Co-op City Times 02/03/18

Co-op City’s Official Newspaper Serving The World’s Largest Cooperative Community. © Copyright 2018 Co-op City Times

Second Readings On Lobby Modernization & Local Law 11 Work To Highlight Feb. 8th Open Board Meeting Vol. 53 No. 5

Saturday, February 3, 2018

Shareholders are encouraged to attend the first Open Board meeting of the new year, scheduled for Thursday, February 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the Dreiser Auditorium, when the Board will be voting on two important second reading of resolutions – one on the lobby entrance modernization program for Chevron buildings and Local Law 11 work.

Prior to the beginning of the Board business meeting at 7:30 p.m., shareholders who have department-specific concerns or questions can meet with department directors and personnel between 6-7 p.m. and have those matters addressed.

Shareholders who would like to speak during the gallery session should arrive early and print their names on the sign-up sheet.

“The upcoming Open Board meeting is an opportunity for shareholders to come out and hear about the business of Riverbay Corporation, as well as ask

BY ROZAAN BOONE

questions they may have,” said Board President Linda Berk.

The first item at the Feb. 8th meeting will be approval of the agenda, followed by the president’s report which will be delivered by Ms. Berk.

The management report, given by Riverbay’s executive general manager Bob Klehammer, will follow.

The gallery session will then be held so that shareholders may express their views or ask questions prior to the Board holding discussions and voting on resolutions.

At this meeting, the Board will vote on the second reading of resolution 18-02 on modernization of the Chevron lobby entrances. According to the first reading of this resolution, which was introduced at the January 17th Board meeting by Board President Linda Berk and Director Andrea Leslie, and seconded by Director Sonia Feliciano, “…the Lobby

Hotel Coming to Bay Plaza (See story on page 4)

STAR Credits Appear On February Carrying Charge Statements

(Continued on page 2)

Shareholder Advocacy Is Needed; Stay Engaged And Woke!

25¢

Linda Berk

President’s Message

President

I remember Co-op City when our supermarket was in Garage 1 and we eventually had a shopping center in Dreiser Mall that met all our needs. Today, we are faced with an invasion from north and south that has changed the nature of this community. It started with Bay Plaza that has now grown into a regional mall, followed by other strip malls, storage facilities, bus depots and now massive billboard signs and an animal shelter.

(Continued on page 2)

CCPD Investigating Shooting Incident In Section 5

Eligible Co-op City shareholders who applied for the New York State School Tax Relief (STAR) Property Tax Exemption for tax year 2017/2018 before the March 15, 2017 deadline will share a total of $1,154,062 in credits as reflected on their Feb. 1, 2018 carrying charge statements.

The 2017/2018 credit for Basic STAR, which is determined by the New York City Finance Department, is $96.64 per apartment, and $211.56 for Enhanced STAR. There are 8,171 households receiving the credit this year. These are one time, once per year credits.

A Co-op City resident sustained non-life threatening injuries in a shooting incident late Sunday evening in Section 5.

On Sunday, Jan. 28 at approximately 11:08 p.m., one male was shot in the vicinity of 100 Einstein Loop, according to Co-op City’s Public Safety Department.

The 26-year-old male, a Co-op City resident, was shot once in the buttocks and sustained non-life threatening injuries. This incident is being investigated by Co-op City Public Safety Department detectives along with NYPD. Anyone with information related to this incident can report it anonymously to the CCPD Tips Hotline at (718) 879-6311, CCPD website at www.ccpd.us or NYPD Crime Stoppers Tips Hotline at (800) 577-TIPS.

NYPD Commish Attends 45th Pct. Community Council Meeting

Board of Standards Hearing On Massive Billboards

New York City Police Commissioner James O’Neill attended the monthly meeting of the 45th Precinct Community Council on Thursday evening, Feb. 1, at St. Theresa School in the Bronx, NY and was greeted by an enthusiastic group of community residents, including a contingent of about 20 neighbors from Co-op City. The commissioner informed residents from the 45th Precinct coverage area that by July, they will notice a more visible NYPD presence as the department transitions to neighborhood policing in the area. Commissioner O’Neill said that there are several graduating classes and new officers will be deployed where extra assistance is needed, such as in the 45th Precinct.

Photo by Leon Tulton

BY JIM ROBERTS

There are 24 days until the New York City Board of Standards & Appeals convenes a public hearing on Tuesday, February 27, for testimony regarding the massive billboard the owner of the property at 500 Baychester Avenue is in the process of erecting which will reportedly be launched on a 300-foot mono pole.

The hearing will commence at 10 a.m. at 22 Reade Street, Spector Hall, New York, NY 10007.

Shareholders are urged to make plans to attend this hearing and to speak out about these massive electronic signage that have impacted on our quality of life. If you and your family have been affected by the light from the existing 200-foot LED signage shining into your apartment 24/7, you have a vested interest in this matter and should be in attendance on Feb. 27.

Make sure your concerns are heard.

Attend the public hearing and speak up!

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Co-op City Times / February 3, 2018

President’s Report

I am concerned that we have had little input in the way our community has been impacted with the growth and development all around us. As a community, we all have a vested interest in the development of this area. To that end, we must all take an interest in changes that impact Co-op City.

Waterfront Park While I am a strong believer in advocacy and political engagement, I also hold very strong values in my family, home, and community. To prevent the divisive environment this community experienced this past fall, I want to update you on the recent developments with the park that was proposed in conjunction with the City of New York.

The Mayor’s Office was informed after our town hall meeting in October that the community had a very mixed response to the idea of a City park and there were many shareholders who did not want Riverbay to give away the land for a park. There were also those who did. We are currently waiting for the City’s reaction to this resistance.

Open Board Meeting

(Continued from page 1)

Are they able to buy or lease the land?

We are waiting to hear back.

In the meantime, every shareholder should be assured that this will be a community decision in the end. It will not be made by the president alone or the Board; it will be a democratic majority decision by all shareholders once the City gives us a proposal.

To ensure that we have a healthy discussion on this issue, I want to get out in front of any divisive message that may follow. Therefore, no matter what may be said or written, I can assure you the community will review and discuss any park proposal to be able to make a decision on what we want. When the proposal is presented, the community will receive it.

Billboard Assault on our Community Last week, there was a protest to the offensive billboards being built on Bartow Avenue. While the community came out in force with short notice, we will need to do more. There will be a hearing in the Planning

Modernization Project will make the existing lobbies easier accessible and ADA compliant.” Toward that end, Requests for Proposals (RFP’s) were sent out, after which Riverbay and Architectural Preservation Studio (APS) – the architect of record on the project – conducted their due diligence on the responding bidders and selected a contractor to proceed with the work. The second reading of resolution 18-02, which will be voted on by the Board on Feb. 8, awards the contract to the lowest responsible bidder, R. Acevedo Contracting.

The Board will also vote on the second reading of resolution 18-03, awarding a contract for Local Law 11 work.

The first reading of this resolution was submitted by Director Jerome Rice and seconded by Directors Leah Richardson and Francine Jones also at the Jan. 17th meeting. Local Law 11 work is mandated by the city of New York. It requires that all exterior walls and attached appurtenances of all buildings that (Continued from page 1)

Office on February 27, 2018. We must be there in overwhelming numbers.

To assure we have the kind of turnout needed for the City to reject this protect, Riverbay will provide transportation to the meeting to begin at 12 noon.

Please look out for details in upcoming Co-op City Times issues and my President’s Report.

Animal Shelter Several years ago, our borough president and councilman had plans and funding for a community center at the location now being eyed for a Bronx animal shelter. The plan now is to spend $60 million for this shelter. I believe we should not give up the idea of the City building a community center on this location for our community.

We have waited long enough. While Educational Park was supposed to be a center for this community, that option was taken away from us during Mayor Bloomberg’s administration.

We need to get back into educational park to provide our young people and seniors the opportunity to explore and

pursue physical, cultural and artistic activities. However, that is not a satisfactory solution for 2018. It was great for 1969, but only a temporary solution for now. If the City can put $60 million into an animal shelter, they need to put as much or more into a community center. I am an animal lover, but I say people before animals.

Meet our needs first!

Advocacy is Needed It is incumbent upon us as shareholders to not let opportunities to get past us. We must resist what we do not want for this community and fight for what we know we need and deserve.

We are the largest concentrated housing in the Bronx, we must not be ignored or discounted. I ask every shareholder to read, attend meetings and stay informed so that you stay ready and engaged.

I am interested in your thoughts and ideas. You can reach me at the Riverbay Corporation Board Office, 347-913-4224, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475 or Lberk@riverbayboard.com.

are greater than six stories high be inspected at least once every five years to ensure it is in safe condition. The last such inspection took place in Co-op City during the 2010/2015 cycle.

Board directors will present their committee reports after the resolutions, which also includes one lease, after which the meeting will be adjourned.

DR. LEWIS WOLSTEIN NOW ACCEPTING AETNA!!

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

No Standing/Parking In Dumpster Pads

Shareholders are reminded that there is no standing or parking in the dumpster pads.

These areas are strictly for the use of Riverbay Corporation vehicles. All unauthorized vehicles will be towed at vehicle owners’ expense.

Thank you for your cooperation.

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 / February 3, 2018

Co-op City Times 2 n d

Front Pa ge

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147 Riverbay Employees Saluted For Perfect Attendance

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

Annual African American Film Festival Is Today The African American Association of Co-op City is presenting its 21st Annual Black History Month Film Festival today, Saturday, February 3, starting at 12 p.m. The program will be held in room 31 of the Bartow Community Center and admission is free. Please make every effort to attend.

Food Pantry At Faith @ Work Christian Church Faith @ Work Christian Church is offering a food pantry beginning at noon on February 5, in Building 7, 120 DeKruif Place, Bronx, NY 10475. This service is free and there are no age restriction. A government issued photo ID is required.

Please bring your shopping cart.

Perishables and non-perishables.

First come, first served, so come early.

The Faith @ Work food pantry will continue every first Monday of the month. For further information, please contact Pastor Deborah Jenkins at 347-202-7006.

Reservations For Assemblyman Benedetto’s Black History Program Assemblyman Michael R. Benedetto will sponsor a Black History Month Celebration in Co-op City’s Dreiser Community Center Auditorium for 650 people on Thursday, February 15th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Admission is free, however, reservations are necessary. Please contact Assemblyman Benedetto’s Co-op City office at (718) 320-2220 to reserve your seat today. No one will be admitted without a reservation.

Invitees will enjoy a full-course buffet dinner, entertainment, music and dancing. New York State Assemblyman Jeff Aubry will be the guest of honor. During the evening, three people who have contributed to Co-op City’s vitality will receive honors.

Management, Public Safety and Locals 153, 282, 94, and 32BJ employees who worked through 2017 without calling out sick once were honored for their loyalty and dedication to the community with a luncheon on Friday, January 26th in the Dreiser auditorium. Each employee was presented a certificate of appreciation from Riverbay Corporation. Riverbay Executive General Manager Bob Klehammer, Assistant Executive General Manager Cary Smith and Assistant General Manager Warren Mitchell, himself a perfect attendee, were on hand to offer their thanks and appreciation.

Mr. Klehammer told the honorees: “I can’t tell you how much we appreciate the effort you put out all year on behalf of the shareholders of Co-op City. We have a lot of plans to continue to improve the development and make your work environment safer. Thank you for your efforts and keep it up as we try to continue to make this place the proud beacon of excellence that it is.”

Employees honored were: Samir Hakim Farham Al-Gaylani, Tony Alcide, Leandra Alexander, Hector Algarin,, Jose Manuel Alvarez, Michael Ambo, Frank Apollo, Pamela Apollo, Steyvon Baker, Kiana Bartley, David Best, Pedro Jose, Bisono, Betsy Boiko, Joseph Boiko, Averil James-Bonnette, Victoria Bowman, Angel Bravo, David Brown, Stephen Brugman, Claudia Budnitskiy, Chris Bulat, Jonathan Caban, Bovell Campbell, Hugo Castillo, Akim Challenger, Ruben Chapparro, Jerome Dexter Christopher, Alexi Yovanny Claros, Raymond Cooper, Josue Coronel, Jose A. Cruz, Marissa Cruz, Omar Patricio De Los Angeles, Dzevat Dervisevic, Heriberto Diaz, Victor Adrian Dickson, Neyema Dolma, Kenneth Duchnowski, Luis Duquela, Kujitim Duraj, Anton Dusaj, Margaret Echevarria, Noel Ellison, Lois English, Kimberly Engrassia, Tanysha Farley, Mikhail Feyman, David Fraguada, Ryan Francis, Vincent Francis, Mark Giaccoia, Mark Gordon, Franc Hota, Calbert James, Nurissa Jacqueline James Cox, Theodore James Jefferson, Nelson Rafael Jorge Collado, Rafet Kalic, Hasan Karim, Toma Kastrati, Lanor Keitt, Raymond Francis Kenny, Sina Kim, Tamira King, Aleksandar Knezevic, Lush Kocaj, Filip Kocovic, Leka Kocovic, Vasilj Kocovic, Lynn Krantz, Genaro Lambert, Sami Lazellari, Anthony Ligato, Larisa Lipovetskaya, Alberto Lizasoain-Velazquez, John Lowe, Petar Markolovic, Anginet Ocasio Martinez, Hector Martinez, Therse Mavinga, Dennoya McLymont, Sheena McNeill, Michael McQuaid, Hector Melendez, James Melendez, Jesse Melendez, Peter Merola, Peter Miranda, Warren Mitchell, Joseph Monahan, Roberta Morgan, Michael Munns, Trenise Myrie, Hector Navarez, Danielle O’Connor, Kingsley Ofori, Obed Ortiz, Toma Paljevic, Dindyal Persaud, Hubert Phillip, Rosalind Pierce, Pashko Pllumaj, Peter Popovic, Alan Poretsky, Linda Pujols, Bautista Quinones, Eduardo Ramirez, Julio Ramirez, Jose Reyes Mato, Juan Reynoso, Alvin Rivera, Daniel Rivera, David Rodriguez, Frankie Rodriguez Gilberto Rodriguez, Wilmer Rodriguez, Louis Salegna, Louis M. Salegna, Benjamin Samalot, John Samura, Jose Sanchez, Michael Saunders, Richard Schmidt, Mark Shapiro, Tyronne Snell, Joanna Springer, William Stuttig, Antonio Suazo, John Sue, Shenese Talton, Robert Tausch, Andrea Tuberman, Justo Valdes, Marcelino Vargas, Ruben Vargas, Rudy Vargas, Filomena Velazquez, Felicia Velez, Kleber Vera, Anthony Warner, Marc Warren, Kirk Williams, Carl Wright and Filip Zadrima.

Photo by William Stuttig

Co-op City Residents Join Voting Reform Rally In Albany

Several Co-op City residents, including Riverbay Board First Veep Bernie Cylich, joined hundreds of other New Yorkers in the Capitol to rally for Voting Reform recently.

Voting Reform may not seem like the most exciting cause of the day, but the “one person, one vote” principle is the bedrock of democracy. Only 57.3% of eligible New York State voters cast ballots in 2016, ranking NYS #41 in the country in voter turnout.

Let NYVote, comprised of nearly thirty organizations, called for the January 23rd rally in support of several measures to make voting easier in New York State. Most especially included in the list of reforms: Early Voting.

Early Voting isn’t a Democratic or Republican idea. In fact, Texas was the first state to institute the practice.

Early Voting is merely a means to make voting more convenient for students, seniors, the disabled, or people who work long hours. The rally was called to persuade our legislators to push to include funding for Early Voting in this year’s budget, since the bar-

rier, year after year in New York State, is money.

After the rally, the group met with our own state senator, Jamaal T. Bailey, to thank him for his support of voting reform measures.

The Democratic Conference, on that same day, sent out a press release calling for Governor Cuomo to include adequate funding for Early Voting in the 2018-19 state budget. In that release, Senator Bailey is quoted from a past debate on the state senate floor — the year NYS ranked #49 in voter turnout. The senator said: “Voting rights were once not guaranteed for women and people of color. Currently, New York has the second-to-worst voting record in the country. The power to vote is important, when we vote, our voice is heard. Instead of making it more difficult to cast a ballot, the Democratic Conference has organized a package to expand voting rights. This legislative package will protect and ease the process of voting for all New Yorkers.”

In that same January 23rd press release, Senate Democratic Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins quotes Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as once saying, “Voting is the foundation stone of political action.”

Co-op City resident can also take action. Call Governor Andrew Cuomo at 1-518-474-8390 (#2) to insist on funding Early Voting.

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Co-op City Times / February 3, 2018

Hotel Planned For Bay Plaza Site

BY JIM ROBERTS Plans are in the works to build a six-story hotel on Bay Plaza property across Bartow Avenue from the Co-op City Power Plant.

The proposed hotel is thought to be a Fairfield Inn, part of the Hilton chain, according to several people familiar with the plans. The project would be codeveloped by Prestige Properties, owners of Bay Plaza, and the real estate development firm Friend Development Group. The site is currently a parking lot on Bay Plaza near the Hutchinson River Parkway.

The proposal is just beginning the approval process before any construction can begin. The hotel won’t be expected to be ready for guests for approximately two years. Part of the construction would include an underground parking garage, according to preliminary plans.

State Assemblyman Mike Benedetto is pleased to hear about the prospect of a quality hotel that would provide a convenient site for visitors to Co-op City.

“You hear ‘hotel,’ you get a little nervous, but it’s a Hilton chain which makes it legitimate,” Benedetto said. “I think it’s a wonderful asset to the Co-op City community. People will be able to come visit relatives here and be able to stay at a very convenient location right near their homes.”

Benedetto said the proposed hotel is another indication of the positive growth here. “All you have to do is look around – we’ve got the mall which seems to be doing quite well. The Bronx is not being overlooked anymore. It’s very encouraging for the future of Co-op City and the Bronx, in general. The sun is shining on the Bronx.”

Matthew Cruz, district manager for Community Board 10, said that he looks forward to involving the entire Co-op City community in the development.

“This process will be extensive,” he said. “We’ll do as much community outreach as we can to get people to our meetings about this topic.

“This project is on Bay Plaza property, which does not require community board input, but because we want to be overseers and be advocates for our community, we would like to bring ownership in to have everyone meet each other and discuss ideas on how we can all work together on this project.”

Calls to Prestige Properties and Friend Development Group were not returned.

FATS Training For New Recruits

Window Guard Forms Due

Shareholders, your 2018 Window Guard Form is due on Thursday, February 15th. If you have not yet filled out and returned your form, please do so.

You may also contact your respective CSO and request the response code which is specific to your building and apartment. You will then be able to respond by phone or online at www.safebuildingsnyc.com.

—CSO

REMINDER – Carrying Charge Boxes

Shareholders are reminded that the carrying charge deposit boxes located in the community centers open on the morning of the first business day of the month and close at midnight on the 10th of the month, which is the last day to pay your carrying charges before a late fee is accessed. If the 10th of the month falls on a weekend or holiday, the carrying charge boxes remain open through the next business day.

—Riverbay Management

SAY NO TO HATE New York's strength comes from our diversity.

We are the melting pot of the world.

We will not accept hate and intolerance.

We are better than that.

Let's stand together as one.

We are New York City.

On Friday, the new class of Public Safety recruits were engaged in Firearms Training Simulation facilitated by CCPD’s Training Detective Steven Grosvenor. The training helps the new recruits with onthe-spot-decision-making when dealing with situations involving firearms and de-escalating potentially dangerous situations.

Photos by Ralph Henriquez

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Co-op City Times / February 3, 2018

Electricity Shut Down Building 28C, 2nd Thru 8th Floors

Congratulations On Your Retirement, Leka!

Walton Electric Company will be replacing an electrical transformer on the 2nd floor. The electrical transformer feeds electricity to the apartments on the 2nd floor up to the 8th floor. In order to replace the transformer, it is necessary to shut down electricity in the apartments. Hot & cold water will not be affected.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7 TIME: 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.

Electricity in the public hallway and elevator service will not be interrupted.

As soon as the work is completed, electricity will be restored. If anyone has any medical equipment that requires electricity, please notify the Cooperative Service Office, 718-320-3300, Ext. 3595.

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding in this matter.

—COOPERATOR SERVICES OFFICE (Einstein Loop)

Serene Sunrise

Leka Gazivoda, a Riverbay employee with the Restorations Department, retired recently after 39 plus years of service to the corporation.

Leka started in Restorations as a porter in 1978. He then transferred to utilityman in 1983 and was promoted to supervisor in 1998 where he spent the last 19 years of his career.

Riverbay’s Executive General Manager Bob Klehammer (second, right) and General Manager Noel Ellison (left), joined with HR Generalist Rosalind Pierce (second, left) and Restoration Director Edgar Perez (right) to present a service plaque to Leka thanking him for his dedicated service to the Riverbay Corporation and the shareholders of Co-op City, and to wish him well in his retirement.

Photo by Ralph Henriquez

Blood Drive At Truman HS Feb. 6

A Blood Drive is being held in the auditorium at Harry S Truman High School on Tuesday, February 6. It will begin at 8:45 a.m. and will run until 3:30 p.m.

Anyone 16 to 75 years of age can participate in the Blood Drive. All 16-year olds must bring the New York Blood Center parental permission form, available at www.NYBloodCenter.org.

All walk-in donors are encouraged to attend. Blood donors will be notified of their blood type. —Antonio Morales Shareholders woke up to a blanket of white snow on the ground on Tuesday morning, Jan. 30. The picturesque scenery was captured by Co-op City’s photographer Elijah Bernard from his terrace.

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.

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Co-op City Times / February 3, 2018

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 the• authors. or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication.

– •verify – •the– authenticity • – • – of•– – • Anonymous – – • –Letters • – •cannot – •exceed – •–350•words.

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

Letters to the Editor

Unlimited Government To the Editor: A letter written in last week's paper advocates unlimited government. The following are my views: Unlimited government has given us Socialism, Communism and Nazism.

Nazism is actually a philosophy of the left since it grants improper, unlimited powers to government (via a dictatorship). The 1929 collapse of the stock market was brought about via improper government regulations, and the Federal Reserve System played a large role in that travesty. We should blame the one-world advocates, the globalists for many of our economic ills, led by such organizations as The Council on Foreign Relations and the Trilateral Commission.

We should not be the policemen of the world. Our national indebtedness, thanks to both the Republican and Democratic parties, is in the many trillions of dollars. I believe we should keep the federal government limited to constitutional functions to stop an impending oneworld dictatorship, and to prevent the coming financial collapse (which will be due to deficit spending).

I believe welfare encourages men to leave their families, and this has contributed to poverty in the slums. Public assistance has also, in too many cases, led to a disincentive towards entry-level employment.

A U.S. Senate Committee report has just been promulgated indicating a link between our opioid epidemic and government programs (Medicaid and Obamacare). More on that in a future letter.

Under Socialism, the political insiders are able to subvert individual rights because unlimited government is too powerful, and, in my opinion, is a grave threat to freedom.

—David Hammer

Rallying With Our Neighbors, For Our Neighbors To the Editor: It was very nice to see so many shareholders joining in the protest against the mammoth billboards at the new 7-Eleven. It was especially nice to see those in attendance who aren’t personally tortured by the flashing twenty-four-hour-a-day eyesores.

The rally, called just a day or two prior and scheduled for 3 p.m. had a significant turnout, all things considered. City Councilman Andy King spoke, as did several of our Board members, a religious leader or two, and Assemblyman Michael Benedetto who promised to fight for us at the state level.

Watch out for a more fully organized event coming down the pike!

You mess with some of our cooperators, you mess with us all. It’s called community.

—Mary Pearson

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.

Correcting Disinformation Printed In City News

To the Editor: In a reprint of a 25 year old story, the Jan. 25th City News headline of the NYC Dept. of Investigation (DOI) report on the May 1993, NYC Community School Board Election, Ed Stancik, “special” Commissioner of Investigation, issued a scathing report of his findings, to which the City News added their comments, sans comments from the Saunders family or anyone present at the election site.

Freedom of Speech entitles them both to print their own opinions, but not to make up their own facts!

Both the Stancik Report, as well as original/retro City News headline and storyline are disingenuous at best because I believe there was never any conflict of interest or fraudulent election behavior attempted.

No one from the DOI’s Special Investigative team ever interviewed my wife, my son or myself. To the best of my knowledge, no one ever interviewed, or printed statements from any of the candidates who were present at the District 11 site, M.S. 144, to separate truth from salacious fiction.

The day of the initial set-up by the counting firm, “Proportional Count Associates,” there were no boxes in the room containing official ballots. The site manager exclaimed that because he was short on staff, set-up was probably going to take longer. My wife offered to call our son, Keith, to assist to help expedite the process. Remember, in 1993, computers were a bit more complicated than today’s modern models.

Our son successfully assisted with unpacking and preparing 3 or 4 computers from boxes. At that point, there were still no ballot boxes in the gym.

My wife did identify herself as the female district leader to the gentlemen in charge and did inquire if it were possible for Keith to obtain a job working for the company. The supervisor interviewed our son and, combined with his display of work ethic, agreed to hire him for the ballot count.

Keith was assigned to work at M.S. 141 in District 10, 12 miles away from M.S. 144, and 1993 Bd. Of Election records will show that since all tally sheets had to be signed and counter signed by both the counter and a supervisor for correctness, that our son’s signature will actually appear on many of the official ballot sheets in District 10.

—Rod Saunders

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.

No Co-op City Times?

If the Co-op City Times Was Not Delivered:

Call 347-439-5632 on Saturday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Call 347-439-5632 on Saturdays ONLY, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Important Notice to Shareholders of Building 9 Building 9

Current Lease Expiration Date

New 3 yr.

Expiration Date

Building 9 100 & 120 Dreiser Loop

May 31, 2018

May 30, 2021

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Co-op City Times / February 3, 2018

Public Safety Report

BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO Even though it is late in the season, this year seems to have a high rate of flu and viruses going around.

Everyone knows someone who has been affected by one of these illnesses. By taking a few simple precautions, you can greatly reduce your risk of exposure to flu and other illnesses.

The Department of Public Safety offers these tips to keep you safe during the cold and flu season. If you have never gotten a flu shot, this may be a good year to start. The healthier everyone can be, the better.

Not since the big “Swine Flu” epidemic a few years ago has the flu received media attention, but flu is still with us. Every year, scientists attempt to predict the pending flu strains and produce an effective vaccination. This year, it seems that the devised vaccination has not been 100% effective against all of the current flu strains affecting the population. Some years, vaccines are in short supply after the media creates flu awareness. It is always best to get your vaccine before supplies run low or you actually catch a full blown case of the flu.

Flu season can last until May or June so if you haven’t had a vaccination yet it can still be useful. If you have ever had the flu, you know it is not something you would like to experience again. Fortunately, the large number of people receiving flu vaccinations and public awareness about flu served to limit the spread of flu and other illnesses.

The symptoms and degree of illness caused by the flu virus vary for each individual. Some people will become very ill while others sustain only very minor symptoms. Your general health and other risk factors will determine how the flu virus will affect you. Persons with other underlying health problems can face serious complications in connection with this or any other flu. Risk factors include the elderly, young children, pregnant women, obesity, diabetes, asthma and those with compromised immune systems.

Those at high risk of complications should see their doctor and consider being vaccinated against this year’s strain of the flu. Vaccination has proved to be highly effective in preventing flu infection.

The single most important step everyone can take

Anonymous Calls To Public Safety

Periodically, cooperators may witness someone violating the housing company’s rules and regulations, however, some people are apprehensive about reporting the situation for fear of their identity being divulged to the violator in question.

Please know that you may request to remain anonymous when you contact the Co-op City Public Safety Department (CCPD) regarding said issues and the Public Safety dispatchers, officers and supervisors have been instructed to accept these calls and investigate, accordingly.

If, however, you feel forced to surrender your identification in order to lodge your complaint, immediately request to speak with a supervisor.

Rest assured that you should feel comfortable placing these calls to our Public Safety Department, as oftentimes residents are the first to know when an incident has taking place and in most cases who the individuals involved are, as well.

Thank you very much for your cooperation.

—Riverbay Management

CCPD Offers Illness Prevention Tips For The Start Of The Flu Season to prevent contracting this or any other illness is frequent and thorough hand washing. This is especially important for school age children. Children may sneeze or cough and then come in contact with items other children may touch. Children may then touch their face allowing flu germs to enter the eyes, nose or mouth very easily. By washing your hands frequently and thoroughly with warm water and soap, you minimize the risk from this type of exposure. If soap and water is not available, hand sanitizer should be utilized. Hand sanitizer is available in small containers which can easily be carried in a pocket or purse. Some of these decorative, small containers have cases designed to be clipped onto a lunch bag, backpack or belt loop.

If you or any member of your family exhibit flu symptoms be sure to stay home from work or school, get plenty of bed rest and increase fluid consumption.

These are very important steps in preventing the spread of the flu virus. This gives the body a chance to rest and recover as rapidly as possible. Any school closings or outbreaks in the New York City schools can be found on the NYC website, www.nyc.gov/flu.

Be sure to notify your child’s school if your child becomes ill with the flu or any other contagious illness. Follow the advice of your doctor to determine when it is safe for your child to return to school.

Taking the drug “Tamiflu” or “Relenza” greatly decreases the severity of the flu virus if taken within 24 to 48 hours of exposure to the flu virus. See your doctor, especially if you have other underlying medical conditions or health risks. Don’t always expect a doctor to prescribe antibiotics for every illness. In many cases, antibiotics do nothing but make illnesses resistant to antibiotics. It is still a good idea to rule out illnesses such as strep or flu.

The Center for Disease Control no longer recommends taking flu medication for exposure to flu. It is only recommended for persons who actually exhibit flu symptoms. Check their website for more information at www.cdc.gov/flu. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety website will also contain a flu hotline check for updated information and important links www.ccpd.us.

Do not allow media attention to create panic in regards to the flu virus. This year’s strain of the flu virus is no more serious than previous strains of flu.

By taking precautions, you can minimize your risk of exposure to the flu virus. Your health goes hand in

Public Safety Blotter January 6 – Broun Place Four unknown males reportedly robbed a delivery person. The males ranged in age from 1722 years. This matter is under investigation.

January 8 – 140 Bellamy Loop One male and one female were arrested for trespassing and possession of marijuana.

January 11 – Asch Loop and Alcott Place A complainant reported that an unknown individual removed their tablet computer and fled the area.

Jan. 28 – 100 Einstein Loop A male was shot in the buttocks and treated at a local hospital for minor injuries.

Jan. 29 – 140 Einstein Loop One male was placed under arrest after being found in a stairway in possession of marijuana.

hand with your well being and safety.

February is known as Boost-Your-Self-EsteemMonth, Children’s Dental Health Month and Heart and Stroke Month. February 20th is known as World Day of Social Justice (recognized by the United Nations). Take this opportunity to learn about various medical conditions so you can help yourself or a friend with a disability or medical condition. Smile and say “hello” to a neighbor when you pass them in the street or the hallway.

Always remember not to drive if you consume alcoholic beverages. Even one drink is too many if you are going to drive. Also, be sure to buckle your seatbelt, obey speed limits and avoid distractions when driving. School’s open, drive safely. Never pass a stopped school bus in either direction when it has the red lights flashing or the stop sign out.

Always remember, if you see something, say something. Call 9-1-1 and the Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050 or online at www.ccpd.us.

Callers may remain anonymous when giving information. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety would like to thank all persons who have called in suspicious activity or sent information via our website. It is by your actions that the crime rate remains low and a high quality of life is maintained. Visit CCPD on Twitter @CCPDnyc to see what is happening here in Co-op City.

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

OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY For information on CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES ONLY, please contact: Lenya Garcia at Lgarcia@riverbay corp.com; and Anatoliy Budnitskiy at abudnitskiy@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 OPPORTUNITIES

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

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

There are no new employment opportunities to list this week. Please check back again next week.

Please Visit The Bartow Administration Office To See All Jobs Posted.

8

Co-op City Times / February 3, 2018

Director’s Viewpoint

Bernard Cylich First Vice President

In a letter to the Co-op City Times (1/20/18), a cooperator wrote, “We need to restore the Constitution, which was written to protect our rights.”

Let's examine the original Constitution, who wrote it and what rights and restrictions it contained. In June 1787, under the leadership of George Washington, the delegates at the Constitutional Convention adopted the document, which did not include the Bill of Rights, and submitted the document to the states for ratification.

The Constitution was drafted 11 years after the Declaration of Independence, the 1776 manifesto in which the colonies announced their readiness to wage war for freedom against the British, the mightiest, and as yet undefeated, military power in the world, whose financial resources were limitless.

"The Shot Heard 'Round the World" For almost two and a half centuries, the Declaration has been the clarion call for those seeking freedom from feudal, monarchical, or dictatorial bondage; indeed, the first gunfire of the American Revolution has been called "the shot heard 'round the world."

Among the earliest resistance movements the war inspired were the French Revolution, begun in 1789; the 1791 Haitian insurrection against slavery and colonialism; anti-Spanish colonial revolutions across Latin American, begun in 1808 and led by Simón Bolívar.

In the American colonies, the rag-tag colonial army was an assemblage of small farmers and fishermen, laborers, artisans, mechanics, and 5,000 Negroes.

They were poorly clothed, poorly fed, poorly paid and inadequately armed. They were led by Washington, a farmer, surveyor, and hunter with no formal schooling – with able assistance from von Steuben, Lafayette, Pulaski, Kosciusko, and other Europeans with military experience. Nevertheless the Continental Army, with the valuable aid of French naval forces, defeated the British at Yorktown on October 19, 1783, and General Cornwallis was forced to surrender. While 8,000 British soldiers laid down their arms, their band played "The World Turned Upside Down." The War

Our Rights at Risk

of Independence was over. turn our country back. Today we, the 99 percent, are No to Monarchy struggling to halt attempts by the top 1 percent, Even before the victory by the colonial army, sevunder the guise of protecting our Constitution, to eral politicians, including Gouverneur Morris and restrict those hard-won rights. And many more Alexander Hamilton, called on General Washington struggles will be required if we are to make our to lead a coup d’état and establish a monarchy. Washnation an even more perfect union. ington refused and, as noted, was among the leaders The writer of the letter continues: “Both political of the movement to form a constitutional democracy. parties are attempting to reject limited government, The delegates to the Constitutional Convention which is what our political system is supposed to be.” included the following: 33 lawyers, 8 businessmen; “…We simply can’t afford more unconstitutional 44 held public bonds, 14 were land speculators; 11 deficit spending.” delegates were in mercantile, manufacturing, and But consider how the opening line of the Constishipping businesses, and 15 were slave owners. tution defines our government: None among them were small farmers, propertyless “We the people of the United States, in order to laborers, and foot soldiers in the revolution. No wonform a more perfect union, establish justice, insure der Washington declared that the Constitution was domestic tranquility, provide a common defense, “not free from imperfection . . . [and] is open to future the general welfare and secure the blessings of libamendments and alteration.” In fact, small farmers erty to ourselves and our posterity . . .” and debtors were opposed to the document and were And the Declaration of Independence calls on the preparing to revolt unless certain democratic rights colonialists – rich and poor, men and women, black were guaranteed. And Massachusetts, Virginia, and and white (but not slaves and American indigenous New York ratified it only after Congress promised to people) – to join the battle for freedom against adopt the Bill Of Rights (it did so in 1789).

British rule declared: “We hold these truths to be “Not Free From Imperfection” self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they Although the Constitution and the first ten are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienamendments guaranteed important human and civil able rights; that among those rights are life, liberty rights, the document still retained a number of egreand the pursuit of happiness.” gious, undemocratic flaws: From its birth our government has been charged • Slavery was accepted as official policy. with providing for the “general welfare” and the • Right to vote and hold office was restricted to “pursuit of happiness” for all people, not just for the white males who owned property. top 1 percent. Yet today, overwhelming portion of • Women were not granted the right to vote or our nation's wealth, created by working men and hold office. women who are getting poorer while increasing pro• The Founders supported the policy of extermiductivity, is being appropriated by the wealthiest, nating indigenous people. who – thanks to congressional measures like the Many of these injustices have since been cor2017 tax code reform – are becoming even more rected, but not without great sacrifices – including a prosperous. The revised tax plan, drafted by lobbybloody civil war. ists for the benefit of those at the top, will cut their Other undemocratic elements remain to be elimitaxes by $1.5 trillion over a decade and is likely to nated. But strict Constitutionalists, in the service of the lead to a severe national deficit, and perhaps worse. top 1 percent, would like to turn the clock back to 1787.

Although decrying deficit spending, the cooperaThat appears the implication of the cooperator’s letter. tor is silent on this latest giveaway to the 1 percent Consequences of Undermining and silent on our bloated military budget, which was the Founding Documents just increased by over $70 billion, a figure that Too much blood has been shed, since 1787, in the exceeds the combined military budgets of all other effort to make our nation a more perfect union, to countries in the world.

American Legion Post 1871

Memorial Day Raffle Booklets Fellow comrades, the Memorial Day raffle booklets are available for pick-up and I am using this medium to encourage every comrade to join this bandwagon.

Thus, we can keep the post running. At the same time, I am reaching out to the public who care for the service of these men and women during their time to support the services rendered and that we are still rendering. Just stop by the office and pick up as many booklets as you can help the organization with.

As I was just planning to make my submission for this week’s publication, I came across one of the member’s plea to his friends and allies concerning this issue. There is no better way I could have written on this issue as the commander than the comprehensive and passionate appeal of an individual. Thus, with his permission, I am re-presenting it here.

Llewelyn Waterman is an individual in the post who has been consistent and passionate to the existence of Post 1871. He does this every year by going out of his way to make sure he sources for funds amongst his friends and families in order to make sure that the Memorial Day event is a success. Every year, he single-handedly raises more than 80% of the Post’s funds. I am just glad to have someone of his status, with a big heart committed to an organization like this.

Llewelyn pays his dues regularly, shows up to major events as a volunteer and participates in almost every meeting as long as he’s able and healthy. Besides, his personal effort to the organization is beyond ordinary mention. For consecutive years, he has been the Legionnaire of the Year, and with the letter he sent out to his friends below, there is no way the outcome of it will not make him the Most Valuable Legionnaire of the Decade for Post 1871. Just read below: “Hi friends, it's that time of the year when I ask for your help in securing funds for sustaining our Post and putting on this year's Memorial Day Ceremony, honoring our fallen heroes. Our annual Raffle draw helps to keep the Post open.

It provides a place for Vets to come, and not become shut-in at home. The raffle provides funds for rent, supplies, utilities and, of course, the ability to put on the affair. So I hope you will participate in buying whatever booklets you can afford since each book costs $5 ea. containing 7 chances per book.”

He continues: “This event is truly the lifeblood for the Post's existence. I'll be contacting you starting from February, but it would be of great help if you can respond to this email before hand, letting me know of your interest to help.

Memorial Day Raffle Drawing is Sunday, May 27th, 2018 with these prizes (1st Prize =$500, 2nd=$300, 3rd=$200) and you don’t need to be present to win.”

Be like Llewelyn and sell raffles to help Post 1871.

—Lsjc Adeyemi LaCrown O'toba

The African American Film Festival is here today Saturday, February 3rd in room 31 in Bartow. As every year, it promises to be entertaining and informative.

There will be a few surprises this year so be sure to attend.

We are running a special for acting classes. You must register for a minimum of four classes in order to obtain the discount (children ages 7-15). Classes are available for ages 16 and over as well. Classes begin today, Saturday, 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Contact Meca Talent at the number below.

Our next general meeting will be Tuesday, February 13th in room #15 at the Dreiser Center. All are welcome to attend at 7 p.m. There will be other announcements and important information available. Culture, economics, health and education will be our focus in 2018.

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 after school program, 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. Also first and third Tuesdays in Einstein, Section #5. Call Cynthia, 917-903-7073.

Institute of Youth/Adult Study Group – Meets every 2nd and 4th Monday, Dreiser Center, room #15, 7 p.m. Contact Haru Maat, harumaat@msn.com.

Music, Rhythm & Dance – Most Fridays, 7:30 p.m., Dreiser Center, rm. 15; most Saturdays, 10:00 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.

Yoga And Zumba – Classes on Saturday start at 9:30 in Dreiser Center, room #2.

General Membership Meeting – The next meeting will be Tuesday, February 13th. 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: African-American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475. Donations are welcomed. Like us on Facebook: CoopcityAfricanamericanassoc/email us at: aaaccpower@gmail.com.

—Kevin Lambright

African-American Association

9

Co-op City Times / February 3, 2018

Cold Weather Tips For Older Adults

winter. Patients with conditions such as

BY DR. AMY EHRLICH The blizzards, snow and freezing temperatures remind us that winter is here. severe arthritis, Parkinson’s disease or stroke may have difficulty moving which leads to For most, this means bundling up an extra layer and being cautious on slippery increased vulnerability in the cold weather. roads. However, the wintery weather presents special risks for older adults. In the Many common diseases, including diabetes, Division of Geriatrics at Montefiore Health System, we educate our patients and lead to poor circulation, which is an additheir families and caregivers about keeping safe in the cold weather. tional risk for injury in the cold. Finally, Icy and snowy surfaces are the cause of most winter injuries we see. Nationthere are medications which may increase wide, the data show that the risk of hip fractures rises significantly in the winter your risk for hypothermia. Your physician or because of falls on ice and snow. Even though many seniors try to be careful by pharmacist can review your medications limiting their outdoor activities in the winter, I see many who end up slipping on with you and let you know if you’re at their front steps or when taking out the trash. To avoid this, we encourage all increased risk in the cold. adults to wear boots with non-skid soles – even on short trips outside – and to be If you or someone you know is concerned about winter’s challenges, please certain their walkway is clear and treated with sand or salt. If using a cane, it’s speak with your physician for guidance and help. Families, caregivers, and important to maximize the grip and function of your cane by making sure the neighbors, during the colder months, please also remember to check-in with rubber tip has been replaced and is not worn out. If you’re especially active in older adults who live alone. winter weather, some health professions recommend using specialized tips for (Dr. Amy Ehrlich is the associate chief, Division of Geriatrics, medical direccanes and walkers that are designed to provide extra traction on the ice. That said, tor, Montefiore Home Care, and professor, Clinical Medicine, at Montefiore the safest plan is to avoid walking on slippery surfaces!

In general, falls are the most common cause for serious injury in older adults. Health System and Albert Einstein College of Medicine.)

Of community dwelling adults over 65 years old, over 1/3 fall every year. I encourage all older adults to discuss their risk of falls with their physician. In particular, if you’ve fallen in the past or are worried about falling or feel unsteady, ask your physician to perform a complete fall evaluation.

Simple ways to prevent falls today include: having your doctor or pharmacist review your medications, starting an exercise program to improve balance and strength, having your eyes and feet checked and finally, making your home safer. You can also work with your healthcare team to address all of the key areas of fall prevention. In the winter, use caution when going outside: wear boots with non-skid soles, be certain that your path is well lit and make sure that there are handrails on all staircases. For additional tips on how to prevent falls, visit the CDC website to read about their program, Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries (STEADI).

Older adults are also at an increased risk for hypothermia, which happens when your body temperature drops to a dangerously low level.

Hypothermia is most commonly associated with being outside during very cold weather, but it can even happen if your house is too cold. Experts recommend keeping your heat set at 68°F or higher. If you are having trouble paying your heating bills, • Tax Preparation (Individual, Partnerships, there are community and government organizations that may be able to help; to find assistance near you, Corporations, Estates and Trusts, Non-Profit) use the Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116 (tollfree) or www.eldercare.gov. If your house becomes • Asset Protection (Revocable and Irrevocable cold overnight, we advise that you sleep in extra layTrusts) ers of clothing, including long underwear and a hat.

During the day, be sure to wear extra layers of • Tax Planning clothes and double up on your footwear by wearing socks with your slippers.

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• Defending Against IRS Tax Audit If you have to go outside in cold weather, it’s essential to dress in multiple layers of clothing which • Stopping Wage Garnishment, Bank Levies and Enforced Collections help trap air and keep you warm. We recommend wearing two to three layers of loose fitting clothing • Eliminating IRS Penalties to keep warm when outside in colder weather. Wearing winter boots will also protect your feet from the • Establishing an IRS-Approved Payment Plan cold. Don’t forget a hat and a scarf, too, to cover your head, mouth and nose. If you can, choose mittens • EA’s & Professional Tax Preparers Approved by IRS & NYS instead of gloves for increased warmth and protec• Walk-ins Welcome tion from the cold. Don’t forget to let someone know that you’re going outside, and always carry a fully • Year-round Service Provided charged cell phone so you can call for assistance, if needed.

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10

Co-op City Times / February 3, 2018

Director’s Viewpoint

Francine Reva Jones Assistant Secretary

The Film Festival will include tributes to Rev. Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker and musician, Hugh Masekela, in addition to comedian and activist, Dick Gregory. We look forward to seeing you today for the 21st Annual Black History Month Film Festival sponsored by the African-American Association. Admission is free.

The Festival will begin at noon with “Lest We Forget…,” a documentary by Gwen and Justin Ragsdale, curators of the Black Holocaust Museum of African-American Slavery. The Ragsdales will be present should you wish to purchase their books and videos.

At approximately 2 p.m., we will honor the lives of the three amazing gentlemen who recently passed away: Comedian and activist, Dick Gregory, Rev. Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker and musician, Hugh Masekela.

Brother Omowale Clay of the December 12th Movement will join us for these acknowledgments, as well as association members, Deborah C. Nelson and Michelle Marbury.

At about 3:30 p.m., the Festival will present its final film, “Olympic Pride: American Prejudice,” featuring 18 Afrikan-American Olympians. These athletes defied Hitler and Jim Crow racism to win hearts and medals at the 1936 Summer Games in Berlin, Germany.

Invite your family, friends and neighbors (especially the youth), for an afternoon of fine edu-tainment and to support an organization that supports our community. All are welcome.

NAACP Constituent Day Many cooperators turned out for the NAACP Co-op City Branch #2210 membership meeting last Sunday. It was also Constituent Day and NY State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey and NYC Councilman Andy King presented an update on their public service and answered many questions.

There had been much focus on the new 7-Eleven store at Bartow and Baychester Avenues, and the

Black Film Festival – Today

LED signage was the center of a protest rally on Jan. 25th. We were informed that the developer took advantage of an old zoning law, which should be changed, and the developer cannot install a third sign. Nevertheless, the developer should respect the will of the residents.

The question was asked regarding how the community can be informed beforehand of what is being planned to be constructed in this community. The response was that the community board has this information or that we can ask our elected officials.

Presently, there are plans to build a six-story Hampton Inn Hotel near Red Lobster and also an animal shelter. If we do not want this, let them know.

We discussed the issue regarding Gov. Cuomo’s veto of a bill for a second free MTA transfer. A twothirds vote by the Senate and Assembly could have been taken to override the veto, but this was not done. In checking the record, I believe that the Governor misunderstood the bill that he vetoed.

Sen. Bailey informed us of the bills he has proposed, including worker-owned businesses; mobile websites; reimbursement to crime victims who attend hearings; and rehabilitation programs for women in prison.

Congratulations to Councilman King on being named chairman of the Juvenile Justice Committee.

There was discussion on the criminal justice system and specifically, CPL 240, dealing with the district attorney withholding evidence while encouraging people to accept a plea bargain even when they are innocent.

Also discussed was: public schools vs. charter schools. Many thought it unfair that public funds were being spent on creating charter schools instead of using it to improve the public schools.

This reminded me of the Campaign for Fiscal Equity vs. the State of New York when, in 1982, the Court of Appeals ruled that students in NY are entitled under the state Constitution to a “sound basic education.” In 1993, the Campaign for Fiscal Equity filed suit and won. In 2001, the State Supreme Court ruled in favor of CFE and…was provided with $5.6 billion for operating aid and $9.2 billion in capital funding.

Also, according to reports, the NY Lottery con-

Many people are wondering why we had the Christmas tree up so long this year in the lobby. Our Building 6 Association storage room that we had for over 35 years was taken from us by Riverbay because they want to rent it out. This is why it took so long for us to find a place to put our Christmas tree.

The CSO Manager Lois English will be coming to our building association room with the Riverbay supervisor and worker this week to fix the problems in our building association room. I have been working hard to get our building and building association room fixed with all the problems that has occurred.

Just wanted to let you know what is happening in and around our building.

We hope to have a building meeting soon. I hope Riverbay will fix the problems in our building association room so we can have meetings. It’s been very cold in the association room with the cold weather we been having so we can’t have meetings until Riverbay fixes our room.

Our Lobby Attendant Andy Soto has been complaining about the cold lobby as well. Please call Riverbay and complain about the heat in our building lobby.

I hope we can get these problems fixed soon, but we need your help by calling up and complaining too.

I have scheduled CCPD Chief Apollo and Captain Perez to come our building meeting on March 22 at 7:30 p.m. to talk to us about what has been happening around Co-op City and to hear any safely concerns you have in our building and around Co-op City. Mark your calender's for this meeting. We always get great information from Chief Apollo and his staff from these meetings. Hope to see you all there.

Happy Birthday to our building association vice president Joan Murrell.

—Jeffrey Schwartz

Building 6 Association

Building 30 A and B Association

Celebrate Black History Month.

Crochet: Crochet Classes, Wednesdays, the 7th, 21st, and 28th of February at 1 p.m. in the association room.

PoKeno: PoKeno night will be Friday, February 9th with the door opening at 7 p.m. and games starting at 7:30 p.m.

Movie Night: Movie night will be on Friday, February 23rd with the door opening at 7 p.m. and movie starting at 7:30 p.m.

For those celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and new additions, congratulations. For those who have suffered a recent loss, our condolences. Those under the weather, get well soon. —Linda Werner

tributed $3.27 billion in fiscal year 2016-2017 to help support public education in NY State. I question how much is reaching the NYC public schools and how much is being allocated to charter schools.

The attendees were asked what it is that we want for our community. The overwhelming response was a community center for our youth. Other requests were for trade schools and jobs.

The NAACP president, Jerome Rice, closed by encouraging everyone to vote, stating that if we want a different U.S. President, we must vote. We should refrain from allowing petty-minded issues prevent us from voting. Also: The Open Board meeting is Feb. 8, 7:30 p.m. in Dreiser Auditorium.

The session was so engaging that I was unable to make a second comment which would have been about the poor service at the Conner Street Post Office. I had to sign for a certified letter and waited for 1-1/2 hours. Several people gave up and left the P.O. without being served. I asked for the supervisor and things improved a bit. If you have been a victim of inferior service, please register a formal complaint. You can call 3-1-1 or visit: USPS.com. “The wheel that squeaks, gets the grease.”

Altice Representatives from Optimum/Altice were guest speakers at the Building 21 Association meeting on January 25th. They informed us about the enhancements they are providing to their customers, such as One Box, and smaller boxes on additional televisions. A new remote has been designed that lights up and is voice activated. They responded to questions regarding STARZ, which was taken away, but replaced with three other channels. They advised that it is cheaper to purchase STARZ online.

The Altice reps. also listened to our complaints about having to travel all the way to 174th Street in order to do business with them. We stressed that we are a very large Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC), providing them with the business that they desire and that we should not be compelled to travel that far especially since they have an office at 2100 Bartow Avenue. I trust that our service will improve under this new leadership.

Contact I can be reached at: fjones@riverbayboard.com.

Greetings, neighbors. We got through the snow, now let’s hope for an early spring.

The association’s first general meeting of 2018 was held on Thursday, January 25. Our guest speaker was Mr. Warren Mitchell, asst. general manager of Riverbay.

Mr. Mitchell expounded on the ongoing projects, elevators, ADA lobby doors, UPS locker units pilot program is in Bldg 20. Lobby renovations were done in Building 15.

Questions or concerns about the scaffolding and fencing around Buildings 26, 30 and 31, accordingly, Local Law 11 were addressed. These buildings need work and are in dire need of bridging and it could take possibly 1 to 2 years to complete the bridging. All questions were answered by Mr. Mitchell.

We take this opportunity to thank Mr. Mitchell for patiently answering all of the questions and concerns. Thank you, cooperators, for your interest and standing room participation.

Constituent Day – was hosted by our own NAACP Co-op City Branch # 2210. Our esteemed guest speakers were Senator Jamaal Bailey and Councilman Andy King. It was standing room. The theme – Putting people before politics.

Senator Bailey shared an abundance of information, including that youth ages 16 and 17 are treated as adults in the court system, policies to change this injustice, advocating cases to move through the system faster, the Discovery Reform program, to ensure that information is received from the District Attorney in a timely manner. Policies that will enhance speedy trials.

Councilman King expounded on the LED Billboards, that a hearing will be held on February 27 and that Co-op City should come out in full force. Also, an animal shelter is in the works by the city; a Hilton hotel may also be in the works in the vicinity of our theater area. Reference was made that in Riverdale, when faced with unfavorable issues or crisis, this neighborhood shows up in full force to fight for their community and Co-op City must do the same.

Black History Month – There are a lot programs beginning February 1, so attend as many as you can, for we, as a people, will continue to march forward and not backwards, no matter the circumstances.

Remember others who are in bereavement. Contact Lydia Rondon at (718) 583-3030 to share any sickness or if a neighbor has deceased.

Please continue to pray for our Board members to make the best decisions for our homes and community. Pray for peace among the nation’s leaders.

—H. Overman

Building 27 Association

Co-op City Times / February 3, 2018

11

12

Co-op City Times / February 3, 2018

Get Your Money

basis, into the carrying charge envelopes of the apartments that are not enrolled in the STAR program on an annual basis. Additionally, management will be required to provide a notice that will clearly explain the STAR program to everyone that receives this application.

We have 15,372 apartments here. However, only Lead Paint and Window Guard Form – 8,171 cooperators received a credit on their February Deadline February 15, 2018 2018 carrying charge statement. Horrible! So, more By now, you should have received a fire safety plan cooperators must apply for the Basic STAR program from Riverbay. Additionally, you should have received or the Enhanced STAR program. a notice from the NYC Department of Health in referNYS School Tax Relief Program – STAR Program ence to peeling lead paint and window guards.

Did you get a STAR credit on your February carryHere is what the notice from the city states about ing charge statement? Not sure? Well, please get your peeling lead paint. "By law, your landlord is required carrying charge statement for February and see if to inspect your apartment for peeling paint and other Riverbay issued a credit of $96.64 or $211.56 to you. lead paint hazards at least once a year if a child under If you applied for the Basic STAR credit before 6 years of age (5 years or younger) lives with you."

March 15, 2017, then you should have received a Here is what the notice from the city states about credit, regardless of your age, for $96.64 if your window guards. "By law, your landlord is required to household income was less than $500,000. install window guards in all windows if a child under 11 For the Enhanced STAR program, here are the years of age (10 years or younger) lives with you, OR if regulations regarding the age and income factors. you request them (even if no children live with you)."

"All owners must be 65 or older by the end of the calNow, do you see how important it is to open your endar year in which the exemption begins, unless mail and review these forms? I hope so. Look, they are the spouse or sibling of an owner who is 65 regardless of where you live, you should always have or older by that time." Also, "The combined income the landlord check your apartment for lead paint. of all owners and of a resident owner's spouse cannot Also, please make sure that you comply with the law be more than $86,000." and get window guards on all of your windows if a Primary residence, like Co-op City? "The prop- child under 11 lives with you. Lastly, please return erty must be the primary residence of at least one your notice by February 15, 2018. owner. Married couples owning more than one propNo Parking at the Dumpster Areas erty can only have STAR on one property unless they A few months ago, the board and management are divorced or legally separated and can provide came to an agreement on the type of signs for illegal documentation to support their claim." parking that we want at our dumpster areas. Thereafter, If you are not registered, then please go to the those signs were ordered and were supposed to be receptionist in Bartow and ask for a STAR application. installed upon receipt.

Bottom line: A little more than half of our cooper- So, now, we're going to ators are enrolled in the STAR program. And, on the see if this work was done. flip side, that means that a little less than half of our Nevertheless, please tell cooperators are not receiving money that legally your family, friends, and belongs to them. This is wrong! everyone to not park in Look, every cooperator in this community should be these areas. Thanks. enrolled in this STAR program. Every apartment –withResolution 17-83 out any excuses! Yes, I know that we're talking about Glue Adhesive each apartment getting around $100 or $200 once a year During a board meeton an annual basis. But, everyone can use this money. ing on January 17, we So, I'm going to draft a resolution to compel man- considered resolution agement to insert a STAR application, on an annual 17-83 for glue adhesive

Director’s Viewpoint

Daryl Johnson

Association of Building 14 Cooperators

By now, the community is aware of the protest surrounding the LED billboards at the 7-Eleven store (old Mobil gas station site). Through the auspices of Cooperators United (association of buildings and townhouses), Riverbay Corp., Councilman Andy King’s office and Community Board 10, we agree that an expedited, continuous and multi-prone protest campaign is necessary.

The first protest March was January 23rd. We need cooperators to file complaints via 3-1-1 with the NYC Dept. of Buildings (report advertising billboard nuisance) and contact our respective elected officials, though this is largely a city matter. The property owner has been unresponsive. Complaint/Opposition calls can be made to his publicly listed numbers at 646.660.4254 and 347.850.7446.

FYI – The Bronx is the last frontier for mass development. Projects approved and proposed for our immediate area include $60 million ASPCA building (animal shelter/advocacy) replacing trailers now being stored on property next to Red Lobster, and a Hilton Hotel in the large parking lot area of Bay Plaza near Bartow Ave./Hutchinson River overpass. Be informed. Attend Community Board and City Council Planning committee meetings to learn what types of permits are being filed. STAY ALERT! Next Week Building Activity “Show Some Love” Valentine’s Day Fundraiser: Friday-Sunday, February 9th – 11th. Purchase sweet treats and $1 heart-shaped doilies to express love, friendship, endearment, well wishes and remembrances. Donations of baked goods appreciated.

Questions and ideas? Call 917.612.1951.

—Josie Ferguson

No Co-op City Times?

Call 347-439-5632 on Saturday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

from Home Depot. The total cost of this resolution was $417,000. This resolution stated that "Riverbay will order approximately 4,793 pails over a two year period with the capability to order more or less according to the needs of the Flooring Department."

So, the cost will be $87 per 4 gallon pail.

Typically, I would have voted no on this type of resolution. But, here are a few things that I had to acknowledge. The first thing is that I want to make sure is that we're dealing with a reputable vendor that will not engage in shenanigans with anyone here.

Next, I know that there are tremendous problems with the way that supplies are managed here. So, yes, I would have voted no if all of this glue was going to be shipped and supposedly stored here. But, as you can see, the glue will be shipped here over a 2-year period. Therefore, I believe that there is a good chance that this transaction will work out.

Close I used to vote no on almost everything that management brought before our board. But, as you can see, our current managers have made some improvements in the way that they conduct business here.

Lesson: Things do not remain the same. So, please do not compromise your good values and beliefs to do what's wrong.

Thank you.

Questions or comments? Please send a letter to: Daryl H. Johnson, Riverbay Board Director, c/o Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475.

Also, please call me at 718-671-4544 if you would like to have a discussion with me. Okay, that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful week. And, may God bless you and your family. Thank you.

Co-op City Times / February 3, 2018

Velocity Track Club

13

Father And Son Honored At Martial Arts Award

VTC (Velocity Track Club) is truly blessed! Every year, our children continue This past Saturday, Jan. 27, 15 year old to perform at a high standard, no matter what barriers they may face. We had a Matthew Miller and his father, Michael, received challenging couple of months due to bad weather and after school programs being honors at the Action Martial Arts Magazine’s closed, but that didn’t stop Hall Of Honors And Spirit Awards held at the our student-athletes from Tro p i c a n a performing at a high rate.

Hotel Resort On Saturday, January 20, & Casino in we competed in the New Atlantic City.

Balance Games at the New Matthew Balance Armory in New was awarded York. This meet is mostly for high school student-athletes, but they feature some “2018 Male Comyouth events. petitor Of The Our Girls and Boys 12 & under 4 x 200 meters teams Year,” while his were invited to run at the New Balance Games. Medals father received an and New Balance t-shirts were awarded to the top three award for “2018 relay teams. The competition was fierce and the buildOutstanding Dedi- Matthew (L) and Michael Miller ing was packed with high school coaches who had a cation In The Martial Arts.” Many Martial Arts film chance to see some of the top middle school athletes stars and television celebrities were on hand, including compete.

WWE wrestling stars such as former champion Bob Our Girls team of Allyson Wright, Saggi Hemmings, Backlund and the world’s strongest man, Mark Henry.

Jadah Benthan and Olyvia Burrell won the Bronze Earlier that morning, Matthew competed in the VTC athletes sporting New Balance Games medals medals. Our Boys team of Kyle Reinosa, Dontae Lindo, War At The Shore Tournament and won 2nd Place and Colgate Women’s Games sweat suits & awards.

Julian Caldwell and Khalil Mitchell won Silver medals. in the Forms Division. Also, competing in the Sparring division, Matthew had to fight a small 13 year Congratulations! old and won and then had to fight against another On Saturday, January 27th, we had 10 girls qualify to compete in the 2018 Colgate Women’s Games Semi small 13 year. Matthew didn’t want to fight another Finals at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. The top six athletes in each division/events with the most points advanced to the finals and all finalist received a Colgate Women’s Games sweatsuit. The top three winners 13 year old and gracefully bowed out of the match in the semi-finals earned a lovely trophy and 4th, 5th & 6th place earned medals. All VTC athletes competed to give the kid the win. to their fullest and I’m pleased to note that seven out of the 10 VTC athletes advanced to the finals! Not only “We were both very upset that Matthew’s Sparring did they advance to the finals, five of the seven athletes have a great chance to earn $500 - $1000 in educaDivision was for males aged 13-17 which is very tional grants. The position by points going into the finals are: in the Elementary “A” division, Brianna Burrell unusual,” said Michael. “We didn’t come for an easy is in 1st place and Hannah Deflorimonte is in 5th place in the 55 meters dash. Shyenne Blake is in 2nd place win and to fight someone nearly half Matthew’s size. in the 200 meters dash. In the Elementary “B” division, Jada Clarke is in 1st place in the 55 meters hurdles. Both kids were very overly matched and it wasn’t Dakota Hickman, 3rd place in the high jump and Kimaris Hickman is in 6th place in the 400 meters dash. honorable.”

In the Middle School Division, Hannah Gadpaille is in 1st place in the 55meters dash. Additional, Brianna Burrell is the first athlete that I have been coaching who went undefeated in two events and the semi-finals, and I have been coaching for a long time. She won all four 55 & 200 meters races, plus the 55 meters semi-final. Hopefully, she will receive one of the Special Awards.

Congratulation, young ladies!

Our next meets will be on Saturday, February 3rd, the NYRR Millrose Games at the New Balance Armory, and Sunday, February 4th, YMCA Series Meet #2 at the YMCA Brooklyn Armory.

Velocity Track Club New York is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit. One hundred percent of your donation will go towards helping our children. Support your youth, so they can continue to do great things! For additional information, you can go to our website, Velocitytrack.org, or contact me, Coach Winston Dinkins, at 914441-6196 or email, watclt@aol.com.

—Winston Dinkins

Building 25 Association

Our newly constructed Bellamy Loop basketball court looks fantastic. The youth of our neighborhood now have a safe environment to have fun, develop their skills, exercise and compete.

There is talk about opening up an animal shelter in our community by year 2024. Even though this is a “No Pet” community, more and more of our neighbors have pets. The new animal shelter would be beneficial for those who have pets because the nearest 24-hour animal emergency facility is in Manhattan or Westchester which may be an inconvenience for our elderly or disabled should the pet require medical service. Also, cooperators will have a place to take pets that sometimes get abandoned by their owners.

Our next scheduled meeting is Tuesday, February 20, at 7:30 p.m. If you cannot make it to meetings due to scheduling or other obstacles in your way, please log onto our building email address at building25ca@gmail.com and address your emails to any or all members of Building 25 Association.

Friendly reminder, our building annual dues are $5 per family. We would like to thank the residents who have paid their annual dues. Dues are collected at our monthly meetings by Carol Eilet, treasurer, or Celeste Stukes, asst. treasurer.

I will close with the following: “Don’t treat animals as animals, treat them as living beings, that’s what they are.” –Anthony Douglas Williams —Wanda Bailey Let us know…If you have news you’d like to share with your neighbors, please give us a call at (718) 320-3300, Ext. 3375/6; email: cctimes@riverbaycorp.com or fax (718) 320-2595.

Co-op City Sports

14

Co-op City Times / February 3, 2018

Building 9 Association

Greetings.

Many of you have inquired about the height, lumination, size and number of the LED billboards being erected at Baychester and Bartow Avenues.

Cooperators United met with Council Member Andy King and CB #10 District Manager Matthew Cruz on January 23rd. It was decided that due to the developer's lack of communication with Riverbay Corporation (its new neighbors), Co-op City shareholders would make their concerns known by L-R: Council Member Andy calling 3-1-1, the NYC Dept. of Buildings, NYC King, Wanda Rodriguez, Dept. of Transportation, and the owner of record of Shirley Wells, Leslie Peter- Baychester Retail III, LLC. Further, we decided to son and Linda Collins rally at that business location on Thursday, January 25th. Details at our next meeting.

With the closing of the Chase Bank at Peartree and Co-op City Blvd., we may be faced with a similar situation at this location. Join the movement to protect and preserve the dignity of our community. Thank you for attending our emergency meeting on Wednesday and for coming out to the rally on Thursday: Wanda Rodriguez, Jerome and Shirley Wells, Linda and Jaime Holley, Gabriella Concepcion, Shirley Johnson and Jerome Rice. Thank you, too, Wanda Randall, for rushing home from Brooklyn to join the march.

Inclusion, diversity and tolerance are the hallmarks of a successful community. Thank you for supporting our January 27th social event. The Event Committee made an excellent choice in their selection of 'The Zookeeper's Wife' in honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day. • Our February meeting has been RE-SCHEDULED: Wednesday, February 7th, in order to accommodate our members who want to attend the Riverbay Board of Directors’ Forum on the 8th. As is our custom, the January Minutes are posted on lobby bulletin boards for your perusal.

Our 2018 membership drive will begin in February. Calling all volunteers.

My dear young people of Building 9, it is now the time of year when you may turn your attention toward summer jobs, specialized schools, universities and full-time employment. You are among the first generations born into the Age of Technology, the Information Super Highway and Artificial Intelligence (AI). As I advised last year, institutions of higher learning and employers will access your social media accounts, i.e. Facebook, Myspace, Instagram, Twitter, You-Tube feeds, etc., to delve into and assess your character and your decision making abilities. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now being created and utilized by employers to recruit potential new hires by evaluating word patterns and sentence structure to determine intelligence, but further analyses may be implemented to determine certain intangibles such as social skills, through your use of words and phrases such as 'please', 'thank you', 'excuse/pardon me,' etc., to assess civility, empathy and how well you may interact with others. For more information, you may Google: ai-changing-jobs-hiring-recruiting at fortune.com.

"Chance favors the prepared mind." –Louis Pasteur —Linda Collins

Building 32 Association

Meeting Our January meeting was well attended, due in part to our special guest, Ms. Linda Berk, president of the Riverbay Board of Directors. Ms. Berk explained many items to our fellow cooperators, and answered questions from everyone. Ms. Berk stressed how important it is to be proactive, and a perfect example is the LED signage at Bartow and Baychester Avenues. Had prior management companies looked into the zoning oversight of many years ago, we might not be faced with these monster signs. We need to be aware of what is happening around us before it is too late. We thank Ms. Berk for her presence.

Trip We are still planning to go to the Westchester Dinner Theater on May 2 to see "Sister Act." I am Shirts & Pants waiting for the approval of our transportation and as soon as it is accomplished, monies will be collected. when 10 pcs. or more.

The cost is $80, which includes round-trip trans(limited time offer) Reg. Price $4.25 each portation, a full course meal, taxes and gratuities to the wait staff.

Dues after 20 lbs. minimum Building association dues remains at $5 per famSame Day Service ily for the year. Your dues serves many purposes. if you order before 11 a.m.

Please look for members collecting dues in our lobbies.

Executive Board We accept credit card We have two vacancies on the executive board. payments.

Please consider volunteering. The time spent, which is one (1) hour a month for the board meeting, and two (2) hours every other month for a general memR&S Express Laundry Center bership meeting, is very little in comparison to the rewards you feel for helping our building. Ms. Bai2077 Southern Blvd, Bronx NY, 10460 ley, our president, can be reached at (718) 379-7754 XpressLaundryNY.com for further information.

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Co-op City Times / February 3, 2018

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16

Co-op City Times / February 3, 2018

Director’s Viewpoint

Kevin Lambright

For most of my teenage life and all of my adult life, I have advocated for the rights of people. People, meaning humans; not that I am against animals or any other species. I am a firm believer that the lives of people should come first. We are more important than land, more than animals and more than money.

Our community is in the midst of constant change.

From transitional infrastructure rebuilding to population dynamics, change is inevitable. We have the power to determine the direction of that change. We have the power to determine the speed and rate of our own success and failures.

There will always be people within your internal body who can be influenced by those outside who are in opposition to your progress. It’s an unfortunate flaw in human nature. Here in our community, we have had the opportunity to have several examples of that. Yet we continue to overcome every obstacle thrown our way. There is still and will always continue to be opposition to our progress. How we handle it will be the determining factor of our success or failure.

Currently, there is a question of either building an animal shelter in our community or a community center. There is no reason why every resident/shareholder/elected official should not be rallying and advocating for a community center for the people of Co-op City.

People First Puff Puff Pass For the many years I have lived here in Co-op City, my overall experiences have been bittersweet, though I must say it has been better in the last 3-4 years. I cannot seem to get past the fact that one of the easiest things to correct has yet to be accomplished. It’s that irritable feeling of disrespect and lack of customer service that is being displayed by some of the employees here in our administration.

The very same people we continue to employ here.

On behalf of the shareholders, I am publicly asking upper management if they believe it would be a good idea to personally monitor (periodically without warning) any and all employees who answer calls from shareholders. Also, if you think it would be a good idea to keep a log of all complaints and concentrate on monitoring those employees who have documented complaints. I am also recommending that all shareholders be respectable bosses when making requests from employees. For the record, that last request was not a typo.

We have often blamed others for our misfortunes and our setbacks. We must begin to take responsibility for the decisions we make. We must educate ourselves not based on what is given to us by outside persuasion, but with common sense and documented proof. We have to think like bosses and not be afraid to question authority. We must trust those we put in place to represent us. If we cannot even trust those that we chose, then we need to question our own judgement.

Re-visitation When you meet a person for the first time, appearance is the first natural point of assessment. Before any word is spoken, our brains start to judge. Although

Building 21 Association

Were you there?

Hello, shareholders and cooperators. Those of you who attended the Building 21 General Meeting on Thursday, January 26, got a real education on how we will progress forward with Altice Optimum as our new cable provider. Three Riverbay Board members attended and promised to bring a resolution before the Board regarding an Optimum Payment and Customer Service Center. The Optimum Reps. referred to it as a “virtual store.” Many questions were answered with regard to billing. They also showed us new cable boxes that will be available some time in the spring or early summer which will have bluetooth capabilities and will result in better quality of service. We are proud of the members from other building associations (i.e. Buildings 15, 20, 23, and Adler Place. If any other buildings were left out, please accept our apologies.) There was also a great showing from the Building 21 Association. Each of us, not only “should,” we must show up for our own community and its needs or we will endure whatever cards we are dealt.

Now is the time shareholders, now is the time, to keep coming out in big numbers whenever there is a gathering that is close by you. Notice the last sentence did not designate “what” gathering to attend or what gathering is important because all gatherings and meetings in this community are important. You came out in big numbers and you need to be heard. Keep coming out, shareholders…

Keep coming out. Now is the time shareholders, now is the time to be effective.

THINK TANK at Building 21 is in session every Friday at 8:30 p.m. This is where we listen and discuss your ideas in an effort to empower each and every shareholder in CO-OP City. THINK TANK at Building 21 is where we develop these ideas; in “The Gathering Room” in the rear of the B Section. ALL are welcome. Come and bring a friend with you. Did you know that the 21 Association Rewards Points Program was developed in a Think Tank session???

The 21 Association Rewards Point Program is in full swing…The rewards are for all 21 Association members, BUT NOT 21 ASSOCIATION BOARD MEMBERS. Note: A member is a shareholder who has paid their annual $5 dues to the building association. Any shareholder of CO-OP City is eligible to be a paid member of The Building 21 Association.

Get involved this year…

Floor Captains are an absolute necessity in every building. There are many instances where residents were saved from catastrophes because they had a floor captain on their floor who had their contact numbers. The flip side of that is, there are instances where, if the resident had been a floor captain, they may have been saved from a catastrophic event. Contact your building association president or its board members to become a floor captain on your floor. Each one of us divided by ALL of US equals a force for good. See you around the neighborhood!

—Michelle Marbury

some people will say they never judge by appearance, if you have human genetic DNA, that is a natural instinct. We also process other visual objects in the same manner. For example, ugly construction scaffolding, dusty construction sites, unkempt hallways and buildings, garbage cans left unattended, uncut lawns, urine infested elevators, etc. I just described a community in dire need of a wrecking ball at its worst.

For most people, that would not be a community you would ever consider moving into if you had a choice.

Fortunately, that is not the case here in Co-op City (for the most part). People who come here to visit for the first time are actually amazed at things that we take for granted. I am not saying that we live in the ultimate paradise; I am saying that across New York, we are doing better than most. Of course there is still much room for improvement. With all of us working together, that will surely happen. But we must do it from the bottom up. We cannot continue to cover excrement with whip cream and frosting. This Board recognizes that and is doing everything in our power to make sure our Management and those who are paid to serve us understand that.

Keep in Touch 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.

Building 13 Association

Black History Month is a time for recognizing the central role of Blacks in U.S. history, however, being of African descent should be celebrated every day and embraced in every way.

Many things are happening in our community and we want you to stay informed. Although we would like to have as many members as possible to help continue our activities, you do not have to be a member of the association to attend the monthly meeting. There are many new shareholders who have joined our Building 13 family and community at-large and we welcome you. Stay informed by attending the building association meetings.

Did you know: We are currently trying to stop a huge LED sign positioned on Bartow and Baychester Avenues from shining in apartments and an even larger one from being completed?

Did you know there are plans to build an ASPCA on the property formally promised to build a youth center?

Did you know suggestions are being made to build a hotel near the medical facility in Bay Plaza?

Like never before, the time is now to keep your eyes wide open and participate. The date of the Open Board meeting was changed to February 8.

Listen to advances being made, ask questions, find out what’s next.

We are preparing the return of the writing workshop for our youth. We have found it to be a great benefit and watched many of the youth grow into teens able to express themselves in the written and spoken word. Don’t miss the sign up table in the lobby coming soon.

We are currently preparing for our Summer Fun Day event. Do you want to volunteer, be a member of our flash mob dance? We will be posting information soon. The Section 2 Alliance is gearing up!

Hungry for some lobster, shrimp, chicken, ribs, and all types of deliciousness? Then join us Saturday, July 14, for our 2nd All-You-Can-Eat bonanza LOBSTERFEAST at the NORDIC LODGE, and 4-hour casino stay at Foxwoods with outlet shopping at Tangers. The cost is $165 per person (includes taxes and gratuities). Payment of $85 due February 28, and balance of $80 due April 30.

Checks for Building 13 events should be made payable to Building 13 Assoc. Inc. and mailed to 100 Casals Place #32K, Bronx, NY 10475. Contacts: Sherrie Hernandez at 914-837-5970, Gail Sharbaan, treasurer, at 718671-3801 or Leslie Peterson at 718-320-1370 (daddpeterson@aol.com).

Our website is http://www.bldg13assoc.com or email us at bthirteen.assoc @yahoo.com.

Again, thanks for making our team work.

—Leslie Peterson

17

Co-op City Times / February 3, 2018

Retirees Of Dreiser Loop

The next General Membership meeting will be on Wednesday, February 7th at 1:30 p.m. in Dreiser, room 9. Looking forward to seeing you there.

Travel Events: (price includes Coach Bus; located at Dreiser Loop, in front of H&R Block) • March 13, (Tues.), “SANDS CASINO RESORT.” Price: $40. Payment Due Date: Mon., Feb. 5. Contact: Serita G., 347-564-5722/Barbara W., 718-320-0500.

• May 17th** (Thurs.), “HUNTERDON HILLS PLAYHOUSE THEATRE,” NJ. Showtime: 11:00 a.m. Price: $75. Deposit: $40. Balance, $35 due Mon., April 19. (**Date changed). Contact: Serita G., 347-564-5722/Barbara W., 718-320-0500.

• July 10-12th, (Tues.-Thurs.), “DOVER DOWNS HOTEL & CASINO.” Price: Double, $400/Single, $490. Deposit required, $100. Two payments each, $150. Double/$195. FINAL payment: May 21. Contact: Serita G., 347-5645722/Barbara W., 718-320-0500.

Theatre Committee: (price includes van transportation, from Dreiser Loop opposite Rehab Center) • May16th. (Wed.). Price: $65**. “SISTER ACT” at Westchester Broadway Theatre. Deposit $35 ASAP. $40 balance due by April 12. (**Price correction).

Contact: Marie Green-Ryan, 718-671-4949.

Remember – Your deposit, along with your name and telephone number, is required to reserve your trip &/or theatre seat. A check or money order only payable to RETIREES OF DREISER LOOP will be accepted. Committee members will be available in the Dreiser clubroom 19 (718-379-0377) on Mondays and/or Thursdays, 3:00-5:00 p.m.

Good And Welfare To Serita Grayson, we are praying that you get better soon and experience the joys of being healthy again. Also, get well wishes to Gladys S. Williams who is now home and on the road to recovery. Those of you still under the weather, know that you are thought of warmly and wished brighter days. Call Josephine Flowers, 718- 320-0539, regarding illnesses and bereavements.

Our next JAZZ UP YOUR HEALTH WITH A SENIOR SPA DAY will be a Wednesday in February (date to be determined). Call Claudette D, 718-379-4784 or Hattie L, 718-671-8449, if interested in joining us on our upcoming Senior Spa Day. “To be HAPPY you must follow F.A.C.T.S. – FORGIVE others, ACCEPT your mistakes, CRY and move on, THANK GOD for everything, SMILE always.”

—Claudette Davis

Black Forum

Defensive Driving Course Next course: February 10, 8:50 a.m.-3 p.m., Dreiser Center, room 1. Lower your liability insurance cost by 10% and remove up to four points from your driver’s license. Please make checks of $35, payable to ‘Black Forum of CO-OP City,’ and mail to 177 Dreiser Loop, room 20, Bronx, NY 10475 at least 1½ weeks before class. Walk-ins are welcomed, but only a $35 cash payment will be accepted the day of the class – no checks. Call by noon Friday to register and assure seating.

Please bring your current driver’s license and a pen. (718) 320-8035.

Nordic Lodge & Foxwoods Casino Trip Join us Saturday, August 18, for an amazing dining experience at the awardwinning Nordic Lodge, in Charlestown, Rhode Island. Enjoy 2-hours of an AllYou-Can-Eat seafood-plus buffet with lobster, prime rib, specialty desserts and more! The excitement continues at Foxwoods Casino. $165 includes dining, shopping, & round-trip coach transportation. Three payments of $55 due 1/26/18, 2/16/18 and 3/16/18. Please make checks payable to ‘Black Forum of CO-OP City,’ and mail to 177 Dreiser Loop, room 20, Bronx, NY 10475. NO REFUNDS. Pick-up and drop-off at Dreiser, Asch Loop and Section 5. Please call 917-2095334 or 718-320-0033 if you have questions.

Emergency Food Program (10475 residents only) Please bring a current photo ID to register. ONLY accepted IDs: are driver’s and non-driver's licenses, and the ID NYC card. Bring four clean shopping bags and cart (if available). You'll be issued a card that must be shown on every visit to pick up food.

Buildings 27, 28, 29, 32 and 33 must pick up food on Thursdays at the New Vision Church, 115 Einstein Loop, 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Buildings 26, 30, 31, 34 and 35 must go to the Evangelical Church, 2350 Palmer Avenue, 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m., also on Thursdays. Section 5 townhouses can visit either church. Other buildings and townhouses must pick-up at Dreiser, room 20.

Dreiser food distribution hours are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m.

-12:45 p.m., room 20.

Pilot Program: Dreiser hours extended Tuesdays, 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Added Dreiser hours on the following Saturdays: February 10, March 10, April 14, May 12 and June 9. All hours are subject to change based on demand. New and currently registered guests are welcomed to participate in extended hours.

Attention: All participants are required in January 2018 to show a current photo with address ID card for re-certification. This confirms residence in 10475.

Guests who lost their pantry card can reapply to the program in January 2018.

Re-certification is 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. January 30, was the last day for current guests to recertify if they missed their assigned week.

Contact Reach out to us if you have questions, (718) 320-8035, or coopcityblackforum@gmail.com. —Tony Illis

Membership – Our second membership meeting of the New Year will be on Sunday, February 11th, in room 11 Dreiser Community Center at 3 p.m. Our executive committee will meet today, February 3rd, at 11 a.m. in room 14. Please come with ideas of services we can bring to the Co-op City community and ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work! If you can’t come to our meeting, remember you can contact us at Facebook .com/ncnwco-op or ncnwco.opcity@ gmail.com or at P.O. Box 93, Bronx, NY 10475.

Black History Month – Save the date, Saturday, February 24, when we will have our 17th Annual Black History Month Youth Celebration, cosponsored with the Riverbay Fund.

This free event will take place in Dreiser Center, Auditorium B from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Light refreshments will be served! 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.

Women’s Celebration Program – Save the date, Saturday, April 21. This will be an afternoon free event in room 4, Dreiser Center. The theme is “Love Yourself.” This will be a literary afternoon of poetry, book excerpts, play monologues and recitations that will all encompass self-care, self-esteem and the strength of Black women. If you are interested in taking part, please email worrellswords@aol.com.

National Council Of Negro Women

Spirit Cruise Pre-Mothers’ Day Celebration – Back by popular demand, we will once again celebrate Mothers’ Day on a Gospel Luncheon Cruise on Saturday, May 12, for a delightful 2-hour cruise with a lunch buffet, DJ and dancing, skyline views on New York Harbor and great gospel music as well. Mother will be delighted! No last minute desperate arrangements for you! For just $80 per person, your preparations are complete. For more information, contact (718) 379-3788 or (347) 602-5600 or (917) 670-4012. Checks are payable to NCNW Co-op City Section and can be mailed to PO Box 93, Bronx, NY 10475.

No refunds please.

Bethune Height Recognition Program – Plans are under way for our 44th Annual Bethune Height Recognition Program that will take place on Saturday, May 19, at Russo’s On the Bay, 162-45 Cross Bay Boulevard, Howard Beach, NY. 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 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. and will cost $100. The theme for this year’s BHRP is “National Council of Negro Women, Strong through MultiGenerational Commitment.”

Social Media – Remember you can find us on Facebook: NCNWCoopcity Bethune; Twitter: @NCNWCoop City; Instagram: NCNW Co-op City and email: www.ncnwco.opcity@gmail.com.

— Joyce Howard

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Co-op City Times / February 3, 2018

Participate And Affect Change

topics. Councilman King spoke about the LED lights about the specific animal’s actual conduct — not on and new sign construction, the proposed ASPCA and mere speculation or fear about the types of harm or proposed hotel. I agreed with the Williamsbridge damage an animal may cause and not on evidence NAACP president when he mentioned a need for a about harm or damage that other animals have caused.

Youth Center formerly promised on the tract of land They may not require applicants to pay a deposit for an owned by the city. Councilman King wants to hear assistance animal. To combat the infringement of your Black History Month (aka African-American His- from the community. What do you want? In his words, peaceful existence, you must call and document disturbances or breeches of habitability. tory Month) was once celebrated as “Negro History “People Pay Attention to People Who Participate.”

The meeting was well attended and informative.

Interesting: Most people think of Rosa Parks as Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and Minister Jesse E. Moorland. Today, it The event ended with a discussion about more of the first person to refuse to give up their seat on a bus is a way of remembering important people and these meetings in the future. In essence, we must in Montgomery, Alabama. A young Alabama girl make sure that “18 in 18” are not only registered to aged 15 years old was. events in the history of the African diaspora.

Interesting: Inoculation was introduced to AmerThe week was chosen to celebrate the birthdays vote, but vote in all elections.

Recently at a meeting I attended, I was asked a ica by a slave. Onesimus is assumed born in Africa of Abraham Lincoln (February 12th) and Frederick Douglass (February 14th), this is how February was question about smoke (marijuana) coming into the in the late seventeenth century before eventually chosen as the month. President Gerald Ford recog- apartment. Unless you know for sure where the smell landing in Boston. Onesimus told Mather about the nized Black History Month during the celebration of is coming from, it is hard to pinpoint. Most think it is centuries-old tradition of inoculation practiced in the United States Bicentennial. He urged Americans coming from directly above or below their unit, but Africa. The process was used to inoculate American to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neg- that may not be the case. Although inspected fre- soldiers during the Revolutionary War. This introlected accomplishments of black Americans in quently, ask if the roof fan in your building can be duced the concept of inoculation to the United States.

Interesting: It's believed that the real “Lone every area of endeavor throughout our history." The checked. Roof fan issues affect indoor air quality. original inspiration for Black History Month was a These fans are used to ventilate tall apartment build- Ranger” was inspired by an African American man desire to redress the manner in which American ings and used to have natural building air flow in named Bass Reeves. Reeves had been born a slave, schools failed to represent Black historical figures as order to vent stale air, but if a roof fan is inoperable, it but escaped West during the Civil War where he lived anything other than slaves or colonial subjects. It is can have a negative impact between units. CCPD in what was then known as Indian Territory. He evenpart of American History and should be taught that should be contacted, they can check the apartment tually became a Deputy U.S. Marshal, was a master above and below. If the smell happens at a particular of disguise, an expert marksman, had a Native Amerway.

This week, Co-op City shareholders gathered time of the day or night is information that should be ican companion, and rode a silver horse.

“You must never be fearful about what you do when together and rallied against the intrusion of LED shared with CCPD. This may help determine a time it's right.” –Rosa Parks lights that shine into our homes. Additionally, the to do a sweep in your building.

During this recent meeting, concerns came up about Share your thoughts. I can be reached by mail at: rally was to prevent the building of another structure proposed to be taller than the Chevron Building 15. dogs. According to HUD, under the Fair Housing Act Leslie Peterson, Riverbay Board Director, 2049 BarBuilding association presidents attended the Cooper- (FHAct), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 tow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475, and Tel. @ 718-320ators United meeting held on Tuesday (Jan. 23) and (Section 504), and the Americans with Disabilities Act 1370, or email at lpeterson@riverbayboard.com.

(ADA) with respect to the rally was quickly put together for Thursday.

In attendance at the meeting was CB10 and our animals that provide asCouncilman King. The rally was held on Thursday, but sistance to individuals From Broun Place Townhouse Association: Broun Place was especially make no mistake, this will not be the only time we will with disabilities, “breed, busy last week Tuesday. Thanks to our vice president Vivian Burrus who size, and weight limitaneed to rally together on issues pertaining to our qualattended the “Cooperators United/Planning Board Meeting,” Eva could attend ity of life. Our councilman informed us about an oppor- tions may not be applied tunity to attend a meeting being held on February 27th. to an assistance animal.” the “History/50th Anniversary Committee.” Many praises and support to our Board members for their community involvement.

We will receive more details regarding the meeting so It says that a determinaWe seem to be bombarded by scammers. They come by phone, email and tion that an assistance anithat our voices can be heard regarding this matter. even postal mail. On the phone: “A warrant has been issued by the Internal RevOn Sunday, the NAACP held a Constituent Day in mal poses a direct threat of enue Service. Call … to get information.” By email, the Building and Grounds Einstein with guest speakers State Senator Jamaal Bai- harm to others or would member list, kidnapped and used to spread a phony charity request on behalf of ley and Councilman Andy King. State Senator Bailey cause substantial physian Autistic child. Finally, a letter headed “Department of Automobile Records” discussed several bills he has sponsored. In particular cal damage to the propwas the right to a speedy trial and the sharing of excul- erty of others must be saying call “this” number to renew some maintenance insurance or be liable for patory evidence called Kalief’s Law. He informed us based on an individualfees under the “Endurance” program. Be alert and suspicious, question before of conversations to assist with our tax burden as a ized assessment that relies you respond! result of the new federal tax bill and various other on objective evidence Our first meeting of 2018 was held on Wednesday, January 24th. The home meeting venue encourages neighbors to attend. In spring, we will meet in Bartow Center. Thank you to Ms. Vanessa Aldea, CSO manager, for being our guest.

Hi, neighbors.

Our Broun Place executive board created a list of questions used for the meetWe thank all who attended our General meeting on Tuesday, January 23rd. ing: tax assessment letter; appointment acknowledgement; fence repair work, Our guest speaker was Mr. Carlos Tejeda from the Community & Population delivery people hazards; basketball court opening; grounds person; water probHealth Dept. at Montefiore Hospital. He did a very informative demonstration on lems and snow removal. A report on each issue will be part of our press release Diabetes. as time goes by. Additional issues and important personal apartment problems We were reminded to “RETHINK OUR DRINK,” that we must make better were patiently heard by Ms. Aldea. Snow removal pertains to the main egress of beverage choices and that water is the healthiest choice of drink. He went into the cooperator; the tax letter needs to go to “Rent Bookkeeping;” we must comwhat causes Type 2 Diabetes, the symptoms, how it is diagnosed and how it is plain to the merchant about their bikers; cooperators should be appraised of treated and his handouts supported his presentation. We give a hearty “thank you” repair work by letter and phone; water problems will be investigated; the Basto Mr. Tejeda and we look forward to inviting him again in near future. ketball Court’s opening ceremony will be in spring. Those are some of the Our next general meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 27th. Officer answers. “A” apartments in the cul de sac, turn on the light! Call Maintenance or Kiona Singleton: Crime Prevention from 45th Precinct Council, will present on Cooperator Services to do it.

SENIOR SAFETY. Doors will open at 6:45 p.m. The meeting will start at 7:00 Our vice president wrote a report on the Cooperator’s United Meeting. Three p.m. Please come to this very important meeting. A 50/50 and refreshments will of us attended the rally, the main things to do: Call the owner’s business office to be served. lodge complaints and threaten to boycott the store(s) in this mall. The lot is regAnnual Membership Dues are $10 per family and will be collected on istered to Baychester Retail III, LLC at (347) 850-7446. The owner listed on the Wednesday, March 7th through Saturday, March 10th. Please check the bulletin (public) building documents can be reached at (646) 660-4254. In addition, call board for times.

3-1-1 and the Planning Board. Negotiations would be forthcoming if and when Movie Matinee will be Wednesday, the 21st, at 3:30 p.m. in the meeting room; the owner spoke to the community or Councilmember King. Because of the litrefreshments served. igation at hand further work on the construction of the largest, tallest light has Please continue to send your articles to our email address: BLDG18newsletter stopped, but it needs to be dismantled. @aol.com. We love hearing from you.

Regarding the post office, until you go there and stand on that line, grow old To the sick and home-bound, we pray for you a speedy recovery and to the while they look for your package, you don’t understand that there is a problem. bereaved families, we give our deepest sympathies to you and yours.

Delivery seems to have improved. Other townhouse cooperators report similar Happy Birthday to all with that very special day this month; enjoy and be careful. problems. We need accountability and apologies from the U.S.P.S. Always be ALERT: If you see something, say something!

Ayano Kindaichi Miranda, today, happy celebration of your happy birthday —Gertie Brown and many more to come. — Eva Lazaar

Director’s Viewpoint

Leslie Peterson

Broun Place Townhouse Association

Building 18 Association

19

Co-op City Times / February 3, 2018

Open Door Ministries

Disciplined to Give Haggai 1:6 You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. You drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes! 9 You hoped for rich harvests, but they were poor. And when you brought your harvest home, I blew it away. Why? Because my house lies in ruins, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, while all of you are busy building your own fine houses.

2 Corinthians 9:6 Remember this if you give little, you will get little. A farmer who plants few seeds will get only a small crop, but if he plants much, he will reap much. 7 Everyone must make up his mind as to how much he should give.

Don’t force anyone to give more than he really wants to, for cheerful givers are the ones God prizes. 8 God can make it up to you by giving you everything you need and more so that there will not only be enough for your own needs but plenty left over to give joyfully to others.

Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure pressed down, shaken together, and running over with no space left for more. For with the standard of measurement you use when you do good to others, it will be measured to you in return.”

Isaiah 48:17 Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you the way you should go.

Luke 21:2 Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small copper coins. 3 “Really,” he remarked, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them combined. 4 For they gave a little of what they didn’t need, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.”

Here are some things you can start now to change your thinking about money: 1 Thank God daily for His wonderful gift of the power to get wealth.

2 Read a chapter in Proverbs every day.

3 Plant seeds in God’s Kingdom and in your future. Set up a storehouse account savings and investment accounts and add systematically and regularly without fail.

4 Invest in your wealth education (seminars, books).

5 Live below your means so you’ll have something to invest for your future. People have interest working against them by living in debt. It’s better to have interest working for you in an investment account.

6 Eliminate the victim mentality, entitlement mentality, and scarcity mentality.

7 Change your thoughts to thoughts of abundance and increase.

Sunday Services are at 11 a.m. in Bartow Community Center, room 28.

Open Door Ministries’ Therapeutic Mentoring Program offers free counseling. Contact Pastor Luis by text 917-3344407 or email opendoorministries.net.

Blessings in Christ.

—Pastor Luis Ramos

Ghanaian Association

January General Meeting: Thank you all for the engaging and interesting discussion last Saturday at the General Meeting. And a very warm welcome to the new members. This year promises to be another fantastic one for the association. We are all excited about the programs and activities for outlined for the year.

February General Meeting: The next general meeting will be on Saturday, February 17th, at the Bartow Community Center, room 28, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

2018 Program & Activities: Planning of the 2018 programs and activities is still ongoing. Four key priorities for this year are: build a stronger unified Ghanaian community, strengthen engagement in the Co-op City community activities, provide opportunities for members (for their families & especially the children) and provide social support.

Please continue to share your wonderful ideas either through phone calls or on WhatsApp. Free Annual Registration: The annual registration for this year is currently on going.

Please make sure to fill your registration form.

Even if you were not as active as you wanted to be last year, this is a new year. All things are born new! Call 347-773-3499 if you have any

question.

About Us: The Ghanaian Association of Co-op City (GACC) is a not-for-profit organization with the purpose of promoting the general welfare of the Ghanaian community in Co-op City. The objectives of the association include providing educational programs to members, building a capacity for greater involvement in the activities of the community, and providing a platform to address issues of common concern to members and the Co-op City community.

Dues: Members are reminded to pay your dues. You can now pay using credit card. Pay the entire year dues now and get a discount.

T-Shirts: If you don’t have the association t-shirt yet, please get yours for only $15! You may get additional t-shirts for family and friends.

Please Join Us: We need your support.

Please join us. We invite you to come to our next general meeting. Call 347-773-3499.

UNITY IS STRENGTH! JOIN US TODAY! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! Coop Ghanama OR http://www.facebook.com/ gacc2013.

—Seth Osei-Fosu

Co-op City Working Families Party Latest Actions Co-op City Working Families and the Coalition to Save Affordable Housing came together to rally in Albany last Tuesday, January 23rd, for Voting Reform.

Voting is a fundamental right and responsibility. New Yorkers lag far behind in voter turnout due to flaws in our voting system.

Working Families Party, through Let NY Vote, strives to expand certain Voting Rights in New York to boost voter turnout. Be boosted and take action. Call Governor Andrew Cuomo at 518-474-8390 (#2) to insist on funding Early Voting.

On the home front, several members of both of these Co-op City groups gathered to protest the monster billboards at the corner of Bartow and Baychester Avenues. Stand by for concrete plans to help our Board and our legislators fight against those who took advantage of a fifty year old zoning loophole to callously cause our fellow residents inconvenience and discomfort.

Next Action It’s time to do some research. Please prepare a list of 2018 candidates in need of our support

CO-OP CITY BAPTIST CHURCH 135 EINSTEIN LOOP (Section 5) • Rooms 50-51 Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams, Pastor

and bring that list to our next meeting.

Co-op City Working Families Mission As a political party, Working Families works to elect the most progressive candidates possible who will stand in the way of all regressive legislation.

As a civic action group, Co-op City Indivisible (an aspiring Co-op City certified community organization) promotes progressive causes.

As Co-op City WF/Indivisible members, we do both. We embrace progressive values by modeling inclusion, respect, and fairness in all of our actions; we work to make Co-op City a stronger community; and we insist our representatives serve as our voice in Co-op City, in the Bronx, in Albany, and in Washington, D.C. Next Meeting The next meeting of the WFP is scheduled for Tuesday, February 20th at 7:30 p.m. in room 35, Einstein Community Center, Section Five. WF meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month, through June. All progressives are welcome. For more information, please email mpjazz@optonline.net.

—Mary Pearson

COMMUNITY PROTESTANT CHURCH OF CO-OP CITY

1659 EAST GUN HILL ROAD BRONX, NY 10469 REV., DR. CALVIN E. OWENS, PASTOR

(718) 320-3774

(718) 862-9172 OFFICE (718) 862-9179 CHURCH

• Sunday School – 9:15 a.m.

• Sunday Worship Services – 8:00 & 11:00 a.m.

• Midweek Worship – Wednesday @ 12 Noon • Bible Class – Wednesday @ 1:00 & 7:30 p.m.

• Prayer Service – Friday @ Noon & 7:30 p.m.

COMMUNION SERVICE EVERY FIRST SUNDAY. YOUTH DAY EVERY FOURTH SUNDAY. ALL ARE WELCOME TO WORSHIP WITH US.

An interdenominational Church of love and understanding, consisting of people of many faiths, races and cultural backgrounds, seeking to live the spirit of Christ with relevance.

CHURCH SCHEDULE WEEKLY: CHURCH SCHOOL - SUNDAY, 9:00 a.m.

WORSHIP SERVICE: SUNDAY, 11:00 a.m.

NOON DAY PRAYER - HOUR OF POWER - WEDNESDAY, 12:00 NOON BIBLE CLASS & PRAYER MEETING - WEDNESDAY, 7:30 p.m.

MONTHLY: COMMUNION - 1ST AND 3RD SUNDAYS

ALL ARE WELCOME!

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Co-op City Times / February 3, 2018

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 Noon Day Prayer – Hour of Power – Wednesday at noon Prayer Meeting and Bible Study – Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.

The following program is at the Church’s Annex: 2053 Asch Loop North (Co-op City) Neighborhood Bible Study – Thursday at 10:00 a.m.

Sunday School Is Now In Session Every Sunday At 9:00 A.M. Sunday School is really a part of our history, and because someone cared and was concerned enough, many of us benefitted and know its value. In Sunday School, 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. Jesus came that we might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10). We encourage you to bring your child, children or grandchildren to Sunday School and we look forward to seeing you.

Other Scheduled Events On Wednesdays, at noon, you are cordially invited to NOON DAY PRAYER AT CPC, an hour of Power, Prayer, Praise and Testimony. Refreshments will be served. RSVP: (718) 862-9172.

Tomorrow, Sunday, February 4, at the 11:00 a.m. Service – Observance of Official Boards Day. Theme: “Working to do His Will.” Our Guest Preacher will be Rev. Dr. Edgar Howard. All are welcome.

About Our Father’s Business “Walking by faith, not by sight, our eyes on the prize we scale the height Of Christian commitment in a troubled world, holding our ground as some among us fall.

Earnestly helping wherever we can, saying to the Master, yes, here I am.

Helping each other along the way, about our Father’s business every day.”

The doors of Community Protestant Church are open to all to worship and fellowship with Christian believers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You are cordially invited to come in, join in and receive your blessing.

—Evan G. Mitchell

Community Protestant Church

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 Spiritual Food for Thought: Stay calm when you are faced with difficult circumstances.

You cannot be led by the Holy Spirit unless you are quiet enough to be directed. Fear is the first sign that you are not connected to God. It is imperative that you rise above emotional responses to a position of faith so that God can show you the way and direct your steps. Trust!

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. – Worship at Greater Love Refuge Ministries means gathering with people of all ages and cultures to express our love for God our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ our Savior. 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. Parking is available for a nominal fee in Garage #1 on Darrow Place.

SWAG (Spiritual Wisdom & Guidance) Youth Church: Our Youth Church (age 5-13) meets at 11:30 a.m. on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Sunday; Sunday School is at 10:00 a.m. every Sunday. Parents/Guardians: we encourage you to bring your children to Sunday school and/or the youth church so that they can come to know about the great, big wonderful God we serve!

Salvation Teaching: Held every 1st Sunday from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Carol Landrum. All are invited to attend the teaching based on our foundational Scripture: Romans 10:5-9. This is a combined class for adults, young adults and children and is appropriate for anyone that desires a clear understanding of who they are in Jesus the Christ.

Five Loaves & Two Fish Food Pantry: The pantry will reopen on Saturday, February 25th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Donations of non-perishable items & toiletries are needed.

Please bring donations to the church or call us to arrange a convenient drop off time. Thank you to all of our neighbors who continue to support the pantry and the generous donations left at our doorstep.

New York State Chaplaincy Task Force (Final Call): Greater Love church is again a host site for the NYSCTF program/training. Sessions are on Thursday, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. If you have an interest or questions about the 10-week program, feel free to call the instructor, Reverend Osorio, at 646-265-2173.

Weekly Schedule Church phone: 347-920-5607 Adult & Children Sunday Morning Bible School, 10:00 a.m.

Sunday Morning Continental Breakfast: 11:00 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship: 11:30 a.m.

Holy Communion: First Sunday Salvation Teaching (Combined Class): First Sunday, 10:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m.

Adult Bible Study/Discipleship Class: Tuesday evenings, 7:00 p.m.

Mid Week Prayer: Wednesday at 1:00 p.m.

Prayer Line: Thursday, 9:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. (Dial 712.770.4010 – Access code: 527976) Deacon Training: Thursday at 7 p.m.

Food Pantry: 4th Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Mosaic Women’s Ministry: Majestic Men Ministry Choir Rehearsal: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

—Pastor Carol Landrum

Greater Love Refuge Ministries

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

NOW WEBCASTING TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS ABROAD

Serving all cultures & faiths

21

Co-op City Times / February 3, 2018

Newsong Church How To Have A Banner Year!

15 Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner — Exodus 17:15 (NIV) If you go to Yankee Stadium you see banners that commemorate past championship teams. A banner celebrates an outstanding accomplishment. A banner intimidates the opposing team, letting those teams know that a win isn’t going to come easy in this house!

Banners set the standard for future generations proclaiming that this team is about excellence, it’s about winning.

In this portion of Scripture, we see that Moses built an altar after a victory over the enemy. He called it, “The Lord is my Banner” or “Jehovah Nissi.” The victory wasn’t easy. During the battle, if Moses had His hands raised, the Israelites were winning, however, every time he lowered his hands, the enemy began to win. As the battle raged on, Moses needed some friends to help him hold up his arms.

Friend, as followers of Jesus, Jesus Himself is our victory Banner! I believe with all my heart that this will be a banner year for you, if you raise Jesus up over every circumstance in your life.

Raise Jesus as the Banner over your marriage, raise Jesus as the Banner over your children, raise Jesus as the Banner over your finances. When we raise Jesus as our banner, it means we’re focusing on who He is, placing Him in the center of all that we do! God’s power comes through our posture.

When we lift our hands up in worship, we’re raising Jesus as our Banner. We’re participating with Him, as He’s fighting for us! How can you position yourself in the right posture for victory this year?

Daily Devotional Time Spend time with God daily in prayer, reading God’s Word.

Weekly Worship Service It’s important to lift up the name of Jesus in a corporate worship service. I challenge you to make weekly church attendance a priority for your life this year!

Godly Friends To Help Lift Your Hands In The Battle You need friends who will bring you closer to Jesus, friends who will speak the truth in love, friends that will fight with you through the battle.

You’re going to face challenges in 2018, you may even take a few shots to the chin. Don’t give up, God is fighting for you! Every challenge you face, is an opportunity to see God’s power at work, you just raise your hands in worship and raise Jesus as your Banner!

We invite you to join us this Sunday as we start a new teaching series called “Divine Direction.”

This Sunday’s Schedule New Location: 135 Einstein Loop (room 45) New Service Time: 11 a.m. *Kidsong available in rm. 49 *Deaf Interpretation available during adult service For more information about Newsong Church, our beliefs, or our ministries, please go to our website, www.newsongchurchnyc.org.

—Pastor Mike Tolone

Debs Place Townhouse Association

Church Of The New Vision

Pastors Kenneth Hodge and Deborah Hodge and the New Vision congregation invite you and your family to come and worship the Lord with us.

Church of the New Vision is designed to meet the spiritual needs of God’s people. Serving the community for over 45 years, we offer a warm, friendly, spirit-filled atmosphere of Christian love. All are welcome.

Order of Services Sunday Worship Service: 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Adult and Youth Sunday School: 9:45 – 10:45 a.m.

Mid-day Bible Study: Tuesdays, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday Night Prayer and Bible Study: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Youth Ministry: Fridays, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Upcoming Events • My Body, God’s Temple Women’s Conference: Saturday, February 10, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., you are invited to join us for a day of sisterhood, fellowship and workshops to include Alzheimer and nutrition awareness, a low impact exercise session, along with a nutritious lunch. We encourage ALL women of all ages and physical shape to join us. Please wear comfortable active wear for a blessed and fun event you don’t want to miss. Donation $20, for tickets and further information, kindly contact Sis. L. Scott at 718-671-2623.

• Saturday, February 24th, the Youth Ministry is sponsoring a dinner sale at 3:00 p.m.

• Cruise with us in 2018, July 20th to July 27th on the Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Sea. Going to Port Canaveral, Fl., Cococay, Bahamas, and Nassau, Bahamas. Interior $1,025 - Ocean View $1,175 - Balcony $1,320. NOTE: $500 for all staterooms is due now.

Entire balance is due by April 1 (price Includes taxes, fees and transportation to/from cruise ship in NJ). Gratuities not included, can be charged to your stateroom upon checkin. No refunds after January 21. For additional information, please contact Sadie James at 718-652-8943 or Hermena Smith at 917-974-9282.

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 75303, Bronx, NY 10475. Visit our Facebook page: Church of the New Vision concerning upcoming events and trips, or call the church.

—Sis. Carol Haque Pastor & Evangelist Vernon Little greets everyone in the name of Jesus, that name which is above every name. We want you to know that you are welcome in this house of the Lord! It is His house by ownership: it is our house by stewardship: and it can be your house by membership; so come on in and join with us. May God bless you in this house!

No one is an island. We all need help sometimes. The Maker of the universe is the helper of God’s people. Let’s look at scripture to support this. Psalms 121 says: 1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?

2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; 4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; 6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord will keep you from all harm—He will watch over your life; 8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Invitation: 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.

Vernon Little just released a new single ‘The Chance To Tell You’ on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, etc. It’s a fusion of R&B, Rap and Gospel. https://www.amazon.com/Chance-TellYou-Vernon-Little/dp/B071ZFJQ29. 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 # is (347) 276-4925. Jesus loves you, and so do we!

—Evangelist Vernon Little

The Debs Place Townhouse Association will hold its February meeting this Thursday evening, February 8th. The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. in room 1 of the Dreiser Community Center.

The association’s last meeting was in November when our speakers were representatives of the Co-op City Public Safety Department and we were able to interact with the new captain, David Perez, and Sgt. Carl Wright. We were able to express our concerns about security in our area, especially an increase in loitering, noise, and possible drug activities on Debs Place. The captain noted our concerns and promised to increase patrols.

For the February 8th meeting, our speakers from the Riverbay Grounds Department will inform us about the proper disposal of our garbage and about recycling. At present, most of the attention is being concentrated on the high-rise buildings, but we, in the townhouses, are faced with different procedures. Some of us are unsure about the correct use of the various bins and container. Hopefully, as a result of this presentation, we in the townhouses will have a clearer idea of the proper methods to be used.

During the course of the meeting, townhouse residents will also be able to raise other concerns related to the grounds in the Debs area.

We look forward to resuming regular association meetings and we urge members and other Debs townhouse residents to attend on February 8th. For those who have yet to pay the annual $10 per family membership fee, your cash payment can be made at the meeting. As usual, refreshments will be provided.

—Nels Grumer

Faith In God Church & Bible Institute

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

• FREE CONSULTATION • FLEXIBLE PAYMENT PLANS

“COURTEOUS AND PROMPT SERVICE AT AN AFFORDABLE FEE”

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

DAVID BRODMAN,Esq.

718.239.7110

22

Co-op City Times / February 3, 2018

Dreiser

MENU

Room 7 unless otherwise noted

Alternate Kosher Meals are also available

Word Games 9:30-11 a.m.

Library 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

NEW Health & Wellness Support Group Bartow Center, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Arthritis Exercises 11 a.m.-noon Bingo 1-2 p.m.

Card Games 2-4 p.m.

Dominoes 2:30 p.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 and 3rd Tues.

Card Games: 2-4 p.m.

Dominoes: 2:30 p.m.

Fri., Feb. 9

Thu., Feb. 8

Wed., Feb. 7

Mon., Feb. 5

Einstein Room 49 unless otherwise noted

Tues., Feb. 6

Bartow Room 31 unless otherwise noted

Blood Pressure: Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday 9-10 a.m.

Games 9:30-11 a.m.

Stay Well Exercise 10 a.m. - 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 Bartow Main office Beginner – 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

Intermediate 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Library 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Word Games 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Crochet & Knitting 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Spanish Class 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Bartow Main Office Chat Session 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Bingo 1-2 p.m.

Card Games 2-4 p.m.

Dominos 2:30 p.m.

Men’s Line Dancing 9-10 a.m.

Word Games 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Women’s Line Dancing 10-11:30 a.m.

Chat Session 10 a.m.

Piano Sing-along 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Bingo 1-2 p.m.

Card Games 2-4 p.m.

Dominoes 2:30 p.m.

Library 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Dominoes 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Line Dancing 10-11 a.m., Rm. 45 Around The Lunch Table 11:30 a.m.

Word Search 11 a.m. -12 p.m.

Bingo 1-3 p.m., Rm. 35 Diabetes Support Group, 2nd Mon day - 1:00 p.m.

Dominoes 10 a.m.

Matinee Movie 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Karaoke by Steven 1-2 p.m., Rm. 45

Crochet & Knitting 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Library, Bike, Chat 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Stay Well Exercise 10-11 a.m., Rm. 2 Color Your Stress Away 11 a.m., Rm. 4 Mind Teasers 12-1 p.m., Rm. 4 Diabetes Support Group 1:00 p.m. – Last Monday of the month Bereavement Counseling 1 p.m., Rm. 13 Gentle Yoga 1:15-2:00 p.m., Rm. 2 Basic Cell Phone & iPad 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Bingo 1:00pm -2:30pm, Rm. 7 Intermediate Yoga 2-3 p.m.

Kosher

Non-Kosher

Apple juice Turkey Burger Whole Wheat hamburger bun Mashed potatoes Tossed salad w/ dressing, Fresh fruit Alt: Tuna salad

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session Orange juice 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Breaded chicken Alert & Alive 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. cutlets (New) Computer Class – Rm. 13 Mashed butternut Beginner 11:00 a.m. - noon Cultural Dance 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m., Aud. B squash, Steamed kale Mind Teasers 12-1 p.m., Rm. 4 Whole wheat bread Zumba 1-2 p.m., Aud. A Fresh fruit

Beef & Broccoli White Rice Cauliflower w/ Carrots & Parsley

Turkey drumsticks Cole Slaw Roasted Sweet potato fries

Alt: Egg salad 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 Dominos 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Grandparent Connection 1st Thurs., Rm. 35 10:30am 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 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 Fri., 1011:30 a.m., Rm. 45 Free Oil Painting Classes Rm. 38, 10:00 -11:30 a.m.

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

(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.

JASA WELCOMES EVERYONE AGE 60 AND OLDER! Payments for trips can be made at all three centers. Trip registration policy: There will be no refunds for all trips. All trips include roundtrip transportation! All trips must be paid in advance – JASA will not accept checks under $5.

(FREE) LiveOn NY – SCRIE/SNAP (Food Stamps) Assistance – Fri., Feb. 9th & Feb. 23rd; 9 a.m.–2 p.m. JASA Main Office, 2049 Bartow Ave. No appointments. Walk-ins! First come, first served!

Please make copies of your documents before coming to the office.

Notary change for 2018 in Dreiser Loop – Jeannette Graves will be available every Thurs. at 177 Dreiser Loop, rm. 13 for the months of Jan., Feb. & Mar., 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

St. Mary’s Pool – Fri., Feb. 9th; $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. There is a $25 yearly fee to use the facility, which can be paid at the pool by check or money order.

Health & Wellness Support Group every Mon. starting Feb. 5th - Bartow Senior Center, rm. 31, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Health & Wellness Support Group every Tues. starting Feb. 6th, 135 Einstein Loop Senior Center, rm. 49, 10 a.m.–11 a.m.

Computer Class – Rm. 13; Beginner 1011 a.m.; Intermediate – 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Only 6 seats available.

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Sewing 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Tai Chi 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Mind Teasers 12 p.m.-1 p.m., Rm. 4 African Brazilian Dance 1 p.m., Rm. 2 Art Class 1-3 p.m.

Yoga 2 p.m.-3 p.m., Rm. 2

Orange Pineapple Juice Pepper steak White rice Asian cabbage Whole wheat bread Alt: Veggie Cutlet

Baked breaded fish Italian blend vegetables Roasted potatoes

Orange juice Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session Baked fillet of sole fish 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Blood Pressure 10-11:30 a.m. 1st & 3rd, Rm. 8 Moroccan style sauce California blend vegLine Dancing 10-11 a.m., Aud. A etables, Whole wheat Piano Sing Along 11 a.m.-12 p.m. bread, Apple sauce Drama Club 1:30-4:00 p.m.

Alt: Turkey salad

Arroz Con Pollo (Chicken breast w/rice) Steamed kale

Crochet & Knitting 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Apple juice Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session Spanish style roast 9:30-10, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Meditative Moments 11 a.m.–12 p.m., chicken, Roasted Rm. 8 potatoes, Green beans Pokeno 3rd Fri., 1-2:30 p.m. & tomatoes, Challah Movie - Raisin in the Sun – 1:00pm bread, Alt: Gefilte Fish Card Games, Dominoes 2-4 p.m.

Beef Lasagna Garden salad

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 (929) 399-1394 Dreiser Center (718) 320-1345 • Einstein Center (718) 671-5161

Upcoming Events/Trips

Central Avenue – Christmas Tree Store, Traders Joe’s & Amazing Savings – Thurs., Feb. 8th; $13. Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 10 a.m.

“Remembrance through Film” – Showing at the Dreiser Loop Senior Center, rm. 7; Fri., Feb. 9th, “A Raisin in the Sun;” Fri., Feb. 16, “Roots” (Episode 1); Fri., Feb. 23, “Mudbound” at 1 p.m., 177 Dreiser Loop, rm. 7. Tuesday movies shown at Dreiser will be suspended for the month of February.

Shoprite – Tues., Feb. 13th; $3. Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 10 a.m.

Costco – Wed., Feb. 14th; $5. 2 hours. Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 10 a.m.

Must be a Costco member.

Art Exhibition – Fri., Feb. 16th, the Einstein Art class will be having an Art Exhibition in celebration of Black History Month, rm. 35, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Light refreshments will be served.

“Game Day” – Sat., Feb. 24th at the 135 Einstein Loop Senior Center, Dominos, Cards, Bingo & lunch – baked chicken, macaroni & cheese, sautéed string beans. (Kosher food by request). Call the Einstein Senior Center, 718-671-5161, or stop by to sign up for lunch; $2 in advance and $5 at the door.

Empire Casino – Tues., Feb. 27th; $5. Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 10 a.m.

Mohegan Sun – Sat., March 24th; $40. Pick-ups: Bartow, 8 a.m.; Dreiser Loop, 8:15 a.m. & Einstein Loop, 8:30 a.m. Arrive, 11 a.m. Depart, 5 p.m.

Bonus package is $15 bet & $10 for food. Refreshments will be served on the bus. Payment due no later than Fri., March 10th. Wait List.

“Jesus” @ the Sight & Sound Theater – Thurs., April 26th; $130. Refreshments will be provided.

Deluxe Motor Coach transportation. Enjoy a delicious family-style luncheon at the Good & Plenty Restaurant from 1-2 p.m. Show starts at 3 p.m.

Depart from destination at 5:30 p.m. Pick-ups: Bartow, 8:45 a.m.; Dreiser Loop, 9 a.m. & Einstein Loop, 9:15 a.m. 50 seats available. Payment due no later than Fri., March 24th. Wait List.

Let us know…

If you have news you’d like to share with your neighbors, please give us a call at (718) 320-3300, Ext. 3375; email: cctimes@ riverbaycorp.com or fax (718) 320-2595.

23

Co-op City Times / February 3, 2018

Scheduling Activities Calendar

FYI: Membership meeting scheduled for Monday, February 12, 1:00 p.m. in Dreiser Community Center, room 9. Looking forward to seeing all members and prospective members. Remember to bring your dues for 2018. Great plans scheduled for 2018.

Get-well wishes to Veray Darby.

Good & Welfare: Please contact our Good & Welfare coordinator, Frances Wilson, 718-671-5493, if you have a family member who has passed or one of our members who is sick, in the hospital or in a nursing home.

2018 Tour Activities April 10, 2018-April 11: Sight & Sound Theatre & Sands Casino – Motorcoach trip to Sands Casino with casino bonus and shopping; next day (after breakfast) to Sight & Sound spectacular production of “Jesus” to experience the greatest rescue story of all time (reserved seating); dinner & breakfast coupons; $309/person – Double; $395 – Single; $295/person – Triple; $50/per person Deposit + optional Travel Protection – $34/per person due ASAP; Final payment due February 23. Contact Judith, 718-379-3370.

July 21, 2018: Nordic Lodge & Foxwoods Casino – All-You-Can-Eat Lobster Buffet; 4-hour stay at Foxwoods Casino; deluxe Motorcoach transportation; $170; $50 deposit due A.S.A.P. Balance due JUNE 1. Contact Hannah, 718-379-7962.

Attention: When signing up for the above trips, please give your name, phone number and a deposit.

Checks/money orders made payable to AARP Chapter 4997 with the name of the trip in the memo section of your check/money order. Room O (Dreiser Community Center) is opened Monday or Thursday, noon – 3 p.m. for checks to be dropped off (in an envelope w/Group/Trip Leader name).

They may be mailed to the Group/Trip Leader.

—Delores Debnam

AARP Chapter #4997

Cooperators United Of Co-op City

Valentine Party—February 7th at 1:30 p.m., with Stephen, this Wednesday, in our club room #39.

Members only $3 donation. Bring your spouse, bring your lover, bring your BFF. It’s a cover dish party, so if you want to cook something, feel free.

No cash donation if food, drink or dessert is donated.

Come party with us.

Resorts Casino—Thursday, February 15th in Atlantic City, N.J. Price is $35. Rebate, $20 for play, $5 toward food. Time change: 8:30 a.m., Einstein Loop; 8:40 a.m., Bartow; 8:50 a.m., Dreiser Loop bus stops. All money is due February 7th. Please give seat preference for bus during reservation. Cell phone number optional, but we will like to be able to contact you, if we need to. There are still seats left, but going fast. When bus is full unpaid reservations will be replaced by paid reservations. Please copy my cell phone number, at end on article, to contact me at casino if necessary. Passengers, please stay inside your center hallway to keep warm, until called to board bus. See Ann. Stephen or Mary.

Office hours at end of article.

Spring Party—April 18th at 1:30 p.m., with Stephen, in our club room 39. Members only $3 donation. It’s a cover dish party, so if you want to cook something feel free. No cash donation if food, drink or desert is donated. Come party with us.

Sands Casino—Thursday, May 24, in Bethlehem, PA. Price $35.00.

Bingo—Wednesday, February 7th, 1:30 p.m., with Stephen, in our club room #39. Members only.

(One-time non-member, guest visit is allowed).

Admission $5 for 3 cards, 12 games and Jackpot.

Extra cards are 25¢ each. Refreshments and snacks will be served.

Cell phone Instruction—Cell phone and computer, questions and answers, are available to our members, every Wednesday at 4 p.m. after Bingo.

Game Days—Tuesdays and Thursdays. Our club room is set up for Dominoes, Spades, UNO, Kalooki and Mahjong from 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Stop in and have some fun. Members only. (Members may bring a friend or two). ($1 is collected for snacks.)

To all members: Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary to all members that celebrate their day in the month of February: Dorothy Gilliard, George Vasquez, Joyce Chaney, Lucila Correa, and Aida Gonzalez.

Our Lounge—Come sit and relax, read a book from our large library, play Dominoes, Mahjong or Cards every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. ($1 is collected for refreshments and snacks).

Play Bingo every Wednesday and last Sunday of each month for only $15 per year. Also, come with us on wonderful trips. Membership dues are for indoor club room activities only, except Sunday Bingo.

Note: Call Ann, or Stephen at Goose Island Seniors, 718-379-9613, or visit Ann, Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., at 135 Einstein Loop, rm.

39. Visit or call Stephen in room 39, every Mon. & Fri. from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., Tues. & Thur., 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. and Wed., 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. or 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Call Stephen at 347-847·1941.

Good health to all.

—Stephen Roberts Sr.

Goose Island Seniors

Greetings! February is Black History Month. Let’s not forget that we stand on the shoulders of all who have gone before us to pave the way for us to follow.

GET INVOLVED. SPEAK OUT. Our Tuesday, January 23rd Meeting, the Thursday, January 25th demonstration and comments were extensively covered in the Co-op City Times. We are fighting for the right to preserve our quality of life. We don’t need signs with LED lights that penetrate our windows or a liquor sign that is a short distance from a day-care center and five schools.

Keep The Pressure On by calling Strip Mall property owner Baychester Retail at 646-660-4254 or 347850-7446; NYC Buildings Dept. – Bronx Commissioner, 718-960-4700; Bronx DOT Commissioner Nivardo Lopez, 212-748-6680 or online at GOOGLE NYC.DOT.; City Council Member Andy King, 718684-5509; NY State Senator Jamaal Bailey, 718-5478854 and NY State Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, 718-320-2220.

We would like to thank City Council Member Andy King who not only attended our meeting, but demonstrated with us, on Thursday, January 25th, along with our neighbors.

The next Cooperators United of Co-op City meeting is Tuesday, February 27, 7 p.m., Bartow, room 31. We will have an update on the Strip Mall signs and a discussion regarding USPS boxes and mail delivery.

Best wishes to all who are celebrating a special event this month. Be careful when out and about. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who have suffered a loss or is sick and shut-in. Special thank you to everyone who so generously gave and continue to give to the Hurricane Relief efforts.

We can be reached at MLSAH@aol.com or 718379-7841. —Sonja Maxwell

24

Co-op City Times / February 3, 2018

General Information: The Traditional Synagogue is located in Section 5, 120 Erdman Place, in the rear lobby of Building 27B. We are on the ground floor of Building 27B; it’s handicap accessible, no steps. Phone #: 718-379-6920.

Office hours are Thursday and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. Please call the office before you attempt to come over. If no one is in the office, please leave a message.

The synagogue has Services Saturday morning starting at 9 a.m. Try your best to come to services during the Winter months. After services, we always have a nice kiddush. Our services are open to all Jewish men and women in Coop City. The synagogue has a Facebook page, Traditional Synagogue. Rabbi Kronengold will be conducting services every Saturday.

The synagogue needs men to help make a minyan. There are a lot of Jewish men who live in Section 5 and other parts of Co-op City who don’t come to service. Please come by 10 a.m. so we can take out the Torah. Our synagogue has a casual atmosphere. Come on down for about two hours. This will be a mitzvah, you’ll feel better. We welcome all men and women from the Young Israel in Section 1 who want to attend services. We are now the only synagogue in Co-op City.

Sabbaths ends on Saturday, January 27, at 5:51 p.m.

Candle Lighting for Friday, February 02, at 4:56 p.m.

This Saturday, in honor of Tu b’hevat, which is on January 31, hot traditional Jewish food will be served after services. Also dried fruits and regular fruits.

Purim Party: Thursday, March 1, we will celebrate the Purim Holiday. The rabbi will read the Book of Esther (The Megillah) at 11:00 a.m., followed by a Purim party, 50/50 raffle and Mini Bingo. The cost for the party is $20. We will be serving roasted chicken, mixed salad, potato and macaroni salad, coffee, tea, soda and hamantaschen. For reservation, call the synagogue, 718-379-6920, or Marilyn, 347-449-5005.

Also, the rabbi will read the Megillah on Wednesday, February 28th, at about 8:15 p.m. in the Synagogue.

Good & 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 you good health. If you asked the rabbi to say prayers for a sick person, you should make a donation to the synagogue. Wishing birthday wishes to Ira Herschaft, Saul Weber, Edith Rosenberg, Joan Brown and Toby Landau.

Fun and Games: After services and kiddush, some men and women play Rummy Cube game.

Your support of the Traditional Synagogue, and Men’s Club is greatly appreciated. Wishing all our members and friends peace and good health, and a happy holiday season. —Gary Schwartz

Traditional Synagogue

Men’s Club Traditional Synagogue

Co-op City Seventh-day Adventist Church Celebrating Our Thirty-Six Years In Co-op City – Part 2

As we continue to look at the history of the Co-op City Seventh-day Adventist in Co-op City, we’ll take another look at the Hebrew Adventist Congregation where I was baptized in 1991. Interestingly, my ancestry is also of Sephardic Jewish descent as my great-grandfather, who is from Portugal, settled in Jamaica to become part of the ‘Jews of Jamaica.’

The Hebrew Adventist congregation under the direction of Jay Milton Hoffman sold the Times Square building in 1975 to the Crossroads Seventh-day Adventist Church and moved to the Bronx. At the time, the Congregation Hebrew Adventist entered the area of Co-op City, the Eastern European, Jewish and Italian population was high. The housing complex was built in 1968, and at that time the Jews made up more than 80 percent of its residents. Today only a small percent of Jews remains. At the new location of 1010 Baychester Avenue, in the old Nathans, hung a portrait of Dr. Jay Milton Hoffman, D.C., Th.D., and PhD in the lobby of the church as a tribute to his special interest in his Jewish people and unselfish work in nutrition and religion.

Keeping the original design of the building’s exterior, the Congregation Hebrew Adventist installed a mirror above a stove and worktable in the lobby and held community cooking schools. They sold cookbooks and encouraged a healthy lifestyle. They also held stop smoking classes. Hoffman had studied the health and longevity of the Hunza, the isolated people of the Himalayan Mountains and this led to the better living Center which flourished for many years.

Much of the work was below the sanctuary of the church as the group also established a full printing press in the basement of the church where they produced pamphlets and booklets and a bible study to the Jewish population worldwide. In the sanctuary, a Torah Scroll indelibly marked the space as dedicated to the Jewish work. “Shema Yisrael Adonai Eloheinu Adonai Ehad,”— “Hear, O Israel: the Lord is our God, the Lord is one,” found in Deuteronomy 6:4 was sung each morning at worship. As the demographics of the community again underwent change to Latino and Caribbean-American population, the congregation adapted to this change and has sought to create relevant programs. It adjusted again with the influx of 250 Jewish Russian families to Co-op City in the 1990s.

This historical review was gathered and complied by Cheryl C. Silvera in April 2012 with research from the Center for Adventist Research, James White Library, Andrews University and from the notes of Jonas Apau II, and Pastor Billwayne Jamal. To be continued.

Services and Community Outreach Wednesday — Food Pantry, every 1st and 3rd, 4:30 – 6 p.m.

Wednesday — night Prayer meeting, 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Saturday — Sabbath School, 9:15 a.m.

Saturday — Divine Worship, 11:00 a.m.

Saturday — Adventist Youth Program, 2:30 p.m.

The Co-op City Seventh-day Adventist Church is located at 1010 Baychester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475; http://coopcity22.adventistchurchconnect.org/ —Cheryl C. Silvera

Our first trip of the year is Sunday, March 18, to the Resorts Casino in Atlantic City. The cost of the trip is $35 per person. You will receive $25 slot play.

Shop at the outlets, enjoy the sights, food and have a good time. All men and women over 21 years old can attend our trips and functions. You need a Resorts Casino card or a Government ID, passport, non- or driver’s license to receive the bonus.

On the bus, we provide a drink, snacks, play Bingo, 50/50 raffle and show a recent movie. We keep you entertained, the trip goes fast to Atlantic City.

Greetings! February is Black History Month. Let us continue to fight for voting rights The bus stops by all three shopping centers going and returning.

This trip, we will be leaving Einstein Loop at 8 a.m. by the supermarket, and equal rights.

Our next meeting is Monday, February 26, 7 p.m., activity room.

Asch Loop at 8:15 a.m. by the library, and Dreiser Loop by 8:25 a.m.

Spend Your Pre-Mother’s Day With Us. We have seats available to see “JESUS” at For a reservation, call Gary at 718-671-8424 or Bruce, 718-320-2234. the Sight and Sound Millennium Theatre, on Saturday, May 12, leaving at 7 a.m., from Please make out check, money order to Men’s Club Traditional Synagogue, 120 Erdman Place, Lobby, Building 27B, Bronx, New York Building 12. Adults, $165 per person, each child under the age of 11, $140. Adult: First 10475. We also accept cash. deposit of $55 due January 30th, second deposit of $55 due February 28th, final payHope to see you on the trip. Your support of the Men’s Club is ment of $55 due March 30th. Child: First deposit of $40 due January 30th, second greatly appreciated. Wishing everyone peace and good health. deposit of $40 due February 28th, final payment of $40 due March 30th. Please make —Gary Schwartz checks payable to Building 12 Cooperators Civic Association, 120 Casals Pl., 26L, Bronx, NY 10475. Contact Sonja, 718-379-7841, or Sonia at 718-379-8305 or Donald, 917-848-0122.

“Straight Outta Co-op City” shirt purchases can be made by contacting president of This was our first meeting of the year 2018. Election of officers – all Building 11, Deborah Henry, 718-379-6312. Sizes are children (small-xl $10), adults were re-elected. President Joan June; Vice President Betty Leak; Kat(small-xl $12), adults (2x-3x rina Minires, Treasurer; Elizabeth Williams, Secretary; Frankie Jones, $15).

Building Captain “B;” Lucille Potter, Building Captain “A.” Please be extra careful when We discussed upcoming events for the year, need ideas. A big you are out and about. Best “Thank You” to Lynn and partner for our Christmas decorations on the wishes to all who are celebrating “A” side. We will be collecting building dues, $5 per apartment, in the a special event this month. Our lobby A&B. Watch the bulletin board. thoughts and prayers go out to We had a complaint about the lobby door on the “B” side, it was everyone who has suffered a loss reported. Cooperators United meeting joined Andy King, Assemblyor is sick and shut-in. If you see man Michael Benedetto and many Board directors to rally against something, say something. To Baychester Retail’s massive 300 foot sign on Thursday at 3 p.m. We contact CCPD (Public Safety), had a good turnout. To help, call Baychester Retail, 347.850.7476; call 718-671-3050.

DOT and DOB. Call 3-1-1 to report traffic.

We can be reached at Happy Birthday all this month. Sympathies to all who lost loved ones. MLSAH@aol.com or 718-379Pray for the sick and shut-ins. If you see something, say something.

7841.

—Betty Leak —Sonja Maxwell

Try your luck with the Men’s Club

Building 12 Cooperators Civic Association

Building 22 A&B Association

25

Co-op City Times / February 3, 2018

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.

On Wednesdays, there is a very short midday service starting promptly at noon. Choir rehearsal is on Thursdays at 7 p.m.

The (ECW) Episcopal Church Women meet immediately after service on the first Sunday of each month. Membership is open to all women of the church.

The men hold their meeting after service on the second Sunday of each month.

We look forward to welcoming everyone to service at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 4, when we will celebrate The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany.

Bishop’s Visit: The Right Reverend Allen K. Shin will preside assisted by The Reverend Simeon Johnson. It is very important that we all come out in support of our church to hear the message from the bishop and updates from the Diocese.

Members who have not yet submitted their 2018 Pledge Cards are encouraged to complete and submit them as soon as possible.

Upcoming Events And More • In view of the Bishop’s visit, the next ECW Meeting will be on February 11.

• Fundraising: 1) If you have not yet picked up your raffle tickets, please do so after service. 2) St. Joseph’s Day Luncheon will be held at Eastwood Manor in the Bronx on Saturday, May 26, from noon until 5:00 p.m. Flyers are out and we are depending on our members to distribute them and spread the word. Contact information for tickets appears at the bottom of the flyers.

Outreach Program: Collection of non-perishable food for the feeding program at Grace Episcopal Church in West Farms is ongoing. Please remember to donate.

For additional information on all of the above, you should call the church at 718-320-0844, or visit our website: http://www.stjosephsepcbronx.org.

“Hallelujah! How good it is to sing praises to our God! * how pleasant it is to honor him with praise!” —Psalm 147:1 —Merville Chambers

Co-op City Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family 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, lower level, room 50. Our telephone number is 718-320-3774.

And, be sure to extend your worship with us today and every Saturday, 4–5 p.m. on Principle Centered Living Radio, redeemradiofm.com. Also, learn more about our Pastor and the principles of our church, while enjoying a laugh or two on Facebook (Principle Centered Living with Rev. Sheldon Williams). Please “Like” the page and share the posts. Only those who “LIKE” the page will qualify for upcoming contests and rewards.

Join us for a midweek spiritual pick-up at our midweek worship service held on Wednesdays at noon. Bible Study classes are held on Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. Bible Class will also be held on Wednesday, February 14 at 5:00 p.m. Prayer service is held on Fridays at noon.

Prayer Service is also held on Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to join us from the comfort of their home for an hour of prayer. Making use of available technology, Friday evening prayer service is held using a p.m., you can call 563-999-2090; when asked for the PIN, enter 660065 and you will be connected.

Next Sunday, February 11, the Hospitality Ministry will celebrate seven years of service at our 11 a.m. service. The theme is Hospitality is Love in Action. The scripture is Romans 15:7. “Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.” Bishop Mary Freeman, pastor of Emanuel Church for all People, New York, NY will be the guest speaker. We invite all to attend.

The First Lady’s Ministry will sponsor its annual Women’s History Month event, “Herstory,” on Saturday, March 24, at 10:00 a.m.

Central to this event is hearing from an African-American female community leader focusing on her life’s journey to her current status.

Their 2018 presenter will be Ms. Patricia Myers, manager of McCall’s Bronxwood Funeral Home, Inc. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children 3 y.o. to 12 y.o. All are invited to join us.

The Co-op City Baptist Church exists to glorify God and to establish a living community of people who follow the teachings of Jesus the Christ through worship, prayer, Bible Study and fellowship. We seek to meet the spiritual and physical needs of the church through ministry.

—Hattie L. Lucas

Please curb your dog! It’s the LAW!

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 8 The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.

I will advise you and watch over you. —Psalm 32:8 Reflexion para la semana 8 Yo te haré saber y te enseñaré el camino en que debes andar; te aconsejaré con mis ojos puestos en ti.

—Salmo 32:8 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, 12:00 p.m., Oración y Estudio Bíblico —Rev. Sam. Colon

Circle of Christ Church

Co-op City Pentecostal Tabernacle invites everyone to attend worship service at 100 Co-op City Blvd., Building 22A, Bronx, N.Y. 10475 Sundays: Sunday School for all age groups begins at 10:30 a.m. Midday Worship Service starts at 11:45 a.m.

Wednesday: Prayer and fasting service every Wednesday morning at 11 a.m.12:30 p.m. Bible Study and prayer meeting will also be held Wednesday evening starting at 7:30 p.m. Effective Fervent Prayers change things. Come and experience the power of Biblical prayer. God’s power is released through His Word.

Come and study the word of God; it can change your life.

Friday: Youth service will start at 7:30 p.m.

Focus: THE MIRACLE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STORM: Jesus walks on the things that cause us to fear.

And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, it is a spirit; and they cried out for fear: But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer, it is I, be not afraid.

And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried saying, Lord save me.

And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

Then they that were in the ship came and worship him saying, of a truth thou art the Son of God. Matt 14:26-33 Life is much like the ocean in that it is seldom calm, as quickly as the winds of one storm subside, the horizon dances with the clouds of another one approaching.

Just as Jesus was the key to the disciples, security on the sea that faithful night, He is our miracle in the storm of our lives.

The storm that arose frightened the disciples, and when they saw Jesus walking on the water, they thought they were seeing a ghost.

They cried out in fear, and Jesus revealed Himself to them.

The storms of life can make us afraid, however, if we keep our eyes on Jesus, He will deliver us from our problem. We have seen tornadoes, hurricane, earthquakes, fire burning buildings out of control, snow storms where many people have lost their lives. However, we must learn to trust in God believing in Him that He is able to take us through all the storms of life. When Peter saw the wind boisterous he was afraid and began to sink, therefore, our duty is to keep our eyes on Jesus. He arose and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace be still.

And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. St. Mark 4:39.

For further information, call 718-324-0334 or 718-320-4218.

—Rev. R. Sibblies

Co-op City Pentecostal Tabernacle

26

Co-op City Times / February 3, 2018

Building 19 Association

Hi, Building 19 family. First, I want to thank everyone who attended the protest at the corner of Bartow and Baychester Avenues last Thursday to oppose the strip mall’s plan to put up a 300-foot sign in our community.

As many of you know, the two existing signs near the new 7-Eleven store is a nuisance to cooperators. In addition to the bright lights that invade the windows of apartments in this building (I’m one of those victims), the signs have been contributing to another form of visual pollution (to borrow the term from Co-op City resident Dr. Alvin Ponder): the advertisement of alcohol in this family-oriented community.

At last Tuesday’s Cooperators United (the coalition of building association presidents) meeting, Council Member Andy King advised the building association presidents to inform their members to call 3-1-1 (make sure to ask to be connected to either the Department of Buildings or Department of Transportation) to register a complaint about the lights from the signs being a public nuisance.

When you make the 3-1-1 call, make sure to ask for a reference number (it may also be called a complaint number) for your record. On Tuesday, February 27th, the NYC Board of Standards and Appeals will hold a public hearing about the 300-foot sign. I will share more details about the upcoming event in the future as I get more information about it.

Second, upcoming general meetings for the association will be held on the following dates: • January 26th (Annual Meeting); March 23rd; May 11th; June 15th; September 28th; November 16th and December 14th (End-of-the-Year Party).

All general meetings will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the association room in the back of the building.

Third, the association will be collecting its annual membership dues in the lobby on the following dates during the month of February: Tues., February 6th, 4 p.m.-8 p.m.; Thurs., February 8th, 4 p.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., February 10th, 12 p.m.6 p.m.; Tues., February 13th, 4 p.m.-8 p.m.; and Sat., February 17th, noon-6 p.m.

Membership dues is $5 for the entire year. Those who make a payment will receive a membership card.

Finally, the association, in accordance to the by-laws, held its elections for officers for the executive board last Friday. There was quorum at the annual meeting and the following members were elected (or re-elected if they were incumbents) as members of the association’s executive board for 2018-2019: • President: Leon Tulton • President-Elect (Vice President): Titanya DeLoach • Secretary: Sonia Feliciano • Treasurer: Francine Brown • Assistant Treasurer: Charlotte Saunder-Codrington Congratulations to our returning and new (Titanya) association officers.

The next steering committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 6th at 7:30 p.m. in the association room. I invite you to come to be a part of this event. With your ideas and especially your participation, we can make this new year for the association an even better one than last year.

Building 5 Association

Greetings and a happy new year to all Co-op City cooperators. Now that a new year has arrived, while we can look back on our accomplishments of 2017, it is among our priorities to set goals to make improvements during the new year.

Thus, we begin the new year with our effort to increase the association’s membership. Furthermore, in retrospect of our recognition of celebrating holidays, the officers of the association can also take pride in the accomplishments of 2017, such as the establishment of a quarterly newsletter, the lineup of a diverse lineup of invited guest speakers, the establishment of a chess club, and festivities appealing to both young and old and all those in between.

So as the memory of the last event of the year slowly begins to fade away, a great holiday potluck party will eventually become a fleeting thought.

So now it’s time to turn our thoughts toward the future. As we proceed with the new year, membership recruitment is an important objective for the association to undertake. The officers of the association understand the diversity of tenants when it comes to the degree of involvement related to participating with us. For those who want a limited time of involvement, we respect your right to privacy, and it’s okay if you just want to attend meetings and only listen. At least you will be informed as to what is going on.

Nevertheless, if you want to be more involved, you’re very welcome; we can use all the help we can get. For everyone else in between these two extremes, we urge you to support us. Membership dues is only $7 for the entire year and we meet every third Wednesday of the month in the evening.

The membership recruitment efforts will be conducted in February and ending in March. The dates and times will be posted in the lobbies; look for us!

Our next membership meeting is scheduled for February 20th from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

—Juan Cruz-Barrios

MetroCard Bus To Visit Co-op City In Two Weeks

The MetroCard Bus will visit all three Co-op City locations in two weeks giving customers the chance 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.

On Thursday, February 15, 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.

MTA New York City Transit advises its customers that there are two kinds of traveling MetroCard Service Centers: the MetroCard Bus and the MetroCard Van. Both vehicles make regularly scheduled stops in all five boroughs each month.

The MetroCard Bus, which stops in Co-op City, travels around the city, stopping at senior citizen centers, shopping centers and along major bus routes. Customers can handle all of their MetroCard needs, whether it is applying for or refilling a Reduced-Fare MetroCard, buying or refilling a regular MetroCard or asking MetroCardrelated questions. Senior citizens and people with disabilities may apply for the Reduced-Fare MetroCard on the Bus. They will need photo ID and seniors must show proof of age (at least 65 years old).

The MetroCard Van, like the Bus, travels around the city with helpful on-board staff ready to sell Unlimited and Pay-Per-Ride MetroCards, add money to regular and Reduced-Fare MetroCards and answer questions. Reduced-Fare MetroCard applications are available. EZ Pass On The Go tags are also available for purchase on both the Bus and the Van. The MetroCard Bus and Van do not operate on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Customers may also want to explore the EasyPay Reduced-Fare payment option. EasyPay lets customers link to their credit or debit card to their Reduced-Fare MetroCard so it refills automatically.

For more MetroCard information, please visit the MTA’s website at www.mta.info and click on Fares and Tolls.

MTA Real-Time Service Updates

The most up-to-date information on MTA service status is always available at www.mta.info. For immediate notice of service changes, sign up for email or text alerts at www.mymtaalerts.com. For weekend subway service changes, visit web.mta.info/weekender.

27

Co-op City Times / February 3, 2018

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Amid the harsh repression of slavery, Americans of African descent, and particularly black women, managed–sometimes at their own peril–to preserve the culture of their ancestry and articulate both their struggles and hopes in their own words and images. A growing number of black female artists and writers emerged throughout the Civil War and Reconstruction eras before finally bursting into the mainstream of American culture in the 1920s, with the dawn of the Harlem Renaissance.

After playing a significant role in both the civil rights movement and the women’s movement of the 1960s, the rich body of creative work produced by black women has found even wider audiences in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

The Slavery Era Some of the most famous examples of AfricanAmerican folk art are the quilts depicting scenes from the Bible and historic events made by Harriet Powers, born into slavery in Georgia in 1837 and freed after the Civil War; they have been preserved in the Smithsonian and Boston’s Museum of Fine Art. Other notable quilts were made by generations of women in the town of Gee’s Bend, Alabama and have been shown across America at such prestigious institutions as the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York.

The first examples of literature written by AfricanAmerican women appeared around 1859, as part of a general renaissance of black literature in the 1850s. They included short stories by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, as well as Harriet E. Wilson’s autobiographical novel “Our Nig; or, Sketches from the Life of a Free Black.” In 1861, Harriet Jacobs’ “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl” became the first autobiography published by a female former slave. The book described the sexual exploitation that all too often added to the oppression of slavery for black women; it also provided an early example of black female strength in the face of adversity.

Civil War And Reconstruction The New York-born artist Edmonia Lewis, of African-American and Native-American descent, studied at Oberlin College in the early 1860s and later gained fame as a sculptor. Her work included busts of Robert Gould Shaw (the Boston army colonel killed while leading black Union Army troops in the Civil War), John Brown and Abraham Lincoln, as well as sculptures inspired by the Emancipation Proclamation and the narrative poem “The Song of Hiawatha” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

The Civil War era spawned some memorable autobiographical works by African-American women, such as the diaries of Charlotte Forten, the daughter of a Philadelphia civil rights activist. The former slave Elizabeth Keckley, who became a confidante of Mary Todd Lincoln, published “Behind the Scenes; or, Thirty Years a Slave and Four Years in the White House” in 1868, while Frances Ellen Watkins Harper wrote “Sketches of Southern Life” (1872), a volume of poetry based on her travels among freed people in the Reconstruction-era South.

Early 20th Century And The Harlem Renaissance In the years following World War I, black visual artists produced an increasing amount of work influenced by the aesthetic traditions of Africa. One of the earliest artists to do so was Meta Warrick Fuller, who became the first black woman to receive a federal commission for her art. Fuller’s works including the sculpture “Ethiopia Awakening” (1914), anticipated the resurgence of African themes in the art of the Harlem Renaissance. Prominent artists of this era included the sculptor Augusta Savage–renowned for her busts of black leaders W.E.B. DuBois and Marcus Garvey, as well as a piece for the 1939 New York World’s Fair inspired by James Weldon Johnson’s poem “Lift Every Voice and Sing”–and the painter Lois Mailou Jones, whose 1938 painting “Les Fetiches” depicted several different types of African-style masks.

(Continued Next Week) Source: History.com

28

Co-op City Times / February 3, 2018