Co-op City Times 3/16/19

Vol. 54 No. 11

801 Co-op City Blvd.

Presentation To CB #10 Rescheduled to April 9

BY ROZAAN BOONE

The presentation by the developers of the parcel of land at 801 Co-op City Boulevard scheduled to take place on Tuesday, March 12, at a meeting of the Housing & Zoning Committee of Community Board #10, has been rescheduled.

The new date is Tuesday, April 9, 7:30 p.m. at CB #10 office, 3165 E. Tremont Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461.

CB #10 District Manager Matthew Cruz reported earlier this week that he was notified that the developer was not prepared to present at the March 12 meeting of the committee.

The property in question is the vacant lot at the corner of Co-op City Boulevard and Dreiser Loop, alongside Bay Park Nursing Home. As reported last week, the developer is seeking a variance to reduce the number of parking spaces that the property is zoned for, 538, to approximately 275 spaces.

“There is a proposed 6-story medical building by a developer, and as of right now, in their opinion, there’s a stringent parking requirement and they are looking for a Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) variance to ease that requirement,” Mr. Cruz told the Co-op City Times last week.

In order to get the variance, the local community board first has to offer an opinion, followed by a NYC Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) vote. The presentation to CB #10’s Housing and Zoning Committee is the first step in the process.

“Co-op City residents are invited to come and observe the meeting and if we get the chance to take public questions, we will take them, as always, (Continued on page 9)

Community-wide Fire Prevention Seminars

Riverbay’s Fire prevention seminars, titled “What Would You Do in Case of a Fire, and How to Prevent It?” continues throughout Co-op City, most recently taking place on Friday, March 15, in the Bartow Center. The session was led by Riverbay Director of Safety Anthony Barzelatto; Tracy Holiday, Home Fire Campaign Lead for the American Red Cross of Greater New York; Adrieann Mapp, Community Preparedness Specialist, American Red Cross of Greater NY; and Firefighter Terrance Keeby of FDNY Ladder 34 Fire Safety Unit. The seminars are an effort by the Riverbay Corporation to inform residents of best practices in the event of a fire, due to the recent increase in fires throughout Co-op City. All residents are urged to attend. Be on the lookout for notices posted in building lobbies and for future dates in the Co-op City Times.

Photo by Fiifi Frimpong

Saturday, March 16, 2019

$1.25

Petition Period For 2019 Riverbay Board Election Begins Monday, March 25

between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. each weekday.

Shareholders interested in running for a seat on The prospective candidate’s eligibility to run in the the Riverbay Board of Directors are reminded that Board election will be verified before they receive qualifying petitions will be available starting Mon- the petition package.

Section B (1) & (3) of the 2019 election day, March 25, at 9 a.m. rules – which will be published in an The petition period ends on Monday, upcoming issue of the Co-op City Times April 8, at 5 p.m., at which time all petiand also included in the petition packages tions are due back to the Riverbay Legal – outline candidates’ eligibility criteria – Department. all candidates running for election to the Only shareholders of record as of April Riverbay Board must be the shareholder 8 are eligible to vote in the upcoming of record as indicated on the candidate’s Board election. The 2019 voting period begins on Wednesday, May 8, at 6 a.m. and ends on stock certificate, occupancy agreement and the Wednesday, May 22, at 9 p.m. current Occupants’ Annual Affidavit, and must conPetitions can be picked up from the Riverbay tinue to live in Co-op City for the duration of their receptionist at the Administrative Desk in the Bartow term in office.

In addition, a prospective (Continued on page 2) Community Center, located at 2049 Bartow Avenue,

BY ROZAAN BOONE

Open Board Meeting Scheduled for Wed., March 20 Cooperators’ Money-Saving Awards Winners & Participants To Attend An Open Board Meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, March 20, in room 31 of the Bartow Center, beginning at 7:30 p.m. and all shareholders are invited to attend.

The winners of the Cooperators’ Money-Savings Awards Program will be presented and their projects described. In addition, all shareholders who participated in the program have been invited to attend. They will receive Certificates of Appreciation for their participation.

The Cooperators’ Money-Savings Award Program was launched in 2016 by the Board’s Community Relations Committee, then-chaired by Director Francine Jones. Shareholders were encouraged to share their money saving ideas with the committee to help Riverbay Corporation realize significant savings in its operation. The ideas were tested and evaluated and the top three winners selected. (Continued on page 6)

BY ROZAAN BOONE

Co-op City Women’s History Month Spotlight How Ms. Violet Wellington went from Jamaica to chasing her ‘Passion for Fashion’ in NYC’s Garment District

Although her mother wasn’t a dressmaker, she had a sewing machine in the home. One day as a Women’s History Month is a time to recognize the outstanding work that women have accom- child, Ms. Wellington found herself secretly pumping the foot pedal on her plished throughout the mother’s sewing machine years. We not only idenwhile she was out. An tify notable figures in expert before her time, she women’s history, but our ended up with the needle lesser-known neighbors in her finger and, of who’ve achieved a lot course, soon after, her and who have encouragmom found out. When ing stories to share. asked by her mother, This week, we feature “What do you want to long-time Co-op City resdo?” She responded, “I ident, Violet Wellington, who was born in Kingston, know I want to be either a Jamaica. Ms. Wellington Ms. Violet Wellington (center) pictured with nurse or go into fashion.” showed early signs of her co-workers during her time managing the Ms. Wellington said that passion for fashion while workroom at Evelyn Dijon. she knew she couldn’t growing up in Jamaica, work in the hospital West Indies. “I think it was a gift from God,” she said because she was afraid of blood. So, she went into when speaking about her abilities early on for her fashion. sense of design and sewing. As a little girl in Eager to learn, Ms. Wellington frequently Jamaica, Ms. Wellington started making uniforms pulled the thread from her shirts to see how it was cut. and dresses for her cloth doll and was always recog- “Sometimes, I would get in trouble because I couldn’t nized in school as the first one to finish her work put it back. I did this to learn how the sleeves were put while in sewing class; she was a smart and quick together. I was self-taught.” She would often practice learner.

(Continued on page 4)

BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND

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Petition period

Co-op City Times / March 16, 2019 (Continued from page 1)

candidate cannot be indebted to the Riverbay Corporation for carrying charges or other debts when picking up petitions, on the date they are certified (April 16, 2019), and the date votes are counted (May 22, 2019). Candidates indebted to the corporation on any of those days will be disqualified.

Prospective candidates must also remain current throughout the election period until they are sworn into office, if elected.

For purposes of the election rules, a candidate will not be viewed as being indebted to the corporation as long as their monthly maintenance charges are paid in full by the 10th of the month. As a result, if a prospective candidate wants to run for the Board and they are indebted to the corporation at the time they pick up their qualifying petitions, they will be allowed to continue with the petition process so long as they satisfy their debt to the corporation prior to April 8 – the date petition packages are due back to the Riverbay Legal Department.

Petition packages can also be picked up from the Public Safety window in the Bartow Center outside of normal business hours – after 5 p.m. on weekdays and on the weekends. These packages, however, will not include the nomination petitions. The following business day, the prospective candidate’s eligibility to participate in the Board election will be checked, and they will be contacted to pick up their nominating petitions either from the Riverbay Legal Department or from Public Safety headquarters in the Bartow Center.

Election Rule B (4)c also stipulates that no candidate for the Board shall have felony convictions or convictions of misdemeanors involving moral turpitude.

The Riverbay Board of Directors is the 15-member body that sets policy for the Riverbay Corporation and the Co-op City community. The election rules explain that Board directors of a corporation act in a fiduciary capacity with respect to the corporation and are required to place the corporation’s interest above their personal interests.

As a result, Rule B (5) states: “It is inappropriate for any person or entity doing business, or soliciting business with Riverbay, including present and prospective managing agents, contractors, vendors, professionals, unions, their employees, commercial tenants, or persons having a direct or indirect interest in such companies, to make a campaign contribution or pay campaign expenses, whether in cash or in-kind, of persons running for the Board.”

The rules further state that “any candidate who knowingly accepts campaign contributions or payment of campaign expenses, direct or indirect, in cash or inkind from any person or entity doing business or soliciting business from Riverbay … will be disqualified.”

Petitions must be picked up and signed for by the prospective candidates.

The Riverbay Board voted on Wednesday, February 20, to approve Resolution 19-05 setting the date of this year’s annual shareholders meeting for Wednesday, May 22, in accordance with the Riverbay Corporation By-Laws, Article II, Section 1, which mandates that the meeting be held in the month of May on a date determined by the Board of Directors.

This year, the three-year terms of Board Directors Bernard Cylich, Sonia Feliciano, Andrea Leslie, Leslie Peterson and Claudia Sampson are expiring.

Newly-seated Director Evelyn Turner, who placed sixth in last year’s election and was therefore seated on the Board to replace former Director Junius Williams, is also required to run in this year’s election. The top five vote getters in the 2019 Board election will serve three-year terms and this year’s sixth place winner will be seated to finish out the remaining two years of former Director William’s term.

Any Co-op City shareholder who satisfies the eligibility requirements 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 to the Riverbay Legal Department by the deadline – 5 p.m., Monday, April 8.

After the petition period ends on April 8, the 2019 Election Committee will immediately begin the process of verifying the petitions starting on Tuesday, April 9. In order to be verifiable, each signature should appear as it does on the shareholder’s occupancy agreement, along with the address and/or building number and apartment number. Signatures that cannot be verified will be eliminated, therefore, candidates are advised to collect more than the required 75 signatures. To further assist candidates with signature gathering, each petition package contains a list of building addresses and corresponding building numbers.

Following verification of the prospective candidates’ petitions, the Election Committee will hold a Candidates’ Meeting on Wednesday, April 16, 8 p.m., in room 31 of the Bartow Center where the candidates who are certified to run in the 2019 Board election will be announced and the election rules will be explained. The official listing of the 2018 Board election candidates will then be published in the Saturday, April 20th issue of the Co-op City Times.

The first of three special election supplements will be published in the Co-op City Times on Saturday, April 27, 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 4, and the final edition on Saturday, May 11.

All candidates’ statements and ads submitted for publication in the Co-op City Times are reviewed by the Election Committee and Riverbay’s General Counsel prior to publication and candidates will be notified of any changes made to their

Deepest Condolences

We ask that you keep Mr. Joseph Downey, Sr. and Joseph Downey, Jr., both of the Riverbay Power Plant, and their family in your prayers as they mourn the loss of their daughter and sister, respectively, Christine Downey Davy.

The family has requested that in lieu of floral arrangements, donations are made in the name of Christine Downey Davy to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at www.nationalmssociety.org.

Please join us in keeping the Downey and the Davy families in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.

election material by the election committee.

Riverbay Corporation will sponsor three official candidates’ forums, and will not be supporting candidates’ meetings held by individual building associations and community clubs and organizations. Building associations and certified clubs and organizations should 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 equal access to such facilities and/or services.

The first Candidates’ Forum will be held on Thursday, April 25, in room 45 of the Einstein Center at 7:30 p.m. The second official Candidates’ Forum will be held on Wednesday, May 1, in the Bartow Center, room 31, at 7:30 p.m., and the third and final Candidates’ Forum will be on Monday, May 6, also at 7:30 p.m., in room 4 in the Dreiser Center.

Potential candidates and their supporters should be aware that, according to Section D of the election rules overseeing campaign standards of conduct, the use of any outdoor space owned by Riverbay for public gatherings related to the Board election is strictly prohibited. The posting of campaign signs, literature and other material such as posters, gummed stickers, etc., in Co-op City is prohibited except on personal property or within the shareholder’s premises, with the owner’s (Riverbay’s) permission. Specifically, this includes, but is not limited to, building lobbies, elevators, bulletin boards, walls, doors and all common area. Further, campaign literature, including flyers, may not be posted by a candidate in a commercial establishment within Co-op City, or on the commercial establishment’s websites, Facebook pages, or similar electronic forums, unless the owner of the commercial establishment is a candidate for election.

Co-op City Times / March 16, 2019

Co-op City Times 2 n d

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Albert Einstein’s Multicultural Healthy Diet & Cognitive Decline Study Targets 40-65 Year Olds in Co-op City

C O M B IN G C O -O P C IT Y

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

Co-op City’s Got Talent The Anniversary Committee presents Co-op City's Got Talent: Youth Edition on Saturday, March 23, in room 45 at Einstein Center.

All are invited to come out and see who will win the $1,000 prize!

The performers’ talents range from singing, dancing, stepping, musicians and actors. Local rapper Ant tha Giant will perform and DJ JSmuv will be on hand. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Admission is FREE.

Co-op City Spelling Bee The African-American Association of Co-op City and the Riverbay Fund will host the sixth annual Co-op City Spelling Bee on March 23, at 1 p.m. in room 4 of the Dreiser Community Center. Grand prize winner of the Bee will receive $100. Students in grades four to eight are eligible to join.

To register your child to compete in this event or to volunteer, please call (718)-671-5957. Light refreshments will be served. Admission is FREE.

Bay Plaza Walk The Mall at Bay Plaza is collaborating with the American Cancer Society to present the first annual Bay Plaza Walk to benefit cancer research and local programs on March 31. The Walk will travel through the streets of Bay Plaza as participants enjoy snacks and receive awards. Registration will be at 8 a.m. and start time is at 9 a.m. You can also register and donate online at www.acsdetermination.org/bayplaza5k. Enter code “RIVERBAY” for $10 off registration.

If you see something,

SAY SOMETHING!

City residents between the ages of 40 and 65 years are being sought for a multicultural healthy diet study examining the relationship between lifestyle changes and prevention of memory loss and Alzheimer’s Disease.

The study, “Multicultural Healthy Diet to Reduce Cognitive Decline & Alzheimer’s Disease,” is funded by the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health, and it is being conducted by Dr. Yasmin Mossavar-Rahmani, associate professor of epidemiology & population health at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

More recently, Dr. Mossavar-Rahmani was featured in the news when her research linked women who consume two or more diet drinks per day to a higher risk of clotbased strokes, heart attacks and early death among those who are over 50. That study is related to the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI), funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Albert Einstein College of Medicine is one of forty WHI sites. The Women’s Health Initiative began more than 25 years ago and is focused on a vast range of health topics of particular interest to women. The diet drink study from WHI involved more than 80,000 postmenopausal women, including many from Co-op City, who were tracked over the course of approximately 12 years.

In the multicultural healthy diet study, Dr. MossavarRahmani, a nutrition scientist and registered dietician, is looking at the effects of lifestyle changes on prevention of memory loss in men and women in the 40-65 yr. age range.

“This is a study to see if a multicultural healthy diet can slow cognitive decline,” said Dr. Mossavar-Rahmani. “Co-op City was chosen because Co-op City participants have been very active in health studies and have contributed to their success in helping find the answers to many health-related questions.”

Dr. Mossavar-Rahmani hopes to involve 300 Co-op City participants to ensure the success of the study. Recruitment began in November with the study’s recruiter contacting Co-op City residents from the Voter Registration list to determine their interest and eligibility to participate in the study. So far, although more than 100 shareholders have been contacted, about 40 met the eligibility criteria and enrolled in the study.

“Participants can’t have diabetes or uncontrolled hypertension or heart disease since these have an impact on diet and we’re changing their diets,” Dr. Mossavar-Rahmani said. “Participants who are selected then go through more in-depth screening so we can carefully talk to participants about their interest and eligibility for the study.”

With a one-year window for recruitment, Dr. MossavarRahmani and her colleagues are actively trying to recruit more Co-op City residents to participate in the multicultural healthy diet and cognitive decline study. In addition to calling potential candidates from the Voter Registration list, they have been making presentations about the study to various certified community organizations and hope to expand their appearance at other community meetings and the JASA senior centers in the hope of reaching more of the 4065 yr. age group. Potential participants who are not in the age range can help the study by recruiting their friends and family who might be 40-65 yr. of age.

Candidates chosen for the study are then randomly selected for a group that eats more fruits and vegetables and less processed foods, or the control group that focuses on aging topics, such as fall prevention. Participants are required to attend four group sessions and then the remainder of the study is conducted remotely by teleconference, with visits to the clinic at Van Etten Building, 1225 Morris Park Ave., Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461 every 9 months from the beginning of the study.

“All of the group sessions are held right here in Co-op City so it’s very convenient,” said Dr. Mossavar-Rahmani.

“The participants seem to have a lot of fun. They talk about

BY ROZAAN BOONE

food or home safety topics and they bond with each other.”

Participants work with a health coach who interacts with them regarding diet changes or food safety and safe handling, how to safely organize their homes to prevent falls and vaccination schedules, among others.

For those participants not in the group, discussions relate to “aging topics that are not related to diet or cognition so we want to compare if diet intervention works,” Dr. Mossavar-Rahmani explained.

Participants are also given a non-Internet capable cell phone with brain games to play as part of the study. They also must have a personal smartphone or computer with Internet access in order to log their daily food intake, a requirement of the study.

Onsite meetings are held in the Dreiser Center and the Baychester Library in Co-op City for about two months, followed by follow-up visits to the clinic at certain benchmarks – 9 months, 18 months and 27 months.

“There are clinic visits at Van Etten at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in tandem with the brain games and participants also have to write down what they are eating. There’s also a blood draw at the first and second clinic visits,” said Dr. Mossavar-Rahmani.

Albert Einstein College of Medicine has conducted many studies which Co-op City residents have and continue to participate in. The ongoing Einstein Aging Study is focused on brain aging in older adults (70 yrs. and older) in the Bronx and especially Co-op City. It has already identified risk factors for cognitive decline that can be targeted to promote successful brain aging, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, stress, pain and lack of cognitive engagement. The study has also developed better methods to measure cognitive decline for use in clinical trials, and identified subgroups of older adults who, based on their profiles, may benefit from intervention and promote healthy brain aging and prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Another study that was undertaken by the college was the Effects of Stress on Cognitive Aging, Physiology and Emotion Study or ESCAPE. This study targeted individuals 2565 years of age exclusively from Co-op City. It was a 2week experiment where participants reported their levels of current and anticipated stress and completed a number of working memory tests using a smartphone app. The study found that higher levels of stress anticipation in the morning are associated with poorer working memory later in the day regardless of how stressful the events of the day actually were. In essence, if you wake up expecting the day ahead to be stressful, that expectation produces measurable cognitive effects even if nothing stressful happens during the course of the day.

Generally, working memory can affect many aspects of an individual’s daily life. This is especially true among older adults who are already predisposed to cognitive decline. For instance, reduced working memory among older adults can result in them ingesting the wrong medication or even impairment while driving.

In addition, Albert Einstein College of Medicine has participated in many of the research projects conducted as part of the Women’s Health Initiative, including hormone therapy, diet quality and Type 2 Diabetes, periodontal disease and cancer risk, long-term biophosphonate use and fracture risk, genes for depression and risk of stroke, sleep duration and sleep quality with mortality, oral health and a host of other topics.

Dr. Mossavar-Rahmani said: “Co-op City women were also a big part of the Women’s Health Initiative. The head of the study was asked what he was most proud of and he said the hormone therapy trial, which showed there were side effects and the basic message was that hormone therapy is not a good preventive strategy for chronic disease so many women got off hormones. A lot of women did not get breast (Continued on page 9)

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Co-op City Times / March 16, 2019

her skills on one of her sisters. “My sister loved clothes, “He said I got a job for you, but I did not believe so I practiced making her clothing. That’s how I learned him,” Ms. Wellington recalled. She admits that she to sew. As they say, practice becomes perfect.” took a while to call the person regarding the job At 17 years old, on a Thursday evening in 1959, because she was still unsure. Her new-found friend at Ms. Wellington attended a popular island-wide sack the fabric store urged her to make the call – and she dress contest at the historic Ward Theatre in Kingston, did. That moment of serendipity led Ms. Wellington to Jamaica. Little did she know, her schoolmate entered land her first Garment District job working for a the competition wearing a dress that she designed eardesigner with ties to Vogue; she stayed for eight years. lier that day.

“I just took a chance. It was a significant opportunity,” Judged by members of the audience, Ms. Wellington she admitted. was shocked to see her friend on stage in the dress she After that opportunity, Ms. Wellington worked for a designed and even more so when she learned that she boutique called, “Kind of Marvelous,” where she was the first prize winner. The prize included a sewing assisted in designs for both Liza Minnelli and Dionne machine, money in the amount of 10 guineas, 10 Warwick. In the same fashion, she skyrocketed into a shilling, and invites to local events. “I felt like I was new fashion house, this time into the world of Canaout of this world,” she said excitedly. “I kept on workdian clothing designer, Arnold Scaasi. Mr. Scaasi was ing and doing what I had to do. My goal at that point well-known in the fashion industry for dressing a was to open a boutique. You name it, and I could make wide-range of presidential first ladies, along with Holit all from scratch. You bring it. I’ll do it.” lywood superstars.

Ms. Wellington’s dreams of successfully owning a According to the New York Times, “Mr. Scaasi boutique were short-lived due to her overwhelming designed formal wear for the first ladies Mamie Eisengenerosity. She expressed: “I didn’t have a business hower, Hillary Clinton, and Laura Bush. Joan Crawbrain. I shouldn’t have accepted credit from people as ford, Joan Rivers, Elizabeth Taylor, Diahann Carroll, much as I did. Everybody came and said they would One of the many wedding dresses Ms. Wellington and Mary Tyler Moore.” He also designed for Barbra pay me back and didn’t. I saw that it was taking away made throughout her career in the fashion indus- Streisand and Barbara Bush. from me and that’s why I gave it up.” try. If clients dreamed it, Ms. Wellington made it.

Ms. Wellington was determined, she confessed: “I Like many, Ms. Wellington made the journey from got there, and I was able to fit into every category. I Jamaica to the United States. Amazed and yet intimitook things I learned while in Jamaica, as well as skills dated by New York City, she was still determined to tough it out. “I was frightI’ve learned on the jobs in the district. I could work on any style of clothes – I ened when I came here. I think I cried about two weeks straight. I said to myself, wasn’t afraid. I guess that’s what people say, that I wasn’t afraid. My brain was it’s either you have to do it or move back home, but I wanted better for myself,” like a sponge. Everywhere I learned something new, I kept it in, and used it.” she said.

Ms. Wellington continued to work throughout the industry and the Garment Ms. Wellington did what she needed to do to make a living even if it meant District, from running the workroom at Evelyn Dijon, where she would take working outside of her love of fashion. “I thought about other careers, and I evening and night classes at Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), to graduatneeded an education. What I wanted was to go back to school,” she said. ing with a degree in a field she was enthusiastic about – fashion.

She eventually earned a degree in Early Childhood from Borough Manhattan At this point, Ms. Wellington’s had achieved so much in her career. She conCommunity College. Although her degree is in early childhood education, she fessed that she didn’t realize she had arrived, until her experience at CHAUS didn’t pursue a career in that field – her passion for fashion was just too strong. where she worked as an assistant to the head designer. CHAUS, founded in 1975 “Fashion was my thing, and nobody could take that away from me,” Ms.

by Bernard and Josephine Chaus, “is an American clothing company with a Wellington confessed. modern aesthetic, designed in New York City. The company carries on its legacy The Garment District, once the epicenter of fashion design for New Yorkwith trend-driven collections emphasizing the quality, fit, versatility, and based fashion houses, is a patch between West 35th and 42nd Streets and Sevupdated styling on which our reputation and brand have been built...” enth and Ninth Avenues. Although the Garment District today is not nearly as She reflected on the time mentioned earlier when she was told that she would productive as it once was, for Ms. Wellington, it was where she always dreamed not be able to work in the Garment District. She said: “Every time I worked at a of working. “I started to pray,” she said. “I asked God to open a way for me firm, I was the only Black person in the room. That is probably why I was told because I didn’t know how to get into the Garment District. I asked a man how that I couldn’t work in the Garment District. When I saw that man again, I told to get into the Garment District, and he replied, ‘you cannot work there’. I think him I’m here!” he said that because I was too black.”

Now retired, although she doesn’t sew as much as she did before, Ms. During that time, Ms. Wellington was taking care of two kids in Manhattan, Wellington enjoys spending most of her days relaxing and going out. She hopes and while out running errands, she stumbled upon a fabric store where, while that her story of determination and courage will inspire young women who looking around, she would give customers tips on fabrics and designs. Little did might be afraid to pursue their dreams. She advised: “If it’s your passion, I Ms. Wellington know those visits would change the trajectory of her life and encourage you to follow it!” open doors she once prayed about.

The owner of the fabric store noticed how knowledgeable she was of the fabrics and the advice she offered to customers. He was so impressed with Ms. Wellington’s intelligence, he promised her that he would get her a job and as luck would have it, the owner of the fabric store kept his promise.

Violet Wellington

(Continued from page 1)

Co-op City’s Poster Contest Win $200!

The 50th Anniversary Committee wants to see your vision of Co-op City – past, present or future!

The public will vote and there will be a live reveal of the winners in the Spring. Deadline is April 15, 2019.

For eligibility requirements and more information, go to: https://tinyurl.com/y42r4zyp

It’s

HAPPENING in Co-op City !

Co-op City Times / March 16, 2019

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Women’s History Month Celebration – SAGE

50th Anniversary Celebration Co-op City’s Got Talent

Above, some of the performers participating in the March 23 Youth Talent Show pose with event planner Alena Powell. Back row from left to right: Elias Morales, Ms. Powell, Zoe Peterson, Kaira Gore, Kayla Walker and Sky Caldwell. Front row from left to right: Ericka Croston, Makela Simpson, Santana Perez, and Atira Peterson.

The Riverbay Fund sponsored an all-women Jazz concert in honor of Women’s History Month last Saturday. Residents and friends of the community packed the Bartow Center on Saturday, March 9, for the sold-out event that drew crowds of all ages and backgrounds for the sounds of Jazz and Rhythm & Blues.

The women-led 5-piece band included a saxophonist, keyboardist, drummer, bassist and violinist, who performed a medley of crowd favorites including “My Funny Valentine.” There was foot tapping, head shaking, applause, standing ovations and a sing-along to Marvin Gaye’s “What’s going on.”

Photos by Toriea McCauseland and Alfred Lynch Jr.

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Co-op City Times / March 16, 2019

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

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

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

Letters to the Editor

Seniors, Unite for Senior Fair Fare!

To the Editor: Mary Pearson’s viewpoint in last week’s CCTimes discussed an issue near and dear to my heart – and it should be to every senior living in Co-op City.

The viewpoint discussed how seniors are allowed to travel on the Express Bus at reduced fares only during certain restrictive hours. The rest of the time, they must pay the full fare. Reduced fare should be available at all times.

Unlike what some officials would have us believe, the Express bus is no luxury. Besides the fact that the buses are often dirty and rundown, this service is a necessity for seniors who don’t drive (or shouldn’t be driving!).

To get to Manhattan otherwise, one must first walk to the appropriate bus stop (hoping it’s on schedule), and subsequently enter the subway. Do you know how many steps there are?! How can we ask seniors (many with canes, walkers, COPD, etc.) to endure this, even if they are able to manage somehow? And what about the increased possibility of crime against elderly and often infirmed riders? This is just morally wrong on all counts.

Access-a-Ride, you might say? Well, Access-a-Ride is a basically decent and needed service, but (personally knowing of many seniors who use this service), it is no proper substitute for the Express Bus for a variety of reasons.

One other thought...if it is thought that the Express Bus is too crowded during ‘rush hours,’ that is only true during the early morning hours (and no senior, unless absolutely necessary, would subject themselves to this). Rush hours in the afternoon/evening are staggered and unpredictable, and going in the reverse direction at any time is nearly empty!

So seniors, unite. Let’s get what we have earned the right to. Support any effort on this behalf (there is power only in numbers) and get the city to stop this blatantly discriminatory practice. Save your hard-earned money for other things.

—Katharine Wood

Open Board

To the Editor: Sister Joan Chittister is a Roman Catholic nun and outspoken social advocate. She has written over 50 books, countless essays and numerous articles on topics ranging from justice and peace to feminism in the Bible. She is one of today’s leading spiritual voices, bringing her energy and fiery spirit to everything she does.

Sister Joan revealed her candid thoughts about Pope Francis with Oprah Winfrey. She said: “We’ve needed him for a long time. He is the smiling face of the church and I believe what he says that he believes… But I must also say this; nobody can say, I care for the poor; I am committed to the poor, and do absolutely nothing, nothing, nothing for women… So I am waiting to see that care for the poor, change life for women.”

This is taken from Sister Joan Chittister’s keynote speech at the 3rd Annual Women in Power Conference organized by the Omega Institute. “Let us live happily without hate amongst those who do hate. Today I put before you death and life. Choose life. Who is better in religion the prophet teaches in the Koran, than those who surrender their purpose to God while doing good to human kind. In fighting there is no wisdom. It is only fools that fight, the Hindu Panchatantra tells us; and Jesus said blessed are the peacemakers. But if it’s true all religions seek the God of life, it’s also true life giving, not death dealing, has always been the particular province of women.” Food for thought, during Women’s History Month.

See you around the neighborhood!

—Michelle Marbury

The Grand Prize winner is Mr. George W. Rowe, whose suggestion to install energy efficient lighting in the compactor rooms will result in approximately $29,000 annually in savings to the Riverbay Corporation. Mr. Rowe will receive a prize of $500.

Second Prize winner, Mr. Joseph Gonzalez, recommended that Riverbay Corporation transitions to the paperless model, which will save the corporation an estimated $21,672 annually. Mr. Gonzalez will receive $250.

Third Prize winner, Ms. Deborah Nelson, suggested that vending machines be installed in the three community centers and that a variety of healthy snacks be infused in the selections to help increase sales revenue. Riverbay Corporation gets a portion of those proceeds.

“The Cooperators' Money-Saving Awards Program was an initiative proposed by former Board Director Khalil Abdul-Wahhab,” explained Director Jones. “As coordinator of the program, I was inspired by the number of cooperators who participated and the wonderful ideas they submitted, some of which might be used in the future. The Riverbay Board extends their appreciation to the winners for their ideas and their patience. I hope that more cooperators will become involved in this type of endeavor for the

(Continued from page 1)

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.

Tribute to Women’s History Month

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.

enhancement of our community.”

The Board meeting will begin promptly at 7:30 p.m., with the approval of the Agenda, followed by reports first from Riverbay Board President Linda Berk and then from Bob Klehammer, Riverbay’s executive general manager.

The presentation of awards and certificates to the winners and participants, respectively, of the Cooperators’ Money-Savings Awards Program will take place before the Board’s business meeting begins.

The two business items on the agenda include an amendment to the 2019 Election Rules and Schedule to change the date on which the election results will be certified (May 24, the Friday before a national holiday, Memorial Day) and the date on which challenges to the election should be filed (Monday, May 27, the actual date of the holiday). The Board will also vote on the second reading of a resolution regarding director’s viewpoints printed in the Co-op City Times.

The Gallery Session will then be held where shareholders get their chance to address the Board. This will be followed by committee reports from Board directors before the meeting is adjourned, Shareholders who have questions or concerns can meet with Riverbay department heads between 6-7 p.m.

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

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.

Important Notice to Shareholders of Building 21 Building 21

Building 21 100 Bellamy Loop 120 Bellamy Loop 140 Bellamy Loop

Current Lease Expiration Date

May 31, 2019

New 3 yr.

Expiration Date

May 31, 2022

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 16, 2019

Public Safety Report

CCPD Offers Safety Tips In Recognition Of National Poison Prevention Week

The Co-op City Department of Public Safety urges all residents to make sure that all members of their household know the number for Poison Control, 1 (800) 222-1222. The third week of March is known as National Poison Prevention Week. 2019 marks the 57th anniversary of National Poison Prevention Week. It is a good time to make sure that this number is on hand at all times. It is also a good time to make sure that all poisons are properly locked up. Poison Prevention Week is also a good time to become familiar with substances which can be a threat to members of their household.

The national number for Poison Control is 1 (800) 222-1222. This number is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is a vital resource if you believe that you or someone else has been poisoned. Poisons are very fast acting and your actions in the first minutes or seconds can have a serious effect on the outcome of the incident. Please be sure to enter this phone number into all home and cellular telephones. It is also a good idea to post the number near all telephones and carry the number with you at all times. Enter the number into the closest telephone right now as you are reading this article.

Even more important than knowing what to do in the event of an accidental poisoning is to take steps to prevent exposure to hazardous substances. More than 2 million poisonings are reported to the 57 poison control centers located in this country. Ninety percent of poisonings take place in the home, so poison prevention should start there. Most non-fatal poisonings happen to children under the age of six. Poisonings are one of the leading causes of death in adults. By taking proper steps in the home, many poisonings can be avoided.

Poisons can be in solid, liquid or gaseous forms. Some poisons can even be invisible and odorless. Almost any household product, cosmetic or personal care product can be hazardous if not used for its intended purpose. Pesticides and disinfectants result in 150,000 calls to the nation’s Poison Control Centers. Prescription and over-the-counter medications taken by the wrong persons or in the wrong amounts can have serious effects.

Take this opportunity to lock up any hazardous substances in your household.

Proper storage is the most important factor in preventing poisoning. Household products should be stored in locked cabinets out of the reach of children. Keep all household products in their original container with the original label attached.

Never put chemicals into different containers especially food containers, the results can be catastrophic. Drano stored in a Snapple bottle has been known to result in serious damage to the digestive system when inadvertently consumed be a thirsty child.

Keep all medicines in child-proof containers. This is especially important when people who do not have children are visiting. Elderly persons may have medications in easy access containers. Be sure to use the correct measuring device when giving medication to children. Use the cup, syringe or spoon that comes with the medication. Accidental overdose of children’s medication is a growing problem. If a medication comes with a dropper, use that dropper, not a cup from another medication. Tylenol is a common drug that can be very toxic if too much is taken. Contact your pediatrician if you have any questions regarding dosage of medications for children.

Poison Control is for use in very specific situations. Some of these situations may overlap with other medical emergencies. Therefore, it is also a good idea for all family members to know when and how to call 9-1-1, 1-718-671-3050 for Public Safety or the proper number for other situations. Young children have been known to have made life saving calls to 9-1-1. It is also important to keep

BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO

important, non-emergency numbers accessibly stored in or near your telephone.

Calls to 9-1-1 for situations that are not emergencies can result in persons with life or death emergencies being delayed in receiving the help they need.

Calling Poison Control or 9-1-1 can be stressful and may seem overwhelming at first, but knowing what to expect can make the call go (Continued on page 9)

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

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

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

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Public Safety Blotter March 3 – 9, 2019 March 03 – 4160 Hutchinson River Parkway NYPD responded to a call of a male stabbed inside a vehicle. An Uber driver had sustained critical injuries and was removed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).

March 04 – 4160 Hutchinson River Parkway While investigating calls of a person shot at this address, officers responded to a floor within the building and discovered a female apparently suffering from a gunshot wound. Assistance was rendered and the victim was removed to a hospital for treatment. An investigation into the circumstances of the shooting is underway.

March 07 – Co-op City Boulevard Opposite Cooper T/H A cooperator reported finding a window smashed on his car and an air bag removed.

(Continued on page 30)

8

Co-op City Times / March 16, 2019

As Shareholders, We Are A Team Director’s Viewpoint

Sonia Feliciano Treasurer Dear fellow shareholders, At our 45th Precinct Council Meeting last week, Captain Tom Fraser discussed the crime stats over a 28-day period, which is the way the NYPD measures crime statistics. Overall, crime is down 32%, however, it does not negate the fact that we have had incidents in and around Co-op City that are still being investigated.

Captain Fraser has provided more police details in Co-op City. This is a large improvement from what we have seen in the past. Our expectations will always be that we get our fair share of resources from the city. In spite of the fact that we do have our own Co-op City Public Safety Department, it is always a plus to have that extra measure of safety knowing that we have NYPD patrolling our neighborhoods every day. If you “see something, say something.” If there is an incident happening now, please call 9-1-1.

The 45th Precinct has a Crime Victims Assistance Program through Safe Horizon. If you are a victim of a crime or abuse, you can get help through the Crime Victims Assistance Program (CVAP). The program is free and confidential. CVAP advocates assist you with safety concerns, and what your rights are under the law. They connect you with resources, and help you apply for victim compensation if you qualify.

They also advocate on your behalf for benefits, including housing. It is about engagement and interaction with the victim in helping them feel that everything is being done to assist them through the trauma they are facing. Every precinct has a CVAP advocate. The 45th Precinct is located at 2877 Barkley Avenue, Bronx, NY; (718) 822-5271. After 8 p.m., you can call 800-621-HOPE (4673).

Monroe College will be hosting a C.A.P.S.L.O.C Part III program in sponsorship with Senator Jamaal Bailey, and the 45th and 47th Precincts on Saturday, May 18, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. It focuses on “Bridging the Gap” through community engagement. I

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attended Part II last year and came away with a better understanding of our criminal justice system. I met with educators at Monroe specializing in Criminal Justice and NYPD officers. They provided a whole new perspective on innovative approaches like restorative justice. I recommend it to all who can take the time to attend. There will be a training simulator. You must R.S.V.P. by May 17. Monroe College, Jerome Hall, 2468 Jerome Avenue, Bronx, NY, 1-3 p.m.; (718) 547-8854.

Artison Ortiz representing Comptroller Scott Stringer was on hand to discuss constituent complaints in a report stating that the MTA is not addressing the cause of subway delays. MTA records, according to Comptroller Stringer, do not tell the story as to why these delays are happening other than to say that it is overcrowding, congestion or signaling issues. While the MTA is asking for fare increases, Mr. Stringer says that the MTA is not being honest with the citizens of this city in addressing the real concerns that have created a debacle within the system. Millions are being spent on the system, but we as straphangers/riders are not seeing the results of those monies spent. Comptroller Stringer wants to make sure that workers are adequately reporting problems and that better policies are in place to report incidents happening. Call 3-1-1 if you have a complaint about the MTA that is not being addressed.

It can only get better if we voice our opinion and be vocal about it.

Riverbay is working with the Red Cross to coordinate three blood drive events for April, July and August. Please keep an eye out for the dates. For those who can give blood, it is a needed resource for people of all ages and illnesses. You could be giving to a neighbor, friend or family member and helping to save a life.

Last summer, I discussed the condition of some of our playgrounds in that many of our playgrounds are old and lacking available parts to make adequate repairs. We are hoping to budget equipment needed to bring more modern playgrounds. Most importantly, is the concern by many shareholders of the significant loss of running water due to the sprinklers turned on all day? The new sprinkler system will

have a button/timer that the children can turn on and off. It will be set so as to have the water on for a very short period, allowing the children to go and press the timer so that it goes back on. This is an energy efficient method of water conservation and money.

We will all be getting new smoke alarm detectors.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors will be placed in the hallways. The Red Cross, in conjunction with Riverbay supervisors, will speak about Fire Safety and install smoke/carbon monoxide detectors throughout the community. Everyone who is part of the program will have identification when visiting shareholders.

They will work Saturdays and Sundays as well. A flyer will be posted two weeks before the start of this program scheduled for this year. A wonderful part of the program is that it comes at no cost to us. The Red Cross is sponsoring the program. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are the best form of a lifesaving device you can have.

If you have any ideas that you would like to share on improving the quality of life in Co-op City, I would love to hear from you. If you have an issue that is not being addressed or you may not know who to reach out to, I would love to hear from you. As a community, we are a team, and only with your help, can we as a community of this size accomplish all of our goals. These are our homes, our most valuable asset.

You can always reach me at 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475 or 917-992-7311.

We Are Shareholders First - Because We Matter!!!!

A Message from C.S.O.

Using felt pads under your furniture will reduce the noise created from dragging them on the floor.

Felt pads can also protect your floors from being damaged or scratched.

The C.S.O Dept. suggests all cooperators use felt pads under their furniture.

9

Co-op City Times / March 16, 2019

Public Safety

(Continued from page 7)

smoothly. Staying calm is most important. Never hang up until directed to do so by the dispatcher. The dispatcher may pause to obtain information from another source. Also be prepared to take directions from the dispatcher; they may be able to provide you with life saving tips. The dispatcher may direct you to induce vomiting or not induce vomiting; give milk or water depending on the substance ingested. Never take it upon yourself to do any of these things without instruction. The wrong action can make the situation worse.

When in Co-op City, also call the Department of Public Safety at (718) 6713050, in addition to 9-1-1 for all emergencies and 1 (800) 222-1222 for poisoning emergencies. Make sure all of these numbers are in your telephone before you finish reading this article.

Remember if you plan to consume alcoholic beverages, be sure not to operate a motor vehicle, designate a driver who will not drink or call a taxi. Also be sure to buckle your seatbelt, obey speed limits and avoid distractions when driving. Always remember, if you see something, say something. Call 9-1-1 and the Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050. Callers may remain anonymous when giving information. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety would like to thank all persons who have called in suspicious activity. It is by your actions that the crime rate remains low and a high quality of life is maintained.

Co-op City is a diverse community with people of all ages, abilities and characteristics. All persons should remember to respect each other and embrace their differences. Don’t forget to say “hello” to your neighbors when you pass each other in the hallway or in the street. Co-op City strives to accommodate all persons.

March is known as American Red Cross Month, Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month and Developmental Disabilities Month. It is a good opportunity to take a First Aid course or learn about a disability that affects your friends or neighbors.

March 2019 is also 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.

CB #10

Each day you present yourself as mild and timid, but as we watch you begin to express yourself in such an articulate and knowledgeable fashion, we can only be amazed at the unlimited potential for success and happiness that exists within you, Ms. Aaliyah Carter! Your way is working well for you. Keep studying and learning and always remember we are here to help with any problems you might encounter. Happy Birthday.

With all our love, —Grandpa Ted, Grandma Dorothy, Mom, Dad, Jay, Amanda, Alyssa, & Blu & Favor

If You See Something, Say Something!

Working Together To Keep Co-op City Safe!

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

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

• Never leave your car or apartment door unlocked.

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

• Remember: You can make anonymous calls to CCPD.

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

(Continued from page 1)

but the public hearing is where they can voice their opinions,” said Mr. Cruz.

Following this presentation by the developer, CB #10 will schedule a public hearing where local community residents can express their opinions on the project. The public hearing will most likely take place in the spring or summer just ahead of the BSA hearing and vote.

Albert Einstein

Happy 11th Birthday, Aaliyah!

(Continued from page 3)

cancer because they stopped the hormones so it saved lives. For every dollar invested in the Women’s Health Initiative hormone study, $140 was saved due to health care cost savings. WHI was a huge study – 160,000 women participated, and the results have affected how physicians practice medicine not only in this country, but around the world.”

In Dr. Mossavar-Rahmani’s WHI study about diet drinks, she and her colleagues looked at the WHI participants and women who had two or more servings of diet drinks daily from 1996-2001.

“Then we followed them for 12 years and looked at the stroke and coronary heart disease and death and we saw there was an excess risk in women who had high diet drink intake versus the women who were having no or less than one serving of diet drinks a week,” said Dr. Mossavar-Rahmani. “The WHI, and Co-op City women were in that group, so they have been contributing non-stop to not only this study, but others.”

Addressing the importance of her current research, the study, “Multicultural Healthy Diet to Reduce Cognitive Decline & Alzheimer’s Disease,” Dr. Mossavar-Rahmani said: “Because cognitive decline that eventually leads to Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia is becoming such a big problem and cost in this country, we think that by intervening early on, one of the interventions that could be life changing is through lifestyles measures, in other words, eating a healthier diet. This study is focusing on whether a healthier diet can reduce cognitive decline and by measuring cognition in a very sensitive manner…we can get a better sense of any kind of decline or improvement through this method. We’re trying to see if a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables can improve your memory and slow down the decline at an early age because if that is possible, then it’s possible that dementia, if it’s going to happen, happens later or not at all.”

Any Co-op City shareholder between the age of 40-65 yr. who would like to participate in the “Multicultural Healthy Diet to Reduce Cognitive Decline & Alzheimer’s Disease” study, or any community organization that would like to invite Dr. Mossavar-Rahmani and her colleagues to make a presentation at their meeting, should contact the study as soon as possible by calling (718) 430-3823 or send an email to healthydiet326@gmail.com.

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

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

10

Co-op City Times / March 16, 2019

Engagement and Gratitude

We’re a NORC because we meet the numbers – more than 2,500 residents over the age of 60. One perk from having that descriptor came through when we took two buses down to Washington, DC in JanuSecretary ary 2017. We were able to unload right there near the gathering site instead of having to deal with their Diverse & Affordable metro system. Even when protesting, we are beneWhen talking about our beautiful Co-op City fited by our NORC title. community, we like to use the term “diverse” even But there’s more than capitol curbside conventhough that diversity is a tad lop-sided these days ience. NORC services and programs, which can be with our demographic numbers being roughly 60% found and explored on the NYS Office for the Aging Black, 30% Latinx and about 10% other.

(NYSOFA) website, provide health and social servWhen talking about our beautiful community, we ices with the aim of helping people age in their own like to use the term “affordable” to which the follow- homes while helping the community become or stay, up question is asked: affordable to whom? To which “a good place in which to grow old.”

Aside from helping to fund senior centers, the my response is invariably, “Have you looked at apartment listings this century?”

NYSOFA program helps the eligible get food stamps But when we talk about Co-op City, even though (SNAP) and home-delivered meals, and lots more. it’s right there in the name, some people leave out the To reach them, all you have to do is dial 3-1-1. Have fact that we are a “co-operative” housing complex. I you found 3-1-1 to be responsive and speedy in the have heard grumblings by people with 50 year-old past as I have? I’m hoping it will be similarly helpful buyer’s remorse swearing they could have had a bet- when we mount the call for unrestricted senior-dister deal if they had put their Co-op down payment on counted Express bus. I’ll be sure to holler when the a house instead. So whenever you hear or read some- Senior Fair Fare campaign gets underway in earnest. one grousing about Co-op City, tell ’em to get a grip Restrictions & Rewards because we are doing the best we can and that’s But back to the affordability factor: To buy into pretty darn good. our complex, money guidelines rule. We are a middle Big & Beautiful income co-operative. We get a major financial break We also brag we’re the biggest, and aside from in taxes by following our overseers’ guidelines complexes in Asian lands, that is correct. I’ve spent (mostly HCR’s guidelines [Homes and Community way too much time the past couple of weeks crunch- Renewal]). By being categorized as a “Shelter Rent” ing old HRC numbers on their “State Supervised Mid- property, we pay approximately one quarter to one dle Income Housing Developments” page. (And I do third of a market price development’s tax rate. I’m a mean old. Their last update was on 03/23/15.) All of little fuzzy on the exact formula, but please know we the developments that get some form of supervision do get a hefty break that we would not otherwise get and some form of financial aid in some way or other on any market rate property. According to those 2015 are on that page. One group is for families and the numbers, of all the units in all the co-ops in the entire other is for seniors. In spite of all the NORC talk (that state that follow HCR’s rules and reap HCR’s we are a Naturally Occurring Retirement Community) rewards, Co-op City makes up nearly 44% of them.

A family can’t make too little or too much when – a label we get from our number of seniors, not our percentage of seniors – we fall under the “Family” applying and joining the community. Once you’re in group. If we weren’t so big we would have to have at and you start doing well, good for you that you want least one person 60 or older in at least 50 percent of our to stay and pay your pro-rated surcharge. It’s not an apartments to qualify as a NORC. So that’s not how off-the-cliff, all-or-nothing surcharge. You make a we’ve achieved that dubious distinction. little more – as a family – you pay a little more. And

Director’s Viewpoint

Mary Pearson

ANONYMOUS WHISTLEBLOWER HOTLINE

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

doing so ensures your children’s right of succession so don’t be penny-wise and enormous-rent foolish when it’s income affidavit time!

Aside from the income restrictions, we have to follow other rules that HCR sets. That’s what you get for being two-thirds of a billion bucks in debt. I’ve been told that swapping apartments back and forth got us frowned on by HCR in the past so the rule is now quite strict. People have been trying to soften the equity rule with HCR for senior downsizing. I agree. If a senior struggling with an unnecessarily large carrying charge wishes to move to a smaller unit, every effort should be made to accommodate that move. But not by swapping. The incoming family cannot bypass the equity increase of the larger apartment. Equity is one of the means Co-op City stays afloat. The last time this downsizing issue was addressed, I wondered how many people were eager to take advantage of a more lenient transfer policy and the answer was — we don’t even know. So before we start wrangling with the details, let’s first find out the answer to that question. I think we could also use a more flexible roommate policy and maybe even an encouraged senior matching-service.

Throw in momentum toward an in-house-controlled Community Cultural Center, more and better street and building signage, benches lining our brush-free waterfront, and same-key access to every garage door. That’s all. No, wait, a little something more and less for the wish list – more engagement, less grumbling, more gratitude. Please and thank you.

I can be reached at mpearson@riverbayboard.com, or 718-219- 2211.

Co-op City Times / March 16, 2019

11

Church of God’s Children

Church of God’s Children is located at 127 Dreiser Loop, patio level, to the right of Montefiore Clinic.

We invite you with open arms to visit our church, we hope that you can join with us in worship and God’s word. For prayer requests, call 718-790-9120.

Bronx Clergy Task Force-Boro Presidents Office of Faith-Based Initiatives – 4th Peace & Health Interfaith Breakfast, Thursday, March 28, at Bx. County Courthouse, 851 Grand Concourse, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. For sponsorship and tabling, call 718-790-9120 or email bxctf@aol.com. Confidential Hep C testing, plus many other health and community organizations.

March is Women’s History Month: Every Sunday, there will be a woman speaker in both services – Spanish, 9:30 a.m.; English, 1:30 p.m.; 3/17 – Johanna Perales, 9:30 a.m.; Rev. Deborah Jenkins, 1:30 p.m.; 3/31 – Rev. Brunie Perez, Bishop Nancy.

The National Women’s History Theme for 2019 is Visionary Women: Champions of Peace & Nonviolence. For generations, women have resolved conflicts in their homes, schools, and communities. During the month of March, we give a little extra attention to all the amazing accomplishments of faithful, strong, determined women. Since 1987, the United States has formally recognized March as National Women’s History Month. Every woman has a story to tell and gifts to share with the world. So get ready, because this month is about you: magnificent ladies.

In last Sunday’s Sermon, we were told the story of Rahab. We were reminded that everyone knows her as Rahab, the harlot. In Christ, you are no longer known by what you were, You are now known as what you are in Christ. When you come to Christ, your record has been wiped clean. It’s a new beginning. Don’t let anyone remind you of who you were, remember who you now are – a forgiven woman of God. Remember you are a part of history within your own home and community. We must say and remind ourselves that I am: Beautiful. Valuable.

Created and loved with Christ in me. When we know these things, our vision shifts, our hope emerges, and our love flows more freely. “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.� (Prov. 31:25) Saturday, 3/16 – Women’s Fellowship at Fellowship Hall, 2:30 p.m.

Sunday, 3/24 – A special one-year Memorial Service for Rev. Melinda Medina-Reyes at 10:30 a.m. Presented by Children/Youth with Min. Vanessa Ortiz. All are invited.

Sunday School Classes: 11:30 a.m., Sunday School for adults/youth/children Monday: Bible Study & Prayer, 9:30 a.m.

Tuesday: Bible Study, 6:30 p.m. at Fellowship Hall, 159 Dreiser Loop Wednesday: Prayer in Sanctuary at 6:30 p.m. and 12-step fellowship at 159 Dreiser Loop at 7 p.m.

Monday-Friday: After School Workshop & Tutoring, 3-6 p.m. at 159 Fellowship Hall. For information, 718-671-7265.

Goodwill Ministry & Book Shop – Tues.-Fri., 12-4 p.m., 163 Dreiser Loop God brings many blessings of health for you and your family. —Bishop Nancy Rosario # $ %# !$ % % % # % # !$ % % % % " % # $ % $ % " % #!% # % " "" % # % " !# ! %#!%# " % ! $ $% # $% !% #% $ $ # $ %" % #!% # % ! %! $ $# $% " % $ " % "" $ #!" " $% " # ! % # % $# %!"%#% $ % $# $ % $! " %!" $! $ %!"% # $% " " % ! %#% $# $ ) ('%&$ # ! $ ! " ! %%

12

Co-op City Times / March 16, 2019

Women’s History Month Director’s Viewpoint

Francine Reva Jones Assistant Secretary Did you attend the Women’s History Month event last Saturday, featuring SAGE. If not, you missed an outstanding event. SAGE is an all-women’s jazz, blues and contemporary ensemble. Room 31 was nearly filled with music-loving cooperators rocking to the rhythms of the songs made popular by jazz and blues artists of the past. I was pleased to see several of my neighbors from Building 20. Kudos to the organizers.

We almost missed the show, however. Just before leaving for the event, I checked the Co-op City Times and noticed that the ad instructed us to go to a link that was provided: www.eventbrite.com … When I visited the link, it read: SOLD OUT. We discussed whether or not to go, and, since I live so close, we went. Upon arrival, we saw quite a few empty seats.

We sat and enjoyed the show.

I recall the time that I ordered two tickets for a Lehman College event. On the night of the event, my other friend wanted to attend. When I tried to get a ticket through Eventbrite, it read SOLD OUT and she did not go. When we arrived, we were shocked to see two whole sections that were empty. Perhaps Eventbrite should be notified to refrain from using the words SOLD OUT, if it is inaccurate.

Co-op City Spelling Bee The Spelling Bee is next Saturday, March 23. The African-American Association and the Riverbay Fund will sponsor the 6th Annual Spelling Bee. It will take place at 1:00 p.m. in Dreiser Community Center, Room #4. Children in the 4th-8th grades may participate. The first, second and third contest winners will receive prizes of $100, $50, and $25, respectively. All the children will be recognized. Register your child and/or grandchild today. You may obtain registration forms in the Administration Office of the Riverbay Corporation Office at 2049 Bartow Avenue or call 718-671-5957 to obtain the forms electronically.

Please spread the word.

Cooperators Money-Saving Awards Program At the March 20th Open Board meeting in Bartow Center, the winners and participants of this program will be recognized. Come out to celebrate the cooperators who care so much for our community and offered their ideas on how to improve it.

Women’s History Month I was honored to be in the presence of Congresswoman Maxine Waters, who was the Women’s History Month speaker at the Abyssinian Baptist Church.

Congresswoman Waters stated that she was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and the fifth of 13 children. That she went to church every Sunday morning and that it played was important part in her life.

Congresswoman Maxine Waters serves in California’s 43rd District. Presently, she is a Ranking Member of the Financial Services Committee. She also serves as member of the Steering and Policy Committee, making her an integral part of the House Democratic. Additionally, she is an influential member of several Congressional caucuses and task forces.

Congresswoman Waters spoke about the dreams of the millennials and how, after doing everything right and having high career expectations, they were disappointed because the jobs are not there. They have voiced their discontent and calling politicians out.

That, she loves being called “Auntie Maxine,” who speaks Truth to Power. She mentioned some of the women she admired: Shirley Chisolm, Coretta Scott King, Dorothy Height and Fannie Lou Hamer and that they should be role models for our girls.

Congresswoman Waters stated that her elders thought that she might not amount to anything. But, with her intellect and courage, she has the gavel now.

She heads the Financial Services Committee.

She discussed the housing crash and how the banks’ manipulation caused many mortgage holders to lose their homes. She will be dealing with the Wall Street bankers of America. She spoke of the Dodd-Frank

The Kevin Shaw Jr. Memorial Scholarship

The Kevin Shaw Jr. Memorial Scholarship is named in memory of the life of Kevin T. Shaw Jr. (1988-2015) best known for his visionary leadership, charismatic and selfless personality, entrepreneurial mindset and motivational drive. He valued education, hard work and perseverance. This scholarship recognizes a graduating senior who demonstrates exemplary leadership and academic success. Recipients will receive financial support and mentoring to help them pursue their educational goals beyond high school. The student recipient(s) of the Kevin Shaw Jr. Memorial Scholarship will personify the extraordinary life and legacy of Kevin by embodying what he stood for, as they pursue higher education.

“Hard work beats talent when talent won’t work hard” – Herb Brooks Application available online: www.kevinshawjrfoundation.org APPLICATION MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE ONLY ON OR BEFORE APRIL 1, 2019

Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which is a massive piece of financial reform legislation passed by the Obama administration in 2010 as a response to the financial crisis of 2008. That the poor communities were targeted and products were put on the market by fraudulent bankers. Also, auto loans were higher for us than anyone else.

Congresswoman Waters stated that we lost in the midterm elections. Now we know that every election is important. We must get to the polls and vote. We need access to health care and fair lending policies.

The Congresswoman stated that she is angry because many people have worked so hard to make our country just and equal and she is not about to let anyone destroy it.

Since the Democrats have taken back the House, they are looking into the leader’s finances for corruption, money laundering and sanctions. That she will not sit in the Congress and House of Representatives and not represent you. That God has blessed her with the strength and health to know from where she came.

She has the gavel and will correct some of the wrongs that have been done to people in this country. She wants to assure that the millennials can get a loan.

Congresswoman Waters ended stating that she will not be stopped. She has no fear. She is in this fight and will call it like she sees it. She will use the gavel. And, now is the time to use it.

To me, Congresswoman Maxine Waters is a living legend.

Building Association Meetings Attend your building association meetings.

Contact 718-671-5957 or fjones@riverbayboard.com.

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Co-op City Times / March 16, 2019

American Legion Post 1871

General Membership Meeting The third general meeting of the Post is today, Saturday, March 16. The Post will use the occasion to honor our women who have served in a means to join the nation in observing the Women History Month.

Legislative Hill Day Commander Toba from Post 1871, with Bronx County Commander Peter Del Debbio, were among the comrades who were in Albany on Tuesday, March 12, at this year’s Legislative Hill Day for the purpose of contacting all state assemblymen and senators on pending veterans legislation. The legislative meeting started at The Desmond Hotel on Monday, March 11, when it was called to order at 7:00 p.m. On Tuesday, March 12, at exactly 8:30 a.m., there was a breakfast with speeches from various elected officials and invited guests.

Immediately after the breakfast, all the delegates representing various counties were led by the Department Commander Gary Schacher to the Capitol Building and the Legislative Office Building where respective comrades engaged the elected officials representing their counties. The Bronx County is privileged to have the Speaker of the Assembly, Honorable Carl Heastie, among others as their elected official.

American Legion has about ten (10) resolutions that are still pending at the senate. These resolutions date back to 2014, with two resolutions in 2019. It is a great disappointment to learn that the governor in his 30-day budget cut/amendment had dropped the $150k meant for the Boys State Program of the Legion.

The Legion will continue to push for this little change to be reinstated into the budget before the final approval in June.

Raffle Booklet for Memorial Day The American Legion had sent out raffle tickets for fundraising for the purpose of the celebration of this year’s Memorial Day event. The commander reiterated the fact that it is the only means of fundraising for the group. Thus, he made a passionate appeal to veterans and families to use this opportunity to support the post. Finance Officer Gordon and Adjutant Codrington coordinated the sales of tickets for this year. Each member of the American Legion was sent a minimum of 10 booklets while officers received a minimum of 15 booklets.

Happy Birthday to Our Legionnaires Give a big shout-out to the following Legionnaires celebrating their birthdays in the month of March: March 05, Vice Commander Norman Thomas; March 08 – Robert E. Dean, Jr.; March 13 – Commander Toba LaCrown; March 21 – Raymond Riley; and March 31 – Angelo Mateo.

Post Everlasting With a heavy heart, Post 1871 announced the passing away of one of its comrades, Carroll Brown, who died on Friday, March 8. Mr. Brown served in the United States Army and was a Korean War veteran. He was a Bronze Star recipient and a long-time member of American Legion for over 40 years. He was a regular at the Post shooting pool with his best friend, the late Ronald Gantwarg, who passed on to Post Everlasting last year. The late Mr. Brown was one of the first individuals who moved into Co-op City in the 70s.

—Lsjc Adeyemi LaCrown Toba

Building 19 Association

Hello, Building 19 family. Winter is almost officially over. By next Wednesday, Spring will officially be here. I know everyone is looking forward to the warmer weather that comes with Spring.

I want to thank everyone who attended last Tuesday’s monthly committee meeting. Next month’s committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 2, at 7:30 p.m. in the association room located in the back of our building.

The association’s next general meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 20, at 7 p.m. in the association room. Our guest speaker will be a representative from Riverbay who will speak about the issues of succession rights, illegally subletting one’s apartment, and the ins and outs of the moving out process. If you ever had any questions about those three topics, you definitely don’t want to miss this upcoming meeting.

Since last month’s Movie Night event was a success, the association will be hosting a Game Night event next month on Saturday, April 27, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. in the association room. The event will have a variety of board and card games and a game console for adults and kids to play. Light refreshment will be served. More information about this upcoming event will be coming soon so save this date for April.

Don’t forget to come to our general meeting next Wednesday at 7 p.m. I hope to see you there.

—Leon Tulton

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

The deadline for submitting club articles is Mondays at 5 p.m.

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.

14

Co-op City Times / March 16, 2019

We Need To Cut The Cord on These Family Businesses Director’s Viewpoint

Daryl Johnson We had an interesting board meeting on Wednesday, March 6, 2019. During this meeting, there was a presentation by two cooperators. Then, a board director talked about the director’s family-owned company that was seeking to do business with the Riverbay Corporation.

Family Business - Approved!

This case involves a family-owned company that recently received board approval (the board director recused themself from the vote) to conduct business with the Riverbay Corporation.

According to a ‘service agreement’ that was introduced during our board meeting, the Riverbay Corporation will pay $4,976 for advertising to this company. First, $1,000 will be for production costs for a 30-second television commercial to promote our events. Then, this commercial is supposed to run 81 times, each, on two cable channels between 9 a.m. and midnight at a cost of $3,976.

Personally, I do not think that it’s a good idea for Riverbay to do business with a director’s family. Yes, a director might not vote on a matter. But, my thoughts are: What happens after that contract is approved? What happens if something goes wrong?

How are disagreements going to be settled?

Additionally, I feel that it is a total waste of our money to advertise our events on cable channels.

Why would we want to spend money to advertise our small shows? Who do we want to go to those events?

Why does anyone feel that we need to bring in a lot of outsiders to our community events? These events are free. So, are we going to make money by having a larger audience if nothing is being sold? Do you think that a lot of visitors are going to respect our property and our residents? Is it possible that we could have some disturbances here? If you’re not sure of your answers, then we need to save our money.

Besides, we have over 50,000 residents here. So, can you blame them if they don’t want to go to some of these entertainment events? No! In other words, why should our residents feel compelled to go to entertainment events that they don’t like? Furthermore, who said that outsiders will like some of our events if we don’t like some of our events?

By the way, if our board resolutions are printed in our newspaper, then why do you think that this transaction was not printed in our newspaper? What do you really think about this case?

Co-op City 50th Anniversary Gala A tremendous event for Co-op City’s 50th Anniversary was held at the Marina Del Rey on December 10, 2018. Then, it was claimed that this event was huge success. Really? If so, then where are the records regarding this event? How was our money spent? This matter has been going on since December. So, I would like for this community to see all of the transactions that occurred with this event.

New Community Businesses A lot of people wondered what was going to become of that large building that’s next to Staples in Bay Plaza. Well, now we know that a store named

Ashley HomeStore will be conducting business at this location. Ashley HomeStore has 4,000 employees that sell furniture in over 800 stores around the world.

Also, you know that National Wholesale Liquidators (NWL) closed their doors not too long ago. But, now, another entity named National Warehouse has taken over that space. They have similar merchandise. Plus, most of the people that used to work for NWL are now working for National Warehouse.

Payless will be going out of business soon. So, about 18,000 employees will lose their jobs. Previously, Payless was located in a lot of malls. But, a lot of people are going online to purchase almost everything that is inside of these malls. Therefore, they’re avoiding the crowds, the traffic, and the long lines that exist at some of these malls.

Phone Scams Unfortunately, thieves think that seniors are lonely and have saved up a lot of money. So, they will take their chances to get them to part with their money.

For instance, here is a nasty scheme that has been used to get sensitive information from seniors.

Scammers will call you to say that a new Medicare card was mailed to your home. Then, they will ask you if you received that card. Unsuspectingly, you might confirm that you did receive that card. And, that’s when they’ll strike. “We want to issue an updated card to you so that we can deposit money directly into your checking account. So, can you please provide your Medicare number and your checking account number?” Thereafter, they will do everything that you can imagine to financially destroy you.

Scammers will also call you to state that they want to pay for your medical supplies. “We have free medical supplies that we would like to send to you. All you have to do is to confirm your Social Security number and your address. That’s it.”

Please make sure that you do not fall for these foolish scams. Thank you.

Close What is Riverbay supposed to do if a contract does not work out with a board director’s family? Should Riverbay file a lawsuit to get a judgment? What is going to happen if the lawsuit involves fraud?

How would you feel if we had to pay money for lawyer fees and court fees to go after a business that is owned by a director’s family?

So, these examples are good reasons why board directors should refrain from having their family-owned company conduct business with Riverbay.

Thank you.

Questions or com-

Let us know…

If you have news you’d like to share with your neighbors, please give us a call at (718) 3203300, Ext. 3375/6; email: cctimes@ riverbaycorp.com or fax (718) 320-2595.

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

Also, please call me ONLY at 718-671-4544 if you would like to have a brief discussion with me.

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

Thank you.

Another Big Win For Matt Miller

Co-op City youth, Matthew Miller, won First Place in the Black Belt Weapons Division and Third Place in the Black Belt Kata Division on Sunday, March 10, at the Pro/Am Martial Arts Tournament in Philadelphia.

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Co-op City Times / March 16, 2019

Church of New Vision

Pastors Kenneth Hodge and Deborah Hodge and the New Vision congregation invite you and your family to come and worship the Lord with us. Church of the New Vision is designed to meet the spiritual needs of God’s people. Serving the community for over 45 years, we offer a warm, friendly, spirit-filled atmosphere of Christian love. All are welcome.

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

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

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

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

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

Upcoming Events/Programs We are seeking a keyboard player to play at one or two services per week who is familiar with the protocol of the Baptist Church. Please contact the church by email, at info.churchnewvisionbx@gmail.com.

Join us Sunday, March 17, at the 11:00 a.m. service as we celebrate Rev. Kenneth Hodge and Rev. Deborah Hodge’s three-year anniversary as our pastors. The guest speaker will be Rev. Ruthann Coe-Reid of St. Luke Baptist Church of Harlem.Church of the New Vision’s Women’s Retreat is scheduled for October 17-19, at Eddy’s Farm in Sparrow Bush, NY. This two-night, three-day event’s theme is “Just a Closer Walk with Thee.” Double occupancy, $400 per person; single occupancy, $550, includes meals, transportation, workshops and retreat material A $50 non-refundable deposit is due by February 24. We ask that each person brings one person. See Sis. Loretta Scott, Sis. Sadie James or Sis. Hermena Smith for additional information.

Church of the New Vision is located at 115 Einstein Loop, Bronx, NY 10475. Office: (718) 671-8746 or (203) 374-3020. Mailing address: P.O. Box 753037, Bronx, NY 10475.Visit our Facebook page: Church of the New Vision concerning upcoming events and trips, email us at info.churchnewvisionbx@gmail.com or call the church office.

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

REMINDER—Carrying Charge Boxes

Mall at Bay Plaza’s Bronx Entrepreneurship Scholarship Foundation Seeks Applicants The Bronx Entrepreneurship Scholarship, sponsored by the Mall at Bay Plaza, is looking for high school seniors with an interest in entrepreneurship and/or business, who are Bronx residents and have been accepted into an accredited four-year college or university.

"Our borough is home to the best and brightest in the city,” said Sam Shalem, chairman and CEO of Prestige Properties & Development. “We are proud to support the next generation of future entrepreneurs and look forward to meeting this year’s group of applicants.”

To qualify for the scholarship, which is now in its third year, potential applicants must have a 3.0 or higher gradepoint average. In addition to the student’s academic achievement, financial need, any community service, and recommendations from teachers will be considered in the application.

Applicants should submit a transcript and a one-page, single-spaced, essay on why entrepreneurship is important to him/her. There is no application, simply submit the material above to Apply@BronxESFC.com.

Each scholarship winner will be awarded $3,000 annually over four consecutive years (not to exceed $12,000 over the four consecutive years). In order to continue eligibility for the scholarship during college, students must attend classes and maintain no lower than a 3.0 grade-point average or equivalent. The deadline to apply is April 1, 2019.

Following the selection of winners, an award ceremony will be held for the students and their families in the mall.

16

Co-op City Times / March 16, 2019

For the Record…

Director’s Viewpoint

Leslie Peterson If you weren’t there, you missed a great performance by SAGE - All Women’s Jazz and Blues. This all-women jazz, blues and contemporary ensemble has a sound that transcends time and generation.

There was something for everyone. From Jazz to Rhythm and Blues, we were treated to an outstanding show. The nostalgia was in the air as many sang along with the group to favorite songs. The violin, sax, keyboard, cello and drummer were the perfect combination to begin Women’s History Month.

Kudos to the Riverbay Fund.

Recently, there has been conversation in viewpoints about the Cooperator Appeals Committee that consists of three Board directors. One of the directors serve as the chair and the other two directors are cochairs. Until recently, the chair was Junius Williams and the two co-chairs were me, Director Leslie Peterson, and Director Sonia Feliciano. In my opinion, courtesy would have dictated the two co-chairs be asked if they wanted to chair the committee once former Director Williams was gone. I was not asked to chair the committee. Let me say this for the record, contrary to the statement made in a viewpoint by Director Sampson last week, I have not been offered, asked or declined to chair several other committees in the recent past.

On June 22, 2018 I sent an e-mail asking when and how committee selections would be made. I was

told the Committee on Committees would be handling that. Subsequently, an e-mail was sent to all Board directors regarding committees on June 27, 2018. We were asked to submit our request for committees and I did that. Additionally, we were also given a form with all the committees listed and asked to indicate our preferences. I completed and submitted that form also. Under the prior Board president, the Residential Sales and Commercial Leasing Committee was joined as one committee hence my committee/preferences were as follows: Residential Sales/Commercial Leasing Committee, Community Relations Committee, Committee on Committees and the Youth Committee. By mid-July, no decisions had been shared with the entire Board.

I informed the Board by e-mail I would be away on vacation from 7/20-7/30 2018. A Board meeting was held on 7/25/18 and reportedly, per the agenda, I saw the Committee on Committees was going to present their selections. On 7/26/2018 the Riverbay Fund had their meeting. A few days after my return, I was asked if I wanted to chair Commercial Leasing and my response was yes. Again, for the record, if any other requests were offered to me regarding other committees that is news to me.

On another note, Board members are, by virtue of their position as a director, members of all other committees except the Audit and Election Committees. As such, the Board should be informed when committees are meeting so they can decide if they wish to attend.

Each week, a notice is e-mailed to Board members telling them the date, time and location of all committee meetings so they can attend if they choose. Board members are barred from making that decision if they

are not properly advised of the meeting date.

I have tried to discuss what is happening in the community and the issues that affect the quality of life for shareholders in my viewpoints. Having to respond to an erroneous statement is not my desire, however, I do not want anyone to get the impression that offers were made to me based on my committee requests and that I spurned alternate offers.

“There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe nor politic nor popular, but he/she must take it because his conscience tells him it is right.” —MLK Don’t hesitate to reach out. I can be reached by mail at: Leslie Peterson, Riverbay Board Director, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bx, NY 10475, Tel. @ 718320-1370, or e-mail at lpeterson@riverbayboard.com.

Follow the Riverbay Fund on Facebook at www.facebook.com/riverbayfund and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/riverbayfund.

17

Co-op City Times / March 16, 2019

Co-op Insurance The Wright Agency: Serving Co-op City for 37 years!

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Sandra Goldsmith Licensed Insurance Agent

Polly Heckstall Sr. Account Representative (Not Pictured)

The Wright Agency We are conveniently located only blocks from Co-op City!

Hours: Monday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

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18

Co-op City Times / March 16, 2019

Planned Co-op City Waterfront Park Director’s Viewpoint

Evelyn Turner On May 24, 2017, Resolution #17-33 was passed by a Board majority to approve the Memorandum of Donation, dated May 25, 2017 between the City of New York and the Riverbay Corporation for the proposed donation of a 2.28 parcel of land along the Hutchinson River to be developed by the City of New York as a public park. The resolution has not been rescinded and is still posted on both the Riverbay and Mayor’s website. During the last election, no question or update about this resolution was allowed.

Reportedly, “it was off the table for now.”

In September of 2017, shareholders were allowed to express opinions for and against the waterfront park. A longtime resident did go on record to share that a public park would benefit the youth. A concern remains for many that if it happens it would increase unwanted foot traffic.

I am bringing this up because we must pay attention to what is happening around us and in New York City when it comes to land. It’s in the papers, “New York Times,” how the city, with our taxes, is funneling aid to Hudson Yards, a 28-acre complex. It is reportedly one of the nation’s most lucrative real estate project in recent years. As we advocate for MTA services for seniors and services to Wall Street, the city has reportedly spent about $2.4 billion to extend the No. 7 subway line to Hudson Yards.

Reportedly, the City Council stepped up to contribute $339 million (tax breaks and other incentives).

My point is when will we as a “City within a City” organize and demand tax breaks and other financial incentives to build our own private park and community center? In November 2012, we borrowed $621,500,000 from Wells Fargo Multifamily Capital.

What will happen to Co-op City when that loan is paid off? Will Co-op remain affordable for the next

generation?

Transfer Of Apartments/Downsizing Thanks to a cooperator who called and expressed her concern about how the city/state’s policy (NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR, also DHCR) is having a profound impact on seniors and other non-seniors who wish to downsize.

The resolution, #19-11, was tabled as more discussion is required. My idea is to have an open Board Meeting with HCR and others after the upcoming Board election to demand that the rules in place be changed. No law is etched in stone. Laws on the federal level have been recently changed and laws on the local/state level can be changed. Cooperators other than seniors would like to downsize, but are crippled by the money required and present governmental policies made by men and women.

If the city can assist another community with more than a billion dollars in tax breaks, etc., they can assist Co-op City in a way we don’t lose money. We are law-abiding tax payers. Again, after the election, maybe an appropriate community group can help organize an open debate about the rules that are in place. In my opinion, strong advocacy would require the full Board, Management, elected officials and cooperators. We need a slide presentation to show what the present policy is and then demand changes that would benefit us without losing a dime. What are your thoughts? Are you crystal clear about the policy?

Recent Board Meeting Thanks to the committee working on Co-op City’s 50th Anniversary events. Your efforts are appreciated.

Events were shared starting February through July 2019. I voted yes to retain the services of “Bright Advertising Inc.” to help advertise the event. We need to see our events proudly aired on television commercials, as well as flyers in the buildings.

Public Safety A concern I expressed with Management is what happens to the yearly graduates from this department.

Every year, there is a graduation. Why is there a shortage of personnel? Reportedly, as with all jobs,

Building 13 Association

Thank you to the Co-op City Public Safety Department Captain, David Perez, and Lt. Pam Apollo, for attending our monthly meeting last week. We had a lively conversation and exchange of information. Many were concerned about a recent incident that happened in our lobby. Thank you also to our lobby attendant whose quick action summoned officers to the scene.

We have resumed our monthly meetings, so please check the information in the bulletin board and mark your calendars. March is the month we begin to collect building association dues. Please check the bulletin board for dates and times of dues collection.

Annual affidavits will be notarized for free when you become a paid member

individuals move on for a variety of reasons after training.

An Index Crime Report was shared and we are still one of the safest communities in the Bronx Zip Codes.

March Is Social Work Month Please join me in celebrating all Co-op City social workers this month. The social work profession was founded many years ago. Social workers ensure that all people have equal access to resources and opportunities that allow them to meet their basic needs.

Social workers are political advocates. Social workers seek to enhance the well-being of individuals, families and communities. Licensed Clinical Social Workers help work through traumas, depression and grief. Social workers work in partnership with psychologists and psychiatrists. Co-op City social workers are directors at different homeless shelters and hospitals in New York City, etc. Co-op City social workers are therapists helping children deal with stress, anxiety and anger. Social Workers are teachers, mentors, and writers. Social workers help individuals discover their worth. Social workers are helping children find forever homes. Social workers like Elizabeth Denevi & Nicholas Pastan are “helping whites develop anti-racist identities.” A social worker like Mary Pender-Green is having monthly Executive Undoing Racism First Monday meetings. Black Social Workers are holding Black psychotherapists monthly support groups, and the list goes on. Social workers are doing God’s work. A social worker is training the next generation from several colleges to carry the torch into the future. Hats off to Co-op City’s and all amazing social workers worldwide.

African Women Inventors Patricia Bath, M.D. Apparatus for Ablating & Removing Cataract Lenses. May 17, 1988.

I.O. Carter –Nursery Chair, February 9, 1960 Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving. – Albert Einstein.

I may be reached at: Evelyn M. Turner, 917-3241033, evelyntinez@aol.com.

of the Building 13 Association, Inc. Your dues help us continue to provide the many activities for youth and adults in the community.

Earth Day is celebrated every year. Rivers Run Community Garden, Co-op City Little League and the Riverbay Fund, are preparing for the Earth Day Carnival Parade scheduled for April 20 (rain date: April 27), at 10 a.m. on the main Greenway. If your association or organization is interested in participating, please contact Rivers Run Community Garden, at 718-671-3801. Bring the kids to participate in the Easter egg hunt and various other activities and games.

Join us as we travel to QVC on Saturday, May 4. There are still some seats available. We will leave at 7:30 a.m. from Building 13 (100 Casals Place). The trip will include a Studio Tour (you must have ID to enter the site), time at the QVC Retail Store and a buffet meal at the Golden Corral. The cost is $89 in full (February 22) or $49.00 – first payment due February 22; $40.00 – balance due March 22). Payment (checks payable to Building 13 Assoc. Inc.) sent to address included below.

Save the Date: Riverbay Fund Events March 20: Double Dutch Expo – Co-sponsored by the National Double Dutch League at Dreiser Loop Community Center, room 4, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

March 23: 6th Annual Spelling Bee – Co-sponsored by the African American Association at the Dreiser Loop Community Center, room 4, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

New York City has a leash and curb your dog law and so does Co-op City.

We ask that you be considerate of your neighbors and curb and pick up after your dog. “Curb” does not mean under the portico or in the grass and remember your dog should be on a leash always. If you see an infraction, please contact CCPD immediately.

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

Inc. and mailed to 100 Casals Place #32K, Bronx, NY 10475. Contacts: Gail Sharbaan, treasurer, at 718-671-3801; Vivian Campbell, 718-671-3012; or Leslie Peterson, at 718-320-1370, (daddpeterson@aol.com) or e-mail us at building13assoc@yahoo.com.

Thanks for making our team work.

—Leslie Peterson

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Co-op City Times / March 16, 2019

Broun Place Townhouse Association

Last week was a busy week around Co-op City. dance when they start. Eventbrite said “SAGE” was But Broun Place appeared pretty quiet. One neighbor “Sold-out.” It wasn’t! So glad to have been there.

The Riverbay Buildings and Grounds Committee reported seeing the unleashed white dog that we have photos of. We will keep a watchful eye for this owner met last week and it was well attended by staff and association representatives. Broun Place had not who thinks it is OK to unleash their dog.

We welcome our new neighbors and hope they will received any particulars to speak on, but we did voice attend our March 20 meeting. Mr. “T” Barzelatto, appreciation for the timely clean-up after the snow Riverbay Safety director, is our guest of honor at this and strong winds. We requested that our bins be empBroun Place association meeting. March 20 – put this tied very expeditiously, especially if there is a strong date on your calendar and join us at 7 p.m. for “Safety wind forecast. Again, acknowledging Co-op City Information” and light refreshments. Bring your pioneer Arthur Taub, his influence is everywhere and questions for Mr. Barzelatto, too. Come to our associ- his memory lives on. There are many stories of Mr. ation meeting, Wednesday, March 20, 7 p.m.

Taub’s that support this, they will be told.

Thank you to Michelle Sajous and her department This week, we send early birthday greetings to for bringing “SAGE” on March 9 as part of our “salute Reverend Grace Emanuel and thank her for always to women” events in “Women’s History Month 2019.” sharing information. Port Authority Recruitment It was a great show and the ladies are so superior in information, PANYNJ Police Recruit Network is their jazz interpretations of familiar ole rock songs of one of the better kept secrets of law enforcement, Marvin Gaye to Chaka Khan and a rendition of “Summertime,” a salute to Ella Fitzgerald and others.

It was phenomenal. It reminded us of great Co-op City Jazz shows. Ms. Sajous announced that “Tunes on Tuesdays” will be back. This is an important undertaking and should be appreciated by your atten-

Building 21 Association

Change of Date: Our next 21 Association gathering will be Thursday, March 21. Mark your calendars and everyone from all buildings plan to attend.

If you have any questions regarding The 21 Association, you have three ways of gaining information.

Email: 21association@gmail.com. Call your association at 347.504.1821. Attend the monthly meetings which are held every fourth Thursday in “The Gathering Room,” rear of the B-section (120 Bellamy Loop) at 7 p.m.

Announcing the formation of the 21 Association Junior League. Calling all junior shareholders from age 10 – 18. Our next meeting (on March 21) is your meeting.

The objective is to enroll the youth of this community to become actively involved in creating a forum for ideas and empowering them to be leaders.

The results will be the creation of the Association Junior League and the enrollment of our youth will accomplish two important goals: The involvement of young people will open the door to them becoming the adult branch. Current boards and association members are older and this will give rise to the younger generation taking the mantle and keeping the legacy, commitment and activities flourishing.

Our young people will not be idle and they will be given the opportunity to be creative and explore new territories.

THINK TANK at Building 21 is the safe haven for your dreams. We’re making miracles happen every Friday at 8:00 p.m. in “The Gathering Room” rear of Building 21B. Your community needs your ideas, your strength of mind, character and moral resilience. All are welcome.

Floor Captains – an absolute necessity in every building…

All we ask of anyone responsible enough to be a Floor Captain is as follows: 1. Contact numbers (for your floor only) List all emergency contact numbers and distribute to each neighbor 2. Co-op City Times: Place them at each apartment door (delivered on Saturdays) 3. Elevator notices: Read them and talk to your neighbors about them 4. Promote: meetings, clubs and gatherings 5. Encourage your neighbors to: • Vote – Vote – Vote! In the Riverbay Election • Make calls to the Riverbay offices Security 718-671-3050 CSO offices 718-320-3300 We are dedicated to the self-development and empowerment of every shareholder in Co-op City.

Join us at Building 21 sometime. Come one, come all. Each one of us divided by all of us equals a force for good. See you around the neighborhood!

—Michelle Marbury

NY-NJ area. For more information: http://www.papdrecruit.com/pages/salary-benefits.

If you need door repair, call CSO, go there, email, take photos, do not give up. Although the high-rise residents are getting lobby and elevator repairs, no project is planned for us. Are you still disposing of house garbage in the older, open top concrete bins in the center of Broun Place pedestrian walkway? If you are caught and identified, expect a Community Complaint, take the extra steps to the compactor pad!

Neighbors, pick up your newspapers, please.

ALERT – never give personal information over the telephone and only on secure websites that have “https” as part of the ID name.

Broun Place Executive Committee wishes those recovering from illness and hardships, a speedy, complete recovery and many good days ahead.

—Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

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Co-op City Times / March 16, 2019

Mind Your Business

that viewpoints should focus only on the welfare and quality of life of the shareholders and no personal Director’s Viewpoint attacks. It is important to know that all viewpoints are thoroughly reviewed by both the Legal Department and the editor of the CC Times to prevent personal or unwarranted attacks being printed. In I remember growing up in the Bronx and walking regards to the shareholders’ welfare and quality of into the local stores and seeing fruits and vegetables life, transparency is the key; we must be upfront and on display. Today as I roam throughout the Co-op honest with the shareholders at all times. The sharecommunity, I notice that a majority of the stores have holders need to know what is really going on in real unhealthy foods in plain view for your consumption. time and the decisions we all make on their behalf, This reminds me of the past when there was a liquor not anything else. Allowing the proposed resolution to go through will create a control environment by a store on every corner in the South Bronx.

Product placement is a form of advertising where majority, which can be toxic in our community in the a business will pay to have its product prominently future. I call this resolution “control theory.” In my displayed. Product placement is most prevalent today opinion, we need bylaw changes versus band aid resin movies or television shows. It is a rather indirect olutions that most don’t adhere to anyway. Finally, form of advertising because the product isn’t being we should never mix personal attacks with the truth. expressly pitched for sale. Why do we have candy History will define us by what we do that was right clearly displayed and the fruits are not? We live in an while on the Board, not by what was popular. Board environment where high blood pressure, diabetes, elections are upon us and soon some will have to hypertension are among us. We need to bring in ven- pledge their allegiance to a new leader. It’s OK to foldors that are health-friendly and willing to accommo- low the leader, but first ask the person in front of you, date the residents of this community. In my opinion, where are they leading you to? if we stay on this pace, we will be putting our chilProfessionalism Breeds Pride dren at great risk of becoming unhealthy.

I am glad to see the fruits of my labor. When I first became chair of the Security Committee, I fought Silence Of The Lamb I recently reviewed a First Reading of an upcom- for better equipment and vehicles for the men and ing resolution that I believe is designed to silence or women in uniform who patrol our community and control how some directors should write their view- keep us all safe. I am proud to see the arrival of new points. In my opinion, the resolution was prepared vehicles, both marked and unmarked, patrolling our as a way to dictate how a director should speak or community. I am also proud to see the officers with share their views. One of my main concerns I have new protective gear designed to keep them safe while expressed in the past was how CC Times would allow they are performing their duties. I am aware of the others to express their views and not allow the other slight uptick in crime in our community, however, it side to equally do the same. Resolution 87-34 states is important to know that crime, compared to other

Jerome L. Rice

Building 10 Association

Greetings, fellow cooperators.

General Membership Meeting: At the general membership meeting on Wednesday, March 6, our guest speaker was Ms. Nichola Ferguson from the Allstate Insurance Co. Ms. Ferguson spoke about reviewing our co-op insurance with your agent and keeping an inventory of your household items. She also informed us that the Gun Hill Road Allstate office has four notaries on staff, and they offer the 6-hour defensive driving class. If anyone has questions regarding their policy, Ms. Ferguson can be reached at 718-671-8000.

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

Sands Casino and Shopping Outlet – On Saturday, March 23, we will be going to the Sands Casino and Shopping Outlet in Pennsylvania. Tickets are $45.00 with a $25.00 bonus. We have a few tickets left. Reserve your seat now. For more information, call 718-320-4059 or 646-220-0802.

Game Night: Game Night will be held on Friday, April 5, in the association room from 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. All are welcome. Bring your favorite game and be prepared to have a great time. Light refreshments will be served.

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718.239.7110

communities, is down and Co-op City remains one of the safest communities.

To everyone who has reached out to me about the status of the RING doorbell, Management has scheduled a sit-down meeting during the month of April with the company and the Board on this matter, and I will update you afterwards. In the meantime, continue to report any and all unusual incident to either CCPD or NYPD. People, please adhere to the parking rules and avoid parking in another shareholder’s assigned parking spot.

Land Of The Giants I continue to see many of the unused property that is filled with debris. Unused property should be put to use for the betterment of the community. While so many, like myself, are against giving the land away, I would like something to be done with the land because it has become an eyesore to this community. During the 50th Anniversary, the Mayor had stated while standing next to some Board directors about “a park in Co-op City.” Suddenly that went under the radar as if something was accidently leaked out. We should make a decision and stop kicking the can down the street hoping that it will go away. We also have to do more to keep the small businesses in our community from leaving our community; it’s starting to look like a ghost town is certain sections of the community.

March Is Women’s Day Breaking news! Every day is women’s day. So to all the mothers who have to get their child up early just to go work and to all the women who have to work extra hard just to prove that they are equal, if not more talented, than their male counterparts, I want to wish you a Happy and Healthy Women’s Day each day.

Association Dues: We will begin collecting building association dues for the year 2019 on Tuesday, April 9. Building association dues are $10 per apartment.

Please note, the money collected is used for association-related expenses, i.e., meeting and party supplies, bus trip expenses/supplies, and refreshments, etc.

Please see the posted flyers for the dates and times.

Bake Sale: Back by popular demand…Our annual Bake Sale will be held on Saturday, May 4. We are looking forward to some tasty treats.

Laundry room etiquette: Please refrain from using the carts, benches and tables for dirty laundry. And please remove your laundry from the dryers and washers promptly at the completion of the cycle so others can use them.

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

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

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

Have a great week.

—Jewel Crawford-Duncan

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Co-op City Times / March 16, 2019

Building 9 Association

Greetings, Building 9 family. We reside in a wonderful and vibrant community. Let us all strive to make it better. Please continue to be mindful of others.

A kind word or thoughtful gesture goes a long way.

Please continue to peruse our lobby bulletin boards for information and photos related to building association supported activities and events. The Building 9 Association executive board works diligently to create social events to enhance your life experiences in your building and your community.

CSO Contact Numbers

Cooperators who live in Buildings 1-14, may contact CSO 1 in Dreiser, Room 6, at (718) 320-3300, and follow the prompts.

CSO 2 covers Buildings 15-25 and is located in the Bartow Community Center, Room B. The office may be contacted by calling (718) 320-3300, and follow the prompts.

CSO 3 covers Buildings 2635 and is located in Room 37 in the Einstein Center. The office can be reached by calling (718) 320-3300 and follow the prompts.

More fun on Runway Nine

Next week will be our 4th Annual Women’s History Month event. Our theme for Women’s History Month will include Women’s Health. Our Guest Speaker will be Sheila Richburg-Manley, NCNW Health Committee Chair, along with panel members, Wanda Randall and Rosemary Bailey. Please join us. Schedule your annual breast exams, mammograms, pelvic exams, Pap smears, etc. Your life may depend on it.

Our building association annual membership dues amount will remain the same. Volunteers, please contact me to be added to our volunteer roster. We have a couple of scheduling voids that need to be filled.

Our March 28 membership meeting guest speaker will be Helen Atkins, former Riverbay Board president. Ms. Atkins’ presentation will center on community-based social services available to seniors.

One of the primary goals of these services is combating loneliness, isolation, and depression, as well as services for the homebound, and more.

Our 4th Annual International Food Night event is scheduled for March 30 at 7 p.m. Please prepare an ethnic dish to share with your neighbors and provide a brief description of the origins or significance of the dish. Please contact me or another executive board member if you need more information.

Somos unidos!

The Building 9 Association executive board will host a traditional English low tea event on Saturday, April 13, at 3 p.m. Please join us for our “Afternoon Tea & Talk” event.

When we know each other better, we treat each other better. Please do not allow your children to run, ride bikes or scooters, and/or play in our hallways or laundry rooms. It is unsafe for your children and it can be disturbing to your neighbors.

Remember, there is an emergency only phone located in our lobbies, should a perceived threat exist. All facts matter.

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” –Edmund Burke —Linda Collins

Building 32 Association

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Have fun, but in moderation, of course.

The Building 32 Association will have this month’s general meeting on Tuesday, March 19, at 7:30 p.m.

It’s open to all Building 32 cooperators.

This month, we will have a guest speaker: Mr. Anthony Barzelatto of the Riverbay Safety department. If you missed his fire safety talk at the Einstein Center, fear not. Here’s your chance to hear him speak about topics like how to exit during a fire, cooking safety, safe candle usage, space heater safety and general fire safety tips we all need to know.

So join us on March 19 at 7:30 p.m. to learn some worthwhile information that just may save a life... yours.

—Ezekiel Springer Jr.

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Co-op City Times / March 16, 2019

Co-op City Working Families Party

Petitioning for NYC Public Advocate. AGAIN? Yes. Jumaane Williams won the Special Election for NYC Public Advocate. But he’ll need to run again in the Tuesday, June 25th Primary despite the fact that none of his February competitors plan to oppose him. Election Day, February 26, 2019 began the petition process… again. The last day to submit petitions for the June 25th Primary is Thursday, April 4. We will have petitions, headed by Jumaane, once again, for anyone who wishes to collect signatures for candidates.

Last Meeting/Next Meeting Actions Happy to report that Common Cause’s campaign in support of the House of Representatives bill that supports a.) Automatic Voter Registration b.) small donor citizen-funded elections c.) impartial redistricting to end gerrymandering and d.) strong ethics standards for ALL officials, passed! The un-weakened For the People Act (H.R. 1) will or will not go to the US Senate where, even if it miraculously gets on the docket it will not pass until the Democrats take over. Patience. If you would like to thank your congressman responsible for this important step, contact: • U.S. Congressman Eliot Engel, engel.house.gov/ contact-me, 2462 Rayburn HOB, Washington, DC 20515; (202) 225-2464; 177 Dreiser Loop, rm. 3, Bronx, NY 10475; (718) 320-2314.

And there’s more stunning Common Cause news: on March 26th the Supreme Court will hear arguments in Rucho v. Common Cause which could mark the beginning of the end to gerrymandering in all states. Stay tuned!

And there is still time to: 1.) Join NYCD16 Indivisible’s fight against changing the rules for small grassroots lobbyists, to not regulate people-run organizations into oblivion.

Call our state legislators to work to delete PART R of the Good Governance and Ethics Reform Act. 2.) Join WFP in fighting the Fusion Voting Ban.

Fusion Voting allows candidates to run under more than one party line. The ban could weaken or destroy political entities such as WFP. Call our state legislators to fight this un-leveling of the political playing field.

• State Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, benedettom@nyassembly.gov, 177 Dreiser Loop, Rm. 12 Bronx, NY 10475; (718) 320-2220; LOB 727, Albany, NY 12248; (518) 455-5385 • State Senator Jamaal Bailey, bailey@nysenate.gov, 959 East 233rd St., Bronx, NY 104663207; (718) 547-8854; Legislative Office Building, Room 707, Albany, NY 12247; (518) 455-2061 The Co-op City Working Families Mission As progressives, Co-op City Working Families members work to elect the most progressive candidates possible who will stand in the way of all regressive legislation.

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

As Co-op City WF/Indivisible members, we do both. We embrace progressive values by modeling inclusion, respect, and fairness in all of our actions; we work to make Co-op City a stronger community; and we insist our representatives serve as our voice in Co-op City, in the Bronx, in Albany, and in Washington, D.C. Next Meeting Join us on Tuesday, March 26, in Einstein, room 35, at 7:00 p.m., at our regular 4th Tuesday meeting.

Expect a call or an email as the day approaches.

Or just come! We do not say no to dues but what we really want is your presence and your input.

Remember, you don’t have to have a family or a job to join us, you can be single or retired and still join the Co-op City Working Families Party. All progressives are welcome. For more details, text or call 718 219 2211 or email mpjazz@optonline.net.

—Mary Pearson

Building 27 Association

Hello, neighbors. Mr. Groundhog decided we should have an early spring.

Spring is in the air, finally. Soon, the trees and flowers will blossom, so cheer up!

Women History Month – New York City will dedicate four new memorials to women who have made a difference. One we are proud to announce is Ms. Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to serve in Congress, who will be honored with a monument at the Parkside entrance of Prospect Park in Brooklyn in the congressional district she proudly represented. We salute all women of Co-op City who are busy and involved towards the betterment of their homes and community.

Collection of Dues – Once a year, our Building 27 Association accepts dues of $5.00 per apartment, and each family becomes proud members of the building association. The collection of dues will take place on Friday, March 22, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. by representatives of Bldg. 27A, B and C. To our new cooperators, the building association meets every two months, from September to June, and takes a break for the summer. We are busy taking care of issues concerning our building; we follow up on your concerns, after one has contacted the Community Service Office (CSO) and the issues have been unresolved. Please always ask for the name of the person you speak to, date and time. The dues help to cover expenses for posted fliers, ink, holiday decorations, annual holiday party, refreshments, Section 5 Family Fun Day, donations to groups within the community and beyond our community.

Building 27 Association’s general meeting will be held on Thursday, March 28, 7 p.m. in the rear lobby of Bldg. 27C. See you there! Please come with ideas to help with the youth, scholarship, etc. We are all in this together.

Dog Committee – Do we still have one? A young man walking two large dogs, one looked to be a German Shepherd, but both were on a leash. However, an elderly lady decided the sidewalk was not wide enough for her, the dogs and the young man. She took to the street with her cane. This should not be considered rhetoric, or taken lightly when an elderly or anyone for that matter is frightened; also, to even get on the elevator with oversized dogs and pit bulls.

We were introduced to a new attorney at a Board meeting some time ago. I believe a Board member asked the new attorney if he could see what can be done in court to add a resolution or amendment to limit the size of dogs Co-op City would prefer. Nothing ever came of this request.

Happy Birthday to all celebrating during this month. The best of health to all.

Contact Lydia Rondon at 718-583-3040 to share news of an illness, or the passing of a neighbor.

Pray for peace among the world leaders now more than ever. Leaders and leadership choices and decisions affect our very daily lives. At the end of the day, be nice, respectful and offer kindness to your neighbor; life is to short.

“There is nothing better than the encouragement of a good friend.” –K.B. Hathaway —H. Overman

Building 25 Association

By now, we would have all turned our clocks forward an hour due to Daylight Saving Time to spring ahead into warmer weather. This time of the year is also a reminder to check the battery in your smoke alarms if you do not have the 10-year battery warranty smoke alarm installed.

The articles that you read in the CCTimes on the weekends for our building should reflect the happenings in our building. I would like to interact with the neighbors in our building to get some feedback, nothing private, but something like graduations, weddings, job promotions, prayers for loved one in the hospital or under the weather, loved one passed away, practically anything that you would want to share with your neighbors; there is power in numbers.

I will dedicate one Saturday a month sitting in the lobby to take names and events from people who want to participate. This Saturday, you can catch me in the lobby from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

We wish all neighbors born in March a Happy Birthday, and for those who have been under the weather, we hope you get better soon.

Our next meeting will be scheduled for Tuesday, March 19, at 7:30 p.m. If you cannot make it to meetings due to scheduling or other obstacles in your way, please log onto our building email address at building25ca@gmail.com and address your emails to any or all members of Building 25 Association. Friendly reminder, our building annual dues are $5.00 per family. We would like to thank the residents who have paid their annual dues. Dues are collected at our monthly meetings by Carol Eilets, treasurer, or Celeste Stukes, asst. treasurer.

I will close with the following reasons for Daylight Saving time: “One brilliant man reasoned daylight savings time to get more daylight during wartime, another reasoned to get more daylight for golfing.” –Chas Early —Wanda Bailey

23

National Council Of Negro Women

Co-op City Times / March 16, 2019

Baychester Visual Arts Association

Painting classes will resume at BVA beginning on Tuesday, March 5.

Art classes are held on Tuesdays 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. Since this session will be five weeks, the cost will be $30. This is the best bargain in the Bronx – maybe even the city – given the quality of instruction offered.

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 New York and New Jersey area and has won awards for his artwork. You can call M. Groves at 201-926-6896 or S. Lochansky at 718-379-1049 for more information.

We would like to invite artists interested in giving a paid demonstration to our class members and to people in the community. Many people are artistically talented and it would be great to share their ability with our artists. You can call Moses Groves, at 201-926-6896.

If you would like to take art classes, you can come to rm. 5, on Tuesdays, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., or register by mail indicating the class time desired. Tuition can be sent to Baychester Visual Arts, P. O. Box 678, Co-op 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.

Science is for the body and art is for the soul.

—Sylvia Lochansky

If you witness items being thrown from apartment windows, please note the location and contact Public Safety immediately.

Spanish-American Community Club

Vacation Travel – NCNW is planning a Cruise to Bermuda, August 4 to August 11. Since this time slot coincides with the school vacation period, we’re hoping that families may be able to enjoy this vacation together. Norwegian Cruise Line provides “no fly cruising” from NYC. Rates per person (double occupancy) are Balcony, $2082; Ocean View, $1902; Inside, $1557. This includes port charges & government taxes, all meals and daily entertainment while aboard ship. Passports must be valid for six (6) months beyond August. Further information about accommodations for Single cabins and for children under 4 years can be obtained by calling 718-655-9034 or 718-320-2366 or 718-5388606. A deposit of $250 per person will reserve your stateroom.

Travel insurance of $170 is highly recommended. Don’t miss out on this chance to explore Bermuda by land and by sea – a perfect family fun vacation! Partial payments accepted but no refunds.

Final payment is due by April 1.

Women Represent! Ladies Are Lit! – Join us for our women’s program on Saturday, April 6, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Dreiser Center, room 4. This year, we celebrate women in literature as writers, performers and amazing women in leadership. We will also reflect on last year’s theme, I Love Me, a reminder to women regarding self-care. We will open with “A Poetic Moment” from 1-2 p.m. Everyone is invited to share original poetry or poetry by a favorite author for the first hour. Men, women, teens and children are all welcome and encouraged to attend. There is something for everyone! For more information or if you would like to participate, contact worrellswords@aol.com.

Economic Empowerment and Professional Development – Unfortunately, due to a scheduling conflict, this workshop is being postponed until the fall. Stay tuned for further announcements. It will be open to all but the main focus will be for young adults ages 18-24 and those 50+ years making a mid-life career change.

Raisin in the Sun – On Saturday, April 27, our Pre-Mother’s Day Event will be the play, “A Raisin in the Sun,” at the Taino Towers Cultural Building, 240 East 123rd Street in Manhattan.

This theater is located near the first Express bus stop in Harlem.

Each ticket is only $20 so the whole family can enjoy this classic story of a Black family trying to move into a white neighborhood, which opened on Broadway in 1959 to rave reviews. Mail checks to NCNW Co-op City Section, PO Box 93, Bronx 10475.

Health Info – Albert Einstein College of Medicine is looking for people in the Co-op City community between the ages of 40 and 65 to do a study on the relationship between nutrition and Alzheimer’s Disease. If you think you might be interested, contact our health committee chairman at shemama05@icloud.com.

—Joyce Howard

Please join us on the second Thursday of every month at 8:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome!

Upcoming events Nomination of club officers and elections will take place in March. Nominations took place on March 14. Election night will take place on March 28. The Membership Committee will be raffling off two separate tickets to the Installation Dinner Dance. Raffle tickets were distributed on Nominations night, and the raffle will take place on Election night. Raffle-holders must be present in order to win. Members: Please plan to attend. Your presence is crucial.

The club is sponsoring ‘Vegas Night’ on Saturday, March 16, at 7:00 p.m. More information is available on the website and Facebook.

March’s ‘Social Friday’ will take place on Saturday, 3/30, at 7:00 p.m.

The Installation of officer’s dinner and dance is scheduled for Friday, April 26, at Maestro’s. Tickets are $60 for members and $80 for non-members. Payment is due by April 11.

For more information, please contact Alfonso Gonzalez at (347) 249-3403. Please see the flyer on the website.

Applications for the Tony Mondesire Scholarship are now available. Applications are being distributed to member households with students of higher education. The forms will be available in room 16 of Dreiser Loop Center, at any of our monthly meetings, either the second Thursday of every month or at our board of directors meetings on the first Tuesday of each month. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and residents of the Bronx. Students must carry a minimum of 12 credits per semester at an accredited institution for at least one year. Applications must be returned by May 9, either by mail, or to a member of the Scholarship Board of Trustees.

The fair committee is planning another trip to Resort World Casino Catskills on Saturday, May 11.

Tickets are $40. Additional information will be available on the website and Facebook page.

Membership renewals are now past due. A penalty fee of $48 for the year ($4 a month) will be assessed.

Family Owned and Operated Additional information for all upcoming club events, as well as details concerning the club in gen• Large Chapel • Pre-need counseling on premises eral, can be found on our website: http://spanamcccc.synthasite.com. You may also email the club at • Out of town services • Ample Parking SpanAmCCCC@gmail.com or find us on Facebook on premises • Cremations (search for ‘spanamcccc’).

• Casket Showroom —Carmen Rodriguez on premises

A dignified funeral every family can afford.

All areas are handicapped accessible

Personalized & Professional Care • 53 Years Serving Our Community Worldwide Shipping including Caribbean, Africa & South America

718-231-7647 Call 24 Hours

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

NOW WEBCASTING TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS ABROAD

Serving all cultures & faiths

24

Co-op City Times / March 16, 2019

Greetings, friends. The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc., The Williamsbridge Club, which meets on the second Friday of each month in Dreiser Loop Community Center, is an organization established in 1935 for the purpose of supporting and encouraging women in business and the professions. We sponsor a Founders’ Luncheon each spring at which we recognize members of the community who have excelled and give scholarships to high school seniors going on to college.

At this time, we are accepting nominations for women in the community who should be recognized for achievement in the business, profession, education, community service and/or ministry. Please contact us at P.O. Box 6, Co-op City Station or 718.328.2302 for more information.

Women’s History Moment: March is Women’s History Month – The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs celebrate our founders, Visionary Women of Change – Mrs. Ollie Chinn Porter, Emma Odessa Young, Effie Diton, Bertha Perry Rhodes, Josephine B. Keene and Adelaide Flemming. These women were owners, managers, college graduates and professionally licensed women. The quote: “I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear, knowing what must be done does away with fear.” –Maya Angelou. These words speak to the times of the beginnings of NANBPWC and to the times we live in today.

This week, we highlight Luvvie Ajayi, who is an award-winning author, speaker, and digital strategist who uses her voice and humor to amplify issues surrounding gender, racial and social justice.

March 23: Dreiser Loop Community Center, room 13, noon-3 p.m., Domestic Violence—Views Of The Community: Concerns, Knowledge, Safety.

Come out to learn and participate.

Building 6 Association

A lot of people are asking when is our next building meeting? We need to collect building dues of $5 as every building in Co-op City does to raise money to buy stuff for the building association. We need paper towels, napkins, drinks, cookies, cups, and other stuff to have a building meeting. I need to have someone from Riverbay to clean the floors. There’s a lot to be done. I will be collecting dues on March 20 in the lobby from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

I can’t do it alone; we all must work together and make this happen. Marvin Lowery and I have been cleaning up the room, throwing stuff out, and trying to add stuff to the room to make it enjoyable to have meetings and holiday get-togethers. I have been trying my best to make this building enjoyable to live in. During Christmas, most buildings have a Santa Claus in the lobby for the kids; we have had Santa Claus in the lobby for many years now and I bought Grinch outfits for the kids this year, too. Please support the Building 6 Association.

I still don’t have any updates on the construction of phase 2 that our building is going through now. I will try to get information soon for you all. The construction has made it hard to get to the mall cross the street and get the buses that everyone uses to get to work. Most of all, it’s been hard on the senior citizens in our building. We’re all trying to do our best to make it through day-by-day. A lot of people have been having trouble with the lock on our front door in the lobby. I got it fixed so hopefully no one is still having trouble getting in the lobby front door.

On a happy note, we have our great lobby attendant, Andy Soto, to greet us when we come in and out of the building and to make us safe. It’s always a pleasure seeing Andy in the lobby.

Please support the building association, thank you!

We need people to join the building association!

—Jeffrey Schwartz

Williamsbridge Club

Current Events: The Williamsbridge Club is in full operational mode planning for our 42nd Annual Founders Day Luncheon. Save the Date: May 4, at Eastwood Manor, 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Our Awardees are: Sojourner Truth Award – Jen Lackard, Community Service Award – Deborah Ogumah, Man of the Year – Lucian Pinckney, Minister of the Year – Rev. Dr. Naomi Tyler-Lloyd, Business Award – Catherine Branch, Educator – Shanequa Moore, Achievement – Angelina Asberry-Holmes, Trailblazer Award – Leticia James-Attorney General. Come one, come all, 718.328.2302.

This club year, we will have several forums, free and open to the public: Our upcoming events are: March 23 – Domestic Violence –Views of the Community: Concerns, Knowledge, Safety; April 8, 9, 10, 11 – Computer Workshop. For more information, 718.328.2302. More information to follow. March 23, Dreiser Loop Community Center, room 13, noon – 3:00 p.m. If you or someone you know has experienced abuse or violence, come out to learn

Black Forum Food Pantry Update A reopening date for the food pantry will be posted in the near future. Please be patient as we navigate through the rebuilding process.

Defensive Driving (Location Change) Next class is Saturday, March 23, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., 2049 Bartow Avenue, room 31; $35 per person.

Please arrive 10-15 minutes early. Lower your liability insurance cost by 10% and remove up to 4 points from your driver’s license. Checks & money orders can be made payable to ‘Black Forum of Co-op City’ and mailed to P.O Box 563, Bronx, NY 10475 at least 1-1/2 weeks before class. Include name and phone number with payment. Call any day by noon of the Friday before class to register for seating.

Walk-ins are welcomed, but only a $35 cash payment will be accepted the day of the class – NO checks. Please bring your current driver’s license and a pen. Call (718) 320-8035. Kindly leave your name, telephone number and brief message.

Upcoming 2019 Trips (Deposits Due) Please call 917-209-5334 or 718-320-0033 if you have questions about any trips listed below. Payments for all outings are now being accepted. No refunds. Sorry, we do not accept credit or debit cards for payment.

Black-Eyed Sally’s (Waiting List only) April 27 – Award-winning BBQ & Cajun cooking in Hartford, CT. trip continues to New MGM Casino in Springfield, MA. Cost: $95. Includes transportation. Casino rebate: slot play, $20; Food, $10. All monies due now or name will be removed from list No Exceptions. Seat numbers will be issued in March. Pick-up time/location will be listed in April.

Tropicana Casino June 22 – Enjoy Atlantic City, NJ? Then join us!

Cost: $45. Includes transportation. Casino rebate: TBA. Monies due by 5/24.

Nordic Lodge & Mohegan Sun Casino Trip Join us Saturday, August 17, for an amazing dining experience at the award winning Nordic Lodge/ Lobster Fest, in Charlestown, RI. Enjoy 2-hours of an all-you-can-eat seafood, plus buffet with lobster, prime rib, specialty desserts and more! The fun continues at Mohegan Sun Casino; $170 includes dining, shopping, & round-trip coach transportation. Three payments due on or before: 1/25 ($60), 2/22 ($55) & 3/22 ($55). Please make checks, payable to ‘Black Forum of CO-OP City,’ and mail to 920 Baychester Avenue, #19B, Bronx, NY 10475. Include name & phone number of attendee.

Contact We look forward to hearing from you (coopcityblackforum@gmail.com).

—D. Illis

about resources, help and assistance that are available. There will be professionals from the Bronx District Attorney’s Office available.

During our April 12 meeting, 6:30 p.m., room 8, Dreiser Loop Community Center, we are inviting persons who are interested in learning about and joining the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc., The Williamsbridge Club. Come out if you are interested and want to know more.

For more information and if you are interested in joining a progressive organization, please contact Joetta Brown, 718.328.2302. You may stop by our meeting on the second Friday, April 12, 7:00 p.m., to indicate an interest in joining our organization.

—Joetta Brown

Open Door Ministries Because You Say So Full sermon at opendoorministries.net

The life of a follower of Jesus is one of sacrifice and yet gaining everything through fellowship with him. Anything that we do in the name of the Lord will be richly rewarded.

Luke 5:4 When he had stopped speaking, he said to Simon, put out into the deep water, and lower your nets for a haul. 5 And Simon answered, master, we toiled all night exhaustingly and caught nothing in our nets. But because you say so I will lower the nets again.

Simon and his crew could not fish while Jesus was teaching and had, in fact, fished all night with no success. Jesus requested that Simon allow him to use his boat as a vehicle for the gospel. In the same way you and I are vehicles for the gospel. Your skills, talents and gifts are a vehicle for the gospel. Simon was right, they had worked all night with no success and in the same way we toil and often have little success.

Because you say so – are words of faith, action, submission, respect, reverence. Simon put away his knowledge and accepted God’s wisdom.

6 And when they did this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were at the point of breaking, 7 They signaled to their partners to come and take hold with them. 8 But when Simon saw this, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

Jesus gave a demonstration of power through obedience to his word. Sometimes God will say do what I say simply because I say so. We may not like it because we constantly seek reasons for things, but our opinion is of little consequence when lives are at stake. Jesus wanted the disciples to understand that even nature obeyed him. He knows better how to do our jobs than we do.

9 For he was gripped with bewildering amazement allied to terror, and all who were with him, at the haul of fish which they had made; 10 And Jesus said to Simon, have no fear; from now on you will be catching men! 11 And after they had run their boats on shore, they left everything and joined him as his disciples and sided with his party and accompanied him.

We forget the greatness of God in our mundane existence. Some of us are so unexcited about life that we can get no one excited about being saved. We have developed such a mediocre stale religion that we are satisfied with the little sacrifices we make as if they count for eternity. A true disciple lays all on the line for God with no limitations imposed.

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

Open Door Ministries’ Therapeutic Mentoring Program offers free Counseling. Contact Pastor Luis by text 917-334-4407 or email opendoorministries.net.

Blessings in Christ.

—Pastor Luis Ramos

25

Co-op City Times / March 16, 2019

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 & third Sundays Noon Day Prayer – Hour of Power – Wed. at noon Prayer Meeting and Bible Study – Wed. at 7 p.m.

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

Sunday School is now in session every Sunday at 9:00 a.m.

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

Worship Service Begins at 11:00 a.m. Everyone is invited to come and be a part of this special moment set aside each Sunday morning to be in the presence of God. We will be delighted to blend our spirits with yours as we bend both body and soul before our heavenly father. We encourage you to spend time with God, and if it be His will, with us at Community Protestant.

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

RSVP: (718) 862-9172.

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise; be thankful unto him and bless his name.” –Psalm 100:4 Community Protestant Church’s 50th Anniversary – 1969-2019 Theme: “Celebrating 50 Years of God’s Faithfulness Yesterday, Today and Forever.”

We’ve come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord! The pastor and members of Community Protestant Church cordially invite you to celebrate with us on the following dates: 1. Our 50th Anniversary Banquet at Marina del Rey, on Saturday, March 23, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Tickets: $125.00.

2. Our 50th Anniversary Service on Sunday, April 7, at 11:00 a.m.

Sunday, April 7, 3:30 p.m. Our Guest Preacher will be Rev. Dr. Anthony Lowe, Mt. Carmel, Baptist Church, Bronx, NY The doors of Community Protestant Church are open to all to worship and fellowship with Christian believers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You are cordially invited to come in, join in and receive your blessing.

—Evan G. Mitchell

Relationship Goals – Part 6

Newsong Church

“Becoming a Mature Friend” Friends are a vital and healthy part of our relationships. We don’t only need mature friends, we need to be a mature friend for others. The Apostle Paul gives us four qualities of a mature friend by describing his friend Timothy…

19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your [g]state. 20 For I have no one likeminded, who will sincerely care for your state. 21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. 22 But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel. –Philippians 2:19-24 (NKJV) A mature friend is Reliable Paul is sending Timothy because Timothy had proven himself to be faithful over the years. How many “friends” do we have in our life that we could say are faithful friends? My guess is it’s a pretty short list.

A mature friend is Compatible In relationships, we tend to gravitate towards those who are like-minded. Timothy shared the same vision and goals as Paul. As a follower of Jesus, my closest friends should be bringing me closer to Him and not pull me away from Him. A mature friend is Thoughtful Paul said that Timothy would really care about those he was coming to visit. How many people in your life can you say genuinely care about you?

They care about how you feel, they care about you as a person, they care about your walk with Jesus.

A mature friend is Loyal Loyalty is hard to come by these days. However, a true friend is loyal. Timothy had proven himself to be not only loyal to Paul, but a loyal follower of Jesus!

Remember Jesus is our ultimate friend. Only He can truly fulfill these qualities. If you trust in Him, He will make you not only a friend of God, but a child of God! God wants to help you have healthy relationships! Start by asking Him to help you!

Join us this Sunday as we begin a new series highlighting some “sacred moments” on Jesus’ journey to the cross. Sacred Moments starts Sunday!

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

While you’re enjoying our worship experience, your children will be enjoying “Kidsong.” At Kidsong, children from nursery to 6th grade will learn about Jesus in fun interactive ways!

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

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

—Pastor Mike Tolone

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church

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

Weekly Schedule 1. Sunday service with Holy Communion and Sunday School are both at 9:00 a.m. Every fourth Sunday, our children participate in the reading of the lessons and every fifth Sunday, our young adults assist in the service.

We look forward to welcoming you to church tomorrow, Sunday, March 17, at 9:00 a.m. when we will celebrate The Second Sunday in Lent. Our Supply Priest is Father Simeon O. Johnson, who will be the preacher and celebrant. During this service, Gloria Rowe will be awarded a Certificate of Proclamation honoring her on her 100th birthday. This presentation will be made by Councilman Andy King. Thanks to the family and friends who gave us the opportunity to celebrate this milestone with her. We wish her continued health.

2. Please join us on Wednesdays for an uplifting l5-minute noon-day service starting promptly at noon.

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

4. Choir rehearsal is on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. and we are always looking for new members.

Group Activities: 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.

Reminder: For Vestry Members only. Meeting will be today at 10:00 a.m.

Upcoming Fundraising Events Saturday, April 6, trip to Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. The museum claims to have amassed one of the largest assemblies of the Biblical artifacts and text in the world. Buffet luncheon and museum admission $120.00 per person.

Balance is now due and seats are still available.

Departure time is 6.30 a.m., from Dreiser Loop.

Stay tuned for other events.

General Information To those celebrating birthdays during the month of March, we wish you all a happy birthday and best wishes. To the sick and shut-in, we wish you a speedy recovery.

Lenten folders are now available and members who have not yet submitted their 2019 pledge cards are encouraged to complete and submit them as soon as possible.

Outreach Program: Our church supports the feeding program at Grace Episcopal Church in West Farms. This program is in desperate need of food. At St. Joseph’s, we collect non-perishable food items on an ongoing basis. Please remember to donate.

For additional information on all of the above, please call the church at 718-320-0844, or visit our website: http://www.stjosephsecbronx.org for more information relating to St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church, Co-op City, Bronx, New York.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? * the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom then shall I be afraid?” –Psalm 27:1 —Pearline Lawrence Please Drive Slowly and Cautiously in Co-op City’s Parking Facilities. Follow Speed Limits and Directional Signage.

Fri., Mar. 15

Thu., Mar. 14

Wed., Mar. 13

Tues., Mar. 12

Mon., Mar. 11

26

Co-op City Times / March 16, 2019

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

Word Games 9:30-11 a.m.

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

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

Dominoes 10 a.m., rm. 45 Health & Wellness Support Line Dancing 10-11 a.m., rm. 45 Group Bartow Center 10 a.m. – Around The Lunch Table 11:30 a.m.

11 a.m.

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

YOGA w/Peggy Hill 11 a.m. - 12 Bingo 1-3 p.m., rm. 35 p.m., JASA main office Diabetes Support Group 2nd Arthritis Exercises 11 a.m.-noon Monday, 1 p.m.

Card Games 2-4 p.m.

Computer Class for Beg, Int. & Dominoes 2:30 p.m.

Adv. 9:30 a.m.

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

Walking Club 10:30 a.m.

Caregiver Support Group 1:00 p.m., Dominoes 10 a.m., rm. 45 1st & 3rd Tues.

Health & Wellness Paola Computer Class JASA Main Ofc., 1:00 p.m. -2:00 Support Group 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. p.m.

Card Games 2-4 p.m.

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

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

Stay Well Exercise 10 – 11 a.m.

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

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

Computer Class JASA main office 11 a.m. -12 p.m.

Dominoes 2:30 p.m.

Smartphone Class Beginner – 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.; Intermediate 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Bartow main office Library 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

Crochet & Knitting 10 - 11 a.m.

Spanish Class 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Bartow Main Office

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 11a.m., rm. 4

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

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

Spanish Practice Class 10:30 a.m., in the Computer Lab Zumba 11 a.m. -12 p.m., rm. 4

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

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

Art Class 1 p.m.-3 p.m.

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

Dominoes 10 a.m., rm. 45 Grandparent Connection 1st Thurs., rm. 35, 10:30 a.m.

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 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Blood Pressure 10-11:30 a.m., 1st & 3rd rm. 8 Line Dancing, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m., Aud. A Piano Sing Along 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Drama Club 1:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.

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

Pokeno 2-4 p.m., rm. 35 Blood Pressure 2nd & 4th Fri., 10 11:30 a.m., rm. 45 Free Oil Painting Classes rm. 38, 10 – 11:30 a.m.

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

Bingo 1 p.m. - 3 p.m., rm. 7

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

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

In order to participate in any JASA senior activities or go on any senior trips, you must be a member of JASA. You may pick up an application in the main office of at any of the three senior centers.

(FREE) LiveOn NY – SCRIE/SNAP (food stamps) Assistance – Fri., Mar. 22, Apr. 12 & 19, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., JASA main office, 2049 Bartow Ave. No appointments! Walk-ins! First come! First served! Please make copies of your documents before coming to the office.

AARP Tax Aide offers free tax preparation to anyone of any age, especially if you are 50 or older or can’t afford paid tax preparations; until April 15, Einstein Community Center, 2nd fl., Tues. & Weds. Only, 10 a.m. -2 p.m. Tax preparation, room #40; waiting room #35. First come, first served!

JASA TimeBank – A free intergenerational volunteer service exchange program. Members bank their time providing and receiving services, such as doing errands, tutoring, English/Spanish lessons, alterations, assisting neighborhood organizations & much more. For additional information or to become a volunteer, contact Helen Atkins, 929-399-1388.

Foxwood Casino, Ledyard Ct. – Sat., Mar. 30, $35. Pick-ups: Bartow, 8 a.m.; Einstein, 8:15 a.m.; Dreiser, 8:30 a.m. Bonus package is $10 slot & $10

Non-Kosher

Apple juice Pepper steak, Chi- Beef Brisket w/tomatoes & onions Basic Cell Phone & iPad training 11 a.m. nese style spaghetti Cabbage w/shredded Broccoli & Mind Teasers 12-1 p.m., rm. 4 Diabetes Support Group 1 p.m. – carrots red peppers Last Monday of the month Canned pineapples Instant mashed Bereavement Counseling 1 p.m., rm. 8 Whole wheat bread potatoes Gentle Yoga 1:15-2 p.m., rm. 2 Alt: Tuna salad Intermediate Yoga 2-3 p.m.

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

Chicken Shawarma Baked mushroom Alert & Alive 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., (oven roasted) chicken rm. 7 Pita halves Yellow rice Cultural Dance 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Israeli salad Baby carrots Aud. B Whole wheat bread w/parsley Mind Teasers 12-1 p.m., rm. 4 Fresh fruit Zumba 1-2 p.m., Aud. A Alt: Baked Falafel Matinee 1:00 p.m., rm. 7

Card Games 2-4 p.m.

Men’s Line Dancing 9 a.m.-10 a.m.

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

Women’s Line Dancing 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Chat Session 10 a.m.

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

Card Games 2-4 p.m.

Kosher

Orange pineapple juice, Turkey burger Whole wheat hamburger bun, Potato salad, Tossed salad w/dressing Fresh fruit Alt: Egg salad

Homemade roast pork Spanish style Roasted vegetable couscous Steamed cauliflower

Orange juice Breaded fillet of sole fish Curried chicken legs Bulgur salad Black beans & rice Creamy spinach Cabbage w/shredded Whole wheat bread carrots Applesauce Alt: Turkey salad Apple juice Spanish style roast chicken w/Creole sauce Brown rice & black Fish Rice w/vegetable beans Sautéed spinach Challah bread Fresh fruit Alt: Gefilte fish

Fee for lunch is $2.00 & $5.00 for guest

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

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

food. Depart casino, 5 p.m. Light breakfast served on the bus, 50 seats available. No refunds. Payment due no later than Mar. 8.

Walmart – Wed., Apr. 3, $15; Bartow, 9 a.m.; Einstein, 9:15 a.m.; Dreiser, 9:30 a.m.

What: Cancer – Thriving & Surviving Interactive Program. The program gives participants the skills to coordinate all the things needed to manage their health. To learn about such things as frustration, fatigue, pain, isolation, poor sleeping and living with uncertainty. Free 6-week workshop. Every Wed. starting Apr. 3 thru May 8, 1 p.m.-3 p.m., 177 Dreiser Loop, rm. 4. For additional information and to register, please call 718-320-1345.

Fairway/BJ’s – Fri., Apr. 5, $4. Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m.; Dreiser, 10 a.m.

Bartow & Einstein Center presents a Spring Luncheon & Concert featuring Damion Anthony & Inez L, live w/other special guests, 135 Einstein Loop Senior Center; Sat., Apr. 6, $10; 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Lunch: BBQ ribs or BBQ chicken, potato salad, corn-on-cob, garden salad, dessert. Music by DJ Woody. Tickets on sale at all three centers. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

Dancercise w/Damion – Thurs., Mar. 21 & 28, 12 p.m. in the JASA main office, 2049 Bartow Ave. Shoprite – Mon., Apr. 8, $4; Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m.; Dreiser, 10 a.m.

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

Throggs Neck/Target Mall – Wed., Apr. 10; Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m.; Dreiser, 10 a.m.

Upcoming Events/Trips

Jersey Gardens Outlet Mall (The Mills) – Thurs., Apr. 11; $15; Bartow, 8:30 a.m.; Einstein, 8:45 a.m.; Dreiser, 9 a.m.

Costco – Fri., Apr. 12; $5; Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m.; Dreiser, 10 a.m.

Co-op City’s Annual Passover Luncheon – Mon., April 15; $5 in advance & $7 at the door, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Einstein Senior Center, 135 Einstein Loop, 2nd fl. Tickets will be sold at all three senior centers. Menu: roast chicken, potato kugel & carrot tzimmes, apple strudel, juice & live entertainment.

Aldi – Rescheduled from Mon., Apr. 15 to Mon., Apr. 22; $3; Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m.; Dreiser, 10 a.m.

Pick-up Change: Senior Day at the High Point Country Club, Montague, NJ – Wed., April 17, $90.

Pick-ups: Bartow, 8 a.m.; Dreiser, 8:15 a.m.; Einstein, 8:30 a.m. Enjoy a fun- filled Hawaiian themed day at beautiful High Point; full breakfast & full course dinner, two shows. All activities including Bingo, dancing, tennis, bocce ball & more. Coach bus, 50 seats available. Depart destination, 4:30 p.m. No refunds.

Payments due no later than Fri., Mar. 29.

Villa Roma Senior Day BBQ in Callacoon, NY – Wed., May 29, $82. Pick-ups: Bartow, 8:15 a.m.; Dreiser, 8:30 a.m.; Einstein, 8:45 a.m. Coffee & Danish on arrival, buffet BBQ. Luncheon from 12 p.m.-2 pm., DJ & dancing from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Enjoy swimming, bocce, shuffleboard & so much more.

Depart destination, 4 p.m. Coach bus, 50 seats available. No refunds. Payments due no later than Fri., May 10.

Co-op City Times / March 16, 2019

AARP Chapter #4997

Message from President Mickens: I would like to thank all members who made the trip to Albany on February 27. Senator Bailey and Assemblyman Benedetto, as well as many others, acknowledged us and took pictures with the group. The snow in Albany didn’t stop us. We were able to ride out of the snow.

Again, thank you.

Heartfelt condolences to Gloria Wright on the loss of her husband, Henry.

Get well wishes to Barbara Scott and Juliana Wattley-Epps.

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

2019 Tour Activities April 1-12: Panama Canal 11-night Cruise on the Norwegian Jade – Price includes roundtrip flight to Miami (FL); ports of call include Cartagena, Colombia; Panama Canal/Gatun Lake; Puerto Limon; Roatan Bay Islands; Harvest Caye, Costa Maya, Mexico; 3 days at sea; valid passport is required; all meals on board the ship. Insurance available. Sold out! Contact Judith, 718-379-3370.

Goose Island Seniors

The Purim Party – Sunday, March 17, tomorrow at 3 p.m., here at the Goose Island Seniors Club room #39 at 135 Einstein Loop. The menu will be roasted chicken and plenty of side dishes and, of course, Hamentashen. A charitable donation of $20 is requested. This also includes a mini Bingo and music. This event is sponsored by the Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City.

Motown Tribute – Tuesday, March 26, at Villa Roma Resorts, Callicoon, NY. Price: $89. Time: Buses leaving Einstein at 8 a.m., Asch Loop at 8:10 a.m. and Dreiser at 8:20 a.m. Come have a delicious meal, a great show, and Bingo or shopping. If you haven’t given me your choice of entrée, we have to choose one for you. Entree choices are: (1) London broil with mushroom sauce, (2) chicken parmigiana over linguini, or (3) broiled cod with provencal sauce. Appetizer: Fruit cup & Italian wedding soup.

If you select to play Bingo, remain seated in the theatre and Bingo will start, $2 a card. If you choose not to play Bingo, you may go shopping or attend the game room. Enjoy, once again, the Temptations, 4 Tops, Michael Jackson and more of the Motown singers. Leaving to return home at 5 p.m. Another bus was ordered. A few seats still available. If buses can’t go, you get full refund. All money is due by this Wednesday, March 13. If we do not hear from you, we will assume you are not going and cancel your ticket. Call us at: 718-379-9613.

Indoor Picnic – Saturday, April 27. Members only. Time, 1 p.m., $5 entrance fee at door. Cover dish party; donate food, desert, or beverage no entrance fee required. Members may bring a friend or two.

Sands Casino – Thursday, May 2, in Bethlehem, PA. Time, 8:30 a.m. Price: $40; Rebate, $30 slot play.

Sight & Sound “Jesus” – Tuesday, May 21, Lancaster, PA. Price, $130. Includes free buffet at Golden Corral. Time: 12 p.m. and show, “Jesus,” at 3 p.m. Buses leaving Einstein at 8 a.m., Asch Loop at 8:10 a.m. and Dreiser at 8:20 a.m.

Bingo – Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Time: 1:15 p.m.-3:30 p.m. in our club room #39.

Members only. Admission: $5.00 for three cards, 12 games and jackpot. Extra cards are 25¢ each.

Refreshments available.

Karaoke – Tuesdays and Thursdays from l p.m.3 p.m. with Stephen in room #45. Come sing or listen to a free concert. All are welcome.

To all members: Happy Birthday to all members who celebrate their day in the month of March: Hattie Lucas, Shirley Rooney, Stephen Roberts Sr., Yvonne Starks, Michelle Rosenthal, Benjamin Carter and Pearl Applewhite.

Note: Call Ann or Stephen at Goose Island Seniors, 718-379-9613, or visit us at 135 Einstein Loop, room #39 (mornings); Mon. - Fri., 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. (evenings); Mon., Wed. & Fri., 12 p.m. - 8 p.m., and Tue. & Thu., 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Good health to all.

—Stephen Roberts, Sr.

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June 23-28: Montreal, Quebec City and Ottawa (Canada’s Capital City) – 6 days/5 nights includes Motor Coach transportation; guided tours, five breakfasts, five dinners, and much more; valid passport is required. Sold out! Contact Hannah, 718-379-7962, or Judith, 718-379-3370.

September 17-19: Ride the Rails in West Virginia – Ride two trains in one day: The Cheat Mountain Salamander and the Durbin Rocket; 3 days/2 nights; 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners; $539/person, double; $708, single ($50 deposit due immediately). Contact Hannah, 718-379-7962, or Judith, 718-3793370.

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

—Delores Debnam

Scheduling Activities Calendar

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Co-op City Times / March 16, 2019

Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City

The Purim Party sponsored by the Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City will be on Sunday, March 17, from noon to 3 p.m. Thanks to Stephen Roberts Sr., president of the Goose Island Seniors, for gratuitously offering their faculties. The party will be held at 135 Einstein Loop in room #39. The menu will be roasted chicken and plenty of side dishes and, of course, Hamentashen. A charitable donation of $20.00 is requested. This also includes a mini Bingo, and music. Please make your reservations by March 10. Bring your friends, all are welcome.

The readings of the Megilah by Rabbi Daniel Kronengold: 1) Wednesday, March 20, at 8 p.m.

2) Thursday, March 21, at 11 a.m.; a light lunch will follow.

General Information: The Traditional Synagogue is located in Section 5, 120 Erdman Place in the rear lobby of 27B. It is on the ground floor of

Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invite you to join us tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. for worship service.

Sunday School for children and adults is held at 9:15 a.m. We invite you to worship, study and pray with us.

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

You are invited to join us for a midweek spiritual pick-up at our worship service held on Wednesdays at noon. Bible Study is held on Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Prayer Service is held on Fridays at noon.

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

Prayer Service is not held on the first Friday of the month.

Today, Saturday, March 16, at 9 a.m. the Leadership Training Seminar will be conducted by the Urban Ministries, Inc. and the facilitator will be Bro. Michael J. Criam, customer rep. The ministry would like for you to join them. The subjects will be Teacher Training Module 1 – Achieving the Ultimate Aim: Four Critical Points of Knowledge and Teacher Training and Module 2 – Preparing for the Teaching and Learning Experience. A light breakfast will be served as well as lunch at noon. Doors open at 8 a.m.

On Saturday, March 23, at 10 a.m., the First Lady’s Ministry will present “HerStory.” The guest speaker will be the Honorable Elizabeth A. Taylor, Civil Court Judge, Bronx, New York. The theme is Visionary Women: Champions of Peace & Nonviolence. Following the presentation, lunch will be served followed by a fashion show of hand-made items by the Circle of Grace Knit and Crochet group.

Adults tickets, $15; and children, ages 6-17, $5. For additional information, call 718-862-9243, 646842-2458 or call the church at 718-320-3774.

The Building Fund Ministry is having a Cake Sale, along with jewelry and novelty items on Saturday, April 13, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 135 Einstein Loop, lower level (room 50). Please come for homemade goodies and some bargains.

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

Building 27B, and it is handicap accessible with no steps. Phone #: 718-379-6920. Office hours are Thursday and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. Please call the office before you attempt to come over. If no one is in the office, please leave a message.

The synagogue has services on Saturday morning starting at 9:00 a.m. After services, we always have a kiddush. The synagogue has a Facebook page: Traditional Synagogue.

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

The synagogue needs men to help make a minyan.

There are a lot of Jewish men who live in Co-op City who don’t come to services. Please come by 9:30 a.m., so we can take out the Torah.

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

Sabbath ends on Sat., March 16, at 7:55 p.m.

Candle lighting for Fri., March 22, at 6:50 p.m.

Good and Welfare: We sell tree certificates in honor or memory of a loved one. The cost is only $15 per tree. Mazel Tov to all having Simchas. If you’re ill, wishing you good health. If you asked the rabbi to say prayers for a sick person, you should make your donation to the synagogue.

To All members: Happy Birthday to all members who will celebrate their birthday in March (Mr. Sam Grynewize). For those members celebrating their birthday/anniversary in February, please send me your names and I will add them to the list.

Fun and Games: After services and kiddush, some men and women play Rummy-cube.

Your support of the Traditional Synagogue, is greatly appreciated.

Wishing all our members and friends peace, and good health.

—Bruce Gitelson

29

Co-op City Times / March 16, 2019

Faith @ Work Christian Church

120 DeKruif Place (street level). Praise and Worship begins at 9:30 a.m.

Church telephone: (347) 202-700; email: fatwcc@aol.com, www.faithatwork church.org.

Weekly Worship Experiences: Tuesday Prayer Service, 6:30 p.m. Sunday Morning Worship, 9:30 a.m. Teen church, 10:00 a.m., second Sundays; Children’s Church, third Sundays, (K-3); Older Children’s Church, fourth 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.

I would like to again thank the disciples of Jesus Christ at Faith @ Work for serving God’s people well last Sunday!

Regular Pantry will resume, March 17, from noon ‘til 1 p.m.

Summer Camp Registration Is Underway: Camp Days – July 1 - August 9, 8:00 a.m. ‘til 5 p.m., Monday-Friday. This is a S.T.E.A.M. academic camp which includes weekly trips/outings, lunch and a caring staff. We are offering a bonus week of Vacation Bible School, August 12-16, M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The registration is first come, first served with limited availability of seats! Registration is ongoing until June 7. Orientation, June 7 at 6:30 p.m. Applications available in the church, Mondays-Fridays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Lent Season began March 6 with Ash Wednesday and culminates on Resurrection Sunday, April 21. We will be having a Community Baptism on April 13, at 10 a.m. at the Church of God’s Children, 135 Dreiser Loop (lower level) where Archbishop and Bishop Rosario are pastors.

Good Friday Service: At Faith @ Work Christian Church, 120 DeKruif Place, 10 a.m., and the seven preachers are Pastor Frank Jenkins, Pastor Lamont Granby, Pastor Kimberly Mabry Wright, Archbishop Angelo Rosario, Pastor James Furman and Pastor Keith J. Williams.

Resurrection Sunday Worship and Breakfast: Community Breakfast/ Pantry and Worship Service, April 21, from 8 a.m. We invite everyone to join us.

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

—Pastor Deborah D. Jenkins

Family of God

The Power of Fasting Last week, we read about the power of prayer. Our message made the point that prayer is a way to gain deliverance from both physical and spiritual bondage.

I referenced how we read in Matthew 17 that Jesus once encountered a man who had a son with an unhealthy spiritual condition that holds him hostage. After Jesus heals the man’s son following His disciples’ failed attempt, He says to them, “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.”

Prayer is an effective weapon of followers of Jesus. We all should stand on James 5:16, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

However, there are times when we have to do more than pray. Jesus said to His disciples, “Howbeit this kind…” There is more than one kind of situation that holds us hostage. Consequently, we cannot have the same strategy for every kind of situation we face. Some situations require the combination of prayer and fasting Fasting is the willing reduction of or abstinence from some or all food and drink for a period of time. Fasting symbolizes and says to God that we are willing to depend on God more than anything else. Today, remember the words of Jesus and schedule time to observe fasting. Designate a day or part of a day for a complete fast. You may also opt to engage in the Daniel Fast, www.danielfast.com/. A third suggestion is to join our Family of God fasting plan for this season!

Our Lent Fast encourages you to refrain from drinking sodas, utilizing sugar and sweeteners, and eating bread this week.

Join us Tuesday, March 19, for Family Night at 6 p.m. We are celebrating women. Refreshments will be served; rm. 10.

Join us Sunday, April 7, for “Celebrating a Martyr Named Martin” in honor of the Dr. Martin King who was assassinated April 4, 1968; rm. 4 at 1:30 p.m.

Refreshments served.

Join us for Easter Service, 12 p.m., April 21, Dreiser, rm. 1.

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

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Faith in God Church & Bible Institute

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

We are not asked to deny our pain and suffering, but we can take heart in God’s ability to use it for good. Let’s look at scripture to support this. 2nd Corinthians 1:3-7 says: 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 5 For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.

6 If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in your patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.

7 And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

Invitation: Sweet hour of prayer is today at 3 p.m. Sunday School is tomorrow at 10 a.m. Our Sunday morning worship service is at 11 a.m. Every third Sunday following the morning worship, we serve Holy Communion.

Vernon Little just released a new EP titled ‘Double Minded’ on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, etc. It’s a fusion of gospel, R&B, and rap. He also has videos on YouTube. You will be blessed, encouraged and inspired.

We are located at 171 Dreiser Loop in Section One. Our phone # is (347) 2764925. Jesus loves you, and so do we!

—Evangelist Vernon Little

Pentecostal Tabernacle

The Pentecostal Tabernacle invites everyone to Worship Service every Sunday morning at 100 Co-op City Blvd., Building 22A, Bronx, NY 10475; Tel. 718-324-0334 or 718-320-4218.

Sunday School for all age groups begins at 10:30 a.m. Mid-day Service starts at 11:45 a.m.-2 p.m.

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

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

Youth service every Friday evening at 7:30 p.m.

Focus: God’s blessings are often found where we experience our worst defeat, it is important to take advantage of divine opportunity.

Believers should seek the mind of the Lord instead of relying on their own reasoning and abilities.

Our own lives often reveal the desire to avoid problems and provide human solutions rather than trusting the true source of our strength. In the book of Ruth, we can clearly see that problem cannot be avoided, but must be faced through the guidance and power of the spirit of God. (Ruth 1:1-5) Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, and there was famine in the land.

And a certain man of Bethlemjudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife, and his two sons. And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife, Naomi, and the name of his two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country Moab, and continue there. And Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died; and she was left, and her two sons.

And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth, and they dwell there about ten years.

And Malon and Chilion died also both of them; and the women were left of her two sons and her husband.

When this family decided to move out of their own country and sojourn in the country of Moab to dwell there, they failed to rely upon the Lord or trust His provision in the middle of the famine. The moment we run from our problems or circumstances is the moment we lack trust in God and begin to place our faith in our own ingenuity or ability. Proverbs 3; 5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways, acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.

Life in Moab, prove to be filled with heartache and despair for this family.

Naomi experienced feelings of dissolution for the lost of her husband and felt that was the end of her dreams. But she did not want the same fate for her daughters-in-law.

They lost their husband, but as young widows, they had opportunities to remarry and have a full life. Therefore, Naomi decided to give them permission to be freed from any responsibility they felt to care for her and return home to Judah. But Ruth was determined to go with her mother-in-law, Naomi, and was marry to Boaz, Naomi’s kinsman.

—Rev. R. Sibblies

30

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Co-op City Times / March 16, 2019 (Continued from page 7)

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Your Choice 18” Oak, White, Espresso, Cherry, Grey

Your Choice 24” Oak, White, Espresso, Cherry, Maple, Grey

No Plumbing Needed! Fits Under Your Existing Sink.

w/Corian White Top

$599

$299

$499

Installation Available

Installation Available

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Installation Available

Floor Covering For Every Room!

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$599 Installed

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a W IN STOCK 12 HOT COLORS!

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IN STOCK 6  COLORS LVT FLOOR!

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$3.99SF

Installation Available

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5’ Glass Shower Door

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30 STYLES AND COLORS!

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$1595 Kitchen/Dining Room

    Mattress Spring Blow-Out!

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 Promo Firm Elegant TWIN Set $195 FULL Set $295 Queen Set $395

SETS ONLY While Supplies Last!

Visit Our Showroom at 2925 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY

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