Co-op City Times 02-07-09

Manufacturer and Riverbay approve vendor for terrace floor covering

Riverbay completes digital upgrade of master antenna

BY BILL STUTTIG

Riverbay completed digital conversion of its master antenna earlier this week leaving the community prepared when the nation’s broadcasters switch to exclusive use of a digital signal.

Rick Schmidt, Riverbay’s Technical Coordinator, said the conversion was completed and thorough testing was done to make sure that the signal is strong and the picture crystal clear.

Riverbay Corp. in order to ensure shareholders that the conversion to digital television will take place seamlessly with no interruption in service and no cost to the residents.

BY ROZAAN BOONE

Cooperators who are interested in purchasing floor covering for their terraces to maintain the beauty and preserve the integrity of the coating may now do so from an approved vendor.

Previously, shareholders were advised by Sika Corporation, the manu-

facturer of the coating finish on the terraces, that the coating must not be altered in any way or else they will void the warranty.

However, as more and more shareholders have been complaining about

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Section 5 Teen Center accepting members from other four sections

BY BILL STUTTIG

The Section 5 Teen Center, which begins it third year of operation this coming spring, is now reaching out to teens from the other sections of Co-op City.

Leo Johnson, the director of the growing and well-structured program since its inception, said that students from three intermediate school that serve Co-op City – I.S. 180, I.S. 181 and I.S. 144 — can inquire about joining the center by contacting their respective school’s parent teacher coordinator.

The teen center, which opened in the spring of 2007, was originally meant to serve only the teens of Section 5 because they were thought to be the most underserved youth group in the community and it was believed that taking on the rest of the community’s teens would challenge the center’s capacity. But Johnson said the program, offered through the Mosholu Montefiore Community Center and now

under the auspices of the Boys and Girls Club of America, changed its policy recently on a limited basis because of the lack of youth programs in the other sections and also because Johnson believes that by having youth from all sections interact on a regular basis, it would help ease many of the tensions arising from geographic rivalries between the sections, rivalries which have plagued the community to varying degrees over the past three decades.

The center now serves 374 certified teen members and has the capacity to have 500 members.

Programs offered through the Section 5 Teen Center include various arts such as cartoon drawing and dance; sports, for example, basketball, flag football, softball, and weightlifting. There are also several clubs, for instance, cooking, dance, a talk

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Because local broadcasters will not likely be switching to the exclusive digital broadcast signal until June of this year due to this week’s Congressional vote to push the deadline back from February to June, Schmidt, a former field engineer for Community Home Entertainment (CHE) with more than two decades of experience in the community maintaining the master antenna, said that Riverbay’s master antenna will still be receiving the analog signal and transmitting it to televisions in the community hooked up to the master antenna. When local broadcasters switch to exclusive use of the digital signal, Riverbay will then simply switch the master antenna to digital reception.

Last month, Riverbay and Cablevision reached a settlement bringing the community’s master antenna under the control of

Riverbay Ombudsman Joe Boiko, who has been overseeing the conversion process and keeping residents informed throughout, said that even in the event that the original February 17th conversion deadline remains in effect, Riverbay is prepared to make the switch and ensure residents here uninterrupted service.

Shareholders can call (718) 320-3529 where a staff member will be available to take service requests as needed on the MATV system, as well as the community lobby and basement and laundry room cameras.

The office staff person manning the phone line for Riverbay in relation to master antenna inquiries is also a former CHE employee with years of experience in handling calls related to the community’s television service.

Three informational meetings were held two weeks ago to ease shareholders’ fears about the conversion of the community’s master antenna from analog to digi-

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BY ROZAAN BOONE

Since implementing online bidding one year ago to attract a larger pool of vendors/contractors and save money, Riverbay Corporation has registered more than 500 vendors interested in doing business with the corporation.

The new bidding procedure is a more convenient process and it is also less costly to the corporation since it reduces the amount of paperwork and overhead expenses involved with purchasing goods and services for Riverbay.

“Basically, online bidding augments the activities of the purchasing agents,” said Gail Badger-Morgan, Assistant General Manager, who oversees the Riverbay Purchasing and Inventory Department, among others. “Instead of staff having to continually call vendors, interested parties simply submit their bids online. This is a much more efficient and cost effective way of us doing business. At a time when

we are doing everything we possibly can to save the corporation and shareholders of Riverbay as much money as we can, given today’s economy, this is a great way of conducting business and reaching out to a vast pool of participants.”

Gail Badger-Morgan explained that since the online bidding process was implemented last year, Riverbay has also attracted a wider range and variety of vendors/contractors with whom to do business.

“There is a registration process and we pre-review their credentials,” said Badger-Morgan. “We have a bid opening date and post a day by which the vendors/contractors must respond. Each participant posts their prices and the program selects the winning vendor. We then examine the product and check the vendor’s references and if we approve of

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

Riverbay’s online bidding process attracts large pool of vendors, facilitating public access and resulting in cost savings to residents

Paul Petty of Cover Deck Systems, Inc. mounts a display poster board in the Bartow Center Cooperator Service Office (CSO) as Mike Conte of M&M Improvements, looks on. Shareholders interested in purchasing floor covering for their terraces may contact Cover Deck. Installation will be done by M & M Improvements.

Photo by Rozaan Boone

Riverbay’s Succession Rights summarized for clarity

BY ROZAAN BOONE

Riverbay Corporation has summarized the Division of Housing and Community Renewal’s (DHCR) rules and regulations on succession rights to avoid confusion or misunderstanding.

The DHCR has specific rules governing the transfer or assumption of ownership of apartments within Mitchell-Lama developments, which are spelled out in 9NYCRR Part 1727-8.1.

“The Succession Rights Policy is intended to help a cooperator be aware of the protection provided to a family member or a ‘life companion’ in the event a cooperator moves or dies,” said Michael Munns, Riverbay’s Senior Attorney. “DHCR regulations provide that eligible persons may continue to live in an apartment after the death or moving-out of the cooperator. Our policy follows DHCR rules and explains  succession rights to Coop City residents.”

It should be pointed out that while new ownership can only be assumed in cases of move-out or death, only persons who meet all of the regulatory requirements may obtain leases and stock certificates in their own names as successors.

“It is our intention at this time to reiterate for shareholders what Riverbay’s policy is when it comes to their succession rights so that there will not be any confusion as to who they can leave their apart-

ments to in the event that they decide to move or in cases where the primary shareholder passes away,” said Riverbay’s General Manager Vernon Cooper. “Hopefully, this will go a long way in helping to simplify the process so that we, in turn, can speed up this particular transaction. It’s also important to emphasize that these are DHCR’s rules governing Mitchell-Lama developments and we have to ensure that we are in full compliance.”

According to the rules and regulations, succession of an apartment can only take place if the primary owner of the apartment moves out or passes away. As a general rule, whenever there is a change in the number of persons living in the apartment, Riverbay should be notified within ninety (90) calendar days of any such changes through the use of an Interim Affidavit Form, which can be obtained from their respective CSO Office.

“It is critical for all shareholders to inform Riverbay of changes in the household occupants in order for those occupants to potentially have succession rights at some point in the future,” said Peter Merola, Riverbay’s Director of Finance. “The annual filing of the Income Affidavit accomplishes this as well as filing an Interim Affidavit in between annual filings.”

If the shareholder moves out permanently, any member of the primary cooper-

ator’s family or life companion may request, in writing, to be named as a tenant on the lease and on the stock certificate. However, this person must meet certain requirements.

“They must have resided with the cooperator in the apartment as their primary residence for a period of not less than two years, or for one year if the succeeding cooperator is a senior citizen or disabled person, prior to permanent vacating of the apartment by the cooperator,” said Merola. “In cases where the occupancy or relationship is less than two years, the succeeding cooperator must have lived in the apartment from the inception of the tenancy or commencement of the relationship. The succeeding cooperator must have been listed on the Income Affidavit and/or Interim Income Affidavit during the relevant period of time.”

DHCR’s rules define “family member” as a husband, wife, son, daughter, stepson, stepdaughter, father, mother, stepfather, stepmother, brother, sister, nephew, niece, uncle, aunt, grandfather, grandmother, grandson, granddaughter, father-in-law, mother-in-law, son-in-law or daughter-inlaw of the primary cooperator.

“Primary residence” is defined as the housing accommodation in which the person actually resides and maintains a permanent and continuous physical presence. Proof of such residency must consist of the

Income Affidavit or Interim Income Affidavits together with other evidence, for example, certified copies of tax returns, voting records, motor vehicle registration and driver’s license, school registration, bank accounts, employment records, insurance policies and other pertinent documentation.

At the same time, “life companion” is defined as any other person residing with the cooperator as a primary resident who can prove emotional and financial commitment and interdependence between such person and the cooperator. Evidence of this can be the Income Affidavit or Interim Income Affidavit filed by the primary cooperator, as well as evidence of longevity of the relationship; sharing of or relying upon each other for payment of household or family expenses; joint ownership of bank accounts, personal and real property, credit cards, loan obligations, sharing a household budget for purposes or receiving governmental benefits; engaging in family type activities by jointly attending family functions; and formalizing of legal obligations by such means as executing wills, naming each other as executor and/or beneficiary, granting each other power of attorney, etc.

The other avenue through which a successor can be named to the apartment is

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• P ra c t i ci n g i n C o - o p C i t y s i n c e 1 9 7 5

• B o a r d C e r t i f i e d i n F o o t S u r g e r y

• A L L c o n d i t i o n s o f t h e f o o t t r e a t e d

• M o st i n s u r a n ce p l a n s a c c e p t e d

• P a r t i c i p a t i n g i n m o s t G H I p l a n s

• H e a l t h P l u s a c c e p t e d

• A f f i n i t y a c c e p t e d

• P a r t i c i p a t i n g i n H I P M o n t e f i o r e

• P a r t i c i p a t i n g i n t h e M e d i c a r e D i a b e t i c S h o e P r o g r a m

• E v e n i n g a n d S a t u r d a y a p p o i n t m e n t s

Combing Co-op City

Free mammography screening in Co-op City

Assemblyman Michael R. Benedetto, in conjunction with Project Renewal, formerly operating as Women’s Outreach Network, is sponsoring a free Mobile Mammography Screening van which will be located outside of the Baychester Public Library, 2049 Asch Loop North, on Saturday, February 14, beginning at 9:30 a.m.

This program is for women 40 years of age and older who have not had a mammogram in the past year. All insurance plans are accepted, however, if you do not have insurance, you can still sign up for the program.

An appointment is necessary. Please call 1-800-564-6868.

This program is funded by Bronx Cancer Services Program Partnership and Outreach for Breast Health Foundation, in partnership with the Italian-American Cancer Foundation.

Fastpitch softball practice at Truman

Every Saturday, the Co-op City Cougars, the girls fastpitch softball team, Bronx District 11 runners-up, will be holding practice at Truman field house for young ladies between the ages of 7-14. There will also be registration for the newcomers to the team. You will need athletic apparel and softball gloves.

For more information, please contact Coach Ronald Hartridge at 347-298-692 or email him at rhartridge41@hotmail.com.

Shoes for students

Co-op City’s Church of the Savior is organizing a drive for students of the Bronx-based Urban Assembly, schools designed to prepare inner city teens for success in college and business. Part of the requirement for boys attending Urban Assembly schools is to dress in proper business attire, jackets, shirts, ties and black leather shoes. In order to help low and middle income families meet those requirements, the school is looking for donations of black shoes, new or used, to be given to the students for their use. Donations can be dropped off at Church of the Savior, 120 DeKruif Place between noon and 3 p.m. any Thursday.

Truman Student Goes to Nicaragua to Build a School with Building with Books Organization

Shannen Greene, a junior at Truman High School, will travel to Nicaragua in February to assist the Building with Books organization in the construction of a new high school.

Building with Books is an international non-profit organization that established the Sister Schoolhouse Program, which allows students to participate in the construction of schoolhouses in developing countries. Through the Building with Books program, American students not only maximize their own high school experience, but they also learn the importance of an interdependent community by providing support to other students around the globe.

Building with Books co-advisor, Zarah Vinola, notes that “although it’s only Shannen’s first year with the program, she is highly motivated and eager to contribute to the community service projects and fundraising efforts.”

Greene, who is a stellar student, was selected for this outstanding opportunity because of her dedication to the pro-

gram and her academic achievement.

“I am so excited to go to Nicaragua,” raves Shannen. “I am a little nervous to travel so far, but I can’t wait to help build the school. All children deserve a great place to learn.”

“Students like Shannen continue to reflect Truman’s dedication to serving the community, both regionally and globally,” said Sana Q. Nasser, Principal of Truman High School. “Shannen is a talented and bright young woman—we look forward to having her share her experience with our Truman family upon her return.”

Harry S. Truman High School is committed to excellence by offering a variety of programs that build success in academics, the arts, and athletics. Truman’s administrators, faculty, and staff believe that scholastic success and extracurricular activities will prepare students to become well-rounded and productive adults beyond their high school years. While many large neighborhood schools have been replaced with smaller schools, Truman has remained intact, serving more than 2,800 students. Truman’s success is attributed to its specialized programs and academically rigorous curriculum across the content areas.

Management and administrative perfect attendees…Riverbay General Manager Vernon Cooper and Human Resources Director Colette Ragin, during a luncheon last Thursday afternoon, personally thanked and honored employees from Management, Administration, and Public Safety who worked throughout 2008 without once calling in sick. Honorees were: Alberta Abrams, Mary Ahland, Christopher Algien, Frank Apollo, Pamela Apollo, Katherine Bell, Ismael Bermudez, Jamie Bernier-Johnson, David Best, Pedro J. Bisono, Amaryllis Bizardi, Jeffrey Bowman, Eunice Braithwaite, Lance Bronstein, Chris Bulat, Ronald Caesar, Marlece Calderon,-Chiaramida, Sherron L. Clarke, Raymond Cooper, Josue Coronel, Nancy Ann Cosgrove, Heriberto Diaz, Kenneth Duchnowski, Raymond J. Duran, Margaret Echevarria, Lois English, Jose A. Figueroa, Tony D. Ford, Jacqueline Garcia Quinones, Steven H. Gold, Stephen P. Hehir, Arnold Hughes, Theodore Jefferson, Toma Kastrati, James Keappock, Kevin J. Keenan, Raymond F. Kenny, Tamira King, Aleksandar Knezevic, Leka Kocovic, Vasilj Kocovic, Lynn S. Krantz, Louis Loscalzo, Jr., Gail Mallea-Ragin, Peter Merola, Henry Milburn, Peter P. Miranda, Joseph Monahan, Donna Moskowitz, Michael J. Munns, Trenise Myrie, Juanita Net, Lester O’Brian, Carmelo Perez, Jose Perez, Joseph Persaud, Hubert Phillip, Rosalind A. Pierce, Shona A. Pinnock, Alan B. Poretsky, Linda Pujols, Anthony Rasulo, Alberta Robinson, Monica Robinson, David Rodriguez, Louis Salegna, Richard Schmidt Carolyn Sinkler,. Mohamed Suleman, Sita Suleman, Lorna Thomas, Andrea Tuberman, Kim-Marie Umstead, Aracelis Vega, Lawrence Ward, Kirk Williams, Linda Elaine Williams, Carl Wright, Filip Zadrima, Paul Zadrima and Liviu Zulman. Photo by Bill Stuttig

Shannen Greene

MATV

Approximately 300 shareholders came to the information meetings in each of the community centers and asked questions related to the conversion. Residents who attended were assured that they will receive uninterrupted television service when the conversion takes place as long as they are connected to the master antenna.

Shareholders who receive their signal off of the master antenna were told not to purchase a conversion box because they are not necessary and will not work in tandem with the master antenna.

In addition to the digital conversion completed this week, Schmidt has been coordinating additional training for Riverbay electricians in how to maintain and service shareholders using the MATV system.

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Shareholders still dependent on televisions using rabbit ear antennas and who are not on the master antenna system were advised that it would be best that they connect to the master antenna or subscribe to a cable service thereby getting a much clearer signal.

Schmidt said that if a shareholder has one main television hooked into the master antenna, but would like additional televisions also connected, Riverbay will be doing that. “We too believe that some shareholders would like to stop subscribing to Cablevision and reconnect to the MATV system receiving the regular broadcast channels,” he said.

Shareholders who rely on the master antenna for their TV signal will be able to receive broadcast channels 2 to 13 and channels 6 and 8, the lobby and laundry

room closed circuit feeds, respectively, as well as the Riverbay crawler.

Plans are in the works for Riverbay to further upgrade the MATV system and to provide HDTV in the future.

Beginning March 2nd, as a courtesy to its shareholders, Riverbay will offer in- home services for a fee to those cooperators who may want MATV connections in other rooms. Cooperators are asked to call the MATV service desk beginning in March should they want additional connections.

“We may charge for repair in the event a cooperator calls for service not having a picture only if the problem is with their wiring completions or where we find that there was tampering with the MATV connection,” Boiko explained. “There will be no charge should the problem be within the

MATV system under Riverbay’s control.”

Since the additional connections come at a cost for materials and labor, a schedule of fees has been drafted for various connections and repairs available through Riverbay. (See the chart below for details.)

Requests for service can be made by calling (718) 320-3529 during regular business hours. After hours, messages can be left, and they will be attended to the next business day.

Schmidt said that he suspects that the majority of calls in the beginning will be from cooperators requesting additional room connections.

Converting the master antenna to digital is being done solely with in-house staff and without the hiring of additional outside technicians, keeping the cost of labor for the conversion at a minimum.

MATV — SERVICE CHARGES

**ea. addl. room jack installed on same visit $25.00

Replacement of a TV splitter $20.00

Replacement of any wire run between wall plate or splitter $50.00

Replacement of wire connection between TV/VCR or DVD $35.00

Effective March 1, 2009

2009 Window Guard forms mailed to shareholders

BY ROZAAN BOONE

Last month, 15,241 window guard forms were mailed to shareholders asking them to complete and, in some cases, update the information on their 2008 Window Guard forms and then return them to Riverbay Corporation or leave them at their local Cooperator Services Office (CSO).

“The return date for the forms is February 15,” said Mary Ahland, Riverbay’s Director of Computer Services and administrator of the Window Guard program. “It is very important that shareholders take the time to complete the forms fully and accurately and send them back to us.”

According to the law, if a child age 11 or younger lives in your apartment, you must tell the landlord; you must allow the landlord to come into your apartment to install window guards; you must not take down window guards once they are installed or make any changes to the window guards and you must not remove any part of the

window guard.

Window guards must be installed on your windows if you live in a building that has three or more apartments and children 11 years of age either live or visit you regularly. Every window in the apartment must have a window guard except windows leading to fire escapes.

“Management is required by law to install window guards if children who are age 11 or younger live in the apartment, that’s the law and residents cannot decide individually whether or not they want window guards; they must be installed,” said Vernon Cooper, Riverbay’s General Manager. “However, anyone can request window guards regardless of whether children live or visit them regularly. Residents do not have to have a reason to get them.”

In a cooperative development such as Co-op City, the co-op management is required to install the window guards and to fix them if they need repairs. Each year, management is

required by law to send out forms to residents so that they may report whether children live in the apartment and to request installation of window guards, as well as request repairs.

In the past, Riverbay has sent out multiple mailings in an effort to comply with the window guard law, and additional staff has been hired to process the returned forms before a final report is sent to the city. This year, it is hoped that shareholders will help keep the expense of this project down by following the instructions that accompanied the forms and returning them in a timely manner.

After Riverbay has made a reasonable attempt to secure the Window Guard information from each cooperator, in compliance with the city’s DOH guidelines, a letter detailing the housing company’s efforts will be sent to the agency for follow-up, along with a list of the names and addresses of those shareholders who failed to respond after the second mailing.

“If you have not yet done so, it is urgent that you fill out your window guard form accurately today, paying close attention to all of the directions and return your form to Riverbay as soon as possible,” said Ahland. “If you already have window guards, it is equally important that you check them to make sure that they are secure and properly installed. If you would like Riverbay Maintenance to check your window guards or to make an appointment to secure them or else install new window guards, kindly contact your CSO office immediately.”

For additional information, you may contact your respective CSO at: Dreiser, (718) 320-3457, 8 or 9 Bartow, (718) 320-3407 or 8 Einstein, (718) 320-3596 or 7.

Completed Window Guard forms should be returned by mail in the envelope provided by Riverbay, or they may be dropped off in room “S” in the Bartow Community Center or to your respective CSO.

I received a letter from a shareholder that praised one Board Director as almost a ‘super hero’ but scolded the remaining fourteen. For the record, there are no super heroes on the Riverbay Board. The business processes and procedures required by the Co-op City community must be arranged in such a way that they can be handled by clear thinking but otherwise average human beings. Moreover, any business endeavor that requires a super hero to survive will inevitably fail.

Accurate information and clear communication are the building blocks upon which progress is made. To get things done correctly on a continuous basis, the policysetting body (the Board of Directors) needs to make careful review of internal processes, procedures, and projects, discuss concerns and ideas, and finally construct plans that provide the optimum result and most benefit for all.

In our community, cooperators have historically been subjected to vicious accusations between Board members, malicious gossip, misleading opinion, emotional rhetoric, and confusing projections. I can safely say that the current Board – for the most part – has not involved itself in any of those harmful practices. As a group, we are seeking to set things right and operate from a point of truth.

Set the Record Straight

A Brief Listing of Capital Projects

Because of size, planned projects take time to come to completion; and though progress may be slow, it is steadily progressing. One capital project that was completed is the elevators; 179 elevators were upgraded. All townhouse roofs have been completed, as well as the roofs in the three shopping centers. Nine high rise roofs have been completed, but there are more to be done. The major work in all eight garages has been completed, however, we are waiting for DHCR approval to complete the roofs over the stairwells (the bulkhead roofs). The window and terrace door project has been completed in 22 buildings. Although the project has been slowed due to budgetary factors, window replacement is continuing.

Co-Generation

There has been much criticism about the delay of our cogeneration project,

Khalil Abdul-Wahhab First Vice President

however, as the independent engineer explained at the recent Open Board meeting, there is a vast number of complex components that have to be tied in

when you are dealing with an existing 40 year old plant, not to mention the requirement to have many different city, state and federal agencies involved during the approval process, as well as Con Edison.

As I have mentioned before, our cogeneration plant is the first of its kind in the region. It will set construction precedents for on-coming plants of similar design. Because the Co-op City plant is the first of its kind, city agencies had to write new rules. That, coupled, with delays caused by the miscommunication between various engineering groups, waiting for necessary approvals, and the complexities associated with the tie in procedures all combined to negatively impact the co-generation plant’s startup.

Mr. Bill May, the independent engineer currently overseeing the project, has said that perhaps one significant error may have been that the timeline originally set for the overall project was too ambitious and did not allocate sufficient time for all of the required configuration issues. However, the initiation of the plant is proceeding and progress is being made. Barring any unforeseen mishaps, the plant should be up and in full operation by this summer.

Desirability of Co-op City Residency

Out of 15,372 apartments, only 37 are currently available – that means that 15,335 are occupied. That is an occupancy rate of 99.76%. The total for all move-outs

in 2008 was 462 (3%). The total for moveins was 572 during the same timeframe. Currently, there is a waiting list for all apartment units.

Riverbay received 951 new applications for housing last year. Despite the country’s economic condition, it is clear that Co-op City is still a great housing buy. This community remains affordable and desirable.

Projections

A projection is a “guess–ti–mate.” A financial projection is based upon specific, gathered data; however, if five CPAs are asked to make a financial projection they might come up with five separate methods for reaching a specified goal. I am not a Certified Public Accountant. I have no training whatsoever in that field. So, I asked the Riverbay Corporation Director of Finance, Peter Merola, who has the professional expertise, to comment on the financial viability of Co-op City. I received the following information. Co-op City Revenue and Expense

Mr. Merola said that Riverbay (Co-op City) has a balanced budget for the next two fiscal years – 2009/2010 and 2010/2011. He added that he was confident that all services that are currently provided will continue to be provided.

There’s No Need for Super Heroes

There will always be personality traits,

emotional issues, and occasionally animated discussion between Board members, Board members and shareholders, and Board members and Management. Those are expected traits of human nature. But communication between Directors on this Board has improved. We are listening to our colleagues’ comments with respect and responding with considered opinions.

There are no super heroes on the Board; we are just average people. But the everyday successes and accomplishments of this world are made by average people who have a vision and work together to achieve better than average results. Each one of the Riverbay Board Directors was elected to serve the community to the best of their ability. We are fifteen people working together to find solutions for all of the community’s requirements and concerns. Rather than a Superman or Wonder Woman – our community is better served by a team of ordinary people who will work together to achieve and maintain progress.

If you see something, say something. Share your suggestions, complaints, or special concerns with me. Send letters to Khalil Abdul-Wahhab, c/o Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475 or address e-mail to kwahhab10475@hotmail.com.

February is National Heart Health Awareness Month!

Letters to the Editor

To the Editor:

I read with interest the article in the January 31 issue which dealt with our recycling efforts and I was happy to see that our efforts generated significant income. A few pages further on, printed recycling guidelines for residents was printed.

Unfortunately, the guidelines offered nothing for townhouse dwellers like myself who have no ash cart room, no compactor room, no compactor room shelf or chute and no recycling bags. All that we have are two dumpsters on our

Recycling for townhouses

dumpster pads, one green and one white. Judging from what I see, there seems to be no consensus on what trash needs to be placed in which dumpster.

I would like someone at Riverbay to take the time to prepare a description of how the townhouse dwellers should dispose of their trash so that they too can take part in the recycling effort. This could be placed in the newspaper and, perhaps, made into a flyer and distributed to us. It would also help if the dumpsters could be clearly labeled. At

Co-op City Times

present, our white dumpster receives paper and cardboard and our green dumpster gets everything else. This means that metal cans, glass jars and plastic jugs and bottles usually end up in the green one and are probably not separated. Our pad at Debs Place is not large enough to accommodate a third dumpster, although this may not be true in all of the townhouse areas. Somebody in Management should come up with a plan.

—Nels Grumer

NOTICE to shareholders of Building 23

The purpose of this notice is to inform you that Tindel Replacement Windows, Inc. will be in your building on Mondays –Saturdays, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., throughout the month of February. We will be checking and adjusting as necessary the child guards that have been installed in

your apartment. We would appreciate it if you would provide us with access to your apartment if you are at home when we ring your bell. Please note that there are no specific appointments and no requirement that you stay home at a particular time. If you are not home when we ring your bell, we

will check back at a different time. Once we enter, we will only be in your apartment for a brief period of time.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

—Tindel Replacement Windows, Inc.

IMPORTANT NOTICEto clubs, and religious and community organizations

The articles of recognized organizations are published at no cost to your organization each week, but at a considerable cost to Riverbay, in order to inform your members and the community at large about your organization’s programs, services and events, not as editorial space for personal comment, opinions, or to make political endorsements or critical comment.

There is limited space in the paper each week, as well as limited resources and funds, but we work hard to accommodate

the many clubs, synagogues, churches and other community organizations that submit articles for weekly publication.

In an effort to better accommodate all the organizations, groups and religious institutions that submit articles for inclusion in the Co-op City Times, weekly submissions MUST NOT exceed 500 words. Articles that do not conform will be edited for content and space availability. At the same time, articles that significantly stray from its purpose of informing the commu-

nity of your organization’s programs, services and events will also be edited or omitted altogether.

Remember also that the deadline for submission of articles from clubs, religious institutions and community organizations is 3 p.m. each Monday.

Religious institutions may continue to include a topical message, in addition to listing their schedules, events and programs as long as they do not exceed 500 words.

Derek Alger Director of Communications

Rozaan Boone

Editor-in-Chief

Bill Stuttig

Associate Editor

Jennifer Flynn

Operations Manager

Ralph Henriquez

Production Manager

Mary Ann Sowah

Graphic Artist

Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

Advertising Sales

Deborah Harris

Editorial Assistant

The Co-op City Times welcomes issue-oriented letters to the editor to be considered for publication. All letters, in prose, not poetry, must be addressed to the editor, not to third parties. All letters must be handsigned by the writers and include their addresses and phone numbers, which will be kept confidential, so that the editor can verify the authenticity of the authors. Writers will be limited to one letter per topic. And to give every one a chance, we will limit writers to one published letter every 30 days.

Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Letters cannot exceed 350 words. Ideally, they should be typed. All letters must be in the Co-op City Times office in Room 21, Bartow Community Center, by 3 p.m. every Monday to be considered for publication in that week’s edition. Views and opinions expressed in letters and Directors’ Viewpoint are solely the writer’s, and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times or Riverbay Corp. Advertisements and classified advertisements in the Co-op City Times do not necessarily reflect an endorsement from Riverbay Corporation of goods and services, but present greater options to cooperators of products and services available.

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

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

Building Lease Renewal Notice

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 desire a lease of less than three (3) years, you may call 718-320-3373 to

request a form to submit for either a one (1) year or two (2) year lease.

You must submit your completed form for a short-term lease no later than thirty (30) days before the expiration of your present lease. 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.

puddling of water on their terraces and subsequent staining, Riverbay contacted Sika, and asked for assistance so that shareholders who choose to may purchase floor covering from a vendor who was approved by both Sika and Riverbay.

“We asked the manufacturer if we can put anything down to absorb the water and we were told that carpeting and artificial grass turf would void the warranty as the coating would be damaged,” said Joe Boiko, Riverbay’s Ombudsman. “So we began looking at the alternatives. Specifically, we were looking for something that was first of all approved by the coating manufacturer so as not to void our warranty on the terraces, as well as a product that cooperators would think was nice and somewhat fancy which they could put down and thereby avoid having to scrub their terraces to get the water stains out.

Boiko added: “We eventually decided on Cover Deck because this company is approved by Sika and although there are similar types of products out there, we found Cover Deck’s to be of better quality, American made and also, the company offers a warranty on their products. Cover Deck has also since been approved by Riverbay so that shareholders who would like to take advantage of their products and services may do so and be assured that the work will be done in compliance with Riverbay’s specifications and not result in their terrace coating warranty being voided.”

Riverbay has since tested the Cover Deck products on three apartment terraces in Co-op City that were randomly selected and received rave reviews, according to Boiko.

Cover Deck offers a wide range of tiles in several finishes including carpet, Ipe wood and deck stone in different colors and styles. Prices range from $3.89 per tile or per square foot, to $9.50 per tile or square foot, and includes UPS shipping. Delivery and installation charges are additional costs.

“The beauty of their product and the reason why they are approved by Sika is because the tiles stand on miniscule legs and do not have the rough backing that other products have which generally rub against the flooring or need to be anchored to the floor and as a result may damage the coating on the terraces,” said Boiko. “Cover Deck’s tiles are porous and allow water to seep through and dry as opposed to it being trapped under the covering.”

Boiko said that shareholders who are interested in Cover Deck’s products should contact the company directly. Recently, Cover Deck personnel mounted display boards describing their products in each of the Cooperator Service Offices (CSO) so that interested shareholders can see for themselves what the products look like. This information is also available online at www.COVERDECK.COM.

“Riverbay will not be making appointments for Cover Deck, the extent of our role is to provide a display area which is in the CSO offices and to provide Cover Deck with the dimensions of the terraces in Co-op City,” said Boiko. “When a cooperator contacts the company, they can make their purchases, as well as arrange for installation through Cover Deck.”

In addition to their website, Cover Deck can also be contacted by telephone at 1-800-550-3325.

Shareholders who choose not to cover their terrace floors are reminded that any damage that occurs as a result of the terraces not being properly maintained and the coating finish not being cared for will result in the manufacturer’s warranty being voided.

“It is very important that shareholders take note of this information because if the manufacturer’s warranty is voided because of any improper action on their part, this, in turn, will result in Riverbay having to absorb the additional expense for costly repairs,” said Vernon Cooper, Riverbay’s General Manager.

Liviu Zalman, Riverbay’s Assistant Director of Construction, emphasized that any alteration to the coating finish on the terraces will cause the manufacturer not to honor the warranty. “What this means is that in the

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future, if the concrete peels, chips or rusts, Riverbay, and ultimately, shareholders themselves, will have to pay the cost to repair the terraces,” he said.

According to Sika, the coating finish on the terraces should not be punctured or drilled into for the purpose of nailing or anchoring any fixtures to the terraces, such as pigeon nets. In addition, there should be no carpet or overlayment of any kind which involves the use of adhesives and shareholders should not paint or apply any other coating to the one already applied by Sika.

“Anything that changes or damages the coating,

whether it is on the floor, the ceiling or the sides of the terraces leaves us open to additional expense because we will be responsible for repairing it,” said Zalman. “Carpeting will cause moisture to be trapped underneath and the coating must be able to breate or else over time, damage will result.”

For shareholders concerned about staining, Sika advises that a mild liquid cleaner should be utilized along with warm water and a soft bristle scrub brush in several directions. Generous amounts of clean water should then be used to rinse the area.

Co-op City Times

program exclusive to young women and one exclusive to young men, computer education, job readiness, college preparation and homework help. In addition, the center is involved with a support program for grandparents raising teenaged children.

While Johnson stressed that membership in the center is free, it does come with a price, he said, and that price is commitment on both the part of the teen and his or her parents or guardians.

Before being accepted for membership at the center, both parents and teens are required to file signed paperwork outlining their commitment to the program.

For parents, this includes a commitment to be regularly involved with their teen’s membership in the center including a commitment to attend two parent meetings a year at the center, and a commitment to meet with staff on an individual basis when asked to. Parents will also have the right to request a meeting

(Continued from page 1)

with staff at the center. However, parents are not permitted at the center with their teen(s) during regular program activities except during regularly scheduled open house activities.

For teens, the requirements are even more stringent as all members are required to participate in at least two structured activities on the center’s schedule and attend at least 75 % of all classes and meetings and events held under the auspices of the activities. Teens who are involved in other after-school activities, such as school sports teams, are excused from the 75% requirement as long as their participation in the after-school activities continues. Even with the waiving of the 75% requirement, these students are still only permitted to join as probationary members.

In addition, all 7th, 8th and 9th grade students must attend at least two sessions of homework help each week. Teens who would like to be excused from these requirements must present a good report card to Director Johnson and the teen will be excused

from this requirement until the next report card.

Older teens, juniors and seniors, are required to complete at least five hours of community service at the center each season. Teens who have community service requirements as part of school, religious or other institutions are given priority when community service assignments are given out by center staff.

In addition to these participation requirements, teens are held to a stringent standard of behavior, which strictly prohibits violence or aggressive behavior of any kind, profanity, and the wearing of anything that can be considered gang-related paraphernalia or street-culture attire such as do-rags, stocking caps, beads, sagging pants or shorts, bandanas or hats.

Alcoholic beverages, drugs or drug paraphernalia are strictly forbidden and any teen suspected to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be reported to their parents, face possible expulsion from the center and possible arrest.

Johnson said that participating teens are explained the responsibilities attached to their membership and abide by the standards for the most part. If not, they are told they can no longer participate.

In addition to the space provided for the activities in the Einstein Center, the teen center also has use of basketball courts at P.S. 160 on a limited basis and the athletic fields in Section 5 on a limited basis.

Johnson said that Congressman Joseph Crowley has been very supportive of the program, arranging for federal funding for some of the programming, in addition to visiting with the teens on an occasional basis. He added that Riverbay’s Department of Public Safety has also been very supportive of the program, providing a regular presence around the center and an additional presence during some special activities.

The Section Five Teen Center is located at 141 Einstein Loop, Bronx, N.Y., and the center can be contacted by calling (718) 671-2655.

Public Safety Report

CCPD aggressively enforces “NO DOG” rules in Co-op City

BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO

The Co-op City Department of Public Safety reminds residents that under most circumstances dogs are not permitted within the premises of Co-op City. Service animals and dogs required for medically approved conditions are exceptions to Co-op City’s “NO DOG” rules. The Department of Public Safety works aggressively to identify households which are in violation of Co-op City’s “NO DOG” rules.

Co-op City is a high-rise, multi-family cooperative which houses approximately 65,000 residents. In order to provide residents with the high quality of life synonymous with Co-op City, it is not possible to permit dogs within the complex. Even visiting dogs are not permitted. Dogs present serious health and safety concerns which potentially threaten the well being of all residents.

The first line of defense in enforcing Co-op City’s “NO DOG” rules are obser-

vant cooperators. Concerned residents who see or hear dogs within an apartment are urged to call the Department of Public Safety, (718) 671-3050, or on our website, www.ccpd.us, immediately. It is not necessary for persons to reveal their identity when calling. Callers may remain anonymous when calling. Please be sure to give all required information including the location of the suspected dog to the dispatcher prior to hanging up the phone. A caller’s identity is never revealed to the offender even when information is provided.

Public Safety officers are dispatched out to the location without delay to investigate the complaint. Various means of detection are utilized as part of the investigation process. High frequency dog whistles are utilized to detect dogs within apartments. They are used as part of routine building sweeps, as well as at specific locations where dogs are reported to be harbored.

Once it is detected that there is an unau-

Public Safety Blotter: Jan. 25 to Jan. 31

January 29 - 900 Co-op City Boulevard — Arrest

Two individuals were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct after being involved in a fight at this location.

January 26 - 100 Dekruif Place — Child Neglect

The New York City Administration for Children’s Services was called to investigate a condition at the above location following an eviction by the City Marshall.

January 25 - 140 Bellamy Loop — Grand Larceny

A resident reported that a sum of money, a firearm and other items were missing from within the apartment. This matter is currently under investigation.

January 25 100 Dekruif Place — Arrest

CCPD officers conducting a vertical sweep of this building observed a male in the stairway. When questioned as to his presence, he became disorderly and was taken into custody, summonsed and released.

NEW TELEPHONE SYSTEM

CALL CENTER (718) 320-3300

Press 1 if you have a Public Safety emergency

Press 2 to dial a Riverbay extension/or access the directory

Press 3 to report a maintenance problem in your apartment

Press 4 to reach Residential Sales

Press 5 to schedule a Community Room

Press 6 to reach a Rent Bookkeeper

Press 7 to call the Restorations Department

Press 8 to reach the Parking Facilities Department

Press 9 to reach Co-op City Times or Stay on the line to speak to an Operator

thorized dog within an apartment, a Co-op City Community Complaint is issued. The violation code for harboring a dog within an apartment is Code “Z” which states, “Keeping or harboring dogs or any animals deemed potentially harmful to the health and safety of others.” Violations of Code “Z” carry a fine of $150. Having a dog within a Co-op City apartment is a violation of the Riverbay lease rules and regulations #17 which states, “No dogs or other animals of any kind shall be kept or harbored in the leased premises.”

After a Community Complaint is issued, the Cooperator Service Office (CSO) and the Legal Department work to ensure that the unauthorized dog is removed from the premises. Violations of Co-op City’s “DOG RULES” present serious hazards to the health and safety of all residents. Dog violations are taken very seriously by Riverbay Corporation.

Be sure to obey traffic and safety rules while operating a motor vehicle.

Remember “SCHOOL’S OPEN, DRIVE CAREFULLY.”

Share the road safely with bicycles, skaters and pedestrians. Bicyclists should give pedestrians the same level of courtesy they expect from motorists. If you plan to consume alcoholic beverages, be sure not to operate a motor vehicle; designate a driver who will not drink, or call a taxi. Also, be sure to buckle your seatbelt, obey speed limits and avoid distractions when driving. 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. Call Public Safety if you suspect one of your neighbors has an unauthorized dog within their apartment. Callers may remain anonymous when giving information. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety would like to thank all persons who have called in suspicious activity. It is by your actions that the crime rate remains low and a high quality of life is maintained.

February: Black History Month

Online bidding

and if we are satisfied with his references, that entity will be awarded the contract for whatever the commodity or services that is being offered.”

Gail Badger-Morgan added that the new program allows Riverbay’s management to keep better control and monitoring of services and goods utilized by the various departments that use vendors and items in common.

“We are very excited about this,” said Badger-Morgan. “I am confident that this outreach mechanism will bring fresh resources to our community and also, better prices. I also anticipate that our regular vendors will lower their prices to remain competitive.”

When this program was implemented, letters were sent to all of Riverbay’s active vendors inviting them to participate in the online bidding program and advertisements were placed in various newspapers throughout the metro area to increase the number of vendors participating in the program.

(Continued from page 1)

Interested vendors can register online with Riverbay 24 hours a day and all information submitted remains secure and is password protected. With the new system, Riverbay has the ability to post bids instantly. After the vendor logs on, they locate their particular category and submit their bids.

“The online bid system was designed to modernize Riverbay’s current bid and solicitation process,” said David Best, who is overseeing the new bid system for Riverbay. “The vendor remains in a pending status until the information provided is reviewed and approved. Then, it is moved to an active status which means the vendor can now proceed to bid.”

Among the categories offered by Riverbay are maintenance supplies, plumbing supplies, office supplies, landscaping supplies, restoration, construction, advertising, engineers, architects, equipment rentals, computer equipment, police equipment, indoor and outdoor equipment, electrical &

lighting, appliances and much more.

“Bids are posted daily on the bid system by the Riverbay Purchasing Department,” said Best. “Vendors are then alerted by email according to their categories or they can log on and view all bids being offered by Riverbay.”

To register, vendors must provide pertinent information regarding their businesses, for example, the name of the company, address, telephone and fax numbers, email address, federal tax ID number and the contact person. They are also required to select the categories (products or services ) they are going to bid on and provide other required documents, such as business certificate, insurance, plumbing license, and engineering certificate.

“All active bid amounts are sealed, meaning the bids are masked and cannot be visible to any Riverbay or management employees until the required due date and time is reached,” said Best. “The online bid system is secure and password protect-

ed. Going forward, it will be a requirement that all vendors wishing to do business with Riverbay must register online.”

Riverbay’s General Manager Vernon Cooper said that he is very pleased that Riverbay is using online bidding to purchase the wide range of goods and services required to manage and maintain a community the size of Co-op City.

“Not only does it further our efforts to provide the best possible prices for these goods and services, it also dramatically increases the number of vendors that are considered in the bid process and gives us greater access to the various markets, which will potentially enable us to learn about and take advantage of new products and technology that perhaps we were not privy to in the past when dealing with a relatively limited number of vendors,” said Cooper. “Especially given today’s economy, we are looking for and are receptive to any and all innovative ways to decrease costs and improve service.”

Registration ongoing for Children’s Spring Baseball League run by Mosholu Center

Chris Pinto, Director of Sports at the Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, has announced that registration is ongoing for the Spring Children’s Baseball League.

The community center is proud to sponsor one of the largest, most comprehensive children’s baseball league in the Bronx geared towards fair play, instruction, good sportsmanship, and a positive experience for children.

There are six age group divisions for children to play in. Groups are determined by the child’s age as of June 1, 2009.

Pee Wee is for children five and six years old. This age group uses a batting T. Every child hits each inning, learns how to play in the field, and each game ends in a tie.

Bathams are children seven and eight years old. In this division coaches pitch to their own teams. The goal is for the player to hit the ball and plan an exciting game, all

CROWLEY: Don’t miss out on thousands in FREE federal dollars through EITC!

This week, Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx) joined the nationwide campaign on “Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day,” to increase public awareness about the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The EITC allows low-income individuals and families who work to qualify for a federal tax refund up to $4,824.

“Tell your friends and family across Queens and the Bronx – don’t miss out on thousands of tax-free dollars –find out today if you eligible for the EITC!” said Congressman Joseph Crowley. “In these difficult economic times, every dollar counts and this extra boost can really make the difference for many struggling New York families. Too many qualified individuals fail to clam the EITC credit. We all need to work together to help spread the word. So, take a minute today to do the neighborly thing and tell your family and friends about the EITC.”

Three easy ways for taxpayers to find out more about the EITC and determine their eligibility:

1. Go online to www.irs.gov/eitc to learn more;

2. Call the New York City IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center at (212) 436-1000; or

3. Meet one-on-one with tax expert at a local Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) preparation site – call 311 to find a VITA site in your neighborhood.

Congressman Crowley is a member of the exclusive House Committee on Ways and Means with jurisdiction over taxation and the Internal Revenue Service.

other rules are stressed, soft safety balls are used.

Minors are children nine and 10 years old. In this age group, players begin to pitch soft hollow core softballs. Hardballs are also used.

Majors are children 11 and 12 years old. Again, soft hollow core balls are used. Players pitch.

Seniors are children 13, 14, and 15 years old. An exciting division for the older player. Safety hardballs are used in this fast paced game all rules are followed.

Girl’s softball is for girls ages nine to 15. While girls are welcome in minors, majors, and seniors, many prefer to play in a league of their own. For them, our Girl’s Softball League is perfect. It is competitive with its own set of rules and skills.

Each player receives a full uniform consisting of shirt,

pants, and cap. In our league, all players receive trophies for participation and winning teams receive first place trophies. All players sell candy to cover cost of trophies. Registration must be complete before the early part of March when we select teams. To register you must bring a copy of your child’s birth certificate and full payment of $100 plus $20 accident insurance to the Mosholu Montefiore Community Center at 3450 Dekalb Avenue and Gun Hill Road, one block East of Jerome Avenue. We are open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For complete information, call (718) 8824000, Ext. 0 or 280.

We are also looking for volunteer coaches. Contact Chris Pinto if you can help at extension 280.

CSO continues to remind shareholders to update contact information

BY ROZAAN BOONE

The Riverbay Cooperator Services Office is once again reminding shareholders that if any of their contact information is outdated, they should update the information as soon as possible so that if there is a need to contact them, Riverbay’s files will reflect their most current and accurate information.

“I cannot stress how many times we’ve had to contact a cooperator and the information in our files is not accurate because the cooperator may have changed phone numbers or address or their name in the case of a change in marital status, and they did not update Riverbay of the changes,” said Juanita Net, Director of Riverbay’s CSO.

According to Edgar Perez, CSO Manager for Section 1 & 2 serving Buildings 1-14, DeFoe, Debs Place and Cooper Townhouse clusters, it is also important that residents update their emergency contact information so that if CSO or Maintenance needs to get into their apartment and they are unable to locate the shareholder of record, there is a designated alternate who may be contacted.

“In addition to letting us know about changes in telephone numbers and address, it is equally important that shareholders inform Riverbay who to contact in the event that they are unreachable, for example, if they are out of town or their contact phone numbers have not been updated,” said Perez. “Appointing a designated alternate is very important in case CSO or Maintenance is unable to contact the shareholder of record for the apartment.”

Perez also noted that particularly in these times when so many people have cell phones, these phone numbers may be changed more often than a regular phone in cases where the carrier is updated.

“We also have to remember that many of our shareholders moved in more than 30 years ago and at that time, a spouse who has since passed away might have been the emergency contact on the key card to the apartment and that information was never updated,” Perez said. “In addition, with the key cards, shareholders can also add or remove persons that they choose as an emergency contact.”

To update your contact information, two important steps are involved.

First, the shareholder of the unit is required to go in person to the Emergency Maintenance Office (located in the lower level of the Dreiser Mall) with photo identification and update the “Key Card.”

Secondly, shareholders should request an Emergency Contact form from their respective Cooperator Service Office (CSO). This form must be completed by the shareholder and notarized before being returned in person to their respective CSO, along with photo identification. Their new contact information will then be updated in the Maintenance system and forwarded to the shareholder’s file.

Once the information is updated at the Emergency Maintenance Office and Cooperator Service Office, the new information will then be relayed by CSO to Public Safety to be added to that department’s database as well.

Succession Rights

through death of the primary shareholder. If this is the case, the lease and shares of stock for the decedent’s apartment shall be surrendered to the Riverbay Sales Office by the decedent’s estate or survivors for redemption.

If there are no legal disputes, Riverbay will sell or transfer the shares to any member of the decedent’s family or life companion, as long as they meet all of the requirements as stipulated by DHCR’s rules and regulations.

Munns stated that any family member or life companion of a cooperator who would like permission to remain

(Continued from page 2)

in occupancy after the cooperator moves or dies should submit a written request within ninety (90) days to Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, N.Y. 10475, Attn.: Succession Rights.

“It is imperative that shareholders understand that no other types of stock transfers or lease amendments are allowed except those directed by statute or an appropriate tribunal or court of law,” said Munns.

Shareholders may log on to Riverbay’s website at www.riverbaycorp.com to download a copy of these succession right.

MetroCard bus to visit Co-op City in two weeks

The MetroCard bus will be visiting all three Co-op City shopping malls again this month, enabling people to sign up for the reduced-Fare MetroCard or purchase or add money to existing Metrocard.

On Thursday, February 19, the MetroCard bus will be at Bartow Mall on Co-op City Blvd., from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., at Dreiser Loop from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and at Einstein Loop from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

“Our mobile Metrocard sales vehicles

are part of our outreach effort to senior citizens and people with disabilities who might have problems accessing our subway station booths,” said NYC Transit President Lawrence G. Reuter.

Senior citizens and persons with disabilities may apply for the reduced Fare MetroCard on the bus during regular visits to this community or other locations on scheduled dates throughout the Bronx.

To sign up for the Reduced-Fare Card, seniors must be over 65 years and bring

proof of age with a photo, such as a Medicare card, driver’s license or passport. Persons with disabilities must have a valid U.S. Medicare card (red, white and blue) along with a valid federal/state issued photo identification card in order to be immediately processed.

Disabled persons without Medicare Cards must ensure that their doctors complete the physician’s section of the application.

After a review process, permanent

Reduced Fare MetroCards are mailed to qualified applicants.

In addition to being able to sign up for a Reduced-Fare MetroCard or have one refilled, anyone can add value to their MetroCards or purchase pre-encoded MetroCards, including daily, weekly and monthly unlimited-ride passes. Also, Transit staff is on hand to answer any MetroCard-related questions.

For more information, call (212) METROCARD.

MTA New York City Transit uses web to help reconnect riders with their lost items

Using the internet as a central tool, MTA New York City Transit has streamlined and modernized the way it attempts to reunite bus and subway customers with their lost property. Finally, riders have access to an on-line system they can use to inquire about their lost items and receive an e-mailed response.

Retrieving a valued item that has been left behind on a bus or in the subway has long been a taxing and time-consuming endeavor, requiring multiple telephone calls or visits to the Lost Property Unit seeking information about such items. The new system allows customers to use their computers to quickly inquire about their property through the MTA website.

“The modernization of NYC Transit’s Lost Property Unit is another example of

the MTA making customers our top priority,” said MTA Executive Director and CEO Elliot O. Sander. “We have turned this into a first class, customer-friendly Lost and Found operation that will help reunite our customers with their lost belongings as quickly and conveniently as possible.”

“The new on-line presence for the Lost Property Unit really brings this important function into the 21st century,” said NYC Transit President Howard H. Roberts, Jr. “Over the years, NYC Transit’s Lost Property Unit has been the last stop for all things left on subway trains, in stations and buses. The staff has facilitated the recovery by our customers of thousands of lost items large and small but it has been done pretty much the same way it was

when the system was opened more than a century ago. The modernization of the Lost Property Unit will make the entire operation more convenient for customers and more efficient for our employees.”

The easy-to-use features of the new program include a handy drop-down menu for the selection of date, subway line and station. There is also a dropdown menu for a description of the item, including the color, brand name, size, etc. Additionally, customers can write a text description of their lost item. After the inquiry is entered, the system will inform the customer if a possible match has been logged in. Customers inquiring about their lost property will receive a reference number and a notification through email if there is a possible match based on the

lost information provided. Using that same reference number, customers will be able to make follow up inquiries at their convenience by entering that number in the program’s tracking system.

For customers who do visit the Lost Property Unit, a computer kiosk has been installed at the office, located on the lower mezzanine level of the Street Station on the Eighth Avenue Line. Using the kiosk, customers can access all of the same information as they can from any computer, and if their MP3 device S wallet has been turned in, they can retrieve it at the same time. The Lost Property Office’s hours are: Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

We are a friendly, state-of-the-art, ophthalmology practice providing a full range of eye care services, including the latest treatments for:

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The Professional Building, 2nd Floor (In Bay Plaza behind Pathmark, next to Bally’s Total Fitness) 7 7 1 1 8 8 -- 8 8 6 6 2 2 --EYES (( 3 3 9 9 3 3 7 7 ))

Saturday, January 31, the Broun Place Town House Association Executive Board met at Seven Seas Diner for their first prep meeting of 2009. Thank you to all six that attended. We had 100% attendance of the executive board. On the agenda was the agenda for our first full meeting of 2009 scheduled for February 19. Yes, it does look like we have a renewed commitment to have things that are not done correctly, corrected and support positive efforts and results.

The association wants to thank all cooperators who attended the building meeting last Tuesday evening. We had one new member who just moved into the building, we welcome him for taking the time to find out just what the association is trying to do for the building. We want to have an election for new officers, so if you are interested in being on

In response to a lot of inquiries from our cooperators concerning installations of new windows, Building 13 windows are scheduled to be replaced, I am told, during the week of March 2nd.

Our next general membership meeting will be on Thursday, February 26, at

Our next general meeting is on February 12, at 7:30 p.m. in our meeting room, 4B rear. We will have a guest speaker, Mr. Velazquez, from Riverbay Corp.’s Building and Grounds Dept. He will talk about the different types of plants and

Broun Place Townhouse Association

For the February 19 meeting scheduled for 7 p.m., Room 31, Bartow Center, we plan to have guests from Riverbay, information on possible trips, refreshments and a 50/50. Although late, the holiday gifts to members of the association are forthcoming and will be distributed starting at this meeting. Sorry to say, it has come to our attention that there are cooperators who have gotten “satellite TV” and have not installed the dish according to Riverbay rules. If you

decide to purchase “satellite TV”, first you should call the CSO, 718-320-3405, 3406. You will be subject to a Community Complaint if you are reported to have installed the satellite dish incorrectly. Other community offenses subject to penalties are motorcycles parked on the sidewalk and garbage not being recycled correctly.

Coming up in February, there will be many events celebrating Black History and Valentine’s Day, as a matter of fact. I

Building 33 Association

the board, let us know. We welcome new young members. The board would like for the younger cooperators to take over, we need you.

Last week, someone set the wall on fire by the elevator on the 31st floor. We took pictures of the damages. Riverbay came and painted the wall. Saturday, the fire bug came back and did it again

causing more damages to the wall. The police were called, there will be officers on the lookout for this person. You will be caught. You do have a problem. If anyone knows who this person is, please call Public Safety, this is your building too and we all want to feel safe.

The association extends their deepest sympathy to Sydney Brown and family

Building 13 Association

7:00 p.m. at the back of the building (in the voting room).

REMINDER: Please observe the following quality-of-life regulations:

a)  NO DOG is allowed in the apartment;

b)  NO LOITERING in the lobby and

on the stairways.

c) NO SELLING in the lobby. Period.

d) NO VANDALIZING the stairs and the elevators.

Unannounced “police sweeps” are conducted day and night to enforce these rules. Report any criminal activities to the

Donizetti Building 4 Association

flowers, plus much more. Come down with your questions. All are welcome.

Come and go with our building associations to the Philadelphia Park Casino on March 28th. Cost is $26, $10 plus $3 toward food. All money must be paid by

Building 30 Association

The Building 30 Association (A & B) is here for you! You must be a paid up dues member in order to take advantage of the parties and celebrations that we will have.

We sincerely thank Nikki Stewart from JASA for being our guest speaker for the February 5th meeting of our association.

We will continue to run our 50/50 raf-

fle at our meetings. Refreshments always follow at the end of the meeting. Watch the Association bulletin board in your lobby for dates and times of events. Get involved and make a difference!! Looking forward to meeting and greeting you at the meetings.

—Miriam E. Berlofsky

March 10th. For more information, call Yvonne Burrus at 718-671-6922 or Mary, 718-671-0425.

If you missed us in the lobbies collecting annual dues, we will be placing envelopes under your door. Or, you can

hope we can all attend at least one of these events. To everyone celebrating an event or anniversary, we extend congratulations. For those that are recovering from illness or accident, we wish you a speedy recovery. Should you have a particular problem, reach out to a Broun Place board member and see if we can’t direct you to getting it solved. Shall we follow the new president’s lead in service to our neighbors?

—Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

in the loss of his mother. Our sympathy and prayers go out to the family of Dorothy G. Simmons. She was a cooperator in Building 33 for a long time. Get well wishes to all the sick and shut-ins.

The next meeting will be posted. More fundraisers are in the making.

—Patricia Bonaparte

45th Precinct at (718) 822-5411 and/or Riverbay Public Safety at (718) 320-3050. For all NYC non-emergency inquiries, call 3-1-1.

NEW-For traffic updates, call 5-1-1.

If you see something, say something.

—Olubiyi Sehindemi (Mr. B)

come down and pay at our meeting. Special prayers and get well wishes to our sick and shut-in. Happy February birthdays! Don’t forget, this is our home. If you see something, say something.

—Yvonne Burrus

H o u r s :

Monday: 9 am - 8 pm

Tuesday: 9 am - 8 pm

Wednesday - Friday: 9 am - 5 pm

Saturday: 8 am - 3 pm

To reach Post 1871, it is located at 135 Einstein Loop Community Center, Room 41, and if you have a computer, you can get in touch with us by e-mail: post1871@optimum.net.

Greetings to all our members of Post 1871, located in Co-op City, who are residing in the Bay Park Nursing Home. Our minds and hearts are with you each day hoping that you will have a blessed day. Happy birthday to all our Post members that have a birthday in February: Robert Avilez, Beverly M. Briggs, Carrero Fugencio, Louis A. Cruz, Ronald Grantward, Paul R. Gaulden, Thomas F. Einwich, John F. Fields, Edward M. Handy, George Bishop, Nathan Jones, William A. Pace, Salvatore Lobello, Jr., David Minton, Emmett A. Pace, Ernest H. Peronneau, Santiago

The next meeting of the Building Association will be Wednesday, February 11, at 7:30 p.m. in the rear lobby of Building 26B. Please come and bring a neighbor.

It was wonderful to see everyone that attended our first meeting for 2009 and look forward to seeing more of you looking forward. Our president, Robert Hedgepeth, started off our meeting discussing our current issues and setting new goals for the association. To start off, our game night held a couple of Saturdays and we had a few card players and pokeno gamers as the domino and scrabble players were missing. Please pay attention to the flyers that will be posted in the lobby because the game committee has vowed to host another night the last Friday in February. There was a suggestion made that a game day be started

American Legion Post 1871

Santiago, Robert Thomas, Walter Thomas, Jr. and Lloyd Tapper.

A healthy legionary is a happy legionary, five easy ways to stay healthy.

• Get recommended screening tests.

• Eat healthy foods and stay at a healthy weight.

• Be physically active, 30 minutes a day 5 days a week.

• Don’t smoke.

• Relax and take care of yourself.

Know the cold weather is here and ways to keep warm are:

• Wear several loose layers of clothing. This traps air, which insulates the body.

• Remove a layer or two of clothing before doing heavy work. Replace clothing when heavy work is completed. Wet or damp clothing cannot keep the body warm.

The Annual Membership Drive for the year was conducted in the building lobbies on January 21, 22 and 23. You still may pay your annual dues of $5 per family to your building chairperson or pay at

• Exercise the feet, hands, and face. This increases the blood circulation and heat production.

Did you know that it’s a federal felony for an individual to falsely claim to have been awarded the Purple Heart?

Individuals convicted of the Stolen Valor Act of 2005 face jail sentences of up to one year and/or fines.

This information is for all our Post members, family and friends who would like to see their children, grandchildren attend a good college without taking out a college loan and earn money at the same time while attending the academy. I guess you’re wondering where this college is located. The name of the place is the West Point Military Academy. Applicants must have SAT and ACT scores and a high

Building 26 Association Building 31 Association

for the children of our building so if you would like to head that committee, please contact either Mr. Hedgepeth or the secretary, M. McDaniel, telephone numbers listed in lobby bulletin board.

The association will be preparing for the 2009 scholarships awards. Remember that child must live with parent/s that are paid association members. Suggestion was made to have a book sale and any profit made will be donated for that purpose. As soon as the date and time and final plans are in place flyers will be posted. Our president then solicited the attendees for their suggestion as to who they

Press 1 if you have a Public Safety emergency

Press 2 to dial a Riverbay extension/or access the directory

Press 3 to report a maintenance problem in your apartment

Press 4 to reach Residential Sales

Press 5 to schedule a Community Room

a meeting. We are still in need of floor captains in each section. Please see your section Chairperson to volunteer your services. We are also requesting that you suggest

wanted to have as our speaker at any of our future meetings for 2009. The attendees wanted our general manager and various heads of departments, Capt. of 45th Pct. Invitations will be sent out ASAP requesting their attendance. Once dates are confirmed, we will also post that information in our lobby.

We will start our collection in March for the association dues. Every year, volunteers sit in our lobbies to collect the $5 per apt. The need for the dues is simply to maintain the functioning of your association. Although it is not mandatory, it is indeed necessary. Your association is the

Press 6 to reach a Rent Bookkeeper

school diploma or equivalent. Soldiers must have their commander’s endorsement. Applicants must be younger than 23, single and deemed to be of high moral character. Another path to West Point is to first apply for the preparatory school at Fort Monmouth, N.J. West Point takes about 200 soldiers a year. Upon completion of the four year course, you will be proud to wear the uniform of an Army Officer. A four year college degree holder out-earns high school grads by $367 a week.

Did you pay your Post 1871 dues for the year yet? Well, it’s not too late to pay your dues either by mail or in person. We are here for you to accept your dues.

This information was provided to you by your public information officer of Post 1871. —Richard I. Lawson, Jr.

activities that will enhance our quality of life. Please submit any suggestions that you may have to the Board.

HELP US TO SERVE YOU!

—Virginia Stewart

watch dog of the building. Things that need to be fixed and are not, we find out why not and get it fixed. We are strong together, none of us can do this alone. So it is up to all of us to stand united and help maintain what we have and try to improve on that when needed. So your joining and linking up with your association helps you. Look for the envelope under your door or the volunteer in the lobby, either way, become a member.

Congratulations, 50/50 winner, Roger Toppin, and door prize winner, Marty Bodansky.

—Marilyn McDaniel

Press 7 to call the Restorations Department

Press 8 to reach the Parking Facilities Department

Press 9 to reach Co-op City Times

Stay on the line to speak to an Operator

Defensive Driving Course

The next Black Forum Defensive Driving Course will be held on Saturday, February 14, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Dreiser Community Center, Room 1. Cost is $35 which must be pre-paid. Send check/MO to Black Forum, P.O. Box 563, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. At the completion of the defensive driving course, you will receive up to 4 points removed from your driver’s license and 10% discount off your auto insurance. No walk-ins available. Call 718-3208035 today to reserve your seat.

Black Forum Aerobic classes

Get in shape. Join us every Monday and Wednesday, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. in the Dreiser Community Center, Auditorium A, for aerobics

WFP Club of Co-op City praises the new beginning as President Obama started off his first days in office head on with the realization that the road ahead will not be without trial and error, and his actions will not please everyone. He understands there is much to do to correct many of the ills that have hindered growth as he tries to turn our nation around bridging the gaps of swelled animosity.

From the outset, President Obama ordered the closing of Guantanamo prison in a year, closing of CIA secret prisons and banning harsh practices of interrogations and torture, to establish a review procedure to determine which of the detainees can be tried in US Federal court or transferred to other

Black Forum

classes by Body by Andrea. Classes are $3 per person. Please call to register, (718) 320-8035.

New York Lyons Mane Track Club

If your child, 8 - 17 years old, would like to run track, join the New York Lyons Mane Track Club, under the professional guidance of Don Lyons. Call to register, 718-320-8035.

Farm fresh vegetables returns next year

The fresh organic vegetables program has been suspended until next year. We will announce when the program will resume as the information becomes available.

Black Forum Emergency Food ProgramNew Hours

Due to a shortage of food, we are temporarily open on Wednesdays and Fridays only, from

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Room 20 at the Dreiser Community Center. These new hours will stand until we are able to acquire more food for distribution. Also, due to budget constraints and shortage of available food, as of July, you must live within zip code 10475 to participate in this program.

Computer and telephone needed

If you have a computer or a telephone in decent working condition that you can donate to the Black Forum, kindly contact us at (718) 320-8035.

Please help us to help you

Food is available, however, we will have to pay the pick-up and transportation costs. We ask all cooperators to donate $1 - $5 payable to

Working Families Party Chapter

countries; reversed Bush’s policy of banning federal money to international organizations who give family planning information including abortions.

There’s also good news for Trade Unions, as with the stroke of his pen, President Obama signed a series of executive orders that he says will, “level the playing field” for labor unions in their struggles with management. The orders will undo Bush’s policies that favored employers, such as requiring federal contractors to offer jobs to current workers when contracts change, ordering federal contractors to stop posting notices that limit workers financial support of unions serving as their bargaining representatives;

preventing federal contractors from being reimbursed for expenses meant to influence workers against forming unions. President Obama signed his first bill giving workers more time to sue for wage discrimination, and stated that he did not view “the labor movement as part of the problem; he sees it as part of the solution.”

As members of the WFP, we know there’s much work to be done both on the national, state and city levels threatening the many cuts affecting affordable housing, education, health care, Social Security and many social programs that benefit the working class, as we continue to monitor this administration’s plans to inoculate this country with a prom-

the Black Forum of Co-op City.

It’s Time To Get Involved

Now is the time for us to get involved. Membership is $5 per year/person. Call us, (718) 320-8035.

We Need You - Join Us Today

The fee is only $5 a year, per person. Call (718) 320-8035 or write to Black Forum, P.O. Box 563, Bronx, NY 10475; email: tonyshome10475@gmail.com. Help us keep independent community organizations alive in Co-op City. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Everyone is encouraged to join. Call us or visit us in Room 20 in the Dreiser Community Center.

—Tony Illis

ised stimuli. Our attention must be focused, keeping in mind that what’s good for the rich is just as good for the working class. Join with the WFP Club and become one of the watchful eyes to ensure that those issues that affect us are not overlooked as we keep the pressure on. We have to work together to insure that all people will benefit from whatever stimulus is proposed. You can have a voice in this movement. Remember, the WFP Club meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month. Keep check of our articles for date, time and place. Looking forward to and hoping you will join us in this great fight to gain our fair share. Thank you.

—Judy Roberson

African-American Association of Co-op City

Black History Month Film Festival – All are welcome to attend the Association’s 11th Annual Black History Month Film Festival today, Saturday, February 7, with films selected for your edu-tainment, as follows:

“Friday Foster,” starring Pam Grier, Eartha Kitt, Scatman Crothers, Carl Weathers (12:00 p.m.); “Meet the Browns,” starring Angela Bassett, Rick Fox, Lance Gross, Jennifer Lewis (1:30 p.m.); “Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.” – His life and legacy (3:00 p.m.); “Goodbye Uncle Tom” – The tragedy of the American slave trade (4:00 p.m.); and “Barack Obama – Who is This Guy?” His journey on becoming the USA President (6:00 p.m.).

The history of African people in America is extremely important and we should honor and cherish the achievements of our ancestors. Bring your children and grandchildren with you for an enlightening experience. Suggested adult all day donation, $5. Refreshments will be available.

Association Meeting – The next general membership

National Council of Negro Women

We welcome women and men to jointhis historically distinguished organization. All that is required is your INTEREST, COMMITMENT, FOCUS AND INVOLVEMENT.

CO-OP CITY NCNW ON THE MOVE:

Saturday, February 7th at 2:00 p.m. will be our Executive Board Meeting in Dreiser. Sunday,February 8th at 2:30 p.m. will be our Membership Meeting in Dreiser.

On Saturday, February 28th, our Book Club will be meeting in Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Bay Plaza Shopping Center at 3:30 p.m. to discuss “Of Blood and Sorrow,” by Valerie Wilson Wesley.

Saturday,February 28th, 1 p.m.to 4 p.m.in Dreiser Auditorium A will be our 8th Annual Youth Black History celebration featuring the Amirikanke Kollective, the Undefeated Prayzers,Co-op City Baptist Church Praise Dancers,the Zodiac Track Team, and the North Bronx Youth Sports Football Association Cowboys & Cheerleaders. We will have arts & crafts, poetry, essay readings and more.We will have a “Black History Posterboard”Contest for students 6-18 years of age. A winner will be chosen from Group1, ages 6-12 and Group 2, ages 13-18. Posterboards cannot be smaller than 18” x12” and must be created by students, not adults; and must be dropped off at Dreiser, Room 14 on Saturdays, February 7thand the 14th from 9a.m.-1 p.m.; or February 21st from noon to 2 p.m. Winners will be announced during the Black History Program. Students,please include your name, age and school on your Posterboard. Parents can fill out entry form for students when they drop off thePosterboards. Contact Mrs. Melton at (917) 399-2643.

April 16th – 21st, we invite you to join us on a trip to Las Vegas, Grand Canyon and Laughlin. We still have a few seats available.The price of this tour is $1,550 per person double occupancy & gratuities included, please send your $250 deposit. The accommodations include: bus transportation to and from the airport; flight and air taxes; land tours with Tour Director; fully air-conditioned motor coach; and quality hotel accommodations. Please make checks payable to NCNW/Co-op City Section, P.O. Box 93, Bronx, NY 10475. For information, please call 718671-4804, 718-671-6910 or 718-320-2366. Don’t miss out on this special event.

May 2nd– Saturday, will be our ANNUAL SHOPPING SPREE at the Crossings Premium 100 Stores Outlet in Tannersville, PA; afterwards,we will shop at the flea market and enjoy a late lunch at the Hillside Inn for a cost of $70. Leaving at 8 a.m. in front of the Rehab Center in Dreiser. For reservations,call 718/538-8606 or 320-2366. Please make checks payable to NCNW/Co-op City Section, P.O. Box 93, Bronx, NY 10475.

September 15 – 28 – start planning to joinNCNWon a trip to Spain and Morocco. Come with us to the Casbah. Stan Simmons, our Tour Director is planning thirteen (13) days and twelve (12) nights of travel visiting in Madrid, Seville, Granada, Tangier, Casablanca and more exciting cities of which you may have heard. This is a great tour for $3,500. For additional information, please call 718-8629009 or 718-655-9034. Yes, we still have seats available. Thank you and join us!

—L. Holloway-Mills

meeting will be held on Saturday, February 14, at 4:00 p.m. in the Dreiser Center, Room 15. Come out to show your LOVE for our beloved Brother Kojo Adimu. At this meeting, the Association will launch The Kojo Adimu Research Library in our Association’s Room 15. Please RSVP by calling 718-379-5555.

Calling all men! Calling all men! The Association would like to re-establish the Cub Scout Pack for boys between the age of 6-11. Please step up and become a scout leader for the young men in our community. Getting the boys involved in this activity will teach them many things about scouting and will deter them from mischief and crime. We look forward to hearing from you, 718-3795555, or seeing you at the February 14th meeting.

FREE African Dance – The next dance workshops will be on Wednesdays, February 4th 11th and 18th at 7:00 p.m. in Dreiser Center, Room #2. It is open to women, men, boys and girls, age 7-70. Wear comfortable clothing.

Yoga & Pilates – The Yoga & Pilates class continues to meet on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. in the Dreiser Center, Room 2. By popular demand, the Association is pleased to announce that it will offer this program on Tuesdays,as well as Thursdays. Registration information will be forthcoming.

Women’s History Month – Save the date of March 14, for a fabulous Women’s History Month program being planned for our community.

For your information - Dr. Yosef Ben-Jochannan, affectionately known as “Dr. Ben,” is presently living at the Bay Park Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, 801 Co-op City Blvd., Bronx, NY. He is the author of several books, including Black Man of the Nile and His Family and Africa: Mother of the MajorWestern Religions. Dr. Ben is alone at this facility and in need of clothing and other necessities. It would be good if those who know him could visit him there.

—Francine Reva Jones

New shareholders may qualify for first-time homebuyer credit

BY BILL STUTTIG

Co-op City residents who bought their apartment after April 8th, 2008, may qualify for a new tax credit being made available by the federal government through the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008.

Called the first time homebuyer credit, it allows new home buyers to declare a tax credit of up to 10% of the value of their purchase up to a value of $7500.

Riverbay’s Director of Finance Peter Merola explained that in the case of Co-op City, where purchase values are between $10,500 for the smallest available home – 3 rooms — or $22,750 for the largest apartment available to new shareholders – 6½ rooms—the amount of credit that can be claimed ranges from $1,050 to $2,275.

Merola explained that the credit is only available to shareholders whose purchase of an apartment here represents their very first home purchase. Residents who likely will qualify include families who have moved here after previously renting an apartment elsewhere or young people who purchased here after moving from their family’s home for the first time.

Merola strongly advised shareholders to consult with

Fresh Air Fund registration begins

Summer is right around the corner, and it’s time to start thinking about The Fresh Air Fund! The Fund is currently registering boys and girls, six to 12 years old, in all five boroughs for free summer vacations in the homes of volunteer host families in 13 Northeastern states or at the five Fresh Air Fund camps in upstate New York.

In 2008, close to 5,000 children visited volunteer host families in suburbs and small town communities across 13 states from Virginia to Maine and Canada through The Fund’s Friendly Town program. Additionally, 3,000 children attended five Fresh Air camps on a 2,300-acre site in Fishkill, New York. On a Fresh Air Fund experience, a child will see a world outside New York City, full of meadows, streams and lakes. Wherever children go, they may learn new skills like riding a bike, swimming or gardening. Children often make friends that last forever.

Montefiore Community Center offers pre-school child care

Mosholu Montefiore Community Center has openings for pre-school children at its Day Care Centers for children ages 1 to 5 years of age between the hours of 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for working parents.

Classes are taught by pre-school teachers chosen for their skills, as well as their warmth in relating to young children.

Centers are located at the main building, 3450 Dekalb Avenue and Gun Hill Road; the North Side Annex, located at 3512 Dekalb Avenue; the Rochambeau Avenue Center located between 204th and 206th Street. The Coop City branch is located at 100A Aldrich Street, and the Hutchinson River Center is in Section 5 of Co-op City. For further information, call (718) 882-4000, Ext. 0 or visit www.mmcc.org.

their certified tax preparer before filing for the credit.

According to the website, asktaxguru.com, in order to qualify for the credit, the homebuyer must not have owned a principal residence in the United States in the previous three years. You can also not claim the credit if you do not use your Co-op City apartment as your principal residence or if your modified adjusted gross income exceeds $95,000 or $170,000, if you are a married couple filing jointly.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) explained in material available on their website, “The first-time homebuyer credit is similar to a 15-year interest free loan. Normally, it is repaid in 15 equal annual installments beginning with the second tax year after the year the credit is claimed. The repayment amount is included as an additional tax on the taxpayer’s income tax return for that year.”

For example, a shareholder who claims a credit of $1,500 will begin repaying the credit as an additional tax

of $100 each year for the next 15 years beginning with the 2010 tax return.

If the residence is sold before the credit is repaid, the seller will be required to pay the unrecaptured balance for the credit, according to the tax guru website.

The credit can be claimed by shareholders or their tax preparer completing IRS form 5405 and attaching it to IRS form 1040. On form 5405, the IRS stipulates that the credit can only be claimed for the purchase of a main home, specifically meaning one you live in most of the time. That home can be a cooperative apartment, according to the IRS, or any other type of residence.

Merola recently double checked with Riverbay’s outside tax accountants who confirmed that shareholders who purchased their apartment here after April 8, 2008, do qualify for the credit if they meet the income eligibility and other requirements.

Coalition to Save Affordable Housing

THE POWER PLANT – AN UPDATE

The status of work at the Co-op City power plant converting it to co-generation capability will be the main subject of the next General Meeting of Coalition to Save Affordable Housing. Everyone agrees that a bundle of money has gone into this project, and that the financial viability of the Riverbay Corporation – and, therefore, of Co-op City – depend heavily on getting the modernized plant into operation.

The Coalition “Conversion Update” meeting will be on Monday, February 9th at 7:30 p.m. in Room 28 of the Bartow Community Center. At the meeting,

Single Source is not just for singles. It’s a single source, whose goal is to create an atmosphere for healthy fun for the over 50. A modern organization that demonstrates that high quality activities can be designed to help live an exciting, healthy life in spite of the aging process. YOU

we will consider the question of whether the co-generation and the financial problems could have been averted and whether they can be resolved. Co-op City residents with knowledge of the history and present status of the co-generation work will be on hand to share it with us.

This — and all other meetings of the Coalition to Save Affordable Housing — are open to all.

RAFFLE DRAWING – YOU MIGHT BE A WINNER

Also on the agenda will be drawing of the “Keep Co-op City Affordable” raffle. First prize is $250. Second prize is $100. Third prize is $50. You might be one of the lucky winners! There will also

Single Source

desserts: apple tartlet, strawberry shortcake, tartufo. Bus leaves Einstein, 10:30 a.m., 135 Einstein Loop, Co-op City, Bronx, NY. Contact Ellie.

be door prizes. All are welcome!

JOIN THE COALITION TO SAVE AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Join us in the effort to speak truth about privatization and about avoidable financial pressures on the community. Follow this column for notices of meetings.  Become a member by sending $10 for annual membership to the Coalition to Save Affordable Housing (postal address below).

For information about us: Visit our web pagewww.ctsah.net.

Write – P.O. Box 64, Bronx, NY 10475.

—Bernard Cylich

come, first serve. Taking 42 people. Please protest to the Governor. Call 518-474-8390.

Thurs., 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Handiflex, Thurs., 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

DON’T

YOU GET OLD, YOU GET

STOP BECAUSE

OLD BECAUSE YOU STOP. I’m here to help you, to lose weight, to gain energy, strength and flexibility.

On Saturday, Feb. 28: Spend a unique afternoon at the day-at-the races at the clubhouse at Aqueduct ($75). This is a fundraiser for South African children (See 2010 travel info. under the travel club). The Trac-pace luncheon menu offers appetizer: soup/salad; entree: pot roast/Ceasar salad/Triple Crown salad, Mojito crabcake sandwich/Cubano chicken sandwich;

The Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club will hold its Regular Scheduled Monthly Meeting on Thursday, February 19, in the Bartow Center, Room # 28, at 7:30 p.m. It is requested that all members attend this very important meeting, as discussions will center around our future plans for the upcoming year. There will be a very important guest attending this meeting. Please attend.

The National Acrobats of China: Sunday, March 8, $40/15, Lehman College. Contact Ellie.

The Travel Club: 1) October 19 –26th, Las Vegas, NV/AARP, $610 per person/dbl. occ., Riveria Hotel, Delta Airfare, transfers, plus AARP Convention registration. Come with me, Ellie. $50 deposit immediately for this price, final payment due 9/1. (2) Brazil, $2800 - We are going with Stan in August (7-19), 1st pay $300 now, 2nd pay April ($1000). More details to follow. (3) SOUTH AFRICA, 2010. Waiting list? Newly interested? Contact me immediately. To get on the list. First

AARP 55 Alive Driver Safety Program for people over 50, 10% insurance discount, $12 AARP members/$14 nonmembers. Mon., 2/9, 1 p.m. to 5, & Tues., 2/10, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (691003 at the Amer. Legion). Call Ellie for application.

Next class: Tues., 4/7, 9 a.m. to l p.m. & Thurs., 4/9, 9 a.m. to l p.m.

EXERCISE CLASSES to promote a healthy and fit existence.

***NEW!!!! LINE DANCE CLASS –Mon., 1/26, 5 Point Cultural Community Center, 2l8 & White Plains. Mondays, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. DC 37 resumes 2/23Madison-Hamilton (Chinatown) starts 2/3. Battery Park next is 2/17. Call Ellie for weekly schedule. JASA Line dance class,

Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club

The Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club cordially invites you to attend the 6th Annual St. Valentine’s Day Dance on Saturday, February 14, in the Dreiser Loop Auditorium B. The cost is $30 per person (including set-ups). The time is 4:00 p.m.10:00 p.m. Music will be provided by DJ Carol Productions. For ticket information, please contact Gloria Clarke at 379-5430,

Sylvia Polite at 320-2837or Barbara Irby at 379-9294. A good time will be had by all on this observance of Valentine’s Day.

The club extends get well wishes to those members who are home-bound, or who have been ill and are recuperating. Our blessings are with you for a full recovery and rehabilitation. Best wishes are also extended to those members who are cele-

See the Single Source Television show on Sundays on CABLEVISION (Bronxnet Cable), Channel 68 -7:30 p.m. Filler: Tues. & Sundays, 4 a.m. Mon./Wed./Thurs./Fri., 6 a.m.

Walking Club Groups meet Mon. -Fri.: 5:30 a.m., Bldg. 33; 6:45 a.m., Gloria Wise Center (Einstein); 6:45 a.m., Bldg. 31B; 7:15 a.m., Casals. Need more information? Call Ellie.

The C&C (Camera/Computer) Discussion Club, Jan. 7, 5 to 7 p.m. Ellie’s house. Call Ellie, if interested , 718-3794429.

SINGLE SOURCE PRODUCTIONS, P.0. BOX 377, BRONX, NY 10475; 718-379-4429; imaminor377@yahoo.com.

—Ellie

brating a birthday, anniversary, or special event during the month of February.

The club welcomes and encourages new membership. Dues are $12 per person, per year. If you are interested in joining the club, you may send a check or money order to E.R.D.C., P.O. Box 300, Bronx, NY 10475.

—George T. Clarke

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.

CHURCH SCHEDULE

Sunday School - 9:00 a.m.

Worship Service - 11:00 a.m.

Communion Service - every first and third Sunday

Prayer Meeting & Bible Study - Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.

The following programs are at the Church’s Annex: 2053 Asch Loop North (Co-op City)

Morning Prayer Services - Tuesday, 6:00 a.m.-7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.

Neighborhood Bible Study - Thursday at 10:00 a.m.

Fellowship, “Life on God’s Terms” – Every Friday (except 4th Friday), 7:00 p.m-8:30 p.m.

OTHER SCHEDULED EVENTS:

The next meeting of the Soul Sisters Reading Network will be Saturday, February 21st at 10:00 a.m. at the Annex to discuss ZIPPORAH, WIFE OF MOSES by Marek Halter. A woman ahead of her time, her story leaps from the pages of this remarkable novel. RSVP your attendance at cpcsisters@aol.com by February 19th.

Wednesday, March 25th – Join CPC Tours at the

St. Joseph’s Anglican Episcopal Church

St. Joseph’s Anglican Episcopal Church is located at 155 Dreiser Loop, Bronx, NY 10475 on the lower level. Telephone: (718) 320-0844.

Weekly Schedule:

Sunday: Service 9 a.m. Sunday School 9 a.m.

Wednesday: Bible Study 7 p.m. Friday: Youth Group

4 - 6:00 p.m. Young Adults 6:30 - 9 p.m. The Sunday School leads services every fourth Sunday and the Young Adults lead services every fifth Sunday.

Upcoming Events

The Women’s Guild is selling raffle tickets as a fundraiser. The raffles are a dollar each or a book of 6 for $5. The drawing will take place on Saturday, April 11. Cash prizes will be awarded.

Ash Wednesday - We will have two services, one in the morning beginning at 7 a.m. and one in the evening at 7 p.m. Come and get your ashes.

February 1 - Confirmation classes begin Sundays immediately following service.

April 11- Men’s Club will be having a fish fry fundraiser.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. (Psalm 111).

With heartfelt gratitude

The family of the late Douglas Franklin would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the person who called 9-1-1 to have emergency services come to his aid. He collapsed on Hunter and Boller Avenues early in the morning January 9th. Your compassion and concern shall never be forgotten. God bless you always.

—Madeline Franklin and family

Community Protestant Church

Millennium Theater, Sight and Sound, Lancaster, PA to see BEHOLD THE LAMB. Dinner at “Good N’ Plenty Restaurant. Shopping at Tanger Outlets. Ticket: $115 available by calling (718) 862-9172.

Saturday, March 28th – Shopping Spree to Reading, PA, sponsored by the Nurses’ Ministry. Tickets: $41, available by calling (718) 671-7935 or (718) 671-1754.

Thursday, June 18 – Saturday, June 20 –– Join the Missionary Ministry for their “Girlfriends’ Getaway,” at the luxurious Sheraton Reading Hotel, Reading, PA. Includes 2 spa services, 2 breakfasts, shuttle service to Vanity Fair Outlet Village, 2 nights’ hotel accommodation, motor coach transportation. Cost per person: $390/double occupancy. For additional information and/or reservations, call: (718) 671-0425.

SAVE THE DATES! TWO EXCITING UPCOMING TOURS BY CPC!

July 1–5 – Montreal International Jazz Festival and Quebec City.

August 3-7 - 20th Anniversary Celebration of the National Black Theater Festival, Winston Salem, NC.

COMMUNITY PROTESTANT CELEBRATES ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY

Look where the Lord has brought us from! We will celebrate 40 years of steadfast, devoted Christian serv-

ice on April 19. Many activities and programs are planned in observance of this great milestone in the life of our church and we invite the community to come and celebrate with us on the following dates:

Sunday, February 15th at 3:30 p.m. – PreAnniversary Service. Our Guest Preacher will be Reverend Peter Wilson, Mount Zion Christian Baptist Church, Mt. Vernon, NY.

Sunday, March 29th at 3:30 p.m. – Pre-Anniversary Service.

Friday, April 17th at 7:30 p.m. – Pre-Anniversary Service. Our Guest Preacher will be Rev. Dr. Phillip Joubert, Sr., Community Baptist Church, Bayside, NY

Sunday, April 19th at 11:00 a.m. – 40th Anniversary of Community Protestant Church

Sunday, April 19th at 3:30 p.m. – Gospel Extravaganza

Saturday, March 21st, 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. – The Pastor and members of Community Protestant Church cordially invite you to attend our 40th Anniversary Banquet at Villa Barone Manor.

Tickets: $125, Adults; $70, Children (up to 13 years of age).

For tickets and/or additional information, contact the church at (718) 862-9172.

—Evan G. Mitchell

Faith @ Work Christian Church

Meeting at 177 Dreiser Loop/Dreiser Community Center—Room 8, 9:30 a.m. (Sundays)

Church telephone: (718) 644-0951; Pastoral counseling: Wednesday evenings by appointment ONLY; email: fatwcc@aol.com.

Weekly Worship Experiences:

Thursday PRAYER SERVICE/Bible Study—6:00 p.m.

Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 a.m. Children’s Church, 10:00 a.m., 2nd through 4th Sundays.

Rehearsals: Acapella Angels Children’s Choir following Worship, 2nd and 3rd Sundays.

Church Motto: “We are Christ-Centered, FamilyFocused with Power and Authority.”

Church Mission: To empower, educate and motivate

men, women, boys and girls to reach their full potential and live abundant lives through preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Come worship with us—where we honor tradition but are not bound by it!

We are not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation of everyone who believes! (Rom 1:16) What great power that is when you  realize that you are not in this alone. Our witness is to God’s goodness and not our personal accomplishments.

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

—Pastor Deborah Jenkins

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

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

We also invite the youth of our community to attend our Sunday Morning services, which are designed to meet the special needs of our young people. Parents, please send your children to learn of the Lord.

Prayer Service takes place every Wednesday from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Rev. Dr. Robert A. Smith, Jr., Pastor, Lady Theresa M. Smith, co-founder, and Rev. McMillian, Assistant Pastor, and the Church of the Savior family extend an invitation to every person to worship with us. We are a non-denominational, inter-racial, intercultural, intergenerational fellowship of believers. We care about you, not your W-2. We are not church as usual. Come as you are, we leave the judging to God. Come worship with us. We love you for who you are, not what you have. Please call us at 718-320-0002 for more information.

Church of the Savior is located at 120 DeKruif Place – street level, (under

Church of the New Vision

followed by Bible Teaching from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Be with us to learn the truth from the Word of God.

List of Programs and Events:

Adult Sunday School - 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Youth Sunday School - 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Holy Communion is served the First Sunday of the month.

Youth Sunday takes place the Second Sunday of the month.

Seniors Sunday - the Fifth Sunday of the month.

Midday Bible Study - every Tuesday from noon to 1:00 p.m.

Come join New Vision’s Partners in Reading Program every Sunday from 1:40 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Students in grades 1 to 8 enjoy, explore, and improve reading through small groups and reading partners.

Parents, we encourage you to bring your children to benefit from this free program, taught by trained professionals.

TODAY, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at Einstein, Room 33, the Women’s Fellowship is sponsoring a Heart to Heart Women’s Brunch. Dr. Sybil Hodgson, guest moderator, will focus on the cardiovascular system and how it affects women’s health.  Donation is $20. Join us for a beautiful time of Christian sisterhood. Please contact Sis. L. Scott, (718) 671-2623.

The Women’s Fellowship Fashion Show titled, “Lilies of the Field: Clothed by God,” will be held on Saturday, March 7th from 2-5p.m. Donation is $10. This year promises to be a blessed and fabulous event with raffle prizes, and much more! For more information, please contact coordinators, Sis. T. Thomas (917) 371-

Church of the Savior

Building #7 near Dreiser Loop). Take the 26, 28, 30 or QBX1 to Dreiser Loop and DeKruif Pl.

Church of the Savior family extends happy new year to the entire community. Our love goes out to every person. Feel free to contact us at 718-320-0002, if we can assist you in anyway.

Dr. Smiths sermon topic: “Are You Listening?”

Scripture reading: Matthew 7:7-11.

Thought for the Month – “If your eyes are on the world, you will be distressed; If your eyes are on yourself you will be depressed; If your eyes are on

The Elite Society Club

We would like to wish all a happy new year and to let you know that our next dance will be on March 14, at the Co-op City Auditorium, 177 Dreiser Loop, from 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.

We will give a tribute to Los Hermanos Moreno Band, and by popular demand, Ray Rodriguez y Su Swing Sabroso, also Legendary DJ Broadway.

Donation, $25.00 in advance. Bring your own brown bag.

You still have time to come with us on our reunion cruise, Aug. 20-28. The ship leaves from New York to Puerto Rico and other stops.

For information, call Eddie Colon, 718-299-1374, or Wilfred Denis, 917-374-9592.

Jesus, you will be at rest.”

Sunday Morning Schedule:

Adult Bible Study – 9:10 a.m.

Morning Devotion 10:20 a.m.

Divine Worship 10:40 a.m.

The only thing missing from our worship service is “U.” A smile and warm greetings awaits you.

Weekly Activity:

Thursday – 1:15 p.m. A support group available to persons who grieve the death of a spouse, significant other, child, brother, sister or treasured friend. All sessions are confidential. A caring environment awaits you.

0381, or Sis A. Whyte (347) 398-8993.

The 2009 Women’s Retreat, ‘Be Still and Know I am God’, will be held at Sandy Cove Retreat and Conference Center, North East, Maryland, Thursday, April 16 thru Saturday, April 18. Price: Double $350/pp, Triple $325/pp & Quad $300/pp. Prices include two night/two day accommodations, six meals, transportation and retreat materials. A deposit of $75 is now due. We look forward to three days of anointing services and workshops and returning home with a renewed spirit. For further information, contact Sis. K. Canty at (718) 220-8512 or L. Scott at (718) 671-2623.

Church of New Vision is located at 135 Einstein Loop, Room 33, Bronx, NY 10475; Telephone: (718) 671-8746 or (718) 320-0409.

—Sister Gloria Reece

Upcoming Events:

April 16 and April 17—Spring Revival featuring Rev. Dr. Sheldon Williams, Senior Pastor, Co-op City Baptist Church, will be our revivalist. Services begin at 7:00 p.m. Come and be blessed by this man of God.

Do you want a place that allows you to meet the living God? Do you want to be connected to people who care about you, not what you have on or how much money you make? A special seat and friend awaits you. Won’t you join a life changing experiment with the God who’s ready to heal you?

NEW RIVERBAY TELEPHONE SYSTEM CALL CENTER (718) 320-3300

• Press 1 if you have a Public Safety emergency

• Press 2 to dial a Riverbay extension/or access the directory

• Press 3 to report a maintenance problem in your apartment

• Press 4 to reach Residential Sales

• Press 5 to schedule a Community Room

• Press 6 to reach a Rent Bookkeeper

• Press 7 to call the Restorations Department

• Press 8 to reach the Parking Facilities Department

• Press 9 to reach Co-op City Times

• Stay on the line to speak to an Operator

JASA SENIOR SERVICES PROGRAM OF CO-OP CITY

BartowGloria WiseDreiser

JASA SENIOR LUNCH MENU

Kosher Non-Kosher Soups, Breads and Desserts

Apple Juice, Beef Franks, Vegetarian Beans, Steamed Cabbage

Pineapple Juice, Split Pea Soup, Turkey Burger w/ Sauteed Onions, Brown Rice, Buttered Carrots

Orange Juice, Beef Meatloaf w/Gravy, Mashed Potato, Spinach

Orange-Pineapple Juice, Fish Cakes w/Tartar Sauce, Spaghetti, Green Salad w/Salad Dressing

Cranberry Juice, BBQ Chicken, Oven Brown Potatoes, Broccoli Florets

Stuffed Peppers, Lima Beans, Pickled Beets Frank Bun, Fresh Oranges

Garlic Chicken, Mac & Cheese, Collard Greens Rye Bread, Applesauce

Homemade Salisbury Steak w/Sauteed Onions & Gravy, Carrots & Peas, Mashed Potato

Whole Wheat Bread, Fruit Cocktail

Breaded Chicken, Rice w/Vegetables, Italian Blend Rye Bread, Bananas

NO NON KOSHER TODAY Whole Wheat Bread, Pink Cake

All meals served w/margarine and fresh milk

*Schedule subject to change without notice. We ask that members please call their center at least one day in advance to register for lunch:

Bartow Center (718) 320-2066 ext. 2010

Dreiser Center (718) 320-1345 • Gloria Wise Center (718) 671-5161

Events for February

Dominos

Line Dancing 10:00 in Aud. A “Handi-Flex”

Our Valentine luncheon will take this Friday, February 13, at Bartow, Room 31 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tickets are sale for $4.00 this will include lunch, entertainment, art show, drama club readings raf-

fles and more. For more information, flyers will be located at the Bartow office and the senior centers. Please register at your senior centers or call the Bartow office at 718-320-2066.

Trips for February

Line Dancing 10:00 in Aud. A (at Dreiser)

Bingo 1:00 pm in rm. 49

in Aud. A Drama Club 1:30 in rm. 7

Thursday, February 19 - JERSEY GARDEN MALL - 4 hours of shopping for only $8. Price includes transportation/boxed lunch. Pick-ups will be as follows: 9:00 a.m., Bartow; 9:15 a.m., Dreiser Loop and 9:30 a.m., Einstein Loop. Thursday,

February 26-Palisades Mall-transportation/boxed lunch only $10. Pick-up information: Asch Loop at 9:00 a.m., Dreiser Loop at 9:15 a.m., Einstein Loop at 9:30 a.m. Phone registration has started, please sign up, 718-320-2066.

Valentine’s Day Luncheon Bartow Room 31 11am-2pm

WEEKLY TRIPS

Center Closed Valentine’s Day Luncheon Bartow Room 31 11am-2pm

Center Closed Valentine’s Day Luncheon Bartow Room 31 11am-2pm

1st Monday: Stew Leonard’s$5

1st & 3rd Mondays:Super Wal-Mart$8

Tuesdays: Bowling $12.50

Fridays: Swimming $3

To register for trips and classes, please call (718) 320-2066

Monday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

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

If you are a senior coping with a disability, you are not alone. The Co-op City Senior Services Program is offering a Support and Socialization Group for people with disabilities to share their experiences, their strengths and hopes to solve common problems and create opportunities for socialization and peer support. This group will provide members with

It’s

Assemblyman Benedetto is providing seniors 62 years old and older in Co-op City with FREE tax preparation. This service is limited to simple and short form federal and state returns. Seniors must bring all their tax documents to Assemblyman Benedetto’s office at 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 12, anytime from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please be sure

education on various disabilities, provide peer support to increase socialization, as well as to learn new coping strategies and inspire each other to make their lives more meaningful. For more information and to register, please call: John Sullivan, (718)671-2090, Ext. 3010. The Support and Socialization group is expected to start this month.

to include last year’s federal return, names, Social Security numbers, and date of birth of all those claimed on your tax returns as dependents. Documentation will be collected until March 30th and you will be contacted when the forms are completed.

For more, please contact Assemblyman Benedetto’s office at 718-892-2235.

Blood Pressure

Trained volunteers are providing FREE blood pressure screenings to the 60+ community. Conveniently located at all three of the Co-op City community centers. All you need is to become a member by simply filling out a short application form available at any of the local centers.

Locations & Schedule: 135 Einstein Loop, Room 45, every 2nd & 4th Friday from 10:00 a.m. to noon.; 2049 Bartow Avenue, Room 28, every 1st & 3rd Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to noon; 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 7, every 1st & 3rd Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to noon.

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

BUILDING & TOWNHOUSES ASSOCIATIONS

Coalition to save Affordable Housing: Mon., 2/9; 7:30 pm (Bartow Rm. 28)

Defoe Townhouse Association: Tues., 2/10; 7:00 pm (Dreiser Rm. 2)

CULTURE & ARTS

African American Yoga Practice: Thurs., 2/12; 6:30 pm (Dreiser Rm. 2)

EDUCATION

Black Forum Defensive Drivers Course: Sat., 2/14; 9:00 am (Dreiser Rm. 1)

The Drammeh Institute: Thurs., 2/12; 6:00 pm (Dreiser Rm. 10)

HOBBIES

Co-op City Duplicate Bridge: Wed., 2/11; 6:00 pm (Dreiser Rm. 9)

POLITICAL

Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club Valentine’s Dance: Sat., 2/14; 3:00 pm

(Dreiser Aud. B)

Harriet Tubman Democratic Club: Meeting, Thurs., 2/12; (Einstein Rm. 35)

RELIGIOUS

Circle of Christ Church: Fri., 2/13; 6:00 pm (Bartow Rm. 31) & Sun., 2/15; 9:00 am

(Bartow Rm. 31)

Church of the New Vision Bible Study: Sun., 2/15; 9:00 am (Einstein Rm. 38)

Deeper Life Bible Church: Tues., 2/10; 5:00 pm (Dreiser Rm. 1)

Faith @ Work Christian Church, Bible Study Church Service: Thurs., 2/12; 5:00 pm and Sun., 2/15; 8:00 am (Dreiser Rm. 8)

Iglesia Cristiana Marcos 16:15: Sun., 2/15; 10:00 am (Einstein Rm. 35)

Greater Love Baptist Church: Sun., 2/15; 2:30

AARP Chapter #4997

FYI: The next monthly meeting is scheduled for MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9; 1 p.m. in Dreiser Loop Auditorium “A.”

Heartfelt condolences to Madeline Franklin on the loss of her son.

To notify the AARP Peachtree Chapter of illness or bereavement, contact Frances Wilson, (718) 671-5493. 2009 ACTIVITIES:

April 16 – Divine Comedy – see Daisy.

May 2 - 3 – Return to Pocono Casino and Lobster Feast – See Jeanne.

June 10 (Wednesday) – Dine on the Rip Van Winkle Flyer thru the Catskill Mountains with shopping at Woodbury Commons - $85/person. See Daisy.

July 15 – Return of the 3-in-1: Cruise, Bally’s Casino and Phillips luncheon - See Jeanne

August 30 – September 6 – Navigator of the Seas (Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines) – Ports of Call: Rome, Genoa (Italy), Nice (France), Barcelona, Palma deMallorca (Spain) and Sardinia, Rome; includes cruise, roundtrip air from JFK

Airport, taxes and insurance; PASSPORT REQUIRED; Deposit $350 NOW DUE; for additional information contact, Jeanne or Wini.

September 22 – “Viagra Falls” – see Jeanne.

October 31 – November 1 – Saratoga Dixie Land Jazz Festival - See Daisy.

December 30 – January 1 – New Year’s Trip to the Desmond – See Jeanne. For information about the above trips, contact the Tour Committee: Wini – 718671-6386; Jeanne – 718-379-3742; Daisy- 718-671-3241.

REMEMBER: All trips, 2 or more days, must be completely paid 45 days before departure.

You don’t have to be a member of AARP to reserve any of the trips listed. Signing your name for a trip does not ensure you a seat on the bus -- your “PAYMENT” will hold a seat for you. First come, first seated, so be prompt with your promise to pay or lose your spot.

—Delores A. Debnam

Handicapped Adults Association

The van operates Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Call 718-320-2069 to make your reservations.

Our January 25th general membership meeting was cancelled due to cold weather.

Baychester Library Events

Today, Saturday, February 7 • 2:30 p.m. — Meet the Author, Robert Zweig, Ph.D. Return to Naples: My Italian Bar Mitzvah and Other Discoveries.

In these interconnected stories, Zweig takes readers on a journey deep into the every day life of Naples in the 1960s. He offers tender insights into the mind and heart of a young boy as he awakens to the wonders and disappointments of life during his annual visits to Naples. It is over the course of those summers that he uncovers new mysteries surrounding his heritage and gains a deeper understanding of his parents and the place where they met. The author's presentation will be followed by a question and answer session.

FEBRUARY 2009:

Films on Saturdays: 2:00 PM

Movies for Black History Month: The Tyler, Texas Black Film Collection

The famous Tyler, Texas Black Film Collection is a group of movies from African American filmmakers and actors of the 1930s and 1940s.

Saturday, February 14. THE GIRL IN ROOM 20. 1946. 64 mm., b&w, 16mm. Directed by Spencer Williams. Starring July Jones as Daisy Mae Walker, an ambitious young singer from Prairieville, Texas, leaves her family and boyfriend behind to seek her fortune in New York.

Saturday, February 21. MIDNIGHT SHADOW. 1939. 53 min., b&w, 16mm. Directed by George Randol. Starring Buck Woods and Richard Bates. Prince Alihabad, "Mind Reader, Wonder Worker," visits a community in the South and stays as a guest of the Wilson family, which owns a tract of oil-rich land in Texas. He soon finds himself in the middle of a murder scandal.

Saturday, February 28. JUKE JOINT. 1947. 60 mm., b&w, 16mm. Directed by Spencer Williams. The story of Bad News Johnson and July Jones, two penniless con-men who head west to make it big.

Adults Computer Class — Tuesday, February 10, Monday, February 23 & Thursday, February 26 • 10:30 a.m.

Chess — Thursday, February 12 & 26 • 10:30 a.m.

Kids Reading Aloud — Wednesday, February 11, 18 & 25 • 3:30 p.m.

Kids Game On — Monday, February 9 • 3:00 p.m.

Sunday, February 8th is our annual Chinese luncheon. There will be a choice of menu. Our D.J., Ramon Betancourt, will play oldies but goodies to dance to. The price is $20 per person. Cut off date for reservations is February 4th. We have a Jazzy 1133 motorized wheelchair on sale. Come into the office and check it out.

Our flea market is open all year round from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. We have many

items for sale. There are all occasion cards for 25 cents each, soft covered books 5 for $1, and hard covered books for $1 each. We also have jewelry both new and used. For a nominal donation, you can buy in Memory of or in Honor of cards. New merchandise arrives daily, come into the office and look around. As of January 1, dues are due. The dues are $12 for the year.

If you wish to join our organization, come into the office and fill out a membership application. Dues are $12 for the year. Happy birthday to those celebrating a February birthday.

Get well wishes to those who are ill. Pennies, pennies, pennies…bring them into the office.

—Arlene Dermansky

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

The Retirees are actively recruiting candidates to run for vacant offices in the organization. Please see any member of the nominating committee.

Schedule of Events for 2009:

The Retirees have a full schedule of events and activities planned for your enjoyment. Payments are now being accepted for all activities. In order to make your trip as pleasant as possible, please inform the trip coordinator of any special needs that you may have, such as dietary, handicapped access, etc. For information regarding trips or events, you may call 718-379-0377.

Restaurant. A deposit of $50 is due now. See Lorraine Parker or Beverly James for reservations.

The Retirees presents an exciting trip to Las Vegas, May 27-June 10.

The trip features 14 nights lodging, including 4 consecutive nights in a Las Vegas hotel, 18 meals, gaming and sightseeing on the famous Las Vegas Strip and much more for only $1225 per person, double occupancy. There are a few spaces left. For information and reservations, call Eleanora Jones at 718-671-5707. The fourth payment is due now.

Theater Trips: April 25, Dionne Warwick at Queen's College, $57.

For information and reservations, see the Theater Committee in Room 19 on Thursday afternoons.

Internet Search Basics — Tuesday, February 10 • 10:30 a.m.

• Pre-requisite Mouse and Keyboard Skills

E-mail Basics — Monday, February 23 • 10:30 a.m.

• Pre-requisite Internet Search Basics

The New York Public Library

Baychester Branch • 2049 Asch Loop • Bronx, NY 10475

NEW HOURS: Monday & Wednesday, 10-8;

Tuesday & Thursday, 10-6 & Friday & Saturday, 10-5

Spanish Book Sale going on! Venta de libros en Español!

Libros En Español (Books in Spanish) Horario de la biblioteca: Lunes 10-8, Martes 10-6, Miércoles 10-8, Jueves 10-6, Viernes 10-5, Sábado 10-5, Domingo Cerrado

718.379.6700 FREE ADMISSION TO ALL

The next trip to Atlantic City is Tuesday, March 24 thru Thursday, March 26, going to the Hilton Hotel and Casino. The cost is $200 per person, double occupancy and $265 for singles. There will be a $50 cash return. See Ida Morton or Virginia Stewart for reservations. Deposits are due now.

SAVE THE DATE! The Spring Bash will be Wednesday, April 22, in the Dreiser Auditorium. Tickets are $25. See Beverly Wailer or Virginia Stewart for tickets.

Join the Retirees on a trip to the Sight and Sound Theater to see “Behold the Lamb” on Thursday, April 23. Tickets are $115 per person and includes transportation and lunch at the Good and Plenty

The Retirees are in need of drivers for the van. If you are interested and have a CDL, please contact Rosalie Peterson at 718-320-2844.

To notify the Retirees of illness or bereavement, contact the Chairperson of Good and Welfare, Ms. Elinor Gordon, at 718-379-8755. The Retirees sends their prayers and condolences to Shirley Fearon and family on the loss of her brother, Walter McSwain. We also send our best wishes for a speedy recovery to Douglas Cole. —Virginia Stewart

The Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City, Young Israel of Baychester, Section 5 at 115 Einstein Loop, welcomes you to pray with them.

Note: Regular office hours are on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Candle lighting on Friday, February 13 is 5:09 p.m. Shabbat ends today, Saturday, February 7 at 6:03 p.m.

Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City

Coming Events:

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

Saturday, February 7 at 4 p.m. - Rabbi Daniel Kroenberg’s class.

Sunday, February 8 at 1:30 p.m. – The Sisterhood is hosting a card and dessert party. The cost is $3..50 per person. Spend a fun afternoon, bring your games, your

friends and support the efforts of the Sisterhood. We will even have a small Bingo table for non-game players.

Sunday, February 15 at 1:30 p.m. –Sisterhood sponsors an afternoon of Bingo. The cost is $3 per person. See you there!

Plan Ahead: Keep these dates open for Purim – March 8, 9 and March 10. Good and Welfare: Happy birthday and anniversary greet-

Men’s Club Traditional Synagogue

The Men’s Club is looking into running an Atlantic City trip to SHOWBOAT CASINO on Sunday, March 15. The cost of our last trip to Showboat was $30 per person with a $20 cash

Co-op City Toastmasters Club is a warm and positive environment where one can improve their public speaking skills. At our meetings, we work on giving impromptu speeches and presentations and reducing, if not eliminating, the use of filler sounds and words. Please visit www.toastmasters46.org or call 1-

refund and $5 food voucher and we hope to get a package as good as that this time. The final details will be announced in a later article.

For latest information, call Marty at (718) 671-7809.

Co-op City Toastmasters

800-WE-SPEAK for more information. We also work on leadership roles and compete in speaking competitions.

Speaking of competitions, on Thursday, February 19, Co-op City Toastmasters will have a special event.

It’s our Spring International Speech Contest. The contest will be based on two

Advertising works!

ings for whom that are celebrating during February.

February brings birthday wishes to Rodger M. Berlofsky on February 8 and to Debbie Schwartz on the 18th of February. Many more enjoyable special days to you.

Don’t forget to pay your dues! Better yet – Join us so that we can help each other. Shalom!

—Miriam Evelyn Berlofsky

Everyone is invited to all our functions. We hope you will join us.

Shalom!

—Bruce Gitelson

phases--speeches and evaluations. The contest starts at 7:30 p.m. sharp.

Come and check out the various roles our toastmasters will have in the contest.

We’re located at 4160 Hutchinson River Parkway East, Building 32B, in the first floor Community Room.

There’s free parking in Garage 7 across

the street on Einstein Loop. Remember to bring your parking stub to the meeting for validation.

Our next regularly scheduled meeting will be Thursday, March 5. We look forward to seeing you at one of our meetings.

—Judith Slowly

Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invite the community to join us tomorrow for worship service at 8:00 a.m. worship and at 11:00 a.m. Sunday School for adults and children will be held at 9:15 a.m. Bible class and prayer service is held on Wednesdays at noon. Bible study also is held on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. Prayer Service is held on Fridays at noon and at 7:30 p.m. We are located at 135 Einstein Loop, Room 50 on the lower level. Our telephone number is 718-320-3774. We invite you to worship, study, and pray with us. Visit us on the web at www.coopcitybaptistchurch.org to find our about our ministries and programs. For your travel needs, please visit

Church of God’s Children and its pastors, Archbishop Angelo and Bishop Nancy Rosario, invite you to come and worship with us every Sunday at 1:00 p.m. for a great time with our Lord and Savior. We are at 127 Dreiser Loop – shopping center lower level near the Montefiore Health Center; 718-790-9120.

Sunday Bible School for all ages –11:15 a.m.

Sunday Worship Service – 1 p.m.

Sunday – Worship for Spanish speaking congregants - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Bible Studies for Adults, Youth & Children – Spanish, 9:30 a.m.; English, 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday – Bible Studies – 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday – Prayer Hour – 7:00-8:00 p.m.; 12-Step fellowship at 159 Dreiser

Co-op City Baptist Church

www.ccbctravel.com.

“Feast Delivers,” hosted by the Just For Men Ministry, invites everyone to participate. Make your selection by circling the item(s) on the menu. Add $5 to your total, as a service charge and bring your receipt at pick-up time. The deadline for payment is tomorrow, February 8, and distribution will be at the church, Saturday, February 14th, from 11 a.m. to noon. This month, the feast has a chicken cutlet dinner special for $15. Checks are accepted, made out to the Co-op City Baptist Church.

A Men’s Prayer Service is held the second Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. The next prayer service will be held on February 10. The men of the community are invited to attend to come and pray for our community, our youth and issues

Loop.

impacting the nation.

“Save the Date” - Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10, for the Ultimate Dining Cruise. We are inviting everyone to join us for dinner on the “Elegant Spirit Cruises” hosted by the Building Fund Ministry of the Co-op City Baptist Church. Adults - $125; Children age 2-12 - $55. We invite you to join us for good food, music and fellowship. A $25 nonrefundable deposit is required. Final payment is due April 1. For information, call 718-320-3774.

The Scholarship Ministry invites you to join them on a five day French Canadian Tour, August 3-8. Two days will be spent in Montreal and two days in Quebec. Seven meals are included. Enjoy guided tours of Quebec City and the Beaupre Coast, visits to

Church of God’s Children

Friday – Spiritual Warfare Bible Studies – 7:00 p.m.

March 12, 13, 14, we will be at the Southeast Texas Spiritual Warfare Conference in Beaumont, Texas at the MCM Elegante Hotel, presenting workshops on spiritual warfare. For information and registration, go to www.spiritualwarfareteam.com, you can register and make all your reservations online.

This Saturday, Feb. 7, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., we will be having an HIV Community Dialogue at 159 Dreiser Loop. There will be a free HIV Testing Mobile Unit from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Dreiser Loop – all are welcome to come and get tested for the HIV virus.

There will be a Bronx Clergy Task Force Meeting on Wed., Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. at 198 E. 161 St., 2nd Fl.

God yields to persistent and faithfulness. You must have complete faith in Him because He cannot and will not say “No” to a person who prays persistently and with complete faith.

Did you know that it was because of Moses’ persistent prayer that saved Israel from the fate of being destroyed by God? Indeed, this clearly shows that the power of prayer is real and one person’s prayer can be much more valuable than you think! Before you expect God to help you in your time of need, are you living true to God? Do you faithfully pray over your every meal every single day? Prayers are what make God work His miracles

Montreal’s Olympic Park and the Copper Museum and admission to Notre Dame Academy. The cost of the trip is $995/single, $775/double and $725/triple occupancy. A $100 deposit is required by February 15. For information, call the church.

The Co-op City Intergenerational Outreach Center’s Saturday Tutoring Program offers small group tutoring for students in grades 2 to 5. We are offering preparation for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Math state tests which will be held in March. Tutoring is held 3 to 5 p.m. at 135 Einstein Loop, Room 51 (lower level). Tuition is $50 a month. Registration is held during program hours the first two weeks of the month. For information, call 718-671-8449 or 917-620-2859.

—Hattie L. Lucas

among His people. In other words, He will not work if the prayer is not sincere, faithful and persistent nor can He help you if the prayers were never made. “Ask, and Ye Shall Receive. Ye Have Not, Because Ye Ask Not.” My sisters and brothers in Christ, do you have, in your own life, the habit of praying with thanksgiving and praise? Let us give thanks to the Lord joyously even while in misery. The Lord who inhibits the praises will come down and wipe away your tears. He will lead you to triumph! Dear brothers and sisters, the Lord is your comfort. He will definitely help you, see you through and strengthen you through the Holy Spirit. God bless you, see you on Sunday.

—Bishop Nancy Rosario

Happy birthday and anniversary to all celebrating this month and a Happy Valentine’s to one and all.

Einstein Cancer Fund February is BLACK HISTORY MONTH and NATIONAL CHILDREN'S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH

Tuesday, February 10th — Bally’s Casino. The cost per person is $25 with a cash bonus of $18. Please bring your Total Rewards card and a proper photo I.D. just in case you hit the jackpot. Pick-up is at 8 a.m. starting on Einstein Loop, followed by the library and Dreiser Loop.

We have reservations to the Hunterdon Hills Playhouse on Monday, April 27th. For your entertainment, “Over the River and

Through the Woods” is an hilarious comedy about a warm and very close knit family. The luncheon menu will be on individual choice and, of course, those wonderful desserts and their boutique. The cost per person is $75 and we are accepting deposits of your choice. Everyone is welcome for all of our trips.

Please call Mildred at 718-320-0288, Lydia at 718-671-3005 or Loretta at 718671-2958 for the above trips. Call Loretta for memorial cards.

Good health is wished to all.

—Lydia Ruos

CHURCH OF CO-OP CITY

1659 E AST G UN H ILL R OAD B RONX , NY 10469 REV., DR. CALVIN E. OWENS, PASTOR

CHURCH (718) 862-9172

OFFICE (718) 862-9179

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 - 9:00 A.M.

WORSHIP SERVICE: SUNDAY - 11:00A.M.

BIBLE CLASS & PRAYER MEETING - WEDNESDAY 7:30PM

MONTHLY: COMMUNION - 1ST AND 3RD SUNDAYS ALL ARE WELCOME!

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135 EINSTEIN LOOP(Section 5) • Rooms 50-51

Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams, Pastor (718) 320-3774

SUNDAY SCHOOL - 9:15 AM

WORSHIP SERVICES - 8:00 & 11:00 AM

PRAYER SERVICE - WEDNESDAY NOON

BIBLE CLASS - WEDNESDAY 7:30 PM

Young Israel of Co-op City

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

The UN’s pushing for a cease-fire without safety guarantees for Israel has proven to be an elusive peace. ‘Cease-fire’ -seems to mean that Israel ‘ceases’ and Hamas continues to ‘fire’.

Hamas has unequivocally pledged in their charter to destroy Israel. Generations of Palestinian school children have been indoctrinated to hate Jews. Palestinian militants use their own women and children as human shields by placing their military operations at schools, mosques, hospitals and in residential neighborhoods.

Palestinians have indiscriminately fired over 9,000 Katyusha and Kassam rockets from Gaza at civilian targets in Israel, intending to kill and injure as many Israeli women and children as possible.

Israel has not only the right to

defend its citizens, but a responsibility to do so. What country would be asked not to defend itself. Would any country that had rockets launched at it day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year be told, “Let the rockets continue. Just sit down and talk?” Israel called and sent text messages to residents of Gaza, as well as dropping thousands of leaflets warning them to evacuate. What other country in the world does that?

If Palestinians want peace, they can start by recognizing Israel’s right to exist. No nation should be expected to make peace with a neighbor bent on their destruction.

Furthermore, until Palestinian leaders place the interests of their citizens ahead of killing Jews, peace will remain nothing more than a fairy tale.

Baychester Visual Arts

Shake the winter doldrums and join Baychester Visual Arts in its permanent room 5 in the Dreiser Loop Center. Let the vibes of creation transport you to joys of accomplishment and pleasure.

The next session of classes at BVA starts on Feb. 3, on Tuesdays with the following time schedules to choose from: 1 –3 p.m., 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. and 5:45 – 7:45 p.m. There are 10 weeks of classes with 20 hours of instruction for $60. Moses Groves, BVA’s own art instructor, will be the artistic guide for these Tuesday classes. Mr. Groves is an accomplished artist who has studied at New York University and the Art Students League. He exhibits in the New York and New Jersey area. You can stop by Room 5 in the Dreiser Center any Tuesday to join us and feel the satisfaction of creating your own pictures.

Ms. Valli Massenburg is the instructor of the Saturday morning classes starting on Feb. 7. You get 10 weeks of classes, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. with 20 hours of instruction for $60 which is a bargain for

what you are receiving. Ms. Massenburg is an accomplished artist who was granted an A.S. Diploma from the Parson School of Design and honed and expanded her artistic skills in numerous media, namely oils, acrylic, watercolor, pastels, charcoal, pen and ink, etc.

BVA is a non-profit, self-supporting organization that needs your support to continue offering high level art instruction at these bargain prices. Your support – as members, donators, and events’ supporters – is sorely needed and appreciated. So make a donation to Baychester Visual Arts Association, Inc. – it’s tax deductible. Checks can be mailed to BVA, P.O. Box 678, Co-op City Station, Bronx, New York 10475. Contact Moses Groves at 201-8620847 for more information.

This program is made possible with public funds from the Bronx Council on the Arts through the New York State Council on the Arts Decentralization Program. .

—Sylvia Lochansky

Young Israel of Co-op City (lower level of the Dreiser Loop shopping center) is a house of worship that opens its doors every morning from 5:30 a.m. until 7:30 a.m.

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

Every evening at 20 minutes before sunset and for one hour thereafter, the synagogue is open for evening prayers and a brief religious message from Rabbi Solomon I. Berl.

On Friday evening, Sabbath services begin at 10 minutes after the candle-lighting time. Saturday morning services start at 9 a.m. Rabbi Berl delivers his sermon at 10:30 a.m.

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

For office hours or any information you may seek, feel free to call (718) 671-2300 and leave your name, phone number and a brief message on the synagogue’s answering machine, and your call will be returned as soon as possible.

Co-op City Jewish Center

Saturday services are continuing, weather permitting.

Our thanks to those people who attend services. Please try to attend whenever possible.

We would like to remind our members and any Jewish people in Co-op City looking for a conservative synagogue that all are welcome to our Saturday 9 a.m. service.

Try to take a Saturday and come to services when you can.

Donations are always in order. Frieda will be in the office Mondays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Get well wishes to all who are ill.

For information regarding the synagogue or questions, please get in touch with Frieda Epstein at 671-3679.

—Frieda Epstein

Co-op City Jewish Center Sisterhood

Monday game days will continue as usual for your pleasure. There is always room for new players, canasta, mahjong, rummy-O, etc.

For a $3 donation, you can enjoy com-

pany and refreshments. Hoping to meet new players and members.

You may call Frieda for any other information at 718-671-3679.

—Frieda

Epstein

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 1871

Our monthly meeting will be held on Thursday, February 12th at 11 a.m. in Room 0 in Dreiser Loop Community Center.

On January 23 and 24, several members attended the mid-winter leadership conference of ALA of New York at the Marriott Hotel, Albany, New York. The theme was “the brightest stars are those who shine for the benefit of others.” Presentations and skits stressed the leadership stars that need to be developed within all our units. It was stimulating and informative and each person felt eager to return to their unit’s projects, the thoughts and programs that are gravely needed to help our returning veterans. There are many areas to volunteers as an individual or group to give encourage-

ment and hope in the critical world of today. A more detailed report will be presented at our February 12th meeting. And we challenge our unit with HOPE — Honoring Our Promise Everyday.

We need your patriotic spirit to join our unit. Contact our President, Josephine Collins, by calling (718) 320-1946 for further information.

February is Black History Month where we review and reflect on Black American achievement. We can unite and spiritually see the light ahead with President Barack Obama.

February is also the month of love. Give love in your everyday activities to all those around you. God loves you and so do we.

From the CSO Department: Noise at night

Slamming doors, playing music or tv’s too loud, stomping, running or constantly dropping things on the floor, just to name a few, can cause disturbances to everyone below, above and all around your apartment, especially at night!

These actions are subject to a community complaint and possible fine.

Please be courteous to your fellow cooperators.

Come & Visit Us – We welcome you to God’s House – Your House – One Family in Christ. We are a vital congregation with spirit-filled worship services, offering a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship and service to God and our community.

We are a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and bilingual congregation and all are welcome to come and be a party of our diverse family.

The Evangelical Church of Co-op City (Iglesia Evangelical de Co-op City) would like to welcome everyone to come to our services every Sunday. 9 a.m. is the English Service, 10:30 a.m. is the Children’s Service, Youth Service (12 -19 yrs.) and Adult Bible Classes in both English &

Pastor Anthony Davis and Pastor Andrée Davis, co-founders of Harvest Restoration Ministries, Inc., extend to you a warm invitation to come and worship the Lord Jesus Christ with us.

We are a community oriented nondenominational church that preaches and teaches the Bible in an exegetical style.

Our focus is to teach members of the ministry to use biblical doctrines in a practical sense to be a blessing to both the home and the community.

We are establishing nursing home

Evangelical Church of Co-op City — UMC

Spanish. At 11:30 a.m. is the Spanish Service. Every first Sunday of the month is a bilingual service at 10 a.m., also part of the bilingual service is the communion service. Come and join us in a great time of rejoicing and spiritual uplifting. All services are at the church building, 2350 Palmer Avenue, across the street from Building 30. Come and see what the Lord can do in your life and worship with us in our beautiful sanctuary.

After School Program - You can still register your children for the after school program. The after school program is in Room 43 in the Einstein Community Center at 135 Einstein Loop. For more information, call (718) 671-1033, Monday thru Friday, between 2:30--6:00 p.m.

Motorcycle Ministry - If you feel your calling is to go out into the highways and bi-ways to aid and support our brothers and sisters in ministry or maybe curious about what we are doing then by all means, please call William at (646) 528-6181 or email him at willove42@yahoo.com. Membership is open to all.

NEOS Program (12 to 19 Years old) -

The NEOS Program is for youth 12 to 19 years. The teens will be doing art, music, dance and plays, while learning of the Lord. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the program starts promptly at 8:00 p.m. every Friday night. Friday, February 13th, there will be a special Coffee House and special program from the NEOS youth. Join us. Starts at 8 p.m.

Harvest Restoration Ministries

ministries in the local area, as well as a Christian fraternity called FBIC (Firm Believers in Christ). The fraternity will be geared towards teaching men to take responsibility in the care and development of their families and community.

We also have the Tahilla Karar Praise Dance Ministry, which seeks young people of the community to come and join that they may learn to praise God and express themselves through the art of praise dance in our yearly Gospel Concerts.

We meet at: 177 Dreiser Loop

Community Center, Room 10.

Order of Services:

Sunday School – 11:30 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship – 12:00 p.m.

Wednesday night Bible Study –7:30 p.m.

Family night – 7:30 p.m. (on selected Friday’s)

Children’s Church – every 2nd Sunday of every month

Communion – every 1st Sunday of every month

Announcements

2/17 – Pastor Anthony Davis sponsors

Children Ministries (4 to 11 years old) - The Kids for Jesus (K4J) has now changed from once a month to twice a month from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. It will be every first Saturday and third Saturday of the month.

Website - Visit our new website at www.co-opcityumchurch.org to learn more about our church and worship. Also, learn about Buy for Charity on our website and learn how to support our church while shopping online for no extra cost to you.

Spirit Gospel Choir from Buffalo State College will be performing at our church on Sunday, February 15th at both services. All are welcome to come and receive a blessing from this group of college students.

—Dr. Rev. Milca Alvarez-Plaud

a “Boys night out” by taking the young men of Harvest to Madison Square Garden to see the Knicks vs. The San Antonio Spurs at 7:30 p.m.

4/18 – Harvest Restoration presents: The “Ten Bridesmaids” play in the Dreiser Loop Auditorium. (Time TBA)

5/9 – Harvest Restoration, along with JAIS Entertainment Enterprises, co-sponsors a Gospel Jam in the Dreiser Loop Auditorium. (Time TBA)

For more information, please log on to our websiteat:www.harvestrestoration.org or call us at (718) 690-4974.

in all colors. Free estimates. 10% Co-op City resident discount. Call Mike. (718) 792-0024

Black History little known fact:

Dr Patr icia Bat h

Fight for the Right to Sight

Imagine living in a world ranging from hazy, clouded vision to that of total darkness for 30 years. Before 1985, that was the plight of those with cataracts who did not want to risk surgery with a mechanical grinder.

As a noted Opthamologist and famous black inventor, Dr. Patricia Bath has dedicated her life to the treatment and prevention of visual impairments. Her personal belief that everyone has the "Right to Sight" led to her invention in 1985 of a specialized tool and procedure for the removal of cataracts. With the Laserphaco Probe and procedure, Dr. Bath increased the accuracy and results of cataract surgery, which had previously been performed manually with a mechanical grinder.

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Overeaters Anonymous

2009 can be the year you take the action to deal with your food problem. Do you eat when you're not hungry?

Is your weight affecting the way you live your life? If you are interested, Overeaters Anonymous (OA) may be able to help you. No dues, no fees, no weigh-ins; we are a fellowship. Meetings: Wednesdays, 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Newcomers' meetings: first and third Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m., followed by the regular meeting. Co-op City, Young Israel, 147 Dreiser Loop, lower/plaza level of the Dreiser Community Center. Call 866-841-9139, Ext. 2229 for more information.

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Cooperator Services Offices

CSO 1 (Bldgs. 1-14, Carver, Debs and Defoe Pl. Townhouses)

320-3453, Dreiser Center, Rm. 6

II (Bldgs.15-25: Adler, Asch, and Broun Place Townhouses)

III (Bldgs. 26-35: Earhart Lane

2049 BARTOW AVE. • ROOM 21 BRONX, NY 10475 • 718.320-3375

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