Co-op City Times 03/11/17

Co-op City’s official newspaper serving the world’s largest cooperative community. © Copyright 2017 Co-op City Times

Majority of Directors Vote Down Proposed Budget Vol. 52 No. 10

Saturday, March 11, 2017

The Riverbay Board of Directors voted against a proposal to increase carrying charges by 3.72% effective on June 1, followed by a zero percent increase in the second year of the two-year budget at their meeting on March 8.

The vote on Resolution #17-06 was six in favor of the proposal and eight opposed. Riverbay management will now offer a revised budget for the board’s consideration.

Voting “yes” were Board President Linda Berk, Francine Reva Jones, Kevin Lambright, Andrea Leslie, Claudia Sampson and Rod Saunders. Voting “no” and rejecting the proposed budget were Sonia Feliciano, Leah Graham, Deborah Jenkins, Daryl Johnson, Leslie Peterson, Marie Smith, Evelyn Turner and Junius Williams. Board member Bernard Cylich was absent for the vote.

Cylich, first vice president of the Board, was traveling and was not able to return to Co-op City for the vote. He would have voted yes, he told the Co-op City Times.

“I was disappointed that the Board did not adopt the budget and did not offer an alternative or amend the budget. That opens the possibility that HCR, HUD and Wells Fargo will come down and give us a budget that we will have to accept.

“We need a budget that not only enhances our quality of life services, including the building lobbies, storefronts and Dreiser Auditorium, but also keeps up our infrastructure projects including replacing (Continued on page 4) our elevators, Local Law 11 and other

BY JIM ROBERTS

New Commander for 45th Precinct

The 45th Precinct – which serves Co-op City and several other east Bronx communities – welcomed a new commanding officer this week as Captain Carlos Ghonz, previously second-in-command at the west Bronx’s 46th Precinct, was transferred to the Throggs Neck stationhouse. In perhaps a good sign for this community, Captain Ghonz, during the first few days of (Continued on page 4)

Full implementation of Public Safety body cameras begins Monday

Beginning Monday, each Public Safety officer on patrol in Co-op City will be equipped with a body camera to record specific actions taken during their shifts.

The new policy was authorized back in September when the Riverbay Board of Directors unanimously approved the purchase of an additional 75 body cameras by the Public Safety Department to allow the department to outfit every officer with a camera while on patrol.

Chief Frank Apollo said that since the resolution was passed, the department has been meeting with consultants on setting policy for the use of the cameras, specifically detailing during which scenarios should the body camera be activated by officers responding to a call or communicating with members of the public.

After that policy was set, all the officers were (Continued on page 9)

BY BILL STUTTIG

25¢

Taking Care Of Our Collective Investment – Our Property

Much of the work of President’s Message president who promised a Board director is not to raise carrying challenging as we weicharges. We went withgh the cost of doing out a carrying charge President business for the housincrease from 1996 to ing development and the 2003, almost 8 years. That president was popular, but impact it has on shareshe left this property in holders, our neighbors, such disrepair we are still friends and family. We paying for it today. That is will need to vote on the the consequence of putresolution for the 2017 ting off for tomorrow what 2019 budget. I believe we you should do today. Or, should be good shepherds you could say a penny of the work the commuwise and a pound foolish. nity elected us to do. That During that period of no is the care of this property, increases, MSI had to take out the the collective investment of all share$480 million loan to do the immediate holders.

My concern is that we make sure repairs the property needed. That loan this property is maintained to the led to another $555 million loan to standards we all expect. I do not want (Continued on page 2) to make the decision made by a previous

Linda Berk

Petition period for 2017 Riverbay Board election begins on March 20 Voting this year will be by mail in/electronic ballot

Co-op City shareholders of record interested in running for a seat on the Riverbay Board of Directors can begin picking up their qualifying petitions on Monday, March 20 through Monday, April 3 when all signed petitions are due back to the Riverbay Legal Department by 5 p.m.

Starting on Monday, March 20, petition packages which include nominating petitions, will be available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each weekday from the Riverbay (Continued on page 11)

BY ROZAAN BOONE

Public safety honors its finest

Daylight Saving Time!

Remember to turn your clocks AHEAD 1 HOUR this Sunday at 2 a.m.

It’s also a good time to change the batteries in your smoke detectors and flashlights!

(L. to R.) Officers Charles Thomas, Carrie Wyatt, Det. Damita Johnson, Mathew Coletti, Mitch Romano, along with Lt. Frank Torres (not pictured) each received the Department of Public Safety’s Medal of Valor for working together in saving the life of a fellow officer who had gone into cardiac arrest and stopped breathing while on duty. Their honors were one of the many handed out at the Public Safety Awards Ceremony for heroic acts performed by Department of Public Safety personnel over the last three years. The ceremonies were held last Saturday afternoon in Dreiser Community Center. For more photos and coverage see page 5.

Photo by Raymond Obeng

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President’s Report

pay the first loan’s balloon payment and to get more money for projects underway. Mind you, all this time we spent somewhere in the area of $100 million in interest alone for these private loans! Of the $621 million HUDbacked loan, most of it was to pay off the second proprietary loan, leaving us with not quite enough money to cover the noncritical projects required by the lender. Now we need to include some of those expenses in our 2017 2018 budget.

I also do not want to be in the position Amalgamated Houses is in today as they just received a 17.5% carrying charge increase to cover infrastructure issues. We continue to be the best deal in town and we will remain so for years to come. Our $224 cost per room is far below market rents in the Bronx, as reported by other papers and Board directors. This Board is responsible to ensure that our investment in Riverbay Corporation remains as rock solid in the future as it is today, and affordable.

We have come a long way from the tattered condition of the recent past. We have more work to do and this new budget will allow us to continue the needed improvements.

This year’s budget is my second round and I know how contentious this process can be. I am proud of how this Board has gone through the discussion. Credit goes to management who has proposed a budget that has for the first time looked forward at the

Co-op City Times / March 11, 2017 (Continued from page 1)

needs of the property. They have presented a budget that allows us the time to plan and raise the money necessary to meet Co-op City’s needs for the future, limiting the surprises we have had in the past. While, in my opinion, there is clearly a need to increase our carrying charges to get through the next two years, we now have a strategy to meet the needs of our five-year capital project plan, giving us time to work out ways to meet the needs of the next budget in 2019. A housing development has very few ways to raise necessary capital, either loans, assessments or carrying charge increases, however, we have begun to identify other areas that could be viable options. There are grants and loans from HPD and HUD we can pursue. There are the recommendations for savings and efficiency from our internal auditor’s recommendations. There are political strategies from working with our elected officials. In addition, we still have uncharted waters for savings as we move into a cloud-based digital administration of Riverbay. The use of Yardi’s new version will take a couple of years to work everything out, however, there will be savings in so many areas from man-hours, information control, data analysis, reporting and maintenance control, to name a few. The next few years hold many options for Riverbay to improve efficiency, accuracy, timeliness and serv-

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ice. Not only will we be able to identify great savings in cost, but we will also be able to provide better service to our shareholders.

Therefore, this may be a difficult vote as we vote on the budget. It also may be unpopular with some shareholders. However, I do believe the majority of shareholders realize that costs go up for everything, including the running of this development. I believe it will be important that we have considered various options and have flipped the numbers in many ways; management has made cuts and eliminated underutilized positions to a savings of $4.6 million. I have also asked management to present an option that enables us to roll out the increases over the next two years, so that we are not hit with them all at one time.

In the end, I firmly believe that we are doing what is in the corporation’s best interest and we are protecting the investment of shareholders. That is our charge and our responsibility.

With new management, new technology, reorganization of staff and departments and an improved corporate culture, I am confident this big ship we call Co-op City, which will take a couple of years to turn around, holds great promise and plans for our future. As my mother always told me, good things don’t come easy!

Meetings with City Hall Management and I continue to

meet with the Mayor’s staff to find relief for the expenses Riverbay expends for the asbestos removal and other municipal services. Our most recent meeting with the first deputy mayor and a few commissioners resulted in a final resolution on the asbestos issue. It became clear that the city would not be able to set aside the regulation, once they know we have asbestos, they must impose the requirement. However, as the first deputy mayor surmised, our concern is not with the testing, it is with the expense of testing. So, we will be working with the city to find ways to compensate Riverbay Corp. for the cost. Our ask of the city include, but are not limited to, a newly built community center, waterfront development, assistance in leveraging against the elevator company that installed the wrong machines on our elevators, better response and services from city agencies (not considered an offset, but a necessity we deserve). Already this week, one of the commissioners called management to put them in touch with the Parks Department to clean up the city property around killer curve.

There is more work to be done and we will continue to push for city relief and services.

I continue to be interested in your thoughts and ideas. You can reach me at 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475 or Lberk@riverbayboard.com.

I remain cooperatively yours.

Co-op City Times / March 11, 2017

Co-op City Times 2 n d

Front Pa ge

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Laundry Room Fires Are Avoidable

BY ROZAAN BOONE

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

4th Annual Spelling Bee The 4th Annual Spelling Bee for children in the 4th to 8th grades is being organized by the AfricanAmerican Association and the Riverbay Fund.

The spelling bee will be held next Saturday, March 18th, 11:00 a.m. in the Bartow Community Center, room 31. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend to support the young students residing in Co-op City.

This year, the first place winner will receive $100, second place winner, $50 and third place, $25.

All the children will be recognized.

For further information and an application, please call 718379-5555.

Memorial Mass The life of Gloria Joy Abdul, a 44-year resident of Co-op City, will be celebrated with a Memorial Mass beginning at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 19th at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 765 Co-op City Blvd.

Gloria worked for New York City Department of Social Services until her retirement and worked for JASA Senior Services in recent years, including stints at all three senior centers, most recently at the Einstein Senior Center. She was described by neighbors at the Broun Place Townhouses where she lived for many years as a very friendly and wonderful neighbor. All who knew her are asked to come and share their fond memories of her. Gloria passed on December 13th at the age of 85.

For more information, call 718-671-1778.

Don’t Forget To Turn Your Clocks AHEAD One Hour, And Change The Batteries In Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detectors and Flashlights!

There have been three laundry room fires in Co-op City so far this year – one in Building 32 and two in Building 16 – and there is growing concern that shareholders are not utilizing the facilities properly.

Riverbay’s Director of Special Projects, Joe Boiko, who is in charge of overseeing the community’s laundry facilities, said this week that in all three cases, it was determined that the fires were caused by user negligence in that items that should not be placed in the dryers were indeed put into the load.

“It is incumbent upon the residents for their own health, well-being and safety, that they pay attention to the manufacturer’s label on their clothing, as well as notices posted in the laundry rooms, and not put items in the dryer that do not belong there,” said Mr. Boiko.

For the most part, these include rubberized items, such as bath mats; nylon items, such as hosiery and synthetics, for example, rugs, plastics and glass fiber.

“We have also noticed that especially in cases where youngsters are doing the laundry for their parents, they are putting the dryers on for too long,” said Mr. Boiko.

“There are times when I’ve seen people put the dryer on high for two hours and that is unnecessary. Generally, 30-40 minutes is more than enough time to do a load.

“If the dryer is on for two hours, synthetics and elastics build up heat and become combustible.”

Riverbay’s New Safety Director Anthony Barzellato said that in addition to reading the manufacturer’s label on clothing, it is also important to empty the pockets prior to placing clothes in the laundry, and more specifically, the dryer.

“You may have a cigarette lighter, for example, in your pockets and forget to take it out,” explained Mr. Barzellato. “That cigarette lighter gets heated up to a certain degree and we have a problem on our hands.”

Laundry room fires result in significant repair expenses to the housing corporation. In addition to replacing the dryers, there are also charges associated with restoration of the laundry rooms.

“Not only do we have to replace the dryers, which are

not readily available and have to be ordered, but aside from that, dryer fires cause damage to other equipment next to it, as well as possible damage to the gas lines, the venting lines behind the dryers,” said Mr. Boiko. “In addition, we also have to plaster and paint the area, the electrical lines have to be replaced because the fire may not only hit the electrical outlets, but the electrical lighting as well so it melts the wiring and we have to go in and replace that also. More importantly, someone (Continued on page 28)

Truman graduate rate higher than New York City average

BY JIM ROBERTS

High school graduation rates released by the New York State Department of Education last month reported that students at Harry S Truman High School graduated at a higher rate than the general New York City population.

The graduation rate at Truman for the 2012 cohort (students who entered 9th grade in 2012) was 72% overall compared to the New York City rate of 69.6%. The graduation rate for female students at Truman was 74% and for male students was 71%. Black or African American students graduated at a 78% rate at Truman and the Hispanic or Latino graduation rate was 64%.

At the nearby Bronx Health Sciences High School with a class of 63 students, 98% graduated – 97% of the female students and 100% of the male students. The black or African American rate was 98% and the Hispanic or Latino rate was 100%.

For comparison, the overall rate at Herbert H Lehman was 67%. The female graduation rate was 70% and the male rate was 64% while the black or African American rate was 69% and the Hispanic or Latino rate was 63%.

The state Education Department reported that gradua-

tion rates for high-need urban-suburban districts and high-need rural districts have increased over the past three years.

Average- and low-need school districts continue to have the highest graduation rates. The performance gap between highneed and low-need districts remains.

For the 2012 cohort, 94.6% of students in low-need districts graduated on time, while only 70.7% of students in high-need urban-suburban districts did so.

The overall graduation rate across New York state increased to 79.4%, up 1.3 percentage points from 78.1% for the 2011 cohort. The 2012 cohort graduation rate is more than 12 percentage points higher than it was a decade earlier, when the 2002 cohort graduation rate was 67.2%.

The graduation rate for “current ELLs” (students who were identified as English language learners during the school year of their last enrollment) continues to lag far behind the statewide rate, with only 26.6% of the 2012 cohort graduating on time – down 7.2 percentage points from the 2011 cohort rate of 33.8%.

Much of the statewide decline can be attributed to New York City’s performance, where the graduation rate for current ELLs declined by 9.3 points, from 36.5% for the 2011 cohort to 27.2% for the 2012 cohort.

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Co-op City Times / March 11, 2017

Budget

(Continued from page 1)

ADA requirements,” he said.

“We need to examine the budget as a way to enrich this community through these capital projects as an investment in our future.”

The proposed increase would have raised the current average carrying charges from $206.97 per room, per month to $214.67 per room, per month, a difference of $7.07. The defeated proposal also included an increase in all parking charges of 10% effective January 1, 2018 and no increase during the second fiscal year (from April 2018 to March 2019).

When the Board does approve a new budget, an application has to be sent by Riverbay to the state Department of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) which includes the proposed budget formatted into the state’s schedule.

Staff at DHCR will review the proposal, double check the numbers submitted by Riverbay and ask questions over a period of two to three weeks.

DHCR will also schedule their “rent hearing” for a public meeting when shareholders can speak and express their opinions on the proposed budget and also establish a write-in period for written comments.

DHCR staff then can get back to Riverbay to respond to any comments the state received from shareholders during the comment period. If the proposed budgets and carrying charge increases are approved, the DHCR Commissioner then issues a “Rent Increase Order” which then must be delivered to each of the 15,372 shareholders five days prior to the date of the increase.

If the entire process of the DHCR review, hearing and mailing can’t be completed by June 1, the increase could be delayed. If the increase was delayed by one month, for example, a shortfall would be created in the budget and the DHCR could order a higher increase. The process started on Jan. 11 when Riverbay presented the proposed two-year budget to the Board of Directors.

Raising carrying charges for shareholders by a modest amount over a two-year period would help pay for many critical repairs that must be done to maintain Co-op City, which was built nearly 50

years ago, according to the original budget proposed by Riverbay and rejected by the Board on March 8.

Failure to budget for these types of capital repairs in the past created huge problems for the community. One example was the near-collapse of the parking garages more than ten years ago. That emergency required millions of dollars in repairs and borrowing money at higher interest rates along with the need to pave over the Greenways to provide temporary parking for several years while the garages were closed.

Despite the rising costs of labor, insurance and goods and materials, the proposed Riverbay budgets maintained operating expenses at just under $220 million in both 2017/2018 and 2018/2019, the same amount was projected for the current fiscal year of 2016/2017.

Keeping operating costs under control while raising new revenue will create annual operating budget surpluses to fund the shortfalls in the capital budgets for the next two years. In fact, in this fiscal year of 2016/2017, Riverbay is now projecting an operating surplus of nearly $18 million. In the following two years, the operating budget surpluses were forecast at $3.4 million and $3.5 million. The 3.72% proposed increase was solely for funding the proposed Capital Projects, but was rejected by the Board vote on March 8. (A significant portion of the 16/17 surplus comes from lower than anticipated utility costs this fiscal year and reductions in expenditures).

Any operating surpluses created by these three years were intended by Riverbay management to help fund the projected $85 million shortfall in the proposed five-year capital budget. In addition to the carrying charge increases, money would be raised by garage fees by 10% in 2018 and by increasing all laundry rates by 20% (for example a small wash would increase by 25 cents).

The five-year capital plan’s total cost is projected at $138.6 million. Of that amount, $53.1 million would be paid from the reserve funds created when Riverbay refinanced its mortgage with Wells Fargo

Amended Second Reading - Resolution #17-06 SUBMITTED BY: Claudia Sampson SECONDED BY: Linda Berk BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: March 8th, 2017 WHEREAS, Management has prepared the proposed budget for fiscal 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 for Riverbay Corporation based on maintaining the current level of services for shareholders; and WHEREAS, the proposed budget also includes funding for the Five Year Capital Plan which will provide necessary infrastructure repairs to Co-op City; and WHEREAS, the proposed budget requires one increase in carrying charges of 3.72% (Three and seventy-two hundredths of a percent) effective June 1, 2017 and no increase during the second fiscal year (from April 2018 to March 2019) in order to maintain a balanced budget through March 31, 2019 all subject to review, analysis and discussion with the HCR; and WHEREAS, the proposed budget also requires one increase in all parking charges of 10.0% (ten percent) effective January 1st, 2018 and no increase during the second fiscal year (from April 2018 to March 2019) in order to maintain a balanced budget through March 31, 2019 all subject to review, analysis and discussion with the HCR; and WHEREAS, for the month ended January 2017, the average carrying charges per room, per month was $206.97 and this amount includes utilities. This amount became effective June 1, 2015 based on authorization by the HCR in 2015; and WHEREAS, the 3.72% carrying charge increase effective June 1, 2017 will raise the current average carrying charges from $206.97 per room, per month to $214.67 per room, per month. This increase will enable Riverbay Corporation to meet its obligations; NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE, RESOLVED: that the proposed Riverbay Corporation Budget for the fiscal years 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 is approved and management and the Board president are authorized to process the necessary application with the NYS HCR for the above stated carrying charge and parking charge increases. Upon the NYS HCR’s review and approval, management is authorized to implement the carrying charge and parking charge increases that the Commissioner of the HCR authorizes.

YES: Berk, Jones, Lambright, Leslie, Sampson, Saunders NO: Feliciano, Graham, Jenkins, Johnson, Peterson, Smith, Turner, Williams ABSENT FOR VOTE: Cylich DEFEATED

at a very low effective interest rate of 2.4%.

Attempting to borrow more money to pay the needed $85 million in capital expenses not covered in the reserve funds would come at a much higher interest rate than Riverbay is paying to Wells Fargo now, adding millions of additional interest costs for shareholders and would likely require the various agencies’ approval that were a party to the HUD guaranteed loan.

Under the terms of the Wells Fargo mortgage, Riverbay pays $2.1 million into its reserve funds each year.

The original high-priority list of 18 capital projects, projected to cost $112.1 million, would be paid for in part by the increased carrying charges and other fees, according to the proposed Riverbay budget that was rejected by the Board. The projected costs include $40 million to replace defective motor mechanisms in elevators; $23 million in Local Law 11 balcony and façade repairs, which are required by law; $11.4 million for waterproofing below porticos; and $7.7 million to replace existing hi-rise building lobbies.

Two years ago, the Riverbay Board of Directors approved budgets for the fiscal years of 2015/2016 and 2016/2017, which included a 4.5% carrying charge increase on June 1, 2015, followed by zero percent increase in 2016 and until the end of the fiscal year on March 31, 2017.

That budget also included a 10% increase in all parking charges, also effective June 1, 2015, and followed by 0% increases in these charges in 2016 and until the ending of the fiscal year on March 31, 2017.

For the four-year period from 2014 to 2017, carrying charges in Co-op City increased a total of 5.5%, an average yearly increase of 1.375%.

New 45th Commander (Continued from page 1)

his new command, took the time to visit and introduce himself to Co-op City’s Public Safety Chief Frank Apollo. Chief Apollo described the new Captain as very friendly, down to earth, and seemingly anxious to work closely with the Co-op City community.

Captain Ghonz’s transfer and promotion to precinct commander came amidst reports that the previous precinct commander, Deputy Inspector Danielle Raia, had been transferred from the command to an administrative position in Manhattan North. According to several media reports, Deputy Inspector Raia, who had been in command of the 45th Precinct since the summer of 2015, is the subject on an ongoing investigation into alleged discrepancies between the number of hours she worked and the hours for which she was paid. The precinct’s second in-command, Captain David Dent, was also transferred from the precinct last week while a similar but separate investigation is underway. Both investigations are said to be administrative – not criminal in nature.

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Co-op City Times / March 11, 2017

It’s

CCPD Awards Ceremony

HAPPENING in Co-op City!

Public Safety Awards …. The ninety officers, detectives and supervisors of Co-op City’s Department of Public Safety were honored collectively and individually for actions taken during the course of their duties that ran the gamut of saving lives, arresting felons, and improving the quality of life in and around the community.

DR. LEWIS WOLSTEIN

Awards handed out included the Department’s Medal of Honor given for an heroic act performed despite risk to one’s own personal safety, Meritorious Police Duty given for performing intelligent police services over an extended period of time and Excellent Police Duty given for intelligent, valuable acts that led to key arrests or the reduction of crime over an extended period of time.

• Practicing in Co-op City since 1975

Some of the personnel who received special recognition for their acts of bravery and police acumen were ESU Officers Mathew Coletti, Mitch Romano, Charles Thomas, and Carrie Wyatt along with Lt. Frank Torres, Detective Damita Johnson, who each received the Medal of Valor, for working together in saving the life of a fellow officer who had gone into cardiac arrest and stopped breathing while on duty in September of 2014; Officers Michael Marsanico and Mathew Coletti for physically confronting a ma le who was displaying a loaded firearm on a busy Co-op City street on a summer Saturday afternoon in July of 2014 placing the public in the immediate vicinity in danger. The armed male was successfully disarmed and arrested by the officers without further incident. Both officers were awarded the Silver Star Medal; Detectives Michael Driska and Ricardo Santos were each awarded a Commendation for confr onting a suspicious male on Baychester Avenue who was looking into parked vehicles during overnight hours.

Vehicle break-ins in that vicinity were prevalent at that time and the detectives who were working in plainclothes confronted the suspect who, it turned out, was in possession of a loaded firearm that he tried to discard. The suspect was arrested by the two officers and the gun was taken off the streets.

• ALL conditions of the foot treated

Many of acts of heroism and sound police work were honored during last Saturday’s ceremonies. Chief Frank Apollo, commander of the Department of Public Safety said: “People inherently like to hear the stories of heroes and share in their personal victories. Many times during my career as an officer, supervisor and commander I have felt that Public Safety was the underdog, constantly walking in the shadows of the NYPD, but as my career moved forward and the years flew by, I realized that this concept was incorrect. With consistent support from the community and its leaders, we have grown to be an extremely competent and professional department and we will continue to grow as we provide protection to such a wonderful community.”

Photos by Raymond Obeng

Podiatrist — Foot Specialist

• Board Certified in Foot Surgery

• We

accept most health insurance plans

• Participating in the Medicare Diabetic Shoe Program • Evening and Saturday appointments

Dr. Lewis Wolstein

Call:

“Se Habla Español”

718.671.7226 100 DeKruif Place

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

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Co-op City Times / March 11, 2017

Letters to the Editor

The Co-op City Times welcomes issue-oriented letters to the editor to be considered for publication. All letters, in prose, not poetry, must be addressed to the editor, not to third parties. All letters must be signed by the writers and include their addresses and phone numbers, which will be kept confidential, so that the editor – can•verify the of Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. cannot 350 –• – authenticity •All–letters • –must •–thebe•authors.

•Co-op – City Times – •by–3Letters •p.m.– every • – Monday •exceed – •– •words.

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

Transgender Students Covered Under ADA

Disrespectful Merchants To the Editor: Is it just me? Last week, I went into a store to buy lottery tickets and to check my old tickets. The small scanners that read the tickets were not working so I asked the cashier to check my tickets. He became annoyed while the man next to him began yelling they do not have the time to check tickets, I have to do it myself. I told him his scanners were not working so he came from behind the counter, continued yelling at me and pointed at the big machine where you can purchase tickets that also has a scanner. I did not know that and told him all he had to do was ask me to please check the tickets on the big machine instead of yelling at me.

At that point I was yelling too and said a few choice words of my own. I'm spending my money in your store, and you actually feel you can yell at me like that?

We, cooperators, appreciate the merchants and the convenience their stores provide, but without our money they could not exist. I am always respectful and I expect the same in return.

What about the store that gives you a hard time because you demand your penny back when something costs $.99? If they do that to 100 people a day, that is $365 per year. Give me my darn penny! Or the stores in the community that claim they don't have enough cash to give you cash back, but they can fill an ATM machine with money and charge you $1.50. This is especially unnerving in Section 5 where we do not have access to a bank.

And, the restaurant in the community that wants to charge you for noodles when you buy a chow mein combination plate? Any other restaurant gives you noodles for free!

We sometimes don't demand the respect we deserve and it seems to me they feel they can treat us and talk to us any way they want. It is not right!

—Andrea Mayo

To the Editor: In response to Mary Pearson's letter last week, what "revilification of transgender youth" by the new administration?

I must point out the offense to reason and good faith when one accuses another party of fomenting bigotry just because they define what is prudent and ethical when combating it.

The Obama administration had suggested it could sue under sex discrimination laws even schools that did accommodate transgender students in bathrooms and changing areas, unless that accommodation was an immediate straight and narrow equality of access.

Secretary of Education DeVos and Attorney General Sessions have suspended that legal interpretation. At the same time, DeVos has stated that protecting all students, including LGBTQ students, is a key-priority for both the Department of Education and every school in America.

Here is the real re-vilification, in my opinion. There is still no question that transgender students remain protected in all schools under the Americans with Disabilities Act. You can't say that publicly without giving a huge psychology lesson because the transgender community and its allies have worked for years to have the mental health profession name and classify their experience in a way that is not itself a mental disorder (the brief version: to paraphrase Sigmund Freud on homosexuality, the only important thing is to have harmony, peace of mind, and full efficiency). It is mostly a matter of labels giving a false and stigmatizing picture. But to Americans as a whole, there is more. Under the law, students who have a disadvantage are entitled to reasonable accommodations by schools—the same service if it's practical, close to the same or less if it's not; students who simply come to terms with themselves in a way an average or idealized boy or girl does not, must receive from schools the exact same treatment as the average or idealized boy or girl, period.

Do not be fooled by the ideologues. Our country faces a true choice here.

—Jorge Sierra

Indivisible Unity To the Editor: There were two local events this week held in honor of pushing back against the 45th president. One was “We’re Not Going Back — Unity Rally” held Saturday night on West 23rd Street in Manhattan at Winston Unity House.

The line-up featured the famous activist and scholar Angela Davis, as well as the — if not yet, then soon to be — infamous young poet activist Staceyann Chin. They were as different and as similar as can be.

The other event, “Town Hall Meeting to RESIST the Extreme Trump Agenda,” sponsored by NYCD16-Indivisible and held on Sunday afternoon, featured our own 16th U.S. Congressional District Eliot Engel — who was a lion!

After opening remarks from a half dozen exemplary citizens — two lawyers, two doctors, the congressman; some Jewish, others Muslim, one gay — question after question of what to do and what’s been done were redirected to Congressman Engel. He answered each question humbly and bravely.

Each of the two events hosted hundreds of mostly white, mostly women, mostly advanced in years, and (for the Riverdale event) mostly pretty well off. The groups cheered. They cheered after each line at times. They

cheered for Muslims, the undocumented, women’s rights, women's reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, voting rights, children’s rights. It was awe inspiring.

Thank you #45 for inspiring such unity. Thank you #45 for making us indivisible.

—Mary Pearson

Unrented Hall Closets To the Editor: During a conversation with a friend, I was surprised to learn about a possible waste of money by Riverbay. It is not a large amount in comparison, but nevertheless, money is money. There is a small hall closet in 900 Baychester Ave. on the 15th floor that has been vacant for over 15 years. The closet door is secured with a steel cable that passes through a hole in the wall and a cylinder hole in the door that is secured by a padlock.

It is obviously empty, yet over the years, shareholders who wanted to rent this closet have been told that the closet is already rented, or is being used by the building porter. At least 15 years and still counting. Are there anymore empty closets around?

—Dock Harvey

Important Notice to Shareholders of Building 32 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.

Building 32

Current Lease Expiration Date

New 3 yr.

Expiration Date

Building 32 A&B 4180 & 4160 Hutchinson River Parkway

May 31, 2017

May 31, 2020

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

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

Rozaan Boone Editor-in-Chief

Bill Stuttig Associate Editor

Jim Roberts Business Manager

Jennifer Piovanetti Operations Manager

Ralph Henriquez Production Manager

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

Writers will be limited to one letter per topic.

Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication.

Letters cannot exceed 350 words. Ideally, they should be typed. All letters must be in the Co-op City Times office in Room 21, Bartow Community Center, by 3 p.m. every Monday to be considered for publication in that week’s edition. Views and opinions expressed in letters and Directors’ Viewpoint are solely the writer’s, and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times or Riverbay Corp.

Advertisements and classified advertisements in the Co-op City Times do not necessarily reflect an endorsement from Riverbay Corporation of goods and services, but present greater options to cooperators of products and services available.

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

All matter published herein is copyrighted by the Co-op City Times.

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

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 / March 11, 2017

Public Safety Report

“Spring Ahead” for safety as we set our clocks ahead for Daylight Saving Time

Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday, March 12, at 2 a.m. Do not forget to set your clocks ahead when you go to bed on Saturday night. As you change your clocks, also remember to test your smoke detector and change the batteries in it. If you have a smoke detector newly installed by Riverbay, it is not necessary to change the batteries as the new smoke detectors have a ten- year battery.

For persons outside of Co-op City or those who have not yet received the new smoke detector, it is a good habit to always change your smoke detector batteries when you change your clocks. A smoke detector only works if it has good batteries in it.

It is also a good time to review fire safety with your family. It is always good to have a plan and make certain all members of the family are familiar with it.

Every family should have a plan in place for when they are at home. When traveling, make an alternate plan for your temporary accommodations. Also make certain that children away at school have a plan in place for their living quarters. Be sure your college student has working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in their college dormitory or apartment.

The buildings in Co-op City are fireproof. This means that a fire will not travel from one apartment to another. Unless the fire is in your apartment or if directed to leave by emergency personnel, in most cases, it is safest to stay within your apartment. If it becomes necessary to leave your apartment, close the door, but do not lock it. Take your keys if you can safely reach them. Never go back in the apartment for anything unless deemed safe by emergency personnel. Call 9-1-1 and Public Safety (718) 671-3050 from a safe location. Go to an established meeting place so that you know all family members have gotten out of the home safely.

Always feel a door before you open it. If the door feels hot, do not open it. Keep the door closed, call 9-11 and Public Safety (718) 671-3050. Wet towels can be placed at the bottom, sides and top of the door to keep smoke from entering. Apartment windows can be opened for ventilation if there is no smoke outside the window. Remember, smoke rises do not open windows if you are above a fire location.

If it becomes necessary to travel through smoke filled areas, stay close to the ground where there is less smoke. Place a wet towel over your nose and mouth.

Provide wet towels for all family members.

If clothing should catch fire, do not run and fan the flames. Instead, “Stop, Drop and Roll.” This serves to effectively smother any flames. Have children practice these procedures so that in the event of an emergency they know what to do. School children will be familiar with these procedures as they have most likely have seen them demonstrated at school. These drills may seem silly, but they can save your life if you are familiar with them in an emergency.

Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children. Avoid using candles for any reason. They are a leading cause of fires in the home. Candles can easily be knocked over by children or pets. Safer battery operated L.E.D. simulated candles are an excellent alternate.

Smoking is also an extreme fire hazard. Many fires are caused by lit smoking material catching fire to beds, couches or upholstery.

Daylight Saving Time has been put in effect for the purpose of saving energy because it stays light longer during the summer months. The dark period in the morning is a time when most people are asleep anyway. Daylight Saving Time is not observed worldwide. Puerto Rico is one place that does not utilize Daylight Saving Time. New York time will be in sync with Puerto Rico time once we spring ahead on Sunday. When we fall behind, we are one hour behind Puerto Rico.

Co-op City is a diverse community with people of all ages, abilities and characteristics. All persons should remember to respect and embrace their differences.

BY LT. PAM APOLLO

Co-op City strives to accommodate all persons.

March 16, 2017 is known as Brain Injury Awareness Month. This is a good opportunity to make sure that all members of your family have proper fitting helmets for any sports or activities they participate in.

Staying healthy is a key component in staying safe.

Stay safe as you “Spring Ahead.” Always remember, if you see something, say something. Call 9-1-1

and the Department of Public Safety at (718) 6713050 or online at www.ccpd.us. Callers may remain anonymous when giving information. Always remember, if you see something, say something. 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.

OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY For information on CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES ONLY, please contact: Lenya Garcia at Lgarcia@riverbay corp.com; and Barbara Penn at Bpenn@riverbaycorp.com.

Please note that emails should be sent to both parties.

Please DO NOT email resumes for EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES to the aforementioned emails.

For EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, please see bottom of the employment listings for specific directions.

CONTRACT SUMMARY P1050, Purchase of Convector Coils for Co-op Contract 3122, Garage (1-8) Concrete T-Beam City Apartments and Public Spaces Project: Removal and or repair of the T-Beams on Bids Due: March 27, 2017 at 2049 Bartow Avenue the Garage Roofs. by the end of business day (5:00 p.m.)

Bids Due: March 16, 2017 by the end of the business Insurance: Insurance is required from the winning day (4:00 p.m.) bidder.

Bonding: is required. Insurance: is required

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

8

Carrying Charge Increase Co-op City Times / March 11, 2017

Director’s Viewpoint

Francine Reva Jones Secretary

As a result of discussions with the Board of Directors, management has adjusted the projected carrying charge increase from 4.6% to 3.72%, which, by the time this article is published, the Board will have voted to approve or reject Resolution #17-06. The critical repairs must get done.

Other items must wait another year or two. If the resolution passes, the parking fee will also increase by 10% and the laundry room fee by 20%.

Please note that with this proposed increase, you will be paying much less than what others are paying for NYC apartments. Other developments have incurred double digit increases. I know of Bronx residents who pay $200 per month to park their cars.

Most of us know that outsiders come to Co-op City to do their laundry because we have the cheapest prices in town. Also note that Co-op City is a middle income Mitchell-Lama development and there are guidelines for being approved as a resident. Everyone living in America knows that inflation is real; prices and expenses increase; they don’t decrease.

Our Board President Linda Berk will plan an Open Board meeting to hear your views because we are a transparent Board. We are all shareholders and we are in this together. Board directors must pay what you pay. The NY State Homes and Community Renewal agency must approve of these increases as well.

If you recall, several years ago, there was a Board president who promised shareholders that there would be no maintenance charge increases. She kept her promise, and, for nine years, almost a decade, there were no increases, while the Co-op City’s infrastructure continued to deteriorate. Now we are faced with structures that need our immediate attention and the Board and management are attempting to get the job done. We need your support.

Our Board president, Linda Berk, along with our management team, are trying their utmost to obtain relief from our city agencies. Shareholders are paying for our own trash removal and our Public Safety Department because the city was doing an unsatis-

President Barack Obama, Valerie B. Jarrett, and was factory job of collecting our trash and did not disselected to serve on the transition committee of New patch enough officers to protect the residents of our community. The Riverbay officials have requested York City Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio. She served as credit for these two heavily financed responsibilities, a national organizer for the 50th Anniversary of the to no avail. However, discussions will continue.

March on Washington, which drew 300,000, as well 4th Annual Spelling Bee as Justice or Else! where she delivered a national The African-American Association will co-sponsor address to over 700,000. A leading figure in the the 4th Annual Co-op City Spelling Bee on Saturday, grassroots, community-based effort to stop gun vioMarch 18th at 11:00 a.m. in the Bartow Community lence in New York City, Tamika was instrumental in creating the NYC Crisis Management System, an Center, room 31. Your child has the opportunity to official gun violence prevention program that show how well s/he can spell by entering this friendly competition. Thus far, all winners have been boys. awards nearly $20 million annually to innovative violence intervention organizations. After serving as Come out to see how well the girls will fare this year.

The grand prize is $100; second prize, $50; third National Action Network’s youngest executive prize, $25. Those who preregister by March 13th will director, Tamika founded Mallory Consulting, a be eligible for a 7” Android Tablet. All children will strategic planning firm in New York City. receive favorable recognition. This event might be Angela Davis I was delighted for the opportunity to see Ms. televised on our community cable station. This will Angela Davis last Saturday. She is a long-time advobe a family affair where family and friends can come to support their children. Light refreshments served. cate of social, civil and human rights. Ms. Davis spoke Admission is free. The Riverbay Fund is a co-sponsor. about the failing educational and healthcare systems and the increase of private prisons; that we cannot get You may register your child by obtaining registration forms at the Riverbay Fund, located at Riverthrough this period without a critique of capitalism; bay Corporation, Registration Desk, 2049 Bartow there was not a single incident at the Women’s March on Washington and women must continue to resist this Avenue, Bronx, NY, Monday-Friday between 9:00 new administration and make advances in leadership; a.m.-5:00 p.m. Please complete the forms and leave and we must build a new socialized society and root them with the person at the Registration Desk, or you may call 718-379-5555 and leave a message out violence, racism and misogyny. with your e-mail address so that the registration Three-Fifths Clause Awareness forms can be e-mailed to you.

There was an overwhelming response to the ThreeCelebrate Women’s History Month Fifths Clause Awareness Day gathering on March 5th Ms. Tamika D. Mallory will speak at the Africanat the Schomburg Center, sponsored by NYC CounAmerican Association’s Women’s History Month cilman Andy King. The moderator was Mr. Rob NelCelebration on Tuesday, March 14, at 7:00 p.m. in son, weekend morning anchor and weekday reporter Dreiser Center, room #9. Ms. Mallory is a former at WABC-TV. The panelists agreed that the ThreeCo-op City resident whose parents still reside here. Fifths Clause in the U.S. Constitution depicting Black Come out to welcome her. There will be special people as 3/5 of a human being should be amended prizes and light refreshments will be served. because Black people are 100% whole.

Tamika D. Mallory is nationally recognized as a Contact fiery and outspoken champion for social justice who Please attend your building association meetings. has worked closely with the Obama administration If you wish to share your thoughts, call me at 718as an advocate for civil rights issues, equal rights for 671-5957. women, health care, gun violence, and police misconduct. Tamika has been publicly applauded MEAT - FISH - DELI - GROCERY as “a leader of tomorrow”

by Senior Advisor to

It is with deep sadness that we announce the untimely passing of Co-op City shareholder, Mr. Kevin Shaw.

Kevin was known for his larger-than-life personality, sense of humor and sharp wit. He was also well-known in the community for his entertainment venture, most recently bringing singers Johnny Gill, Mellisa Morgan, Vivian Green and many comedians to Co-op City.

Kevin Shaw's Homegoing Service will be held on Monday, March 13, at Abyssinian Baptist Church, 132 Odel Clark Place, formerly 138th Street, NY, NY 10030. Viewing will be from 2-5:45 p.m., followed by funeral service, 6-8 p.m.

Mr. Shaw is survived by his loving wife and daughter. He will be sorely missed.

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Body Cameras

trained in not only the use of the cameras, but the exact policy of exactly when and how to use the cameras.

Chief Apollo said: “For nearly two years, we have been using the cameras as part of a limited pilot program involving 25 cameras, so most of the officers have had some experience with the cameras. I am actually very proud of the entire department for its ability to learn and adjust to the use of the cameras during the pilot phase of the program. The officers proved that the cameras can be used effectively for the good of the community. This is all about transparency and through the use of these cameras under the pilot program, we have been able to verify some complaints we have received from the community regarding improper officer response and, in some other cases, we have been able to discredit some reports, clearing officers of some complaints about improper procedure.”

When the body cameras go into full implementation on Monday, it will make the Co-op City Public Safety Department one of the first police departments in the Tri-State area to institute departmentwide use of the cameras.

Riverbay Executive General Manager Bob Klehammer said in last week’s management report in the Co-op City Times that body cameras as standard equipment for each of our on-duty Public Safety officers comes months ahead of the New York City Police Department instituting a similar program, “an accomplishment that the Co-op City Public Safety Department should be recognized for.”

This week, Chief Apollo was quick to point out the support of the Board and management in getting this new program under full implementation. The chief also credited Public Safety’s Operations Lieutenant Jeff Bowman for doing great work throughout the entire process, from research to implementation.

Chief Apollo explained that footage captured by the cameras will be stored using a Cloud-based technology, which makes all the digital images easily retrievable based on the camera number assigned to the responding officers and the date and time of any incident requiring review. Each officer will be assigned a camera and be responsible for its use.

Chief Frank Apollo has been researching and lobbying for his department’s use of body cameras since 2013, well before a string of deadly incidents involving violent confrontations between municipal police officers and the public.

Back in December of 2014, a representative from the camera’s manufacturer, Taser, made a presentation before the Riverbay Security Committee, which former Board President Cleve Taylor chaired at that time, and after that presentation, the committee voted to allow a 30-day trial of the limited use of the body camera technology with Taser providing the cameras free of charge.

A month later, another 30-day trial period was approved and then after that, 25 cameras were purchased with full Board approval. In September of last year, the department purchase of the additional 75 cameras was authorized.

The agreement for the purchase of additional cameras from Taser included the use of related equipment, maintenance services and licensing rights for the products use. The total cost of the expanded program will be $249,268 payable over 5 years with $102,268 due year one and $36,750 due each of the subsequent four years. Chief Apollo said that the price was negotiated down this past summer to make the program more affordable for the community.

Current Security Committee chair, Board director Junius Williams, said in September at the time the Board passed the resolution for the additional purchase of 75 cameras: “This is a win-win for both sides—the officers and the residents. It is a great tool for the police and the community.”

The department experimented with varying types of cameras, including two types provided by Taser – one that is worn on the officer’s chest and the other that attaches to a uniform collar. Apollo said that it was decided that the chest camera best suits the department’s needs.

During the vast amount of time that each officer equipped with a camera is on patrol, the cameras are not turned on. The cameras are only activated when – at the discretion of the trained officer – he anticipates the escalation of a confrontation which may require intervention by that officer and/or other officers. The

Co-op City Times / March 11, 2017 cameras can be activated with just the push of a button and they have the ability to record activity as long as 30 seconds before the camera was even activated, a feature that other camera manufacturers did not provide.

Former President Barack Obama advocated for increased use of body cameras and increasing federal funding for making such technology available to local police departments, as public outrage increased over fatalities stemming from confrontations between police and members of the public, beginning with the deadly incidents during the summer of 2014. Numerous additional tragic confrontations and controversies have arisen since then, including this past summer, further increasing the call for body camera technology throughout the nation.

Chief Apollo explained that in many of the cases where widespread public outrage and even violence was the result of a confrontation between police and civilians, the lack of clear footage determining exactly what took place led to confusion, mistrust, anger, and violence, in some cases. Having images of a potential

(Continued from page 1)

9 confrontation instantly accessible can go a long way in establishing exactly what happened before doubt and confusion sets in, the chief explained.

Even leading members of organizations which generally advocate for the protection of the public’s right to privacy, such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), have called for the use of body camera technology by law enforcement agencies. As an example, Mr. Jay Stanley, a senior policy analyst of the ACLU, wrote in an article in 2015: “Although we generally take a dim view of the proliferation of surveillance cameras in American life, police-on-body cameras are different because of their potential to serve as a check against the abuse of power by police officers. Historically, there was no documentary evidence of most encounters between police officers and the public, and due to the volatile nature of those encounters, this often resulted in radically divergent accounts of incidents. Cameras have the potential to be a win-win, helping to protect the public against police misconduct and at the same time helping protect police against false accusations of abuse.”

10

Co-op City Times / March 11, 2017

Director’s Viewpoint

Deborah Jenkins Treasurer …and why I want to continue to represent you, my neighbors...

A decision to run for the Board is not one to be undertaken easily or without family consensus.

Though one may be encouraged by another, the ultimate decision is the individual's and once the decision is made, that individual owns it and no one else!

I own my candidacy and my role on this your Board of Directors. Again I state that I ran on the Coalition to Save Affordable Housing’s candidate slate because for me, it's all in the name – save affordable housing.

I speak as an independent voice because I am only qualified to speak for myself. I have reviewed the budget as presented over and over and even had a significant discussion with our very capable executive general manager (EGM), Bob Klehammer, about the proposed budget. I am sharing this to say that I've done my due diligence and went so far as to listen with an open ear and mind about the proposed increases. After speaking with the EGM, the following day I received a call from JASA representatives about an overwhelming number of their clients’ fears, some to very severe levels, of the carrying charge increases.

This is, in my opinion, unprecedented to have an agency seek the attention of the Board, but a welcomed one.

I am deeply concerned about our aging infrastructure as I am deeply concerned about maintaining affordability in our community. The heated debates are par for the course whenever discussing money and in most settings. This Board is no exception. We are 15 professionals who differ around this issue and

Why I ran for the Board it is to be expected. I respect the positions of all of my colleagues. Having said that, it is my hope that they will respect mine as well. I gain nothing by voting to increase, but I believe the community stands to lose when we can't be more creative about cutting cost than immediately going to the well that appears to never run dry—cooperators footing the bill for years of mismanagement and poor planning.

I again applaud the EGM's aggressive approach to turning this ship around and will continue to work with him to move us forward, I simply can't agree to an increase at this time. Please be assured that we will need an increase in the near future. If I should decide to run again, the chances are that I will be running at a time when an increase is necessary as I did before, so there's no political agenda in my decision.

I am a revenue and budget professional and have managed $100M per month in claims to the state and federal governments; I know how to seal holes and increase revenue and that's why I am insisting on greater effort being made to reduce overall cost and thus raising the available revenue to support some of the complex's capital needs. I am but one voice, but I do believe that I can stand on this assessment of the situation without losing any sleep.

By the time of this printing, you will also be informed as to whether or not the increase has been passed. You will only see a “yes” vote from me if an amendment to separate out the garage and laundry room is accepted, as, in my opinion, these, in many instances, are choices as compared to the necessity of having shelter.

Whatever the outcome, this community will continue to forge ahead, I believe!

Holdovers: I am researching Holdover Legal Cases as more and more cooperators are seeking the help and intervention of several Board directors. At this point, I can only recommend that if you become involved in such a case, please work diligently to rectify the issue brought to your attention by River-

Building 21 Association Winfrey on The Smithsonian’s National We the People Museum of African American History “We,” the people of CO-OP City, have and Culture. As a member of the museum’s chosen to live here in a Cooperative comcouncil, Winfrey was one of the driving munity. We are not tenants; we are shareforces behind the museum since 2004, holders and cooperators. CO-OP City is after former President George W. Bush the best kept secret in New York, hands signed bipartisan legislation that finally down. We must cooperate with each other got the ball rolling on the 100-year effort in order to make and keep our community one of the best places to live in New York. to get it built. Quoting a line from one of her favorite poems by Maya Angelou: “I How do we do that? Our intention is to come as one but I stand as ten thousand,” answer that question in The Tank.

Winfrey said it was “amazing that the THINK TANK at Building 21 needs poem actually has its own voice through your input. THINK TANK at Building 21 the museum because the tens and tens and is where we develop your ideas and turn tens of thousands of people who represent them into reality. Meet us in “The Gatherthe culture of African-American history ing Room” in the rear of the B Section are represented in this museum.” That this Friday evening at 8:30 p.m. Your voice is captured in the 487 quotes feacommunity, this community needs your tured on the museum’s walls – among ideas, your dreams, your strength and them the words of civil rights activist and your fortitude. ALL are welcome. author Ida B Wells: “The way to right Rewards Points Program wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon Going “21 Strong” them.” Winfrey described Ida B. Wells as The 21 Association Rewards Point one of her many “she-roes” who are feaProgram began in September 2016 (the tured in the museum. “I mean, I could beginning of the fiscal year). We are start crying right now,” Winfrey said. going above and beyond to make your involvement in the association fun and “Walking through the museum is like exciting. The rewards are for all 21 Assotouching the face of the past that has ciation members, BUT NOT 21 ASSOCIallowed you to be who you are. And I just ATION BOARD MEMBERS. Note: A think that for all of America, this helps member is a shareholder who has paid elevate the narrative of African Ameritheir annual $5 dues to the building assocans’ contribution to our country.”

Stop waiting… ciation. Any shareholder of CO-OP City Join us at a Building 21 event someis eligible to be a paid member of the time. Each one of us divided by ALL OF Building 21 Association, so your involveUS, EQUALS A FORCE FOR GOOD. ment in any of our gatherings and events See you around the neighborhood! could win you 300 bucks. Good luck!

—Michelle Marbury For Women’s History Month: Oprah

bay. If there's an issue of housecleaning, pet odor, hoarding, etc., Riverbay has a legal right to commence eviction proceedings against you if you fail to remedy the situation. The CSO staff is very adept at making social services referrals in these cases.

You don't have to lose your apartment, but you are obligated by the terms of your lease to adhere to the safety and care of your dwelling.

I would like to say that I am aware that some of you want the Board to only speak about or share about things that you believe apply strictly to Co-op City to the exclusion of all things political. It is impossible to exclude politics when our housing complex is governed by political entities upon which we depend. I am compelled to take note of what is transpiring at every level of government to make appropriate decisions as to my votes on resolutions. I do agree that it is not my place to advise you as to your voting choices for elected officials, but I disagree that I shouldn't share information that will enhance the knowledge of those who seek solutions to the policies enacted by politicians that may affect their lives. After sharing, one can then decide if they want the information or not and that is the American way. To this end, I again invite all who are concerned about the repeal of the ACA, ICE raids, immigration bans, etc. to a civic engagement meeting at Faith @ Work Christian Church, 120 DeKruif Place, Frnt. 1, at 12:30 p.m., Sunday, March 12. We have been meeting every two weeks since before the Women's March as it is the church's tradition to truly lead for causes of justice. We encourage everyone who went to the March to join us and not let attending the march be your only act to speak about your concerns. We invite everyone who's interested in having a collective voice to attend. Refreshments will be served.

I can be reached at 718-644-0951 or djenkins @riverbayboard.com for I know that I serve at your pleasure.

Building 25 Association Greetings, fellow cooperators.

It was nice to see all of you again. Also, a big welcome to the newcomers. We can use all we can get. There are still too many empty chairs.

The presentation by Ms. Mariela Salazar, the Government and Community Relations Manager for Montefiore Hospital, was very informative regarding the urgent care program, and it resulted in a number of questions from the members.

The month of March is Woman's Heart Health Month. So with that in mind, we have scheduled another representative from Montefiore for our next meeting on Tuesday, 3/21 at 7:30 p.m. in the association room at the rear of the building. Please try to be on time as it is not fair to our guest speakers.

A little something extra regarding our laundry rooms: Shareholders who abuse the use of our washing machines and dryers, yes, I said “our.”

The equipment is there for everyone's usage, not just a few selfish individuals. If you don't want to share or are too busy to care, there are laundry services that pick-up and deliver in the neighborhood.

We are still in need of a recording and/or corresponding secretary.

Light refreshments were available at the conclusion of the meeting.

Remember, we are shareholders, not tenants. See something, say something. If you think it is important, report it.

—Dock Harvey

Building 12 Cooperators Civic Association Greetings. Daylight Saving Time begins tomorrow March 12th. Spring ahead one hour. As a reminder, don’t forget to install new batteries where needed.

Per our last meeting, we are looking into your suggestions for a Building 12 trip to a casino. As soon as the details are worked out, we will let you know. Also, it was decided that we will have a Pizza Party for our Building 12 kids ages 10-14 in April (Spring Break), from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Notices will be placed on each floor with more information.

We also discussed Summer Fun Day, Saturday, June 17. If you would like to volunteer, call or email 718-379-7841 or MLSAH@aol.com.

Best wishes to all who are celebrating a special event this month. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who has suffered a loss or is sick and shut-in. If you see something, say something. To contact CCPD (Public Safety), call 718-671-3050.

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

—Sonja Maxwell

Co-op City Times / March 11, 2017

Election petitions

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(Continued from page 1)

receptionist at the Administrative Desk in the Bartow Community Center, located at 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, N.Y. After 5 p.m., and on the weekends, petition packages can be picked up at the Public Safety window in the Bartow Center, however, the nominating petitions will not be included in the packages and the prospective candidate will have to return on the following business day when their financial status can be checked.

As long as a prospective candidate is not indebted to the Riverbay Corporation, they will be contacted to come in and pick up the nominating petition from the legal department.

Any cooperator in good financial standing can run for a three-year term on the Riverbay Board as long as they secure seventy-five (75) valid cooperators’ signatures on their qualifying petitions and return them by the 5 p.m., Monday, April 3rd deadline to the Riverbay Legal Department.

All petitions must be picked up and signed for by the prospective candidates, not by any representative, friend or family member. In addition, candidates for the Riverbay Board must be a shareholder of record as indicated on the candidate’s stock certificate, occupancy agreement and the current occupants’ Annual Affidavits of Family Income.

The Riverbay Board voted on Wednesday, March 8, to approve Resolution 17-17 setting the date of this year’s annual shareholders meeting for Wednesday, May 24th, in accordance with the Riverbay Corporation By-Laws, Article II, Section 1, which stipulates that the meeting be held in the month of May on a date set by the Board of Directors.

To chair this year’s Election Committee, Riverbay Board President Linda Berk appointed Board Director Claudia Sampson.

The other members of the 2017 Election Committee are: Board Secretary Francine Jones, John Gale, Annette Newman, Dolores Rankin and Sandy Krasnove.

Once again this year, shareholders will vote to fill five open seats on the Board as the terms of Board President Linda Berk, and Directors Leah Graham, Daryl Johnson, Kevin Lambright and Marie Smith are expiring.

A 2017 Candidates’ Meeting where candidates’ petitions will be officially certified or rejected is scheduled for 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 11th in room 31 of the Bartow Community Center. The official listing of the 2017 Board election candidates will then be published in the Saturday, April 22nd issue of the Co-op City Times.

The first of three special election supplements will be published in the Coop City Times on Saturday, April 29th, in which each of the candidates will place statements and advertisements outlining their qualifications for the position of Riverbay Board Director, and their views on issues facing the community. The second election supplement will be published on Saturday, May 6th, and the final edition on Saturday, May 20.

This year, three official Candidates’ Forums will once again be held, spon-

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

Weekly Schedule: Sunday service with Holy Communion and Sunday School are both at 9 a.m. Every 4th Sunday, our children participate in the reading of the lessons and every 5th Sunday, our young adults assist in the service.

Choir rehearsal is on Thursdays at 7 p.m.

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

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

We look forward to welcoming everyone to service at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 12, when we will celebrate the Second Sunday in Lent.

Our Supply Priest, Father Simeon Johnson, will be the preacher and celebrant.

Calendar of Events: Please note the following – 1) Annual Cake Sale at the church, Saturday, March 18, starting at noon.

2) ECW raffle tickets are now available. 1st Prize, $300; 2nd Prize, $175; and 3rd Prize, $75. The tickets are $1 each and $5 for a book of 6. Drawing takes place on April 29 and winners need not be present.

3) Winery trip – details to be announced.

4) National Museum of African American History & Culture, Washington, DC, Saturday, June 3, $100 p.p. Non-refundable deposit of $50 required to save seat. Balance due by March 26. Deluxe Motor coach transportation departing from Dreiser Loop at 7:00 a.m. Enjoy all-you-can-eat luncheon buffet at the Golden Corral. SOLD OUT!!

Outreach Program: We continue to collect non-perishable food for the feeding program at Grace Episcopal Church in West Farms. Please remember to donate.

For additional information on all of the above, please call the church at 718320-0844, or visit our website: http://www.stjosephsepcbronx.org “The Lord shall watch over your going out and your coming in, * from this time forth for evermore.” –Psalm 121:8 —M. Chambers

sored by the Riverbay Corporation, and as a result, Riverbay will not be supporting the individual candidates’ night meetings held by building associations and/or community organizations.

In addition to building and organization presidents not receiving a letter from the Election Committee this year regarding the sponsorship of candidates’ nights meetings, they should also be mindful that, as per the election rules, Co-op City facilities may not be used for campaign activities unless applicable rates for the use of the facilities have been paid in advance to the Riverbay Corporation and all candidates are provided with equal access to such facilities and/or services.

The first Candidates’ Forum will take place on Monday, April 24th in room 31 of the Bartow Community Center at 7:30 p.m. The second official Candidates’ Forum will be held on Wednesday, April 26th, in the Dreiser Auditorium B at 7:30 p.m., and the third and final Candidates’ Forum will be on Tuesday, May 16, also at 7:30 p.m., in room 45 of the Einstein Community Center.

For this year’s annual meeting of shareholders whereby candidates are elected to serve three-year terms on the 15-member Board which sets policy for the Riverbay Corporation and the Co-op City community, the election process has been changed to mail in/electronic ballots, instead of the use of voting machines, to reduce the high cost associated with the annual Board election, especially if a quorum is not met and the election has to be extended.

“This is a tremendous improvement in that we are saving the shareholders a large sum of money because in the past we had to pay for the rental of the voting machines and the poll workers and monitors which we do not need with this year’s mail in/electronic voting,” said Director Sampson.

To familiarize shareholders with the new method of voting, the election committee has engaged Election America – the third party independent company contracted to facilitate the Riverbay election – to do a test survey which will be going out in the coming weeks.

“It’s a new process and we want to make sure people are comfortable registering their vote in a way that makes it convenient and secure,” said Director Sampson. “I encourage all to participate in the process and in their community.

Here in Co-op City, it is not so much about voting as it is about us exercising our democratic right as shareholders to make our voices heard.”

According to Section F (2) of the 2017 Election Rules on balloting and certification: “Mailing, tabulation, collecting, processing, initial counting and preservation of the election ballots will be conducted by an independent, third party entity, selected by the Board of Directors pursuant to a written contract, duly approved in accordance with all corporate and regulatory requirements...”

The mail in/online voting period will begin on Wednesday, May 17 at 6 a.m. and will end on Wednesday, May 24 at 9 p.m., the day of the annual meeting.

During the voting period, one ballot will be mailed by Election America to each residential unit on record with Riverbay Corporation. There will be one vote per unit by a shareholder of record as of April 3, 2017.

All ballots must be signed by an eligible, residential shareholder of record who must also affix the last four digits of their social security number and whose signature must match the signature as it appears on the shareholder’s occupancy agreement. More information about the mail in/electronic ballots and the process will be forthcoming.

Following the May 24th election, the initial (preliminary) count, as recorded

by Election America, will be provided to the 2017 Election Committee no later than 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 31. The election committee will then review and certify the final count of the election ballots. Each certified candidate, along with one resident observer of each certified candidate, will be invited to attend and observe this certification of the votes of the election committee.

The election committee chair, Director Sampson, said: “For me, this is a very important aspect about the voting that shareholders need to be very comfortable about, and that is knowing we will not be in any way subject to any voter tampering or negative perception that anyone is involved in any of the counting because no member of the election committee will be involved in counting the vote. We will also get regular updates during the mail-in period and will no longer have to wait until election night, May 24, for results.”

The final results of the election will be posted in the Saturday, June 3, 2017 Co-op City Times, and the top five vote getters will be sworn in on Thursday, June 8, 2017 as new members of the Riverbay Board of Directors at an open board meeting held at 7 p.m. in room 31 in the Bartow Center.

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Co-op City Times / March 11, 2017

Director’s Viewpoint

Stop kicking the can down the road

Daryl Johnson A lot of people in this community have spoken to me about the increases that we're going to receive on June 1, 2017. And, all of them have said that these increases are going to force them to cut back on everything.

Not Good For This Community We pay our managers a lot of money to do their jobs.

Thereafter, we expect for them to deliver good results for this community. Part of the results that we look for is good management of our property and our budget.

In reference to our budget, I feel that our managers have done a poor job of delivering the results that we need for this community. And, I make this statement because I feel that they have allowed bad and costly situations to continue here. Regardless, our managers have told our cooperators that they need more money to continue conducting business in this way.

Look at the power plant as an example. The budget calls for 50 employees to run this operation.

Yet, management has decided to bring in 3 consultants at a cost of over a million dollars to help them out. Why? If this operation was good, then why does management feel the need to bring in consultants to run this place? Why is management allowing the current operators to stay here?

In my opinion, that's just one of many departments that is not being managed in a proper way. Now, I can easily talk about our inventory warehouses, overtime costs, change orders, and the excessive amount of employees that we have working here.

But, lots of cooperators already know about these items and how Riverbay wastes lots of our money on failed projects. So, lots of cooperators have concluded that they're not happy with what's going on here. But, on the flip side, we have some folks that are embracing this style of management and the impending increases that are going to hurt a lot of our residents.

And, the truth is that they're entitled to their opinion.

Nevertheless, someone recently made some really

nasty remarks. But, their comments simply reinforced the fact that they're a troublemaker and a hustler. That's it!

Summer Youth Employment Program – Deadline March 17, 2017 The Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) is accepting applications for the Summer Youth Employment Program. These applications must be in before the deadline, March 17, 2017. NYC residents, between the ages of 14 and 24, can work in a variety of fields for up to six weeks in July and August.

According to DYCD, some of the fields include: Arts and recreation, educational services, financial services, healthcare/medical, hospitality/tourism, information technology, manufacturing, marketing/ public relations, media/entertainment, real estate/ property, and retail.

Can we get our young adults off of the streets for this summer? Can we give our young adults a good dose of reality for the summer? Can we help them to apply for a summer job?

Look, you never know what's going to happen to a young adult if they start working and are around good people that want to help them. So, please tell all of the young adults that you know to go online and fill out an application for a summer job before the March 17 deadline. Thank you.

STAR Credit – Apply Before March 15, 2017 For 2016/2017, only 8,234 cooperators out of 15,372, received a credit on their March carrying charge statement. This is a shame because all of our cooperators should have received this credit. So, I want to make sure that everyone gets information about this STAR program.

To start, we have the Basic and the Enhanced STAR programs. For 2016/2017, cooperators that previously enrolled in the Basic or the Enhanced STAR program received credits of $101.40 or $220.44, respectively, on their March carrying charge statements.

You will qualify, regardless of your age, for the Basic STAR credit if your combined income is at or below $500,000.

You will qualify for the

Faith @ Work Christian Church 120 DeKruif Place (street level). Praise and Worship begins at 9:30 a.m.

Church telephone: (347) 346-5790; email: fatwcc@aol.com.

Weekly Worship Experiences: Tuesday Prayer Service, 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday Bible Study, 6:30 p.m.; Sunday Morning Worship, 9:30 a.m.; Teen Church, 10:00 a.m., 2nd Sundays; Children’s Church, 3rd Sundays (K-3); Older Children’s Church, 4th Sundays (4th-7th).

Church motto: “We are Christ-centered, family-focused with power and authority.”

Church mission: To empower, educate and motivate men, women, boys and girls to reach their full potential and live abundant lives through preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Come worship with us, where we honor tradition, but are not bound by it! All are welcome to join us any and every Sunday because our goal is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in LOVE, through teaching and preaching the Word of God from the Bible.

Bible Study is under way and we’re excited! Join us for a Mid-Day Study, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., as well as our regular 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Night Bible Study.

Please join us as we journey through the book of Revelation.

Social Justice Meeting: Please join us as we continue to meet around issues of the ACA, ICE Raids, Immigration, attacks on houses of faith at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday.

The 7 Last Sayings of Christ from the Cross, April 14th at 10 a.m. led by Pastor Frank Jenkins, Pastor Lamont Granby, Pastor Kimberly Mabry Wright, Minister Larae Shabaka, Pastor James Furman, Pastor Dawn Snell and Min. Phyllis Coy-Kerr. Resurrection Sunday, April 16th worship begins promptly at 9:30 a.m.

We welcome you all to join us where you’ll get no watered down version of the Gospel, but the Word of God! Finally, we are continuing to meet every two weeks at Faith @ Work Christian Church, 120 DeKruif Place to plan our actions against any injustice and inequality we believe must be addressed at the national level. We invite all who are concerned about ICE Raids, the ACA, Education, Gun Violence, Civil Rights and many other liberties that might be under attack, to join us on March 12, at 12:30 p.m. All are welcome! Lite refreshments will be served.

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

—Pastor Deborah D. Jenkins

Enhanced STAR credit if you, your spouse, or your sibling will be 65 or older by December 31, 2017 and your combined income does not exceed $86,000. In both cases, Co-op City must be your primary residence.

If you are not registered, then please call 3-1-1 or go online to review and register for this STAR program before March 15, 2017.

Also, please use the following block/lot numbers to fill out your application. So, if you live in sections 1-4, Adler, Asch, Broun, Cooper, Debs, DeFoe, please use block #5141; Lot #120. If you live in section 5, Earhart, please use block #5135; lot #51. All applications must be postmarked before March 15, 2017.

Finally, please consider sharing this information with everyone that you know so that they can sign up for this free program. Thank you.

Public Safety Ceremony I had to write about our upcoming increases for this article. But, my next article will focus on our Public Safety department. So, please don't miss this article.

Close Some people are telling our cooperators to simply accept these high increases. However, it's possible that everyone can get priced out of this community because some bad advice prevailed over some good advice. Thank you.

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

Or, please send a message to me at darylhjohnson@optonline.net (There are absolutely no problems with this email address. So, please doublecheck the spelling of this address if your message bounces back to you.) Also, please call me at 718671-4544 if you don't receive a response from your message. You can also join me on Facebook by typing in: Daryl H. Johnson.

Okay, that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful week. And, may God bless you and your family.

Thank you.

CO-OP CITY FOOT CARE CENTER SECTION 5 • BUILDING 29C 4240 HUTCHINSON RIVER PARKWAY EAST

(718) 671-2233 DR. LOUIS JACOBS, DIRECTOR ALL FOOT CONDITIONS TREATED The in-office surgical correction of BUNIONS • HAMMERTOES • INGROWN TOENAILS PAINFUL CORNS and CALLOUSES The treatment of traumatic foot injuries, heel spurs, bursitis and arthritis of the joints of the feet, toenail and skin infections, as well as other conditions.

Most Union and Insurance Plans Accepted.

HIP CMO (Montefiore) Health Plan Accepted.

We participate in Postal Workers, Mail Handlers, Letter Carriers, Verizon Workers, 1199, GHI, Blue Shield, Empire Plan, Medicare, Travelers, United Health Care and many other union and major medical plans.

Se Habla Español MEDICARE ACCEPTED • HOUSE CALLS BY APPOINTMENT

Diabetic Patients with Medicare may be eligible for shoes.

Co-op City Times / March 11, 2017

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Co-op City Times / March 11, 2017

Director’s Viewpoint

Empowerment!

they have problems speaking, cannot report the abuse.

Elder abuse takes many forms – physical, emotional, financial and also caregiver neglect. In New York City, elder abuse intervention services are available to help older victims live their lives with dignity, safety and away from abusers while maintaining On Tuesday, December 3, 2016 I received a cer- power and control over their daily lives. These servtificate from the New York City Police Department’s ices include, but are not limited to, consultation with experts, crisis intervention, safety planning, shelter (NYPD) Citizen’s Police Academy.

I was asked by then-Deputy Inspector Daniela referral, in-home assessments and help navigating Raia of the 45th Precinct and her Community Affairs the criminal justice system. In New York City, DFTA Officers, John Souhrada and Hannah Rahm, to take partners with the New York State Office of Victim the course and I decided to do it for the betterment of Services and other community service providers throughout the five boroughs to provide assistance to my community.

This course and the information imparted helped those 60 years and older who suffer elder abuse. For me to gain more knowledge in community policing information or to report elder abuse, you may call 3and also the understanding of policing as a whole. I 1-1 or the DFTA Elderly Crime Victims Resource also obtained valuable information that will aid our Center at (212) 442-3103. All services are confidential and free of charge. community, while enhancing our quality-of-life.

In addition to elder abuse, domestic abuse is This article is the first installment in bringing you some of that information. It pertains to different another important issue of concern. If you are in a types of abuse. I’ll periodically be giving you infor- relationship that makes you feel scared, hurt or mation I’ve received through the various Citizen’s unsafe, the NYC Family Justice Centers offers free and confidential help to survivors of intimate partner Police Academy courses.

As a Naturally Occurring Retirement Community violence and sex trafficking, as well as elder abuse.

(NORC), Co-op City has a large senior population. The centers are located in all five borough, Monday As these cooperators age in place, it is very important through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Translation that we, their neighbors, keep our eyes and ears open services are available and you do not need an appointment, you can simply walk in. so that we can ensure their safety and well-being.

According to the NYC Mayor’s Office to Combat Reports of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation of older adults in on the rise. According to the New York Domestic Violence, the justice centers welcome peoState Office for the Aging, between 1-2 million elders ple of all ages, sexual orientations and gender identiaged 65 and over have been injured, exploited or oth- ties regardless of what language you speak, your erwise mistreated by someone else. The New York immigration status or your income. The NYC Family City Department for the Aging (DFTA) reports that Justice Center in the Bronx, NY is located at 198 one in every 20 older American is a victim of elder East 161 Street, 2nd floor. They can be contacted by abuse. Just last week, CNN reported that many seniors calling (718) 508-1220.

Family Justice Centers offer case managers to are raped and abused in other ways in nursing homes.

Many of them because of cognitive impairment, such help plan for your safety and provide advice and as Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease, or because referrals for public assistance, such as housing, shel-

Junius Williams

Building 26 Association Warm greetings to our Co-op City families, friends, merchants, and especially our new residents.

Fond wishes to everyone celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and other celebrated events during the month of March.

Speedy recovery to all who are sick, home-bound, and/or hospitalized. Our sincere condolences to those families who have suffered the loss of a beloved one.

Blessings to you during your difficult time of bereavement.

A sincere thank you to Ms. Marie Smith, Riverbay Board director, who attended our building association meeting on Tuesday, 2/28. She listened to and addressed residents’ complaints. Ms. Smith also updated us on important information.

Trash – is being thrown into Section 5 (Stillwell Avenue overpass) from automobiles.

Graffiti – displayed on the fence of the commercial property on Stillwell Ave.; departing from Section 5 onto the New England Thruway. Ms. Smith directed that calls be made to 3-1-1 and to obtain a complaint number. Proposed Maintenance Increase – It is imminent. Board members have been meeting and negotiating with the Finance Department to redo the budget and cut 10% from the top to prevent maintenance increases.

Debris on Waterway – Near Building 29 heading towards Co-op City Blvd.

Assemblyman Benedetto was notified.

Bicycle Walking Path – It is very dark.

We need lights there. Be careful.

Marion Scott Real Estate – If the judge rules on behalf of Marion Scott, we will then owe $800K. Dog complaint – Ms. Smith directed

complainants to be vigilant, take photos of unleashed dog, and then call Public Safety.

A family with more than one disability can have more than one dog.

Strangers – On her floor and in the stairwell. Ms. Smith directed the resident to get a good description of the person and to call Public Safety. Never get on an elevator with a suspicious looking person.

Trolley Service – Mr. Andy King is supposed to include Co-op City into the 2018 budget. He’ll reimburse Riverbay after they purchase the bus.

Wells Fargo – Since they hold the mortgage, Section 5 should have a bank.

Complaints for service – Should first be called into your respective CSO office, then you can notify a Board director.

Equality School – Has excellent adult programs at PS 160. Classes are free.

Truman pool – Thanks to Rev. Deborah Jenkins, she has established an excellent rapport with the principal for Co-op City residents to use it. Logistics have to be worked out regarding insurance to use the facility and a nominal fee for use of the pool by residents.

50/50 – Pat won and donated it to the building association.

Let's all work to help keep Co-op City clean by properly disposing trash in the nearest receptacle. Please dispose of large boxes, furniture, and other large objects from your residence by taking it to the designated area of your building's basement. Debris thrown from your window and/or terrace is dangerous. Violators will be summonsed and/or arrested. If you see something, say something by calling 9-1-1 for emergencies and 3-1-1 for all non-emergencies.

—YuVonne Lewis

ter and other necessities; counselors, therapists and psychiatrists to help provide adults and children with support for emotional and psychological trauma due to a violent partner; economic empowerment services to help with budgeting, credit repair, other financial issues, in addition to job training and educational programs; lawyers for advice and representation in legal issues; domestic violence prevention officers from the NYPD to help with filing reports; prosecutors from the DA’s office specifically trained in domestic violence prosecutions to provide information about criminal cases; the NYC Sheriff’s office to assist with serving civil court documents and related services. In addition, child care is available while you are receiving services at the Family Justice Center.

I implore those of you who may have loved ones in nursing homes or some other senior facility to speak to them and impress upon them that they must let someone know if they are being abused. Also, start checking and questioning any bruises you may see when you go to visit them or if you notice any changes in their behavior.

To those of you who are being abused, especially if you are in a violent relationship, please, I beg of you to report it. I’ve provided you with some of the information you need to help yourselves in stopping these abusers.

To the “abusers,” I’ll say this to you…if you’ve been abused and you’re not a child, you should know better and to me, there’s no excuse, period. Please seek HELP! Let me just say this, in my opinion, a “bully” or an “abuser” has no power of their own. They get their power from you. You give them their power by being afraid and ashamed. So, if someone has the gall and the audacity to abuse you, then you should have that same gall and audacity to report them.

Please, feel free to contact me by phone: 718-5943859 or by e-mail: jwilliams@riverbayboard.com.

Building 24 Association Joe Boiko, like all of us has his ups and downs, but he was definitely going up when he met with us at our last meeting and gave us the low down on Riverbay's plans to replace Co-op City's elevators.

Replacement motors for the original ones when necessary were not equivalent to the originals which were no longer being made. They are not as powerful and have to operate at somewhat slower speeds. Although operational, they are not suitable for optimum operation and their replacement, if necessary, would be with another one of the same with just a one year warranty.

Four of our elevators are currently running with temporary permits, Mr. Boiko said. Plans are in place to have new motors built with the same operational capability as the originals and to also replace the cabs and install a backup battery system for each. The cost for this essential replacement is approximately $40 million which our current surplus will not cover. Therefore, a carrying charge increase is necessary to pay for this vital capital project.

Mr. Boiko also promised to replace our missing laundry carts and asked us to observe laundry room etiquette and remove laundry from machines promptly and not remove carts from the laundry room. He also reminded us that we can be reimbursed for money lost in malfunctioning machines, and about a possible upgrade of lobby security systems which would provide lobby viewing screens for viewing inside elevators and the rear entrance way. Funding for this has not yet been approved.

Mr. Boiko will also help with our concerns about the lot across the street from our rear entrance on Co-op City Blvd. With the haphazard dumping of construction work debris, it has become a real eyesore, especially for cooperators whose windows look out at an otherwise beautiful view for which I have been told there was an addition to their carrying charges.

Mr. Mark Warren, a director in our Construction Department, will be guest speaker at our next meeting on March 16th. We will discuss the lot with him, as well as other construction issues around our building and the rebuilding of the basketball and tennis courts underway here on Bellamy Loop.

I will speak to our CSO Manager Vanessa Aldea for an update on replacement of our community room door which now scrapes along the concrete outside the room making it very difficult to open or close. A preliminary inspection indicated that repair was not possible and replacing the door would probably be necessary. I will also discuss with her a recent complaint about someone throwing garbage out of their window and what can be done to prevent such occurrences.

Finally, the idea of a Chuck-a Buck 50/50 raffle at our meetings to pay for some of our expenses was mentioned by Mr Boiko. We can discuss to see if we like the idea.

Our next meeting will be on Thursday, March 16th with Mr. Warren as our guest speaker. Hope to see you there.

—Bruce Silberman

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Co-op City Times / March 11, 2017

Building 6 Association

Building 13 Association

Congratulations to Building 6 Lobby Attendant Andy Soto for having received a Merit Certificate for an outstanding act which provided a significant contribution to the safety of the Co-op City community of Building 6 lobbies and elevators.

This year, Section One Family Fun Day will be September 16, 2017 and the rain date will be September 23, 2017. This year, Family Fun Day will be behind Building 8 on the greenway and the stage. This year, Family Fun Day will be bigger and a lot better than last year. Hope to see you all there; tell your family and friends about this event. We have a lot of great Chief Frank Apollo (left) things planned for this event with music and food and and Andy Soto games and a lot of fun, too. Mark your calendars.

The Building 6 Association is looking for people to join the building association board. As you can see, there are a lot of problems that are happening in our building and without a building association board and building meeting, they are not getting fixed. We need the building’s support and help to get this done.

The list of problems we have in our building is our front door lock broken and has been reported many times and has not been fixed yet. Another problem is we have one elevator on the express side until March 9. We also have very little heat in our lobby and been reported many times, too and there are more. We need to have a building association board and building meeting to fight for things to be done in our building. This is where you live. Help to make things better where you live.

—Jeffrey Schwartz

We would like to thank the newly assigned supervisors of Section 2 Building and Grounds, Silfrido Frias and Javier Valenzuela, for attending our meeting and sharing their goals for our building. They also listened to our suggestions and concerns and agreed to return in about two months with an update.

Our liaison to the Riverbay Building and Grounds Committee is Doris Sanchez. She represents our concerns and does an excellent job staying on top of reported items. As a building, we pledged to do our part and be responsible shareholders in the community.

Join us – Women Keeping It Real – The Red Box returns! Our next meeting will be held on Saturday, March 18, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at 100 Casals Place (Bldg. 13) association room. Women Keeping It Real is an inspiring, insightful and informative social gathering of women of all ages. We welcome new participants. Remember! You must be 18 and over to participate.

UPDATE: Lobster Fest – Seats for the Lobster Fest are sold out. If you would like to be placed on our waiting list, call Sherrie Hernandez (number below) with your contact information. The event is scheduled for Saturday, July 15, at the NORDIC LODGE. It’s an all-you-can-eat LOBSTER FEST. The trip includes a 4-hour casino stay at Foxwoods (includes bonus to be determined by the casino) and outlet shopping at the Tangers Mall. Don’t like lobster? Don’t worry, it also includes other fantastic dishes including shrimps, crab cakes, steak, soups, pasta dishes and loads of delightful desserts. We will leave from 100 Casals Place at 7:30 a.m. and depart for home at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $160 per person. Final payment is due April 15. We ask that you be prompt with your payment.

Keep an eye out for this year’s Summer Fun Family Day shirts. Our Family Day is scheduled for Saturday, June 17, from 12 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. We are exploring some new activities to keep you inspired. Stay tuned!!

Checks for Building 13 events should be made payable to Building 13 Assoc.

Inc. and mailed to 100 Casals Place #32K, Bronx, NY 10475. For information re: the Nordic Lodge Lobster feast, contact Sherrie Hernandez at 914-837-5970; Gail Sharbaan, treasurer, at 718-671-3801 or Leslie Peterson at 718-320-1370.

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

Again, thanks for making our team work.

—Leslie Peterson

Circle of Christ Church The Circle of Christ Church family extends a warm welcome to you and your family and invites you to come and worship with us at 147 Dreiser Loop, patio level (located in the Dreiser Community Center).

La familia de la Iglesia Circulo de Cristo les extiende una cálida invitación a usted y su familia para que vengan a alabar a Dios junto con nosotros. Nos encontramos en el 147 de Dreiser Loop, al nivel del patio (localizado en el centro Comunal de Dreiser).

We are a multicultural church that embraces God’s love for all. Family unity is very important to us. We have a wonderful children ministry focus on learning God’s word. Our youth ministry is very active and dynamic. The youth are involved in music, retreats, concerts, debates, conferences, drama, counseling among many other activities.

Somos una Iglesia multicultural que recibe y da del amor the Dios para todos. La unidad de la familia es muy importante para nosotros. Tenemos un ministerio para los jóvenes que es muy dinámico. Los jóvenes disfrutan de música, retiros, conciertos, debates, conferencias, dramas, consejería, y mucho mas.

We also have a food pantry for those in need in our community. Our phone number is 347-945-1992; in case there is no one in the office, please feel free to leave a message, we will call you back.

Suplimos comida a aquellos en nuestra comunidad que lo necesitan.

Nuestro teléfono es 347-945-1992 de no haber nadie en la oficina sientancen

libres de dejar un mensaje, le devolveremos su llamada.

Thought for the week Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6:34 The word of God teaches us that we should not worry about anything because he will provide us with everything we need.

Reflexion para la semana Así que, no os afanéis por el día de mañana, porque el día de mañana traerá su afán. Basta a cada día su propio mal. Mateo 7:34 La palabra de Dios nos enseña quo no debemos de preocuparnos por nada porque el nos proveerá de todo lo que necesitamos.

English services Wednesday, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., Prayer & Bible Study.

Friday, 7 to 9 p.m., Youth Night Sunday, 11:00 a.m., Worship and the Word Children Church, 5 years old to 12 years old Little lamb nursery.

Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m.

Prayer and the Word Thursday, 5:00 p.m., Boys and Girls Club Horario de Servicios en Español Domingo, 9:00 a 10:30 a.m., Alabanzas y Predicación Jueves, 12:00 p.m., Oración y Estudio Bíblico Special Events Women Fellowship, Saturday, March 11, at 11:00 a.m. All are welcome.

—Reverend Samuel Colon

Be respectful of your neighbors Please be aware that not all disabilities are visible, so be considerate and respectful of all members of the community.

16

Co-op City Times / March 11, 2017

Building 10 Association Hello, Building 10 neighbors, By the time most of you pick up this week's edition of the CC Times, we will have taken off for or arrived at the Mohegan Sun Casino. We're excited and looking forward to a great day of fun hitting the slots, shopping and eating. We pray for safe travel and hope many will come home winners.

Just a reminder...Our next General Membership Meeting will take place this Tuesday, March 14, at 7 p.m. in the Bldg. 10 association room (rear lobby of Bldg. 10B). Our guest speaker will be Mr. Jaylen Chapman, a long-time resident of Bldg. 10C, who will give a presentation on the subject of insur-

ance. We've watched Jaylen grow up to become a fine, respectful, upstanding young man who's making us proud. We can't wait to see him in action.

We will also be available to collect association dues from those who missed earlier collection dates. Further, we will discuss upcoming association activities (Ice Cream Social in April & Bake Sale in May or June) and plans for the association going forward. In unity, there is strength and the strength of our association is YOU! We encourage everyone to attend what is expected to be a very informative meeting. Please bring a neighbor with you.

Have a wonderful week. —Carol Campbell

Rivers Run Community Garden Hope you are telling 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 and daycares, as well as residents and neighbors. We are a place of beauty and peace. Visit. Stay. Experience us.

Please try to make the March 16th meeting.

We will be forming important committees where your talent is needed and appreciated.

Important dates (All are welcome): • March 16th – General Meeting, Dreiser Loop, rm. 4 at 7 p.m.

• March 18th – Garden clean up at noon

(weather permitting) • March 25th – GreenThumb Grow Together Conference, Hostos Community College, 450 Grand Concourse from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• April 20th – General Meeting, Dreiser Loop, rm. 4 at 7 p.m.

• April 22nd – Celebrate Earth Day with a FREE Compost Workshop facilitated by NYC Compost, FREE garden goodies while supplies last.

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

Co-op City Working Families Party Upcoming Meeting As a political party, Working Families' efforts aim at supporting and electing the most progressive candidates possible. We’ll be preparing for the midterm elections of 2018, but a very important opportunity to turn a Red U.S. congressional seat Blue is coming up much sooner than that. Georgia’s 6th Congressional District seat has been vacated by the now Secretary of Health & Human Services, Tom Price. Let’s flip GA-6!

Google: Jon Ossoff for Congress or visit his website https:// election.com/ to see why Congressmen Hank Johnson and John Lewis are supporting this young man.

At least two WFP Co-op City Chapter members will represent at the 2017 NYCLU Day of Action in Albany on March 13th (Register at action.aclu.org/dayofaction). Come to the NYCLU Rally and stay for the Campaign for New York Health event later that day (nyhcampaign.org) to learn all about the pending New York Health Act and to prepare for the possibly imminent event of the replacement of the Affordable Care Act (aka ObamaCare) by block grants to the states.

Back home, WFP members will further discuss organizing or joining a rally on "Show Us Your Taxes” day on April 15th to demand Trump reveal his financial conflicts, conflicts that could affect national security.

We will also continue organizing a bus trip to D.C. for the April 29th People’s Climate Rally (newyork.peoplesclimate.org).

FYI: The African American Association is inviting Black Lives Matter and Women’s March organizer Tamika Mallory to speak on Tuesday, March 14th at 7:00 p.m. in Dreiser, room #9.

Ms. Mallory was one of the four national organizers of the January 21st march.

Please join us at our next WFP meeting on the usual third Tuesday of the month. The next meeting of the Co-op City Chapter of the Working Families Party is scheduled for Tuesday, March 21, at 7:30 p.m., room 35, Section 5.

—Kelly Canzoneri

17

Co-op City Times / March 11, 2017

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18

Co-op City Times / March 11, 2017

Cooperators Concerned About Being Compared

Director’s Viewpoint

Why? Why does our multimillion corporation also need consultants to assist with the following: Commercial Leasing, the Power Plant and asbestos abatement?

Are consultants cheap? No! Who pays? Cooperators!

Several cooperators say that they are sick and Additionally, Board members evidently have to tired of Board members especially comparing them assist our present management team and very comto other housing developments when it comes to petent law firm in meeting with city and state elected carrying charge increases. We are a middle-income officials to ask for additional funds for elevator and (high and low) and as such deserve “affordable other capital projects. Why? Will it be necessary to housing.” This director was reminded that the rea- pay staff, consultants and Board members to get the son for Co-op City remains the same, “affordability.” job done to take care of Co-op City? Who pays?

What cooperators expect from the Board and manWho Will Be Priced Out Of Co-op City? agement is that we maintain “affordability,” as well A cooperator reminded this and other directors that as a high “quality of life.” “we (management & Board) are all talk and no action.”

Management Company It was a concerned cooperator who had to share that Informed and involved cooperators are aware possible funding was available for Mitchell-Lama’s that almost a year ago, the Board was receiving co-ops. That said, in my opinion, at risk, because of threats from HCR and HUD because “some” of the the capital projects and lack of additional government directors appeared to be taking too long to make a funds, are seniors, without hefty pensions and unable decision on a management company. What it to work; working single and middle income couples, appears happened is that a deal was made by the and cooperators sending their children to college.

Board executives and presented to the “full” Board Leadership matters and without adequate “boots that the corporation would allow only one (1) indi- on the ground” getting grants from elected officials, vidual onsite to assist with the day-to-day opera- in my opinion, cooperators will have to pay. Both tions of the corporation.

New York City and New York State have billion Last week, the community received a report from dollar budgets. In my opinion, Co-op City needs the “lone” management company staff onsite. It has the type of leadership from management that can been an awesome task for one person, compared to get some of “our” tax dollars for additional projects the previous management company. It seems some not covered by the $621,500,000 Well Fargo MultiBoard members felt that cutting the cost was more family Capital loan in 2012. Additionally, a recomimportant than having a diverse, skilled manage- mendation will be made for the “corporation” to ment “team” onsite. hire a “grant writer.” We had one with the previous When the contract is up for the present manage- management company that we invited to the Board ment company, this director will be recommending development weekend. Or, we can continue to we find a company that will provide more “onsite compare Co-op to “other” developments and constaff” if Douglas Elliman is unable to do so. The dif- tinue increasing carrying charges until we are the ference is that the Board will hopefully make “same as others” in NYC. Another option is to changes in management the correct way to avoid yet “increase” the number of staff from Douglas Ellianother lawsuit. man or another management company. Feedback

Evelyn Turner

Building 18 Association Hi, neighbors.

Thank you all for your presence at the general meeting on Tuesday, February 28th. Our guest speaker was Vanessa Aldea, Executive Manager, Cooperator Services Office of Riverbay. We congratulated Vanessa on her job promotion. Many attendees discussed their complaints and problems with Vanessa, she noted and said she would look into them. Vanessa was knowledgeable and very informative; she also handed out very important information. Thank you, Ms. Aldea, for such an outstanding presentation.

Our next general meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 28th at 7:00 p.m. in the meeting room. A guest speaker is in progress.

Please attend as many meetings as possible; guest speakers are scheduled with you in mind. 50/50 drawings and refreshments are available as always.

The Bake Sale went well. Special thanks go out to Deborah H., Carol S., Phyllis R., Sandra C., Diana T., Hazel S., Brenda R., Sylvia K., Gloria W., Lorraine T., Deloris C., Charlene S., Norma K., Carlene F. and Leslie S. and to all who purchased the delicious desserts, we thank you. Remember our slogan, “Together, we can make a difference.”

Building 18 Scholarship applications will be available soon. Students must be a member of Building 18 Association and a high school graduate, please check bulletin board for more information.

Membership Drive: We will be collecting membership dues TODAY, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the lobby. If you missed paying your dues, please see any executive member.

Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 12th. Remember to set your clocks one hour ahead tonight before you go to bed.

Happy Birthday…to all with that special day this month and may it be all you want it to be; enjoy and please be careful.

To the sick and home-bound, may your health be restored within your normal limits in a timely matter. To the bereaved families, we give our deepest sympathies.

Please stay alert and remember, if you see something, say something!

—Gertie Brown

from cooperators is welcomed.

Public Safety Event Many thanks to the awesome work that our Public Safety Department provides and the guns they have taken off the streets. All the recognitions were well deserved.

Women’s History & Social Work Month Join me in celebrating women and social workers this month! We make a difference.

Retired & Senior Volunteer Program If you are age 55+, the Community Service Society would like for you to become a mentor in a child’s life. We have so many children whose parents are incarcerated or they are struggling in school.

Mentors will spend just a few hours a month at a site based in your neighborhood. No prior experience needed and you will be trained. To attend a Breakfast Orientation on April 6, between 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., call Karen Brown at 212.614-5557 or kbrown@ cssny.ogr for more information.

Alzheimer 24–Hour Support Helpline To obtain support, valuable resources, referrals and caregivers, call: 212.983-0700.

Homeless Prevention: Home Base, Bronx, NY Please call 3-1-1 to obtain the location that serves Co-op City. If you are struggling with your carrying charge payment, don’t wait until you are contacted by our legal department. Our Mayor wants to avoid homelessness and you may be eligible for assistance.

You may also ask about other services like free clothing and furniture.

College Fair For Parents/Friday, March 31 & Saturday, April 1…Attend a workshop for “PARENTS ONLY” to help identify financial aid programs for the entire family: Contact Nicholas Crux UFT Community and Parent Liaison, 718-8626074 or NCruz@uft.org.

Many thanks for your support: Evelyn M. Turner, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, 917-324-1033 or evelyntinez@aol.com.

Broun Place Townhouse Association From Broun Place Townhouse Association: Please do not litter, pick-up and discard litter properly. It’s disgusting, attracts rats and other animals, plus what a crazy difference between here and other neighborhoods. The green cans are on almost every corner. Just pick the garbage up! There is no excuse for not going back to pick up what misses the can. Tell your children not to be litterbugs and grown-ups, it’s good exercise to bend and pick up. We can really see the difference in Broun Place since Martin has been our groundskeeper.

For cleaning public areas like under I-95 at Bartow and out of Section 5 and the highway itself, please call 3-1-1. Broun Place agrees with Building 9, we shouldn’t go back to NYC Department of Sanitation, but should continue with our own recycling program.

All are welcome to our first Broun Place Townhouse Association meeting of the new year on March 23, in Bartow Center, rm. 31 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Please let me know if you have a particular issue to bring up. Broun Place Townhouse Association announces, Mr. Warren Mitchell, assistant general manager, is our guest. Your attendance is appreciated and, of course, light refreshments will be available.

This week, we attended the Riverbay Buildings and Grounds Committee. An important matter of signage and the lack of street signage, especially for townhouse clusters has been glaring, but I couldn’t see it!

There is “new” information regarding window guards. Townhouse residents can purchase them, but the forms are not required to be filled out by townhouse residents. We learned this by working with Adler Place Townhouses Association and their president, Kenneth Graham.

Be on the lookout – IMPORTANT, regarding a suspicious mailing, the return address says, “Social Security Guarantee Act Information,” “OFFICIAL BUSINESS, TO BE OPENED

BY ADRESSEE ONLY, and UNDER PENALTY OF LAW.” This is not a federal mailing!

It’s attributed to: “Coalition to Guarantee Social Security, a project of Christian Seniors Association,” “a division of Traditional Values Coalition.” This is a solicitation. BEWARE! Work continues on our basketball court adjacent to Garage 6. The foundation and new drainways are being installed. We seriously hope the underground pipes and connections are not disturbed and the work continues without any mishaps. It is our understanding that the trees will be replanted once the work is completed.

On behalf of Paquita Myke, we announce to Broun Place residents a memorial service for former neighbor, Ms. Gloria Joy Abdul. It will be held on Sunday, March 19th at 1 p.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 765 Co-op City Blvd., Bronx 10475.

We join all our friends and neighbors in extending condolences to Bishops Angelo and Nancy Rosario and the Rosario family on the crossing over of their sister, Elba, and their aunt.

“If you see something, say something;” call Public Safety: 718-671-3050.

Have a great week!

—Eva Lazaar

19

Co-op City Times / March 11, 2017

Building 32 Association General Membership Meeting Our meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 21 starting at 7:30 p.m.

The meeting place is our association room, located in 32B, first floor rear. Our special guest will be Mr. Rupinder Rana, the director of operations for StatCare, the urgent and walk-in medical care facility for both adults and kids. StatCare is located in the Bartow Mall, 2063 Bartow Ave., adjacent to Amalgamated Bank. Mr. Rana will be presenting handouts, checking blood pressure for those who request it, conducting finger-stick blood glucose testing, and informing us about this convenient new facility right in our community.

We look forward to seeing our new cooperators.

Our meetings are generally ninety (90) minutes long, and occur once every two months. There will be light refreshments, a door prize and a fifty-fifty.

Everyone is welcome.

If you have not paid your $5 annual dues, you

can do so at this meeting.

Trip This information will be re-printed for the next few weeks and any changes will be printed in large letters for your convenience.

These are tentative departure times for our trip.

The bus will arrive at Building 32B, opposite Garage 7, at 6:45 a.m. There will be a seating list so please wait for your seating assignment prior to boarding. We will leave at 7:00 a.m., heading to Asch Loop by the library. Expected arrival time is 7:10, leaving at 7:20 a.m. We should be at Dreiser Loop by the hardware store at 7:30 a.m., leaving no later than 7:45. We will try to be on time and it is expected that you do the same. This should be a marvelous trip. Luncheon at the Golden Corral should be at approximately 11:30 a.m. Seating requests will be honored if at all possible.

We will show movies, there is wi-fi on the bus, and we will have a fifty-fifty.

—Lorna Smith

Building 27 Association Greetings, neighbors. Spring is in the air, we had a pretty good winter so far.

Building Association General Meeting – Will be Thursday, March 30th, at 7 p.m. New cooperators and men please come and meet your neighbors.

There is something that may interest you to help for the betterment of your building and community.

Annual Association Dues is $5 per family and representatives of Bldg. A, B and C buildings will be collecting from you on Friday, April 7th from 4 to 8 p.m. Thank you for your continuous support of your building association.

Foxwood Casino, Connecticut – The Building 27 Association would love for you to join us on Friday, May 19. Price: $40; $10 rebate and a buffet voucher. Bus leaving at 8 a.m. SHARP from Einstein Center. First payment of $20 due by Thursday, March 23, to hold your seat. Payments will be

accepted on Thursday, March 23, in the Bldg. 27B lobby, 4 to 7 p.m. Final payment due and no refunds after May 7.

Checks or money may be mailed to Lillian Sumpter, 140 Erdman Pl. Apt. 6D, Bronx, NY 10745. Contacts, if any questions, 718-379-4629 or 718-671-1905 (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

Happy birthday to all in this month. Please share with the Sunshine Committee, Ms. Lydia Rondon, by calling her at (718) 583-3040. If a neighbor in our building is ill, home-bound, birthdays, bereavement, Ms. Rondon will respond on behalf of the association.

Please keep our Board and community in prayer that the Board will make the right decisions. Pray for leaders and for peace and stability in our nation.

—H. Overman

Coalition To Save Affordable Housing Guest Speaker The Coalition to Save Affordable Housing will have Riverbay Board President Ms. Linda Berk speak at our next scheduled general membership meeting on March 13th, at 7:30 p.m.

Bartow, room 28. Come attend our meeting so that you are informed on what's going on in our community.

Mardi Gras success The only Mardi Gras party in town was a success. The coalition would

like to thank everyone who supported the event. The night was filled with great music and memories.

Membership/ Community meeting The next meeting is confirmed for March 13th, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. It is important that cooperators attend our meeting and voice their concerns as there will be Board members available to speak with. Light refreshments will be available.

—Sebastian Ulanga

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Building 29 Association It is hoped that this article finds all Building 29 cooperators and their families in good health.

Our next building association meeting is scheduled for Friday, March 17th at 7 p.m.

The focus of this meeting will be the sharing of health-related information. We will have two guests from Montefiore Medical Center: • Mariela Salazar, Government and Community Relations Manager, will share information on the appropriate use of Urgent Care Centers vs. Emergency Rooms; • Carlos Tejeda, Community Health Specialist, will provide up-to-date information about hypertension, its impact on our health, and self-care measures.

All Building 29 cooperators (association members and non-members) should make every effort to attend this meeting. Caring for our health, as well as the health of our loved ones, is of the greatest importance and requires us to be aware of the most up to date information.

Interested in a Flea Market? The building association is hoping to hold a flea market in the near future. We are currently in the planning stages and would like to hear from interested Building 29 cooperators. A flea market would provide a perfect opportunity to sell excess or unwanted new items or used items which are in good condition but no longer needed. Anyone interested in participating, please forward contact information to the building association via: • Email to building29association@gmail.com or • Drop a note into the building association mailbox located outside the association room in the rear lobby of Building 29B Remember, one man's "unwanted" is another man's gold! We are hoping to make this the first of many fun, fundraising activities!!

—Marie Standford

20

Co-op City Times / March 11, 2017

Board of Directors’ Meeting - March 8, 2017 Second Reading - Resolution #17-08 SUBMITTED BY: Deborah Jenkins SECONDED BY: Evelyn Turner BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: March 8th, 2017 WHEREAS, the Procurement Department sent out thirty-six (36) requests for proposals for Bid #3092, Preventive Maintenance of Sanitary and Storm Sewers to vendors selected by HCR, the Blue book and the internet ; and WHEREAS, we received two (2) proposals which were sent for review; and WHEREAS, Procurement polled the 34 companies who did not respond and asked the reason(s) they did not bid. Eleven (11) responded with reasons ranging from (i) our heavy workload prevented us from responding, and (ii) we bid in the past and our pricing was not competitive and (iii) we were unable to attend the mandatory pre-bid meeting; and WHEREAS, the two submitted (2) bids were reviewed in detail by the Project Manager; and WHEREAS, the Project Manager, has determined Adriatic Artisan Works, Inc. is the lowest responsible bidder (Recommendations attached); and WHEREAS, this will be a three-year contract in which we will pay for the Preventive Maintenance of Sanitary and Storm Sewers (spreadsheet attached).

NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that the proposed Contract # 3092 with Adriatic Artisan Works, Inc. for the amount of $1,499,632.00 for a period of three (3) year be approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and amended by Board of Directors Resolution #9544 and the president is hereby authorized to execute the contract and management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.

YES: Berk, Feliciano, Graham, Jenkins, Jones, Lambright, Peterson, Sampson, Saunders, Turner NO: Johnson, Leslie, Smith, Williams ABSENT FOR VOTE: Cylich PASSED

Second Reading - Resolution #17-12 SUBMITTED BY: Kevin Lambright SECONDED BY: Evelyn Turner BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: March 8th, 2017 WHEREAS, the Procurement Department solicited companies for pricing for Bid #3059, Asbestos Abatement - Flooring; and WHEREAS, Management received and re-viewed five (5) proposals and prepared the attached spreadsheet; and WHEREAS, the lowest bidder was disqualified for failing to meet the bid’s requirements; and WHEREAS, the Project Manager recommends K.D. Hercules, Inc. as the lowest responsible bidder (Recommendation attached).

NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE

RESOLVED: that the proposed contract 3059 with K.D. Hercules, Inc. for a not to exceed cost of $8,000,000 based on unit pricing for a 3 year period be approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution #8516 and amended by Board of Directors Resolution #95-44 and the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.

YES: Berk, Feliciano, Graham, Jenkins, Jones, Lambright, Peterson, Sampson, Smith, Saunders, Turner, Williams NO: Johnson ABSTAIN: Leslie ABSENT FOR VOTE: Cylich PASSED

INCOME TAX PREPARATION MARC A. GOODMAN ENROLLED AGENT & ACCREDITED TAX PREPARER SERVING CO-OP CITY SINCE 1972 VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR OUR LOW PRICES AND USEFUL INFORMATION AT:

WWW.GOODMANTAX.COM 137 EINSTEIN LOOP * SECTION 5

PARKING VALIDATED FOR GARAGE 7

LEFT OF THE ENTRANCE TO THE COMMUNITY CENTER

FOR INFORMATION CALL: 718-379-5217

Second Reading - Resolution #17-10 SUBMITTED BY: Junius Williams SECONDED BY: Sonia Feliciano BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING DATED: March 8th, 2017 WHEREAS, Shareholders annually elect their neighbors to serve on the Board of Directors to establish sound policies to administer the property, management and the business of the cooperation; and WHEREAS, Directors meet generally twice a month for Board meetings and more frequently for committee meetings depending on the needs of the corporation; and WHEREAS, Attendance at Board meetings is a key component of a Board member’s duties; and WHEREAS, Absence at Board meetings is such an impediment to board business that the Riverbay Corporation By-Laws, Article III, Section 3 (o) allows the removal of any director who has three consecutive unexcused absences from regularly scheduled Board meeting or four out of five consecutive unexcused absences from regularly scheduled Board meetings; and WHEREAS, It would be in the shareholder’s interest for the Co-op City Times to publish on page 2 on the second Saturday of each month a list of directors who had unexcused and excused absences the prior month from Board meetings.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Co-op City Times publish on page 2 on the second Saturday of each month the names of those Directors who had unexcused and excused absences the prior month from regularly scheduled Board of Director’s meetings and the date of such meeting BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this Resolution shall take effect thirty (30) days after its approval.

YES: Berk, Feliciano, Graham, Jenkins, Johnson, Jones, Lambright, Leslie, Peterson, Sampson, Smith, Saunders, Turner, Williams ABSENT FOR VOTE: Cylich PASSED

Second Reading - Resolution #17-18 SUBMITTED BY: Evelyn Turner SECONDED BY: Kevin Lambright & Linda Berk BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING DATED: March 8, 2017 WHEREAS, Kenneth Hunter, has requested a lease from Riverbay Corporation for the premises at 165 Einstein Loop, Bronx, New York, (635 sq. ft.) to be used as a unisex barbershop; and WHEREAS, the term of the lease and annual rental rates are within the provisions of Resolution #85-16 as amended by Resolution #95-44; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the lease agreement for the premises at 165 Einstein Loop, Bronx, New York, by and between Riverbay Corporation, Owner, and Kenneth Hunter, Tenant, containing the terms as negotiated by Riverbay Corporation’s management is hereby approved as submitted by management in accordance with Resolution #85-16 as amended by Resolution #95-44; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that the president of the corporation is authorized to sign the lease agreement and related documents on behalf of Riverbay Corporation.

YES: Berk, Feliciano, Graham, Jenkins, Johnson, Jones, Lambright, Leslie, Peterson, Sampson, Smith, Saunders, Turner, Williams ABSENT FOR VOTE: Cylich PASSED

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Co-op City Times / March 11, 2017

Second Reading - Resolution #17-13 SUBMITTED BY: Bernard Cylich SECONDED BY: Kevin Lambright BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING, DATED: March 8th, 2017

Second Reading - Resolution #17-14 SUBMITTED BY: Andrea Leslie SECONDED BY: Kevin Lambright BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: March 8th, 2017

WHEREAS, the surface condenser of the power plant’s Steam Turbine Generator has become inoperable due to continuous leaks; and WHEREAS, on-line availability of the Steam Turbine Generator is needed during the summer period from June 1st to September 30th to meet Riverbay’s commitment to three electrical programs, which last year generated 3 million dollars in additional revenue; and WHEREAS, repairing the condenser, called re-tubbing, is needed to allow for the Steam Turbine Generator to operate; and WHEREAS, Procurement solicited bids for this re-tubbing work and four (4) bids were received and after review management determined that Frank Lill & Sons was the lowest qualified bidder to repair the surface condenser within the specified time frame.

NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that the proposed contract 3139 with Frank Lill & Sons for a total cost of $ 315,726.00 for the re-tubbing of the surface condenser be approved as submitted by management in accordance with Board of Directors’ Resolution #85-16 and amended by Board of Directors’ Resolution #95-44 and the president is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.

YES: Berk, Feliciano, Graham, Jenkins, Johnson, Jones, Lambright, Leslie, Peterson, Sampson, Smith, Saunders, Turner, Williams ABSENT FOR VOTE: Cylich PASSED

WHEREAS, Richner Communications, Inc.is performing services of printing of the Co-op City Times under contract 2910; and WHEREAS, Change Order One (1) is being requested for additional money in the amount of $20,000; and WHEREAS, the additional money will pay all invoices through June 2017 when the contract expires and will cover the cost of the addition of special features that was not originally budgeted; and WHEREAS, Procurement has been notified to start the process for a new contract; and WHEREAS, the Project Manager is in agreement with the requested Change Order as indicated in the attached recommendation letter.

NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that the proposed Change Order One (1) to Contract 2910 with Richner Communications, Inc. for an additional cost of $20,000 be approved as submitted by management in accordance with Board of Directors’ Resolution #85-16 and amended by Board of Directors’ Resolution #9544 and the president is hereby authorized to execute the contract and management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.

YES: Berk, Feliciano, Graham, Jenkins, Jones, Lambright, Leslie, Peterson, Sampson, Smith, Saunders, Turner, Williams NO: Johnson ABSENT FOR VOTE: Cylich PASSED

Second Reading - Resolution #17-15

Emergency Resolution #17-17

SUBMITTED BY: Deborah Jenkins SECONDED BY: Francine Reva Jones BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING: March 8th, 2017 WHEREAS, the Collective Bargaining Agreement by and between Riverbay Corporation and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (“Local 282”) expired on January 31, 2017; and WHEREAS, the representatives of Riverbay Corporation and of Local 282 did undertake collective bargaining negotiations; and WHEREAS, as a result of these negotiations the parties have agreed, subject to ratification by the Board of Directors, upon a new Collective Bargaining Agreement for a period of five (5) years up to, and including, January 31, 2022; and WHEREAS, Riverbay management recommends that the Riverbay Board of Directors ratify this Collective Bargaining Agreement.

NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED, that the Riverbay Board of Directors ratifies the Collective Bargaining Agreement by and between Riverbay and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 282, for a period of five (5) years commencing on February 1, 2017 and ending January 31, 2022 and authorizes Riverbay’s president to sign the agreement on behalf of the Corporation.

YES: Berk, Feliciano, Graham, Johnson, Jones, Lambright, Peterson, Sampson, Smith, Saunders, Turner, Williams ABSENT FOR VOTE: Cylich, Jenkins, Leslie PASSED

Second Reading - Resolution #17-16 SUBMITTED BY: Evelyn Turner SECONDED BY: Kevin Lambright & Linda Berk BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING DATED: March 8th, 2017 WHEREAS, Statcare PLLC has requested a Modification of Lease Agreement from Riverbay Corporation for the premises at 2063A Bartow Avenue (3,391 sq. ft.), Bronx, New York, to be used as an urgent care center, multi-specialty office with general surgery; and WHEREAS, the term of the lease and annual rental rates are within the provisions of Resolution #85-16 as amended by Resolution #95-44; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Modification of Lease Agreement for the premises at 2063A Bartow Ave, Bronx, New York, by and between Riverbay Corporation, Owner, and Statcare PLLC, Tenant, containing the terms as negotiated by Riverbay Corporation’s management is hereby approved as submitted by management in accordance with Resolution #85-16 as amended by Resolution #95-44; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that the president of the corporation is authorized to sign the Modification of Lease Agreement and related documents on behalf of Riverbay Corporation.

YES: Berk, Feliciano, Graham, Johnson, Jones, Lambright, Peterson, Sampson, Smith, Saunders, Turner, Williams ABSENT FOR VOTE: Cylich, Jenkins, Leslie PASSED

SUBMITTED BY: Claudia Sampson SECONDED BY: Francine Reva Jones BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING: March 8th, 2017 WHEREAS, the Riverbay Corporation By-Laws, Article II, Section 1, requires the annual shareholders meeting to take place in the month of May on a date to be set by the Board of Directors; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the annual shareholders meeting and election of directors of the Riverbay Corporation is hereby scheduled for Wednesday, May 24, 2017, and shall be conducted in accordance with the general rules and regulations hereby adopted and annexed hereto; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that subject to the Riverbay Corporation Bylaws and the aforementioned general rules and regulations promulgated by the Riverbay Board of Directors, the Election Committee appointed by the President of the Corporation is hereby approved by the Board of Directors and charged with the duty and responsibility for supervising the voting for the election of Directors, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the eligibility of shareholders to vote shall be determined in accordance with the general rules and regulations annexed hereto; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the president and secretary of the Corporation shall issue proper notice of the annual meeting and election in accordance with the Riverbay Corporation By-laws by publication in the Co-op City Times.

YES: Berk, Cylich, Feliciano, Jenkins, Jones, Lambright, Leslie, Peterson, Sampson, Smith, Saunders, Turner NO: Johnson ABSENT FOR VOTE: Graham, Williams PASSED

Garage 4 Construction Notice Monday, March 13th Front entrance to the garage will be closed.

Rear entrance will be open.

The 2nd floor C-side will be closed.

The REAR 2nd floor down ramp and the 3rd floor down ramp will accommodate two-way traffic.

The following Reserve spaces will be closed: 130-167.

All vehicles must be removed no later than 7:00 a.m., Monday, March 13th.

Vehicles not removed will be towed at the owner’s expense.

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Co-op City Times / March 11, 2017

Retirees of Dreiser Loop Travel Events: (Price includes transportation/ Travel insurance (additional cost) encouraged. ConCoach bus, Dreiser Loop opposite H&R Block). tact: Serita G., 347-564-5722.

• Tues., March 14, to Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, Theatre Committee: (price includes van transNJ. Enjoy luncheon cuisine, full service cocktail bar, portation - Dreiser Loop opposite rehab center) onsite lobby bake shop and gift boutique. A few • April 26th. Showtime: 2:00 p.m. ON YOUR seats available. Price: $75. Contacts: Serita G., 347FEET at the Marquis Theatre. Price: $90. Deposit: $45. Final payment DUE ASAP. Contact: Lois Scott, 564-5722/Barbara W., 718-320-0500.

• July 5-7, Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, Del. 347-768-3943.

• May 9th (Tuesday). “JONAH,” Sight & Sound.

Price: double, $400/single, $490 pp. Deposit: $100 ASAP. Two payments each: $150 double/$195 sinincludes lunch at Millers. Price: $125. Deposit gle. Final payment due: June 5. Contacts: Serita G., required: $75. Final payment ASAP. Contact: Lois 347-564-5722/Barbara W., 718-320-0500.

Scott, 347-768-3943.

• Sept. 9-16 (8 day/7 night), Canada & New Eng• June 21st (Wed.). Lunch/showtime: 11:00 a.m. land cruise on the beautiful Carnival “Sunshine.” “MAMMA MIA,” Westchester Broadway Theatre. $250 deposit per person due immediately to hold A musical story about a young woman about to be reservation. NYC departure/return. NOTE: Premarried discovers that any one of three men could earliest be her father. She invites all three to the wedding ferred Cabin/Category selection goes to bookings. Cabin/Category prices from $929 to without telling her mother, Donna. Price, $70. $1399 which include your cabin, meals, port Deposit immediately: $35. Balance/full payment charges and taxes. Final payment due by May 19. due May 1st. Contact: Marie Green-Ryan, 718-671-

4949.

Members and friends, we do require your deposit and/or full payment along with your name and telephone number when signing up for trips and/or shown. First fully paid, confirmed seating. Committee members in Dreiser clubroom #19 (718- 3790377) on Mondays and/or Thursdays, 2:30-5:00 p.m.

Good And Welfare: To members and friends, as you rest and heal know that you are thought of warmly and wished a quick recovery.

Call Josephine Flowers, 718-320-0539, regarding illnesses and bereavements.

If interested in joining us on our next SPA DAY in May. Call 718-379-4784/718-671-8449 – leave your name and phone number. If April is full, your name will be place on next May SPA Day – date to be determined.

“Welcome March! Wishing you a month filled with much love, joy and peace.” –Author unknown.

—Claudette Davis

Black Forum Next Defensive Driving Class The next Black Forum defensive driving course will be on Saturday, April 8, 8:50 a.m. – 3 p.m., Dreiser Center, rm. 1. Call (718) 320-8035.

Trip To Sugarhouse Casino Come join the Black Forum to Philadelphia, Pa. at the Sugarhouse Casino on Sat., April 22; bus leaving from 3 sections – Dreiser Center, Asch Loop and Section 5. Casino rebate: $20. Donation: $45. No refunds. Final payment must be made by March 31.

For more information 718-320-0033 or 917-2095334. Tickets going fast. Call today.

Summer Youth Program If you are young person between the ages of 16-24 and you are interested in working with the Black Forum over the summer, please call us, (718) 320-8035.

Need Legal Help?

If you are in arrears, etc., etc., we can help. A representative from HRA will be here on Thursday, March 30, 10 a.m. to discuss your issues.

Cruise to Bermuda Join with us for seven (7) glorious days of fun in the sun cruise to Bermuda, on Norwegian “Breakaway,” sailing out of NewYork on Sunday, Aug. 27th to Sun., Sept. 3rd. Rates based on double occupancy, includes taxes & port fees; inside cabin $1235.08, Ocean View: $1355.08 and Balcony $1505.08. Gratuities $13.50 p/d, p/p. First deposit due Mar. 21. $50.

Payment in full May 29th. For more information, call Judy at 929-274-5839. Please leave your name and number.

Sound Off on March 14th The next Black Forum’s Sound Off! will be on Tuesday, March 14, in room 38 of the Einstein Center. If you have any concerns, that’s where you come to sound off. Call (718) 320-8035.

Food Pantry Volunteers Needed Two nights a week from 5-6:30 p.m. Please call (718) 320-8035.

Food distribution sites On Thursdays, residents of Buildings 27, 28, 29, 32 and 33 must pick up food at the New Vision Church, 115 Einstein Loop, 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Likewise, residents of Buildings 26, 30, 31, 34 and 35 must go to the Evangelical Church, 2350 Palmer Avenue, 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Thursdays to pick up food. Residents of all other buildings and townhouses can pick-up at Dreiser Center, room 20. For information, please call (718) 320-8035.

Emergency Food Program We are open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., rm. 20 in Dreiser Center. Also, due to budget constraints and

Cooperators United of Co-op City Don’t forget to turn your clocks one hour ahead. Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 12th.

We would like to thank Board director Junius Williams for attending our meeting and updating us on the Zero Dog Tolerance Board Policy.

Many questions were asked.

Michael Sanchez from JASA discussed proxies. This is a subject that we all too often put off until we have no choice or someone else makes decisions for us. It’s important that we make our wishes known and in writing.

Ed Brexton updated us on the proposed Section 5 Metro North Station.

We would like to thank Chief Apollo for providing us with Child ID kit handouts for us to bring back to our respective buildings and townhouses.

As for our missing mailboxes, we are asking all of you to email me, to

let me know where your mailboxes were before they were removed. We have a site map of Co-op City (thanks to Dorothea). Let me know where your mailbox was located. With that information, a red dot will be placed on the site map to indicate a missing mailbox. We don’t know the number of boxes that were removed. We don’t know when they will be replaced. We have reached out to CB #10 and Congressman Engel’s office. Start calling the USPS Customer Service at 1-800275-8777 to complain about our missing mailboxes. Call every day.

If you see something, say something. Congratulations to all who are celebrating a special day this month.

Our thoughts and prayers to everyone who is sick and shut-in. We can be reached at MLSAH@aol.com, 718379-7841.

—Sonja Maxwell

shortage of available food, you must live within zip code 10475 to participate in this program. You must also have your card with you and bring two clean plastic shopping bags. Please also have your current photo ID, such as a non- or driver’s license or any photo ID card with proof of address. You will then be issued a card in order to pick up food in the future.

We Need You - Join Us Today Membership is $5 per year/person. Call (718) 3208035 or write to Black Forum, P.O. Box 563, Bronx, NY 10475; email: coopcityblackforum @gmail.com or tonyshome10475@gmail.com. Call or visit us, room 20 in the Dreiser Community Center.

—Tony Illis

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Co-op City Times / March 11, 2017

Greater Love Refuge Ministries “For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the LORD will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you.” Isaiah 60:2 Spiritual Food for Thought: Many of God’s people have become disheartened as corruption seems to prosper more than righteousness. It is true that deep darkness covers the earth, but light dispels darkness and truth is more powerful than lies. Refuse to allow the darkness to bring discouragement. Encourage yourself in the knowledge that God’s kingdom will be victorious over all the works of the enemy.

Senior Pastor Boyce Landrum and Pastor Carol Landrum and the Greater Love family welcome you to worship with us on Sunday mornings at 11:30 a.m.

Greater Love is a Church of God for all people bound together with Christ who is the head of the church. Our corporate worship means gathering with people of all ages and cultures to express our love for God, our Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ, our Savior. All things considered, the Holy Spirit reserves the right to have His way. Greater Love is conveniently located at 900 Co-op City Blvd. (Bldg. 2A), on the ground level, Bronx, N.Y., 10475; main

entrance – red button. Free parking is available in Garage #1 on Darrow Place; parking passes will be validated at the church.

Mid-Week Prayer: We are excited to announce our mid- week prayer has resumed! Please join our prayer warriors for our Wednesday afternoon prayer meetings from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Come out and learn about the power of prayer and receive your blessing through our corporate prayer. Open to all.

Look for more information about our Prayer Line in the upcoming weeks.

Family Movie Night: Friday, March 18th from 7:00 p.m. to 10 p.m. Movie begins at 7:45 p.m.

Five Loaves & Two Fish Food Pantry: Opens to the community on Saturday, March 25th from 10:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. Donations of non-perishables, frozen foods & toiletries are needed. Donations are welcome on Wednesday afternoons between 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m., Friday evenings from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday between 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Thanks for your continued support.

Greater Love continues to accept donations of new or gently used Christian books for adults and children and Bibles for our in-house library. Books

can be dropped off on Wednesday afternoons, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m., Friday evenings from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday between 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Weekly Schedule Church phone: 347-920-5607 Sunday Morning Prayer & Meditation: 9:30 a.m.

Adult & Children Bible Study: 10:00 a.m.

Foundational Scripture Teaching (Salvation): Every First Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship: 11:30 a.m.

Holy Communion – First Sunday Adult Bible Study/Discipleship Class: Tuesday evenings: 7:00 p.m.

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

Deacon Training: Alternate Thursday evenings at 7 p.m.

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

Mosaic Women’s Ministry: Mighty Men of God: Men’s Ministry Family Movie/Game Nite: 3rd Friday, 7 p.m.

SWAG Youth Ministry: Friday evenings, 7 p.m.

Peace & blessings.

—Pastor Carol Landrum

Newsong Church You’ve Got What It Takes – 2 Have you ever thought “God can’t use me because (FILL IN THE BLANK)? Most followers of Jesus believe that God will use ordinary people for extraordinary things, but they can’t seem to believe that God can or would even want to use them. Such is the case with a guy named Gideon.

The angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites.

When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” – Judges 6:11-12 (NIV) (emphasis mine) Three things to point out about this text. First, “the angel of the Lord” was really Jesus in human form! (How cool is that?) Notice that Jesus came looking for Gideon even when Gideon wasn’t looking for Him. In fact, at that time, God’s people had drifted away from God. They had no interest in the things of God. Don’t miss this…Jesus pursues us even when we’re hiding in fear, hiding in doubt, or hiding from God. Jesus isn’t intimidated by our unbelief or lack of faith. He desires to have a relationship with us, and He died for us even though we didn’t want anything to do with Him! Second, remember Gideon was hiding from the enemy when Jesus approached him. He must have thought this was a strange greeting. Imagine being called a “mighty warrior” when you’re acting like a

Please Drive Carefully In The Parking Garages.

mighty wimp! Here’s the amazing thing about God. God meets us right where we are, but He doesn’t leave us that way! He has a purpose and plan for our lives. We judge ourselves according to our past, or according to our present situation, or according to what others have labeled us. God sees who we can be in Him! Third, God promises to walk with us on our journey. In other words, in Jesus, we’re not alone. “The Lord is with you.” Jesus still uses everyday broken people for His purposes and plans. He sees potential in us, we just need to make ourselves available to Him! Why not join us this Sunday for week two of our teaching series, “You’ve Got What It Takes” and learn how you fit into God’s plan!

Our Worship Experience is located at 177 Dreiser Loop, Auditorium B. Our service starts at 11 a.m.

Deaf interpretation is available during our adult

worship experience. We have a well-staffed nursery and a children’s church called “Kidsong.” If you have any questions, you can contact us: Church office: 140 Alcott Place, Bldg. 19.

Office hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Phone: 718-708-8385.

Need more information about Newsong Church?

Website: www.newsongchurchnyc.org.

Email: centralteam@newsongchurchnyc.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/newsongchurchbx Against the Flow: www.facebook.com/NewSongYouth/ Twitter: @newsongchurchBX Instagram: @newsongchurchBX. Our Newsong family is here for you, stop by this Sunday and experience the difference!

God bless you!

—Pastor Mike Tolone

Family Owned and Operated • Large Chapel on premises

• Pre-need counseling

• Ample Parking on premises

• Out of town services

• Casket Showroom on premises

• Cremations

A dignified funeral every family can afford.

All areas are handicapped accessible

Personalized & Professional Care • 50 Years Serving Our Community Worldwide Shipping including Caribbean, Africa & South America

718-231-7647 Call 24 Hours

Fax: 718-231-7665 NOW WEBCASTING TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS ABROAD

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

Serving all cultures & faiths

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Co-op City Times / March 11, 2017

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, NY 10469; telephone: (718) 862-9172.

Regular Church Schedule Sunday School - 9:00 a.m.

Worship Service - 11:00 a.m.

Communion Service - Every First and Third Sundays Prayer Meeting and Bible Study – Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.

The following programs are at the Church’s Annex: 2053 Asch Loop North (Co-op City) Morning Prayer Services - Tuesday, 6:00 a.m.

– 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

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

Extension of Prayer and Worship Service – Every first, second and third Fridays at 7:00 p.m.

Sunday School At Community Protestant Church Begins At 9:00 a.m. In Sunday School, in a nurturing Christian education environment, an opportunity is provided for children to learn about the Bible, to grow in grace, to show love and respect for one another and to live more abundant lives. Children attending Sunday School are served breakfast. We encourage you to bring your child, children or grandchildren to Sunday School and we look forward to seeing you.

Other Scheduled Events Tomorrow, Sunday, March 12th, 11 a.m. Please join us in Service as we celebrate the Anniversary of the Ushers of Community Protestant Church.

Saturday, May 6th, 4:00 p.m. – BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! The Hospitality Ministry invites you to join us in A PRE-MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATION, featuring the Master of Entertainment, internationally renowned MR. HUNTER HAYES. A jazz legend and Emmy Award winner, Mr. Hayes, has performed with such great artists as James Brown, Miles Davis and Lonnie Youngblood. It will be held in room 31, Bartow Shopping Center, Co-op City, 2049 Bartow Avenue, lower level. Admission: $35 for adults; $15 for children 15 and under. For tickets and/or additional information contact: (718) 6716122, (718) 671-0425 or (718) 671-3181.

September 12–15 – The Missionary Ministry sponsors a trip to THE HOLY LAND EXPERIENCE IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA, the only Entertainment Park that celebrates the Biblical Word of the Christian Faith. Package includes: Round trip airfare; round trip airport transportation from Bartow Ave. (Co-op City, Bronx); 4 days/3 nights hotel accommodation; 3 buffet breakfasts; 1 group dinner, 2 day admissions to the Holy Land Experience; Lunch-To-Go at the Holy Land Experience; transportation from the hotel to the Holy Land and Travel Insurance. $1,013 per person double occupancy; $961 per person triple; $1,253 single. $113 deposit due December 3, 2016 (nonrefundable after 5/17/17). For reservation and/or additional information, call (718) 671-0425 or (718) 379-8514.

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 —Evan G. Mitchell receive your blessing.

Faith In God Church & Bible Institute Rev. Dr. Gladys R. Little, Apostle, and Pastor & Evangelist Vernon Little greet 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!

The good news of Jesus’s birth is a source of joy for all people. Let’s look at Luke 2:8-14. It says: 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Invitations Sweet Hour of Prayer is today at 3 p.m. Sunday School is tomorrow at 10 a.m. Our Sunday Morning Worship Service is at 11 a.m. Every 3rd Sunday following the morning worship, we serve Holy Communion.

If you’re into gospel rap/holy hip-hop, go to www.reverbnation.com/vernonlittle and download music from Vernon Little free of charge. He also has videos on YouTube. You will be blessed, encouraged and inspired.

We are located at 171 Dreiser Loop in Section 1. Our phone # is (347) 276-4925. Jesus loves you, and so do we!

—Apostle Gladys R. Little

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Co-op City Times / March 11, 2017

Co-op City Baptist Church

Open Door Ministries

Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invite you to join us tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. for worship service. Sunday School for children and adults is held at 9:15 a.m. We invite you to worship, study, and pray with us.

The Co-op City Baptist Church is located at 135 Einstein Loop, lower level, room 50. Our telephone number is 718-320-3774.

Join us for a mid-week spiritual pick-up at our mid-week worship service which is held on Wednesdays at noon. Bible study is held on Wednesdays at 1:00 and 7:30 p.m. Prayer Service is held on Fridays at noon and 7:30 p.m.

The Building Fund Ministry is having a Pre-Mother’s Day celebration going to the McDonald’s Gospelfest on Saturday, May 13 at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. The celebration includes an all-you-can-eat buffet lunch, talent competition including rising gospel stars of all colors, ages and cultures competing in a variety of categories (soloists, youth choirs, adult choirs, praise dancers, steppers, Gospel poets, and Gospel rappers) and the Gospelfest featuring Israel Houghton, Erica Campbell, Bishop Paul Morton and others. The cost is $175 per person with a $50 non-refundable deposit due immediately. For further information, please call 646-418-7102, 718-862-9243 or the church at 718-320 -3774.

Save the Date!!! On March 12 to 20, 2018, the church will be going to the Holy Land Pilgrimage (Israel). Join us and worship sailing on the Sea of Galilee, be baptized in the Jordan River; share in communion in the Garden Tomb. All where Jesus walked!! For additional information, call the church at 718-3203774.

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

—Hattie L. Lucas

Stretch Me Lord – Acts 5:40-42

Co-op City Public Safety Dept.

Emergency: 718-651-3050 www.ccpd.us

Non-Emergency: 718-320-3330 @CCPDnyc

(Full sermon @ opendoorministries.net) Satan scoffs at our ideas, he mocks our methods, he laughs at our wisdom, but he is paralyzed by our prayers (Samuel Chadwick).

A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions. –Oliver Wendell Holmes Stretch me Lord - Acts 5:40-42 (AMP) 40 The Council (Sanhedrin, Jewish High Court) took his advice; and after summoning the apostles, they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them. 41 So they left the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy [dignified by indignity] to suffer shame for the sake of His name. 42 And every single day, in the temple area and in homes, they did not stop teaching and telling the good news of Jesus as the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed).

Stretch: cause (someone) to make maximum use of their talents or abilities; to extend, force, or make serve beyond the normal or proper limits; strain.

Stretching makes us mature spiritually – if you want to mature don’t ask God to remove your pain or problem –but to protect you in the fire.

Booker T. Washington said: “No man should be pitied because every day of his life he faces a hard, stubborn problem. It is the man who has no problems to solve, no hardships to face, who is to be pitied. He has nothing in his life which will strengthen and form his character, nothing to call out his latent powers and deepen and widen his hold on life.”

1 Peter 4:14-19 (NLT) 14 If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. 15 If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. 16 But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!

“Patience is more than endurance. A saint’s life is in the hands of God like a bow and arrow in the hands of an archer. God is aiming at something the saint cannot see, and He stretches and strains, and every now and again the saint says, ‘I cannot stand anymore.’ God does not heed, He goes on stretching till His purpose is in sight, then He lets fly. Trust yourself in God’s hands. Maintain your relationship to Jesus Christ by the patience of faith. ‘Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.” Oswald Chambers.

Open Door Ministries’ Therapeutic Mentoring/Counseling Program meets Mondays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. in Dreiser Loop, room 9. Every 3rd Thursday, a group meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. to discuss life/spiritual issues, ALL ARE WELCOME. Sunday services are at 11 a.m. at Bartow Community Center, room 28.

Contact Pastor Luis by texting 917-334-4407 or email opendoorministries.net.

Blessings in Christ…

—Pastor Luis Ramos

Baychester Visual Arts Association Our 2016-2017 season portends to be one of the most exciting in our history – with art classes, art shows, lecture/demonstrations and workshops, free and open to the public.

BVA’s next class sessions began on Tuesday, Feb. 7th and continues until April 11th in room 5, Dreiser Community Center. You can choose from the two class schedules which are 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. The fees are as follows: Annual membership is $35 a year and a session of 10 classes is $60. This is the best bargain in the Bronx – maybe even the city – given the quality of instruction offered. Stop by our permanent workshop in room 5 in the Dreiser Community Center and see beautiful artwork done by students and our instructor displayed throughout our studio.

Mr. Moses Groves, BVA’s own art instructor, will be the artistic guide for these classes. Mr. Groves is an accomplished artist who has studied at the Art Students League and NYU. He has exhibited work in the NewYork and New Jersey area and has won awards for his artwork. You can call M. Groves at 201-8620847 or S. Lochansky at 718-379-1049 for more information.

You can register in room 5 on Tuesdays at the Dreiser Community Center and check out the art work on display in our studio or by mail indicating the class time desired. Tuition can be sent to Baychester Visual Arts, P. O. Box 678, Coop City Station, Bronx, NY 10475.

BVA is a non-profit, self-supporting organization that needs your support to continue offering high level art instruction at these bargain prices. So come join BVA on this fabulous artistic trek, take a class, make a tax deductible donation, and feel the satisfaction of being a creator and/or patron of the arts. All checks should be made out as indicated above.

—Sylvia Lochansky Science is for the body and art is for the soul.

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

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Co-op City Times / March 11, 2017

Bartow

Einstein

Dreiser

MENU

Room 31 unless otherwise noted

Room 49 unless otherwise noted

Room 7 unless otherwise noted

Alternate Kosher Meals are also available

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

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

Stay Well Exercise: 10-11 a.m., Rm. 2 Color Your Stress Away: 11 a.m., Rm. 4 Mind Teasers: 12-1 p.m., Rm. 4 Diabetes Support Group: 1 p.m. – Last Monday of the month Bereavement Counseling: Rm. 13, 1 p.m.

Gentle Yoga: 1:15-2 p.m., Rm. 2 Basic Cell Phone & iPad: 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Intermediate Yoga: 2-3 p.m.

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Dominoes: 10 a.m.

Session: 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Tai Chi: 11 a.m., Rm. 45 Alert & Alive: 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Cultural Dance: 10:30-11:30 a.m., Aud. B Matinee Movie: 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Mind Teasers: 12-1 p.m., Rm. 4 Karaoke by Steven: 1 p.m.-2 p.m., Zumba: 1-2 p.m., Aud. A Room 45 Afternoon Movie: 1 p.m.

Orange juice Chicken Francaise Barley California blend vegetables Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit Alt: Egg salad

Turkey burger w/cheese Plain Hamburger bun Roasted sweet potato fries Tossed salad w/dressing

Mon., Mar. 13

Beef & broccoli White rice Cauliflower w/ carrots & parsley

Tues., Mar. 14

Apple juice BBQ sauce, Sloppy Joe, Green beans Roasted potatoes Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit Alt: Tuna salad

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

Walking Club: 10:30 a.m.

Bingo: 12:30-2:00 p.m.

Caregiver Support Group: 1:00 p.m., 1st & 3rd Tues Card Games: 2-4 p.m.

Dominoes: 2:30 p.m.

Wed., Mar. 15

Non-Kosher

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

Games: 9:30-11:00 a.m.

Stay Well Exercise: 10 - 11 a.m.

Line Dancing: 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Bingo: 1-2 p.m.

Card Games: 2-4 p.m.

Dominoes: 2:30 p.m.

Smartphone Class: Beginner – 12:30– 1:30 p.m.; Intermediate – 1:30–2:30 p.m., Bartow office

Thurs., Mar. 16

Kosher

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

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

Crocheting & Knitting 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Chat Session: 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Bingo: 1- 2 p.m.

Card Games: 2-4 p.m.

Dominoes: 2:30 p.m.

Dominoes: 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Grandparent Connection: 1st Thursday, Rm. 35, 10:30 Arthritis Exercise: 11 a.m., Rm. 45 Spelling Bee: 11 a.m.

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

Karaoke by Steven: 1 p.m., Rm. 45

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session: 9:30-10:30am Blood Pressure: 10-11:30 a.m., 1st & 3rd Thursday, Rm. 8 Line Dancing: 10-11 a.m., Aud. A Piano Sing Along: 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Mind Teasers: 12-1 p.m., Rm. 4 Drama Club: 1:30-4 p.m.

Orange juice Baked filet of Sole fish Moroccan fish sauce Cous Cous Mixed vegetables Whole wheat bread Apple sauce Alt: Turkey salad

Arroz con Pollo (Chicken & rice) Steamed kale

Fri., Mar. 17

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

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

Word Search: 11 am. -12 p.m.

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

Pokeno: 3-4 p.m.

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

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

Weight Management: Bartow Center – 10 a.m.

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

Card Games: 2-4 p.m.

Dominoes: 2:30 p.m.

Men’s Line Dancing: 9 -10 a.m.

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

Women’s Line Dancing: 10-11:30 a.m.

Chat Session: 10 a.m.

Bingo: 1 -2 p.m.

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

Card Games: 2-4 p.m.

Dominoes: 2:30 p.m.

Dominoes: 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Art: 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Bingo: 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Card Games: 2-4 p.m.

Pokeno: 2-4 p.m., Rm. 35 Blood Pressure: 2nd & 4th Friday, 10 a.m. -11:30 a.m., Rm. 45

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

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session: 9:30-10 a.m., 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Meditative Moments: 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 8 Mind Teasers: 12-1 p.m., Rm. 4 Bingo: 1-3 p.m.

Card Games, Dominoes: 2-4 p.m.

Apple juice Spanish style roast chicken Brown rice w/beans Broccoli Soufflé Challah bread Fresh fruit Alt: Gefilte fish

Vegetable lasagna Baby spinach salad

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

Dominoes: 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Sewing: 9:30 -11:30 a.m.

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

Spelling Bee: 10 a.m.

Mind Teasers: 12-1 p.m., Rm. 4 Spanish Practice Class: 10:30 a.m., African Brazilian Dance: 1 p.m., Rm. 2 Computer Lab Art Class: 1-3 p.m.

Yoga: 2-3 p.m., Rm. 2 Zumba: 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 45

Walk Group: 9:30 a.m., Rm. 40

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

(Schedule subject to change without notice) Payments for trips @ the Bartow office can be made Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., & 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. only Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, The NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation.

Orange pineapple juice Beef & vegetable stew Oven fried fish Yellow rice, Zucchini Italian blend w/onions & pepper vegetables Whole wheat bread Roasted potatoes Fresh fruit Alt: Grilled Caribbean chicken breast

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 (718) 320-2066, Ext. 2010 Dreiser Center (718) 320-1345 • Einstein Center (718) 671-5161

Upcoming Events/Trips JASA WELCOMES EVERYONE AGE 60 AND OLDER! Trip registration policy: No refunds for all trips.

All trips include roundtrip transportation! All trips must be paid in advance – No exceptions! Payments can be made at all three centers. You can register for all trips starting the Monday after it has been published in the newspaper. JASA will not accept checks under $5.

(FREE) LiveOn NY – SCRIE Application & SNAP (Food Stamps) Assistance – Fri., Mar. 24th, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. First come, first served! JASA Main Office, 2049 Bartow Ave. Free Tax Preparation & E-File – Sponsored

by AARP Foundation Tax Aide for taxpayers with low–moderate incomes; with special attention to those age 50 or older. JASA Einstein Office, 135 Einstein Loop, rm. 35; Tues. & Weds., 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Clients will be seen in order of appearance.

Sign-in (sheet) begins before 10 a.m. Service may be limited to first 20-25 on line. Call 718-320-2066 for information.

St. Mary’s Recreation Center Pool – Mar. 17th & 24th, $3. Pool aerobics for seniors, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

Bartow, 8:30 a.m.; Einstein, 8:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 9 a.m. (14 seats available). We were informed that there is a $25 yearly fee to use the facility. If you wish to become a member, please come into the JASA Bartow

office and fill out an application. Membership is nonrefundable. Membership is not only for the senior aerobics, it’s for any activity in the center and can be used with other city park centers. Proper attire requested, swim cap, sturdy lock, no valuables & if needed, medicine in a bag to be held on deck by instructor.

Palisades Mall – Mon., Mar. 13th, $12. Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m. and Dreiser, 10 a.m.

Louis Armstrong Museum – Wed., Mar. 15th, $10. Bartow. 9 a.m.; Einstein, 9:15 a.m. & Dreiser, 9:30 a.m. Tour starts at 11:30 a.m.

Muse Paintbar in Ridgehill Mall – Thurs., Mar. 16th, $20. No checks, cash ONLY. Come paint & eat with JASA Dreiser; hot lunch will be provided at the venue. Bartow, 9 a.m.; Einstein, 9:15 a.m. & Dreiser, 9:30 a.m. Wait list.

Target Throggs Neck – Fri., Mar. 17th, $2. Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 10 a.m.

Empire – Mon., Mar. 20th, $5. Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m. and Dreiser, 10 a.m. Wait list.

Stew Leonard’s – Mon., Mar. 20th, $5. Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 10 a.m.

Shoprite – Mon., Mar. 27th, $3. Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 10 a.m.

IKEA - Christmas Tree Store – Bed Bath & Beyond – Mon., Mar. 27th, $15. Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 10 a.m.

ACE in the Hole @ Royal Manor, Garfield, NJ – Thurs., Mar. 30th, $50. Family-style lunch served, 2 comp. drinks during Happy Hour. “Tribute to Natalie Cole.” Also starring comedian Melvin George; Show starts 11:30-3:30. Pick-ups: (Time change) Bartow, 9 a.m.; Einstein 9:15 a.m. & Dreiser 9:30 a.m. (wait list).

Empire – Mon., April 3rd, $5. Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 10 a.m.

Wal-Mart – Thurs., April 6th; Bartow, 8:30 a.m.; Einstein, 8:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 9 a.m.

National Museum of African American History & Culture, Washington, DC – Sat., April 8th (include breakfast on the bus); $94; Wed., April 19th, $85 & Tues., April 25th, $85. (All wait list).

Fashion Institute of Technology – Thurs., April 12th, $3. Bartow, 10 a.m.; Einstein, 10:15 a.m. & Dreiser, 10:30 a.m.

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament, 149 Polito Avenue, Lyndhurst, NJ – Wed., May 3rd, $42. Bartow, 8 a.m.; Einstein, 8:15 a.m. & Dreiser, 8:30 a.m. Showtime is 11 a.m. Wait list.

Intrepid Museum – Thurs., June 1st, $40. Visit includes general admission, the Space Shuttle Pavilion, Submarine Growler & topping off with lunch.

Arrival time is 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Lunch in the mess deck. Bartow, 9 a.m.; Einstein, 9:15 a.m. & Dreiser – 9:30 a.m. Wait list.

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Co-op City Times / March 11, 2017

Scheduling Activities Calendar

Goose Island Seniors Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all the Irish and everyone that celebrates with them. May God give you, for every storm, a rainbow, for every tear, a smile, for every care, a promise, and a blessing in each trial. For every problem life sends, a faithful friend to share, for every sigh, a sweet song, and an answer for each prayer.

Bingo – Wednesday, March 15th, at l:30 p.m., with Stephen and Jeanne, in our club room 39.

Members only. Admission $5 include 12 games and jackpot. Extra cards are 25¢. Refreshments and snacks will be served.

Sands Casino, PA – Tuesday, March 28th. Price is $33. Rebate $20 for play and $5 toward food. Bus is full. Anyone else who will like to go, and have their fare, will take the place of those who didn’t pay.

Pick-up time is 8:30 a.m. at our usual bus stops: Einstein Loop, Asch Loop (by library) and Dreiser Loop (by the hardware store).

Spring Indoor Picnic – Saturday, May 20th at 12:30 p.m. Members only in our club room 39.

Admission $5 for food and entertainment. Come and enjoy yourself.

“MaMma Mia” – Wednesday, June 7th at Westchester Broadway Theatre, Elmsford, NY. Come and enjoy a delicious lunch and a terrific show. Price is $79 includes a show, luncheon, and transportation. Pick-up at 9 a.m. All money must be paid by May 15th. See Ann, Mary or Stephen.

“Come Blow Your Horn” – Thursday, October 12, at the Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, Hampton, NJ. It’s a very funny play by Neil Simon. Also, you will enjoy a scrumptious lunch and all the desserts you can eat. They are de-li-cious. Price is $79 for show, lunch and transportation. A deposit will hold your reservation. All money must be paid by September 21st. See Ann, Mary or Stephen.

To all members: Happy birthday and happy anniversary to all our members that celebrate their day in the month of March: Carla Zeman, Stephen Roberts, Yvonne Starks, Mercedes Pagan, Nilda Pagan, Diana Rodriguez, Ida Nickenson, and Jeanne Delmonico.

Our Lounge – Come sit and relax, read or rent a book from our large library, play cards every Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Play Bingo every Wednesday and last Sunday of each month for only $15 per year. Also, come with us on great trips.

We still have items from our Garage Sale for a very good price. Come up and look around. We are open Monday - Thursday from 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Note: Call Ann, Mary, or Stephen at Goose Island Seniors, 718-379-9613 or visit us Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., at 135 Einstein Loop, rm. 39. You can also call Mary at 718-379-4899 and she will return your call. Leave a message and your phone number. To call Stephen, 347-847-1941.

Good health to all.

—Mary Pilla

AARP Chapter #4997 REMINDER: Our meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 13; 1:00 p.m. in Dreiser Community Center, Auditorium “A.” Don’t forget, “each one, bring one, two or three.” We are looking for new members to carry on our programs.

Heartfelt condolences to Judith Wright (Tour Coordinator) on the loss of her brother-in-law.

Please contact our Good & Welfare Coordinator, Frances Wilson, 718-671-5493, about any of our members we have not heard from or seen in a few months. We want them to know that they are in our thoughts and prayers. Also, if you have a family member who has passed, please contact Frances.

2017 Tour Activities March 17 – 24: 7-night Cruise to Cuba, SOLD OUT. Bus leaving for airport at 5:30 a.m. from Asch Loop in front of the library. Contact Judith, 718-3793370.

July 7 - 9: Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture, Washington, DC – Round-trip transportation via Deluxe Motor coach, w/3 breakfast buffet, 2 dinner buffet, including a seafood buffet; a professional guided tour of Washington, DC; one full day at the Smithsonian African American Museum; and full day shopping at Arundel Mill mall, including the Maryland Live Casino before traveling home. $515/person, single; $415/person, double; $385/person, triple and $365/person, quad. Contact Judith, 718-379-3370.

September 18 -21: 4-day/3-night trip to Cape Cod – Motor coach transportation, 3 full breakfast, 2 dinners, 1 Lobster dinner; Foxwood Casino (w/bonus); guided escort to African American tour of Martha’s Vineyard site; Hyannis, John F. Kennedy Memorial; Provincetown along scenic route 6A; Cape Cod National Seashore Visitors Center; admission to Zion Union Heritage Museum and more. $599/person – double; $739 – single. $50 deposit due immediately; 2nd payment of $150 due 3/20; 3rd payment of $200 due by 5/15; final payment due 6/30; trip insurance is available. Contact Hannah, 718-379-7962.

December 29, 2017-January 2, 2018: Swingin’ New Year’s Eve Celebration in Savannah (GA) – Motor coach trip (2 night lodging to & from Savannah); 4 breakfasts; 2 full course dinners including a Riverboat Dinner Cruise; guided tour of Savannah, historic Davenport House, and Savannah’s River Street District; New Year’s Eve Show & Party at the Savannah Theater; New Year’s Day buffet lunch. $799/person – double, single fee TBD; trip insurance available. Contact Judith, 718-379-3370.

—Delores Debnam

Einstein Cancer Fund Wishing everyone a happy birthday to all celebrating in the month of March in good health.

Thursday, March 16, Resorts Casino. Cost per person: $35. Casino bonus: $25. Time of departure starting at Einstein at 8 a.m., followed by Asch Loop and Dreiser Loop. Remember your casino card.

Arrangements have been made at the Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, April 26, for the luncheon show of the hilarious comedy of “Born Yesterday” which was a huge hit of a film starring Judy Holliday. The cost per person is $79 which can be paid off by April 1st. A small deposit of $5 or more will hold your reservation. You will be issued receipts for your deposits.

For all of the above trips, please call Lydia at 718-671-3005 or Annie Eutsey at 718-320-1874 for dues and a memorial card.

As always, remember to give a call to the homebound and those in nursing homes. Your calls will cheer them up and they will know they are always in your thoughts and prayers.

Good health and healings are wished to all.

—Lydia Ruas

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Co-op City Times / March 11, 2017

Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City The Traditional Synagogue is located in Section 5, 120 Erdman Place in the rear lobby of Building 27B. Phone: 718-379-6920.

Note: Office hours are Thursday and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. If no one is in the office, leave a message and we will get back as soon as possible.

Shabbat ends today March 11, at 6:39 p.m.

Candle lighting for Friday, March 17, at 6:47 p.m.

The synagogue has Services Saturday morning at 9 a.m. After services, we always have a kiddush. We need a few Jewish men. If you can give two hours Saturday between 10 a.m. and noon, we need your help to make a minyan.

Sometimes, we are short one or two men; everybody, please try your best to come to services during the winter months. The synagogue now has a Facebook page. Look under Facebook Traditional Synagogue. This Saturday, Rabbi Daniel Kronengold will conduct services.

On Saturday, afternoon service will be 5:45 p.m.; evening service at 6:35 p.m. Megilla reading, the Book of Esther, will begin at 6:45 p.m.

Good & Welfare: We sell tree certificates in honor or memory of a loved one. The cost is only $15 per tree. Mazel Tov to all having Simchas. If you’re ill, wishing all a speedy recovery.

Please note that Sunday, March 12, we change the time on our watches and clocks one hour ahead to Daylight Saving Time.

Purim Holiday Luncheon: Sunday, March 12, we will celebrate the Purim Holiday. The Rabbi will read the MEGILLA at 11 a.m., mini Bingo for only $20. The food will be coming from Eden Wok of New Rochelle. For a reservation, call the synagogue, 718-379-6920, or Marilyn, 347-449-5005. Send the check to the Traditional Synagogue 120 Erdman Place Lobby, Bronx, NY 10475.

We are planning to serve vegetable egg rolls, chicken wings, chicken lo mein, chicken fried rice, chicken with vegetables, pepper steak. Also, soda, tea and traditional Purim hamantashens.

Your support of the Traditional Synagogue and the Men’s Club is greatly appreciated.

Wishing all our members and friends peace and good health.

—Gary Schwartz

Men’s Club Traditional Synagogue Try your luck with the Men’s Club Our first trip of the year is Sunday, March 19, which is only one week away to the Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City. We have a limited amount of seats available. Please make a reservation ASAP. The cost of the trip is $35 per person. You will receive $25 slot play. Also enjoy the boardwalk, visit the outlet stores and the other casinos. If you made a reservation, payment for the trip is due by Friday, March 17th.

Everyone in the community can attend our trips. You need a Tropicana Casino card, or government picture ID, passport, non- or driver’s license to receive the bonus. If you don’t have a Tropicana card, with proper ID, the casino will issue you a card. On the bus, we provide a drink, snack, play Bingo, and a 50/50 raffle. On the way home, we show a movie. We keep you entertained and the ride goes fast.

The bus stops and returns to all three shopping centers. We leave Einstein Loop at 8:00 a.m. by the supermarket, Asch Loop by the back of the library at 8:15 a.m., and Dreiser Loop at 8:25 a.m. by the hardware store. We will return to Co-op City around 8:30 p.m. depending on the traffic.

For reservations, call Gary at 718-671-8424 or Bruce, 718-320-2234.

Please make out check or money order to Men’s Club Traditional Synagogue, 120 Erdman Place, Lobby, Building 27B, Bronx, New York 10475.

Hope to see you on the trip. Wishing everyone peace, and good health.

—Gary Schwartz

Fires

(Continued from page 3)

could be hurt in the building.

“Smoke travels and there are people who can’t tolerate the smoke or the fumes from it and it could be really dangerous, it could affect a person’s life.”

In addition to the posted notices in the laundry rooms, on the Riverbay crawler and in this publication, Mr. Boiko will disseminate the laundry room fire safety tips to building associations so that the information can be shared verbally with building residents.

“I’ve been a fireman for a long time and dryer fires is one of the leading causes of home fires because people often overlook taking the lint out, they are in a rush or overloading, all sorts of reasons,” said Mr. Barzellato. “Clothing today doesn’t need to be dried for a long period of time, 20-30 minutes should be more than enough and then if you have to, come back and check and put it back in for another 10-15 minutes, but cranking the dryer up for two hours, that’s a recipe for disaster.”

Reflections

by Rabbi Solomon I. Berl Spiritual Leader of Young Israel Synagogue Purim, which marks the first serious anti-Semitic event in history, is celebrated in an unusual way. Instead of observing the day in seriousness and gravity and contemplating the possible dreadful consequences, we traditionally treat the whole event as a huge joke. In fact, Haman- the archetype of the classic anti-Semite - is portrayed as a clumsy clown. Children masquerade as Haman, musicals and paradies are the order of the day, and even a special cookie has been created bearing the name of Haman.

This kind of observance gives us a great insight into the Jewish mind. It is precisely his ability to accept life with a sense of humor that has helped the Jew to survive. This saving humor comes out of the wellsprings of the Jewish character, which affirms life and enables the Jew in every generation to gain a perspective of Jewish history from his contemporary vantage point.

When it can be shown that the anti-Semites of history have hurled themselves in vain at Jewish existence, then it becomes clear that to try to stamp out Jews and Judaism is an act of supreme folly. It is laughable. And Haman has been treated to the supreme insult, of being reduced to a biscuit - the Hamantaschen which we polish off in one mouthful.

Young Israel of Co-op City Young Israel of Co-op City (lower level of the Dreiser Loop shopping center) is a house of worship that opens its doors every morning from 6 until 7 a.m.

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

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

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

For office hours or any information you may seek, feel free to call (718) 6712300 and leave your name, phone number and a brief message on the synagogue’s answering machine and your call will be returned as soon as possible.

Let us know…

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

Co-op City Times / March 11, 2017

Church of the New Vision

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Evangelical Church of Co-op City – UMC

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

Come & Visit Us – We welcome you to God’s House – Your House – One Church of the New Vision is designed to meet the spiritual needs of God’s people. Serving the community for over 44 years, we offer a warm, friendly, Family in Christ. We are a congregation with spirit-filled worship, offering opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship and service to God and our community. spirit-filled atmosphere of Christian Love. All are welcome.

We are a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and bilingual congregation and all are welOrder of Services: Sunday Worship Service: 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. come.

Adult and Youth Sunday school: 9:45 - 10:45 a.m.

Services are at the church at 2350 Palmer Avenue, across the street from BuildMid-day Bible Study: Tuesdays 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. ing 30. Parking is available. Our phone number is (718) 320-3795, and leave a Wednesday Night Prayer and Bible Study: 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. message, if there is no answer. Pastor Magaly Beltre is at the church on Tuesdays, Women Bible Study: 2nd Saturday of each month; 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Youth Ministry: Fridays 6:30- 9:30p.m.

Sunday Services – The first Sunday of the month is a bilingual service with Upcoming Events 1) April 14th, Good Friday Service, 7:30 p.m. The Seven Last Words of Jesus. communion, service starts at 10 a.m. Every other Sunday, the English Service is at 10 a.m. and the Spanish Service is at 12 p.m. Remember the importance of 2) April 9th is Palm Sunday. worship & fellowship of all who believe and have a relationship with the Lord.

3) Easter Sunday, April 16th, there will be a sunrise service 6:00 a.m. and an Sunday School – We are now having Sunday School for adults at 8:45 a.m. in 11:00 a.m. service, breakfast will be served after sunrise service.

English, 10:30 a.m. in Spanish and 10:30 a.m. for children.

4) In regards to the trip to The Holyland Experience and Walt Disney WorldPrayer Night (English) & Prayer Morning (Spanish): The Lord said, Magic Kingdom, final payment is due by May 7th. For information, see Sister “Whenever two or more are gathered in my name, I am in the midst of them.”

Sadie James, Loretta Scott, Yolanda Brightman or Hermena Smith.

Church of the New Vision is located at 115 Einstein Loop, Bronx, NY 10475. Matthew 18:20. Tuesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday at noon to1:00 p.m. Come and bring your prayer needs so we can pray together. Remember that Telephone, (718) 571-8746 or (203) 374-3020. Mailing address: P.O. Box prayer brings many blessings, which God has promised to all his children.

753037, Bronx, NY 10475. Visit our Facebook page: Church of the New Vision Family Night: Friday nights at 7:30 p.m. we have family night with Bible concerning upcoming events and trips, or call the church. studies in English & Spanish and all kinds of activities for children, teens and —Carol Haque young adults.

Music School: The music school is having registration for the fall semester.

They offer piano, guitar, drums, violin, voice and many other instruments. RegisThe Pentecostal Tabernacle welcomes everyone to attend Worship Service at tration is free and rates are very reasonable. Come to the church Monday thru Fri100 Co-op City Blvd., Building 22A, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. day in the afternoons and see Maestro Frank Colon to register. You can call MaesSundays: Sunday School for all age group starts at 10:30 a.m. Midday Wortro at (917) 753-3644. The music school is open to all ages from 5 years old to 100 ship Service begins at 11:45 a.m. years young.

Wednesday: Prayer and fasting service will be held at 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Seminar on HIV/Aids – We are having a seminar regarding HIV/AIDS preBible study and prayer meeting will be held every Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. vention and treatment, etc. on Sunday, March 19, at 2 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Friday: Youth service begins at 7:30 p.m. of the church. The seminar is open to all and we hope to see many people from Focus: The hope of the church is to be caught up in the first resurrection and our community.

—Barbara Penn to be with the Lord forever. The bride of Christ will be privileged to rule and reign with Jesus Christ during one thousand years of peace.

And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless Membership – Our next membership meeting will be tomorrow, Sunday, pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, March 12, in room 11, Dreiser Community Center at 3 p.m. If you can’t come to which is the devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, and cast him into our meeting, remember you can contact us at Facebook.com/ncnwco-op or ncnthe bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should wco.opcity@gmail.com or at P.O. Box 93, Bronx, NY 10475. Daylight Saving deceive the nation no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled, Time begins on that date so be sure to check your clocks so you’ll be on time!

And after that he must be loosed a little season. Revelation 20:1-3 &6 Women’s Celebration Program – On Saturday, April 1, we will be celebratBlessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the secing young women in our community, 16-18 (high school students) and 17-29 ond death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall years of age who are enrolled in college or have graduated and have excelled in reign with him a thousand years. other extracurricular activities. We are calling this program “Bronx Scholars Revelation 20: 6 Represent.” Young women will be honored with Certificates of Achievement for Satan will be bound and cast into the bottomless pit for one thousand years their outstanding academics and will be highlighted in a booklet “Young Bronx while Jesus Christ rules the world in righteousness.

Women of Excellence.” Awardees must have resided in the Bronx during their He will not be simply restrained as he is now, but his power and influence will formative years, attended high school in the Bronx and have a GPA of 3.0 or be absent from the earth. People who sin against God in that day will do so out higher. They must submit a statement from a teacher, coach, etc. as to their excelof the wickedness of their heart. In addition, the knowledge of the Lord will be lent achievements. High school students must have parental permission to particincreased in all the earth. What a glorious day that will be for generations who ipate. For more information, please contact first vice president and chairperson are counted worthy to live in the millennial kingdom of Jesus Christ the son of David! (Matthew 25:31-33) states: When the son of man shall come in his glory, for our women’s event, Camille Worrell, at sistasonamission@aol.com. She will forward to you an application form and letter that must be returned to her by Satand all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: urday, March 11. Also, we are calling all poets! Between 1 and 2 p.m., poets are And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one invited to share their original work or read some of their favorite poetry. This will from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set be a free afternoon event in room 4, Dreiser Center. the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. All of the redeemed, includSpirit Cruise Pre-Mothers’ Day Celebration – What a glorious way to celing the tribulation martyrs, shall reign with Christ as kings and priests. Since we ebrate Mothers’ Day! Join us on a Gospel Luncheon Cruise on Saturday, May 13, are heirs and joint-heirs with Christ, the role of the church in the millennial reign for a delightful 2-hour cruise with a lunch buffet, DJ and dancing, skyline views will be to serve as king’s and priests in His kingdom. on New York Harbor and great gospel music as well. Mother will be delighted!

Revelation 1:6, & 5:10 And hath made us kings and priest unto God and his No last minute desperate arrangements for you! For just $80 per person, your father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever, Amen. And hast made us preparations are complete. For more information, contact (718) 379-3788 or unto our God kings and priest: and we shall reign on the earth.

(347) 602-5600 or (917) 670-4012. Checks are payable to NCNW Co-op City For further information, please call 718-324-0334 or 646-345-6707.

Section and can be mailed to PO Box 93, Bronx, NY 10475. No refunds, please.

—Rev. R. Sibblies Bethune Height Recognition Program – Plans are under way for our 43rd Annual Bethune Height Recognition Program that will take place on Saturday, May 20, at the Astoria World Manor. This is a celebration in which all NCNW sections in New York State come together to support and live the legacy of NCNW’s founder, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune and Dr. Dorothy I Height, chair/President Emerita.

National Museum of African American History & Culture – Have you already visited the new Smithsonian in Washington on a one-day trip and only saw one floor? We are planning a 2-day trip, August 6 – August 7 for only $299 for a double and $249 per child. Payment plan available, but no refunds. Contact information for single, triple or quads will be in next week’s paper.

—Joyce Howard

Pentecostal Tabernacle

National Council of Negro Women

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Co-op City Times / March 11, 2017

African-American Association

Building 9 Association

Join us at our next meeting the early morning school drop-off proMarch 14, at Dreiser Center, gram, contact: Ms. Hines at 347-283room #9.

3809 and the after school program call Our special guest speaker 718-379-5555. will be Tamika D. Mallory.

Evening Line Dance Classes – She has been applauded by Dance to Soul, Latin, and Gospel a senior advisor to Barack music on Thursdays, 7 p.m. in Dreiser Center, room #2. Call Cynthia, 917O b a m a a s “A l e a d e r o f 903-7073. tomorrow” and a major advoMusic, Rhythm & Dance – Most cate for civil rights issues.

Fridays, 7:30 p.m., Dreiser Center, rm.

We are aware that there 15; most Saturdays, 10 a.m., Dreiser are people in our community Tamika D. Mallory Center, room #2. Call Keith, 917-561looking for the opportunity to 6211. display their talents and skills.

Our fashion show will offer one of those opportuniYoga & Pilates Mat Classes – Classes on Tuesties. If you are looking to showcase your modeling or day, 7:15 p.m., Dreiser Center, rm. 2. Lose weight, designer skills, contact us ASAP. We will choose up tone and strengthen your muscles with exercises that to 15 models and five designers to showcase their tal- reduce stress through breathing techniques. For more ents. Contact: Deborah C. Nelson at (917) 445-6692. information, call 718-671-8364.

Zumba and Yoga – Classes on Saturday start at Meca Talent has a play coming up April 7th. “The First Lady” is a Gospel Comedy that will have only 9:30 in Dreiser Center, room #2.

General Membership Meeting – The next meet250 tickets for sale due to only one performance in Co-op City before it launches its city tour. Be sure to ing will be Tuesday, March 14, at 7:00 p.m. in get your tickets before it’s too late. Contact Meca Dreiser Community Center, room #9. If you are Talent at the number below for info. unable to attend the meeting, please read our weekly The association sponsors the following ongoing column for updates. Also, if you wish to join or programs and encourages your participation. update your membership, please send a check or Acting Classes – Children’s and adult classes are money order (DO NOT MAIL CASH) of $15 for a available. Contact: Meca Talent. For more informa- single membership or $25 for families to: AfricanAmerican Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, tion, call us at: 646-373-4122.

Classes – Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m., Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475. Donations Belly Dance Dreiser Center, room #2. For a nominal fee, you will are welcomed. Like us on Facebook: Coopcity have fun and stay in shape. For more information, Africanamericanassoc. Email us at: aaaccpower@ call Xonia, 646-301-9438. gmail.com.

Children’s Programs – For information about —Kevin Lambright

Greetings: The Building 9 Association Membership Dues continue to be collected in our lobbies. Thank you to our neighbors who have supported us and to those who still have the opportunity to support us. Your building association dues pay for our lobby decorations, monthly social events and meetings, children's events, participation in the Annual Summer Family Fun Day event, clerical and administrative expenses of the association, etc.

Thank you, Daisy McCoy, Wanda Randall, Wanda Rodriguez, Eloise Coleman, and Catherine Lemon for your willingness to volunteer for collections.

As discussed at our February association meeting, please be mindful of the items you place in our dryers, the appropriate temperature settings for your items and routinely clean the front filters of your dryers. Cleaning the filters actually helps the clothes dry, as well as helps to prevent lint build up which could aid in the ignition of a dryer fire. The building staff is responsible for cleaning the filters behind the machines.

Co-op City Sports Velocity Track Club New York On Saturday, March 4th, Velocity Track Club New York (VTC) competed in the Armory Youth Championship! This was a great tune-up for the USATF Hershey Youth Indoor National Championship. The meet was held at the Armory of the New Balance Track & Field Facility in New York, NY. Most of the best track & field athletes from throughout the Tri-State area were in attendance.

The competition was hard, which made it difficult to earn a medal. Medals were Velocity Track Club New York student-athletes sporting their medals from the Armory only given out to the top 3 Youth Championship! athletes in their event & age division. VTC were able to muscle up 16 medals (4 Golds, 6 Silvers & 6 Bronzes). The following VTC athletes medaled: In the Girls 8 & Under division, Brianna Burrell won Gold medals in the 55 meter dash, 200 meter dash and the long jump. In the same division, her teammate, Shyenne Blake, won Silver medals in the 55 meters & long jump, plus a Bronze in the 200 meter dash. In the Boys 8 & Under division, Malik Smith won a Silver medal in the shot put! In the Girls 9 & 10 division, Dakota Hickman won Gold medal in the high jump. In the 9 & 10 Boys division, Pierce Parker won a Silver medal in the 1-mile race and Bronze medal in the 800 meter dash. In the Girls 11 & 12 division, Olyvia Burrell won a Bronze in the long jump. In the 11 & 12 Boys division, Dontae Lindo won a Bronze medal in the 1-mile race and a Silver medal in the 800 meter dash. Also, in the same division, Matthiaus Love-Anderson won a Bronze medal in the shot put. Plus, Julian Caldwell won a Bronze medal in the high jump. In the Girls 15 & 16 division, Jaelah Eargle won a Silver medal in the long jump. Congratulations to all athletes who competed, you’re all winners!

Our next meet will be on Friday, March 10th – Sunday, March 12th at the USATF Hershey Youth Indoor National Championship at the Ocean Breeze Track & Field Facility! Come out to see your future Olympians!

Velocity Track Club New York is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit. One hundred percent of your donation will go to help our children. For additional information, you can go to our website Velocitytrack.org or contact me, Coach Winston Dinkins, at 914-441-6196 or email me at watclt@aol.com.

—Winston Dinkins

The February minutes are posted on the bulletin boards for your perusal, the March Meeting Notice is posted, as well. The 2nd Annual International Food Night social event scheduled for Saturday, March 25th. Notice is also posted for your information.

We are planning our 1st Women's History Month celebration for Friday, March 24th. There will be a viewing of the movie, “Hidden Figures,” in honor of the 1960s women who performed computing functions at NASA before IBM computers were employed.

We are planning a social event for our young people this coming April. Watch the bulletin boards for information.

Curb your dog. Scoop the poop! It's your dog. It's your responsibility. It's the law.

I attended the Community Board 10 Municipal Services Committee meeting on Tuesday, February 28th. Among other things discussed was the condition of the overgrown vacant lot and its precarious fencing at Dreiser Loop at Co-op City Blvd; the pooling water, developing sink hole and orange traffic cone obstructing traffic at Dreiser Loop and Co-op City Blvd.

The Rivers Run Community Garden is preparing to re-open in the spring. Please consider joining or attend one of our events. It is our community oasis.

The most important lessons we can teach our children are: take responsibility for your actions, good decision-making skills and prioritize life's necessities.

If you want to go swiftly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. –African Proverb —Linda Collins

No Co-op City Times?

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

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Co-op City Times / March 11, 2017

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Co-op City Times / March 11, 2017