Caregivers Outreach Mentorship Empowerment

How many informative facts do you know about Glaucoma?

Are you ready to take on the challenge? Grab a pencil and paper and answer the questions below. Remember, it’s okay if you don’t get everything correct; this quiz aims to test your knowledge and help you better understand Glaucoma and the symptoms associated with the disease.

(1) Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness among individuals 60 and older. True or False (2) Glaucoma can be cured. True or False (3) Individuals with Diabetes are at high risk of Glaucoma. True or False (4) Glaucoma is sometimes called the “silent thief of sight.” True or False (5) Severe Throbbing eye pain is a sign of Glaucoma. True or False (6) Glaucoma does not run in the family. True or False. Here are the answers. 1. True; 2. False; 3. True; 4. True; 5. True; 6. False. Glaucoma is sometimes called the “silent thief of sight” because it slowly damages the eyes and can cause irreparable harm before vision loss. The National Eye Institute defnes glaucoma as a group of eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness by damaging a nerve in the back of the eye called the optic nerve. Usually, glaucoma affects side vision (peripheral vision) frst. As this nerve gradually deteriorates, blind spots develop in your vision. For reasons doctors don’t fully understand, this nerve damage is usually related to increased pressure in the eye. Symptoms may include severe throbbing eye pain, eye redness, headaches (on the same side as the affected eye), and blurry or foggy vision.

While anyone can develop glaucoma, those who are overweight, people with diabetes, people with high blood pressure, seniors, Hispanics/Latinos, and African Americans over 40 are more likely to get glaucoma. There is a genetic component to glaucoma. If you have a family history of glaucoma, your risk of developing glaucoma may be higher. There’s no cure for glaucoma, but early treatment can often stop the damage and protect your vision. Glaucoma is treated by lowering intraocular pressure. Treatment options include prescription eye drops, oral medicines, laser treatment, surgery, or a combination of approaches. The only way to determine if you have glaucoma is to get a comprehensive dilated eye exam.

Take steps to protect your eyes by maintaining a healthy body weight. Maintaining a healthy body weight lowers your risk of developing diabetes or high blood pressure, decreasing your likelihood of developing classic glaucoma or glaucoma-like retinopathy. Stick to a balanced diet and try to exercise regularly. Monitor and Control Your Blood Pressure. Keep a log of your pressures and see your doctor if your pressure spikes or if you have chronically elevated pressures. Regular exercise and low-sodium and low-calorie diets can help you control your blood pressure, minimize the risk of developing hypertension-related glaucoma, and schedule an annual, thorough eye exam. Make sure you see your optometrist or ophthalmologist annually for an eye exam and that they test you specifcally for glaucoma.

—Diane Cooper

Refection: An Update to “Christmas Layers” and Beyond...

BY DAISY WINDLEY II

Before “Christmas Layers,” there was “Juneteenth” 2023, produced and directed by Daisy Windley (II). It was a challenging start with a willing cast who were novice actors. The joy? No script, just an outline to keep to and a lot of creative improvisations...It was a well-received turn-out!

And now, six months later, I was asked to consider a Christmas idea. I had nothing planned except for a prior idea! I was starting a Drama class and realized I had more than twenty participants! I decided to sketch out a production to involve ‘everyone’ because their eagerness to participate was sincere and exciting!

The word “script” was overwhelming, so I decided to evoke their true emotions and experiences in order to achieve the best they could give without fearing that “conscious effort” to remember lines ––even I fnd that a challenge!

And so, Christmas Layers was fun! What an unexpected turnout! I am so proud of everyone who took part and took a chance, even the volunteers behind the scenes.

And now, we go forward with hopefully three more productions, each one different from the other, each one inclusive of fearfulness, doubt, and diversity; we are a community of “Lifelong Learners.”

Who cares? The bottom line from me to you is, “take a chance, come join the fun, you will be surprised at yourself!

Section Five Association

The Section 5 Association wishes all a happy, healthy and prosperous new year. We did not get the expected snow. We have been spared from a snowy winter for two years now. Please stay vigilant; there are new variants, Covid is on the rise again. The hospitals and facilities are mandated to wear masks again.

As we begin the year 2024, we wish all a blessed, happy, healthy and wonderful new year as we move forward.

The Section 5 Association met on Thursday, January 11, for replacement nomination for vice president, Ms. Carol Arthur, and treasurer, Ms. Althea Cherebin.

Speakers – Jahmal Yapp, deputy chief of staff and budget director of Councilman Riley. Jahmal briefed us on the Family Day to be held on 6/29/2024 from 12-4 p.m.

Guest Speaker – Councilman Riley shared and encouraged Section 5 to do more events which will draw other sections to our events. Concilman Riley focused in on the youths by bringing in mentoring programs for the youths, such as YES programs, Project Pivot – youths to discover their passion, monthly Townhall meetings with the youths. Councilman Riley shared so many things on his bucket list.

Tree Lighting – Eunice Cuvas, president, and Tanya, vice president of Building 26, thanks SFA and all for their participation in the Tree Lighting event. They received so many accolades about the ceremony and are looking forward to the future.

Teen Center – Chantee, the coordinator, shared that she was happy to share her space for the Tree Lighting event and to contact the Teen Center for any events. Chantee stated she is looking forward to having a Girls Basketball Tournament, the team is named QUEEN ME. Chantee also is planning a 3-day Section 5 Reunion this year. We are quite happy these young ladies and men have such energy, skills and talents. We older adults remember when!

The Students – from IS 160 are beginning to hang out via our shopping mall in Section 5; trouble and fighting are brewing. We need to go the school staffing and the Board of Education to inquire what is being done to monitor these middle grade students. Public Safety seen to be on the Mall Site, however, these students ignore Public Safety which mean we have a problem?

Saturday Volunteers – are needed for food distribution at 10:30 a.m. at the Co-op City Fridge. Interested in volunteering? Contact Coopcitycommunityfridge@gmail.com.

One may reach Nelson Sweeting, president of SFA, at 646-644-4055.

Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success. –Henry Ford

—H. Overman

National Council of Negro Women

NCNW Co-op City Youth Section – Our Youth Section members met on January 13th for a vision board workshop. What exactly is a vision board? Put simply: it’s a visual representation of your goals. These poster-sized visuals contain all kinds of images and text that represent something you’re trying to accomplish. Isn’t that a perfect way to begin the new year? Does this sound like an activity that you’d like a young lady you know to be a part of? If she’s between the ages of 9 and 18 years, have her contact us at email: ncnwcoopcityyouth@gmail.com or visit our website: www.coopcitysection.com for more information. They meet once a month on the second Saturday in Room 14 of the Dreiser Community Center from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. These are all young women interested in leading, advocating and empowering women of African descent, their families and communities.

NCNW Co-op City Section – At our recent Membership meeting on January 14th, we learned of the loss of our member, Joy Harris, a long-time member of the Co-op City community, and an active member of NCNW Co-op City Section until her illness which for the past few years limited her involvement. She will be sorely missed. Condolences may be sent to: the family of Joy Harris, 140 DeKruif Place Apt. 32L, Bronx, NY 10475.

Youth Committee – The first big program that we will be presenting this year will be our 21st Annual Black History Celebration that will take place on Saturday, February 24, in the Bartow Community Center. Our Youth Committee is seeking talented 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 contact the NCNW Youth Committee at 914-826-5644 or ncnwcoopcitysocial@gmail.com.

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month – The World Health Organization has a plan for the elimination of cervical cancer through vaccination and screening. What can you do? To start, learn about two important tools for prevention – HPV vaccination and regular screening. The HPV vaccine has been around since 2006. In that time, rates of cervical cancer incidence have dropped significantly among vaccinated women. The goal of cervical cancer screening – Pap tests and HPV tests – is to find problems like cell changes, so they can be treated before they turn to cancer.

Social Media – Remember you can find us on our website: www.ncnwcoopcitysection.com; on Facebook: NCNWCoopcityBethune; on X, formerly known as Twitter: @NCNWCoop City; on Instagram: NCNW Co-op City and email: ncnwco.opcity@gmail.com.

—Joyce Howard

Building 13 Association

Here’s hoping you stay bundled up and warm when you go outside because winter is truly here. With threats of snow, as of this writing the snowstorm is a dusting, we’ll see what tomorrow brings. However, the Section 2 presidents and RRCG (Rivers Run Community Garden) and SFD (Summer Fun Day) members are in the planning stages for Earth Day and Summer Fun Day so save the date

The Earth Day Parade will take place on Saturday, April 20, and Summer Fun Day is scheduled for Saturday, June 22 (rain date: June 23rd). There will be fun activities and new adventures and, of course, all are invited to these free events.

Shareholders wanted to collect signatures for a petition against the proposed dispensary, especially since we are directly across the street from the intended business. We shared our form with Building 12 and 14. Thank you to our vice president, Mr. Mattison, for collecting signatures.

Community Board 10: Although the Community Board meeting was held and there was standing room only present at this session, the vote taken by the community board members was aligned with the audience and community request. The dispensary that requested a lease from the property owners of 675 Co-op City Blvd. (aka the primary address 3203 Peartree Avenue located on Block 5141 Lot 0438) was voted down. But there is still more to do...

Facts: Although CB10 voted ‘No’ that does not mean the decision is done. Community boards only give their recommendation and it is then deemed part of the record when given to the Office of Cannabis Management. That office uses the information to give their recommendation to the Cannabis Control Board who will grant or deny the application. As of this date of publication, our petitions are being sent out to the various parties involved in making a recommendation.

Building 13 Election: Nomination for offices shall take place at the Regular

For up-to-date communication from Riverbay Corporation, read the Co-op City Times, delivered to your building lobby and the community centers on Saturdays, tune in to the Crawler on your home TVs and lobby monitors, and register for Phone Tree notifications.

Membership meeting in February. The Election shall be at the Regular Membership meeting in March. The newly elected officers’ term shall commence April 1st following installations and shall be for a term of two (2) years. Guidelines for Eligibility and Election for office is currently posted on the bulletin board.

“We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community.” –Cesar Chavez

Visit our Facebook page at: Building 13 Association Inc.–Co-op City. Our website is http://www.bldg13assoc.com or e-mail us at building13assoc@ yahoo.com. Contacts: Leslie Peterson, president, at 718-320-1370, or Wendell Mattison, V.P., at 917-330-1380. Thank you for supporting our team.

—Leslie Peterson

Building 9 Association

Building 17 Association

Happy New Year to all. I pray everyone will have a healthy and prosperous year!

For the good and welfare for all, Co-op means working together. We cannot the door to open. You are only damaging the door more. Learn your door! are welcome and needed. We really need our young adults to come out and

Please don’t force the door to stay open when the person you are holding the door for has not reached the door yet. It takes the door off of its timing. Please educate your children of the same.

Please don’t try to force the door open once the mechanism starts to ring; if the door does not automatically open, just pull the door toward you, the door was not closed, then it will open.

—Barbara A. Johnson

to conduct the election. Please join us. of your property and your surroundings. skunks, and rodents are attracted to the same food smells. We don’t want that!

–Anonymous

Black Forum of Co-op City

––Linda Collins

African-American

To show you how much we care about your presence… our organizations. These are important and pivotal years. We are of Co-op City household. You can Zelle email address.

January 27

February 3

February 17

March 16

April 6

April 20

May 18

May 19

June 8

June 30

Note:

The AAACC sponsors the following programs for your participation: Belly Dance Classes with Xonia Wilson

Evening Line Dance Classes with Cynthia Dixon

Yoga & Pilates Classes with Meena Sharpe-Hicks

Co-op City Baptist Church “Gospel Line Dancers” with Joyce Smith –

Be the change you want, for more in 2024.

––Michelle Marbury