Co-op City Times 2/29/20

Plastic bag ban takes Power plant readies storied Boiler 2 for use effect Sunday Vol. 55 No. 9

Saturday, February 29, 2020

Beginning tomorrow, Sunday, March 1, all plastic carryout bags will effectively be banned from distribution by anyone required to collect New York State sales tax.

The new law means, at checkout lines, customers will have to bring their own bags or pay 5 cents for every paper bag used for their items. However, those who qualify for WIC or SNAP benefits would be exempt from this new fee, according to NYC.gov, the official website of the city of New York.

This legislation was signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo last April and is aimed at reducing the harmful environmental impact of plastic bags.

The issue of plastic bags affecting the environment had become so prevalent that Gov. Cuomo even created a task force in 2017 just to address the problem. In a final report, the task force notes: “Throughout New York State, plastic bags have become a ubiquitous sight on the landscape. They can be seen stuck in trees, as litter in our neighborhoods, floating in our waterways and as a general aesthetic eyesore of our environment. Singleuse plastic bags are a detriment to the health of communities and the environment alike.”

The new legislation wants to push people toward using reusable bags and thus create less plastic waste. Shoppers should be aware, however, that stores will not be required to have bags for customers and some stores may not switch to paper bags entirely, instead only selling reusable bags for purchase.

“Some bags are exempt under the law, such as a bag used by a pharmacy to carry prescription drugs, and produce bags for bulk items such as fruits and vegetables,” as explained at NYC.gov.

In Co-op City, local grocery customers should not expect bags to be readily available every time they visit the store.

(Continued on page 2)

$1.25

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

Census outreach planned for Co-op City The Census Bureau, along with Riverbay Corporation, public officials, and community partners are joining together to get a complete count of Co-op City for the upcoming 2020 Census. The event tentatively scheduled for March 17, is geared to encourage residents to participate in the upcoming Census, educating and assisting those who may need help filling out their form.

Linda Berk, Riverbay Board president, said, “The idea for the event is a program the Census recommends to many Complete Count Committees. It allows them to draw the community together with community leaders and trusted voices to make them aware the Census is coming. It also allows the CCC to share the message that the 2020 Census is easy, safe and important.

Every community is informed of how the Census impacts their representation in Washington and the federal funding they receive.”

An undercount in this year’s Census could mean a cut in federal funding for New York City and a possible loss of services for residents throughout the community – making it vital for everyone to participate.

Riverbay Community Relations Director Michelle Sajous said, “I don’t think people realize that the police, fire departments, and various services – even as far as schools – are affected by the count. So, we really must get out there.

(Continued on page 4)

BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND

This silver-colored tank will store steam produced by Boiler 2, the blue machine below, as part of the process by which Co-op City receives heat, hot water, air conditing and Photo by Brandon Ortiz electricity. The new boiler should be running soon.

When the complete chronicle of Co-op City is told at some far distant point in the future, it’s unlikely the tale of Boiler 2 and its years-long journey of yards instead of miles will be a major turning point in the complete canon. But, as it gets closer to the point of active service to the community, it doesn’t hurt now to commemorate Boiler 2 and what it took to get it where it needed to be.

Co-op City power plant Asset Manager Anthony Ligato told the Co-op City Times this week Boiler 2 is inside and seated, and is currently in what’s called the pre-commissioning phase.

“We’re pretty much on schedule right now,” Mr. Ligato said. “The installation is complete, now … the boiler is ready to go through the steps that will get it ready for commercial operation.”

Before the boiler can be commissioned, that is, be brought into a state ready to make steam, Mr. Ligato said first the new pipes and other apparatus with which the boiler will interact had to be brought in and installed. There was also the permitting processes with the city departments of buildings, gas, plumbing and environmental protection to get through, and that process is complete.

“Now we’re ready to bring in the team (Continued on page 2) to actually make steam,” Mr. Ligato said.

BY JASON CHIREVAS

“SAFE RIVERBAY”

An explanation of Coronavirus

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. There are several known coronaviruses that infect people and these usually only cause mild respiratory diseases, such as the common cold. However, at least two previously identified coronaviruses have caused severe disease – severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).

Symptoms of the 2019-nCoV include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.

There are currently no treatments or vaccines for this respiratory disease, so it is important to contact your doctor if you have traveled and are experiencing symptoms.

Since it is cold and flu season, you may experience similar symptoms to the coronavirus. Unless you have traveled to the affected areas in the world, there is little concern for exposure to 2019-nCoV. As with all respiratory illnesses, it is good practice to wash your hands often, stay away from people who appear ill, or have been ill and, yes, stay home if you are sick.

For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.

Cdc.gov See page 11 for handwashing tips.

—Riverbay Safety Department

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Co-op City Times / February 29, 2020

Boiler

(Continued from page 1)

A bit of history before going on with the current process. Co-op City acquired Boiler 2 to aid its existing boilers, 1 and 3, in making the steam used to heat and cool Co-op City as well as provide it with electricity. Brand new when purchased for $4.5 million, Boiler 2 has long been seen as a desired asset for the power plant, as Boiler 1 is 50 years old and Boiler 3 is 12 years old. Boiler 2 will be the biggest of the three once it’s online and running.

Mr. Ligato and Riverbay Executive General Manager Bob Klehammer were not yet with Riverbay Corporation when Boiler 2 was purchased and it was discovered it was too big to occupy the dimensional space dedicated to it inside the power plant, nor was the foundation it was meant to occupy equipped to host it.

That foundation, Mr. Ligato said, had to be redone at a cost of $600,000.

The total cost of installing Boiler 2 was about $5 million, Mr. Ligato said.

The original contractor retained to install the boiler was let go, and, along with a new contractor, Advancia-MAC, the new Riverbay administrators set about to solve the problem of getting Boiler 2 where it needed to be. The process took a few years, but major movement on the project started last year and now Boiler 2 is in place and not too far away from joining its fellows providing the steam to heat, cool and power Co-op City.

Over the new few weeks, Ligato said Boiler 2 will be brought along slowly. The lines have been cleaned, the inside of the boiler will be cleaned out and increasing amounts of gasoline and oil — it’s a duel-fuel boiler — will be added to the boiler incrementally to bring it up to its steam generating capacity. That’s called commissioning.

And, once commissioned, how will the long-delayed arrival of Boiler 2 help the power plant service Co-op City?

“The infrastructure will be improved because we’ll have newer equipment … the boiler is a key component for the reliability of heat, air conditioning and electric production,” Mr. Ligato said, adding the new boiler will also likely enable the power plant to increase its capacity for the demand response program with Con Edison, whereby the energy giant pays Riverbay for both energy capacity and delivered energy itself from the Co-op City plant at certain points over each summer when ConEd solicits help to handle demand.

Mr. Ligato also said the addition of the new boiler will provide “reliable redundancy” for the other two boilers, meaning less chance of any noticeable interrup-

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tion in service to shareholders due to anything boiler-related.

“Co-op City should be comfortable that they have an improved, reliable system in place for the future,” Mr. Ligato said.

For the record, once the steam is produced in the boilers — by having natural gas-powered burners heat water pumped into the boilers to about 800 degrees — it is fed into steam turbines that push it to heat exchangers, for hot water and heat, or chillers, for cold water or air conditioning. Pipes then deliver the hot or cold water to Co-op City buildings, where convectors distribute the heat or cold from the water for the apartments.

The power plant’s steam turbines can also generate megawatts of electricity for both Co-op City and, when there’s need, ConEd, from which Riverbay received about $4 million last year for its participation in the demand response program.

Bags

Businesses are expected to account for the fact there will be paper bag shortages. Some major grocery chains, however, still offer free reusable bags for customers who bring in plastic bags to recycle.

Some consumers, however, are not particularly looking forward to the new ban.

“I think it’s really unfair. Some of us who don’t have EBT or food stamps still can’t afford to pay for a bag every time we go shopping,” one customer said as she exited one of the smaller local grocery stores.

Equally important to note is that the Bag Waste Reduction Law applies to more than just grocery stores, as retail stores must comply with the new law, too. Shoppers should be prepared to bring their own bag or pay for every bag used for any transactions at stores.

The New York City Department of Sanitation is offering free reusable bags by going online to materials.bwprronline.org/zero-waste-pledge-form and filling out their “Zero Waste Pledge” form. The Department of Sanitation also hosts free reusable bag giveaway events. The next reusable bag giveaway event in the Bronx is on Tuesday, March 10, from 10 a.m. until noon, at the James Monroe Senior Center located at 1776 Story Ave. “City residents use billions of single-use carryout bags every year, and they are frequently used for only a few minutes at a time,” said Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia in a press release earlier this month. “Plastic bags are particularly troublesome as contaminants in our recycling, as they often clog machinery, and we’ve all seen plastic bags stuck in city trees around the city.

This is not sustainable. Bring your reusable bag every time you shop, and help us keep the city healthy, safe and clean.”

According to the Center for Biological Diversity, one hundred billion plastic bags are used by Americans per year. Waste Management’s data on their website cites only about 1% of these bags are even recycled. Furthermore, Waste Management estimates the number of years for a single plastic bag to biodegrade in a landfill is 1,000 years.

Please Refrain From Littering.

• Participating in the Medicare Diabetic Shoe Program

Keep Co-op City Clean!

• Evening and Saturday appointments

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

Continued from page 1)

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Co-op City Times / February 29, 2020

Front Page Co-op City residents cautioned about Money Grams and Green Dot MoneyPak scams

Co-op City Times 2 n d COMBING

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

7th Annual Spelling Bee

The 7th Annual Co-op City Spelling Bee for students in grades 4-8 will be held on March 21 from 1-4 p.m. in room 4 of the Dreiser Center. This annual event is sponsored by the African American Association of Co-op City and the Riverbay Fund.

Domestic & Sexual Violence Seminar

CCPD is sponsoring a Sexual & Domestic Violence Prevention Seminar on March 26, 7-9 p.m. in room 31 of the Bartow Center. The guest speakers will be form Safe Horizon and LIFT. All are invited to attend.

NAMI meeting

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) invites you to take advantage of a support group offered to our community. The next meeting is on Thursday, March 12 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in room 35 of the Einstein Community Center.

NAMI is a grassroots organization that provides support, education, and advocacy for families and people of all ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds who live with mental illness. The support group gives individuals an opportunity to talk freely about their challenges without the fear of judgment and offer practical information for coping with stress. The facilitator for NAMI’s sessions in Co-op City is former Riverbay Board member, Marie Smith. For more information about NAMI-NYC Metro Support Group and their classes email Helpline@naminyc.org or contact their helpline at 212-684-3264.

Bereavement Support

Co-op City’s weekly Bereavement Support Group, led by Rev. Dr. Robert Smith, administered by the JASA Senior Services program, meets in room 13 of the Dreiser Center, 1 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. every Monday.

Residents interested in participating may call Dr. Smith at 917734-4058 or by calling JASA at 718320-2066, ext. 2010.

Co-op City residents, especially seniors, are cautioned to be vigilant and not fall victim to scammers using Green Dot MoneyPak cards and Money Grams.

According to the NYPD, although Money Grams and Green Dot MoneyPak cards are legitimate products, scammers are using them to steal money from their intended victims.

The scammers utilize a variety of schemes with some of the most common being the utility company and government agencies scams in which the victim is told that they owe money and the call is to immediately collect what is owed or else service will be shut off, or worse.

Additionally, the scammers may claim that a loved one is being held against their will, or has been involved in an accident and payment is needed to gain their freedom. They may also claim that a grandchild or relative has been locked up in a foreign country and needs bail money.

Victims may be told they won the lottery or some type of sweepstakes and money is needed to claim the winnings or for taxes on the prize. If you have to pay for a prize you won, you didn’t win, the NYPD warns.

The Green Dot MoneyPak scam is a phone scam where the victim is called by someone claiming to work at a utility company, for example, ConEd or a cable company, or a government agency, such as the Department of Finance, and they are collecting money that is past due. The caller then informs the victim that they can avoid service interruption, arrest or deportation, if they immediately bring their account up to date by paying the past due amount using a Money Gram or Green Dot MoneyPak card that can be purchased at a local store. The caller instructs the victim to purchase a Money Gram or a Green Dot MoneyPak card in a specified amount and call a phone number that the caller gives to the victim once this has been done.

The victim proceeds to purchase the Green Dot card at a local store and then calls the number they were given by the caller to satisfy the debt. The victim is then instructed to scratch off and read the MoneyPak card serial number to the perpetrator. The perpetrator then drains the funds from the Green Dot MoneyPak card.

The NYPD notes that while many schemes still involve victims being asked to wire money to the scammers, MoneyPaks have the added benefit of the scammer not having to show up at an office or bank to claim the funds loaded onto the card. The cards can only be purchased using cash and consumers never have to disclose their personal or financial information to a retail cashier or to make a payment. Anyone with the 14-digit number located on the back of the MoneyPak card can drain the funds.

In the IRS scam, the victim is contacted and told that they owe back taxes, fees or fines to the IRS and that if they do not make immediate payment using a Money Gram or Green Dot MoneyPak card, they will be arrested or deported. The scam is perpetrated in the same manner as the utility scam with the results being the same – the victim’s money is stolen.

The NYPD warns residents to be alert and not fall victim to these crimes. Crime Prevention Officers also point out that the scammers can purchase computer apps which disguise their true telephone number and can make it appear as a legitimate number, for example, the 45th Precinct, NYPD, 91-1, ConEd, etc., on your phone’s caller ID. In addition to cautioning the public that the NYPD does not solicit money, or that utility companies and government agencies would not contact you demanding payment for outstanding bills using Money Grams or MoneyPak card, the NYPD is also warning residents not to call any of the phone numbers provided by the scammers since this is another layer to the scam. If you think a call is suspicious, call the number listed on your bill.

The NYPD offers the following tips to avoid becoming a victim of this scam: • Be suspicious of any caller who demands immediate payment for any reason.

• Remember that anyone who has the number on a Green Dot MoneyPak card has access to the funds on the card.

• Never give out personal or financial information to anyone who emails or calls you unsolicited, and • Never wire money, provide debit or credit card numbers or Green Dot MoneyPak card numbers to someone you do not know.

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Census

“The most important thing is, the last year we did the Census in 2010, we noticed that we ended up losing two sector cops within our area based on the number of people reported via the Census,” Ms. Sajous said. “When they see low numbers, services are adjusted accordingly. We notice that the numbers went down in the police and fire department. Representation did go down – we don’t want that to happen again. The Census affects everything!”

The Census takes place every decade, counting residents of the U.S. and Puerto Rico, and providing essential data.

According to the Census website, “It counts our population and households, providing the basis for reapportioning congressional seats, redistricting, and distributing more than $675 billion in federal funds annually to support states, counties and communities’ vital programs — impacting housing, education, transportation, employment, health care, and public policy.”

Ian Hull, deputy regional director, New York Regional Census Center, U.S. Census Bureau, told the Co-op City Times the most critical aspects of the Census residents should know is it’s safe, secure, and incredibly important.

“If someone doesn’t feel safe, then they’re not going to respond. All the information given is kept secure,” he said. “Personal information will never go to any immigration, law enforcement or city law enforcement or any government agency – everything is protected by law.”

For the first time, residents can

Co-op City Times / February 29, 2020 (Continued from page 1)

respond to the Census over the phone using a toll-free number or online using an ID that will be sent with their form.

Those who’d rather the old way will still have the option to fill out the form and mail it back.

Although the 2020 Census is scheduled for mailings later this month, some residents may have received the American Community Survey – which is not a part of the 2020 Census. Still necessary, the ACS is sent to a small number of people and takes place monthly, while the Census takes a count of every person in the country.

Beginning around March 12 through March 20, New Yorkers will start to receive the 2020 Census surveys and can respond to them by phone, mail or online. The 2020 Census is asked of everybody in the entire country and only asks very basic demographic questions such as date of birth, race, gender, and age.

Mr. Hull said, not only is the Census easy to complete, but it is also safe and any person worried about releasing their information should know state laws protect it.

“All information that’s shared with the Census is protected by Title 13, so anything that’s shared with the Census Bureau can never be used to identify an individual,” ha said. “We will never release information about a respondent or housing unit to any law enforcement or government agency.

“We anticipate counting approximately 330 million people living in approximately 140 million housing units.”

Co-op City Times / February 29, 2020

Assemblyman Benedetto’s Black History Month Celebration

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Assemblyman Michael Benedetto held a Black History celebratiom yesterday at the Einstein Community Center, taking the opportunity to honor three individuals he felt needed recognition for the work they do in their respective communities. “I firmly believe the strength of our neighborhood lies in so many different factors, one of which are those people who serve our community. All too often those people who give back do so without being fully recognized and fully appreciated,” Benedetto said. The three honorees were Noel Ellison, Riverbay General Manager; Monique Johnson, president of Throggs Neck Tenant Association, and Jerome Rice, Riverbay Board director and president of the Co-op City branch NAACP. Keynote speaker Kevin Riley, district leader, Bronx Democratic County Committee, delivered a speech that touched on the importance of uplifting the Black community as leaders in it and the power the Black family has in shaping Black leaders of tomorrow. “As we celebrate today, we must remember we too are a part of Black history,” Riley said to the audience. “Everyday we need to instill in our children and the youth of our community that they are a part of Black history also. We must give them the confidence they need to carry their crowns above their heads.”

Photos by Brandon Ortiz

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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 – •by the writers • – be signed and include their addresses and phone numbers, which will be kept confidential, so that the editor can verify

Letter to the Editor

Time for a townhouse-focused organization

To the Editor: Kudos to Evelyn Turner for her letter to the editor, Feb. 22, 2020, regarding contributions of African Americans to American history and culture. Co-op City’s African/American themed religious and community organizations and elected officials presented great programs, too. They deserve acclaim for their Black History Month 2020 events. Educating all children on Black History should be a universal all-year component in education included in their daily curriculum.

Why isn’t it?

A letter from community activist Mr. Charles Rosen, in the same issue, pointed to some issues experienced by townhouse residents. Interestingly enough, some of these problems were recently addressed and resolved at the Building and Grounds committee monthly meeting. For one, the question of whether townhouse residents are entitled to a “key/key fob” to a high-rise building in order to gain access and do their laundry is yes. Yes, townhouse residents may get a “key/key fob.” But regarding apartment door buzzers, another issue raised in Mr. Rosen’s letter, no satisfactory answer for all townhouse residents has yet been disclosed.

As the president of the Broun Place Townhouse Association, I have also suggested that a specifically dedicated townhouse organization be established so that our unique problems can be aired. As said above, new door buzzers that can be heard on the B-apartment second floors and Aapartment buzzers loud enough to be heard through to the kitchen are needed. New secure, airtight front doors and Aapartment patio doors are also needed. Currently, in many cases, foyers and A-apartment kitchen door frames need replacement. A team of inspectors was supposed to be investigating brickwork, foyer leaks and disintegrating walls and reporting on this. Management made note of this project at a recent Construction Committee meeting. Townhouse residents await the results of this investigation. Townhouse residents, it is time; we need to come together.

—Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

Co-op City Times / February 29, 2020

Paylease has rebranded to Zego

PayLease online payment processing company has rebranded as of Feb. 10, 2020 and is now called “Zego” (powered by PayLease). Co-op City shareholders can still access PayLease in the usual manner.

Go to www.riverbaycorp.com and click on the “PayLease” button located towards the bottom of the page. Enter your email/username and password information to access your account. Shareholders are assured that this is the newly rebranded PayLease webpage.

PayLease rebranding will not affect the way shareholders use the website to pay their carrying charges. Resident account menus are the same except the PayLease logo has been replaced with “Zego.” Shareholders can get more information about PayLease rebranding at: https://www.gozego.com/articles/from-paylease-to-zego-why-we-decided-to-rebrand/ Zego, formerly PayLease, offers shareholders significant benefits by paying carrying charges online.

Online payments can be made via electronic check for free and via credit card for a small convenience fee.

Payments will be received in one business day.

E-receipt is provided as soon as a payment is made.

Make a one-time payment and/or set up AutoPay for automatic payments to avoid late payments resulting in late fees.

A resident support center is available 24/7 for support and phone payments.

Secure and easy payment system.

Electronic payments cost less than checks, which helps save Rivebay shareholders’ money.

Payments made through PayLease can help increase shareholders credit scores.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

We welcome your letters to the editor. If you would like your letter to be considered for publication, it must be signed. The Co-op City Times does not print anonymous or unsigned letters. Please include your address and phone number – which will be kept confidential – so the authenticity of the writer can be verified. Thank you.

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 29, 2020

CCPD takes action against persons caught writing graffiti The Co-op City Department of Public Safety and the New York City Police Department have taken proactive steps to enforce Graffiti Laws in Co-op City.

Graffiti may seem like a victimless crime but it, in fact, causes unsightly damage which is expensive to correct. Graffiti can also lead to more serious crimes, violence or involvement in gangs. Graffiti has been used to mark drug or gang “territory.” It is important for residents, especially cooperators with teenage or young adult children, to be aware of laws pertaining to graffiti as well as the signs of involvement in the graffiti culture.

Graffiti and even gang-like graffiti has been embraced by pop culture. Graffiti can be seen in videos and on popular clothing. Graffiti has even been embraced as an art form and can be seen in museums and galleries. Graffiti is colorful and can be a means of artistic expression. However, when graffiti defaces the property of another person without the permission of the owner, it becomes a crime. Graffiti on public property or private property without the owner’s permission is always illegal.

The Co-op City Department of Public Safety works with the New York City Police Department’s Citywide Vandals Task Force. The Citywide Vandals Task Force is responsible for tracking and preventing vandalism in all five boroughs.

When the Department of Public Safety conducts building sweeps, potential gangrelated, biased or threatening graffiti is forwarded to the 45 Precinct. The Vandals Task Force compiles books of the worst offenders “tags,” or graffiti signatures, so that when they are caught they can be charged with all graffiti they are responsible for throughout the five boroughs.

The New York City Police Department Citywide Vandals Task Force is based in Brooklyn with a satellite command in Manhattan and a Graffiti Coordinator in every precinct. The unit falls under the direction of the Transit Bureau because the subway system is still at the heart of the graffiti culture. The Task Force aims to eliminate graffiti by educating the public by speaking at schools and community meetings. More information about the New York City Citywide Vandals Task Force may be obtained at www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/html/crime_prevention/citywide_vandals_taskforce.shtml or by phone at 718-265-8899.

Riverbay Corporation works to reduce and eliminate graffiti by quickly painting over graffiti after it is photographed and documented by the Department of Public Safety. Rapid removal of graffiti cuts down on the amount of additional graffiti added as a part of a “graffiti dialogue” between different groups or associates.

The laws against graffiti vandals are serious in the City of New York. It is illegal for minors to purchase spray paint or broad tipped markers; storeowners are also held accountable. Any person found defacing public or private property with aerosol spray paint, broad tipped markers or etching acid will be charged to the fullest extent of the law. New York City offers a reward of $500 to any person who provides information leading to the apprehension, persecution or conviction of any person who vandalizes property. Persons with information about graffiti should call 3-1-1 or 212-639-9675 from telephone numbers outside New York City’s five boroughs. Persons should also contact the Department of Public Safety at 718-671-3050.

Parents should be aware of any evidence that their children are in any way involved with graffiti. Possession of spray paint or markers should be watched for. Paint stains on skin or clothing are also a sign that a child may be involved with graffiti. Speak to your child and explain the (Continued on page 30)

BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO

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. 16 to Feb. 22, 2020 Feb. 16 – 100 Elgar Place An Uber driver dropped three people at their destination. After arrival, one of the men borrowed the driver’s cell phone then gave it back. When the men left the area, the driver checked his phone and discovered money was transferred out of his account to another.

The matter is still under investigation.

Feb. 18 – 140 Donizetti Place Two men were arrested and each issued a Criminal Court Summons for

Trespass. One visitor also received an additional summons for marijuana possession.

100 Alcott Place A men was issued a Criminal Court trespass summons after being discovered in the stairwell without permission or authorization.

Feb. 21 – 140 Alcott Place Seven Community Complaints were issued to individuals found loitering within a staircase.

(More Opportunities on page 30)

8

Co-op City Times / February 29, 2020

Buses up in the air

Director’s Viewpoint

Mary Pearson Secretary

Will the bus redesign negotiations reached with Andy Byford be honored, now that he has resigned?

That’s still the burning question even after the Feb. 20 final-final Public Hearing for the Bronx Bus Network Redesign: Proposed Changes for Bronx Local, Limited and Select Bus Service has come and gone.

We won’t know the actual answer to that question for a while yet: Not till the latest and last panel – which included Jackie Carter, assistant director at MTA NYC Transit and MTA manager Judy McClain – makes all final-final decisions. In any case, it’s too late for any further customer input because as of Feb. 21, the comment period was officially closed.

Anyway, that final meeting took place and boy was it something. There must have been six, maybe even ten, NYPD officers present. Attendees were thoroughly wand-screened and bags checked.

Inside, the MTA dais was cordoned off from the assembled complainers by a good ten feet. Between the over-the-top police presence and the stanchions and barricades, it really looked like they were expecting lots of trouble, and though the panel got an earful, the crowd of speakers remained moderately selfcontrolled.

What surprised me most that night, was, after a year and a half of being warned of the “coming of the changes,” many speakers seemed as if they had just heard about the bus redesign. When it was my turn to speak, I said just that, adding something on the order of, gee, I’d been stalking panelist McClain for months. It got a big laugh. I went on, deeply channeling Norma Rae, until my three minutes was up.

For the most part, the emphasis of the public hearing last Thursday was on the MTA’s lack of taking

still-mobile disabled and elderly individuals into consideration in the Bronx bus redesign.

My personal quest for the evening was to add back the tail end of the BX29 so that Section 5 (and City Island) riders, workers and shoppers don’t lose access to the deeper recesses of the Bay Plaza area come this September. Recently, I’d been reaching out to the Bay Plaza manager. Amazingly, she had not previously known of the impending cuts. Despite plans to reconnoiter, she and I failed to meet up in the crowd that night. It was a Bronx-wide 11th hour meeting and the moderate-sized room was packed.

Who I did see and hear at the “last chance to complain” meeting were State Senator Jeffrey Dinowitz and Councilman Ydanis Rodrigues as well as Co-op City residents Stefani Hazell and Alfred Lynch.

Also in attendance: a slew of reporters from a slew of TV stations. I was simultaneously interviewed by both Fox News and New York 1 and ended up on not one but two cutting room floors later that night! CBS, News12 the Bronx, and Pix 11 were also there. If there had been such diligent coverage throughout the bus redesign process, perhaps the initial unworkable, non-customer-friendly decisions could have been avoided in the first place!

Yes, there was media coverage galore, but a certain special someone wasn’t at the hearing: “Train Mama,” aka Sarah Feinberg, who will temporarily be replacing “Train Daddy,” aka Andy Byford, wasn’t present.

Feinberg, the about-to-be interim NYC Transit president who starts work on March 9, formerly served the Obama administration and is currently an MTA board member. In a recent WCBS 880 interview, Feinberg stressed that her tenure would be short-lived since the job, “[doesn’t] make sense for people with small children.” The report continued to mention that during her time with the MTA, she helped with the controversial hiring of those 500 additional state provided MTA police officers. So there’s that.

The word “bus” appears only once in the transcript of that particular interview. I truly believe that the MTA regards the buses as severely less sexy than the trains. Or maybe it’s just that, despite all the signal mishegoss and general decrepitude of the subways, at least the underground transports don’t have to deal with all the above ground confusion and complications.

Anyway, there is no good news to report. In fact, there is no new news at all. But we still have the comfort of old news. As of 2/24/20 the MTA Bronx Bus Redesign site still has the Andy Byford Digital Town Hall up complete with all the promises. Thirty minutes into the 12/12 video, we can still hear MTA President Andy Byford say, “No rider should have to — no rider will pay – an additional transfer fare as a result of the Bronx Bus Network Redesign. You can quote me on that.”

Also in that video we’re still walked through all the proposed re-examined bus changes. We see we keep all our bus stops within Co-op City limits, the Bx38 and the Bx28 remain in their own territories, the Bx26 stays as is, and the Bx25 addition restores upper region service better than the old routes ever did. Back-burnering the Express bus changes is still there too. (And as of the latest statements, the MTA still plans to hold off the express bus decisions till some time in 2021.) That the video has yet to be trashed is a very good sign.

But will there be a rethinking of adding back the few extra minutes to the Bx29? We’ll find out how much clout The Mall has in that regard.

Eventually, we’ll see how much of the Andy Byford agreements stick. Or as I read someplace (on Twitter or a bus alliance site… forgive me for not notating where), MTA Chairman Pat Foye was quoted as saying something on the order of: “When I tell you, you’ll know.”

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

Co-op City Times / February 29, 2020

ANONYMOUS WHISTLEBLOWER HOTLINE

If you have knowledge or a concern of possible violations of law, accounting 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).

9

10

Co-op City Times / February 29, 2020

Imagine…

that will bring us into the 21st Century and possibly save us millions of dollars. Simple quality of life issues can be resolved while saving us money. But only if we open our minds and have the right people in place.

Assistant Treasurer People like you, like me, and that especially includes our young innovative thinking children/grandchildren.

I want to take this opportunity not just to dream, but We cannot continue to run from technology. We canto imagine. Imagine what it is going to be like here in not continue to wait for 5th generation technology to Co-op City 20 years from now. Some of us may feel pass us before we discover it. Then look and say, “We like it doesn’t matter because we may not be here. But have something new that we are working on.” Antiit does matter because someone will be here. What we quated systems that will only last for the next 2 years do today is the determining factor of who that will be. in the modern world is not forward thinking. The reason why flat screen LCD 1080i televisions are so inexA Digital Co-op City With all of the paper flyers disseminated throughout pensive now is because they are dated (even though your community, don’t you get the feeling of a sidewalk some of us are just getting them). Technology is movflea market in your front and back yard every week? ing faster than our children are growing. That’s because Some old, some new and some just there because some- thought patterns move faster than the speed of light one decided that it will be there until the paper turns yel- (186,000 miles per second). As we speak, the speed low or rips up because it’s tired of hanging on the wall? of sound travels at only 1100 feet per second. Our Imagine if this community had video bulletin boards in place throughout our community instead of posting flyers, they could rotate on these video bulletin boards. These boards can be in our lobbies, elevators, community centers, etc. I am not talking about high intensity blinding boards. Just low radiant boards that look like TV screens but are interactive. This would also eliminate hours wasted by having staff posting and removing flyers. It will also be possible to advertise on these boards to generate residual income to offset carrying charge increases.

Imagine if residents had smartphone apps that could connect them directly to CSO/Maintenance/Restoration/CCPD? What if they were able to speak into their phone and it sent a digital message printed out with a confirmation of their issue or problem?

Imagine if we no longer had to print the Co-op City Times because we could go online and see our digital newspaper (hmmmm)? Imagine if we could interact with it? Imagine if we could have a digital system where we could call another apartment to video chat with our neighbors being able to block or open the communications with whomever we choose? Imagine being able to have an association or organization meeting right from the comfort of our own homes?

All of these things can happen. These are things

Director’s Viewpoint

Kevin Lambright

activity seems to move ½ inch every 7 months. So as you can see, we have a lot of improvements to make because if we don’t, we won’t be able to catch up with the modern world for another 200 years.

Let’s put on our gloves and get to work. Let’s not wait for someone else to do it for us. Let’s organize with like-minded people. Let’s get on track with forward thinking. Your Board cannot do it alone. We need you. Please write to us and let us know your thoughts.

Keep in Touch These are times when we need to keep an eye on our family, friends and neighbors. There are people who want what we have and look for opportunities to take it. We must protect and defend one another and our property. Remember, this all belongs to us. If you see something that seems suspicious, do not hesitate to call Public Safety. I look forward to your correspondence and feedback. I can be reached at klambright@riverbayboard.com or by phone at 646-721-8185.

(Continued on page 30)

Co-op City Times / February 29, 2020

11

12

Co-op City Times / February 29, 2020

Big Changes For The Bronx?

Director’s Viewpoint

Daryl Johnson Compared to many places, our community is great.

However, as you’ll see, lots of people have been pushed out of several neighborhoods throughout the city.

Pushed Out Just a few years ago, some tenants in Bushwick, Brooklyn were living in apartments that were considered to be low rent. So, their landlord wanted to push them out of his building. So, he allegedly stopped making repairs.

Next, he allegedly hired some people to pose as building inspectors. Thereafter, the tenants were allegedly told that they had 72 hours to evacuate the building.

Shockingly, the tenants complied and left the building. Thereafter, the landlord was able to get those apartments out of the city’s requirements for rent regulation. Lastly, he turned his building into a pricey co-op.

But, couldn’t those tenants apply for “affordable housing” in some of the new buildings near the Barclays Center? Well, maybe. However, lots of those affordable apartments were for families that made over $100,000 a year. So, their “affordable” rents started out at around $2,600. Then, there were some affordable apartments for families that were making around $130,000 a year.

So, do you think that the term affordable housing would benefit a poor family that was pushed out of their building in the above-cited case? If your answer is no, then you can now see how some developers have used the term “affordable housing” for their own benefit.

Now, let’s go to Queens. A published real estate report states that the median rent in Queens skyrocketed from $1,700 in 2010 to $2,217 in 2019. So, do you really think that a lot of people can just move to Queens? I doubt it.

Therefore, the Bronx is the only option for most people that are looking for reasonable rents. And, statistically, the median price for rents in the Bronx was $1,575 in 2010. Thereafter, the median rent jumped to $1,875 in 2019. However, new buildings with heavy rents have been erected in several areas of the Bronx. And, now, some people in Manhattan are gladly moving into these buildings. So, rent prices are way above the $2,000 a month range in some areas of the South Bronx.

Going forward, rent prices are sure to climb after that new railroad starts running throughout the Bronx.

And, according to published reports, new train stations are going to be built in Hunts Point, Parkchester/Van Nest, Morris Park, and Co-op City. So, lots of people will be able to travel from Connecticut through the Bronx and into Penn Station.

Bottom line: Do you think that developers have already looked at the areas surrounding these new train stations? Do you think that they will start buying up a lot of properties in the near future? Why do you think that HPD give us a $1 million, zero percent loan to stay in the Mitchell-Lama program for 30 years? Do you think that some developers will want to buy Co-op City?

Look, smart developers know that the Bronx is the next big thing to happen in NYC. But, let’s wait and see what happens.

Plastic Bag Ban - March 1, 2020 Tomorrow, March 1, 2020, a new bag waste reduction law will start in NYS. So, everyone will have to bring their own bags to stores. Now, some people may have thought that this law was only going to affect grocery stores. However, according to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, this law states that “all plastic carryout bags (other than an exempt bag) are banned from distribution by anyone required to collect NYS sales tax.”

However, plastic bags can be distributed in pharmacies for prescription drugs, and for produce items like fruits and vegetables. Stores can charge a 5-cent fee for each paper bag that’s distributed to consumers.

However, people that are enrolled in the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children Program) are exempt from this 5-cent fee.

Sure, some stores have stated that they’re upset because they won’t be able to distribute their plastic

shopping bags anymore. But, there’s another side to this law that must be considered. And, guess what? This new law doesn’t require stores to provide bags to anyone. So, some stores will have their own types of bags available—at their sales prices. Therefore, some of these stores will love this new law because their own shopping bags will be another big income stream for them.

Lastly, it’s estimated that NYS uses 23 billion plastic bags every year. And, these bags end up everywhere.

Thereafter, these bags cause a tremendous amount of problems to our environment and to animals. So, please bring your own shopping bags to the store.

Costly Apartment Repairs Who ever heard of 4-5 workers receiving all of their materials from a housing company and then taking approximately 20 days to restore an apartment? What was wrong in that apartment? Do you actually think that it should take 4-5 skilled workers 20 days to restore any size apartment here? In my opinion, the answer is no. Look, if any-

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thing was destroyed in that apartment, then we should charge the previous shareholders for that damage.

Furthermore, here is what we’re paying just for labor to restore our apartments: 1-bedroom, $15,000 – $15,500; 2-bedrooms, $18,000 - $19,000; and 3-bedrooms, $21,000 - $22,000. Now, we restore about 35-40 apartments a month. So, do you think that we have a problem here?

Close We should not be paying anywhere near $15,000 just for labor to restore an apartment here. So, we need to make some big changes to this program.

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.

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13

Co-op City Times / February 29, 2020

Broun Place Townhouse Association

This eventful week included the first meeting of household items thrown away. Get it into a compactor bin or taped up, covered and neatly placed. the year of the Broun Place Townhouse Association.

This week, a disgusting refrigerator was placed Thank you to the residents who attended. A lively on the pad. We wish we had a camera to tell us and informative discussion was held with guest who dumped this piece. By Sunday, the door speaker Mr. Joshua Blake, the new director of janiwas removed to reveal disgusting remains and torial services. Mr. Blake explained how his departa ton of bottle caps. We would love to know the ment is working closely with the Grounds department doer of this deed. and CSO. He listened to immediate problems, took We are repeating this, at the Buildings and notes and promised to direct the issues appropriately.

Also, we were able to get a repair accomplished for Grounds meeting regarding doing laundry in high-rise buildings and getting a building key – a senior neighbor. Our next meeting will be in April townhouse cluster residents can get a building and announced here. fob/key to the building closest to their cluster Black History Month 2020 is ending this week enabling convenient access to do laundry. Check but don’t let the door close just yet. Currently, the with CSO to follow through.

ABC home page is showing a documentary on the In closing, happy birthday to former resident history of the Black Panther Party. Everyone would Joshua Blake, director, Building Janitorial Services (center), Mai Kindaichi, PhD, and remember, keep dancing benefit from watching. Broun Place thanks the great with members of Broun Place Townhouse Association. organizations of Co-op City, including the NCNW, and we guarantee happy and feel-good days ahead.

Coalition of African-American Organizations, NAACP of Co-op City, and all the —Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar organizations and officials recognizing and teaching. The Section 5 Youth Center has a window dedicated to Black Americans with the center poster saying, “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” That poster is surrounded by photos of notable Black Americans, go check it out.

The cooperators of Building 35 would like to thank Adeyemi L. Oloruntoba Thank you to Co-op City Times Editor-in-Chief Rozaan Boone and the family of John Rose for sharing so much of his biography in order to compose the article (Toba) for his appearance at our last meeting. The information he presented on on Mr. Rose in last Saturday’s edition. People dedicated to mission lead and, like the 2020 Census was greatly appreciated and gave all of us much better grasp of Mr. Rose, help to create and mold our Co-op City history and they cannot be the importance of the Census.

Our next meeting on March 17. We will have NYC Fire Department’s Safety forgotten. Neighbors, please remember the John Rose’s, Anna Capell’s, Harry Marx’s and others who worked selflessly to create an environment they could live Division personnel. We have had prior visits from the Fire Department and they in comfortably. They contributed so much to Co-op City. We supported their cam- are always well received by our members. Come join us March 17 at 7 p.m. in paign to get the path between Broun Place and Adler widened to support wheelchairs the association room. and pedestrian traffic.

We are still accepting dues. Come to the meeting or any association officer.

The use of the dumpster pad is for garbage, not bags of clothes, bottles and —Bill Gordon

Building 35 Association

14

Co-op City Times / February 29, 2020

We are all responsible

take issue with animals are not inconvenienced. These are the things that make a responsible shareholder. This is what we all signed up for when we accepted the contract, the role, and the privilege of calling ourselves “cooperator” and “resident of Co-op City.”

Understand how important your vote is…

We must remember that the Riverbay Board of DirecPotential building fire Greetings to all… One week ago, my brother and I tors of Co-op City is not the life blood of Co-op City helped a shareholder who was leaving town for vaca- – you are. Too many cooperators view the Board as an tion. Our part was to help this person get their bags out entity that directs the shareholders when, in fact, it is of the apartment and into the awaiting transportation the other way around. While “we,” the shareholders, to the airport. It was 2:30 in the morning. We entered are supposed to have the final say in most decisions the building from the rear entrance and I was overcome made in this community, we cannot all be in charge by the smell of gasoline fumes. We immediately called simultaneously. So we elect a Board of Directors to 911. The quality of the line was horrible but I stayed represent the voice of the people, (i.e., the community, on the phone with the dispatcher who could make out the shareholders, the cooperators. Each of us has some what I was reporting. The phone call took about 3 - 5 issue, topic or agenda that is close to our heart. Perminutes as I held on while the fire department was spective members of the Board must remember that already alerted to the emergency and in pursuit on our their personal agendas, while relevant, must only facbehalf. Needless to say, the shareholder we were help- tor in as a part of the best decision for the community ing was frightened and this set of circumstances was at large. Your job as a shareholder is to vote in board causing an already hectic situation to become more members who will stay true to the oaths they take. Most stressful. We were trying to offer help as we were asked complaints come from cooperators who don’t particiand the fire department was calling my phone repeat- pate in the community and who form their opinions edly to ask questions. After all was said and done, the from rumors. This causes a breakdown in communicall we made was not only necessary, but it probably cations and results in a vicious cycle of misundersaved lives and definitely prevented a potentially cat- standings which leaves you and this community on the astrophic situation. Meeting with the fireman down- short end of the stick. It is not enough to come out once stairs, he reported to me that there was in fact a gas a year and vote for someone whose name is familiar leak. The apartment in question was on the 25th floor. to you. What does matter is involvement by you. Your involvement and mine is not only necessary, it is imperWe are all responsible…

Shareholders, residents, neighbors and friends, please ative. I am one person, humbled to represent you in take responsibility for this majestic property which we the board room. I have stepped up; now it is your turn. all call home. That means the little things like saying After reading this article, make darn sure that 10 “hello” to your neighbor who may have needed that greet- others have read it as well.

Fix it ing in ways that you could never fathom. Things like A shareholder overheard me talking to another shareusing the trash receptacles on our property, and if there aren’t enough, then report it to your building mainte- holder in the supermarket. nance supervisor until there are. Things like picking up When I walked away she after your service dog so that shareholders who may said to the one I left, “She

Director’s Viewpoint

Michelle Marbury

ran for something didn’t she?” Blessings to the sister who asked the question, she was very complimentary and is going to join one of the clubs that we were discussing, but the bottom line, residents and partners, shareholders of Co-op City’s Riverbay Corporation, we all can and must do better. Life is a work in progress.

Each day is another chance for us to step-up our individual game, do better and get it right. I promise again to step up my game, will you, yours? Will you look at this community with refreshed eyes and say, OK I will join this club, my building association, I will encourage another. I will take part in the fix because my community needs it, my community deserves it? Follow the mantra coming up and reestablish your commitment as a partner in the Riverbay Corporation. (If you don’t understand that statement, please come and talk about it at one of the building association meetings or community gatherings).

We are a deserving community We deserve better. We deserve greater. We deserve to set standards. We deserve to have requirements. We deserve to have goals. We deserve to have aspirations.

We deserve to be earned. We deserve to be pleased. We deserve to be fulfilled. We deserve to be loved. We deserve to be cherished. We deserve to be at peace. We deserve to be restored. We deserve to be renewed. We deserve to be exalted. We deserve to be uplifted. We deserve to be respected. We deserve to be protected.

We deserve to feel special. We deserve to be appreciated. We deserve to be admired. We deserve to be desired. We deserve to be praised. We deserve to be remembered. We deserve to be seen as worthy. We must become a community that knows its value, so that we can demand our worth. Thank you for reading my viewpoint. I can be reached at mmarbury@riverbayboard.com.

The time is now shareholder. Let’s get it done!

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15

Co-op City Times / February 29, 2020

Building 19 Association

Hello, Building 19 family. Happy Leap Year Day! 2020 is not only the year we have the national census, but it also is a Leap Year. For those who don’t know, an extra day appears during the month of February every four years (Feb. 29).

According to Leap Year Day tradition, it’s the one day that a woman can propose to a man. So ladies, if there’s a special man in your life who you want to pop the question to, today’s the day to do it.

Last Saturday, we continued collecting for our annual dues in the lobby. Since we started in early February, we have signed and re-signed up about 25 percent of our building. Our goal is to sign up a minimum of half of the building. I expect that the association will host 1-2 more collection sessions in the upcoming weeks.

So please look out for announcements about it.

The date of our next committee meeting has been changed from Wednesday, March 11, to Tuesday, March 10. The meeting time remains 7:30 p.m.

Our next general meeting will be held Friday, March 27, at 7 p.m. We will be inviting representatives from the US Census to talk about the importance of participating in the national survey and opportunities to work for the federal agency.

Early this week, I saw something that reminded me of how important it is for us to be the eyes and ears of our community. Sadly, our beloved building was the victim of vandalism in which someone spray-painted graffiti on it. Whether it was done by someone inside or outside of our community, the defacement of property not only devalue the appearance of our neighborhood, but it’s also illegal.

If you witness any vandalism in our community, call Co-op City Public Safety immediately. If you can discretely take photos of the culprits in action, do so and take/send it to CCPD. Let’s make sure to do our part to keep our community a beautiful place to live.

I want to end this article on a happy note. Next Saturday, the association will be hosting a movie night on March 7. The movie to be shown is “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.

We will be serving popcorn, candy, and soda to give you a true movie experience.

We hope that you join us for this fun event.

Again, happy Leap Year Day! I look forward to seeing you at one or all of our events in March.

—Leon Tulton

Building 2A/2B Building Association

Hello, neighbors!

Cheers to those celebrating a birthday or other celebratory event during the month of February.

We extend a hearty welcome to our new neighbors and we wish our homebound and sick neighbors a speedy recovery. Our heartfelt condolences go out to those who have suffered a loss.

Annual building association dues We will begin collecting our annual building association dues next month. Volunteers will be available in the 2A and 2B lobbies on March 19, 21, 26 and 28. The dates and times will be posted in advance in each of the lobbies. The annual dues are $6 per apartment.Your annual dues assist our building association in providing refreshments at our monthly meetings, our building contribution to the Section 1 family fun day, the purchase of lobby holiday decorations and our annual holiday/appreciation party.

STAR Rebate Did you receive your STAR rebate of a $98 or $215 reduction on your February carrying charge statement? If you did not, you have been losing out on receiving this money and you need to enroll in the NYS School Tax Relief program. You can call the STAR program at 518-457-2036 or type NYS STAR Program online in your search engine. Act now so you can start receiving your STAR rebate in 2021. You will need this: Block #5141 and Lot #120, when you enroll.

Many thanks to the Board of Directors for recently passing a resolution to require the Finance Department to send future annual notices to cooperators who are not receiving this rebate, to encourage them to enroll in this program.

Next general membership meeting Our next meeting is tentatively scheduled to be held Wednesday, March 18, at 7 p.m. in the association room behind Building 2B. We will post flyers to confirm the meeting date in the building lobbies prior to the actual meeting date. We hope you will attend.

—Georgianna Rodriguez

Online payment of monthly carrying charge

Shareholders can now pay their carrying charges online by logging onto the Riverbay website at www.riverbaycorp.com, and clicking on the “PayLease” icon on the home page, or by signing in directly at the PayLease website at www.paylease.com.

Go green, go paperless! Register today.

African American Association Quotes from the ancestors: Celebrate Black History Month “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world. —Harriet Tubman New Meeting Schedule: Saturday The African American Association will meet the second Saturday of each month.

Next gathering will be 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 929-430-3255; the African American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475.

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, 7:00 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, 917561-6211.

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.

The AAA wishes everyone a prosperous Black History Month. We 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: “In a world filled with hate, we must dare to hope. In a world filled with anger, we must dare to comfort. In a world filled with despair, we must dare to dream. In a world filled with distrust, we must dare to believe. —Michael Jackson —Michelle Marbury

Rivers Run Community Garden

March is right around the corner which means seeds need to be started and garden clean up and repair needs doing. We will announce days the garden will be open to members for these tasks shortly. In addition, Earth Day is coming, and we need volunteers. Please reach out if you’d like to help.

Membership dues must be paid by March 31st or they will be subject to a $5 penalty fee. If dues are not paid by April 30, you will be in jeopardy of losing your bed. Contact information is below if you cannot make it to the meeting.

Please tell your friends and family about this amazing place where we not only grow fruits and vegetables, but we grow knowledge and friendships. Rivers Run Community Garden is a movement towards improved mental and physical health.

We provide all types of workshops including nutrition, meditation, edible and medicinal wilds identification, planting, building and crafting. We are the outdoor classroom for the local schools, daycares as well as residents and neighbors. We are a place of beauty and peace. Visit. Stay. Experience us.

Event Dates (All are welcome): March 19 – Dreiser Community Center, room 13, at 7 p.m.

Membership requirements: $20 per year fee and 20 hours of work. There is a waiting list for beds. Members who are actively fulfilling the 20 hours of volunteer work requirement are moved up on the waiting list. Volunteers are welcome.

If you’d like to reach out to us, please email us at Rivers_run@yahoo.com or call Denise Shelley at 917-232-2982 or me at 718-671-3801.

—Gail Sharbaan

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Co-op City Times / February 29, 2020

17

Co-op City Times / February 29, 2020

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Co-op City Times / February 29, 2020

Co-op City Toastmasters

The Co-op City Toastmasters Club extends a very big “thank you” to everyone who came out in support of all the candidates in our Speech Contests on Feb 20. For some, it was the first time to experience a public speaking “Speech Contest,” however, by all accounts, everyone enjoyed and had a great time listening to speeches by contestants at different levels of proficiency, making new friends, enjoying lite refreshments, and learning a few speaking tips along the way.

From left, Nicole Howerton, VPE; Evelyn Marie Turner, second place; Kathy Blount, first place; Renee Johnson-Acosta, third place; Grace Pemberton, district director; and Sylvia Brabham, chief judge.

Annually, Toastmasters Intl. Program includes speech contests all over the world that culminate with one individual being crowned “World Champion of Public Speaking!” After strenuous evaluations and competitions, it is an awesome award to be very proud of achieving.

The journey starts at the club level and we congratulate the following winners as they advance to the next level of Area Speech Contest: First Place honors went to Kathy Blount; Table Topics Contest winners were: First Place, Kathy Blount; Second Place, Evelyn M. Turner, and Third Place, Renee Johnson-Acosta.

Meetings: March 5 and March 15 at 7:30 p.m., Bartow Center. All are welcome. You must be 18 yrs. or older to join but families are encouraged to expose the young early on the importance of being able to speak well in public Hope to see you soon.

—Lauretta Jaysura

Section 4 Partnership

The next gathering of the Section 4 Partnership is Friday, Mar. 13, 2020.

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, grand opening of the Secdion 4 basketball courts and other notable events, meetings and gatherings.

About the Section 4 Partnership The Section 4 Partnership is comprised of every building in Co-op City that make up the sectional geographic which is 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, 25, Benchley Place; Adler Place townhouses, Asch Loop townhouses and Broun Place townhouses. Join us. Remember, you are already an important member of this team. You are a shareholder. You don’t have to live in Section 4. Come and get involved. Let’s show up! Let’s get it done!

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

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.

—Michelle Marbury

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.

Building 27 Association

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

Entertainment Committee Please note on your calendar the date of July 15, 2020. We invite you to join us to a trip to the Ace in the Hole at the Royal Manor in Garfield, NJ featuring the Motown Revue and the Nu-Men Of Soul – you don’t want to miss this. Buffet, family-style menu; price is $85. You may contact Margie at 718-373-4629 or Sharon, 718-671-1905.

Black History Month The NAACP Imagine Awards was on Saturday night, Feb. 22, 2020, and BET usually does reruns. Please try to see it; this was a fantastic and inspiring show of our African Americans, acknowledging throughout the program their achievements on the backs of those before them. A reminder of African American struggles from the beginning of time, however, we always and will continue to prevail. We will always remember history’s first African American 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, never fathoming such an event. There were elder male first-time voters, some could barely see, who had to use a magnifying device to vote; high school first-time voters, voters lined up outside around the corner practically all day. We all witnessed history that we did not expect to see

in our lifetime. 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 the 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 Service will not call you; if you receive any mail and/or you are unsure about compliance, go directly to the IRS office located at 1200 Water Place, near Eastchester Road in the Bronx.

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, or the passing of a neighbor, or if someone is in a nursing home.

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Co-op City Times / February 29, 2020

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 and 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 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, 718-320-0500.

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, 718320-0500.

Theatre committee Price includes van transport, from Dreiser Loop, front of Rehab Center April 4, Saturday, “Stephanie Mills and Howard Huett,” 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 parttime, 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

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NAACP, Co-op City Branch

Standing, from left, Bill Gordon, vice president, NAACP Co-op City branch; Riverbay General Manager Noel Ellison and Riverbay Assistant Executive General Manager Cary Smith, III. Seated are Kenny Rodriguez, CUNY student and Census volunteer, and Gloria Benfield, chair, Membership Committee, N.Y. State NAACP Conference.

The Co-op City branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People extends best wishes to our president, Dr. Jerome L. Rice, as he departs from Co-op City. We would like to express our appreciation for the leadership he has provided this branch and plan to carry on in the spirit he has instilled in us. We would like to express thanks to Ms. Mary Love and all the others who helped organize and present an excellent send-off celebration for Dr. Rice.

The NAACP has partnered with NY State, NY City and other non- profit organizations in an effort to get maximum participation in the 2020 Census. Members of the Co-op City branch, with assistance from some volunteer CUNY students, will be asking cooperators to sign pledge cards stating they will complete the Census when they receive the forms in mail. This year, the Census forms can be completed by mail, phone or online. Please sign the pledge cards and, more importantly, complete the Census.

—Bill Gordon

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Co-op City Times / February 29, 2020

Black Forum

‘Emergency Food Pantry Black Forum Pantry is located at 920 Baychester Ave., Building 1A. The pantry faces the yellow school house and basketball court at the back of the building.

We open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m.-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 3-4 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 30-31 day rotation (once a month). The pantry accepts new guests.

Defensive driving Next class: Saturday, March 14, 2020, 9 a.m.-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 4 points from your driver’s license. Checks & money orders can be made payable to ‘Black Forum of Co-op City’ and mailed to 920 Baychester Ave., Bronx, NY 10475 at least 1½ 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 710-320-8035. 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, & June 20. Time: 9 a.m-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, 2020. Dining is at Shady Maple Smorgasbord, ranked #1 on TripAdvisor’s Quick Bites in East Earl, PA list. Menu includes an all-youcan-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 sq. ft. 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 been providing for members of the Co-op City community for over 30 years.

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

—D. Illis

Building 25 Association

Hi neighbors, it’s history time again.

Did you know that a common year has 365 days but a leap year has 366 days, with the extra day designated as Feb. 29. A leap year occurs every four years — a year being the length of time it takes Earth to complete its orbit around the sun. This leap year began on Jan. 1, 2020, and ends on Dec. 31, 2020. February was chosen as the month to have the leap day because it is the only month without 30 or 31 days.

We would like to thank all who attended our last meeting, it would behoove all shareholders to attend these meetings because there is an abundance of information taken from these meetings. The following is a synopsis of what was shared at our last meeting: Two new shareholders attended and were introduced.

Fire prevention discussed, especially in light of the recent fire in Building 12 The new Call Center discussion on the progress and issues, mainly the “call back” feature malfunction now on hold until all kinks are worked out. Once this feature is working properly, it will be a great asset for the shareholders Electrical charging stations coming to our garage. Continue to read your Co-op City Times for details. In lieu of absent garage attendants at night, there is an emergency red button at the pay station.

Our treasury, Carol Eilets, read the financial report.

A new program Red Cross is bringing to our community called “ECHO.” Our president, Denise Gerrard, also mentioned she toured the stairwells and found them to be in excellent condition due to the hard work of our maintenance crew. Cuba, Sergio, Rocky and Robbie, thank you.

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 neighbor, Barbara Irby, has been ill, but feeling much better and I’m told that she will be coming home 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 a word about Leap Day: Happy Leap Day. A day where ‘this time last year’ and ‘this time next year’ does not apply.”

—Wanda Bailey

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!

Upcoming Events February’s ‘Social Saturday’ will take place on the 29th 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 on 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: htspanamcccc.synthasite.com. You may also email the club at SpanAmCCCC@gmail.com or find us on Facebook (search for ‘spanamcccc’).

—Carmen Rodriguez

Co-op City Times / February 29, 2020

21

Building 9 Association

Greetings, Building 9 family.

This evening, Saturday, Feb. 29, at 7 p.m., the Building 9 Association’s 5th Annual Black History Month event will be celebrated.

Sister Patricia Leonard (African Burial Grounds Museum) will be our facilitator for the event. The program will explore the origins of the official designation of Black History week, later becoming Black History month, the discovBuilding 9 Executive Board members Linda ery and preservation of African Collins, Shirley Wells and Wanda Randall.

Burial Grounds in, and around, New York City. Please join us for an evening of engagement and enlightenment.

At the time of this writing, our regularly scheduled monthly membership meeting was scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 27. Our guest speaker, Chief Joseph Riley, Public Safety Department, is to address our questions and concerns pertaining to building and community safety and security.

Our 5th Annual Women’s History Month event is being organized. More details to follow.

On March 16, The Global African Women’s Day Dinner gala event will be held at the Millennium Hilton New York, One UN Plaza, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Cheryl Wills, NY1 Anchor, will be the Mistress of Ceremony. Building 9 will have a table at the gala. Please let me know if you are interested in attending.

Due to upcoming periodic, ongoing construction in garage 2 during the coming months, the normal traffic patterns and some parking spaces may be affected.

Please be cognizant of traffic cones and posted signage.

Reminder: 2020 is the year for the regularly scheduled 10-year United States Census. Please complete and return the Census forms in a timely manner. Federal government funding for senior services, schools, housing, hospitals, infrastructure, municipal services, etc., are reliant upon the accurate population count in any

Get involved! Join your building association!

given geographic area.

The United States Presidential Democratic primary election is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28. Please vote. It is a right and a privilege.

During the United States Constitutional Convention, on July 12, 1787, the Threefifths Compromised was signed as an Amendment to the Constitution in order to appease southern slave owners who wanted more representation in the House of Representatives and more delegates to the Electoral College.

New York City Council member Andy King celebrates March 5 as Three-fifths Clause Amendment Awareness day. Black people are not 3/5 of a person. Black children should not receive 3/5 of an education. The language must be stricken from the Constitution.

Effective Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020, New York City alternate side street parking fines in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, advance 96th Street in Manhattan are increased from $45 to $65.

Please do not remove laundry carts from the laundry room or sort dirty clothing in the laundry carts or on folding tables.

Please do not litter in our public spaces.

Curb your dog at the curb.

“Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.” –Booker T. Washington, Up from Slavery.

—Linda Collins

Buildings 30 A and B Association

The itinerary for March is as follows: Building association meeting will be on Wednesday, March 11, with the door opening at 7 p.m. and the meeting starting at 7:30 p.m. in the association room.

Our monthly Pokeno game will be on Friday, March 13, with the door opening at 7 p.m. and the games starting at 7:30 in the association room.

Our crochet classes will be on Thursdays March 5, 12 and 19. There will be no crochet on Wednesday, March 26.

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

—Linda Werner

22

Co-op City Times / February 29, 2020

Building 13 Association

Shape your future for the next 10 Years…2020 Census Our next building meeting will be on Thursday, March 5, 2020 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Ms. Lois English, Property Manager aka CSO, will be our special guest so “Save the Date.” The association will begin collecting membership dues at the end of March. By that time, you should have received the Annual Affidavit. Annual affidavits will be notarized for free when you become a paid member of the Building 13 Association, Inc. We try to coordinate it with the Annual Affidavit submission in order to provide you an opportunity to have your paperwork notarized. Check the lobby bulletin board for additional information.

Election of Officers of the association will take place at the March meeting. Eligibility for office is as follows: Shareholder must be current with association dues when nominated. Shareholder must have attended at least three (3) 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: 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 (4/1-3/31).

“Boys To Men” – Let’s Talk We request and need participation from men of all ages.

Sunday, March 1, 2020. Time: 4 to 6 p.m. Where: Building 13 association room, 100 Casals Place, near Peartree Mall. 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, Discuss!

Pennsylvania Dutch-Amish trip Join us on May 30, 2020 as we visit the Amish Country and experience an authentic PA 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 is due by March 7, 2020 for $50 and the second payment of $45 is due by April 15, 2020. The bus will depart from 100 Casals Place at 8 a.m. and leave from Pennsylvania at 6:00 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.

Interested in music? Renaissance Youth Center-Co-op City Join the Renaissance Youth Center of Co-op City, co-sponsored by the Riverbay Fund. The time to register is now but act fast, space is limited. Located at Dreiser Center, room 18, they offer training in vocals, drums, keyboard and guitar. Call 718-450-3466 or email info@RenaissanceYouth.org.

Payments for events can be sent to: 100 Casals Place 32K, Bronx, NY 10475. Contacts: Leslie Peterson at 718-320-1370, president, at daddpeterson@aol.com; or Gail Sharbaan, treasurer, at 718-671-3801. Our website is http://www.bldg13assoc.com or email us at bthirteen.assoc@yahoo.com.

Thanks for making our team work.

—Leslie Peterson

Coalition of African American Churches & Community Organizations

The Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City, Inc.’s next general membership meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2020; at noon in the Dreiser Community Center, room 15. We are requesting all members to please attend. Please watch this column for further information. It is important that two representatives are sent from each organization to attend all Coalition meetings.

Please inform the Coalition of any suggestions that you may have. Ms. Virginia Stewart is the president of the Coalition. Phone number, 718-6714506.

The Coalition is a non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining and improving the quality of life of cooperators while providing educational and culturally enriching programs for the community.

We also act as one voice for all Coalition members where there are issues of common concern and Human Rights. We also sponsor the Friends & Family Day Celebration and annual Kwanzaa Cele-

bration events, both free for the community.

Members of the Coalition include the following: African-American Association; Co-op City Baptist Church; Retirees of Dreiser Loop; Harriet Tubman Independent Democratic Club; NAACP, Co-op City Branch; St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church, American Legion Post 1871. and Faith at Work Christian Church.

Churches and organizations that desire to join the Coalition may apply for membership by calling 718-671-4506 or 718-671-9610 for membership application, which should returned with a letter on your church/organization’s letterhead and signed by the minister/president. Read the Coalition’s weekly column for information about events and issues. To all who have lost a loved one recently, we give our deepest condolences.

Remember the Coalition’s Motto is, “Coming Together is the Beginning, Keeping Together is Progress, & Working Together is Success.”

—Harman T. Leacock

Building 10 Association

Greetings, fellow cooperators.

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

Daylight Savings Time – On Sunday, March 8, 2020 at 2 a.m. remember to set your clocks ahead 1 hour for Daylight Saving Time.

Laundry room etiquette – Please remove your laundry from the dryers and washers promptly at the completion of the cycle so others can use them.

Please pick up dryer sheets from the floor; they are very slippery, and refrain from using the carts, benches and tables for dirty laundry.

Cartons – Please take all shipping cartons, boxes, etc. to the basement and place them in the appropriate area.

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.

Building 10 mission statement – The overall goal of the Building 10 Association is to continually seek improvements in the quality of life for Building 10 cooperators and their families. The mission of the Building 10 Association is to be advocates for the Riverbay Corporation and for Building 10 cooperators and families. We will seek opportunities to source information that will be useful to its members and plan for activities that will enhance the life and well-being of all.

We would like to wish all March “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

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Co-op City Times / February 29, 2020

Working Families of Co-op City

Politics with the Public Advocate Two Working Families of Co-op City members, TiTanya De Loach and Stuart Edwards, were pleased to meet and greet Public Advocate Jumaane Williams on Feb. 18. At a small rally, held on the outskirts of Co-op City, the P.A. endorsed one of the candidates running for the 16th congressional district.

And Speaking of CD16 Candidates Our CD16 congressman Eliot Engel was one of several NY legislators to voice displeasure regarding the recent decision of the Public Campaign Financing Commission, a non-elected group of arbiters, to interfere with the NYS voting process. Although he has no legislative say in the matter, Engel lent his moral support by tweeting, “This new, misguided [Commission] plan fails to protect grassroots groups like NY WFP. We need them.”

A Matter of Survival The NYS Senate and Assembly can still stand up for democracy this session and overturn those misguided decisions reached by the Commission.

Tell the Assembly to go back to the drawing board by: sending postcards to Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, Legislative Office Building, Room 836, Albany, NY 12248; emailing your comments to benedettom@nyassembly.gov; or calling the Assemblyman here in Co-op City at 718-320-2220 or in Albany at 518- 455-5385.

Ask Assemblyman Benedetto to help undo the damage caused by the commission. Ask him to fight for the Working Families Party’s right to stay alive. Ask him to help reject the commission’s results, results that make it harder for new candidates to get on the ballot and nearly impossible for smaller parties to stay on the ballot…for democracy’s sake.

Non-Partisan Political Forums Elections are coming up fast. First up: the April NYS presidential primaries. Let’s just await the results of Super Tuesday and then we’ll see if there’s a need to spring into action to mount a Candidates Forum … or not.

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

National Council of Negro Women

Black History Month – Hurrah! Today is the day when we will have our 19th Annual Black History Month Celebration, in partnership with the Riverbay Fund. This free event will take place in Bartow Center, room 31, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The theme of this year’s celebration is “We Count: Our Lives, Our History, Our Voice, Our Vote.” Youth groups and young adults are volunteering to showcase their talent in song, dance, stepping, playing an instrument, poetry, Spoken Word, drama skit, etc. Come on out and join us!

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, a delightful read, truly a paean to mothers everywhere.

Women Represent! – Mark your calendars! Saturday, April 18, 2020. “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, 2020, from 1-4 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

Please contact Camille Worrell, co-chair 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, 2020 for a delightful day featuring a guided tour and wine tasting at Brotherhood Winery; all-you-can-eat buffet lunch at the Golden Corral; 3- hour stay at Resorts World Casino (Catskills). 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 P.O. Box 93, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. For more information, contact: 917574-6286, 718-379-3788, 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, 2020 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: 917-670-4012, 718-3793788, 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.

Social Media – Remember you can find us on Facebook: NCNWCoopcityBethune; Twitter: @NCNWCoopCity; Instagram: NCNWCo-opCity and email: www.ncnwco.opcity@gmail.com.

—Joyce Howard

On Feb 21, the association held its February meeting. Reminder: Meetings are held once a month in the B-building association room at 7 p.m.

To those who missed this meeting, this was a chance to really have your voice heard. We had the privilege of having Joshua Blake, director of janitorial services, as our speaker. Joshua grew up in Co-op City and is a current shareholder. He presides over 14 supervisors and has a staff of around 300. He also works closely with the Buildings and Grounds department. His mantra is “We are here to serve.”

Among many initiatives, the department is working on “going green.” Mr. Blake is focusing on a cleaner, safer environment and investing in new technology. It takes time, but there has been progress. Increased efficiency is a goal, and customer service is a priority.

Questions were taken from the audience. One involved covers for the hallway lights.

Elevator damage was a concern, both from illegal move-ins and occasionally from porters, as well.

A request to have more visible signs to pick up after dogs and possibly a doggie bag dispenser was mentioned.

Of note, an interesting experiment is being made in other buildings and will be tried here. That is the spraying of an “unpleasant to dogs” scent under the porticos to motivate the dog to do his business elsewhere.

The unsightly spot in the association room was pointed out. Mr. Blake said he will investigate, and — whatever it is — will finally get this issue cleaned up.

For illegal washing machines that contribute to clogged drains and fluctuating water temperatures, it was recommended we call CSO and report the problem. An opening with lint and dust being blown out from the fan room and entering the laundry room will be fixed. Repair of pea gravel under the porticos will be investigated.

All in all, it was an excellent meeting with much useful information from Mr. Blake. We are grateful that he is here for us, and thank him for his time!

Lastly, a few notes. Please, if you have an elderly or disabled neighbor, do alert them about the R U OK program. Contact CCPD and they will give a check-up call once a day to be sure the individual is okay. The program is free.

Also, reminders: Game night this month and Book Club next month — “A Thousand Splendid Suns.” They both are held alternate months on the fourth Friday, at 7 p.m.

Senior exercise also returns every Friday at 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., unless posted otherwise on the Association room door. All are held in the association meeting room on the first floor of building B. —Katharine Wood

Building 29 Association

24

Co-op City Times / February 29, 2020

Open Door Ministries

Newsong Church Weird in a God way

“Love that Forgives”

13 “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. –Matthew 7:13-14 (NLT) Those listening to Jesus preach the sermon on the mount must have been confused. All through His message, He’s comparing the “normal” things people think and do with God’s way which just sounded weird. For instance, He says: “Love your enemies.” That’s weird. We hate people who don’t look or think like we do, that’s “normal.” He says “Pray for those who hate you.” Normal people don’t do that. Normal people hold a grudge. All through His sermon, Jesus is saying, “It’s normal for you to think like this, it’s normal for you to do that, but I’m telling you that normal isn’t going to work. You have to forget about being ‘normal’ and start doing things God’s way, which is going to make you seem weird to the rest of the world. Then you get to Matthew 7 and He doesn’t pull any punches.

He says…

The highway to hell is wide and it’s full of “normal” people. People who choose to do things their own way. People who choose to follow the ways of the world.

People who refuse to do things God’s way. According to Jesus, hell is going to be full of “normal” people.

Do you know how weird Christianity is? Every other religion gives you things you have to do in hopes of reaching “god.” Christianity is unique because it claims you and I can never be good enough or do enough to reach God. So, because of His great love for us, God came to us. He provided the only way for us to have eternal life, through His Son Jesus Christ!

Are you living a “normal” life? Are you chasing after the things of this world that won’t matter in 100 years? Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.”

It’s time to be weird in a God way, and take the narrow road. He’s waiting for you!

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 12-18 years old enjoy Christ centered discussion groups, café 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: www.newsongchurchnyc.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/newsong churchbx Twitter: @newsongchurchBX IG: @newsongchurchBX @againsttheflow.nyc Our Newsong family is here for you! Join us this Sunday and experience the difference!

—Pastor Mike Tolone

Full sermon at Open Door Ministries YouTube Channel

Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers and overwhelms all transgressions [forgiving and overlooking another’s faults]. 1 Peter 4:8 Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others]. 1 Corinthians 13:5 Love is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); love is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly.

Love does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not selfseeking; love is not touchy or fretful or resentful; love takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].

Song of Solomon 7:10 I belong to my beloved, and his desire is for me. - The bride acknowledges voluntarily that she belongs to her husband and that he desires her over everyone else. We see a display of intimacy where all barriers and other people are removed. The couple are content with each other and enjoy intimacy in all aspects.

Amos 3:3 Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction? - The answer to this rhetorical question is a resounding no.

Most couples accomplish little in their relationships because they are going in different directions and refuse to compromise. Because they won’t bend they break. It may not be a legal divorce but an emotional one.

1 Peter 3:1 In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over 2 by observing your pure and reverent lives. 7 In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.

1 Corinthians 7:3-5 Sexual drives are strong, but marriage is strong enough to contain them and provide for a balanced and fulfilling sexual life in a world of sexual disorder. The marriage bed must be a place of mutuality—the husband seeking to satisfy his wife, the wife seeking to satisfy her husband. Marriage is not a place to “stand up for your rights.”

Marriage is a decision to serve the other, whether in bed or out. Abstaining from sex is permissible for a period of time if you both agree to it, and if it’s for the purposes of prayer and fasting—but only for such times.

Then come back together again. Satan has an ingenious way of tempting us when we least expect it.

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

Contact Open Door Ministries by text 917-334-4407 or email opendoorministries.net.

Blessings in Christ.

—Pastor Luis Ramos

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

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

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Co-op City Times / February 29, 2020

Community Protestant Church

On behalf of our pastor, Reverend Dr. Calvin E. Owens, and our church family, welcome to Community Protestant Church, a church of love and understanding, located at 1659 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, 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 – Wed. 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 Sunday 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. 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 a 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.

Closing celebration of the 50th anniversary of CPC Sunday, March 29, 11 a.m. We’ve come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord! The pastor and members of Community Protestant Church cordially invite you to celebrate with us at the closing service for our 50th Anniversary. Theme: Celebrating 50 Years of God’s Faithfulness Yesterday, Today and Forever.

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

9 a.m., so we can take out the Torah.

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

Sabbath ends on Saturday, Feb. 29, at 6:39 p.m.

Candle lighting for Friday, March 6, at 5:33 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 all 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

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. For dessert, we will serve Hamentashen. There will be live professional entertainment. The cost is $20 per person. Everyone is welcome. 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. 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 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 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

Open Doors, Open Hearts and Open Minds

Evangelical UM Church of Co-op City

Come & Visit Us – You’re always welcome in God’s House, Your House! We are a Bible centered congregation with spirit-filled worship, offering a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship and service to God and our community. We are a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and bilingual congregation, all are welcome! Services are held at 2350 Palmer Ave., across from Building 30. Parking is available. Our pastor is Rev. Arnaldo SánchezOrta. Telephone number: 718-320-3795; Email: coopcityevangelicalumc@gmail.com.

Schedule for Sundays - Come and Receive a Blessing: English Service: 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. Spanish Service: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Bilingual Service: First Sunday of each month, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Children’s Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Bring your children, they will have a great time while learning God’s word. Adult Sunday Bible Study: English, 8:45 a.m./Spanish, 10 a.m.

English Prayer/Bible Study Night & Spanish Prayer/Bible Study Afternoon: Tuesday Spanish Prayer/Bible Study: noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday Evening Bible Study: 6 p.m.-7:15 p.m. Tuesday English Prayer Service: 7:30 p.m.8:30 p.m. Come let’s pray together! “Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day.” 1 Kings 8:28b (NIV) Friday Night is Fun Night for the Youth ages 13 – 21, 7:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.: This is a great time for the youth of our community to learn God’s word, enjoy each other’s company and make new friends.

There will also be many activities. Exciting things are happening...

Food Pantry: The Black Forum Food Pantry

distribution center at our church will now be serving all Section 5 registered recipients. Ongoing registration and distribution of food is on Thursdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Those registering must present one of the following government issued up-to-date ID’s showing a 10475 zip code: Driver, Non-Driver, or NYC ID. Anyone 18+ of age can register. Only one participant per household may register.

Health Education Workshop: Join us for upcoming Health Education Workshop: “Your Brain & Drugs” on Tuesday, March 3, at 2 p.m. at your local community church, Co-op City UMC, 2350 Palmer Ave. (entrance ramp on Boller Ave.); parking lot entrance is on Palmer Ave. Sight & Sound Theatre trip: Come, join us to see the new theatre show of “Queen Esther” on Friday, April 17, 2020. Trip includes visit/shop at Kitchen Kettle Village, “Queen Esther” at Sight & Sound and dinner at Miller’s Smorgasbord. Cost: $203pp; children 5-12 yrs., $153. Payments can be made as follows: Pay in full or three payments plan, deposit of $75p.p. to hold seat. Checks payable to: Co-op City United Methodist Church can be mailed to 2350 Palmer Ave., Bronx, N.Y. 10475. For more information, contact: Barbara, 347-603-7473, or church, 718-320-3795. If no answer, leave a detailed message and someone will get back to you ASAP. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Ephesians 2:8-9 Blessings.

—Marilyn Méndez-González

Wed., Mar. 4

Tues., Mar. 3

Mon., Mar. 2

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Co-op City Times / February 29, 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.

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.

Alternate Kosher Meals are also available

Kosher

Non-Kosher

Juice Grilled chicken breast, Hummus Pita halves Israeli salad Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit Alt: Tuna salad

Sweet & sour pork w/pineapple Rice w/corn Oriental blend

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session Juice, Beef Bolognese meat sauce, Croutons 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Walking Club 10:30 a.m.

Health & Wellness Support for Ceasar salad, Alert & Alive 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Group 10-11 a.m.

Pasta, Classic Italian Cultural Dance 10:30-11:30 a.m., rm. 2 Caregiver Support Group 1:30 p.m. dressing, Garfen 1st & 3rd Tues., JASA main office Karaoke by Steven 1p.m., rm. 45 Mind Teasers 12-1p.m., rm. 4 salad, Whole wheat Zumba 1-2 p.m., Aud A bread, Fresh fruit, Matinee Tuesday 1 p.m.

Card Games 2-4 p.m.

Alt: Veggie burger Blood Pressure Every 1st & 3rd Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session Juice Wed., 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Dominoes 10 a.m., rm. 45 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

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

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

Stay Well Exercise 10 a.m. -11 am Spelling Bee 10 a.m. breast, Mashed Line Dancing 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. sweet potatoes Body in motion w/Ola 10 a.m. – Tai Chi 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., rm. 10 Card Games 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Dominoes 2:30 p.m.

Art Class 1-3 p.m.

11 a.m.

Sautéed string beans NORC Computer Class Bartow main Whole wheat bread office, 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Spanish Practice Class 10:30 a.m. Yoga 2 p.m. - 3 p.m., rm. 2 Fresh fruit Smartphone Class: Beginner – 12:30 p.m.

NEW Weight Management Support – 1:30 p.m.; Inter. 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.; Zumba 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., rm. 4 Alt: Salmon salad Grp. Every 2nd Wed., 1 - 2 p.m., rm 4 Word Games 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Chicken w/black bean sauace Steamed kale White rice

Beef stew Baked red potato wedges Broccoli w/toasted garlic

Fri., Mar. 6

Thu., Mar. 5

Bartow main office

Juice, Poached Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session salmon, Wild rice, 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Hawaiian chicken Blood Pressure 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Prince Edward blend vegetables legs 1st & 3rd, rm. 8 Whole wheat bread Yellow rice Line Dancing 10 a.m. - 11 a.m., Aud. A Strawberry apple- Sautéed string beans Piano Sing Along 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. sauce Drama Club 1:30 - 4 p.m Alt: Chicken wraps Dominoes 10 a.m., rm. 45 Men’s Line Dancing 9 -10 a.m.

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

9:30-10; 11 a.m. - noon noodle kugel, Capri Women’s Line Dancing 10-11:30 a.m. Pokeno 2-4 p.m., rm. 35 fish fillets Meditative Moments 11 a.m. - noon, rm. 8 blend vegetables, Blood Pressure 2nd & 4th Fri., 10 Pasta Chat Session 10 a.m.

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

Challah bread 11:30 a.m., rm. 45 Okra w/tomatoes 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.

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.

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. Feb. 3 until Apr. 15. Einstein Community Center, 2nd floor.

Mon. & Wed. only, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Tax preparation rm. 40; waiting rm. 35.

FREE 8-Week Plant-Based Program – Every Tues., Feb. 18 – Apr. 14, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. “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. – Starting Feb. 24, Mon. & Wed. until May 1, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., 177 Dreiser Loop, rm. 7. Call 718-3201345 to register and for additional information.

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 a.m.; Einstein – 9:45 a.m.; Dreiser – 10 a.m.

Central Ave. – Wed., Mar. 4. 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.

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

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

Wegman’s Supermarket, Brooklyn, NY – 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 a.m.; 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. – 12 p.m. 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.

Paint & Sip – Mon., Mar. 9 & 16. JASA main office, 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.

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; and Wed., Mar. 25, Einstein Sr. Ctr., rm. 45, featuring Ola & the Ollettes, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. DJ to be announced.

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.

Women’s Month Celebration – Join us for a won-

Upcoming Events/Trips

derful play called “How to Marry a Minister” with the JASA Drama Bunch, Thurs., Mar. 19, 11 a.m. Dreiser Sr. Ctr., 177 Dreiser Loop, rm. 4. Please call 718-3201345 a week in advance to sign up for lunch.

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 & much more. 50 seats available. Pick-ups: 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.

Payment due no later than Fri., April 3. Cash only, no checks! 48 seats available. Coach bus. Pick-ups: Dreiser – 8:30 a.m.; Bartow – 8:45 a.m.; Einstein – 9 a.m. No refunds!

Co-op City Times / February 29, 2020

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 1. 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, March 1, at 9 a.m. when we will celebrate the First Sunday in Lent. Father Simeon Johnson, our Supply Priest, will be the preacher and celebrant.

2. Please join us on Wednesdays for an uplifting midday service starting promptly at noon.

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

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

Group activities The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) 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 • Sat., March 28: ECW Prayer Breakfast, 10 a.m. to noon. Donation, $20.

• Sat., May 23: St. Joseph’s Day Luncheon at the Eastwood Manor in the Bronx , 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, 718-320-2089; 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 March, 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 the year 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 non-perishable 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 718-320-0844. You may also visit our website: https://www.st.josephsepcbronx.org for more information relating to St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church, Co-op City, Bronx, New York.

“Happy are they whose transgressions are forgiven, *and whose sin is put away.” —Psalm 32:1 —Merville Chambers

If you SEE something, SAY SOMETHING!!!

718-671-3050 • Co-op City Public Safety

AARP Chapter #4997

27

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

2020 tour plans March 23 to 25: Del Lago Resort & Casino in Finger Lakes; three days, two 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; $399/person, double occupancy; add $165 for single. Final payment due immediately. Bus departure: arrive by 7 a.m. to receive luggage tags in front of library at Asch Loop, leaving at 7:30 a.m. sharp. Contact Judith, 718-379-3370; 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; final payment due immediately. Contact Hannah, 718-379-7962; or Judith, 718-379-3370.

July 16 to19: Ocean City, Maryland, four days, three 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. Contact Judith, 718-379-3370; or Hannah, 718379-7962.

Dec. 29, 2020, to Jan. 2, 2021 – New Year’s parade extravaganza in California; five days, four 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

Scheduling Activities Calendar

28

Co-op City Times / February 29, 2020

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

We invite you to worship, study, and pray with us.

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

Join us for a midweek spiritual pick-up at our worship service held on Wednesdays at noon. Bible Study is held on Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Bible Study will also be held on Wednesday, 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. Everyone 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.

Next Sunday, March 8, at 3:30 p.m., the Deacons and Trustee will have a celebratory service. The

Goose Island Seniors

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 three 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 March: Molly Koníkoff, Carla Zeman, Hattie Lucas, Shirley Rooney, Stephen Roberts Sr., Ardelle Frank, Yvonne Starks, Vivian Werner, Michelle Rosenthal, Diana Rodriguez, Lillian Friedman and Pearl Applewhite.

Sick and shut-in – Mary Smith at Morris Park Rehabilitation & Nursing Center and 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 Baptist Church

On Sunday, April 26, we will celebrate Men’s and guest speaker will be Rev. Carl Bruce, pastor of Mt. Women’s Day at our 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. services. The Carmel Baptist Church, Yonkers, NY. We invite all guest speaker, for the 11 a.m. service will be Rev. to this service.

Stephanie Coleman, associate pastor, Mt. Sinai Baptist You’re invited to join the Sunday School for the showing of the movie, “Overcomer” on Friday, Church, Bronx, NY. The guest speaker for the 3:30 p.m. service will be Rev. Carl McCluster, pastor, Shiloh Baptist March 13, at 7 p.m, at 135 Einstein Loop, room 50, lower level. Don’t forget to bring your popcorn, Church, Bridgeport, CT. The theme for the day will be soda, water, sweets, etc. for your movie enjoyment. “Men and Women Praising God with Our Whole Heart,” Psalm 138:1. Please join us for these celebratory servMarch is Women’s History month and the First ices.

Lady’s Ministry is presenting “HerStory” on SatThe Co-op City Baptist Church exists to glorify urday March 28, at 10 a.m. The guest speaker will God and to establish a living community of people be Rev. Que English, co-pastor of Bronx Christian who follow the teachings of Jesus the Christ through Fellowship Cathedral, Bx, NY. She is the founder of “Not on My Watch.” Following the presentation, worship, prayer, Bible study and fellowship. We seek to meet the spiritual and physical needs of the there will be a fashion show by the Knit and Crochet church through ministry.

Circle. Join them for an informative, inspirational —Hattie L. Lucas and enjoyable day.

29

Co-op City Times / February 29, 2020

Pentecostal Tabernacle

100 Co-op City Blvd., Building 22A, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. Tel. 718-324-0334; Church, 718-3204218. Pentecostal Tabernacle invites everyone to attend services on the following days: Sundays – Sunday school will start at 10:30 a.m. for all age group. Morning Worship service starts at 11:45 a.m.

Wednesdays – Prayer and fasting service will be held every morning starting at 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Prayer meeting and Bible study will also be held every Wednesday evening starting at 7:30 p.m.

Fridays – Youth service will begin at 7:30 p.m.

All are welcome to attend these services.

Focus: The church is a privileged people who have been buried and risen in Christ, which enables them to walk in the light of his love, forgiveness and redemption.

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him. (Colossian 2:6) In Colossians 2:7 “Those who live in Christ are “rooted” in him, they are also “built up in him,” meaning it is a continual process where one grows in God’s grace. They are established and strengthened in faith because faith makes things move. The result of trusting an unseen God benefits the believer greatly in which they abound with thanksgiving, they overflow with thankfulness because God always remains true. The Apostle Paul stressed the importance of avoiding false teaching that steer the believer to incorporate poor philosophy and ultimately rob them of their joy in Christ. Colos-

sians 2:8 reads, “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” Now because we are embracing the fullness of Christ, we recognized that God is a reality.

Thus now we possess the spiritual completeness all humans are able to obtain, not needing to adapt teachings that are not spirit lead. In Christ, we have a new birth. The Old Testament sign of a new life was the covenant of circumcision. The New Testament identifies the believer by baptism as the saving work of Christ, specifically by his death, burial and resurrection.

Apostle Paul reflects that one did not have to add man-made obligations to the victory Christ.

Jesus’ death on the cross gave all people freedom to live above sin. If the Son therefore shall set you free, you shall be free indeed. (St. John 8:36) Knowing this that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is free from sin. (Romans 6:6-7) Christ is all sufficient and offers mankind an opportunity to enjoy life with him. Wisdom that reigns within us, is because we have a reason, hope and trust in our walk in Christ. Let us therefore, remain stablished in the faith, as we have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. (Colossians 3) —Rev. R. Sibblies

Church of the New Vision

Pastors Kenneth 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. – 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.

Sunday, March 22, our morning service will be at 9:30 a.m. We will also have an afternoon service at 3:30 p.m. as we celebrate the four-year anniversary of our pastors, Kenneth and Deborah Hodge. Our guest speaker will be Rev. Liz Townes-Schuler, pastor of Jubilee Baptist Church.

We are holding interviews for a keyboard player and drummer who is familiar with hymns and songs of the Baptist Church. Please contact the church via email: info.churchnewvisionbx@ gmail.com.

Sight & Sound Theater, Thursday, May 7, 2020 to see the play, “Queen Esther.” Motorcoach transportation and lunch at the Shady Maple Restaurant is included. Adult rate, $170; youth, 12 and under, $125. Payments in full will guarantee an assigned seat. For additional information, contact B. Brown at 718.671.3748 or T. Gavin at 917.587.5057.

Taxes and meal gratuities included.

Join us on July 21 to 24, 2020 on our 4-day/3-night 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, NY 10475.

Office: (718) 671-8746 or (203) 3743020. Mailing address: P.O. Box 753037, Bronx, NY 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

Notice to Shareholders...When renting a community center room, a photo I.D. with your Co-op City address is required.

Faith In God Church & Bible Institute

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

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus presents a standard of love that’s beyond comparison. We see this in the gospel according to Matthew 5:43-48. It says: 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’

44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?

47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?

48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

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 a new 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!

—Pastor Vernon Little

30

Public Safety

Co-op City Times / February 29, 2020

consequences if you think they may be involved. Graffiti enforcement is serious business in all areas of New York City. Any person arrested for graffiti offenses will also receive a Co-op City Community Complaint for Anti-Social conduct in connection with their arrest. A Community Complaint for Abuse of Premises will also be issued with a dollar amount equal to the cost of removing the graffiti or repairing Riverbay property. A Community Complaint carries a monetary fine which doubles with each offense.

Residents are reminded that bike riding is not permitted near buildings, in shopping malls or anywhere else signs prohibiting bicycle riding are posted. Drivers are reminded to use caution for bike riders in the streets. Always remember, if you see something, say something. 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. It is by your actions that the crime rate remains low and a high quality of life is maintained.

Co-op City is a diverse community with people of all ages, abilities and characteristics. All persons should remember to respect each other and embrace their differences. Don’t forget to say “hello� to your neighbors when you pass each other in the hallway or in the street. It is also important to remember that not all disabilities are visible. Someone who appears to be healthy may have a physical or developmental disability.

(Continued from page 7)

Opportunities

(Continued from page 10)

(Continued from page 7)

31

Co-op City Times / February 29, 2020 SPACE FOR RENT

St. Paul’s Episcopal/Anglican Church on 489 St. Paul’s Place off Washington Ave., Bronx.

1. Church Worship Center on first level that can seat over 300 worshipers available for rent on Sundays after 2:30 p.m. and other weekdays can be arranged.

2. Worship center on lower level that seats over 100 people also available for rent.

If interested in renting any of the spaces, call or text Father Horton Scott on 914-384-2929 for an appointment.

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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.

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Repair Closet Doors and Sell New Bi-Fold Doors!

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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.

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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.

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Co-op City Times / February 29, 2020