preview of this budget after the board has had the opportunity to discuss and receive answers to our q u e s t i o n s r eg a r d i n g management’s proposal. If you have news you’d Let me end by saying I like to share with your expect 2017 to be an action-packed year with neighbors, please give changes, progress and us a call at (718) 320improvements we can all 3300, Ext. 3375; email: be proud of. We may have cctimes@riverbaysome active discussions, corp.com or fax (718) but all in all, there is a lot 320-2595. we can look forward to in 2017.

Let us know…

Rally

(Continued from page 1)

the March on Washington a chance to participate and have input in the preparation for our community. We will have presentations from our elected officials and community organizations to send us off charged and amped up to support women's rights and human rights! “I am an advocate for community engagement and believe that any opportunity to help speak up for Co-op City is a good opportunity,” President Berk added. “It is so critical that our voices are heard. It is the only way we will have the attention of our elected officials to receive our fair share of governmental and financial support. "Let this be your act of community activism. Having a full turnout for this event will speak volumes!" Aside from President Berk and other Board directors, the community’s political leaders will also speak at the rally. They include: Co-op City’s new State Senator Jamaal Bailey; Jerome Rice, President of the Co-op City branch of the NAACP; Lori Melton, President of the Co-op City Section of the National Council of Negro Women; Shirley Saunders, Female District Leader for the 82nd Assembly District and George Clarke, Male District Leader for the 82nd Assembly District. Other elected officials and political and civic leaders have been invited to speak, but their appearance had not yet been confirmed before our press deadline. Aside from the speeches, Co-op City residents will be invited to help make signs that will be used at the March when the Co-op City buses arrive in Washingto, D.C. by approximately mid-morning on Saturday. Wednesday evening’s rally is starting early in the evening, at 6 p.m., so parents will have the chance to bring their children to learn about the importance of raising their voices in a democratic nation in order for their rights and privileges to be created and upheld not only for this generation, but future generations to come. Buses to the Women’s March of Washington, D.C. will leave at 5 a.m. Saturday morning, January 21st, the day after the inauguration of President Donald Trump, from all three Co-op City Community Centers. They will return to the community at approximately 11 p.m. that evening and drop residents off at the community center closest to their homes. Tickets for the bus trip to and from Washington, D.C. are available for $25 by calling Sharan White at 347-913-4224. Riverbay Board Assistant Secretary Rod Saunders said last week: “I don’t see this so much as an anti-Trump rally, but as a statement of support for the maintenance of all of the positive gains in Washington that have been fought for and won with the ‘blood, sweat and tears’ of so many who have come before us.”

Co-op City Times / January 14, 2017

Co-op City Times 2 n d

Front Pa ge

Letter writing drive to bring Barnes & Noble back to the Bronx begins in Co-op City BY BILL STUTTIG

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

Next CB #10 meeting, Jan. 19 The next monthly meeting of Community Board #10 will be held on Thursday, January 19 at 7 p.m. at Villa Barone Manor, 737 Throgs Neck Expressway, Bronx, NY 10465. For more information, please contact CB #10 at (718) 892-1161.

DAAC’s Speaker Series – Alzheimer’s Awareness The Riverbay Board’s Disabilities & Accommodations (DAAC), chaired by Director Andrea Leslie, will continue its Speaker Series this month with Alzheimer’s Awareness to be presented on Thursday, January 26, 1-3 p.m. in room 28 of the Bartow Center. The presenters will be Roberto Reyes, outreach manager of Caring King NYC; and Miguel Sanchez of JASA’s Pearl Program. This program is part of a bimonthly speaker series which highlights a variety of topics by knowledgeable guests. Admission is free and everyone is encouraged to attend.

Support Group for family/friends of the mentally ill A support group, which will offer an outlet for those caring for loved ones with mental illness while providing practical information and resources for education, support and advocacy, began in Co-op City this Thursday, January 12th. The group will meet on the second Thursday evening of each month thereafter, 7-9 p.m., room 35 of the Einstein Center. The group will be led by experienced support group facilitators, Winnie Walsh and Riverbay Board Director Marie Smith. The program is offered through the National Alliance on Mental Illness of New York City (NAMI-NYC). Co-op City residents interested in participating can contact Ms. Smith at msmith@riverbayboard.com or by leaving a message for her through the Riverbay Board office by calling 718-320-3300, extension 3400.

Assemblyman Michael Benedetto said a letter-writing drive to return Barnes & Noble to the Bronx will begin next month with school children and community leaders from Co-op City and its surrounding communities being the first to get onboard. “We cannot let a Bronx-based Barnes & Noble store go by the wayside. It is too important to the cultural and educational life of the borough,” the Assemblyman told the Co-op City Times this week. “We must mobilize the entire Bronx.” The assemblyman said that mobilization will begin in his district, the 82nd Assembly district in February as each school in the district, including the six in Co-op City, will be pressed into action as students will be given sample letters or the option of writing their own about the importance of keeping a Barnes & Noble store in the Bronx, and sending those letters to the corporate headquarters of Barnes & Noble. Assemblyman Benedetto said that he would also recruit the community organizations throughout the district to have their members do the same as the students, send letters directly to Barnes & Noble requesting that the bookseller return to the Bronx in the not too distant future. The Barnes & Noble store in Bay

Plaza closed at the end of 2016. The impending closing of the store, which had been a fixture in Bay Plaza since 1999 was made public in October after attempts to negotiate a new lease with the shopping center’s owner, Prestige Properties, failed. A few weeks later, it was revealed that a Saks clothing store will soon be occupying the space that Barnes & Noble occupied for more than 17 years. Assemblyman Benedetto promised in late October that he would launch a campaign designed to pressure the book seller to return to the Bronx as the borough’s only major book store outside of a college campus. “When Barnes & Noble made its decision to leave the Bronx I vowed that we would hold them to their commitment to return within 24 to 36 months,” stated Assemblyman Benedetto. “We are going to pursue a coordinated, borough-wide letter writing campaign to remind Barnes & Noble about its promise to return to the Bronx.” The campaign, which will be organized in Assemblyman Benedetto’s Co-op City office by his legislative aide Leon Tulton, will elicit the support of all his Assembly colleagues to send Barnes & Noble the message. Assemblyman Benedetto said that all of the Assembly members representing Bronx communities will be

part of this effort. He said, that following the 82nd Assembly District’s letterwriting campaign in February, the people of the 80th Assembly District – comprised of Pelham Parkway, Morris Park, Allerton and Pelham Gardens, to name a few – will be participating under the leadership of their Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj. Other Assembly Districts will follow in the months to come until it comes around again to the 82nd District. Benedetto promised that the letter-writing campaign will last for well over a year if that is what it takes to get a commitment from Barnes & Noble to return to the Bronx. “This way, the entire Bronx will present a united effort,” the Assemblyman said. “Every month, letters will be finding their way to Barnes & Noble’s main office and, hopefully, this collaboration will result in a new Barnes & Noble for the Bronx.” The campaign will enlist community organizations, schools, building associations and any other interested parties all around the Bronx to send letters to the bookseller’s main office. The letters will detail the importance that Barnes & Noble means to the Bronx and its residents and reinforce the company’s promise to return. Volunteers who wish to join this effort should call Leon Tulton at (718) 320-2220.

Smoking In Interior Public Places Prohibited In Co-op City BY BILL STUTTIG

Cooperators are reminded that those who smoke in any of the community’s interior public spaces – which include building stairwells, hallways, lobbies, elevators and all of the community centers – will be fined $300. The New York State Division of Homes and Community Renewal (DHCR) approved a sharp increase in the community complaint fine last year for people caught smoking in interior public places throughout Co-op City last year after the board approved a resolution increasing the fine. On March 3, 2016 by a vote of 10 to 3, the Riverbay Board of Directors passed the resolution increasing the fee for people caught smoking in interior public places to $300. Then-Riverbay Board President Cleve Taylor was one of the leading proponents of the smoking fine increase. “Innocent people can and do lose their lives due to the irresponsible behavior of smokers in apartment buildings,” Mr. Taylor, a retired firefighter, said. “I have seen it. Many, many more innocent people have suffered serious injury to themselves and their loved ones due to this irresponsible behavior and billions of dollars in property damage has been caused by illegal smoking in this city.” Mr. Taylor added: “It is a behavior that is dangerous and unhealthy for everyone, not just the smoker. It (Continued on page 13)

RIVERBAY CALL CENTER NEW “PROMPT” LOCATIONS When contacting Riverbay Corporation, please call (718) 320-3300, and: ! !

•! !"#$$%&%'(%)*+%,-.#%-%!+/0'1%2-(#3)%#4#"5#61)% •! !"#$$%7%3*%8'-0%-%9'.#"/-)%#:3#6$'*6;*"%-11#$$%3,#%8'"#13*")% •! !"#$$%<%3*%"#=*"3%-%4-'63#6-61#%="*/0#4%'6%)*+"%-=-"34#63>%?9% %%%%%3*%"#-1,%)*+"%@2?%A-6-5#">%@2?%B'"#13*">%?4/+8$4-6% •! !"#$$%C%3*%/#%1*66#13#8%D'3,%3,#%9#$3*"-3'*6$%B#=-"34#63% •! !"#$$%E%3*%"#-1,%-%9#63%F**GG##=#"% •! !"#$$%H%3*%"#-1,%!-"G'65%I-1'0'3'#$%J%23*"-5#% •! !"#$$%K%3*%$1,#8+0#%-%@*44+6'3)%9**4% •! !"#$$%L%3*%"#-1,%9#$'8#63'-0%2-0#$% •! !"#$$%M%3*%"#-1,%!"#%$%&%'($)*+(!),#-.(/0% •! 23-)%*6%3,#%0'6#%3*%$=#-G%D'3,%-6%?=#"-3*"% %

I*"%-%!+/0'1%2-(#3)%N4#"5#61)>%=0#-$#%8'-0%K&LOHK&O<PEP% AQRS%T%@-4#"-%2#".'1#%B#$GU%K&LO<7PO<E7M% @*'6OA-1,%V0-+68")%'$$+#$WU%LPPOK<COLLE&% @-/0#.'$'*6%2#".'1#U%K&LOH&KO<EPP;2-0#$U%LHHO7&LO&M<&%

Co-op City Times / January 14, 2017

Sterling National loan to a 30-year fixed rate loan at a lower rate. According to Darrin Greaves, a Senior Mortgage Loan Officer with the Community Development Banking Division of Sterling National, a Riverbay Deferred Equity Loan was payable over a short term of 7 years at an interest rate of approximately 5%. Now through Sterling’s offer, shareholders will have the opportunity to refinance those loans at a more favorable 30-year fixed rate. In the material being sent out, Sterling quotes a loan amount of $20,250 at a 30-year fixed rate of 4.624% will result in monthly payments of $98.14 over 360 months. Mr. Greaves said that under the terms of the loan, there are no prepayment penalties, giving shareholders the right to pay off their entire loan at any time with no penalty, whether it is a month from now or 10 or 20 years from now, whenever that possibility becomes financially viable for that household. “Sterling National Bank looks forward to being able to provide the residents in Co-op City with affordable financing options,” Mr. Greaves said. Riverbay’s Director of Finance Peter Merola explained that Riverbay’s Deferred Equity Program started in May of 2011 as a way to allow incoming shareholders to finance their equity payments at a time when – due to the banking crisis two years earlier – the requirements of banks and other lending institutions were so stringent that even incoming shareholders with good credit ratings were having much difficulty getting the loan they needed to secure their equity. This was, in turn, delaying the process by which incoming shareholders could

(Continued from page 1)

move into their new homes leading to increased vacancies and the lost revenue that comes with them, as well as having hundreds of qualified shareholders being denied the opportunity to move into their new Co-op City home in a timely fashion. To help those shareholders and to financially benefit the cooperative, Riverbay came up with a program where the equity payments could be broken up into monthly payments over a seven year period, thus allowing these new shareholders to move-in in a more timely fashion. Approximately 1,100 shareholders took advantage of this program over a fiveyear period from 2011 to 2016. Mr. Merola said that under the terms of the deferred equity program, the value of outstanding equity still owed to Riverbay is approximately $14 million. If the majority of the shareholders who still owe money to Riverbay through the deferred equity program refinance at the much more favorable rates being offered by Sterling, that would result in the cooperative receiving the majority of the owed $14 million over a relatively short period of time – a boon to all shareholders in Co-op City. Mr. Greaves explained that the mailings (shown below, left) are going out beginning this weekend a few buildings at time, but any shareholder who hears about the program no matter where they live in Co-op City, can call to inquire if the refinancing offer will be financially beneficial to them. Mr. Greaves, who is spearheading the refinancing offer for Sterling can be reached by calling 212-5752463, Monday through Friday.

For career opportunities at Riverbay, see page 7 for job listings.

CCTimes Holiday Deadline Notice In observance of the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day this Monday, January 16, all Riverbay administrative offices will be closed. Because of the holiday-shortened work week, all material, including Directors’ viewpoints, for publication in the upcoming Saturday, January 21st issue of the Co-op City Times must be submitted before 9 a.m. this Tuesday, January 17. The deadline will be strictly enforced to ensure that we meet our production deadline. As a result, material received after 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 17, will not be considered for publication in the Saturday, Jan. 21st issue of the Co-op City Times. Submissions may be emailed to cctimes @riverbaycorp.com; faxed to (718) 3202595 or slipped under the office door at 2049 Bartow Avenue, rm. 21. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation. We wish our readers an enjoyable holiday weekend.

Building 13 Card-making Workshop

Co-op City Times / January 14, 2017

It’s

HAPPENING in Co-op City!

Building 13 Association, Inc. began the new year with a card making workshop…which was facilitated by Bria Lemon-Johnson (above, second from left). Each participant donated three of their creations with a feel-good message written for cancer survivors at our local hospital. Bria, who is on vacation from her first semester at college, has been attending Building 13’s art workshops for over 8 years and seamlessly transitioned into a wonderful leader. The materials used included food coloring, shaving cream, markers, paper and love. Photos by Annice Bailey and Gail Sharbaan

DR. LEWIS WOLSTEIN Podiatrist — Foot Specialist • Practicing in Co-op City since 1975 • Board Certified in Foot Surgery • ALL conditions of the foot treated • We

accept most health insurance plans

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

Dr. Lewis Wolstein

Call:

“Se Habla Español”

718.671.7226 100 DeKruif Place

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

Co-op City Times / January 14, 2017

Letters to the Editor

Thankful To the Editor: Despite the ups and downs on this journey of life, I can find reasons to be so thankful. I moved here to Co-op City in 1998 and I have determined it was the best choice I made and I am very thankful for that. I am thankful for my sidewalk café which is my dining area. From there, I am able to look out at the beautiful sky and the Long Island Sound. I am thankful for the building I live in, we are blessed with the best porters. I am also grateful for the beautiful gardening of flowers, plants and trees, the beauty of nature and it is all free. I am thankful for the structure of Co-op

Where Is It Written?

City, one does not have to travel outside of Co-op City for shopping or necessities. Thankful, what a way to spend the last span of one’s life, so many activities, just pick your choice. So thankful to be in the company of so many seniors who have been blessed with longevity of life and they just enjoy themselves. It is amazing how they just bloom with such beautiful smiles, and don’t mention the dancing! I am thankful for a new year and we do not know what the future holds, but we who believe know who holds the future. I am just so thankful. —H. Overman

To the Editor: The Right to Life movement has been erroneously preaching that life is a God-given right. However, there is nothing in the Bible that states life is a right. That idea was written into the Declaration of Independence without any Biblical authority. Choice is the right the Bible gives. It is in Deuteronomy 30:15-19 "...therefore choose life." —Sally Kya-Hill Complaints? Compliments? Quality of Life issues? Write a Letter to the Editor! cctimes@riverbaycorp.com

Board of Directors’ Meeting - January 11, 2017 First Reading - Resolution #17-01 SUBMITTED BY:Evelyn Turner SECONDED BY: Deborah Jenkins BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: January 11th, 2017 WHEREAS, the Procurement Department sent out thirty-three (33) requests for proposals to vendors selected by HCR, the Blue Book and the internet for Bid #3075, Water Main Replacement; and WHEREAS, we received three (3) proposals which were sent for review; and WHEREAS, Procurement polled the 30 companies who did not respond and asked the reason(s) they did not bid. Eight (8) responded with reasons ranging from (i) they don’t work on mains, (ii) they are scaling back, and (iii) they don’t give priority to submitting bids to companies they have not worked with before; and WHEREAS, the three submitted (3) bids were

reviewed in detail by the Project Manager and the Project Engineer, Bladykas Engineering; and WHEREAS, the Project Manager and Bladykas Engineering, has determined Express Plumbing Sewer and Water Main Corp. is the lowest responsible bidder (Recommendations attached); and WHEREAS, this will be a one year contract in which we will pay for the Water Main Replacement (spreadsheet attached). NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that the proposed contract 3075 with Express Plumbing Sewer and Water Main Corp. for the amount of $850,000.00 for a period of one (1) year be approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and amended by Board of Directors Resolution #95-44 and the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.

First Reading - Resolution #16-75 SUBMITTED BY: Linda Berk SECONDED BY: Claudia Sampson BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: December 14th, 2016 WHEREAS, the Contracts Administration Department sent out 13 bid packages for Bid P998 to Purchase Network Hardware for Storage & Transmission of VMWare Images; and WHEREAS, Contract Administration received 4 bids for this purchase; and WHEREAS, the four bids were sent to the Project Manager for review and the Project Manager and their group reviewed the bids, which they decided that the bid from ePlus Technology, Inc. was the most qualified bidder, see the attached memo, 11/29/16.

NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that the proposed Contract P998 with ePlus Technology, Inc. in the amount of $404,637.80 be approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution 85-16 and amended by Resolution 95-44 and the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective. YES: Berk, Cylich, Feliciano, Graham, Jenkins, Jones, Lambright, Leslie, Peterson, Sampson, Saunders, Turner and Williams NO: Johnson & Smith PASSED (See page 9 for more Resolutions)

Important Notice to Shareholders of Building 31 Article SIXTH of your Occupancy Agreement provides, in part, that your lease automatically renews for an additional three (3) year period. You need to do nothing if you want your lease to extend for another three (3) year period. If you will be moving out at the end of your lease, notify Riverbay, in writing, Attention: Sales Support Office, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475, ninety (90) days prior to lease expiration.

Building 31

Current Lease Expiration Date

New 3 yr. Expiration Date

Building 31 A&B 100 & 120 Erskine Place

March 31, 2017

March 31, 2020

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

Bill Stuttig Associate Editor

Jim Roberts Business Manager

Jennifer Piovanetti Operations Manager

Ralph Henriquez Production Manager

The Co-op City Times welcomes issue-oriented letters to the editor to be considered for publication. All letters, in prose, not poetry, must be addressed to the editor, not to third parties. All letters must be 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. 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 in the Co-op City Times office in Room 21, Bartow Community Center, by 3 p.m. every Monday to be considered for publication in that week’s edition. Views and opinions expressed in letters and Directors’ Viewpoint are solely the writer’s, and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times or Riverbay Corp. Advertisements and classified advertisements in the Co-op City Times do not necessarily reflect an endorsement from Riverbay Corporation of goods and services, but present greater options to cooperators of products and services available. The Riverbay Corporation does not assume any responsibility nor is it a party to any contract or agreement between the cooperator and the vendor. All matter published herein is copyrighted by the Co-op City Times. Permission for reprints of advertising or editorial contents produced by the Co-op City Times must be obtained in writing from Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Ave., Bronx, New York 10475.

If the Co-op City Times Was Not Delivered: Call 347-439-5632 on Saturdays ONLY, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Co-op City Times / January 14, 2017

Public Safety Report

Juvenile Reports Prepared By Public Safety Officers For Offenses Committed By Persons Under The Age Of 16

Officers of the Co-op City Department of Public Safety are authorized to prepare Juvenile Reports when offenses of the law are committed by persons at least seven years, but less than sixteen years of age. The Juvenile Report is a New York City Police Department form which is utilized when certain types of offenses are committed by persons under the age of 16. Preparation of the Juvenile Report takes the place of an arrest for all Violations and some Misdemeanors. When a Juvenile Report is issued, it is forwarded to the youth officer at the 45th Precinct. The youth officer at the 45th Precinct determines what type of follow up is required. Parents of the child are often contacted to monitor future activity. The Juvenile Report can start the process of intervention before serious delinquent activity begins. When a child is taken into custody for the issuance of a Juvenile Report, the parents of the child are notified. It becomes necessary for the parent to respond to Public Safety Headquarters and possibly also to the 45th Precinct with identification to pick up the child. In the event that the child is truant from school, the school is also contacted. School Safety is notified and the child is returned to school. After school hours, if the parent cannot be reached, the child is transported to a Juvenile Detention facility. A Co-op City Community Complaint is also issued when the child is a Co-op City resident and the offense was committed within Co-op City. The Co-op City Community Complaint carries a monetary fine and can be added to the monthly carrying charges. Subsequent violations result in increased fines. Multiple violations can lead to eviction. This helps to maintain a high quality of life and low crime rate within the community. Juvenile Reports are often issued for fighting during the school arrival and departure times. The officers of the Co-op City Department of Public Safety are strategically placed adjacent to the schools for the purpose of protecting the life and property of the residents of Co-op City. Students are directed to walk directly home or promptly board the bus to return home. Parents of school-age children should encourage children to respond home without delay and refrain from engaging in fighting while on the way to and from school. Engaging in activities, such as snowball throwing, often escalates to fighting or other violence. Throwing snowballs at moving vehicles or pedestrians may result in property damage or serious injury. Criminal penalties for this type of activity can be severe. An activity that may have started out as fun can have detrimental results. Although not so serious, this week we had many children lose their cellphones while playing in the snow. Snow is not forecasted for the coming week, but I am sure we will receive at least one more round of snow before this winter is over. Parents should also make sure students are always in possession of the proper bus pass or MetroCard for boarding the bus. Any theft or loss of bus pass should be reported immediately in order that a replacement can be issued. Children should be directed never to board the buses from the rear door. This act is dangerous and also illegal. Plainclothes enforcement by special New York City Agents on many city buses is in effect. It is always important for cooperators to call the Department of Public Safety when they observe

BY LT. PAM APOLLO

any suspicious activity, especially during school arrival and dismissal times. Youths observed fighting or attempting to enter the buildings for the purpose of loitering should be reported immediately. Don’t forget, the Department of Public Safety has a lost and found for keys and eyeglasses located at our office at 2049 Bartow Avenue, lower level. If you find keys or eyeglasses, bring them to Public Safety. Be sure to check here if you are missing these items as well. This week, a cell phone was brought in to Public Safety and within two hours the phone was reunited with its owner. If you find a

cell phone, please do the right thing and bring it down to Public Safety. Some day, someone may do the same thing for you or your family member. In New York State, the Expanded “Move Over” law has been in effect since January 1, 2012. This law makes it a violation to fail to move over a lane when approaching a service vehicle, such as a tow truck or a stopped emergency vehicle with or without its warning lights on. This violation carries a fine of up to $150 and up to two points on your license. The purpose of this law is to protect emergency responders and other service vehicles.

OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY For information on CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES ONLY, please contact: Lenya Garcia at Lgarcia@riverbay corp.com; and Barbara Penn at Bpenn@riverbaycorp.com. Please note that emails should be sent to both parties. Please DO NOT email resumes for EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES to the aforementioned emails. For EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, please see bottom of the employment listings for specific directions. CONTRACT SUMMARY

There are no contract opportunities this week. Please check back again next week.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Co-op City Times / January 14, 2017

Remembering Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Director’s Viewpoint

Francine Reva Jones Secretary Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968) was a Baptist minister and activist who dedicated his life to the Civil Rights Movement and making life better for poor people. He is known for his nonviolent civil disobedience tactics based on his Christian beliefs. Among his many contributions, King led the 1955 Montgomery bus boycott and helped found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. He helped organize the 1963 nonviolent protests in Birmingham, Alabama. King also helped to organize the 1963 March on Washington. On October 14, 1964, King received the Nobel Peace Prize for fighting racial inequality through nonviolent resistance. According to Wikipedia, in 1965, he helped to organize the Selma to Montgomery marches, and then in 1966, he and SCLC took the movement north to work on segregated housing in Chicago. In the final years, King expanded his focus to include opposition against poverty and the Vietnam War, with a 1967 speech titled “Beyond Vietnam.” In 1968, King was planning a national occupation of Washington, D.C., to be called the Poor People's Campaign, when he was assassinated on April 4 in Memphis, Tennessee. King accomplished all of this by the age of 39 and his legacy of nonviolence will live on for many years to come. March on Washington I support the efforts of Board President Linda Berk in her call to action for the March on Washington on January 21, 2017. There are women’s rights, voting rights and the Affordable Care Act that need to be upheld. My personal issues are with gun control and police reform. The members of the National Rifle Association want gun ownership to remain the same. However, there is a need for more gun regulations after several massacres have occurred in our country. A background check should be conducted before anyone owns a gun so that guns will stay out of the hands of people with mental conditions. I do not believe it is not an unreasonable request. Police reform is needed so that police officers will be held

accountable for their crimes. Co-op City is the largest middle-income cooperative development in the nation and shareholders need to stand up for what we want and for what is right. I believe that the new administration will attempt to privatize everything and that will be the end of affordable housing as we know it. If you agree and are an abled bodied person, please join us on this March on Washington and let President-elect Trump know that we exist and that we care about our community. There are a few seats left on the bus and I have tickets that you can purchase. Call me at 718-671-5957. In the words of the inimitable orator, Frederick Douglas, “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.” 45th Precinct Meeting Approximately 100 cooperators attended the 45th Precinct meeting on January 5th in room 31 of the Bartow Community Center. The following are some of the highlights: • Crime is down by 10%. • Parking in the dumpster pads is prohibited and you could be ticketed. The dumpster pad area is designated to Riverbay staff. • Lock your car doors and remove anything of value. There is someone who checks car doors and takes what he wants. • If you see something suspicious, call 9-1-1. • A cooperator asked that patrol cars avoid parking where school buses park because it makes it difficult for children to board and disembark from the buses. • Another cooperator requested that police officers and other adults should talk to the kids because they need to understand that the police are not their enemy. • There was discussion about a community center for the children and Joe Boiko advised that discussions were held with the Truman H.S. principal and it is likely that Truman H.S. will be open to the community soon. • Finally, Director Junius Williams was congratulated on having graduated from the Civilian Police Academy and he commented that, “the police department is only as good as the information they get from the community.” All cooperators should plan to attend the next meeting of the 45th Precinct. Town Hall Meeting The cooperators have

Building 10 Association Our first General Membership Meeting of the new year on Tuesday, January 10, was a success. We recapped the highlights of 2016 and a review and discussion of plans for 2017. We have a wonderful year planned for both the youth and adult cooperators of building 10 We are having a Pot Luck Dinner again this year, to ring in the New Year! Last year’s Pot Dinner was a great success so we are doing it again! Join your Building 10 family and friends on Saturday, January 21, for fun and fellowship. Let us know what dish you plan on bringing for everyone’s enjoyment. We are following this first event of the New Year with a Fun Night and a casino bus trip. You can always check here in the CO-OP Times for more information on our upcoming events. If you missed the meeting, you can always slip a note under the door of the association room with your idea and name, and your phone number (optional). Thank you for your continued support! Again, we wish all of you a safe and happy holiday season! We believe each individual Building 10 Association member is the strength of our association. So, join us at our next meeting! —Ron Campbell

communicated their desire to express themselves and our Board president, Linda Berk, intends to oblige. Beginning in February, the Board will present a town hall meeting. We want to hear from you so that we can attempt to put policies in place to give you what you want, within reason, of course. Please continue reading this newspaper for more information on the town hall meeting and prepare to make your voice heard. Pipe repair I trust that all cooperators who travel along Co-op City Blvd. have noticed that the construction work that was an eyesore in our community has been completed and the grounds look normal again. Our management team has worked diligently to get this two-year old issue resolved and to stop the water leak, and they have finally done so. When spring rolls around, the Grounds Department will plant grass and beautiful flowers at that site for all residents to admire and enjoy. New Year’s Day Ball There was no better way to start the New Year than by attending Councilman Andy King & Neva Shillingford-King’s Twelfth District Annual New Year’s Day Ball at Eastwood Manor. Nearly everyone was dressed in formal attire and walked the red carpet like movie stars. The MC and singer made for good entertainment and cancer survivors were celebrated. Several family members attended, as well as my daughter and grandson, who were visiting for the holidays. Councilman King really knows how to please his constituents. Thank you for another successful affair. Contact me I can be reached at: Francine Jones, Board of Directors, Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475 or call 718-671-5957. In honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, do something King-like on Monday. Volunteer to help a friend, neighbor, church, organization or just call someone to bring them cheer. Peace!

Co-op City Times / January 14, 2017

First Reading - Resolution #17-03 on the appointment of members and chairs of other committees. 2. The Committee shall consult regularly with the chairperson and members of other standing, special, or ad hoc committees to ensure that they WHEREAS, Article III, Section 8 of the are operating in accordance with their estabBylaws of the Riverbay Corporation provides for lished mission and purpose. the existence of a Committee on Committees and 3. The Committee shall review and make recauthorizes the Board of Directors to appoint such ommendations to the Board concerning the committees as it deems desirable; and responsibilities, structure, size, and scope of WHEREAS, the Board of Directors wishes committees, including proposals to dissolve, creto establish a Committee on Committees to con- ate, or merge committees. sider matters relating to the formation of com4. The Committee shall inform the Board of mittees of the Board of Directors and nomina- any vacancies on any committee existing longer tions thereto; than sixty (60) calendar days. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED 5. The Committee shall be authorized to that the Board of Directors hereby establishes a appoint committee members to fill vacancies Committee on Committees (the “Committee”), that have existed for longer than ninety (90) calwhich shall have the duties set forth herein; endar days; provided that all such appointments RESOLVED FURTHER that the Commit- must first be approved by the President to be tee shall serve at the pleasure of the Board and its deemed valid. function and existence shall be subject to any 6. The Committee is authorized to propose and all rules, regulations and resolutions adopted resolutions in connection with the creation, at any time by the Board of Directors. merger, or dissolution of any committee, in conRESOLVED FURTHER that the Commit- sultation with the Legal Department. tee shall consist of three or more members of the 7. The Committee shall meet regularly, as Board of Directors; needed, and shall report regularly to the Board of RESOLVED FURTHER that the President Directors regarding the execution of its duties shall appoint the First or Second Vice President and responsibilities. to be the chairperson(s) of the Committee, and RESOLVED FURTHER that notwithstandsaid chairperson(s) shall appoint a Secretary of ing the foregoing, the President of the Board of the Committee; and Directors shall retain all power and authority RESOLVED FURTHER that the Commit- under the Bylaws of the Riverbay Corporation tee shall have the following power and duties: with respect to committees, including the author1. The Committee shall advise the President ity to appoint the chairperson of each committee. SUBMITTED BY: Bernard Cylich BY: Francine Jones & Andrea Leslie BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING DATED: January 11th, 2017

Second Reading - Resolution #16-76 SUBMITTED BY: Evelyn Turner SECONDED BY: Sonia Feliciano BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: January 11, 2017 WHEREAS, Contracts Administration sent out eight bids for Bid P1008, Purchase of Henry 660 Floor Adhesive; and WHEREAS, three bids were received and evaluated, which Home Depot was the low bidder; and WHEREAS, Home Depot’s price was $87/4 gallon pail and we buy approximately 2,304 pail throughout the year, with the capability to order more or less according to the needs of the Flooring Department.

NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that the proposed Contract P1008 with Home Depot in the amount of $210,000.00 + tax be approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution 85-16 and amended by Resolution 95-44 and the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective. YES: Berk, Cylich, Feliciano, Graham, Jenkins, Johnson, Jones, Lambright, Leslie, Peterson, Sampson, Smith, Saunders, Turner and Williams. PASSED

Second Reading - Resolution #16-81 between Riverbay Corporation, Owner, and Congressman Eliot Engel, Tenant, containing the terms as negotiated by Riverbay Corporation’s management is hereby approved as submitted by management in accordance with ResoWHEREAS, Congressman Eliot Engel has lution #85-16 as amended by Resolution #95-44; requested a lease from Riverbay Corporation for and be it the premises at 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 3, (384 FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President sq. ft.) Bronx, New York, to be used for congres- of the Corporation is authorized to sign the lease sional district office; and agreement and related documents on behalf of WHEREAS, the term of the lease is two Riverbay Corporation. years annual rental rates are within the proviYES: Berk, Cylich, Feliciano, Graham, sions of Resolution #85-16 as amended by Res- Jenkins, Jones, Lambright, Leslie, Peterson, olution #95-44; and Sampson, Smith, Saunders, Turner, Williams. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, ABSENT FOR VOTE: Johnson that the lease agreement for the premises at 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 3, Bronx, New York, by and PASSED SUBMITTED BY: Rod Saunders SECONDED BY: Linda Berk BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING DATED: January 11th, 2017

Second Reading Resolution #16-66 SUBMITTED BY: Kevin Lambright SECONDED BY: Francine Reva Jones BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING DATED: November 9th, 2016 WHEREAS, On October 7, 1998 the Board approved Emergency Resolution #98-72 which provided a commercial office space in Building 16 to the Building 16 Youth Program on a rent free basis; and WHEREAS, In the Board’s judgment this Building 16 office space should be made available for rental and Resolution # 98-72 should be rescinded; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Resolution #98-72 is hereby rescinded and that the Building 16 Youth Program shall have sixty days after the passage of this Resolution to either rent or vacate this space; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Management should provide non-financial assistance to the Building 16 Youth Program if they elect not to rent this space and instead choose to locate to an alternate space; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Executive General Manager should establish a uniform procedure, for the Board’s approval, for the rental of commercial space to not-for-profit organizations for less than market value that balances enhancements to the quality of life of cooperators with the most economical operation of Co-op City. YES: Berk, Cylich, Feliciano, Graham, Jenkins, Johnson, Jones, Lambright, Leslie, Peterson, Sampson, Smith, Turner and Williams ABSENT FOR VOTE: Saunders PASSED

Second Reading Resolution #17-02 SUBMITTED BY: Deborah Jenkins SECONDED BY: Evelyn Turner & Leslie Peterson BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING DATED: January 11th, 2017 WHEREAS, Richard Diaz has requested a lease renewal from Riverbay Corporation for the premises at 2031 Bartow Avenue (973 sq. ft.) Bronx, New York, to be used as a unisex hair salon and sale of grooming supplies; and WHEREAS, the term of the lease is ten years with one five year renewal option and annual rental rates are within the provisions of Resolution #85-16 as amended by Resolution #95-44; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the lease agreement for the premises at 2031 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, New York, by and between Riverbay Corporation, Owner, and Richard Diaz, Tenant, containing the terms as negotiated by Riverbay Corporation’s management is hereby approved as submitted by management in accordance with Resolution #85-16 as amended by Resolution #95-44; and be it. FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President of the Corporation is authorized to sign the lease agreement and related documents on behalf of Riverbay Corporation. YES: Berk, Cylich, Feliciano, Graham, Jenkins, Jones, Lambright, Leslie, Peterson, Sampson, Smith, Saunders, Turner and Williams ABSENT FOR VOTE: Johnson PASSED

Get involved! Co-op City is your home. If you have talents, knowledge and expertise that can be helpful and improve the quality of life in Co-op City, share your ideas. Join a Board committee, write to Riverbay’s management or pen a letter to the editor.

Co-op City Times / January 14, 2017

Director’s Viewpoint

Kevin Lambright If you haven’t noticed in at least the past nine years the decline in quality of life consciousness in this community, then you are either part of the problem, don’t desire a decent place to live with a mutuality of respect or you are asleep. Now, if you are offended by that statement, my intention is not to do so. I humbly apologize for making you feel that way. What I do want is for you to know what I, and most people that I talk to, expect with regards to quality of life in our community. I expect my neighbors to be courteous. I expect my building to be clean. I expect when a person spills something or drops something on the floor in the hallway to clean up after themselves, not wait for a porter to come clean it up. I expect that when I call for services (that I pay for) I am greeted in a courteous manner. I expect other shareholders to do as I do and be respectful, in turn, to employees. I expect a sense of urgency when I request services that are needed in my apartment. These are just a few things but there is so much more. The question I struggle with is, “How do we begin to get people to comply with common cour-

Talk is Cheap!!! tesy and moralistic behavior?” The employees are the easiest. We can fix that practice in less than the time of two paychecks. But when it comes to actual shareholders, I can only start with myself as a shareholder. As a Board member and co-chair of the Sales Committee, I can start by revamping the way people who move here are introduced to our community. Yes, change the orientation and screening process. Sounds good and easy, right? But what happens when you hold someone else to a standard and when they get in they see us doing the opposite? People, we’ve got to do better!!!! I am going to do my part. I need you to be the example. System Drive We are still awaiting all of the new systems that will be in place to monitor inventory, garages, employees, work orders, etc. As we are all aware, proper monitoring of work done and inventory will save us money. With proper systems in place, we will be able to learn what works and what doesn’t work. This will allow us to make changes in order for us to be more effective in running Co-op City more efficiently. The Board is stepping up its expectations of management and deadlines agreed upon. You can rest assured that the days of the tail wagging the dog are over. We are confident that there is a

National Council of Negro Women March on Washington – Ingrid Saunders Jones, National Chair of National Council of Negro Women, Inc., is calling on us all to support the Women’s March on Washington on Saturday, January 21. NCNW Co-op City Section and North Bronx Section will be partnering together with other organizations to stand with NCNW sections from across the country in solidarity for the rights of women and their families to be safe, healthy and protected. This is not a political endorsement, but rather a civil rights activity in the model of Dr. Dorothy I. Height in which we, as Black women, will be expressing our concerns about social injustice, affordable housing, Social Security, immigration, etc. Buses will be departing at 5 a.m. from Dreiser, Bartow and Einstein shopping centers. Tickets are $25. Members, please contact Lori Melton if you or family or friends are interested in attending this event. There may be some pre-paid tickets available especially for youth who want to attend. Black History Month – Save the date, Saturday, February 25, when we will have our 16th Annual Black History Month Youth Celebration, co-sponsored with the Riverbay Fund. This free event will take place in Dreiser Auditorium B from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Youth groups and young adults interested in volunteering to showcase their talent in song, dance, stepping, playing an instrument, poetry, spoken word, drama skit, etc., please call the NCNW Youth Committee at 917-399-2643. This year, the theme is “The African American Journey from Slavery to Black Lives Matter.” Women’s Celebration Program – Save the date, Saturday, April 1. This will be an afternoon, free event in room 4, Dreiser Center. Stay tuned for more information. Bethune Height Recognition Program – Plans are underway for our 43rd Annual Bethune Height Recognition Program that will take place on Saturday, May 20, at the Astoria World Manor. This is a celebration in which all NCNW sections in New York State come together to support and live the legacy of NCNW’s founder, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune and Dr. Dorothy I. Height, chair/President Emerita, by contributing to the work for which they dedicated their lives. The luncheon will be from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will cost $100. Pencil Drive – Co-op City Section is continuing our donation of pencils to P.S. 153. We are accepting donations of pencils from members and from our neighbors and friends. Unfortunately, too many of our children do not have basic supplies, such as pencils, when they come to school each day. In Memory – We learned this week of the passing of Evangeline Jenkins who had been a member of Co-op City Section for many years. Our condolences to her family. —Joyce Howard

mutual understanding of that between our Board and new management. Sensationalism Most people like entertainment and are attracted to scandal. It is so easy to turn something good into something scandalous. Unfortunately, we also allow it to influence how we feel and force us to pre-judge before we know facts. That is a humanistic trait. Though unfortunate, it is a human flaw. However, we need to recognize that there are elements who stand to profit off of our flaws. They seek every opportunity to create dissidence in our community. So let’s not allow them to influence us negatively. Let’s learn to create a bond so strong that they have no other choice but to jump on our bandwagon, one that sees nothing but positivity toward the success of our community. These are times when we need to keep an eye on our family, friends and neighbors. There are people who want what we have and look for opportunities to take it. We must protect and defend one another and our property. Remember, this all belongs to us. If you see something that seems suspicious, do not hesitate to call Public Safety. I look forward to your correspondence and feedback. I can be reached at klambright@riverbayboard.com or by phone at 646-721-8185.

Working Families Party Meeting Date Change The next meeting of the Co-op City Chapter of the Working Families Party has been rescheduled for Tuesday, January 24, instead of the regular third Tuesday of each month. This rescheduling is due to a scheduling conflict with another progressive effort. The group organizing Co-op City’s participation in the upcoming Women’s March on Washington — taking place on Saturday, January 21st — will have its final meeting that day. WFP is one of many co-sponsors of the march. For those interested in bus tickets to this historic event, through WFP, please call Sharan White, who can be reached during business hours at (347) 913-4224. The subject of our next WFP meeting will be a continued focus on what steps our chapter can take to push the Democratic Party in a more progressive direction. One of those steps is to support Keith Ellison’s bid for the Democratic National Committee (DNC) chair. Leadership decisions are most often engineered behind closed doors, but the disastrous presidential election result offers an opportunity to pressure the DNC to take a more progressive stand by supporting Congressman

Keith Ellison. Ellison, the African-American representative from Minnesota, is the first Muslim member of Congress. Choosing him in the February vote would send a clear message of inclusion to the soon-to-be-president Trump. Ellison’s backers include New York’s U.S. Senator Chuck Shumer, Rep. Joseph Crowley, and Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, as well as Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. Senator Sanders writes: “We must also do everything we can to elect Democrats in Congress in 2018, and to take back the White House in 2020. We need a Democratic National Committee led by a progressive who understands the dire need to listen to working families, not the political establishment or the billionaire class. That is why I support Keith Ellison to be the next Chair of the Democratic National Committee, and why I hope you’ll join me in advocating for him to lead the DNC.” Join us at the next meeting of the Co-op City Chapter of the Working Families Party on Tuesday, January 24, at 7:30 p.m., room 35, Section 5. All progressives are welcome. —Kelly Canzoneri

Donizetti Building 4 Association Our building association holiday party was held on December 31, 2016. We brought in the New Year with the count down, horn blowing and a toast. Our first meeting for 2017 was on January 12, at 7:30 p.m. Our topic of discussion for the new year was our need for more building support at our meetings. We are open to ideas and suggestions, for example, the day and time of meeting. Currently, meetings run about an hour, followed by refreshments and fellowship. Our next meeting will be February 9 at 7:30 p.m. in the meeting room located in the rear of Building 4B. We plan to have a guest speaker. Thank you to all who contributed to our Maintenance staff and lobby attendants. The amount collected has been put up on the lobby

bulletin boards. To those who helped with the putting up and taking down of the decoration, we, the association board, would like to extend our gratitude. Our annual dues collection will begin in February. As a reminder, the dues are just $5 per household. Game day will be Thursday, January 17th from 1-3 p.m. So come down with your game face and let’s have some fun. Congratulations to all those celebrating a special day, get well wishes to those sick and shut-in and condolences to those who may have lost someone special. Be safe and remember this is your home. If you see something, say something. —Yvonne Burrus

Co-op City Times / January 14, 2017

Building 21 Association

Building 32 Association

…and the winner is Junius Williams! Yes, our own Building 21 resident and Riverbay Board Director, “Junie,” was the winner of our 2nd “Guess the theme, win a prize” at our Annual Egg Nog Toast to the New Year. Congratulations and enjoy your prize. This year’s theme was “sleigh ride.” Giving Thanks at “The Toast” At this year’s toast to the New Year, poignant toasts and affirmations where given. Residents shared why they were thankful for another year. Marilyn Williams, Theron Marbury, Adel Murray, Junie Williams and others, wished for peace in all homes, and that cooperators would open their hearts to real community involvement and, of course, the blessing of love throughout our land. If you have questions regarding the Building 21 Association, you have three ways of gaining information. Email your building association at 21association@gmail.com or call your association at 347.504.1821, and you can attend the monthly general meetings which are held every 4th Wednesday in “The Gathering Room” in the rear of the B-section at 7 p.m. The next general meeting of the 21 Association will be Wednesday, January 25th. The year is still NEW The classical expression in a short prayer for the New Year says, “Let the old year end with all of its curses and let the New Year begin with all of its blessings.” It is time to end all prejudices and substitute them for new friendships. It is time to end old hatreds and substitute them for new love. It is time to end old frustrations and to substitute them for new hopes. Let us begin again. The Race for the $300 Prize still going “21 Strong” Those 21 Association members who wish to earn valuable points and a chance to win $300 have many ways to do so. Note: A member is any shareholder who has paid their annual $5 dues to the Building 21 Association. Prize monies are made and saved for that purpose, from activities (i.e., the ice-cream Social, 50/50 raffles, etc.). Refer back to the following issue of the CO-OP City Times for complete rules of the 21 Association Rewards Points Program: November 26, 2016. THINK TANK is in session every Friday, 8:30 -10 p.m., except Christmas and New Year’s Day. We are located in “The Gathering Room” in the rear of 21B and all are always welcomed. Ask yourself, what you are doing for your community to help make it better. Let’s make this year count. Meet us at one of our next gatherings. Come and let’s begin again! See you around the neighborhood! —Michelle Marbury

Our lobbies looked so beautiful for the holidays until someone broke the Kwanzaa candles and destroyed the Hanukkah menorah in Building 32A. In addition, wrapped packages that were placed by the Christmas tree for decoration were also torn apart. I can think of numerous words to say to you if you present yourself, but they are not fit for publication in our community newspaper. The placement of decorations next year is dependent on the executive board in place at the time. The destruction of property that belongs to the cooperators of Building 32 is not tolerated. Meeting Reminder The first meeting for the year is scheduled for Wednesday, January 18 at 7:30 p.m. The meeting place is our association room, located in 32B, first floor at the rear. Our special guest will be Mr. Rupinder Rana, the Director of Operations for Statcare, the urgent and walk in medical care facility for both adults and kids. Statcare is located in the Bartow Mall, 2063 Bartow Avenue, adjacent to Amalgamated Bank. Mr. Rana will be presenting handouts, possibly checking blood pressure for those who request it and telling us about this convenient new facility right in our community. We look forward to seeing our new cooperators. Our meetings are generally 90 minutes long, and occur once every two months. There will be light refreshments, a door prize and a fifty-fifty raffle. Everyone is welcome. —Lorna Smith

Building 22 A&B Association Join us this evening at 6:30 p.m. for Pokeno game night in the association room. Everyone is welcomed! Winter is here, so please be careful while walking and driving. To be a good neighbor, please don’t slam doors. Please call to reserve your seat for the Foxwoods Casino trip on March 11. Contact Joan June (718-671-7079), Katrina Minus-Shepard (718-671-4953). Our prayers to the sick and shut-in. Sympathies to all the families who have lost loved ones. Be safe and if you see something, say something. PS. Please close the laundry room door. —Betty Leak

Building 27 Association Greetings, neighbors. We had a nice surprise of snowfall. Hope all is well and you walked carefully. Our annual party was held on Saturday, January 7th and it was a delight and so many came. We had plenty of food, drinks, fun, laughter, conversations and dancing. The association extends our thanks to our faithful cooperators, those who come by from time to time; we even had a few who visited us for the first time. We thank our neighbor of 27A, she brought a casserole of spicy greens which the neighbors enjoyed in a matter of minutes. We thank our neighbors who just pitched in to set up, serve and clean up. We have concluded we are family here in Building 27. Our neighbors represented all three buildings, 27A, B and C and cheered each other, what a fabulous fellowship we had. Thank you, one and all, on behalf of Thalia Roach, the president and the association. The first association meeting of the new year will be on Thursday, January 26 at 7 p.m. Election of officers will take place. Building 27 Association is open for nomination of officers for president, vice president, secretary, assistant secretary, correspondence secretary, treasurer, assistant treasurer and sergeant-at-arms. Election of officers will take place January 2017. Happy birthday to all in this month. Please share with the Sunshine Committee, Ms. Lydia Rondon, by calling her at 718-583-3040. If a neighbor in our building is ill, homebound, has a birthday, or has passed away, please contact Ms. Rondon and she will respond on behalf of the association. Let’s share love, peace and a smile which costs us nothing. —H. Overman

Building 29 Association Our December meeting was a great success with an excellent turnout. The meeting itself was short, as it was followed by our first annual Christmas party. There was plenty of good food and cheer, plus Cynthia Dixon led us in some fun holiday line dances. Cynthia also teaches Latin line dancing on the first and third Tuesdays in the Einstein Loop community building; kids at 6 p.m., adults at 7:15 p.m. We also had a 50/50 raffle and raffles for small gifts as well. We hope that this will be the first of several traditions. In addition, the association donated our extra Christmas decorations to Susan's Place, a homeless shelter for women and their families. We recently received a lovely thank you note from them which mentioned how much more cheerful the shelter was with the decorations. Our next meeting will be on Friday, January 20 at 7 p.m. We intend to focus on various quality of life issues, including working effectively with the CSO for satisfaction all around. As usual, all general issues of concern can be discussed, and all are encouraged to attend. We would love to see you! —Katharine Wood

Co-op City Times / January 14, 2017

DOT

(Continued from page 1)

Department of Transportation (DOT) Polly Trottenberg, Acting Bronx Borough Commissioner Nivardo Lopez and DOT Director of Community Affairs Keith Kalb, to discuss several transportation-related concerns in Co-op City. “We appreciate Commissioner Trottenberg taking the time to come to Co-op City to learn about the community and the traffic concerns that are important to the residents,” said Mr. Klehammer. “We look forward to working closely with both the commissioner and Acting Borough Commissioner Lopez as we continue to address traffic conditions and signage in Co-op City, and to improve ingress and egress to the development and ensure the safety of our shareholders.” Riverbay’s special projects director, Joe Boiko, arranged the meeting to introduce acting DOT Borough Commissioner Lopez to management. “I arranged the meeting due to the fact that we now have a new acting borough commissioner and I felt it was important that our upper management should meet him and have the opportunity to discuss some of this community’s concerns with him,” said Mr. Boiko. “Borough Commissioner Lopez was agreeable. He also wanted to meet our new management and offered to bring Commissioner Trottenberg. It was a successful meeting and the start of open dialogue between Riverbay Corporation and the Department of Transportation about issues that are very important to this community.” Among those concerns that were discussed on Thursday were elimination of the “No U-Turn” sign as posted on Bartow Avenue by the Power Plant; installation of a “Stop” sign on Asch Loop at the rear exit of Garage 4 which is used as a crosswalk, this given the blind spot at that location; creation of a grid-lock box on Bartow Avenue at the Asch Loop intersection; elimination of the roadway humps at Bellamy Loop south and north, and also at Co-op City Boulevard and Asch Loop. Management also requested that DOT conducts a review of the Section 5 Jersey Barriers. “This meeting is further indication that we are enhancing our close relationships with various city

Smoking

agencies,” said Noel Ellison, Riverbay General Manager. “It is special to note that the New York City commissioner, along with the acting borough commissioner, came to visit us and they understood our concerns and seem to indicate that they would move rapidly to address them. In addition to DOT, we have also heard from Department of Sanitation officials and Fire Department officials and hopefully this is an indication of a new wave of cooperation between Riverbay Corporation and the city of New York. We’d like to give thanks to Assemblyman Benedetto, Councilman Andy King and Mayor de Blasio for recognizing the role this community plays in the city of New York and for arranging these interactions with these agencies.” Also sitting in on the meeting was John Collazzi, chief-of-staff of Assemblyman Mike Benedetto. The assemblyman has been working closely with Riverbay to help facilitate some of these ongoing meetings

with city agencies, as has City Councilman Andy King, in order to address concerns and issues that affect the quality of life of Co-op City shareholders. “I’m glad New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg visited Co-op City to witness first-hand the persistent traffic and roadway problems in the community,” said Assemblyman Benedetto. “Hopefully, her visit will lead to speedy resolutions of these matters.” Riverbay Board First Vice President Bernard Cylich, who was also in attendance, said: “I was impressed by the coopertaive spirit that Commissioner Trottenberg and her staff came with. Unlike previously, we didn’t hear excuses why they couldn’t. They also indicated they were prepared to work with us in approaching the Transit Authority in response to a long-standing request to restore the Bx 26 and 28 bus route.”

Lear ning Ladder Day Ca re Center Building Each Child’s Success Step By Step

AllCare Provider Services, Inc.

100 Aldrich Street, Bronx, NY 10475 Co-op City Building #15A (718) 618-0782

Pre-K For All Open House Wednesday, January 18th, 2017 at 9:00 a.m.

(Continued from page 3)

costs this corporation many thousands of dollars each month just to clean up our stairwells and hallways that are regularly used by smokers. If you smoke in an office building anywhere in New York City, you could likely lose your job for smoking in any of those buildings and for good reason. We have an obligation to enforce New York City’s anti-smoking laws in order to protect the general safety and health of everyone here, residents and visitors. CCPD will strictly enforce these regulations. If you have to smoke, go outside.” At that time, the Riverbay Legal Department explained to the Co-op City Times that since the increased fine will take the form of a community complaint fee, in the case of a violation, it will be the shareholder of record who will be assessed the fine regardless of whether he or she was the offending smoker. This means that shareholders are responsible for the behavior of other family members or visitors in regards to smoking in interior public areas. Since the ban on all smoking includes all areas of the community centers, the shareholders who host family parties or events in community center rooms will also be responsible for the behavior of their guests as far as having all guests adhere to the community-wide ban on interior public area smoking or else be subject to the hefty fine. Chief Frank Apollo, commander of the Department of Public Safety which will be responsible for enforcing the regulation, said the congregation of smokers inside the community’s stairwells and hallways, like other associated activities, such as drinking in public spaces, leads to other, more serious quality of life problems which – as some instances in the past have shown – can escalate to criminal behavior.

Registration: Jan. 17th - Feb. 24th, 2017 • Free Pre-K Program • Prepares for Success in Kindergarten • Children Born in the Year 2013 are Eligible • Open Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m. - 2:50 p.m. • Certified Teachers in All Classrooms • After Care Available Until 6 p.m. • Daily Meals and Snacks Provided • Field Trips / Community Outings Convenient Location! 100 Aldrich Street, Bronx, NY 10475 Take the BX 30, BX23, or Q50

Email: madelinaenriquez@allcareps.org • Website: www.AllCareps.org

Co-op City Times / January 14, 2017

These numbers are adding up to a lot of trouble

Director’s Viewpoint

Daryl Johnson The discussions on the new budget will begin soon. However, management needs to understand that we need to make some big changes to the way that we conduct business before things can get better here. A Flawed Way To Do Business Currently, some cooperators are scheduled to have maintenance work done in their apartment in April. And, if the past is any indication, then some of those appointments might be cancelled without any notice being given to some of those cooperators. This is a shame. But, you know what? It's true. Now, some people might think that the answer to this problem is to increase our carrying charges so that we can get better services. But, in my opinion, Riverbay is overloaded with employees and unsustainable benefit packages. And, some of these employees, with extremely limited business and communication skills, were evidently pushed in here by family members and former board members. Additionally, now, we're paying a heavy price to maintain this flawed way of doing business. Therefore, I want you to look at some budget numbers and then ask yourself this one question: Will a carrying charge increase lead to better services while we currently have this many employees on our budget and we're spending a ton of money to run these departments? These Numbers Are Too Heavy The current budget calls for us to spend $112,693,601 to run 27 departments. Within these departments, the budget has an allotment for 1,112 employees. So, let's review a few departments on our budget and see if we have enough employees to service our community: Buildings and Commercial Center Janitorial - 300; Maintenance - 129; Security - 122; Restorations 113; Grounds - 91; Lobby Attendants - 74; Garage 56; Power Plant - 50; Budget and Finance - 24; and

Construction - 21. Now, let's take a look at the numbers in our budget for just ten of our most costly departments here: Buildings and Commercial Center Janitorial - $20,854,500; Maintenance - All Divisions - $15,527,500; Power Plant - $13,204,499; Public Safety - $12,383,501; Restorations - Maintenance/Plastering/Painting $9,432,500; Restorations - Flooring - $5,778,700; Garages - $5,042,600; Grounds - $4,847,500; General Management - $4,467,300; and Lobby Attendants $2,785,501. Additionally, let's look at some overtime numbers that some of our departments racked up just between April 2016 and October 2016: Power Plant $283,209; Maintenance - $180,469; Public Safety $155,291; Restorations - Maintenance - $108,181; Buildings and Commercial Center Janitorial $41,152; Construction - $21,371; Grounds - $12,602; Lobby Attendants - $19,142; Cooperator Services $11,016; and Restorations - Flooring - $10,713. And, combined with all of the other departments, we spent $890,011 on overtime just between April 2016 and October 2016. Lastly, what about the millions of dollars that we spend on contractors to do work here? Does it Make Sense to Pay More? Now, based on this factual information, can anyone honestly say that it makes sense to throw more money on these departments to get better services? I don't think so. A better plan to improve services here would be to review all of our departments first. Thereafter, see what's going on within these departments. With 1,112 employees on our budget, can just one or a handful of our managers state that all of these employees are coming to work on a daily basis? If the answer is no or we're not sure, then we have a tremendous problem. And, that's why I said that HCR and HUD must demand that any managing agent that does business here must bring in about 8 - 10 of their management employees to actually work here. Thereafter, these managers will see that this entire company needs to be reorganized. Then, at that point, you will see that we can greatly improve the services

that we offer to this community for a price that's far less than what we're paying now. Security Issues Several cooperators have approached me or called me to complain about some issues that are going on in our buildings. The biggest issue is that some people are sleeping and relieving themselves in our stairwells. Then, we have some cooperators that are allegedly allowing their dogs to use the stairwell. Allegations have also surfaced about people that are washing themselves in our laundry rooms. Then, shockingly, another allegation was made that a cooperator saw someone hanging out in their compactor room. So, at the sight of that stranger, the cooperator turned around and ran back to her apartment. This is horrible because our cooperators need to feel safe when they're throwing out their garbage. There were also complaints about drug sales going on outside of our buildings. Then, there were complaints about people throwing objects out of their windows. So, we're going to have to crack down on all of these security issues. Close Does it make sense to increase our carrying charges so that we can continue to throw money at our 27 departments when those departments are budgeted to cost us $112,693,601? Or, does it make sense to review and reorganize everything inside of our departments so that we can cut our costs and get better services? There is sufficient proof that the latter choice is the answer. Thank you. Questions or comments? Please send a letter to: Daryl Johnson, Riverbay Board Director, c/o Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. Or, please send a message to me at darylhjohnson@optonline.net (There are absolutely no problems with this email address. So, please doublecheck the spelling of this address if your message bounces back to you.) Also, please call me at 718671-4544 if you don't receive a response from your message. You can also join me on Facebook by typing in: Daryl H. Johnson. Okay, that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful week. And, may God bless you and your family. Thank you.

Coalition To Save Affordable Housing

Broun Place Townhouse Association

The weather outside is frightful, and everyone has just about had enough of the freezing temperatures and snow. Well, we have the perfect cure to chase your winter blues away. We’re bringing the heat to Co-op City on Saturday, February 18. It’s a Mardi Gras Dance!!! Come one, come all to celebrate Mardi Gras in style at 177 Dreiser Loop, Dreiser Center Auditorium C, from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. We’re throwing a huge party here in our very own backyard. Why fly to NOLA (New Orleans, Louisiana) or Brazil when you can meet up with your friends and neighbors closer to home? The Coalition to Save Affordable Housing (CTSAH) would like to invite you to join us to dance the night away to the music from back in the days to today’s artists being played by returning DJ Giovani. Did we mention that it’s a BYOBB affair? So you know what that means – more for me and more for you to enjoy! We’ll have a best mask competition and door prizes. Set-ups, including ice, will be available. Everybody likes a good party. That’s why we’ve invited you to come to celebrate Mardi Gras in mask on Saturday, February from 9 p.m.- 2 a.m. at 177 Dreiser Loop, Dreiser Center Auditorium C. Tickets are $30 in advance or at the door. For tickets, call Bernie, 646-522-5498; Bruce, 718-869-6375; Stewart, 718-671-0142; Andrea, 917-821-2418; Yolanda. 347-837-3806; or Sebastian, 646-261-4486. So get your tickets now! Laissez les bons temps rouler! Let the good times roll! Want to learn more about what’s happening in your community? Don’t be left out in the cold. Come to our monthly Coalition To Save Affordable Housing General Membership meetings and meet and greet your neighbors. Tell us what initiatives you want to be a part of in Co-op City. Learn more about all the exciting activities we’re launching in 2017. Our General Membership meeting is scheduled every second Monday of the month in room 28, located in the Bartow Community Center from 7:3 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. We’ll provide light refreshments and a cordial environment so that we can all be productive and get things done! All you have to do is show up! For more information, visit us on Facebook @ Coalition to Save Affordable Housing and our website at www.ctsah.net for all up-to-date information. Last week’s meeting was canceled due to weather and rescheduled to this Friday, January 20, at 7:30 p.m., Bartow, room 31. Come in and pick up your tickets for our community Mardi Gras event. —Sebastian Ulanga

From Broun Place Townhouse Association: Thank you to everyone who acknowledged with a card, inquiry or phone call, my recent health condition. I wasn’t sick, didn’t have bypass or valve replacement, rather a rare calcium tumor on the mitral heart valve. I was lucky and had great doctor’s care, family support and medical coverage. Folks, let our elected officials know you need affordable care and where your pluses and problems are in your circumstance. Last week was a busy week in Broun Place. Broun Place was represented at the Building and Grounds Committee meeting. Thank you to directors Sonia Feliciano and Marie Smith for chairing what was a jam-backed meeting and thank you to all the professional staff too, Vanesa Aldea, Luis Salazar, Bob Tausch, Michael Ambo, and the “new” gentleman who handled the “pet” issues. Our three main Broun Place issues: dumpster pad, hole in the blacktop and the flyer/posting box were aired, but not resolved. Thank you to the president of Building 15A, Dorothea Castle, for direction to assistant general manager, Mr. Warren Mitchell, who met with me Friday, January 6th, and proposed where to post the new dumpster pad signage, secure the compactors better, temporarily fill the hole and a plan to restore the flyer/posting box. Thank you to the Riverbay staff, including manager Luis Salazar for joining us in the cold. Next, on Thursday, Broun Place was represented at the 45th Community Council meeting. Happily, cooperators had little to complain about. Activities for community youth were discussed that included suggestions for bringing the police to the neighborhood youth to create a more actively, creatively occupied youth population. Also afterschool programs were suggested. Money to pay the janitorial staff is critical to this happening. This is another opportunity to contact our elected officials. Our household belongs to the “Do Not Call“ registry. It continues to be very helpful. The phone rings once. Neighbors, be alert for scammers, folks promising freebies, but delivering ways to take your money and identity. Never give your Ssocial Security number or personal information over the phone or on the computer. Please keep in touch with your executive committee and discuss and refer your problems about Broun Place and Co-op City. If you observe people breaking our community rules, please don’t “YOU” intervene. Report your observations to Public Safety, 718-671-3050. Give specifics in your report and get the name of the person you are speaking with. Your patios and terraces should be winterized by now to protect against winds and snow. Pick up litter and please follow garbage recycling rules. Read the Co-op City Times to be informed about our community activities and to see the great community photos from local events. There are wonderful events and classes held here. We want to again thank our executive board for their hard work and excellent support this year. We extend New Year’s greetings and hopes for a better future working together. —Eva Lazaar

Co-op City Times / January 14, 2017

Community Protestant Church On behalf of our Pastor, Reverend Dr. Calvin E. Owens, and our church family, welcome to Community Protestant Church, a church of love and understanding, located at 1659 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, NY 10469; telephone, 718-862-9172. Regular Church Schedule Sunday School – 9:00 a.m. Worship Service – 11:00 a.m. Communion Service – Every first and third Sundays Prayer Meeting and Bible Study – Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. The following programs are at the Church’s Annex: 2053 Asch Loop North Co-op City Morning Prayer Services – Tuesday, 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Neighborhood Bible Study – Thursday at 10 a.m. Extension of Prayer and Worship Service – Every first, second and third Fridays at 7:00 p.m. Sunday School at Community Protestant Church begins at 9:00 a.m. In a nurturing Christian education environment, an opportunity is provided for

children to learn about the Bible, to grow in grace, to show love and respect for one another and to live more abundant lives. Children attending Sunday School are served breakfast. We encourage you to bring your child, children or grandchildren to Sunday School and we look forward to seeing you. All night prayer service at Community Protestant and all are welcome! Friday, January 27, 9:00 p.m. – Saturday, January 28, 7:00 a.m. – The Diaconate Ministry of Community Protestant Church invites you to come and celebrate the Goodness of God at our All-Night-Prayer Service. Come out and have one of the most spiritual experiences of your life as you fellowship with friends, family members and neighbors. This is a special worship experience, in which everyone participates in praying, singing, scripture reading, inspirational reading, praise music and testimony. Breakfast will be served at the end of the service. We request that you sign up in advance for an accurate count for food preparation. You may sign up after service on Sunday or by calling the church

office, 718-862-9172. We look forward to the fellowship! September 12 to 15, the Missionary Ministry will sponsor a trip to The Holy Land Experience in Orlando, Florida. It is an entertainment park that celebrates the Biblical Word of the Christian Faith. Package includes: round trip airfare; round trip airport transportation from Bartow Avenue in Co-op City, 4 days and 3 nights hotel accommodation; 3 buffet breakfasts; group dinner, 2 day admissions to the Holy Land Experience; Lunch-To-Go at the Holy Land Experience; transportation from the hotel to the Holy Land and Travel Insurance. $1,013 per person double occupancy, $961 per person triple, $1,253 single. For reservation and/or additional information, call 718-671-0425 or 718-379-8514. The doors of Community Protestant Church are open to all to worship and create fellowship with Christian believers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You are cordially invited to come in, join in and receive your blessing. —Evan G. Mitchell

Please Refrain From Littering in the Garages. There are Several Trash Cans on Every Level For Your Convenience. Thank you!

African-American Association Our next general meeting will be Tuesday, February 7, at 7 p.m. sharp in room #15, Dreiser Center. Prepare yourselves for our Black History Month program on Saturday, February 4th, 12 p.m., Bartow Center, room 31. It will be the best we’ve ever had. We will be putting together a fashion show in the spring. If you are interested in participating, come to our next general meeting for details. Meca Talent has a play coming up in March/April, so keep your eyes open for future details. The association sponsors the following ongoing programs and encourages your participation. Acting Classes – Children’s and Adult classes are available. Contact: Meca Talent for more information. Call us at: 646-373-4122. Belly Dance Classes – Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m., Dreiser Center, room #2. For a nominal fee, you will have fun and stay in shape. For more information, call Xonia, 646-301-9438. Children’s Programs – For information about the early morning school drop-off program and the after school programs, call 718-379-5555. Evening Line Dance Classes – Dance to Soul, Latin, and Gospel music on Thursdays, 7:00 p.m. in Dreiser Center, room #2. Call Cynthia, 917-9037073. Music, Rhythm & Dance – Most Fridays, 7:30 p.m., Dreiser Center, rm. 15; most Saturdays, 10 a.m., Dreiser Center, room #2. Call Keith, 917-561-6211. Yoga & Pilates Mat Classes – Classes on Tuesday, 7:15 p.m., Dreiser Center, rm. 2. Lose weight, tone and strengthen your muscles with exercises that reduce stress through breathing techniques. For more information, call 718-671-8364. ZUMBA AND YOGA – Classes on Saturday start at 9:30 in Dreiser Center, room #2. General Membership Meeting – The next meeting will be Tuesday, February 7, at 7:00 p.m. in Dreiser Community Center, room #15. If you are unable to attend the meeting, please read our weekly column for updates. Also, if you wish to join or update your membership, please send a check or money order (DO NOT MAIL CASH) of $15 for a single membership or $25 for families to: AfricanAmerican Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475. Donations are welcomed. Like us on Facebook: CoopcityAfricanamericanassoc/email us at: aaaccpower @gmail.com. —Kevin Lambright

Faith In God Church & Bible Institute Reverend Dr. Gladys R. Little, Apostle, and Pastor & Evangelist Vernon Little greet everyone in the name of Jesus, that name which is above every name. We want you to know that you are welcome in this house of the Lord! It is His house by ownership: it is our house by stewardship: and it can be your house by membership; so come on in and join us. May God bless you in this house! The good news of Jesus’s birth is a source of joy for all people. Let’s look at Luke 2:8-14. It says: “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to

you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly, a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God. Invitations Sweet Hour of Prayer is today at 3 p.m. Sunday School is tomorrow at 10 a.m. Our Sunday Morning Worship Service is at 11 a.m. Every third Sunday following the morning worship, we serve Holy Communion. If you’re into gospel rap/holy hip-hop, go to www.reverbnation.com/vernonlittle and download music from Vernon Little free of charge. He also has videos on YouTube. You will be blessed, encouraged, and inspired. We are located at 171 Dreiser Loop in Section 1. Our phone number is 347-276-4925. Jesus loves you, and so do we! Happy New Year! —Apostle Gladys R. Little

Family Owned and Operated • Large Chapel on premises

• Pre-need counseling

• Ample Parking on premises

• Out of town services

• Casket Showroom on premises

• Cremations

A dignified funeral every family can afford. All areas are handicapped accessible

Personalized & Professional Care • 50 Years Serving Our Community Worldwide Shipping including Caribbean, Africa & South America

718-231-7647 Call 24 Hours

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

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

Serving all cultures & faiths

Co-op City Times / January 14, 2017

Retirees of Dreiser Loop Travel Events: (price includes transportation/ Lorant Coach Bus (Dreiser Loop opposite H&R Block). • Tues., March 14, to Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, NJ. Enjoy luncheon cuisine, full-service cocktail bar, onsite lobby bake shop and gift boutique. A few seats available. Price: $75 (deposit $35/full payment/balance $40 due Mon., Feb. 6). Contacts: Serita G., 347-564-5722/Barbara W., 718-320-0500. • Sept. 9-16 (8 day/7 night) Canada & New England cruise on the beautiful Carnival “Sunshine.” $250 deposit per person due immediately to hold reservation. NYC departure/return. NOTE: Preferred cabin/category selection goes to earliest

bookings. Prices from $929 to $1399, which include your cabin, meals, port charges and taxes. Final payment due by May 19. Travel insurance (additional cost) encouraged. Contact: Serita G., 347-564-5722. Theatre Committee: (price includes van transportation (Dreiser Loop opposite Rehab Center). • February 4 (Sat.). Showtime: 8 pm. “TAJ EXPRESS.” The Bollywood musical revue. Lehman Center, Bronx. Price: $55. First paid, first seated. Payment ASAP. Contact: Eleanor Barlow, 917-952-0861. Members and friends, we do require your deposit and/or full payment, along with your name and telephone number when signing up for trips and/or shows. First fully paid, confirmed seating. Commit-

tee members in Dreiser clubroom 19 (718-3790377) on Mondays and/or Thursdays, 2:30-5:00 p.m. Good And Welfare: “To members and friends, as you rest and heal know that you are thought of warmly and wished a quick recovery.” Call Josephine Flowers, 718-320-0539 regarding illnesses and bereavements." Consider joining us at the next March 2017 SPA Day - date to be determined. Call 718-3794784. Leave your name and phone number to be placed on wait list. “And now we welcome the New Year. Full of things that have never been.” –Rainer Maria Rilke —Claudette Davis

Black Forum Next Defensive Driving Class The Black Forum defensive driving course will be on Sat., February 11, 8:50 a.m.–3 p.m., Dreiser Center, rm. 1. Lower your liability insurance cost by 10% and remove up to 4 points from your driver’s license. Please make your check in the amount of $35, payable to “the Black Forum of Co-op City,” and mail to P.O. Box 563, Bronx, N.Y. 10475 at least 1½ weeks before the class, or you can walk in on the day of the class, but you must have $35 in cash to pay for the course. Please also bring your current driver’s license and a pen. Call (718) 320-8035. Black Forum Aerobics and Zumba It’s time to get in shape, get healthy and feel healthy. Body by Andrea’s aerobics classes are held Mondays and Wednesdays, and Zumba on Thursday.

Classes are in the Dreiser Aud., 7:30 p.m. To register, please call (718) 320-8035. Nominal fee for each class. Food distribution sites On Thursdays, residents of Buildings 27, 28, 29, 32 and 33 must pick up food at the New Vision Church, 115 Einstein Loop, 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Likewise, residents of Building 26, 30, 31, 34 and 35 must go to the Evangelical Church, 2350 Palmer Avenue, 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Thursdays to pick up food. For information, please call (718) 3208035. Emergency Food Program We are open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., rm. 20 in Dreiser Center. Also, due to budget constraints and

shortage of available food, you must live within zip code 10475 to participate in this program. You must also have your card with you and bring two clean plastic shopping bags. Please also have your current photo ID, such as a non- or driver’s license or any photo ID card with proof of address. You will then be issued a card in order to pick up food in the future. We Need You - Join Us Today Membership is $5 per year/person. Call (718) 320-8035 or write to Black Forum, P.O. Box 563, Bronx, NY 10475; email: coopcityblackforum @gmail.com or tonyshome10475@gmail.com. Help us keep independent community organizations alive in Co-op City. Everyone is encouraged to join. Call or visit us, room 20 in the Dreiser Community Center. —Tony Illis

Williamsbridge Club

Church of the New Vision

The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. (NANBPWC), the Williamsbridge Club, is an organization dedicated to the support and promotion of women in business and the professions. The Adult Club meets at Dreiser Center on the second Friday of every month. Women who are in business and professions are invited to join the club. Our theme for this year is “Blazing New Pathways with Creativity and Confidence.” We will use the theme to fulfill our mission of promoting and protecting the interests of African American business and professional women and in advising young people seeking to enter business and the professions to improve the quality of life in our local and global communities and to foster good fellowship. On May 6, the Williamsbridge Club will be celebrating 40 years of service to the community. We will be honoring our sisters and brothers in the community for their service: Our Awards are Sojourner Truth, Business, Professional, Community Service, Achievement, Man of the Year, Minister of the Year and, most of all, scholarships that will be awarded to outstanding high school seniors. Please stay tuned for more information. Greetings and wishing all a “Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.” During this month, we are taking a look at Cervical Health Awareness, Mentoring, Poverty in America Awareness, Slavery/Human Trafficking Prevention and becoming a Volunteer Blood Donor. Mark your calendars for Saturday, January 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. We will have information about our organization, music, refreshments and activities. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Williamsbridge Club, please contact us at the numbers below to RSVP. We look forward to seeing all who are interested. If you are interested in serving an internship or community service project, please contact the club at the address listed. We are looking for young people who want to increase their skills. If you know of a youth age 13 – 18 who would be interested in joining our youth club, please forward the information to us. Please check this column for ongoing information. Please watch our column in this month for our next scholarship announcement. Information concerning the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. (NANBPWC) may be found at www.nanbpwc.org or Facebook: ThewilliamsbridgeBPWC or our mailing address: Williamsbridge Club, P.O. Box 6, Co-op City Station; Bronx, New York 10475. Our phone contacts are 718.328.2302, Joetta Brown, or 917.972.7732, Sandra Hall. —Joetta Brown

Pastor Kenneth Hodge and the congregation of Church of the New Vision extend a warm and friendly invitation to join us for worship service every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. We are a church where inspirational messages from the Word of God, the Bible, is delivered. The church is designed to meet the spiritual need of our community by offering anointed singing and preaching in an atmosphere of Christian love and friendly hospitality. All are welcome. We also invite our community's youths on Sunday morning for Youth Church and Sunday School which are designed to meet the special needs of our young people. Parents, please send your children to learn of the Lord Jesus Christ. Join us to learn from the Word of God. Prayer service takes place on Wednesday evening 7:00-8:00 p.m., followed by Bible teachings 8:00-9-00 p.m. Teachings will resume on January 25. Midday Bible study held every Tuesday at 12 p.m. will resume on January 24. Saturday, February 18 – Men's Fellowship Breakfast, 9:00 a.m. Saturday, February 25, the Journey from Generation to Generation Women's Conference will be from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Though life grants us plenty of roadblocks, we can trust in God to bring us through. Join the women of New Vision as we encourage each other through workshops and discussions. Lunch will be served. A donation of $20 will go towards the building fund. For further information, please contact Sis. Loretta Scott at 718- 671-2623. Save the Date! Please join us on our trip to Orlando, Florida, July 17th to July 20th, going to The Holyland Experience and Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom via non-stop Delta flight and 3-night accommodations at the Holiday Inn Resort, Lake Buena Vista. Prices for adults range from $740-$855 per person depending on your package choice. Youths stay free at the resort through age 19 with double adult occupancy. Youths, $400-$500, prices include air and park ticket. Payment plan is available. Final payment is due May 7th. For additional information, please contact the church at 718-671-8746, Sister Sadie James at 718-652-8943, or Sister Hermena Smith, travel agent, at 718708-5035. Transportation will be provided to and from the airport for an additional $35 per person, leaving from the church at 5 a.m. Church of the New Vision is located at 115 Einstein Loop, Bronx, NY 10475. Telephone: 718-671-8746 or 203-374-3020. Mailing address: P.O. Box 753037, Bronx, NY 10475. Visit our Facebook page: Church of the New Vision concerning upcoming events and trips, or call the church. —Carol Haque

No Co-op City Times? Call 347-439-5632 on Saturday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Co-op City Times / January 14, 2017

Co-op City Sports

Velocity Track Club

Our children didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t lose a beat starting 2017! USA Track & Field age division are 8 & under, 9 & 10, 11 & 12, 13 & 14, 15 & 16 and 17 & 18 for athletes turning that age in 2017. For the Colgate Women Games, the divisions are 1st â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3rd grade, 4th & 5th grade, 6th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8th grade, 9th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12th grade, College and open. Each year, every child may change divisions and may have to compete against older athletes. The older athletes may be physically stronger and have more experience than the younger athletes. Therefore, it is the coachesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; & parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; responsibility to prepare their athletes physically and mentally to compete against older athletes. Therefore, I must highlight Velocity athletes who showed they can compete against older athletes and perform well against them. At the Colgate Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Games, Brianna Burrell and Shyenne Blake, who are currently 7 years old and in the 2nd grade, competed against girls 8 years old and in the 3rd grade. Also, Dakota Hickman, who is currently in the 4th grade, competed against girls in the 4th & 5th grade. But that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop Brianna and Shyenne from making the 55 meters finals in the Elementary â&#x20AC;&#x153;Aâ&#x20AC;? (1st â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3rd grade) division and Dakota from earning points in Elementary â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bâ&#x20AC;? (4th & 5th grade) division in week three. By earning points, they qualify for the semi-finals. Brianna is currently in 4th place overall in Elementary â&#x20AC;&#x153;Aâ&#x20AC;? 55 meters dash after three weeks of competition. Plus, she is in 8th place in the 200 meters race. Shyenne is currently in 9th place after week three in competition in the 55 meter race. Dakota is currently in 6th place after three weeks of competition. Also earning points in week three were: Olyvia Burrell and Jada Clarke. Congratulations, ladies. As the Elementary A & B division girls were at the Colgate Women Games, others were at the AAU Mid Season Indoor Championship at the Armory New Balance Center in New York. The place was packed with most of the top team from throughout the tri-state area. Medals or trophies were given to the top three athletes in their division/ event and ribbons for 4thâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;6th place. VTC were able to bring home seven medals/trophies due to the performance of: Pierce Parker, Darius Gordon, Kabir Gaydark, Kassir Gayle, Matthiaus Love-Anderson, Treynece Davis and Kaseam Shand. They all performed well, however, I must highlight Kabir Gaydarik, Matthiaus Love-Anderson and Pierce Parker. They competed, moved up in age divisions and were able to medal, competing against athletes older than they are. Kabir (12 years old) moved up to the 13 & 14 age division and was able to take 3rd place in the high jump. Matthiaus (10 years old) moved up to the 11 & 12 age division and was able to medal, with a 2nd place finish in the shot put. Then, Pierce

Velocity Track Club New York 2016 USATF Indoor Nation Champions/ All Americans.

(8 years old) moved up to the 9 & 10 age division and won the 1500 meters race! He broke his personal record in the 1500 and 800 meters races. That tells me, if you train hard and prepare mentally, age is just a number. Great job, VTC!!! Our next meet will be the Millrose Games Trials at the New Balance Armory in Fort Washington, NY on Wednesday, January 11th and the Colgate Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Games on January 13th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 15th at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. Velocity Track Club New York is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit. One hundred percent of your donation will go to help our children. For additional information, you can go to our website, Velocitytrack.org, or contact me, Coach Winston Dinkins, at 914-441-6196 or email me at watclt@aol.com. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Winston Dinkins

Cooperators United of Co-op City Happy New Year! Our next Cooperators United of Co-op City meeting is Tuesday, January 24, 7:00 p.m., Bartow, room 31. We have two guest speakers scheduled that evening. Community Board 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; This is a conversation with CB #10. Its representative will speak with the audience regarding the Section 5 proposed train station and provide an update on upcoming major projects. Input from Section 5 folks who would be most impacted by this project and Sections 1-4; please attend the meeting and ask questions. JASA is writing a proposal for the NYS Office of the Aging for our Co-op City NORC Program. We need to conduct focus groups with other adults in the

community who do not participate in the program. At your building/townhouse meetings, please remind all about the NYS BASIC STAR OR ENHANCED STAR PROGRAM, which is based upon their age and income. They can obtain information by calling 518-457-2036, Monday thru Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4:00 p.m. If you see something, say something. Congratulations to all who are celebrating a special day this month. Our thoughts and prayers to everyone who is sick and shut-in. We can be reached at MLSAH@aol.com, 718379-7841. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Sonja Maxwell

DIVORCE - BANKRUPTCY â&#x20AC;˘ ABSOLUTE LOWEST FEES â&#x20AC;˘ FREE CONSULTATION â&#x20AC;˘ EVENING APPTS. AVAILABLEâ&#x20AC;˘ FLEXIBLE PAYMENT PLANS â&#x20AC;˘ IMMEDIATE FILING

â&#x20AC;&#x153;COURTEOUS AND PROMPT SERVICE AT AN AFFORDABLE FEEâ&#x20AC;?

633 Lydig Ave â&#x20AC;˘ Bronx, NY 1 block from Pelham Parkway & White Plains Road Accessible by #2 & #5 trains â&#x20AC;˘ #12, #22 & #39 buses

DAVID BRODMAN,Esq.

718.239.7110

Co-op City Times / January 14, 2017

Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City

Reflections by Rabbi Solomon I. Berl Spiritual Leader of Young Israel Synagogue Before there was electricity, people had to resort to candle light during the evening hours. Light is the source of many illuminating stories in Jewish literature. One telling tale tells how a man, deeply troubled, was once wandering restlessly through the streets of the European village in which he lived. He knew that he had sinned, but he did not know how he could make amends. He happened to pass a little shop and through the window he saw a tailor repairing a garment by the light of a flickering candle. The man went into the shop and said, “It is late at night, the candle is almost out, and you are obviously very weary. Why don’t you stop?” The tailor replied, “As long as the candle is burning, we can still mend.” The man gazed and his spirits lifted. “As long as we live,” he thought, “we have a chance to correct our mistakes.” As long as we live, we have the opportunity to repent, to change, to improve, to do good. As long as the fire of life burns in us, there is hope.

Young Israel of Co-op City Young Israel of Co-op City (lower level of the Dreiser Loop shopping center) is a house of worship that opens its doors every morning from 6 until 7 a.m. Anyone who wishes to start the daily routine with prayers, during which our spiritual leader, Rabbi Solomon I. Berl, offers a brief Bible teaching is welcome. On Friday evening, Sabbath services begin at 10 minutes after the candlelighting time. Saturday morning services start at 9 a.m. Rabbi Berl delivers his sermon at 10:30 a.m. The Rabbi’s class on the Torah reading of the week begins one hour before sunset every Saturday afternoon. For office hours or any information you may seek, feel free to call (718) 6712300 and leave your name, phone number and a brief message on the synagogue’s answering machine and your call will be returned as soon as possible.

Baychester Visual Arts Association Our 2016-2017 season portends to be one of the most exciting in our history – with art classes, art shows, lecture/demonstrations and workshops, free and open to the public. BVA’s new class session began on Tuesday, November 22nd, 2016 in room 5, Dreiser Community Center. You can choose from the 2 class schedules which are 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. The fees are as follows: Annual membership is $35 a year and a session of 10 classes is $60. This session of classes will continue until Jan. 31st. his is the best bargain in the Bronx – maybe even the city – given the quality of instruction offered. Stop by our permanent workshop in room 5 in the Dreiser community center and see beautiful artwork displayed. Mr. Moses Groves, BVA’s own art instructor, will be the artistic guide for these classes. Mr. Groves is an accomplished artist who has studied at the Art Students League and NYU. He has

exhibited work in the New York and New Jersey area and has won awards for his artwork. You can call M. Groves at 201-862-0847 or S. Lochansky at 718379-1049 for more information. You can register in room 5 on Tuesdays at the Dreiser Community Center and check out the art work on display in our studio or by mail indicating the class time desired. Tuition can be sent to Baychester Visual Arts, P. O. Box 678, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475. BVA is a non-profit, self-supporting organization that needs your support to continue offering high level art instruction at these bargain prices. So come join BVA on this fabulous artistic trek, take a class, make a tax deductible donation, and feel the satisfaction of being a creator and/or patron of the arts. All checks should be made out as indicated above. Science is for the body and art is for the soul. —Sylvia Lochansky

Please Refrain From Littering. Keep Co-op City Clean! Thank You!

The Traditional Synagogue is located in Section 5, 120 Erdman Place in the rear lobby of Building 27B. Phone #: 718-379-6920. Note: Office hours are Thursday and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. If no one is in the office, leave a message and we will get back as soon as possible. Shabbat ends today, January 14, at 5:42 p.m. Candle lighting for Friday, January 20, at 4:41 p.m. The synagogue has services on Saturday morning at 9 a.m. After services, we always have a kiddush. We need few Jewish men. If you can give 2 hours Saturday between 10 a.m. and noon, we need your help to make a minyan. Sometimes, we are short one or two men; everybody, please try your best to come to services during the winter months. The Synagogue now has a Facebook page. Look under Facebook Traditional Synagogue. I want to thank everyone who attended services last Saturday during the snowstorm, we had a minyan. Thanks to Rabbi Kronengold for bringing his friends, John and Ron, for helping out at the services. Good And Welfare: We sell tree certificates in honor or memory of a loved one. The cost is only $15 per tree. Mazel Tov to all having Simchas. If you’re ill, wishing all a speedy recovery. Sorry to report that Mrs. Goldie Neiman, a long-time member of the synagogue, passed away on Saturday, December 31st. Wishing her daughters no more sorrow. It was good to see you at Saturday services. Now for good news…Sending birthday wishes to Edith Rosenberg, Joan Brown and Toby Landau, have a great special day. Mazel Tov to Sam of the Young Israel Synagogue on his resent college graduation. Bingo: Was cancelled this past Sunday due to the weather. We will schedule another Bingo game in the near future. Men’s Club: The next Men’s Club trip will be Sunday, March 19, to a casino in Atlantic City. Look for updates in next week’s newspaper. Your support of the Traditional Synagogue and Men’s Club is greatly appreciated. Wishing all our members and friends peace, good health, and a happy and successful 2017. —Gary Schwartz

Shareholders, not renters! Take care of your community!!

Co-op City Times / January 14, 2017

Circle of Christ Church The Circle of Christ Church family extends a warm welcome to you and your family and invites you to come and worship with us at 147 Dreiser Loop, patio level (located in the Dreiser Community Center). La familia de la Iglesia Circulo de Cristo les extiende una cálida invitación a usted y su familia para que vengan a alabar a Dios junto con nosotros. Nos encontramos en el 147 de Dreiser Loop, al nivel del patio (localizado en el centro Comunal de Dreiser). We are a multicultural church that embraces God’s love for all. Family unity is very important to us. We have a wonderful children ministry focus on learning God’s word. Our youth ministry is very active and dynamic. The youth are involved in music, retreats, concerts, debates, conferences, drama, counseling among many other activities. Somos una Iglesia multicultural que recibe y da del amor the Dios para todos. La unidad de la familia es muy importante para nosotros.Tenemos un ministerio para los jóvenes que es muy dinámico. Los jóvenes disfrutan de música, retiros, conciertos, debates, conferencias, dramas , consejería, y mucho mas. We also have a food pantry for those in need in our community. Our phone number is 347-945-1992, in case there is no one in the office, please feel free to leave a message. We will call you back. Suplimos comida a aquellos en nuestra comunidad que lo necesitan. Nuestro teléfono es 347-945-1992 de no haber nadie en la oficina sientancen libres de dejar un mensaje, le devolveremos su llamada. Thought for the week Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you. Hosea 10:12 Never stop planting seeds of peace in people’s lives. A smile, a hug, words of encouragement, forgiveness, or just listening to what your love ones have to say. Reflexion para la semana Siembren para ustedes justicia, cosechen el fruto del amor y pongansen a labrar el barbecho: ya es tiempo de buscar al Señor hasta que el venga y les envié lluvias de justicia. Oseas 10: 12 Nada les detenga en sembrar semillas de paz en la vida de otras personas. Una sonrisa, un abrazo, palabras de consuelo, perdonar, o simlemente escuchar a tu seres queridos. English services Wednesday, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., Prayer & Bible Study. Friday, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., Youth Night Sunday, 11:00 a.m., Worship and the Word Children Church, 5 years old to 12 years old Little lamb nursery. Tuesday and Thursday – 9:00 a.m. Prayer and the Word Thursday – 5:00 p.m., Boys and Girls Club Horario de Servicios en Español Domingo, 9:00 a 10:30 a.m., Alabanzas y Predicación Jueves, 2:00 p.m., Oración y Estudio Bíblico Special Events/Eventos Especiales Women Fellowship at 11:00 a.m. Movie “The Pilgrim Progress” All are welcome. —Rev. Sam Colon

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church The congregation of St. Joseph’s cordially invites you and your family to worship in Co-op City at 155 Dreiser Loop, lower level. All are welcome. Weekly Schedule: Sunday service with Holy Communion and Sunday School are both at 9 a.m. Every 4th Sunday, our children participate in the reading of the lessons and every 5th Sunday, our young adults assist in the service. Choir rehearsal is on Thursdays at 7 p.m. The (ECW) Episcopal Church Women meet immediately after service on the 1st Sunday of each month. Membership is open to all women of the church. The men hold their meeting after service on the 2nd Sunday of each month. We look forward to welcoming everyone to service at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 15, when we will celebrate the Second Sunday after the Epiphany. Our Supply Priest, Father Simeon Johnson, will be the preacher and celebrant. Please remember to submit your Pledge Cards for 2017 as soon as possible. The General Meeting and election of new officers will be held immediately after service on Sunday, January 29. Outreach Program: We continue to collect non-perishable food for the feeding program at Grace Episcopal Church in West Farms. Please remember to donate. For additional information on all of the above, please call the church at 718320-0844, or visit our website: http://www.stjosephsepcbronx.org. “Happy are they who trust in the Lord! They do not resort to evil spirits or turn to false gods.” —Psalm: 40:4 —M. Chambers

Open Door Ministries

Position yourself for God’s Favor (Sermon Excerpt) Psalm 1 (English Standard Version) 1 Blessed is the man, deep-seated joy and contentment in God; enriched who does not take the wicked for his guide Nor stands in the way of sinners, who does not loiter on the same path with sinners Nor sits in the seat of scoffers; nor becomes comfortable in the company of mockers 2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD, but finds great pleasure in the law of the Lord And on his law, he meditates day and night. Day and night, he recites the law to himself. Not only reads but mediates his behavior according to the word. He slowly digests God’s Word; to nourish all his soul. He thinks on God’s Word at the beginning and ending of the day. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water firm as a tree planted by running water That yields its fruit in its season, produces fruit at the proper time – not before or after. And its leaf does not wither. Whose leaves never fade; even the little parts are valuable; will not dry up.

In all that he does, he prospers. Whatever he begins he accomplishes, whatever he does thrives. 4 The wicked are not so, not so the lawless, they are not like the righteous. But are like chaff that the wind drives away. They are worthless, dead, without substance - driven by the wind. They cannot stand before God because they are without redemption. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment; the ungodly will not be approved by God’s judgment. Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; sinners will have no part in the reunion of the just. 6 for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, the just walk under the Lord’s Protection; they enjoy personal intimacy and involvement with God. But the way of the wicked will perish. The way of the wicked is doomed. Open Door Ministries’ Therapeutic Mentoring/Counseling Program meets Mondays at 6:30 p.m. in Dreiser Loop, room 9. Sunday services are at 11 a.m. in the Bartow Community Center, room 28. You can contact Pastor Luis through opendoorministries.net or text 917-334-4407. Blessings in Christ. —Pastor Luis Ramos

Greater Love Baptist Church “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalms 46:10 Spiritual Food for Thought: Pay attention! Jesus will show you the way and give directions as you gear up for the new spiritual year. You must quiet your soul so that you can perceive His signals. Be particularly still, alert, and receptive. Position yourself by faith to hear God’s still, small voice. Senior Pastor Boyce Landrum and Pastor Carol Landrum and the Greater Love family welcome you to worship with us on Sunday mornings at 11:30 a.m. Morning prayer and meditation begins at 9:30 and Sunday Bible Study/School at 10 a.m. Worship at Greater Love Baptist Church means gathering with people of all ages and cultures to express our love for God, our Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ, our Savior. All things considered, the Holy Spirit reserves the right to have His way in our worship. Greater Love is conveniently located at 900 Co-op City Blvd. (Bldg. 2A), on the ground level, Bronx, N.Y., 10475; main entrance – red button. Free parking is available in Garage #1 on Darrow Place – parking passes will be validated at the church. Clergy and Church Leader’s Breakfast will be held today, Saturday, January 14th from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Reverend Que English, Pastor of Bronx Christian Fellowship, will be our guest speaker presenting issues on Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking which is prevalent in our communities. Reverend English is a dynamic community activist, chair and founder of the Safe Haven Net-

work (SHNintl.org) and leader of the Not on My Watch Movement, a faithbased coalition against human trafficking and domestic violence. This is a free event open to clergy and lay leaders, as well as adults who want to know more about these issues and tell others. Prayer & Meditation begins at 8:30 a.m.; Breakfast (Daniel Fast options available) from 9:00-10 a.m.; Prayer & Welcome at 10:15; Guest speaker: 10:30 to 11:30 and “Breaking Strongholds” closing prayer at 11:30. Five Loaves & Two Fish Food Pantry: Donations of non-perishable items & toiletries are needed. Please bring donations to the church or call us to arrange a convenient drop-off time. The pantry will reopen this month – date to be announced. Weekly Schedule Church phone: 347-920-5607 Sunday Morning Prayer & Meditation: 9:30 a.m. Adult & Children Bible School 10:00 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship: 11:30 a.m. Holy Communion – First Sunday Adult Bible Study/Discipleship Class: Tuesday Evenings: 7:00 p.m. Deacon Training: Alternate Thursday Evenings at 7 p.m. Food Pantry: 4th Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Mosaic Women’s Ministry Mighty Men of God: Men’s Ministry Family Movie/Game Nite: 3rd Friday – 7 p.m. SWAG Youth Ministry: Friday evenings at 7:00 p.m. Blessed and Happy New Year! —Pastor Carol Landrum

Co-op City Times / January 14, 2017

Bartow

Einstein

Dreiser

Activities in Room 31 unless otherwise noted

Activities in Room 49 unless otherwise noted

Activities in Room 7 unless otherwise noted

Alternate Kosher Meals are also available

JASA Closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Library: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Word Games: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Chat Session: 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Bingo: 1- 2 p.m. Card Games: 2-4 p.m. Dominoes: 2:30 p.m.

Dominoes: 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Grandparent Connection: 1st Thursday, Rm. 35, 10:30 Arthritis Exercise: 11 a.m., Rm. 45 Spelling Bee: 11 a.m. Word Search: 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Karaoke by Steven: 1 p.m., Rm. 45

Men’s Line Dancing: 9 -10 a.m. Word Games: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Women’s Line Dancing: 10-11:30 a.m. Chat Session: 10 a.m. Bingo: 1 -2 p.m. Piano Sing-along: 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Card Games: 2-4 p.m. Dominoes: 2:30 p.m.

Dominoes: 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Art: 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Bingo: 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Card Games: 2-4 p.m. Pokeno: 2-4 p.m., Rm. 35 Blood Pressure: 2nd & 4th Friday, 10 a.m. -11:30 a.m., Rm. 45

Tues., Jan. 17 Wed., Jan. 18

Dominoes: 10 a.m.

Word Games: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Walking Club: 10:30 a.m. Bingo: 12:30-2:00 p.m. Caregiver Support Group: 1:00 p.m., 1st & 3rd Tues Card Games: 2-4 p.m. Dominoes: 2:30 p.m. Games: 9:30-11:00 a.m. Stay Well Exercise: 10 - 11 a.m. Line Dancing: 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Bingo: 1-2 p.m. Card Games: 2-4 p.m. Dominoes: 2:30 p.m. Smartphone Class: Beginner – 12:30–1:30 p.m.; Intermediate – 1:30–2:30 p.m., Bartow office

Thurs., Jan. 19

JASA Closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Fri., Jan. 20

Mon., Jan. 16

Tai Chi: 11 a.m., Rm. 45 Matinee Movie: 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Karaoke by Steven: 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m., Room 45 Walk Group: 9:30 a.m., Rm. 40 Dominoes: 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Spelling Bee: 10 a.m. Spanish Practice Class: 10:30 a.m., Computer Lab Zumba: 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 45

For information, please call: (718) 320-2066

Kosher

Non-Kosher

JASA Closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Alert & Alive: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Cultural Dance: 10:30-11:30 a.m., Aud. B Mind Teasers: 12-1 p.m., Rm. 4 Zumba: 1-2 p.m., Aud. A Afternoon Movie: 1 p.m. w/ popcorn Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Sewing: 9:30 -11:30 a.m. Tai Chi: 11 a.m.- 12 p.m. Mind Teasers: 12-1 p.m., Rm. 4 African Brazilian Dance: 1 p.m., Rm. 2 Art Class: 1-3 p.m. Yoga: 2-3 p.m., Rm. 2 Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Blood Pressure 10-11:30 a.m., 1st & 3rd, Rm. 8 Line Dancing: 10-11 a.m., Aud. A Piano Sing Along: 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Mind Teasers: 12-1 p.m., Rm. 4 Drama Club: 1:30-4:00 p.m. Purple Life Trail Fitness Instruction: 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Apple juice Veggie burger patty Chickpea salad Pita halves Garden salad Fresh fruit Alt: Chicken salad

BBQ pork chops Braised collard greens Sweet baked yams

Orange pineapple juice Shepherd’s pie w/beef & turkey Steamed peas & carrots Whole wheat bread Fruit cocktail Alt: Tuna salad

Hawaiian chicken Rice pilaf Italian blend vegetables

Orange juice Breaded filet of Sole fish, Yellow rice California blend vegetables, Fresh fruit, Whole wheat bread Alt: Salisbury steak w/mushroom gravy

Baked Flounder Baby carrots w/ parsley Baked potatoes

Crochet & Knitting: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session: 9:30-10, 11-12 Meditative Moments: 11 a.m.–12 p.m., Rm. 8 Mind Teasers: 12-1 p.m., Rm. 4 Bingo: Rm. 7, 1-3 p.m. Card Games, Dominoes: 2 p.m.-4 p.m.

Apple juice Roasted chicken Spinach noodle pudding Green beans Fresh fruit Challah bread Alt: Gefilte fish

Arroz con Pollo (chicken w/rice) Baby spinach salad Whole wheat bread

(Schedule subject to change without notice) Payments for trips @ 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.

Fee for lunch is $2.00 & $5.00 for guest

ALL meals served w/margarine and fresh milk *Menu subject to change without notice. Alternate Kosher Meals are also available Bartow Center (718) 320-2066, Ext. 2010 Dreiser Center (718) 320-1345 • Einstein Center (718) 671-5161

Upcoming Events/Trips JASA WELCOMES EVERYONE AGE 60 AND OLDER! Trip registration policy: No refunds for all trips. All trips include roundtrip transportation! All trips must be paid in advance – No exceptions! Payments can be made at all 3 centers. You can register for all trips starting the Monday after it has been published in the newspaper: JASA will not accept checks under $5. (FREE) LiveOn NY – SCRIE Application & SNAP (Food Stamps) Assistance – Fri., Jan. 27th, Feb. 10th & 24th, Mar. 10th & 24th; 10 a.m.–3 p.m. First come, first served! JASA Main Office, 2049 Bartow Ave. JASA Closed Mon., Jan. 16th in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Madame Tussaud’s Museum – Tues., Jan. 17th, $25. Bartow – 10 a.m.; Einstein – 10:15 a.m. & Dreiser - 10:30 a.m. Wait list. Fairway/BJ’s – $3, Wed., Jan. 18th; Bartow - 9:30 a.m.; Einstein 9:45 a.m. and Dreiser – 10 a.m. Wait list.

Stew Leonard’s – Fri., Jan. 20th, $5. Bartow - 9:30 a.m.; Einstein - 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser – 10 a.m. Ridgehill – Fri., Jan. 20th - $7. Bartow - 9:30 a.m., Einstein - 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser – 10 a.m. American Museum of Natural History - $23, Mon., Jan. 23rd; Bartow, 9 a.m.; Einstein - 9:15 a.m. & Dreiser - 9:30 a.m. Tickets are for General Admission Only; wait list. Empire Casino – Mon., Jan. 23rd, $5. Bartow - 9:30 a.m.; Einstein - 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser – 10 a.m. Wait list. St. Mary’s Recreation Center Pool – Wed., Jan. 25th & Fri., Jan. 27th, $3. Pool aerobics for seniors, 10 a.m.- 12 p.m.; Bartow - 8:30 a.m.; Einstein - 8:45 a.m. & Dreiser – 9 a.m. 14 seats available. We were just informed that there is a $25 yearly fee to use the facility. If you wish to become a member, please come into the JASA Bartow office and fill out an application and add your name to the trip list. Membership is non-refundable. Queens Museum – World’s Fair

Behind the Scenes Tour, Fri., Jan. 27th, $10. Tour starts at 1 p.m. Bartow – 10:45 a.m., Einstein – 11 a.m., Einstein - 11:15 a.m. Shoprite – Mon., Jan. 30th, $3. Bartow - 9:30 a.m., Einstein - 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser – 10 a.m. Tenement Museum Tour – Mon., Jan. 30th, $20. Tour starts at 10:30 a.m. in the gift shop. Bartow, 8:15 a.m.; Dreiser, 8:30 & Einstein, 8:45 a.m. Tour ends 12 p.m. Driver will pick you up at 12:30 p.m. at the gift shop. Empire Casino – Tues., Jan. 31st, $5. Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 10 a.m. (wait list). ACE in the Hole @ the Brownstone – Tribute to Ben E. King, soulful singer of ‘Stand By Me,’ Fri., Feb. 17th, $50. Show starts at 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Bartow, 9:15 a.m.; Einstein, 9:30 a.m. & Dreiser, 9:45 a.m. Wait list. National Museum of African American History & Culture, Washington, DC – Sat., April 8, $94. Deluxe motor coach transportation. Breakfast included and all you can eat

lunch buffet at Golden Corral. Pickups: Dreiser, 7:15 a.m.; Bartow, 7:30 a.m. & Einstein, 7:45 a.m. Depart destination, 5:30 p.m. CASH ONLY. No checks, no refunds. Payment deadline is Wed., March 15th. Be prepared for a lot of walking. Wait list. National Museum of African American History & Culture, Washington, DC – Wed., April 19, $85. Deluxe Motor coach transportation. Enjoy all you can eat lunch buffet at Golden Corral. Pick-ups: Dreiser, 7:15 a.m.; Bartow, 7:30 a.m. & Einstein, 7:45 a.m. Depart destination, 5:30 p.m. No refunds, wait list. Be prepared for a lot of walking. Payment deadline is Wed., March 1st. ACE in the Hole @ Royal Manor, Garfield, NJ – $50. Family-style lunch served, 2 comp. drinks during Happy Hour, “Tribute to Natalie Cole.” Also starring comedian Melvin George. Thurs., March 30th. Show starts 11:30 – 3:30. Pick-ups: Bartow, 9:15 a.m.; Einstein, 9:30 a.m. & Dreiser, 9:45 a.m. 18 seats available.

Co-op City Times / January 14, 2017

Scheduling Activities Calendar

AARP Chapter #4997 FYI: AARP NY is urging legislation to boost the 2017-2018 state budget for non-Medicaid services that help older New Yorkers age safely at home. The goal is to provide transportation, home-delivered meals, adult day care and other services for people who are eligible for, but are not receiving, home and community-based services. In a recent AARP/Siena College survey, 87% of Generation Xers and Boomers in NY said if they needed long-term care, they would want to receive services at home. More than 2/3 of responders said help with managing medication, household chores, transportation, meals and respite care is, or would be, helpful. Heartfelt Condolences to Barbara Smith on the loss of her mother. Please contact our Good & Welfare Coordinator, Frances Wilson, (718-671-5493), about any of our members we have not heard from or seen in a few months. We want them to know that they are in our thoughts and prayers. Also, if you have a family member who has passed, please contact Frances. 2017 Tour Activities NOTE: If you have travel suggestions, please contact our Tour Committee, Judith (719-379-3370). March 17 – 24: 7-night Cruise to Cuba… SOLD OUT (Wait-list available)…Fly to Montego Bay, Jamaica; board Celestyal Cruise Ship to Santiago de Cuba; Havana, Mariola Gorde, Cienfuigo; roundtrip airfare, tours, food, drinks, taxes and port fees all included. Contact Judith, 718-379-3370. —Delores Debnam

Goose Island Senior Citizens

NAACP Co-op City Branch #2210 National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 75-3111, Einstein Station, Bronx, NY 10475. President: Jerome Rice. Office telephone: (718) 320-3210. Address: 135 Einstein Community Center, room 36. Office hours: Monday – Wednesday – Friday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Theme: Our Lives Matter – Our Votes Count. Branch membership meeting will be held on Sunday, January 22 at 3 p.m. Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities. NAACP Statement on President-elect Trump Selections for top Advisors by Cornell William Brooks, president and CEO of the NAACP, can be accessed online: http://www.naacp.org/latest/naacpstatement-president-elect-trump-selections-topadvisors/. Membership Campaign: Lifeblood of the association. Your membership dollars help lead the fight for freedom, justice and equality. The community atlarge is invited to join the Co-op City Branch #2210.

Become a new member, renew, recruit, gift or sponsor an annual membership for self or another. Adult regular membership is $30 and youth membership is $10. We have some exciting and challenging projects planned and we need your help. We look forward to working with you to go forward and meet the mandates of the NAACP. Voter Registration is an ongoing activity, registration forms available in office. Be prepared to VOTE! If you don’t vote, don’t complain. Note: On Saturday, January 21, our branch will participate in Co-op City’s Women’s March on Washington. We will be travelling by charter bus and the cost is $25 per person. Seats are limited. If you are interested in going, call the office for more details. Tickets are going fast. Save the Date January 14 – 1st Quarterly NYSC Meeting at 9 a.m. Elected officers only. January 21 – Women’s March on Washington (Co-op City participation). January 22 – General Membership Meeting at 3 p.m. February – Black History Month (PS 160, work in progress). —Jerome Rice

Happy birthday or happy anniversary to all who celebrate in month of January: Joan Brown, Edyth Rosenberg, Estelle Lebowitz, Toby Landau and Phyllis Grossman. We still have a few items from our garage sale at a very good price. Trips for 2017 Wednesday, June 7, we are going to Westchester Dinner Theatre. They are playing “Mama Mia.” The price is $79 for show, luncheon, and transportation. A deposit will hold a seat at the theatre. all payments must be in by May 15. Thursday, October 12 at the Hunterdon Hill Playhouse in New Jersey we will be seeing a very funny show by Neil Simon. You will also be able to enjoy a very scrumptious lunch and all the desserts you can eat; the price is $79. A deposit will hold your seat. For more information, call Goose Island Seniors at 135 Einstein Loop at 718-379-9613 or call Mary at 718-379-4899 and she will return your call from Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., room 39. Don’t forget your yearly dues $15. Good health to all. —Mary Pilla

Einstein Cancer Fund We wish everyone a happy 2017 with good health, prosperity and friendship throughout the year. Arrangements have been made at the Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, April 26, for the luncheon show of the hilarious comedy of “Born Yesterday” which was a huge hit of a film starring Judy Holiday. The cost per person is $79 which can be paid off by April 1st. A small deposit of $5 or more will hold your reservation. You will be issued receipts for your deposits. For all of the above trips, please call Lydia at 718671-3005 or Annie Eutsey at 718-320-1874 for dues and a memorial card. As always, remember to give a call to the homebound and those in nursing homes. Your calls will cheer them up and they will know they are always in your thoughts and prayers. Good health and healings are wished to all. —Lydia Ruas

Co-op City Times / January 14, 2017

Newsong Church Put God First in Your Life Part-3 Hey, Co-op City! What if I told you that 2017 can be the best year you’ve ever had, if you make it your best year spiritually? I’ve heard it said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Why would you want to start off a new year doing the same old things; carrying the same old hurts and pains around with you like a backpack? It’s time to make a change, and here’s some free advice from Jesus himself… Jesus said, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need (Matthew 6:33 NLT) How can you put God first this year? Consistently attend His church! God’s Word says, “...You are a member of God’s very own family...and you

belong in God’s household with every other Christian.” (Ephesians 2:19 LB) If you really want to make a change in 2017, it’s imperative that you find a local church home. The church is a family. God expects us to be a member of His family. A Christian without a church family is a contradiction! It’s in the church that we come together and worship God, hear His word, and pray for one another. It’s in your local church where you can receive encouragement from others who have gone through what you’re going through, and learn how to navigate the path that God has for you. You’re not supposed to be doing life alone! Maybe you had a bad church experience, and you’re reluctant to go back to a church. I’m sorry that happened to you. I’m not making excuses, but

let me say that although God is perfect, His people are flawed. People make mistakes, they often say and do things that are hurtful…With that being said, don’t let that stop you from trying again! There’s plenty of churches to try…find one and plant yourself there so you can grow! Ask God to help you, learn to trust Him! Although His church isn’t perfect, it is the hope of the world! We carry the message of Jesus. Jesus loves the church, he died for the church, and he’s coming back for the church! Put him first this year…and join a local church! We invite you on a journey to seek after God with us this Sunday at 11 a.m.! Our Worship Experience is located at 177 Dreiser Loop, Auditorium B. Our service starts at 11 a.m. Deaf

interpretation is available during our adult worship experience. We have a well-staffed nursery and a children’s church called “Kidsong.” If you have any questions, you can contact us: Church office: 140 Alcott Place, Bldg. 19. Office hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Phone: 718-708-8385 More info: Website: www.newsongchurchnyc.org; email: info@newsongchurchnyc.org Facebook:www.facebook.com/newsongchurchbx Twitter: @newsongchurchBX Instagram: @newsongchurchBX. Our Newsong family is here for you, stop by this Sunday and experience the difference! God bless you! —Pastor Mike Tolone

Building 12 Cooperators Civic Association Greetings. Our next general membership meeting is Monday, January 23, 7:30 p.m., activity room. The weather is unpredictable. Some days it’s very cold and others not so much. In cold and icy weather, be careful when entering and leaving the building. Don’t forget to have batteries,

water, flashlights and other supplies on hand just in case you cannot get out and about. Also, make sure that your cell phones are fully charged. By now, you should have received your Building’s 2016 Annual Dues envelopes. They were due December 9th. If you have not received an enve-

Co-op City Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church invite you to join us tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. for worship service. Sunday School for children and adults is held at 9:15 a.m. We invite you to worship, study, and pray with us. The Co-op City Baptist Church is located at 135 Einstein Loop, room 50. Our telephone number is 718-320-3774. Join us for a mid-week spiritual pick-up at our mid-week worship service which is held on Wednesdays at noon. Bible study is held on Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Bible study will also be held on Wednesday, January 18 at 5:00 p.m. Prayer Service is held on Fridays at noon and 7:30 p.m. Save the Date: On March 12 to 20, 2018 the church will be going to the Holy Land Pilgrimage in Israel. Join us and worship sailing on the Sea of Galilee, be baptized in the Jordan River; share in communion in the Garden Tomb, all where Jesus walked. For additional information, call the church at 718-320-3774. The Co-op City Baptist Church exists to glorify God and to establish a living community of people who follow the teachings of Jesus Christ through worship, prayer, Bible study and fellowship. We seek to meet the spiritual and physical needs of the church through ministry. —Hattie L. Lucas

Building 13 Association Our building meetings will resume in February. Thanks to all who attended our Adult Holiday Party on Friday, December 30th. The food was great, the music was pumping and with the great collection of family and friends, we had a ball. Kudos to all who donated towards a fantastic fun-filled event. It was a great time, and once again, have a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year, from us to you! Women Keeping It Real…returns Saturday, January 28, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at 100 Casals Place (Bldg. 13) association room. Women Keeping It Real is an inspiring, insightful and informative social gathering of women of all ages exchanging information, empowering and encouraging each other. We welcome new participants. Remember! You must be 18 and over to participate. Join us for an all-you-can-eat bonanza at Lobsterfeast at the Nordic Lounge, a 4-hour casino stay at Foxwoods with bonus outlet shopping at Tanger’s with discount booklets on July 15; also includes taxes and gratuities. We will leave from 100 Casals Place at 7:30 a.m. and depart from our destination for home at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $160 per person. First payment of $80 is due by February 18 to secure your seat. Due to the deposit that must be paid, we ask that you be prompt with your deposit or pay in full. Checks for Building 13 events should be made payable to Building 13 Assoc., Inc. and mailed to 100 Casals Place #32K, Bronx, NY 10475. For information, contact Sherrie Hernandez at 914-837-5970, Gail Sharbaan, treasurer, at 718-671-3801 or Leslie Peterson at 718-320-1370. Our website is http://www.bldg13assoc.com or e-mail us at bthirteen.assoc@yahoo.com. As always, thanks for making our team work. —Leslie Peterson

lope, call me at 718-379-7841. Questions as to whether or not you may be eligible for the NYS BASIC STAR OR ENHANCED STAR PROGRAM which is based upon your age and income, call 518-457-2036, Monday thru Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., or go to Google, type in “Star Program,” and then scroll down to “Star Eligibility.” Although some of us cannot attend the One Million Women’s March in

Washington, DC, we are with you in solidarity. Best wishes to all who are celebrating a special event this month. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who has suffered a loss or is sick and shut-in. If you see something, say something. To contact CCPD (Public Safety), call 718-671-3050. We can be reached at MLSAH @aol.com or 718-379-7841. —Sonja Maxwell

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

(718) 671-2233 DR. LOUIS JACOBS, DIRECTOR ALL FOOT CONDITIONS TREATED The in-office surgical correction of BUNIONS • HAMMERTOES • INGROWN TOENAILS PAINFUL CORNS and CALLOUSES The treatment of traumatic foot injuries, heel spurs, bursitis and arthritis of the joints of the feet, toenail and skin infections, as well as other conditions.

Most Union and Insurance Plans Accepted. HIP CMO (Montefiore) Health Plan Accepted. We participate in Postal Workers, Mail Handlers, Letter Carriers, Verizon Workers, 1199, GHI, Blue Shield, Empire Plan, Medicare, Travelers, United Health Care and many other union and major medical plans. Se Habla Español MEDICARE ACCEPTED • HOUSE CALLS BY APPOINTMENT

Diabetic Patients with Medicare may be eligible for shoes.

Co-op City Times / January 14, 2017 Help Wanted

Office Cleaning Person for 1 hour only, 5 days, 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. Please call 718-379-4800. 1/14

— SERVICES — SERVICES — SERVICES — Appliance Repair

CLASSIFIEDS Computer Consultant, Sales & Repair JB RYAN COMPUTER REPAIR & UPGRADE

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

Painting 2/25

Repair - Upgrade - Trouble-shooting - Data Recovery Virus Removal - Laptop Overheat - Cracked Screen Broken Power Jack. Call James 646-281-4475 • 718-324-4332

FATHER & SON Top Quality Work - Painting, Plastering, Wallpapering, 2/18 Floor Sanding, Refinishing, Waxing.

Decorator

ACE APPLIANCE REPAIR (718) 379-8782

718-320-3300 x3384 cctimes@riverbaycorp.com

Call Wesley 212.996.7347 or

917.325.5334

1/14

1/31

DARRYL’S APPLIANCES REPAIR All makes, all models. 20 years experience. Free service call with repair. Evening calls available.

Call 347-228-5376. 2/4

EMERGENCY SERVICE

Home Improvement

L&L APPLIANCE REPAIR

$20

OFF

Present This Coupon (except vacuums/lamps)

STOVES • WASHERS • REFRIGERATORS • VACUUM CLEANERS and more. LIMIT — One Coupon Per Person. Fully Insured • NYC License #1233497

718.792.2655

10/7

L & L APPLIANCE REPAIR

• ALL MAKES & MODELS • Stoves • Washers • Dryers •Lamps • Dishwashers • Refrigerators • Bags • Hoses • Belts • Vacuum Cleaners

Breathe Easy

Family Owned & Operated Since 1954 NYC License #1233497 10% DISCOUNT

• RANGE HOODS We BEAT • LIGHT FIXTURES Any • KITCHEN CABINETS • CABINET REFACING Quote! • COUNTERTOPS • CUSTOM CLOSET MIRROR DOORS • CUSTOM WALL MIRRORS

Grout & Carpet Cleaning Co-op City Resident Specials

Elim in Bugsate

www.co-opsales.info DON’T PAY MORE AT YOUR LOCAL HARDWARE STORE!

1/31

10/7

STYLISH DECORATORS

Locksmith Cleaning Service

3/11

FAMILY LOCKSMITH AND BLINDS Licensed and Bonded

HIGH SECURITY LOCKS 20% Off Any Lock Job!

Medeco • MultiLock • Wilson High Quality Labor, Low Price!

NEW STYLE BLINDS

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

FREE VALANCE & INSTALLATION

Re-installation of any types of Blinds. SPOONER

DOMESTIC SERVICE

• Basic Cleaning $90 • Deep Cleaning $130 • Non-Medical Senior Care $80 • 4 Hour Min. + 8.78% tax • Bonded • 7 Days • Cash, Pay-Pal www.spoonercleaning.com 2/18 (718) 320-5112

Repair Closet Doors and Sell New Bi-Fold Doors! Serving Co-op City for over 25 years. “When you see me, You’ll know me.” Call Anytime • Seven Days A Week

Advertise!

Call Mike at: 718-974-1290 Call for rates! 7/15

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

REUPHOLSTERING 718.881.7691

Vertical, Mini, Wood, Pleats

718.792.2655

1/31

Upholstery/Blinds

CO-OP SALES BLINDS!

(except vacuums)

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

CO-OP SALES - JASON LASH

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

EMERGENCY SERVICE

Fully Insured

1-800-479-2667

1/31

MetroCard Bus On the first and third Thursday of each month, the MetroCard bus will be at the Bartow Mall on Co-op City Blvd. (in front of the Bingo Hall and the eyecare center), from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; at Dreiser Loop (Park on Debs Place) from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and at Einstein Loop (Elgar Place) from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. enabling customers to sign up for or refill their Reduced-Fare MetroCard, purchase or add money to an existing MetroCard, and purchase E-Z Pass On the Go tags. The MetroCard Bus does not operate on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

3314 White Plains Rd., Bronx, NY 10467

1/31

Co-op City Times / January 14, 2017