Co-op City Times 02/22/20

Vol. 55 No. 8

Councilman King facing new ethics charges following suspension

BY JASON CHIREVAS

Just three months after serving a 30-day suspension and having a monitor assigned to his office to watch his every move, City Councilman Andy King, a Democrat, is facing a new set of alleged ethical violations.

Should they be found true, as the last two sets were, Mr. King could be thrown off the city council, as speaker Corey Johnson said he’s seen enough.

“Council Member King has repeatedly disgraced his office with his actions,” Mr. Johnson said. “If these charges are found to be true, the council should move to expel him.”

The new allegations came to light during a late afternoon meeting of the council’s standards and ethics committee Feb. 14. Staten Island Republican Councilman Steven Matteo, chairman of the committee and the council minority leader, described the new allegations against Councilman King.

“Based upon a wide-ranging investigation conducted by both the council’s Office of the General Counsel and the special counsel retained by the committee to (Continued on page 4)

500 Baychester owner still fighting for signs despite King promises Saturday, February 22, 2020

$1.25

Riverbay Board wants 200-foot monopole down

BY JASON CHIREVAS

Two weeks ago, City Councilman Andy King held a press conference on the sidewalk alongside 500 Baychester Ave. and announced the owner, Baychester Retail III LLC, agreed to take down the two LED signs on the property as well as turn the 200-foot monopole in the center of the lot — formerly the home of an illfated wind turbine — into a “beacon” and art installation that would, according to Mr. King, let everyone know where Co-op City is on the map.

Be that as it may, Baychester Retail III is currently slated for two court appearances, both aimed at keeping, and perhaps adding to, the complement of LED signs already on the property.

On Feb. 25, lawyers for the property owner will appear before the New York State Court of Appeals in an attempt to reverse a February 2019 decision by state Supreme Court Judge Arthur Engoron upholding the city’s Board of Standards and Appeals 2016 decision to deny Baychester Retail III’s application to build a double-sided LED sign that would consist of 27 panels facing north and 27 panels facing south. The property owner argued the size of the individual panels did not violate the city’s guidelines for how big such signs can be. In denying the petition, the city said the proximity of the 27 LED panels to each other on each side of the sign was the equivalent of one sign the size of 27 LED panels, not 27 signs of one LED panel each. Considering the double-sided sign as two panels, both too big, and not 56 individual panels, the city denied Baychester Retail III’s request.

The property owner filed an Article 78 proceeding to the state Supreme Court seeking to overturn the city’s decision. Judge Engoron sided with the city, agreeing with the Board of Standards and Appeals decision that the way the property owner proposed the signs — by the number of individual panels and not the size of the (Continued on page 2) overall sign created by placing all the panels together — represented “a distinction

Riverbay Board approves $1M Loan with HPD

On Wednesday, Feb. 12, the Riverbay Board of Directors approved resolution 20-08, voting 11 to two with two abstentions and two absentees, greenlighting a loan for $1M from the City of New York Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD)’s Multi-Family Preservation Loan Program.

Under the terms of the contract, the Riverbay Corporation will be forgiven for the zero-interest loan only if it maintains its Limited Profit Housing Company status – compliant with the New York State Mitchell-Lama Program – for a 30year term.

According to Riverbay Executive General Manager Noel Ellison, although the money is phrased as “a loan,” in actuality, it is a grant for the community. He told the Co-op City Times: “There is no requirement for Riverbay to pay the money back as long as we follow the steps for what we’re supposed to use the money for.

Due to the vast amount of capital projects that we plan for, we need all the money we can get to address some of those items while also keeping our eyes out for other types of funding.”

As stated in the resolution, “The additional loan proceeds from HPD would be utilized to fund necessary capital improvements to the Riverbay property, all of which are part of Riverbay’s five-year capital plan.” That includes lobby renovations that started in the community in January 2019 in Building 16B. Tower and Triple-Core buildings are next in line to receive new building lobbies as part of phase two DOT to remove of the program which is still in the planning stages and will be funded with the $1M available through the HPD program. Both Riverbay staff and HPD will work together to oversee the project. HPD is currently

BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND

Extended Bookkeeping hours Feb. 27 Riverbay Bookkeeping office will be open from 9 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 to accept carrying charge payments. The Bookkeeping office is located in the administrative building, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475.

reviewing requests for proposals.

The overall project will result in the remodeling of Co-op City’s over 40-yearold building lobbies to improve accessibility, as well as making them compliant with important New York City buildings and fire codes.

“The money given to us by HPD is earmarked for the lobby entrance project,” Mr. Ellison said. “Changing the lobby entrance and vestibule entrance doors to make them more accessible to all shareholders is a major benefit for the public good overall.”

The long-awaited lobby entrance renovations is just one of several capital projects scheduled to begin within five years to modernize Co-op City’s aging infrastructure and meet local code regulations.

Mr. Ellison also stated there are no plans of Co-op City moving away from affordable housing, and as of now, no plans of increasing carrying charges. He said, “Co-op City will stay as it is in the Mitchell-Lama Program.”

Riverbay continues to look for money-savings or programs that bring money into the community, like ConEd’s load shedding and demand response programs, from which Riverbay receives millions for helping shed electrical load and, conversely, making excess energy available to the ConEd grid for the rest of the city.

Mr. Ellison said, “We’re always on the look out for these types of programs that bring money to the corporation and community.”

“No Standing” sign in front of 600 Baychester Ave.

In response to Co-op City shareholders speaking out about the “No Standing” sign recently placed in front of 600 Baychester Avenue without prior notification and which restricts parking in front of the residential building between the hours of 7-10 a.m. and 4-7 p.m., Monday-Friday, the Department of Transportation’s Bronx Borough Engineering Office undertook an investigation of the existing traffic conditions at the location. In follow-up correspondence with shareholder Kathy Blount – who raised the issue both with News 12 The Bronx and in a letter to the editor to the Co-op City Times published on Feb. 1, 2020 – DOT stated that the agency’s investigation found the “No Standing” regulation that points north approximately 556 feet from Aldrich Street on the east curb of Baychester Avenue to be “not needed.” The DOT further stated the sign will be removed on or before March 10, 2020.

Photo by Kathy Blount

2

Co-op City Times / February 22, 2020

Board considering adding additional garage to Section 5

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

The Riverbay Board of Directors passed a resolution Feb.12 that will begin a Management investigation into the costs and feasibility of building a new parking garage in Section 5.

As the proposal stands now, the plan would be to build the garage at one of three possible sites. The first option would be behind Building 31, the second option would be between Building 35 and 28. If those first two options prove unrealistic, the third option is finding another area in Section 5 to complete the garage.

The Board plans to review the report on the costs of building a garage in Section 5 no later than 120 days after the passing of the resolution. This means shareholders will know whether the plan to build a new garage is still in effect in June, if not sooner.

Shareholders using garages 2, 7 and 8 should also be aware there is now a limit of two cars per household for those respective garages. The Board passed a separate resolution at the Feb. 12 meeting that puts this new rule into effect.

This resolution hopes to address the waiting list of 558 shareholders who want a parking spot in one of those three garages. Riverbay Management plans to take all steps necessary to notify cooperators using garages 2, 7 and 8 of the new twocar limit. According to the Board, there are currently 118 shareholders using more than two parking spots in garages 2, 7 and 8.

MTA Real-Time Service Updates

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

DR. LEWIS WOLSTEIN Podiatrist — Foot Specialist NOW ACCEPTING GHI!!

NOW ACCEPTING AETNA!!

• Practicing in Co-op City since 1975 • Board Certified in Foot Surgery • ALL conditions of the foot treated • We

accept most health insurance plans

Dr. Lewis Wolstein

Call:

500 Baychester

without a difference.” He denied and dismissed the Baychester Retail III appeal.

That was in February of last year.

The property owner has received permission to be heard before the appellate division and will try to persuade that court to reverse Judge Engoron’s decision Feb. 25.

On March 31, Baychester Retail III will have another day in court.

The property owner filed another Article 78 proceeding in state Supreme Court Feb. 11, this one aimed at reversing the city Buildings department’s decision to revoke 10 permits it previously issued pertaining to the construction of the two LED signs currently on the property.

The property owner and the city have been at odds for years about whether or not the LED signs at 500 Baychester Ave. are too close to Interstate 95. Pursuant to federal law enacted during President Lyndon Johnson’s administration, advertising billboards in New York must be more than 200 feet from an “arterial highway.” In previous legal tussles with the city, Baychester Retail III measured the nearest of the property’s signs to be 322 feet from the concrete roadway of I-95.

After much legal wrangling with this measurement, the city Buildings department went back and re-measured the distance, this time from the edge of the federal land on which I-95 was built. With this new, shorter measurement, the city declared the signs at 500 Baychester as too close to the highway to remain in place and gave notice to the property owner in January of its plan to revoke the permits associated with the signs.

This notice came approximately three weeks after the wind turbine on the 200foot monopole at 500 Baychester Ave. collapsed and tumbled onto the property’s parking lot, flinging blades up and down Baychester Avenue. That incident is not mentioned in the Feb. 11 Baychester Retail III Article 78.

Writing for the court, Judge Andrea Masley granted a temporary restraining order and stay Feb. 14. This order stops the Buildings department from revoking the 500 Baychester permits until at least March 31, when the parties will meet in court with the city ordered to show cause why the court should not grant the Baychester Retail III Article 78’s requests to keep the sign permits in place.

Neither of the property owner’s upcoming court dates pertain to the 200-foot monopole on the 500 Baychester property, which Councilman King said is slated to become an art installation.

No thanks, said the Riverbay Board of Directors, which issued a unanimous consensus vote Feb. 12 condemning the idea of the monopole becoming a beacon for Co-op City, endorsing instead the dismantling and removal of the pole entirely.

All of the signs, or at least the poles they’re on, are made possible at 500 Baychester Ave. by zoning leftover from the early 1960s, meant for amusement parks, that allow such things. The only other place in the city with the same zoning designation as 500 Baychester Ave. is Coney Island.

Councilman King’s office did not respond to a request for comment at press time.

Please Refrain From Littering.

• Participating in the Medicare Diabetic Shoe Program

Keep Co-op City Clean!

• Evening and Saturday appointments

Thank You!

“Se Habla Español”

718.671.7226 100 DeKruif Place

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

(Continued from page 1)

Co-op City Times / February 22, 2020

Co-op City Times 2 n d COMBING

In Memoriam – John A. Rose

“John Rose was a man dedicated to chilIt is with profound sadness that we dren and adults with special needs,” said announce the passing of Mr. John Rose Mr. Saunders. “His service as a school on Dec. 18, 2019 at the age of 76 after board member put a focus on the tremena brief illness. dous difficulty that it took for children and John, who was born with cerebral adults with special needs to navigate within palsy, had been a Co-op City shareholder our educational buildings and facilities. Alsince October 2000. His parents, Elizthough his speech was impaired, his mesabeth and Anthony, lived in New Jersey sage for those that he represented was clear – being born with a disability does not dibefore moving to Co-op City. John’s is his minish your potential to contribute whatever second cousin, Laura Smerdel, closest surviving relative. In addition to talents you can to the world.” being his second cousin, Laura had also John was also an active member of been “adopted” by John’s parents as his Bronx Community Board #10. sister since he did not have siblings.

“I had the utmost respect and admiration Laura said John’s parents were totally for John,” said James Vacca, former CB devoted to him and did everything they 10 District Manager. “He was a fierce adJohn Rose could to provide a good quality of life vocate for the disabled and worked hard and for him. John’s father even changed jobs after John’s birth so tirelessly to highlight and address the challenges they face. I loved John and I’m saddened to hear about his passing.” he could be available to help with his care. for him in which he could move around, In Co-op City, he joined the Handicapped Adults Associ“They built things like special buggies and bikes, and things like that,” said Laura. ation where he served with the formidable Anna Capell, then“They dedicated their lives to making John’s better.” president of the organization, a division of the Co-op City On the eight anniversary of his mother’s death, John pub- Senior Services program at the Gloria Wise Community Center lished a tribute to her in a January 2013 issue of the Co-op in those days.

City Times in which he wrote: “During her 90 years, the longThrough the years, he attended the meetings of various time Co-op City resident accomplished much. After she gave certified community organizations and of the Riverbay Board birth to me, a child with cerebral palsy, she, along with my and would express his opinions on matters with the assistance late father, Tony, became staunch fighters for the rights of the of then-Co-op City Times associate editor, Bill Stuttig, who disabled, becoming founding members of United Cerebral was often tasked with taking dictation.

“John was a frequent visitor to my office, always having Palsy. Her dedication to me throughout my life helped me to lead a productive, rewarding life despite my disabilities. I something to say to further the cause of rights for the disabled,” still miss her terribly, but I will always be grateful for her un- said Bill. “Since he had very little manual dexterity, he would dictate his concerns to me and I would submit his letter to the wavering love and guidance.” editor for consideration. But not all his visits were business.

Sometimes, he would come by with two cups of coffee and ask if he could just sit for a few minutes and talk in general about sports or politics and whatever. He was extremely knowledgeable and well read on a wide range of subjects particularly history. He would always stop by to tell me about the latest book he was reading. I miss his friendship and will cherish the memory of it always.”

Laura recalls that John often recounted that his grandfather served in WWI and John was the only person he would talk to about his experiences during the war. “He had so many stories in his mind,” she said. “He loved politics, he enjoyed reading, he was an avid reader. He loved philosophy and business and education. He also loved dogs and always wanted one.”

John in 1946, on a bike his dad helped make to accommodate Laura also said John had a great sense of humor and he his needs. loved to laugh. She also shared that he couldn’t resist visiting That nurturing environment and guidance led to John grad- the bakery. As a child, he enjoyed going to Euclid Beach Park uating high school in the 1960’s, attending college and later in Cleveland, Ohio where he would get on the rides and have earning two masters degrees, Laura said. In addition, John fun despite his disposition. And, once when he visited her in inherited his parents penchant for advocacy for the disabled. Ohio by bus, she took him to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame “John was on a poster for the Cerebral Palsy Foundation in in Cleveland and he thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

One regret – He never had the opportunity to visit Scotland the 1950’s along with two other children,” said Laura. “He loved children and worked on the school board. He was con- which he dreamt of doing. cerned about education and transportation especially for the “Empathy, he had pure empathy for others and when people handicapped.” were not treated fairly, you saw all sides of him,” Laura said Riverbay Board Second Vice President Rod Saunders was of her cousin. “He was incredibly brave – he was mugged president of School District 11 in the Bronx when John was twice. He was astounding. There’s no one else like him. What first elected to the school board. He recalls that he personally he was able to endure and accomplish with the handicap he drove John around to campaign outside of Co-op City for the had was incredible.”

In lieu of expressions of sympathy, the family of Mr. Rose position and after his successful election to the board drove him to every meeting or ordered a cab and picked John up at requests donations in his name to the Cerebral Palsy Founhis Co-op City building. dation at 3 Columbus Circle, 15th floor, New York, NY 10019.

BY ROZAAN BOONE

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

Assemb. Benedetto Black History Month Celebration Assemblyman Michael R. Benedetto, in partnership with Congressman Eliot Engel, along with state Senator Jamaal Bailey and Councilmember Andy King, will present a Black History Month Celebration at Einstein Community Center, room 45, for 250 people on Friday, Feb. 28, from noon to 4 p.m.

Attendees will enjoy a buffet lunch, entertainment, music and dancing. Dennis Walcott, president and CEO of the Queens Public Library and former New York City Schools Chancellor, will be the guest of honor. During the afternoon, two individuals from Co-op City will receive honors.

The Riverbay Fund is one of the sponsors of this annual event.

Reservations for the event are necessary; seating is very limited and admission is free. Call Assemblyman Benedetto’s office at 718-320-2220 to reserve a seat.

No one will be admitted without a reservation.

Truman Blood Drive Donate blood and save a life!

Truman High School is hosting a blood drive next Friday, Feb. 28 in the Truman auditorium from 8:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Anyone 16 to 75 years old can donate blood. Those over 75 who wish to donate can qualify if they present a doctor’s note stating they are in good health. For interested participants who are 16, they must present a completed parental consent form before donating. All blood donors must bring valid ID or a New York Blood Center donor card. Donors are implored to eat and drink plenty of fluids before donating.

To save time at registration, donors can pre-register by visiting nybc.org.

Sept. 1, 1943 – Dec. 18, 2019

Front Page

3

Let us know… If you have news you’d like to share with your neighbors, please give us a call at (718) 320-3300, Ext. 3375/6; email: cctimes@riverbaycorp.com or fax (718) 320-2595.

4

King charges

Co-op City Times / February 22, 2020 (Continued from page 1)

to investigate and prosecute this disciplinary proceeding, the committee voted today to issue multiple charges against Council Member King,” Mr. Matteo said, flanked by fellow council and committee members Karen Koslowitz, Margaret Chin and Stephen Levin, all Democrats.

Bronx Democratic Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson was the only member of the ethics and standards committee not present.

The list of new ethical violations against Councilman King are similar in nature to those he’s been found to have committed before: Disorderly conduct, conflicts of interest violations and violations of the council’s anti-discrimination and harassment policy, which allegedly occurred in 2017.

Mr. King is also accused of repeatedly violating Council Resolution 1138 of 2019, which detailed the duties and restrictions by which he was supposed to abide following his suspension in late 2019. Councilman Matteo said there is evidence Mr. King made several efforts to “circumvent” the monitor assigned to his office to make sure he was discharging the duties in an ethical manner.

As part of his 2019 punishment, Mr. King was also stripped of his committee assignments and ability to use and control discretionary funds. One of the ethics violations Mr. King was found guilty of last time around involved his allowing his wife, SEIU 1099 Executive Vice President Neva Shillingford-King, use of city council assets to her benefit, including for a “retreat” to the U.S. Virgin Islands and the 2017 wedding of Ms. Shillingford-King’s daughter.

Councilman Matteo did not go into great detail about the circumstances or severity of the new round of allegations, though he did say that, since the committee’s investigation last year, it was “approached by additional witnesses with new information regarding alleged past misconduct by Council Member King. Among this misconduct was a completely unacceptable violation of the council’s anti-harassment and discrimination policy.”

As part of last year’s battery of violations, Mr. King was found to have retaliated against staff members he believed cooperated with investigators and, on one occasion, likened gay marriage to child pornography.

Peter Spencer, chief of operations for Councilman Matteo, told the Co-op City Times there is no public report currently available detailing and enumerating the new charges against Councilman King. Mr. Matteo said there will be a disciplinary hearing March 9 at which Special Counsel Carrie Cohen will present the evidence against Mr. King to the ethics and standards committee in a closed-door executive session pursuant to the state’s Public Officer Law. Mr. King can be represented by counsel at the hearing.

Councilman King was represented by counsel at a two-part disciplinary hearing to determine the validity of last year’s charges but did not appear himself, which, according to city council rules, barred his lawyers from calling witnesses or presenting evidence in his defense. His lawyers later used the committee’s refusal to postpone those hearings as part of the basis for an Article 78 proceeding attempting to overturn the council’s suspension and other punishment of the councilman, but a judge threw that suit out of court.

Mr. Matteo said, though the contents of the March 9 disciplinary hearing are confidential, the committee will present a public report to the rest of the city council with its findings and recommendations.

After the committee found all of last year’s charges against Mr. King had been substantiated, it recommended the councilman be punished by the full city council. On Oct. 28, 2019, the council voted 44-1-2 to suspend Mr. King for 30 days, fine him $15,000 and appoint the monitor to his office. Councilman King was the lone dissenting vote in that decision.

Council Speaker Johnson and Mayor Bill de Blasio called on Councilman King to resign last October before the council voted to punish him.

Mr. King first won a seat on the city council in a 2012 special election after former City Councilman Larry Seabrook was removed following convictions for mail fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy. Mr. King easily won his own term in the general election the following year. He was fined for misappropriating campaign funds in 2015.

Councilman King’s office did not respond to a request for comment by press time.

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

Riverbay Board meeting resolutions summary The Riverbay Board of Directors used parts of its Feb. 12 meeting to take care of some outstanding financial matters and contracts. Here’s a summary of those actions: • Resolution 20-05, submitted by Leah Richardson; seconded by Francine Reva Jones and Cheryl Jenkins Renovation contractors are working quickly and efficiently to restore apartments once a shareholder has moved out, thereby “reducing the vacancy rate by almost 100 apartments” in the community. The Board voted 10 to 2 with 1 abstention and 2 absentees, approving an extra $400,000 in additional funds to be added to several renovation contractors for “turnkey renovations” in apartments throughout the development.

• Resolution 20-06A, submitted by Mary Pearson; seconded by Sonia Feliciano and Leah Richardson By a vote of 9 to 2, with 2 abstentions and 2 absentees, the Board approved Riverbay management investigating the cost and feasibility of adding an elevator in the Bartow Center. The resolution directs management to report back to the Board on its findings, updating directors on their research by Thursday, June 11.

• Resolution 20-06B, submitted by Mary Pearson, seconded by Sonia Feliciano and Leah Richardson The Board approved this resolution by a vote of 11 in favor, with 2 abstentions and 2 absentees. The resolution calls for a “feasibility” study, including cost, of building another garage in Section 5 – behind Building 31, Buildings 35 and 28, or another location. Management is to report back to the Board by Thursday, June 11.

(See page 2 for more information.)

• Resolution 20-07, submitted by Daryl Johnson; seconded by Jerome Rice and Leah Richardson The vote for Resolution 20-07 passed by 13 “yes” votes with two absentees. It approves annual communication from the corporation’s Finance department to develop notices to explain the STAR program and to send notification to “every shareholder” about the program who isn’t currently receiving a rebate. According to the resolution, statistics have shown that thousands of shareholders are not receiving a refund from the program. The annual notice will also be placed in the Co-op City Times to inform residents and “encourage” them to apply.

• Resolution 20-08, submitted by Daryl Johnson; seconded by Jerome Rice and Leah Richardson The Board approves a million-dollar loan from the City of New York’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development. The vote, 11 to 2, with 2 absentees, allows the corporation to accept the 30-year, no-interest loan to move forward. The loan will be forgiven if the corporation “remains in compliance with the New York State Mitchell-Lama Program” within that time frame. (See related article on page 1.)

BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND

5

Co-op City Times / February 22, 2020

Happy 15th Wedding Anniversary Happy 15th Wedding Anniversary to Abel (Bud) and Marva Alderman, 2/23/2020 Happy birthday to Abel, 2/24/2020 Happy birthday to Marva, 2/25/2020 God bless us with many more!

—Marva Alderman

The Wright Agency Serving Co-op City for 39 Years!

Positions Available at The Wright Agency LICENSED LIFE, PROPERTY AND CASUALTY

INSURANCE AGENTS

• Salary, commission, plus bonuses • Must have integrity and excellent people skills • Prior Allstate experience a plus but not required

GREAT WORK ENVIRONMENT! BONUSES FOR LICENSED PRODUCERS! Apply at: The Wright Agency (Allstate) We Are Conveniently Located Only Blocks From Co-op City!

Hours: Monday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tuesday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Wednesday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Thursday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

1435 East Gun Hill Road (near Eastchester Road)

Ca ll Us To day !

718-671-8000

6

Co-op City Times / February 22, 2020

The Co-op City Times welcomes issue-oriented letters to the editor to be considered for publication. All letters, in prose, not poetry, must be addressed to the editor, not to third parties. All letters must be signed by the writers and include their addresses and phone numbers, which will be kept confidential, so that the editor – can•verify the• authors. or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication.

– •the– authenticity • – • – of•– – • Anonymous – – • –L•etters – •cannot – •exceed – •–350•words.

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

Letters to the Editor

Some concerns from townhouse residents

The history of black history

To the Editor:

To the Editor: It was Dr. Carter G. Woodson who decided to take on the challenge of writing black Americans into the nation’s textbooks. Born to parents who had experienced slavery, education appeared very important to him and many other blacks during the 1920s. Dr. Woodson was able to not only graduate from Harvard University but continued advocacy for black Americans being included in the textbooks after receiving his degree.

Even though during the 1920s, black Americans were accomplishing great things, very little was printed in mainstream textbooks. This was 94 years ago. Dr. Woodson also established The Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, presently called The Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History.

Some of the examples of stories that should be researched by youth are: During 1926, Jelly Rolls Martin was performing Jazz Music. The Pan African Congress was calling for the end to white dominance of blacks both here and abroad. Many of the children of former slaves were struggling against one of America’s most powerful industrial giants, the Pullman Company, led by A. Phillip Randolph. Marcus Garvey had been released from prison and deported to his native Jamaica. It was Marcus Garvey’s belief, powers opposed to Negro progress will not be influenced by mere verbal protest and the only element they recognize is force. Harlem had become the black cultural Mecca of the Americas. The NAACP opened the historical attack on the Texas White Primary Law in January 1926.

On March 16, 1827, John B. Russwurm established “Freedom Journal” along with Rev. Samuel Cornish in NYC. Fast forward from 1926, we continue to have warrior women scholars, keepers of the culture in Co-op City.

We are appreciative of those who work and write tirelessly about Americans of African ancestry. How refreshing to read about Mr. Cortez Peters Sr. and another who declared “checkmate.”

Today, to be African and African Americans is wonderfully challenging.

—Evelyn M. Turner

Riverbay equates townhouse living with shareholders in highrises. Townhouses have some unique issues.

Townhouse residents in “B” apartments must get updated, sophisticated, hopefully telephone activated, front doorbell and intercom systems to replace the broken and jury-rigged intercoms we now have. Riverbay doesn’t appear to have a standard front doorbell/intercom system anymore, walk through courtyards and see the differences. Each is tailor-made with no replacement parts. There’s no stock; if a system breaks, residents wait months to get a working front doorbell/intercom. Many of us paid Riverbay to install intercoms upstairs. Unfortunately, they don’t always work anymore. If you’re on the 3rd floor, you must run down flights of steps to get to use the intercom.

Any upgraded system must include an intercom on both living levels of the “B” apartment.

“A” apartments should have something more than a 50-year old push bell. If one is in the bedroom, kitchen or bathroom, there’s no way to hear the ting-a-ling. This system was installed 50 years ago, there’ve been no improvements since. Electrified systems would also enable hearing impaired residents to know someone is at their front door.

All of these should be part of a capital improvement plan for townhouses; apparently there doesn’t appear to be any such line item in the budget now. While buildings and even garages get upgraded door systems, townhouses seem to have been abandoned.

We pay the same maintenance, why shouldn’t we have state-ofthe-art entrances like the buildings do?

All townhouses are supposed to have access to the high-rise buildings nearest them to use laundry rooms; Where are our access fobs?

Many of us pay for storage closets in buildings; We need access fobs to those buildings as well.

Area Managers used to inspect townhouse clusters in the evening. They could see when lighting had burned out between “B” apartment front doors leaving us in the dark. Those are special bulbs and Riverbay’s responsibility. Nowadays, shareholders must call and complain before someone pays attention to our courtyards.

—Charles Rosen

Window Guard Forms now past due Apartment visits to be scheduled

The annual Window Guard form was due Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020. If you still have your form, please submit it. If you have not yet submitted your form and/or misplaced it, you may: 1. Visit your local CSO office and request a new form.

2. Call your CSO office at 718-320-3300, press 3 to request your response code (specific for every apartment), and submit the information via phone or online.

Failure to submit the Window Guard form will result in a Riverbay staff member’s visit to your unit to acquire the information. Riverbay staff visiting your apartment will have ID’s. They will ask the questions on the form, complete the form for you and you will then be required to sign and date the form.

If you are unsure if you submitted the form already, you may contact the CSO office and verify.

We will continue to collect Window Guard forms until March 1, 2020, if we have not yet visited your building.

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

Co-op City Times Co-op City’s official newspaper serving the world’s largest cooperative community.

(718) 320-3300, ext. 3375 cctimes@riverbaycorp.com

Rozaan Boone Editor-in-Chief

Jason Chirevas Managing Editor

Toriea McCauseland Junior Associate Editor

Jennifer Piovanetti Operations Manager

Ralph Henriquez Production Manager

John Crow New Media Producer The Co-op City Times welcomes issueoriented letters to the editor to be considered for publication. All letters, in prose, not poetry, must be addressed to the editor, not to third parties. All letters must be signed by the writers and include their addresses and phone numbers, which will be kept confidential, so that the editor can verify the authenticity of the authors.

Writers will be limited to one letter per topic.

Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Letters cannot exceed 350 words. Ideally, they should be typed. All letters must be in the Co-op City Times office in Room 21, Bartow Community Center, by 3 p.m. 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 Corp. of goods and services, but present greater options to cooperators of products and services available.

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

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

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

—Cooperator Services Office

Important Notice to Shareholders of Building 21 A, B & C Building 21 A, B & C

Building 21 A, B & C 100, 120 & 140 Bellamy Loop

Current Lease Expiration Date

May 31, 2020

New 3 yr.

Expiration Date

May 31, 2023

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

7

Co-op City Times / February 22, 2020

CCPD alerts residents of potential scams

BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO The Co-op City Department of Public Safety receives updates from various agencies regarding trends in scams. Scam artists are a very clever group of people. They take their knowledge of human nature and combine it with current information in an attempt to find new victims. Recent studies have shown that certain types of scams, especially internet scams, increase every year. By being aware of potential scams, readers can reduce their chance of becoming a victim.

Prevention begins with making your best attempt not to allow your telephone number or email address to become a part of bulk mailing lists. Clicking on or sharing Facebook posts received from large groups sent out to large groups can potentially share everyone in the group’s personal data. Changing settings on social media accounts can help keep your data private. Even chat options on games like “Words with Friends” may have people surfing for potential victims.

Always use caution when speaking on the phone when you did not initiate the call. Caller identification cannot be trusted at all times. Scammers can change the information displayed on your device. The telephone number or name can be altered. In some cases, names of government agencies or businesses may show on the display. In many cases, the area code and first three digits make a number seem like a local number. If you receive a call from an agency you wish to speak to, hang up and call the number you have listed for the agency.

A type of scam we have seen either calls or texts someone’s phone and tells them a family member is in danger unless they wire money to specified person. In most cases, the scammer does not even know who the victim or their family members are. Most recently in the local area, an individual called and stated the person’s grandchild was arrested and needed money to avoid having his parents find out. A fake courier was sent and money was given. Many calls or texts are initiated until someone falls for the scam. Wiring money to someone you do not know is almost never a good idea. If something seems out of order, notify authorities.

Another scam involves the transition to credit cards with imbedded chips. These chips are a great fraud prevention device. It is ironic they could become part of a scam. Never give any information out to anybody contacting you and requesting it. Call the number on the back of your credit card or on the sticker on a new card to activate your card. The same precaution applies to emails that appear to come from your bank. Sometimes the address can be off by one letter and direct you to a fake website hosted by scammers. Scammers are hoping you have just received a new card and are eager to activate it. By being alert, you can avoid being a victim of this scam.

Never give anyone personal information such as bank account numbers, PIN numbers, date of birth or Social Security number. Never wire money or send a Green Dot card to anyone you do not know or have only met through a dating website. Never send money for plane tickets, bail money, medicine for a sick family member or any other reason to anyone you do not know well. Be also leery of fake websites offering to give you something for nothing. Always be sure to enter a website address directly into your website; never click on a link from an email. Sometimes one letter off can take you to a fake website.

Some people may read about these scams and (Continued on page 26)

Public Safety Report

OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY For information on CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES ONLY, please contact: Lenya Garcia at Lgarcia@riverbaycorp.com; and Anatoliy Budnitskiy at abudnitskiy@riverbaycorp.com. Please note: emails should be sent to both parties.

Please DO NOT email resumes for EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES to the aforementioned emails. For EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, please see the end of the employment listings for specific directions.

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

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Public Safety Blotter Feb. 9 to Feb. 15, 2020 Feb. 9 120 Erdman Place One man found sleeping in a staircase was issued a Criminal Court Summons for trespass.

Feb. 10 2067 Bartow Ave. Several vehicles were found broken into and property missing from some of the cars involved. The matter is under investigation.

900 Co-op City Blvd.

A man was arrested and charged with assault after the victim identified him. The victim was treated for their injuries.

Feb. 11 140 Alcott Place One man was arrested from a stairway roof landing and issued two

Criminal Court Summonses. The man was then returned to Bronx Central Booking for outstanding warrants.

Feb. 15 100 DeKruif Place Four men were found within the building without authority or permission. One was issued two Criminal Court Summonses and the others were issued community complaints.

120 Casals Place CCPD Emergency Service Unit was flagged down by a cab driver who had a sick and unresponsive passenger.

While rendering medical assistance, the man was found to be in possession of a large amount of large marijuana and a loaded firearm. He was taken to a local hospital for further treatment and was subsequently arrested.

(More Opportunities on page 26)

8

Co-op City Times / February 22, 2020

Respect for the Co-op City Community Director’s Viewpoint

Rod Saunders Second Vice President So to be clear – the decision by the NY City Planning Commission (CPC) to withdraw its proposal (Feb. 12, 2020) to rezone the property known as 500 Baychester Avenue (Block: 5141 / Lot: 101) from its current C7 zoning district to the proposed C8-2 was, in the opinion of the Riverbay Board of Directors, the right decision.

The real focal point is simple, and was poignantly expressed by a cooperator on the night of Councilman King’s January 29th Town Hall Meeting. The cooperator asked, how could the CPC submit a proposal to change the zoning of property (including a portion of Riverbay’s residential property) without any discussion with the appropriate representatives from Co-op City being present? Where was the respect that we deserve?

The cooperator went on to ask representatives of the Bronx CPC and the Dept. of Buildings (DOB) attending the meeting, how would they feel if any agency was going to commit to making a decision which might adversely affect her home, property or community without consultation?

We Were Not Obstinate Your Riverbay Board should not be portrayed as being obstinate here. The Board was adamant about advocating in Co-op City’s best interest by not raising the zoning district to the proposed C8-2. The Board was clear in an as yet unanswered letter to Councilman King (Nov. 8, 2019) that we wanted and deserved a meeting asking him to withdraw the C82 proposal. We understood that the councilman was unable to directly respond to our letter at that time, however, in light of the fact that we want to revisit a negotiated rezoning change, and we would appreciate the opportunity to do so sooner, than later.

To help eliminate any possibility of a similar occurrence, Councilman King should provide the Riverbay Board with prior notice of every communication that his office receives relating to 500 Baychester Avenue and his position prior to making public statements.

The Board needs to be aware of all information relating to 500 Baychester Avenue, including the property owner’s communication, to decide whether consultation with governmental agencies, with Management, our legal team, or our elected representatives is required.

As I stated at a recent Board Business meeting, it is imperative that our city councilmember meet with the Riverbay Board to discuss important decisions affecting our community (especially zoning) before the councilmember’s stamp of approval to start any process goes forward. Some actions may have to be heard by our entire community (town hall meeting or survey).

The C7 Zoning Must Go! Since Oct. 17, 2019, I have made it clear that the Riverbay Board of Directors had not been previously informed that a Uniformed Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) process to rezone the 500 Baychester Avenue property to a C8-2 zoning district, and that the community would not be agreeable to the commercial establishments permitted under that zoning district.

The Riverbay Board, and cooperators who are now much better informed about the 500 Baychester Ave. property’s zoning district, are not happy with the existing C7 zoning. If Councilman King truly wants to bring about a change that balances appropriate future commercial leasing or development of the property, then that dialog needs to begin immediately. The Board wishes to discuss a C4 zoning, with a Special Purpose District attached. The sooner that Councilman King wishes to start, the better.

The Illuminated Sign Issue May Not Be Over!

As reported in the Feb. 8th issue of the Co-op City Times, the LED signs (the illuminated advertising signs) will become of thing of the past. Councilman King has committed to having the monopole remain in place, and pivot to it becoming a “beacon” for Co-op City.

Maybe the councilman is mistaken. The DOB sent a letter of intent to revoke the approvals, permits, and sign-offs of the illuminated signs that were already in place. Those signs were also within 200 feet of the New England Thruway (an Arterial Highway) and contrary to the Zoning Resolutions Appendix H. In

my opinion, the partial destruction of the formerly existing illuminated advertising (LED) signage by the collapse of the wind turbine provided the DOB the opportunity to issue their “Stop Work Order,” and then, the aforementioned intention to revoke letter dated Jan. 9, 2020.

The issue may not be over. Despite Councilman King’s announcement to the contrary, the owner of the 500 Baychester Avenue property has filed a Memorandum of Law in Support (Feb. 11) against the DOB to re-instate those applications. The Appellate Court Division hearing regarding the monopole will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 25.

In closing, I want to address a Letter to the Editor that appeared in the Feb. 1st edition of the Co-op City Times.

Recently, I chaired a Legislative Committee meeting. I invited Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, who invited the Inspector of the Bronx/Queens Transit Police, and the Commanding Officer of the Transit Police 12th District.

The public meeting was organized to address “specific” incidences of engagement between officers and residents of Co-op City. In fact, the officers who most likely engaged our residents were not Transit officers, but members of the State’s MTA Bridge and Tunnel Police, or the MTA’s EAGLE squad.

No one was addressing the coddling of fare beaters, however, there were versions of engagement between the MTA officers and our residents that bordered on being ridiculous. Many in the audience who attended the meeting agree with the writer’s point that there are far too many individuals using the back door of buses illegally and avoiding fares.

If the author of the letter feels that members of law enforcement are incapable of making errors in judgement, and therefore, are above being questioned about their tactics, so be it. The men and women who were going to work in Co-op City and were engaged by MTA officers for whatever reason, strongly disagree.

Thank you for reading my viewpoint. I can be reached at rsaunders@riverbayboard.com.

Co-op City Times / February 22, 2020

9

10

Co-op City Times / February 22, 2020

African-American Association

Quotes from the ancestors:Celebrate Black History “I love America more than any other country in this world and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually. –James Baldwin The African American Association will meet the second Saturday of each month. Next gathering will be Saturday, March 14, at 3 p.m. Join us in room 15 of the Dreiser Center. We look forward to seeing you.

Bring a friend and new member prospect. Membership is only $15/year for a single membership and only $25/year for your household. Email: aaaccpower@gmail.com or call us at 929-430-325. The African American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, N.Y. 10475.

The African American Association sponsors the following programs for your participation: Belly dance classes Wednesdays, 7 p.m., Dreiser Center, room #2. For a nominal fee, you will have fun and stay in shape.

Call Xonia, 646-301-9438 Evening line dance classes with Cynthia Dixon Dance to Soul, Latin, and Gospel music on Thursdays, 7 p.m. in Dreiser Center, room 2; also first and third Tuesdays in Einstein Center, Section 5, 6 p.m.

Fees are minimal. Call Cynthia, 917-903-7073.

Salsa class Saturdays, 10:30 a.m., Dreiser Loop, room 1. Call Keith, 917-561-6211.

Yoga and Zumba classes with Meena Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. in Dreiser Center, room 2.

Contact Meena at 917-863-1507.

Healing Drum Circle... ...will resume in the Spring. Please continue to follow this article for updates.

We wish all a prosperous Black History Month; encourage you to take part in all Black History celebrations and to be of service to your community.

We leave you with this in celebration:

“I was a young woman with an evolved mind who was not afraid of her beauty or her sexuality. For some people, that’s uncomfortable. They didn’t understand how female and strong work together; or young and wise; or black and divine.”

–Lauryn Hill —Michelle Marbury

11

Co-op City Times / February 22, 2020

Building 19 Association

Hello, Building 19 family. Happy belated Presidents’ Day. I hope those who had the day off from work this past Monday had an opportunity to relax.

We are still collecting annual membership dues for the association. We will be in the lobby today noon to 8 p.m. Please remember the dues are now $10. After your payment, you will receive a membership card with a QR code on the back that will take you to the association’s Facebook group, where you can join after scanning the code.

I want to thank those who attended last Wednesday’s committee meeting. The next committee meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 11, at 7:30 p.m. in the association room.

Later in the same month, the association will be holding its general meeting on Friday, March 27, at 7 p.m. in the association room. We plan to invite representatives from the U.S. Census to discuss the importance of participating in the national survey and job opportunities to work for the federal agency. As you know, the federal government conducts a national census every 10 years. This year is very important and we need to make sure that we are counted.

On Saturday, March 7, the association will be hosting a movie night event in the association room at 3 p.m. The film will be “Hidden Figures,” starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe. Prior to the movie, we will hold a 45-minute open house to introduce cooperators to the association. Our movie night event is one of the innovative ways the association is making an attempt to do more for our members. We will be serving popcorn, candy and soda to give you a true movie experience. So I hope you will attend this fun event next month.

I look forward to seeing you at either one or all of the upcoming events next month.

—Leon Tulton

Broun Place Townhouse Association

We announced our Broun Place Townhouse Association first meeting of the year for the issue of Feb. 15 but since our press release was omitted it was not announced in the Co-op City Times in time. Our guest was new director of the janitorial department, Mr. Joshua Blake. Mr. Luis Salazar’s position had some of the components of this position. Your questions were invited and the first was, what does janitorial do for townhouse clusters?

That answer will be in next week’s article.

Kudos and high praise are in order for cooperator Ray Tirado’s son, Raymond Joseph Tirado, who, after two friends transitioned due to terminal cancer, found a way to help others who are suffering consequences of cancer treatment, specifically hair loss. He grew his own hair, found a Barber associated with, “Wigs for Kids” and grew it till it was viable for cutting and use for hair replacement. This was a generous and heartfelt mission. With a heart like this, the future must be promising.

Publisher, historian Carter G. Woodson spearheaded the effort to create Black History Month starting in 1926. He chose because this coincided with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Woodson built it first as “Negro History Week” around traditional days commemorating important black history events. But did you know 1976 was the year February was designated as Black History Month? There will be more interesting facts to come next week.

The monthly Building and Grounds committee

meeting was attended by Broun Place two weeks ago. If you do have concerns please let the executive committee know. We learned last week at this meeting about doing laundry in high rise buildings and getting a building key, townhouse cluster residents can get a building fob/key to the building closest to their cluster, enabling convenient access to do laundry. Check with CSO to follow through.

Thank you to the Coalition of African-American Churches and Community Organizations of Co-op City for dedicating its Saturday afternoon event to Sammy Davis Jr. on Feb. 8. They showed the complete show that had been aired on PBS. It is an amazing documentary on the life and times of phenomenal entertainer Sammy Davis Jr. Moderator Mrs. Joan Murrell stimulated thoughtful responses and conversation to her topical questions.

It was a well spent afternoon.

Good repair job on the hot water pipe break in Broun Place. Thanks to all concerned.

Regarding scam emails, check the email it was sent from. If it looks weird, it is likely a scam.

The “you have a problem with your Social Security account” call has also come to us. As written last week, Social Security will not contact you this way. Join do-not-call lists.

In closing, happy birthday to Lillian Richardson, treasurer of our association, and remember, keep dancing and we guarantee happy and feel-good days ahead.

—Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

Building 13 Association

Our next building meeting will be held Thursday, March 5, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. We have special guests attending so save the date. Check the lobby bulletin board for additional information.

Election of officers of the association will take place at the March meeting. Eligibility for office will be as follows: Shareholder must be current with association dues when nominated. Shareholder must have attended at least three meetings during the membership year. The election of officers shall be at the regular membership meeting in March. A plurality vote shall be required to elect. Eligibility and process for voting will be as follows: Must be a shareholder and a current paid member of the association, there will be one vote per household unit by the individual who was a shareholder and a member of the Building 13 Association during the current voting year, April 1 to March 31.

Pennsylvania Dutch-Amish trip Join us on May 30, as we visit the Amish Country, and experience an authentic Pennsylvanoia Dutch, family-style meal at the home of Henry and Linda Stoltzfus, tax and gratuities included. The trip will include visiting the woodworking shop and time at a farmers market. The cost of the trip is $95 payable in two installments.

The first payment of $50 was due by Feb 28. The second payment of $45 is due

by April 15. The bus will depart from 100 Casals Place at 8 a.m. and leave from Pennsylvania at 6 p.m. Check can be made payable to Building 13 Association.

For additional information contact Doris Sanchez at 646-372-7954 or the numbers listed below.

Reminder Window guard forms were due Feb. 15. If you have any questions, or need a new form, please contact the CSO Manager, Ms. English, at 718-320-3300.

2020 Census The census is done every 10 years as a complete count of the population of the United States. The census determines the number of seats New York has in Congress.

Your participation in the 2020 Census will ensure our community gets its fair share of federal dollars for services like education, senior centers and public transportation. Census begins April 1. You can reply by mail, by phone or submit your census form online. It is important to complete answer all questions. Be counted!

“Boys to Men:” Let’s talk We are requesting and need participation from men of all ages. Sunday, March 1;, time: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Where: Building 13 Association room, 100 Casals Place, rear of building. Hosted by: Devon Sanders and Malik Lynch. Come and discuss a better reason to be better men. Be heard, understood, and appreciated. Find your life’s purpose, your soul’s meaning.

Payments for events can be sent to: 100 Casals Place 32K, Bronx, N.Y. 10475.

Contacts: President Leslie Peterson at 718-320-1370, or email daddpeterson @aol.com or Gail Sharbaan, treasurer, at 718-671-3801.

Our website is bldg13assoc.com or e-mail us at bthirteen.assoc@yahoo.com.

Thanks for making our team work.

—Leslie Peterson

12

Co-op City Times / February 22, 2020

More

Director’s Viewpoint

Mary Pearson Secretary

As promised, this week I’m writing more about the last couple of weeks. First up: Ruth Hassell-Thompson on the State of the State, then more on the resolutions: the third Section 5 garage study and the million dollar loan/grant. And perhaps if there’s leftover space, a smattering of FYIs and ICYMIs (“for your information” and “in case you missed it”).

But for now, regarding pet peeves petty or otherwise… let’s just let those lie.

The State of the State The personable Ruth Hassell-Thompson seemed right at home among her former constituents, still willing to listen carefully to our “deep concerns.” She stressed laws are formed to “work for the common good” and if they don’t, they should be “amenable.”

And that’s what amendments do, she said. She spoke of millions and billions of dollars, she spoke of things huge and of things intimate.

Those little things most appealed to me; things like the fact that E Pluribus Unum (out of many, one) will appropriately enough soon be added to the state seal. She spoke of loosening the rules restricting adoption of foster children that not only saves the state money, but allows tighter bonds for the children and their adoptive parents.

She unintentionally opened the door on two occasions to difficult follow–up questions. One was her speaking of small business tax cuts in the budget and the other talking of increasing monies for transit.

Since she made it fair game, I asked how about a joint effort of the Governor and the Mayor on commercial rent control since the Mayor is taking a stab at it in his lame duck years. Declaring it a tough issue, she still semi promised to make the suggestion to the Governor.

The transit talk led me to ask, “Will the negotiations reached with Andy Byford be honored, now that he has resigned. Her answer: “I don’t know.” (Dontcha love it? A politician admitting they don’t have every answer.)

The MTA Bronx Bus Redesign 2/11/20 updated site

still has the Andy Byford Digital Town Hall video up, complete with all his promises. So there’s that. I’ll know more (hopefully) by Thursday, 2/20, and will tell all next time.

The Saga of Garage 9 I’m already taking some heat regarding my garagestudy proposition. Inadequate parking is the problem.

Fairness is the issue. YOYO (you’re on your own) has no place in a co-operative. I not only have empathy for the people waiting hours for a parking spot to open up, but their double parking for that purpose is a nuisance and a potential danger.

A garage at the proposed – most logical — placement will actually partially block my beautiful 22nd floor view. This is a co-operative. We are supposed to care about our neighbors, even if it doesn’t benefit us directly, indirectly, or at all.

Million Dollar Loan/Grant A shareholder asks about a bit of legalese in the terms of the “loan that’s really a grant.” It just means, in case we default, Wells Fargo wants its money first.

Pay WF its 600-plus million before paying anyone else.

I find that amusing. If Co-op City goes under, a measly million will NOT be HCR’s biggest headache!

FYI/ICYMI I do have a little room left for some FYIs and ICYMIs after all (“for your information”s and “in case you missed it”s).

Pay Lease/Zego and STAR Anyone use the Pay Lease system? I do. It works like a dream, especially if you sign up for the variable payment flexibility option they added a couple of years back. Fluctuations are subtracted or added flawlessly so whenever the STAR credit comes through or when the carrying charges go up, I no longer have to check to see if my billing amounts match. But I still do, anyway. And I’m happy to report – it’s a match. And one more thing: not only does PayLease/Zego save the resident that 55-cent stamp, it also saves the corporation check processing money.

Safety I’ll never be mistaken

for a member of the law and order crowd, but, as the Daily News reports, painting graffiti on station walls, pouring glue on turnstiles, setting off smoke bombs in the subways… this is just no good.

I’m not delighted that the governor’s new 500-strong, armed, fare enforcement officers have descended on the guilty and innocent alike, but that type of protest is not at all my idea of acceptable civil disobedience. And the day’s mischief cost the city a million dollars, I read.

True Crime I remember being interviewed for jury duty many years ago. The pool of prospective jurors was asked who’d ever been victim of a crime. When one person cited a stolen wallet, I almost laughed out loud. In her estimation, that made her a victim of a crime. In my estimation, that made them a person living on the planet, or at least, in a city.

I’d had two wallets and a valentine’s rose lifted, two apartments burgled twice each by that time, and was robbed at knifepoint by a couple of teens once late at night on my East Village stoop after a cab driving shift.

There’s crime, then there’s crime.

Co-op City Crime Shortly after moving to Co-op City in 1994, there was a very scary incident in the dark hours of a very early morning. A woman was exiting the elevator into the lobby. A man pushed her back into the elevator and took her down to the basement. A box cutter was involved and the woman’s neck was cut. Someone was up watching our closed service TV. He alerted CCPD. CCPD called an ambulance and NYPD. The woman was saved, the man, on bicycle, was caught. Where else could that scenario have had a positive outcome?

Makela Simpson Thank you, Makela Simpson, for your words (2/15/20 edition CCTimes pg. 10.)

I can be reached by voice or text at 718-219-2211 or by email at mpearson@riverbayboard.com.

13

Co-op City Times / February 22, 2020

Spanish American Community Club

Please join us on the second Thursday of every month at 8 p.m. Our next general membership meeting is scheduled for March 12 in room 16 of the Dreiser Community Center. Everyone is welcome!

The visitation committee and the club would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Pinnacle Multi-Care Nursing & Rehabilitation Center for its exceptional work. They ensure the residents are well cared for and provide meaningful social interactions. Our committee’s visits are always assisted by their wonderful volunteers. The residents are very appreciative.

Upcoming events February’s Social Saturday will take place on the 29 at 7 p.m.

Nomination of club officers and elections are coming in March. Nominations will take place on March 12. Election Night will take place on March 26. The membership committee will be raffling off two separate tickets to the installation dinner dance. Raffle tickets will be distributed on nominations night. The raffle will take place on election night. Raffle holders must be present in order to win.

Members: Please plan to attend both meetings. Your presence is crucial.

The social committee will be hosting Vegas Night on Saturday, March 21, in our club room. Admission will be $2 at the door. Please join us for this fundraising event.

The installation of officers dinner and dance is scheduled for Friday, April 24, at Maestro’s. Tickets for members are $60; non-members are $80. Please see the flyer on our website for all the details and ticket information.

Applications for the Tony Mondesire Scholarship for the next school year are now available.

The forms will be available in room 16 of Dreiser Loop Center at any of our monthly meetings, either the second Thursday of every month or at the board of directors meetings on the first Tuesday of each month. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, residents of the Bronx and from member households. Students must carry a minimum of 12 credits per semester at an accredited institution for at least one year. Applications must be returned by May 14, either by mail, or to a member of the scholarship board of trustees.

The club will once again host the El Batey picnic Sunday, July 12. If planning to attend, please request the $5 parking permit by May 14. No requests will be accepted after that date. Without a permit, parking will be $10 on July 12. Permits will be distributed on June 11.

Membership renewals for this year were due by Jan. 31. A penalty fee of $48 for the year, $4 a month, will be now be assessed for all renewals.

Additional information for all of our upcoming club events, as well as details concerning the club in general, can be found on our website: spanamcccc.synthasite.com. You may also email the club at SpanAmCCCC@ gmail.com or find us on Facebook, search for “spanamcccc.”

—Carmen Rodriguez

Emergency food pantry 920 Baychester Ave., Building 1A. The pantry faces the yellow schoolhouse and basketball court at the back of the building. We open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Please bring an up-to-date photo ID with your 10475 address when registering. The only accepted IDs are the ID NYC card or a non- or driver’s license. Bring three or four durable, clean and doubled shopping bags and a shopping cart. Guests are issued a card that must be shown at every visit in order to pick up anything, even non-food items. Canned food pick-up occurs on a 30-to-31-day rotation once a month. The pantry accepts new guests.

Defensive driving Next class: Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dreiser Community Center, room 4; cost: $35/person. Please arrive 15 to 20 minutes early. Lower your liability insurance cost by 10% and remove up to four points from your driver’s license.

Checks and money orders can be made payable to Black Forum of Co-op City and mailed to 920 Baychester Ave., Bronx, N.Y. 10475 at least one and a half weeks before class. Please include your name and phone number. Walk-ins are welcomed but only a $35 cash payment will be accepted the day of the class, no checks. Please bring your current driver’s license and a pen. Call any time before 1 p.m. the day before class to register for seating priority. Kindly leave a brief message with your name and telephone number at 718-320-8035. The class location is subject to change, so please check back for updates and arrive early. Students arriving after 9 a.m. may be denied entry into the class.

Future class dates: Saturdays, April 11, May 9 and June 20. Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Location: Dreiser, room 4.

Sight & Sound ‘Queen Esther’ Join us for Sight & Sound Theatre’s live epic biblical stage event of “Queen Esther” on Tuesday, April 21. Dining is at Shady Maple Smorgasbord, ranked No. 1 on TripAdvisor’s Quick Bites in East Earl, Pennsylvania list. Menu includes an all-you-can-eat full buffet including mouth-watering fried chicken, carved beef, baked fish, grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, homemade bread, salad bar, hot desserts and more! Shady Maple also has a gift shop and a 130,000-square-foot farm market with an on-site smokehouse and locally grown produce. Meal, show and transportation: $170. No refunds. Newcomers must pay full balance by March 20 in cash only. Please call 917-209-5334 or 718-320-0033.

The proceeds go to purchasing food and supplies for the Black Forum Emergency Food Pantry, which has fed members of the Co-op City community for more than 30 years.

Contact us We look forward to hearing from you at coopcityblackforum@gmail.com.

—D. Illis

Working Families of Co-op City

A Matter of Survival Don’t give up hope! The NYS Senate and Assembly can still stand up for democracy in this session, which just started in January, and overturn the decisions reached by the Public Campaign Financing Commission. Those decisions, which, by design, cannot be partially amended, will do great harm to the Working Families Party if not legislatively reversed.

Several state legislators have made their displeasure known — mostly by tweet — both before and after the decision. A Gotham Gazette article entitled “State Lawmakers Criticize Campaign Finance Commission Results While Legislative Leaders Stay Mum” — written at the time those decisions came down — quotes several of the individuals who have stood up and spoken up for the WFP so far.

“Look, the WFP [is] great for democracy and necessary for poor and working-class New Yorkers, and if Heastie/Cuomo’s public financing commission kills them, shame,” Zephyr Teachout tweeted before the final decision was declared. Then post-decision she tweeted, “If New York Assemblymembers don’t speak up about and act to stop this public financing commission, they will be primaried.”

State Sen. Jessica Ramos of Queens tweeted, “The Public Finance Commission’s vote is a disservice to our democracy … We need to engage more voters, not limit them!”

Her tweet got a “Yup” from Assemblymember YuhLine Niou of Manhattan.

Other voices: “This isn’t a public matching program this is a farce.”

Assemblyman Bobby Carroll of Brooklyn “The Legislature must reject the commission scheme!”— Manhattan Assemblyman Richard Gottfried “We need a special session to address this.” — Brook-

Black Forum of Co-op City

lyn Assemblywoman Jo Ann Simon [It’s] a measure to kill minor parties.” — Manhattan Assemblyman Harvey Epstein “Third parties are an essential part of the electoral system in New York, shining light on important issues that otherwise may not get the attention they deserve. We should be making it easier for third parties to make it on the ballot, not harder.” — Brooklyn Assemblyman Walter Mosley “[It’s] trying to get rid of the WFP.” — Bronx state Sen. Gustavo Rivera. “[This] political agenda [will] increase barriers for third parties.” — Bronx state Sen. Alessandra Biaggi.

“This is shamefully undemocratic. We need to act swiftly in the legislature to reject it.” — State Sen. Julia Salazar of Brooklyn And though Congressman Eliot Engel has no legislative say in the matter, he too gives his support: “This new, misguided Public Financing Commission plan fails to protect grassroots groups like N.Y. WFP. We need them.”

These misbegotten, suspect results cannot be allowed to stand. They must be legislated away!

Non-partisan political forums Elections are coming up fast. First up: the April NYS presidential primaries. Let’s put on a Candidates’ Forum!

Next meeting Co-op City Working Families meets next on Tuesday, March 18, in Einstein, room 35, at 7 p.m. Join with like-minded progressives to promote tolerance and end second-class citizenship. That’s what this group stands for. Stand with this group.

Email mpjazz@optonline.net and/or text 718219-2211.

—Mary Pearson

Cooperators United

Our next meeting is Tuesday, Feb. 25, 7 p.m., Bartow, room 31.

By now, you have received a copy of our bylaws. Our by-laws have not been updated since 2005. Please review and make changes or add updated language according to Roberts Rules of Order. At our Tuesday, Feb. 25 meeting, we will be discussing changes to our by-laws and upcoming election of officers.

We can be reached at MLSAH@aol.com, or 718-379-7841.

—Sonja Maxwell

We are shareholders, not tenants!

Become involved in your building association!

14

Co-op City Times / February 22, 2020

15

Co-op City Times / February 22, 2020

2089 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475

347-447-4455 OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: • Tax Preparation (Individual, Business) • Tax Planning (Know your current and future tax liability) • Tax Resolution (Do you owe Federal or State more than $10,000? Call Us!) • Audit Representation by a former Federal Auditor for over 25 years • We’re more than Tax Preparers - We’re Tax Advisors • Maximum Tax Refunds Guaranteed!

• Serving Co-op City for Over 45 Years

NOTARY PUBLIC

PREPARER QUALIFICATIONS: • BS in Accounting • 50 hours of classroom training conducted by various professional organizations • Over 45 years of experience in preparing taxes • Enrolled Agent (EA) designated by the IRS under the Department of the Treasury, Circular 230.

16

Co-op City Times / February 22, 2020

All Cooperators Can Get The STAR Treatment Director’s Viewpoint

Daryl Johnson Previously, I wrote that over 8,000 shareholders didn’t receive an annual credit of around $98 or $215 on their February 1, 2020 monthly statement because they weren’t enrolled in the STAR program. Therefore, we passed a resolution on February 12, 2020 that will inform our shareholders to apply to this program.

Please Apply Thousands of our cooperators could have received money on an annual basis from the NYS School Tax Relief (STAR) program. However, it’s possible that they just didn’t know about this program. Therefore, it’s possible that they left over a million dollars of their money on the table every single year.

Therefore, I wrote a resolution, 20-07, to deal with this problem. Then, on February 12, 2020, our board approved this resolution without any problems. So, “on an annual basis, the Finance Department will develop a notice to explain the STAR program. Thereafter, the Finance Department will send this notice to every shareholder that is not receiving a rebate from the STAR program. Additionally, the Finance Department will place a copy of this notice in the Co-op City Times at the beginning of each year to encourage shareholders to apply for the STAR program.”

I want to encourage everyone to please go online and type in: NYS STAR program. Then, please follow the instructions to apply to this program. No computer?

Please call the STAR program at 518-457-2036, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Now, let’s review two common problems with the STAR program. Example #1: In some cases, some shareholders didn’t have their address listed in the NYS system. Then, unfortunately, some of the NYS operators didn’t know how to deal with this problem. So, I want you to please ask the operator to work with their supervisor to have your address placed into their system.

Example #2: A previous shareholder’s name is still listed as the current shareholder of your apartment. Big problem? No. Therefore, please be patient and work with the operators and their supervisors to get your name registered into their system.

Bottom line: The majority of the STAR applications get processed without a problem.

However, you now know the two basic problems that might surface when you submit your application. Therefore, should you let these problems cause you to get upset and lose out on receiving an annual credit of around $98 or $215? No! Again, please work with the operators and their supervisors in a patient manner to resolve any type of problem that might occur. Thank you.

Other Resolutions As mentioned in last week’s edition of the Co-op City Times, a local politician held a press conference on Thursday, February 6, 2020. Then, he allegedly called for that 200-foot pole to stay in place so that it can be converted into some type of foolish art show.

So, the board took a vote against that pole during our meeting on February 12, 2020. Thereafter, our position on this matter was supposed to have been published on page 1 in this same newspaper. But, um, something apparently happened.

Anyway, let’s move on. Resolution #20-08 was written for Riverbay to receive a 30-year, $1 million HPD loan to stay in the Mitchell-Lama program. Now, to be clear, I want this community to stay affordable. But, that’s just my perspective. However, some people have been priced out of all the other boroughs. So, what do you think is going to happen after that new railroad is placed throughout the Bronx?

Why do you think that statements are being made that it’s only going to take 30 minutes to go from midtown or from Connecticut to the Bronx? Some apartments in the South Bronx are renting for over $2,000 a month. So, what do you think could happen to Co-op City and the rest of our borough after they run that new railroad throughout the Bronx? Do you think that some large investors can convince some politicians to make some legislative changes so that our apartments can sell

without incurring a lot of taxes and other problems?

Some 1-bedroom co-ops in Manhattan cost more than $1 million. Question: What would you do if someone were to offer around $500,000 for your apartment?

Would you consider taking the money and moving out?

But, wait. You have to remember that you cannot sell your apartment for a profit. Problem? If your answer is yes to these questions, then please recall that the resolution states that we have to stay in the Mitchell-Lama program for 30 years.

Do you think that we should have taken that so-called loan from HPD or do you think that we should have brought this matter before the community? Furthermore, is it possible that some of our shareholders regret that our board passed this resolution? I think so. Therefore, I voted no because I believe that this resolution should have been brought before our community.

Resolution #20-06A, management is going to return to the board with some information on installing an elevator in Bartow.

Resolution #20-06B is for management to review the possibility of building a new garage in section 5.

Resolution #20-05 was passed to provide an additional $400,000 to five contractors. Really? We restore about 35-40 apartments a month. So, I had to vote no because it takes approximately 20 days, with 4-5 outside workers, to restore an apartment here. And, although we provide all of the materials, it still costs too much money for this restoration work. Example: 1-bedroom, $15,000 – $15,500; 2-bedrooms, $18,000 - $19,000; and 3-bedrooms, $21,000 - $22,000.

Close I believe that we’re spending way too much money to restore our apartments.

Thank you.

Questions or comments? Please send a letter to Daryl H. Johnson, Riverbay Board Director, c/o Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475/ Also, please call me ONLY at 718-671-4544 if you would like to have a brief discussion with me. Okay, that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful week.

And, may God bless you and your family. Thank you.

National Council of Negro Women

Black History Month Save the date, Saturday, Feb. 29, when we will have our 19th annual Black History Month celebration in partnership with the Riverbay Fund. This theme of this free event is “We Count: Our Lives, Our History, Our Voice, Our Vote.” We are calling all talent; event will take place in Bartow Center, room 31, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Youth groups and young adults interested in volunteering to showcase their talent in song, dance, stepping, playing an instrument, poetry, spoken word, drama skit, etc. please call the NCNW Youth Committee at 917-826-5644 or email ncnwcoopcitysocial@gmail.com.

Book club In mid-March, we will have our first book club meeting so start reading now. Our first book for 2020 will be “The Color of Water; a Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother,”

by James McBride. The book is available in paperback and a delightful read; truly a paean to mothers everywhere.

Women Represent!

Mark your calendars! Saturday, April 18.

“She Shaped Me: A Man Reflects on Woman’s Way” is our women’s program theme this year. We invite male participants to reflect on how a woman has molded them into the men they are today. We would also like poets — men, women, boys and girls of all ages — for our poetry segment in recognition of National Poetry Month. So, if you are a poet, or if you like to read poetry by other poets, we would love to have you participate. This is a community event, and

everyone is invited to attend. The program will be in the Dreiser Community Center, room 4, on Saturday, April 18, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

Please contact Camille Worrell, co-chairman for our event, if you would like to participate or for more information, at worrellswords@aol.com.

Brotherhood Winery Join us on Saturday, June 20, for a delightful day featuring a guided tour and wine tasting at Brotherhood Winery; all-you-can-eat buffet lunch at the Golden Corral; threehour stay at Resorts World Casino. All this for only $95. No refunds. Bus leaves from 177 Dreiser Loop at 8 a.m. sharp. Make checks payable to NCNW, Co-op City Section, and mail to PO Box 93, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. For more information, contact: 917574-6286, 718-379-3788 or 646-270-1985.

Grandparents’ Day cruise Calling all grandmas, glam-mas, grandpas, family and friends for a spectacular day dining, dancing and laughing as we celebrate Grandparents’ Day on Saturday, Sept.

12, as Spirit Cruises takes us around New York Harbor from noon to 2 p.m. For only $80, this is your day to enjoy yourself. Make checks payable to NCNW Co-op City Section and mail to P.O. Box 93, Bronx, NY 10475. For more information, contact: 917670-4012, 718-379-3788 or 917-574-6286.

Tickets are non-refundable and will be given out at Pier 62 at boarding time, 11:30 a.m.

Payment deadline is Aug. 1, 2020.

—Joyce Howard

17

Co-op City Times / February 22, 2020

Building 25 Association

Our winter has been mild here in New York, others have not been so lucky, let’s pray for people of Alabama and Tennessee, where the residents are in peril and being displaced due to heavy rain and flooding.

We wish all neighbors born in February a happy birthday. And for those who have been under the weather, we hope you get better soon.

Our building association meets every third Tuesday of the month, generally from September through June. Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, at 7:30 p.m., please keep an eye out for postings outside your elevators. If you cannot make it to meetings due to scheduling or other obstacles, please log onto our building email address at building25ca@gmail.com and address your concerns or comments to any or all members of Building 25 Association.

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

I will close with the following: “Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one.” –Brad Paisley —Wanda Bailey

Building 27 Association

We had a pretty good winter thus far. Spring is in the air.

Game Night Friday, Feb. 28, 7 p.m. Light refreshments, come on down, Pokeno, dominoes, etc., and bring your own game if you wish. Fliers will be posted.

Black History Month Monday, Feb. 17, is Presidents’ Day; Washington’s birthday. We would take this time to remember history’s first African-American U.S. President, Barack Obama, an American attorney and senator, who served as the 44th President of the United States from 2009 to 2017.

This time in history has come and gone, and we still stand in awe, of having this take place in our lifetime, we never fathomed such an occasion. There were elder men, first-time voters, some could barely see and had to use a magnifying device, and there were high school first-time voters, lined up outside around the corner practically all day. We all witness history that we did not expect to see in our life time. Thank you, President Barack Obama, you served well and made us all proud.

We, as African Americans and as a nation, can be grateful that we were a part of this exceptional period in history.

Unacceptable There are fliers from CSO posted in Building 27A, B and C informing cooperators of trash, garbage, bottles, etc. being thrown out of the windows. Cooperators, this is unacceptable; you will be found out. Remember there are cameras everywhere. Also, you will be issued a Community Complaint and also possibly fined.

Taxes Please, my neighbors, it is tax filing season. Do not engage in any phone conversations if you receive a phone call regarding taxes. Just hang up the phone.

Internal Revenue will not call you. To be sure of compliance, just go directly to the IRS office located at Water Place in the Bronx.

Our sincere condolences and prayers to the family of Ms. Virgina Boller, a centenarian of the age 102.

Happy birthday to all celebrating this month. The best of health to all. Contact Lydia Rondon at 718-583-3040 to share news of any illness, the death of a neighbor, or if one is in a nursing home.

Pray for peace within our nation.

Be kind, be thoughtful, be genuine, but most of all, be thankful.

—H. Overman

Building 10 Association

Welcome all new cooperators. We look forward to seeing you at the next general membership meeting.

Mindful eating Today, Saturday, Feb. 22, from noon till 4 p.m. at Raymour & Flanigan, located at 2264 Bartow Ave., our very own Lenise Streeter, in conjunction with BCA Global, will present a free Black History Month event called “Mindful Eating for the Beloved Community.” There will be food, beverages, giveaways and face painting along with Spoken Word and mindful movement. Come on out and bring the entire family.

General membership meeting Our next meeting will be held Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:45 p.m., in the Building 10 Association room, rear lobby of Building 10B. Our guest speaker will be Jamaal Bowman, who is running for Congress in New York’s 16th District. We are looking forward to seeing everyone. Light refreshments will be served.

Karaoke Night/Game Night Karaoke night/Game night will be held Friday, Feb. 28, in the Building 10 association room from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. A night of music, games and fun. Warm up your vocal cords, bring your favorite game and be prepared to have a great time. All are welcome. Light refreshments will be served.

Facebook The Building 10 Association is on Facebook! The page is “Building 10 ABC Association.” Like our page and get notified of all the happenings in and around Building 10.

Email address The Building 10 Association’s email address is Building10Assoc@gmail.com.

Please use the email to contact the building association with your concerns and suggestions.

We would like to wish all February babies, a very happy birthday.

To the homebound and sick, we wish you a speedy recovery.

To all who have lost a loved one recently, we give our deepest condolences.

Have a great week.

—Jewel Crawford-Duncan

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

“COURTEOUS AND PROMPT SERVICE AT AN AFFORDABLE FEE”

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

DAVID BRODMAN,Esq.

718.239.7110 LAW OFFICE OF

VISION CARE SPECIALIST

DR. DAVID HORN, O.D. FAAO • FELLOW, AMERICAN ACADEMY OF OPTOMETRY

• COMPLETE VISION CARE - EYE EXAMINATION

• OCULAR DISEASE TREATMENT

• EYEGLASSES

• GLAUCOMA TREATMENT

• CONTACT LENSES

High Fashion Frames on Premises. “Your Vision Health Is My Concern.”

Much of Learning Is Done Through The Eyes. Insist on a Professional Eye Examination.

12 0 A L C O T T P L AC E

( B l d g . 17 • S e c t . 3 ) • C o - o p C i t y

7 18 - 3 7 9 - 8 0 2 9

Medicare and many insurances accepted.

DOCTOR’S HOURS: MONDAY: 1:30 - 7:00 PM • WEDNESDAY: 2:00 - 7:00 PM FRIDAY: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM • SATURDAY: 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT!

• FREE CONSULTATION • FLEXIBLE PAYMENT PLANS

ALL TYPES OF ACCIDENTS

Christopher W. Edwards, P.C. • Auto Accidents • Slip & Fall • School and Playground • Death Cases • Fire & Explosions • Nursing Home Injuries • Scaffold Accidents

• Stairs & Elevator • Spinal & Brain Injuries • Construction Accidents • Birth Injuries • Medical Malpractice • Dog Bites • False Arrest

FREE CONSULTATION AT HOME OR HOSPITAL NO RECOVERY - NO FEE!!!!

3049 Eastchester Road, Bronx, NY 10469

(718) 671-4910

18

Co-op City Times / February 22, 2020

Building 12 Association

Greetings.

Our next meeting is Monday, Feb. 24, 7 p.m., activity room. On our agenda will be building issues, security, planning activities and any other items you would like to add to the agenda.

We would like to thank our floor captains who volunteer to collect our yearly dues. A welcome to our new neighbors. Join us at our Monday, Feb. 24 meeting.

A shout-out to all who are celebrating a special day this month. Get well wishes to our sick and shut-in and heartfelt sympathy to all who suffered a lost.

We can be reached at MLSAH@aol.com, 718-3797841.

—Sonja Maxwell

Building 30 A and B Association

We would like to thank Joshua Blake, director of Janitorial Services, for his informative meeting. He was asked about air freshener for lobby and compact room. He was also asked about the cleanliness of the building.

Those who are celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and new additions, congratulations. Those who recently suffered a loss, our condolences. Those under the weather, get well soon.

—Linda Werner

Building 9 Association

Greetings, Building 9 family.

Mr. George is doing well. He sends his best regards.

I hope you enjoyed our Valentine’s Day lobby decorating. We enjoyed decorating and chatting with you as you came and went.

Our lobby bulletin boards have been set up with a Black History Month theme.

Our 5th annual Black History Month celebration is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 29, at 7 p.m. Sister Patricia Leonard will facilitate our event. The theme of Sister Pat’s presentation will be New York City Ancestral Burial Grounds. The presentation will include a film and follow up discussion. Please join us.

Our next monthly building association meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 27, at 7 p.m. Our scheduled guest speaker will be Chief Joseph Riley of our Public Safety Department. Please join us with your questions and/or concerns.

March is Women’s History Month. We are in the process of planning our 5th annual Women’s History Month celebration.

I am in the process of obtaining information on the current and future status of the property at 801 Co-op City Blvd.

Every day is a new opportunity to be your best self.

—Linda Collins

Section 4 Partnership

The next gathering of the Section 4 Partnership is Friday, March 13 All are welcome. Join us in the gathering room at 120 Bellamy Loop, Building 21B, at 7 p.m. sharp please.

You are already an important member of this team. You are a shareholder. You don’t have to live in Section 4. Help us continue this positive effort and reap the benefits of a united community. The Section 4 Partnership is making an important impact on the community of Co-op City each time we show up for events like Pioneer Day, the MTA rallies, July 3 fireworks, Hoops and Beats, the ice cream social, the grand opening of the Section 4 basketball courts and other notable events, meetings and gatherings.

Section 4 Partnership mission statement The Section 4 Partnership’s purpose is to promote a community of more than just neighbors, but as one family of many cultures, that proactively embraces greatness, and promotes neighborhood interaction. The goal of the organization is to offer solutions that will educate, elevate, inspire, and mobilize our community in unity, to sustain affordability and growth in order to remain environmentally sound and vibrant for generations to come.

About the Section 4 Partnership The Section 4 Partnership is comprised of every building in Co-op City referred to as Co-op City’s Section 4 — i.e., Building 20, Asch Loop; Building 21, Bellamy Loop; Building 22, Co-op City Boulevard; buildings 23, 24 and 25, Benchley Place; the Adler Place Townhouses, the Asch Loop Townhouses and the Broun Place Townhouses.

Come and get involved. Let’s show up! Let’s get it done!

Email: section4partnership@gmail.com. Phone: 347-915-4939.

—Michelle Marbury

Goose Island Seniors

We had a blast at the Valentine’s Day get-together Saturday, Feb. 15. Thank you to those who brought food or drink, it was so delicious and we had plenty.

Thank you to those who helped set-up, serve, clean up and put the room back together. The karaoke entertainment was great. Alfonso Gonzalez, Angel Rondon, Donald Chambers and Stephen Roberts Sr. gave us a great show. We have it all at the Seniors Citizens Social Social Club of Goose Island, Inc. Sight & Sound “Queen Esther” Thursday, April 23, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Price, $145, includes free buffet at Golden Corral, then the play “Queen Esther.” Seats: Center stage balcony 1 to 4 steps down. Buses leaving from our 3 usual bus stops: Einstein at 8 a.m., Asch Loop at 8:10 a.m. and Dreiser at 8:20 a.m. A few seats available. All money is due by Wednesday, April 8. Make checks payable to Goose Island Seniors, visit us or mail to: 135 Einstein Loop, room 39, Bronx N.Y. 10475. First to pay in full will be first to select theatre balcony seats. All are welcome to come on Goose Island Seniors trips, they are not for members only.

Cruise to Bahamas July 27 returns Aug. 5, on Carnival Cruise Line’s Sunrise ship. Leaves New York and stops at Dominican Republic; Turks & Caicos; Nassau, Bahamas and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas. Prices: inside cabin, $1095.64 per person; ocean view, $1255.64 per person; balcony, $1555.64 per person. Prices may vary.

Reservation: $400. Final payment due April 15. For more information, please call 718-379-9613.

Bingo Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Time: 1:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Members only, in our club room 39. Admission, $5 for three cards, 12 games and jackpot. 25¢ each extra card, three extra cards maximum.

Karaoke Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. with Stephen in room 45. All are welcome.

Come and listen or come and sing. Free concert.

To all members Happy birthday to our members who celebrate their birthday in the month of February: Molly Koníkoff, Ida (Mitzi) Cleare, Maria Mendez, Aida E. Grant, George Vazquez, Joyce Chaney, Lucila Correa and Aida Gonzalez.

Sick and shut-in Mary Pilla, Somers, N.Y., 917-743-5362. Call Stephen at Goose Island Seniors, 718-379-9613. If there is no answer, please leave a message.

Feel free to visit us at the Section 5 Community Center, 135 Einstein Loop, room 39, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. Office hours: Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to noon. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, noon to 8 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Stephen cell: 347-847-1941.

Good health to all.

—Stephen Roberts Sr.

Co-op City Times / February 22, 2020

19

20

Co-op City Times / February 22, 2020

AARP Chapter #4997

Our next membership meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 9, 1 p.m. in Dreiser, room 1. Please come and get involved in the many local and national areas of interest by AARP. Wellness thoughts to Frances Wilson and Barbara Wiliams.

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

2020 tour plans March 23 to 25, 2020: Del Lago Resort & Casino in Finger Lakes; 3 days, 2 nights; two hot breakfasts, two dinners; visit Ventosa Vineyards, a local winery; admission to the Corning Museum of Glass; visit the Muranda Cheese Co.; $60 free play; $100 deposit due A.S.A.P; $399/person, double occupancy; add $165 for single. Final payment due now; contact Judith, -18 379-3370, or Hannah, 718-379-7962.

April 8: “Queen Esther” at the Sight &Sound Theater with lunch at Good & Plenty; shopping at Tangers Outlet; includes motor coach transportation; $170/person; $50 non-refundable deposit due at sign-up; contact Hannah, 718-379-7962, or Judith, 718-379-3370.

July 16 to 19: Ocean City, Maryland; 4 days-3 nights; guided tour of Assateague Island; evening entertainment at the Red Rooster restaurant; sightseeing boat ride; shopping at Tanger Outlet; gambling at Ocean Downs Casino. $789/person, double; $1,064/single; $50 non-refundable deposit due when signing up; contact Judith, 718-379-3370, or Hannah, 718-379-7962.

Dec. 29 to Jan. 2, 2021; New Year’s Parade Extravaganza (California); 5 days/4 nights;$2,659/per person, double occupancy; $500 non-refundable deposit due when signing up; contact Judith, 718-379-3370, or Hannah, 718-379-7962.

When signing up for the above trips, please give your name, phone number and a deposit. Checks/ money orders made payable to AARP Chapter 4997 with the name of the trip in the memo section of your check/money order. Room 0, Dreiser Community Center, is open Monday or Thursday, noon to 3 p.m. for checks to be dropped off in an envelope w/group/trip leader name. They may be mailed to the group/trip leader.

—Delores Debnam

Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City

Purim party The Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City will be having a Purim party March 8 from noon to 3 p.m.

The luncheon will be Italian: eggplant parmigiana, lasagna, baked ziti, salmon croquettes, followed by Hamentashen for dessert. The cost is $20 per person.

For reservations, call Marilyn, 347-449-5005.

General information The Traditional Synagogue is located in Section 5, 120 Erdman Place in the rear lobby of 27B on the ground floor. It is handicap accessible, no steps. Phone: 718-379-6920. Office hours are Thursday and Sunday, from noon to 2 p.m. Please call the office before you attempt to come over. If no one is in the office, please leave a message.

The synagogue has services on Saturday morning starting at 9 a.m. After services, we always have a Kiddush.

The synagogue has a Facebook page: Traditional Synagogue.

The synagogue needs donations. Whatever amount you can donate, big or small, would help the synagogue’s finances.

The synagogue needs men,to help make a minyan.

There are a lot of Jewish men who live in Co-op City who don’t come to services. Please come by 9 a.m.,

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

Meeting notice Our general membership meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 4, 1:30 p.m. in Dreiser Center, room 19. All members, and wish-to-be members, are welcomed. Come and bring a friend, neighbor and family member. We offer a list of social activities, playing card/board games in room 19, going to the theater, travel events and general information relative to your health, family affairs and relaxation.

Good & welfare To our members and friends still under the weather, know you are thought of warmly and wished brighter days. Call Josephine Flowers, 718-320-0539, regarding illnesses and bereavements.

Travel events Price includes coach bus located on Dreiser Loop, front of H&R Block May 12, Tuesday, “I Left My Dignity in My Other

Family Owned and Operated

• Large Chapel on premises

• Pre-need counseling

• Ample Parking on premises

• Out of town services

• Casket Showroom on premises

• Cremations

A dignified funeral every family can afford.

All areas are handicapped accessible

Personalized & Professional Care • 52 Years Serving Our Community Worldwide Shipping including Caribbean, Africa & South America

718-231-7647 Call 24 Hours

so we can take out the Torah.

The Traditional Synagogue is the only synagogue in Co-op City.

Sabbath ends on Saturday, Feb. 22, at 6:30 p.m.

Candle lighting for Friday, Feb. 28, at 5:25 p.m.

Good and Welfare We sell tree certificates in honor or memory of a loved one. The cost is only $15 per tree.

Mazel tov to all having Simchas.

If you’re ill, wishing you good health.

If you asked the rabbi to say prayers for a sick person you should make your donation to the synagogue.

To all members Happy birthday to all members who will celebrate their birthday in February, including Debbie Schwartz.

For those members celebrating their birthday/anniversary in February, please send me your names and I will add them to the list.

Fun and games After services and kiddush, some men and women play Rummikub.

Your support for the Traditional Synagogue is greatly appreciated.

Wishing all our members and friends peace and good health.

—Bruce Gitelson

Fax: 718-231-7665 www.mccalls.net • director@mccalls.net 4035 Bronxwood Avenue, Bronx, N.Y.

NOW WEBCASTING TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS ABROAD

Serving all cultures & faiths

Purse,” Hunterdon Hills Playhouse. Showtime: 11:30 a.m. Price: $85. Deposit ASAP to hold seat: $40. Balance due $45, no later than April 6. Contacts: Serita Grayson, 347-564-5722, or Barbara Williams, 718320-0500.

July 1 to July 3, Wednesday to Friday, Dover Downs Casino; price: $380/double; $470/single; $100 deposit due A.S.A.P; double: $140 due April 6; $140 due May 4; single: $185 due April 6; $185 due May 4. Contact: Serita Grayson, 347-564-5722; or Barbara Williams, 718-320-0500.

Theatre committee Price includes van transport, from Dreiser Loop, front of Rehab Center April 4, Saturday, “Stephanie Mills and Howard Hewitt” at Lehman Center. Showtime: 8 p.m. Price: $100; Contact Eleanor Barlow, 718-324-7847.

Sept. 10, Thursday, “9 to 5,” Westchester Broadway Theater. Showtime: 11 a.m. Price: $85. Deposit: $40 due to hold your seat. Contact: Marie Green-Ryan, 718-671-4949.

We accept checks/money orders payable to Retirees of Dreiser Loop, along with your name and telephone number. Committee members will be available in the RDL room 19 in Dreiser, 718-379-0377, on Mondays and Thursdays, 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Keep in mind, our Jazz up Your Health Senior Spa Day is in the works, date to be determined. If interested in joining us, call Hattie L., 718-671-8449.

Drivers wanted The Retirees need experienced part-time, freelance drivers with a CDL license with passenger endorsement and at least three years experience with a clean driving record. A stipend can be expected for each trip. This position requires transporting members and friends to and from special events within the Bronx as well as to outer boroughs. Please call Dorothy Byrd, 646-842-2458, and leave your name, telephone number and a brief message.

—Delores Debnam

Be a RESPONSIBLE dog owner.

Curb Your Dog...

IT’S THE LAW!

21

Co-op City Times / February 22, 2020

Greater Love Refuge Ministries

Community Protestant Church

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.” – James 1:5-6 Spiritual food for thought Do what it takes to obtain and maintain spiritual focus. The cares of the world will inevitably take you down. But if you keep God as the center of your attention, He will bring clarity and solutions to every problem. Seek God for wisdom and direction. He will show you the ways you can succeed.

Senior Pastor and Presiding Elder Boyce Landrum, co-Pastor Carol Landrum and the Greater Love family invite you, friends and family to worship with us on Sunday mornings at 11:30 a.m. Children and adult Sunday school/Bible study is from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., after which a light continental breakfast is available to all. Children’s church is held on the first, third and fifth Sunday.

Greater Love Refuge Ministries is a multi-generational, teaching, preaching faith and Bible way church with an old-school flavor and a new-school feel. Come in and experience the abundant love poured out to our family, friends and guests.

We are conveniently located at 900 Co-op City Blvd., Building 2A on the ground level, Bronx, N.Y. 10475, main entrance.

We cordially invite you to attend our 2nd Annual Business Conference and Luncheon on Saturday, Feb. 29, from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in room 45 of the Einstein Loop Community Center. This year’s theme is “Build for the glory of Jesus Christ.” Come out and hear from our ministry and board leaders about the highlights of 2019 and their outlook for kingdom building in 2020.

God is doing a mighty work in the church and we want to celebrate where he has brought us from. The cost is $35 per adult and $15 for children under 12. RSVP by calling the church at 347-920-5607 – leave a message and we will return your call.

The conclusion of our annual conference will be at Greater Love on Sunday, March 1, beginning at 11:30 a.m. followed by Holy Communion. Church doors open at 11am. We will resume regular morning worship on Sunday, March 8 with Sunday Bible school beginning at 10 a.m., continental breakfast at 11 a.m. and morning worship at 11:30 a.m.

Greater Love’s Christian prayer line is held each Wednesday afternoon from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. and on Thursday evenings from 9 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The dial-in number is: 1-712-775-7031, access code is 578165132#. Join us and share your prayer requests.

Two Fish & Five Loaves Food Pantry Donations and contributions are welcome for our food pantry. We are in need of nonperishables, household supplies and toiletries including: toothpaste, shampoo, soap, lotion, adult diapers, deodorant, etc. Please call the church if you have any questions or want to arrange a special drop off/pick up time. The pantry will reopen again in March.

—Pastor Carol Landrum

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, N.Y. 10469; telephone, 718-862-9172.

Regular church schedule Sunday school, 9 a.m.

Worship service, 11 a.m.

Communion service every first and third Sundays Noon day prayer – Hour of Power – Wednesday at noon Prayer meeting and Bible study, Wednesday at 7 p.m.

The following program is at the Church’s Annex: 2053 Asch Loop North: Neighborhood Bible study, Thursday at 10 a.m.

Sunday school is now in session every week at 9 a.m.

Sunday school is really a part of our history, and because someone cared and was concerned enough, many of us benefitted and know its value. In Sunday school, in a nurturing Christian education environment, an opportunity is provided for children to learn about the Bible, to grow in grace, to show love and respect for one another and to live more abundant lives. Jesus came that we might have life and have it more abundantly. (John 10:10) We encourage you to bring your child, children or grandchildren to Sunday school and we look forward to seeing you.

Worship service begins at 11 a.m.

Everyone is invited to come and be a part of this special moment set aside each Sunday morning to be in the presence of God. We will be delighted to blend our spirits with yours as we bend both body and soul before our Heavenly Father. We encourage you to spend time with God, and if it be His will, with us at Community Protestant.

Other scheduled events On Wednesdays, at noon, you are cordially invited to noon day prayer at CPC, an hour of power, prayer, praise and testimony. Refreshments will be served.

RSVP: 718-862-9172.

Sunday, March 8, 11 a.m., please join us in service as we celebrate the anniversary of the ushers of Community Protestant Church.

Saturday, March 14, join the shepherd’s ministry on its trip to the Sight & Sound Theatre to see the play “Queen Esther.” Donation: adults, $150; Children ages 4 years to 10 years, $100.

Trip includes round trip transportation and lunch at Shady Maple Smorgasbord.

Bus pick-up: 6:30 a.m. at Community Protestant Church; 6:45 a.m. at the church annex, 2053 Asch Loop, next to the library in Co-op City. For further information, please call the church office at 718-862-9172, Tuesday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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

—Evan G. Mitchell

Jesus is looking for you

Newsong Church 3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. –Luke 15:3-7 (NIV) At Newsong Church, our mission is to reach people who are far away from God with the good news of Jesus Christ, and help them become fully-devoted followers of Him one step at a time. We’re passionate about this, because God is passionate about this!

In this parable, Jesus reveals the heart of our heavenly Father. God knows we’re spiritually lost without Him. Our sin separated us from God. Just like the lost sheep in the story, once we’re separated, it’s impossible for us to find our way back to the shepherd on our own.

That’s why Jesus is known as our “Good Shepheard.” He knows that we can’t get to God on our own, so He goes out looking for us in hopes of bringing us back to Himself. When He finds us, He gives us a choice to turn back to Him or to keep going our own way. When we turn away from our own way and turn back to God, it’s called repentance. His desire is all

of us would choose to come back with Him. When we repent, He forgives us, and the angels in heaven rejoice as He carries us back home.

As Christians, we have the greatest news!

There’s a God in heaven who loves us.

Through Jesus, He makes right our every wrong, and when we trust in Jesus, we will spend eternity with Him! This is called The Gospel, and its only good news, if people hear it in time!

Newsong Church is located at 135 Einstein Loop in room 45. Discounted parking is available in parking garage 7 & 8.

While you’re enjoying our worship experience, your children will be enjoying Kidsong.

At Kidsong, children from nursery to 6th grade will learn about Jesus in fun interactive ways!

We also have a youth ministry called Against the Flow. At ATF, teens from 12 to 18 years old enjoy Christ-centered discussion groups, cafe nights, and other outings. ATF meets every Friday night at 7 p.m. at 2049 Bartow Ave., rm. 28!

If you have any questions, you can contact us: Church office: 718-708-8385 Website: newsongchurchnyc.org Facebook: facebook.com/newsongchurchbx Twitter: @newsongchurchBX IG: @newsongchurchBX @againsttheflow.nyc Our Newsong family is here for you. Join us this Sunday and experience the difference!

—Pastor Mike Tolone

Co-op City Times / February 22, 2020

Bartow

Einstein

Room 31 unless otherwise noted

Room 49 unless otherwise noted

Word Games 9:30-11 a.m.

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

Health & Wellness Support Group 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

YOGA w/Peggy 11 a.m.- noon, JASA main office Arthritis Exercises 11 a.m.-noon Card Games 2-4 p.m.

Dominoes 2:30 p.m.

Walking Club 10:30 a.m.

Wed., Feb. 26 Fri., Feb. 28

Non-Kosher

Juice Roast beef Mashed potatoes Normandy blend Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit Alt: Baked breaded fish

Beef Meaballs in Tomato sauce Spaghetti Broccoli red peppers

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

Alert & Alive 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Cultural Dance 10:30-11:30 a.m., rm. 2 Mind Teasers 12-1p.m., rm. 4 Zumba 1-2 p.m., Aud A Matinee Tuesday 1 p.m.

Juice Oven fried chicken Baked sweet Potato Roasted vegetables Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit Alt: Spanish omelet

BBQ Chicken leg Quarters Braised collard greens Garlic & rosemary

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

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

Tai Chi 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., rm. 10 Art Class 1-3 p.m.

Yoga 2 p.m. - 3 p.m., rm. 2 NEW Weight Management Support Grp. Every 2nd Wed., 1 - 2 p.m., rm 4

Juice Sweet & sour meatballs, Spaghetti California blend vegetables Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit Alt: Veggie burger

Pernil (Roasted pork shoulder) Yellow rice Sautéed Zucchini

Health & Wellness Support Group 10-11 a.m.

Card Games 2-4 p.m.

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

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

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

Card Games 2-4 p.m.

Alternate Kosher Meals are also available

Kosher

Caregiver Support Group 1:30 p.m.

1st & 3rd Tues., JASA main office Karaoke by Steven 1p.m., rm. 45

Blood Pressure Every 1st & 3rd Wed., 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.

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

Stay Well Exercise 10 a.m. -11 am Line Dancing 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Card Games 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Dominoes 2:30 p.m.

NORC Computer Class Bartow main office, 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Smartphone Class: Beginner – 12:30 p.m.

– 1:30 p.m.; Inter. 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.; Bartow main office

MENU

Dreiser

Room 7 unless otherwise noted Crochet & Knitting 10 a.m.-noon Library 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session Line Dancing 10-11 a.m., rm. 45 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Around The Lunch Table 11:30 a.m. Stay Well Exercise 10-11 a.m., rm. 2 Basic Cell Phone & IPad training 11 a.m.

Word Search 11 a.m. - noon Mind Teasers 12-1 p.m.; rm. 4 Bingo 1 -3 p.m., rm. 35 Diabetes Support Group 1 p.m., last Diabetes Support Group 2nd Mon., Monday of the month 1 p.m.

Bereavement Counseling 1 p.m., rm. 8 Computer Class for Beg. 9:30 a.m.; Gentle Yoga 1:15 - 2 p.m., rm. 2 Int. 10:30 a.m.; Adv. 11:30 a.m., rm. 34 Intermediate Yoga 2-3 p.m.

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

Thu., Feb. 27

Tues., Feb. 25

Mon., Feb. 24

22

Dominoes 10 a.m., rm. 45 Spelling Bee 10 a.m.

Body in motion w/Ola 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Spanish Practice Class 10:30 a.m.

Zumba 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., rm. 4

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

Cous cous Blood Pressure 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Grilled vegetables 1st & 3rd, rm. 8 Whole wheat bread Line Dancing 10 a.m. - 11 a.m., Aud. A Fresh fruit Piano Sing Along 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Alt: Chicken wraps Drama Club 1:30 - 4 p.m Dominoes 10 a.m., rm. 45 Men’s Line Dancing 9 -10 a.m.

Crochet & Knitting 10 a.m.-noon Juice 10 a.m., rm. 45 Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session Morroccan chicken Word Games 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Art Bingo 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

9:30-10; 11 a.m. - noon Brown rice Women’s Line Dancing 10-11:30 a.m. Pokeno 2-4 p.m., rm. 35 Meditative Moments 11 a.m. - noon, rm. 8 Sautéed string beans Blood Pressure 2nd & 4th Fri., 10 Chat Session 10 a.m.

Pokeno 3rd Fri., 1- 2:30 p.m.

Challah bread 11:30 a.m., rm. 45 Piano Sing-along 11 a.m.-noon Bingo rm.

7, 1 -3 p.m.

Fresh fruit Free Oil Painting Classes rm. 38, Yoga w/Peggy 11 a.m. - noon, rm. 2 Alt: Gefilte fish Card Games 2-4 p.m.

10 – 11:30 a.m.

Dominoes 10 a.m., rm. 45 Grandparent Connection Meeting 1st Thurs., rm. 40, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Arthritis Exercise 11 a.m., rm. 45 Spelling Bee 11 a.m.

Word Search 11 a.m. - noon Karaoke by Steven 1 p.m., rm. 45

For information, please call: (718) 320-2066 (Schedule subject to change without notice) Payments for trips at the Bartow office can be made Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. only Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, the NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation.

JASA WELCOMES EVERYONE AGE 60 AND OLDER! Payments for trips can be made at all three centers. Trip registration policy: there will be no refunds for all trips. All trips include roundtrip transportation.

JASA will not accept checks under $5. All trips must be paid in advance. Drivers will no longer accept money for trips on the bus!

AARP Foundation Tax Aide offers FREE tax preparation to anyone of any age, especially if you are 50 or older or can’t afford paid tax preparations, until Apr 15, Einstein Community Center, 2nd floor; Mon. & Wed. only; 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Tax preparation room 40; waiting room 35.

FREE 8-Week Plant Based Program – Every Tues., Feb. 18 – Apr. 14, 10 a.m. – noon. “Don’t Just Manage Diabetes, Treat It with Food!” 25 seats available. Bartow main office. Please call 718-320-2066 to register.

FREE Romancing the Word Poetry Workshop w/Su Casa Writer-In Residence, Américo Casiano, Jr. – Mon. & Wed., starting Feb. 24 until May 1; 10 a.m. to noon, 177 Dreiser Loop, room 7. Call 718320-1345 to register and for additional information.

FREE LiveOn NY-SCRIE/SNAP (food stamps) Assistance – Fri., Mar. 6 & 27; 9:30 a.m. to noon, JASA main office, 2049 Bartow Ave. No appointments!

Walk-ins! First come! First served!

Fairway/BJ’s – Tues., Feb. 25; $4. Bartow – 9:30; Einstein – 9:45; Dreiser – 10 a.m.

Central Ave. – Thurs., Feb. 27, $13. Christmas Tree Store, Trader Joe’s and Amazing Savings. Bartow – 8:30 a.m.; Einstein – 8:45 a.m.; Dreiser – 9 a.m. There is a Shoprite right next door to Amazing Savings.

Paint & Sip – Mon., Mar. 2 & 9, JASA main office;

Oven fried chicken Baked macaroni & cheese Steamed kale

Baked Tilapia Mashed butternut squash Steamed green beans

Fee for lunch is $2.00; $5.00 for guest

ALL meals served w/margarine and fresh milk *Menu subject to change without notice.

Alternate Kosher Meals are also available Bartow Center (929) 399-1394 Dreiser Center (718) 320-1345 • Einstein Center (718) 671-5161

3 p.m. – 5 p.m. Space is limited, only 12 participants.

A small donation would be appreciated. Join us for this painting class, have fun while you paint on canvas.

No experience necessary. Juice will be served. To register, call 718-320-2066.

Empire Casino – Tues., Mar. 3; $5. Bartow – 9 a.m.; Einstein – 9:15 a.m.; Dreiser – 9:30 a.m.

Target/Throggsneck Mall – Tues., Mar. 3; $3. Bartow – 9:30; Einstein – 9:45; Dreiser – 10 a.m.

Central Ave. – Wed., Mar. 4; $13. Christmas Tree Store, Trader Joe’s and Amazing Savings. Bartow – 8:30; Einstein – 8:45 a.m.; Dreiser – 9 a.m. There is a Shoprite right next door to Amazing Savings.

Aldi/Home Depot – Wed., Mar. 4; $3. Bartow – 9:30; Einstein – 9:45; Dreiser – 10 a.m.

Wegman’s supermarket, Brooklyn, N.Y. – Thurs., Mar. 5; $10. Bartow – 8:30 a.m.; Einstein 8:45 a.m.; Dreiser – 9 a.m.

Shoprite New Rochelle – Thurs., Mar. 5; $4. Bartow – 9:30; Einstein – 9:45 a.m.; Dreiser – 10 a.m.

St. Mary’s Pool – $3; Fri., Mar. 6, 20 & Mon., Mar. 30. Pool aerobics for seniors; 10 a.m. to noon. Bartow – 8:30 a.m.; Einstein – 8:45 a.m.; Dreiser – 9 a.m.

Fairway/BJ’s – Fri., Mar. 6; $4. Bartow – 9:30 a.m.; Einstein – 9:45 a.m.; Dreiser – 10 a.m.

IKEA/Christmas Tree Store/Bed Bath and Beyond –Tues., Mar. 10; $15. Bartow – 9 a.m.; Einstein – 9:15 a.m.; Dreiser – 9:30 a.m.

Two Free Events in Recognition of Women’s Month – Tues., Mar. 10, in the Bartow Sr. Ctr., rm. 31, featuring the Bartow Swingers & the Dancing Gents 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Music by DJ Woody & Wed., Mar. 25, Einstein Sr. Ctr., rm. 45. Featuring Ola & the Ollettes, 11 a.m. to noon. DJ to be announced.

Upcoming Events/Trips

Walmart –Wed., Mar. 11, $15. Bartow – 8:30 a.m.; Einstein – 8:45 a.m.; Dreiser – 9 a.m.

Stew Leonard’s – Thurs., Mar. 12; $6. Bartow – 9:30 a.m.; Einstein – 9:45 a.m.; Dreiser – 10 a.m.

Costco – Fri., Mar. 13; $5. Bartow – 9:30 a.m.; Einstein – 9:45 a.m.; Dreiser – 10 a.m.

Foxwoods, Ledyard Ct. – Sat., Apr. 25; $40. Pickups: Bartow – 8 a.m.; Einstein Loop – 8:15 a.m.; Dreiser Loop – 8:30 a.m. Arrive 11 a.m.; Depart 5 p.m.

Bonus package is free buffet, $10 slot; must have valid ID for bonus. Payment due no later than Fri., Mar. 20; 50 seats available on Coach bus. No refunds!

Hawaiian Day at High Point – Wed., Apr. 29; $95.

A fun-filled day at the beautiful High Point Country Club; two meals, two performances. Activities: Bingo, dancing and much more; 50 seats available. Pickups: Bartow – 8 a.m.; Dreiser – 8:15 a.m.; Einstein 8:30 a.m. Coach bus. Payment due no later than Wed., April 1. Departure 4:30 p.m. No refunds!

Royal Manor Divas of Soul show – Tues., May 19; $100. Menu: Salad, corn chowder, roast beef, roast chicken, mashed potatoes, vegetables, dessert, coffee, tea; served family style. Pick-ups: Bartow – 9 a.m.; Dreiser – 9:15 a.m.; Einstein – 9:30 a.m. Coach bus.

Payment due no later than Thurs., Apr. 30; 50 seats available. Departure 3:45 p.m. No refunds!

Hunterdon Hills Playhouse Presents “I Left My Dignity in My Other Purse” – Show and sit down lunch included. Hunterdon Hills Playhouse in New Jersey; Fri., May 29. Show starts at 11:45 a.m.; $100.– No refunds. Payment due no later than Fri., April 3.

Cash only, no checks! 48 seats available on Coach bus.

Pick-ups: Dreiser – 8:30 a.m.; Bartow – 8:45 a.m.; Einstein – 9 a.m. No refunds!

Faith in God Church and Bible Institute

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

In an amazing, initiating act of love, God the Father reveals Himself in and through Scripture by the power of God the Holy Spirit and through the life of God the Son. Those who believe in Jesus are saved because He is Emmanuel-God with us. Praise God Let’s look at scripture to support this. Colassians 1:15 - 19 says: 15 Christ is the exact likeness of the unseen God. He existed before God made anything at all,and, in fact, 16 Christ himself is the Creator who made everything in heaven and earth, the things we can see and the things we can’t; the spirit world with its kings and kingdoms, its rulers and authorities; all were made

by Christ for his own use and glory.

17 He was before all else began and it is his power that holds everything together.

18 He is the head of the body made up of his people—that is, his church—which he began; and he is the Leader of all those who arise from the dead, so that he is first in everything; 19 for God wanted all of himself to be in his Son. Invitation: Sweet Hour of Prayer is today at 3 p.m.

Sunday school is tomorrow at 10 a.m. Our Sunday morning worship service is at 11 a.m. We have clothing items available that were donated to the church. If interested in picking some up, stop by the church in the 11 o’clock hour on Sunday. Every third Sunday following the morning worship, we serve Holy Communion.

Vernon Little has an EP titled ‘Double Minded.’

It’s a fusion of gospel, R&B, and rap. He also has videos on YouTube. His music encourages, inspires and informs.

We are located at 171 Dreiser Loop in Section 1.

Our phone # is 347-276-4925. Jesus loves you, and so do we!

—Vernon Little

23

Co-op City Times / February 22, 2020

Open Door Ministries “Speak the Truth in Love” Full sermon at Open Door Ministries YouTube Channel

Someone once said, “Happy wife; happy life,” but a better saying is, “Happy spouse; happy house” Genesis 2:18 Now the LORD God said, “It is not good (beneficial) for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper, one who balances him, a counterpart suitable and complementary for him.”

John 15:12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

Ephesians 4:25-32 - Four Laws of Communication - Dr. Howard Eyrich Law One - Stop lying and start telling the truth 25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

Say what you feel, how you feel and how things can be fixed.

Law Two – Keep Current 26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold.

Don’t hang onto your anger but release it quickly, this does not mean explode but respectfully air out your views. Be careful not to be offensive and do not let anger become bitterness and hatred.

Law Three – Tackle the issue, not the individual 29

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

While speaking be careful of your words to make sure that you are elevating the individual rather than knocking him down to gratify yourself. When you come against someone with negative verbal force you shut the door on God and healing relationships.

Law Four – Pro-act, don’t react 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Stop responding to what the person is doing and let them know that change is necessary from both parties. If you feel that God has forgiven you, you can do no less to restore your marriage.

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

Contact Open Door Ministries by text 917-3344407 or email opendoorministries.net.

—Pastor Luis Ramos

Scheduling Activities Calendar For information on scheduled events this coming week, please call the Scheduling Department at 718-320-3300, then press 5 at the prompt.

Donizetti Building 4 Association

On the evening of Thursday, Feb. 13, Donizetti Building 4 conducted its monthly general meeting. At that time, we had the distinct pleasure of speaking with CSO manager for Section 1, Mr. Ray Fraticelli.

He discussed the following areas of interest for many of our cooperators. He stressed the need to take full advantage of the unique services Co-op City provides.

In order to do so we must complete or update our emergency contact information forms. He also stressed the importance of completion and submission of window guard forms. Cooperators can respond by mail, fax, phone with response code or on-line with response code. Forms are available in our association room or at your CSO office, 718-320-3373. Additionally, cooperators were informed of recent revisions made in the apartment succession rights process. Seniors/special needs residents were informed of the existence of a Wellness Check Call List. Any resident who wishes to add their name may contact their management office.

Fundraiser bus trip Our fundraiser bus trip will be to the Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City this April 25. The casino is within walking distance to the outlet mall. The cost is $45 per person, payable in two payments. First payment of $25 pp is due on or before by March 7.

The remaining balance must be paid no later than April 8. See postings in each lobby.

Family Karaoke Sunday nights New! Every second Sunday of each month starting March 15 at 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. All are welcome!

Black history This past Saturday, parents and children commemorated Black History Month by viewing the iconic movie “Black Panther.” A great time was had by all.

Volunteers needed Collection for annual membership dues will be held in building lobbies on Friday, March 13 and March 20 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 14 and March 21 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Dues are still $5 per household. Contact Yvonne, 718-671-6922, or Dawn, 347-570-9638, or Diane, 646-271-7377 if interested

in volunteering your time. Celebrate your life and all happy occasions being enjoyed this February.

Remember, this is our home. If you see something, say something.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very special Black History Month. We provide activities which enrich and celebrate the many cultures that exist here in Co-op City “Diversity is not about how we differ. It is about embracing one another’s uniqueness.” –Ola Joseph —Dawn Mitchell

Assemblyman Michael R. Benedetto Black History Month Celebration

Assemblyman Michael R. Benedetto, in partnership with U.S. Rep. Eliot Engel, along with state Sen. Jamaal Bailey and Council Member Andy King, presents a Black History Month celebration at Einstein Community Center, room 45, for 250 people on Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 from noon to 4 p.m.

Attendees will enjoy a buffet lunch, entertainment, music and dancing. Dennis Walcott, president and CEO of the Queens Public Library and former New York City Schools Chancellor, will be the guest of honor. During the afternoon, two individuals from the 82nd Assembly District will receive honors. The awardees are Noel Ellison, general manager of Riverbay Corporation, and Monique Johnson, president of the Throgs Neck Resident Council.

The Riverbay Fund is one of the primary sponsors of this annual event.

Reservations for the event are necessary, seating is very limited and admission is free. Call Assemblyman Benedetto’s office at 718-320-2220 to reserve a seat. Remember, no one will be admitted without a reservation.

24

Co-op City Times / February 22, 2020

Co-op Insurance The Wright Agency: Serving Co-op City for 39 Years!

Riverbay Requires Current Co-op Shareholders to Obtain Coverage!

Your Co-op is an Investment Worth Protecting!

P r o t e c t i o n T o C o v e r Yo u r B e l o n g i n g s A g a i n s t : • Fire & Smoke • Water damage from plumbing

We O f f e r :

• Guest medical protection • Certain personal liabilities

• Theft Coverage • And so much more!

Other Li nes of Insu rance: • Auto • Homeowners • Life

• Low Premiums • Protective Device Discounts • Auto-Home Discounts

Low Rates For T h e E n t i r e Ye a r !

Licensed Staff

Nichola Ferguson Licensed Insurance Agent

Lawrence Newkirk Life Insurance Specialist

Albert Issifu Licensed Insurance Agent

America Borda Licensed Insurance Agent

Linda Rodriguez Licensed Insurance Agent

Michael Garzilli Sales Manager

Not Pictured: Polly Heckstall Sr. Account Representative; Sandra Goldsmith Licensed Insurance Agent

The Wright Agency

Anthony Wright Agency Owner

FREE NOTARY SERVICE FOR ALL CO-OP CITY RESIDENTS!

We Are Conveniently Located Only Blocks From Co-op City! (near Eastchester Road)

New Hours: Mon. & Wed.: 8:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Tues. & Thurs.: 8:45 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Friday: 8:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

1435 East Gun Hill Road Call Us Today!

718-671-8000

Courteous Staff!

Convenient Hours!

25

Co-op City Times / February 22, 2020

Church of the New Vision

Pastors Kenneth Hodge and Deborah Hodge and the New Vision congregation invite you and your family to come and worship the Lord with us. Church of the New Vision is designed to meet the spiritual needs of God’s people, serving the community for 48 years. We offer a warm, friendly, spirit-filled atmosphere of Christian love. All are welcome!

Order of services Sunday worship service: 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Adult and youth Sunday school: 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

Mid-day Bible study: Canceled until further notice Wednesday night prayer and Bible study: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Youth ministry: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Tomorrow, Sunday, Feb. 23, we will have our Black History program at the 11 a.m. service, which will be filled with songs, praise dance and word on our history.

Correction: Join us Sunday, March 22, at 3:30 p.m. as we celebrate the four-year anniversary of our pastors, Kenneth and Deborah Hodge. Our morning service will be at 9:30 a.m.

Join us on Saturday, March 28, at 2 p.m.

Church of the New Vision presents “Women of the Bible.” Through word, song and praise dance, explore the lives of our foresisters in faith. Get to know the mothers, sisters and daughters of God who walked in courage to take their place in God’s plan for their lives. Donation is $20; a light meal

will be served. For ticket information, and if you would like to participate in the production, please contact Sis. L. Scott at 718671-2623 or E. Bartell at 708-801-7004.

Sight & Sound Theater, Thursday, May 7, to see the play “Queen Esther.” Motorcoach transportation and lunch at the Shady Maple Restaurant is included.

Adults rate, $170, adults/youth 12 and under, $125. Payments in full will guarantee an assigned seat. For additional information, contact B. Brown at 718671-3748 or T. Gavin at 917-587-5057.

Taxes and meal gratuities included.

Join us on July 21 to 24, on our 4 day/3night trip to Niagara Falls, Canada. Accommodations per person, quad, $565/triple, $585/double, $645/single, $825. Includes: Roundtrip motorcoach transportation, three full breakfasts and three full dinners, a guided tour of Niagara for two days, visit to the chocolate factory, Hornblower Cruise at the falls, taxes and gratuities and much, much more! For additional information, contact B. Brown at 718-671-3748 or T. Gavin at 917-587-5057.

Church of the New Vision is located at 115 Einstein Loop, Bronx, N.Y. 10475.

Office: 718-671-8746 or 203-374-3020.

Mailing address: P.O. Box 753037, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. Visit our Facebook page, Church of the New Vision, concerning upcoming events and trips, email us at info.churchnewvisionbx@gmail.com or call the church office.

—Sis. Carol Haque

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church

The congregation of St. Joseph’s cordially invites you and your family to worship with us in Co-op City at 155 Dreiser Loop, lower level. All are welcome.

Weekly schedule Sunday service with Holy Communion and Sunday school are both at 9 a.m.

Every fourth Sunday, our children participate in the reading of the lessons and every’ fifth Sunday, our young adults assist in the service.

We look forward to welcoming you to church tomorrow, Sunday, Feb. 23, at 9 a.m. when we will celebrate the last Sunday after the Epiphany. Father Simeon Johnson, our supply priest, will be the preacher and celebrant.

Please join us on Wednesdays for an uplifting midday service starting promptly at noon., except Ash Wednesday, Feb. 26.

On Thursdays, Father Johnson will be available for telephone calls and visitations, interactive discussions on various topics in the Bible from 11 a.m. to noon, followed by a short noon-day service.

Choir rehearsal is Thursdays at 7 p.m., and we are always looking for new members.

Group activities The Episcopal Church Women meet immediately after service on the first Sunday in each month. All women in the church are invited to attend and participate in planning the activities of the church.

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

Upcoming events Saturday, Feb. 22: Cake sale at the church starting at noon, until everything is sold out.

Wednesday, Feb. 26: Ash Wednesday service at 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 28: ECW Prayer Breakfast 10 a.m. to noon. Donation, $20.

Saturday, May 23: St. Joseph’s Day

Luncheon at the Eastwood Manor in the Bronx 12 noon to 5 p.m. Adults $100, children 12 and under $50. Flyers are out and we are depending on our members to distribute them and spread the word.

Tickets are available from Merville, 718320-2089; Renee, 718-379-6511; Yvonne, 718-671-8815; Eileen, 718-379-8624 or Arethea, 718-379-0028. Please be sure to purchase your tickets early.

General information To those celebrating birthdays during the month of February, we wish you all a happy birthday and best wishes for many more.

To the sick and shut-in, we have you in our prayers and wish you a speedy recovery.

New pledge cards for 2020 are now available. Please collect yours, pray on your ability to pledge, then complete and return them to the church as soon as possible. Bear in mind that a workable budget depends largely on your commitment.

Outreach program Our church supports the feeding program at Grace Episcopal Church in West Farms. This program is in desperate need of food. At St. Joseph’s, we collect nonperishable food items on an ongoing basis.

Please remember to donate. A special thank you to all our friends and neighbors who have been responding to this request.

For additional information on all of the above, please call the church at 718320-0844. You may also visit our website, st.josephsepcbronx.org, for more information relating to St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church, Co-op City, Bronx, New York.

“Proclaim the greatness of the Lord our God and worship him upon his holy hill; for the Lord our God is the holy one.” —Psalm 99:9 —Merville Chambers

Co-op City Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family, invites you to join us tomorrow at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. for worship service. Sunday school for is held at 9:15 a.m. We invite you to worship, study,and pray with us.

The Co-op City Baptist Church is located at 135 Einstein Loop, lower level, room 50. Our telephone number is 718-320-3774. Visit us on the web at coopcitybaptistchurch.org.

Join us for a mid-week spiritual pickup at our worship service held on Wednesdays at noon. Bible study is held Wednesdays at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Bible study will also be held on Wednesday, March 4 at 5 p.m. Prayer service is held on Fridays at noon.

Prayer service is also held on Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m. Every- one is invited to join us from the comfort of their home for an hour of prayer.

Prayer service via a conference call line on Friday at 7:30 p.m. you can call 563-999-2090; Enter PIN number 660065 to be connected. Prayer service is not held on the first Friday of the month.

Today, Saturday, Feb. 22 at 10 a.m. the Black History program will be held.

All are welcome to attend. All are invited to join us as we celebrate our history.

Tomorrow, Feb. 23 is Black History Sunday. The guest speaker will be Rev.

Quenton Irvin, Pastor Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, Bronx, N.Y. All are invited to join us for this celebratory service.

You’re invited to join the Sunday school for the showing of the movie “Harriet” on Friday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. and the movie “Overcomer” on Friday, March 13, at 7 p.m, at 135 Einstein Loop, room 50, lower level. Don’t forget to bring your popcorn, soda, water, sweets, etc. for your movie enjoyment.

The scholarship ministry is going to Mount Rushmore, the Badlands and Black Hills of South Dakota on July 17. This trip includes motor coach transportation, 10 nights lodging, 18 meals, visits to the spectacular Badlands National Park and to the Mount Rushmore National Memorial and much more. Partial payments are now being accepted. All seats have been sold but a wait list is being formed. For additional information or to be placed on the wait list, please call 718-3790541, 718-671-1271, 718- 671-1918 or 917-612-1245.

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

—Hattie L. Lucas

26

Co-op City Times / February 22, 2020

Public Safety

wonder how anyone could possibly fall for them. Scam artists are very persistent; they blanket a large number of potential victims until they find their prey.

The internet has made it extremely easy for scam artists to target millions of potential victims with a single touch of a button. Telephone or regular mail scam artists work a little harder but do eventually find their victim. Bold scammers have even been known to approach their potential victim in person at their door or in a public place.

Another scam I heard about and then actually received myself is a Pay Pal scheme. The email states you are almost finished completing your registration for Pay Pal. The email looks legitimate and it asks you to enter your Pay Pal username and password. It then prompts you to enter your bank account number.

When you call the customer service number it tells you to mail a Green Dot card to an address. A friend of mine did not realize there was a problem until that point.

When I received the same email, I investigated the email right away as I was not trying to set up a Pay Pal account. Upon scrutiny, the email came from an email address at e.paypal.com, very close to the actual email address. In any case, when you are doing business with a company known to be legitimate, enter the website into your browser yourself, do not use search engine results or click on a link from an email. PayPal is a legitimate company that offers an extra level of protection for online payments but a scammer pretending to be PayPal can be a real threat to your financial identity.

Another type of scam is a “sweepstakes” based scam. In this case, the victim receives a real looking check. New technology makes it possible for this forged check to appear realistic. The quality of the forged check is so realistic it can even fool banks or check-cashing establishments. The problem comes in when the bank attempts to retrieve the funds associated with the check and finds there are none. By this time, the victim may have already wired money to another state or country attempting to receive an even larger sum of money. Unfortunately, the victim may be responsible for the funds received from the fraudulent check.

Remember, a legitimate contest or sweepstakes will never make you pay money to receive your prize.

Another scam involves a person claiming to be from a government agency claiming to have unclaimed funds belonging to the intended victim. For a fee, the “government employee” can help you obtain these funds. While there are legitimate means of obtaining unclaimed funds, the government does not send employees out to solicit the owners of these fees. If you believe you are entitled to unclaimed fees, seek out the New York State Attorney General’s office and find out how to proceed. Never pay anyone to help you to obtain these funds. The appropriate agency will provide assistance in this matter free of charge.

The mere mention of fraud somehow makes potential victims more likely to believe the scam artist. It is not impossible a bank could call you in the event of fraud but a legitimate bank employee would not ask you for your account number, Personal Identification Number or other personal data. If you receive a request like this, call your financial institution using a number you are sure belongs to your bank or inquire in person. Banks and other financial institutions are happy if their customers do not readily give out their banking information.

In order to protect yourself from these and other scams, realize legitimate persons will never ask you for upfront fees to obtain a loan or receive a prize. Be leery of a lender who is not concerned with your credit history. Hang up on any caller making a loan offer. Check a lender’s legitimacy with the New York State Department of Banking or the Better Business Bureau. There are reputable lenders that can help you to consolidate your debt in order to make payments more manageable.

Those of you wishing to make donations to assist in the event of a legitimate emergency make sure the agency to which you donate is legitimate. In the past, scammers posing as charities attempted to solicit donations for disasters. It is unfortunate, but this is unfortunately a fact of life. In some cases, it may be better to donate funds locally at your church, synagogue or religious institution. Be certain the charitable organization you select is, in fact, using the funds for the intended purpose. It is scammers who will take advantage of a tragic situation.

If you fall victim to a scam, notify the New York State Attorney General at 1(Continued from page 7)

RIVERBAY ANONYMOUS WHISTLEBLOWER HOTLINE

If you have knowledge or a concern of possible violations of law, account-

ing irregularities, or other suspected wrongdoing affecting Riverbay, you are encouraged to report it to law enforcement, or you may report it through an anonymous hotline by the following methods: Go to an independent website, www.lighthouse-services/riverbaycorp, to complete an online disclosure form; Call the following independent third party whistleblower hotline at 1-833-290-0009 (English); or 1-800-216-1288 (Spanish); Send an e-mail to reports@lighthouse-services.com (the email must include “Riverbay” in the subject); or Send a fax to (215) 689-3885 (the fax must include “Riverbay” in the subject of the report).

Opportunities

(Continued from page 7)

800-771-7755 or oag.state.ny.us/ and the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877382-4357 orftc.gov/. The FBI has set up an Internet Crime Complaint Center specifically for the purpose of reporting internet crimes. ic3.gov/.

School is open, drive carefully. Never pass a stopped school bus with a stop sign displayed or its red lights flashing. This means children are loading or unloading. Be aware of pedestrians and bike rides when operating a motor vehicle. Bike riders must refrain from riding bicycles near buildings and shopping centers. Bicycle riders must give pedestrians the same level of respect that they expect from motor vehicles. Everyone needs to share the road safely.

If your late winter plans include consuming alcoholic beverages, do not operate a motor vehicle. Winter fun is great but getting stopped at a DWI checkpoint can take the fun away really quick. Enforcement of drunk driving has increased nationwide in an attempt to reduce drunk driving deaths and injuries. We hear about these incidents in the news and feel like it can never happen to us but that is not a mindset. Never operate a motor vehicle if you have consumed alcoholic beverages. Always buckle your seatbelt; it will save your life in a serious collision. Avoid distractions and excess speed when driving; these are the two leading causes of collisions within New York State.

Always remember, if you see something, say something. If you see suspicious persons in the garage or lurking near parked vehicles on the street, an auto crime could be taking place or be ready to happen, notify the authorities. Call 911 and the department of public safety at 718-671-3050. Callers may remain anonymous when giving information.

The Co-op City Department of Public Safety would like to thank all persons who have called in suspicious activity or sent information via our website. It is by your actions the crime rate remains low and a high quality of life is maintained.

A special shout out to the alert cooperator who gave our department a heads-up on calls being received.

If You See Something, Say Something!

Working Together To Keep Co-op City Safe!

• Report any unusual or suspicious persons or activity to CCPD. • Do not allow strangers access to your building by holding the door.

• Be aware of work being done in your building and when contractors are allowed to be on the premises.

• Never leave your car or apartment door unlocked.

• Do not leave packages or electronics in your car where they are visible.

• Remember: You can make anonymous calls to CCPD.

Emergency: 718-651-3050 or 9-1-1 • Non-Emergency: 718-320-3330 www.ccpd.us • @CCPDnyc

27

Co-op City Times / February 22, 2020

CLASSIFIEDS

718-320-3300 x3384 • cctimes@riverbaycorp.com

RIVERBAY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

COMPUTER CONSULTANT, SALES & REPAIR

Please see page 7 for opportunities within Riverbay Corporation.

Repair – Upgrade – Data Recovery – Virus Removal – Laptop Overheats – Cracked Screen – Broken Power Jack – Transfer your cassette tape music to CDs. Call James 646-281-4475, 718-324-4332.

APPLIANCE REPAIR

HOME IMPROVEMENT

JB RYAN C OMPUTER R EPAIR & U PGRADE

L & L APPLIANCE REPAIR

CO-OP SALES - JASON LASH

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

• ALL MAKES & MODELS

• Stoves • Washers • Dryers •Lamps • Dishwashers • Refrigerators • Bags • Hoses • Belts • Vacuum Cleaners Family Owned & Operated Since 1954 NYC License #1233497

Breathe Easy

Fully Insured

718.792.2655

10/3

•Proms •Sports Events •Weddings •Funerals •Tours •Sweet 16 •Special Occasions •Airports •Casinos Office: 212-531-3792 Mobile: 917-560-6838

• RANGE HOODS We BEAT • LIGHT FIXTURES Any • KITCHEN CABINETS • CABINET REFACING Quote!

• COUNTERTOPS • CUSTOM CLOSET MIRROR DOORS • CUSTOM WALL MIRRORS

Grout & Carpet Cleaning Co-op City Resident Specials

Elim in Bugsate

CO-OP SALES BLINDS! Vertical, Mini, Wood, Pleats

2/29

www.co-opsales.info

CAR SERVICE

Executive Exotic Limo

2/22

1-800-479-2667

EMERGENCY SERVICE

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

Casino Specials Atlantic City, NJ Foxwoods, CT Empire, Yonkers Resorts, Queens

Toll Free: 855-369-9936 ExecutiveExoticLimo.com ExecutiveSecurityProtection.com

PAINTING

DON’T PAY MORE AT YOUR LOCAL HARDWARE STORE!

2/29

Old Records Wanted.

LOCKSMITH

FAMILY LOCKSMITH AND BLINDS Licensed and Bonded

2/29

HIGH SECURITY LOCKS 20% Off Any Lock Job!

Medeco • MultiLock • Wilson

CLEANING SERVICES

RECORDS WANTED

Will Pay Top $$ for JAZZ, JAZZ, JAZZ, Rock & Roll, Soul Music, Latin, 50s, 60s, & 70s.

LP, 78 or 45.

Call Joe 917-952-4408

4/18

High Quality Labor, Low Price!

UPHOLSTERY

NEW STYLE BLINDS

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

FREE VALANCE & INSTALLATION

Re-installation of any types of Blinds.

Repair Closet Doors and Sell New Bi-Fold Doors!

Serving Co-op City for over 25 years.

REUPHOLSTERING 718.881.7691

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

3314 White Plains Rd., STYLISH DECORATORS Bronx, NY 10467

2/29

“When you see me, You’ll know me.”

Call Anytime • Seven Days A Week

Call Mike at: 718-974-1290

2/29

PAINTING 4/25

SPOONER

DOMESTIC SERVICE

• Basic Cleaning $96 • Deep Cleaning $138 • Non-Medical Senior Care $90 • 4 Hour Min. + 8.78% tax • Bonded • 7 Days • Cash, Pay-Pal www.spoonercleaning.com 5/30 (718) 320-5112

* 2 Coats! *

* 2 Coats! *

Advertise in the Co-op City Times!

Call for rates!

Ads starting at $8/week!

718-320-3300 x3384 2/29

DECORATOR 2/22

FATHER & SON

Top Quality Work - Painting, Plastering, Tiles, Walls & Floors, Floor Sanding, Refinishing, Waxing.

Call Wesley 212.996.7347 or

917.325.5334

4/25

MetroCard Bus

The MetroCard bus visits all three Co-op City shopping malls on the first and third Thursday of each month, 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., enabling people to sign up for the Reduced-Fare MetroCard or purchase or add money to an existing MetroCard.

Senior citizens and persons with disabilities may apply for the Reduced-Fare MetroCard on the bus. To apply, seniors must be at least 65 years of age, 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 doctor completes 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.

Transit staff is on hand to answer any MetroCard related questions. For more information, call (212) METROCARD.

28

Co-op City Times / February 22, 2020

ICES! R P B E S T UALITY! BEST Q

I N S TA L L A LWAYAT I O N INCLUD S ED!

Follow Us! @coop.sales

1-800-479-2667 • www.co-opsales.info

$$ TURN YOUR TAX REFUND $$ INTO YOUR DREAM KITCHEN! $2500 Solid Oak, Shaker White or Figured Cherry With Choice of Countertop Including Stainless Steel Sink and Gooseneck Faucet w/Spray

$6,000 Luxury Vinyl Flooring (dozens of colors); Choose ANY Wilsonart Laminate Countertop; 8-Inch Deep Stainless Steel Sink; Gooseneck Faucet With Spray Feature; White or Almond Subway Backsplash.

ALL PRICES INCLUDE PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION! DON’T PAY EXTRA!

Update Your Bathroom For Less!

WE OFFER: • SHOWER DOORS • TUB ENCLOSURES

• LIGHT FIXTURES

• FLOORING (TILES, WOOD LAMINATE)

• CARPET CLEANING

• VANITIES/SINKS • WALL MIRRORS • CABINET REFACING • MEDICINE CABINETS • RANGE HOODS • PAINTING • BLINDS • APPLIANCES

Lifetime Waterproof Kitchen Flooring $1200

Lifetime Waterproof Custom Closet Doors & Bedroom Flooring Full Height Closet Organizers FOR EVERY RIVERBAY CLOSET! $1400

— We Beat ALL Competitor Pricing! — JasonLash@Co-opSales.com • Se Habla Español Licensed & Insured #1188270, NYC Better Business Bureau, NYC Dept. of Consumer Affairs