Co-op City Times 04/01/17

Petition period ends this Monday, April 3 Co-op City’s official newspaper serving the world’s largest cooperative community.

Vol. 52 No. 13

© Copyright 2017 Co-op City Times

Saturday, April 1, 2017

25¢

Nine shareholders have picked up petitions for 2017 Riverbay Board Election

As of press time Friday, March 31, nine shareholders had picked up qualifying petitions indicating their intention to run for a seat on the 2017 Riverbay Board of Directors.

The deadline to return all signed petitions is 5 p.m. this Monday, April 3.

The Riverbay Board of Directors election will be held on Wednesday, May 24. Shareholders will vote to fill five seats on the Riverbay Board as the terms of Board President Linda Berk, and Directors Leah Graham, Daryl Johnson, Kevin Lambright and Marie Smith are expiring.

There will be one vote per unit by residents who are shareholders of record as of April 3, 2017.

So far, four of the five incumbent Board directors — Linda Berk, Daryl Johnson, Kevin Lambright, and Marie Smith — have picked up their petition packages.

Five other shareholders, one who ran for the Board in the past, and four newcomers, also picked up petitions since they became available on Monday 20. They include Daniel Bowen, Stanley Frere, Aminah Lucio, Jerome Rice and Leah Richardson.

Any shareholder in good financial standing can run for a three-year term on the Board. Seventy-five valid cooperators’ signatures are needed on candidates’ petitions in order for them to qualify for the Board election.

Throughout this weekend, petitions are available from the Public Safety window in the Bartow

BY ROZAAN BOONE

Center, however, these packages will not include the nominating petitions and the prospective candidate will be contacted to return on Monday, April 3, after their financial eligibility has been determined by the Finance Department to pick up their petitions which must be turned in by 5 p.m.

After all candidates’ petitions are returned by 5

p.m., on Monday, the signatures on each petition will be certified against the signatures of shareholders of record of each apartment.

Riverbay Corporation will enlist the assistance of a group of Riverbay employees who are not residents

Affordable Housing, Not Cheap Housing (Continued on page 5)

Since the vote on the budget, I President’s Message Riverbay was in complete disrepair. have spoken to many shareholders Our buildings were crumbling; the regarding the 1.9% carrying charge garages were ordered shut down for increase. Most understand that the safety reasons; the pea gravel under President price of everything increases, includthe buildings were leaking, threatening the prices Riverbay spends for ing the stability of the basements; labor and materials. They also underpipes were leaking all over the property; stand that we must maintain our property, windows that needed replacement and they want to live in a well-maintained the Power Plant in its misconfiguration community where the quality of life is was hemorrhaging millions of dollars not in question. instead of bringing in income. We also I believe that once shareholders had NO money in our reserves to repair understand the choices, they also these problems. understand that they are collectively Wells Fargo Loan owners of Riverbay and it is in everyWhen Wells Fargo made their largest one’s best interest to maintain a clean, loan ever and HUD backed their largest safe and appealing community. If we as loan ever, we became tied to these entia Board and a corporation do not do just that, ties for thirty years. They rescued Riverbay from a Wells Fargo and HCR will do it for us. After eight balloon payment loan that we would have never years of no carrying charge increases—a campaign promise from another Board president— (Continued on page 2)

Riverbay, City Officials Meet Regarding Riverfront Development

Linda Berk

Town Hall meeting to be held Wednesday, April 5 at Einstein Center Shareholders are encouraged to attend this year’s second Town Hall Meeting to ask questions of Board members, speak to Riverbay department managers with any concerns and meet the new assistant executive general manager from Douglas Elliman Property Management.

The Town Hall meeting will start at 7 p.m. in the Einstein Community Center, room 45. Beginning at 6 p.m., department heads will be available to speak about any questions shareholders have that need to be addressed.

To make full and efficient use of the time, those (Continued on page 4) who wish to ask questions during the Town Hall

BY JIM ROBERTS

Efforts to develop recreational access to the Hutchinson River in Co-op City took a step forward this week when Robert Klehammer, executive general manager of Douglas Elliman, Riverbay’s managing agent; and Noel Ellison, Riverbay General Manager, hosted a meeting with New York City officials on March 28 in the Bartow Center. “We will continue to pursue any development opportunities that will enable us to beautify the waterfront area for shareholders,” said Ellison. Riverbay Board First Vice President Bernard Cylich also attended the meeting. Iris Rodriquez-Rosa, Bronx Borough Commissioner for Parks, the First Deputy Commissioner from the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs, and several officials from the City Parks department attended the meeting to discuss next steps. Rodriquez-Rosa is moving forward with current projects, including the opening of the High Bridge, community-led renovations to St. Mary’s Park and the construction of Estella Diggs Park. During meetings earlier this year, Riverbay Board President Linda Berk and officials from Riverbay met with city officials at City Hall to discuss improved services and the possibility of a new youth center that the city would develop in Co-op City. “We hope to have separate meetings in the future to discuss city funding for a recreation center here,” Klehammer said.

Photo by Jim Roberts

SCRIE/DRIE Applications

Shareholders 62 years of age and those with qualified disabilities who meet all of the criteria for the Senior Citizens Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) and the Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) programs are reminded that if they have not yet applied for these programs, they must wait until after the carrying charge increase order has been received from the commissioner of the NYS Homes & Community Renewal (HCR). Applications must be completed using income data from your 2016 federal and state tax forms.

Shareholders are also advised NOT TO apply for SCRIE or DRIE online via the NYC Department of Finance website, although the application can be downloaded online. Completed applications must be mailed to the address provided on the application form.

income affidavit notice — see page 3

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President’s Message

Co-op City Times / April 1, 2017

been able to repay on time, saving us, in my opinion, from potential default.

Personally, I had mixed emotions about the Wells Fargo loan because it meant they would be in our business for the next thirty years. On the other hand, the reasonable side of my thoughts was glad we were able to get a conventional mortgage at a low rate that enabled Riverbay to pay back the balloon loan and continue to repair and rebuild our property to a standard I was used to here at Co-op City. I realized that we could not have our cake and eat it too! I also realized there are NO free lunches. There is a price for everything, including keeping our homes in the Mitchell-Lama program maintaining the largest affordable housing complex in the country for the next thirty years.

Our mortgage agreement with Wells Fargo requires Riverbay to present monthly financial statements to them, HUD and HCR. We also must submit our bi-annual budget for their review. So yes, when management and the president and first vice president met with the entities on January 11, 2017, the entities requested and were presented with the proposed budget, as required. The full Board was presented the same budget proposal later that evening and began the budget review process required of us.

What Were Our Options The Board understood Riverbay still had legacy issues that were now our responsibility.

We have 160 elevators that need to be replaced and the Local 11 inspections that are required by the City of New York. These two items alone, not to mention the other issues that needed to be addressed, were going to cost Riverbay approximately $60M! With our surplus and other options available to save money, including cutting back on department budgets and staffing, we still needed to find an additional $20M. Above is a bar chart for your review so that shareholders can have an understanding of what we are confronted with in finding $20M.

Online payment of monthly carrying charges

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

Go green, go paperless! Register today.

(Continued from page 1)

When you look at the chart, you can see that there is just one area of expense that we have any flexibility with changing. We cannot cut our real estate taxes, oil and fuel expense, insurance, mortgage, water and sewage or reserves.

What we can change is payroll and burden.

Where can we cut? Do we cut porters – we are already cut to the minimum in each building?

Do we cut maintenance – we need maintenance to answer calls for repairs? Do we cut grounds staff, when we have 335 acres? Do we cut back in restorations, where management is actually working to improve the training and deployment of what staff we have? Riverbay is a service provider to the shareholders, every staff person provides a service. So when management came back to us with a zero increase budget, the only staff they could cut without affecting the basic services of the property were public safety, lobby attendants and garage attendants. You can see from the budget in the chart that there are

not many options, particularly when management had already made $4.6M in cuts. To many, the option of cutting public safety, lobby attendants and garage attendants was not worth the savings of $12-$24 a month, the average impact of a 1.9% increase.

Balancing a budget and maintaining Co-op City is not an easy task, but it is one that is taken very seriously. Co-op City is our home and we, collectively as shareholders, are Riverbay Corporation. Personally, I take pride in my community. I believe it is the greatest find in New York City and our low move-out rates and four (4) year waiting list supports this fact. In my opinion, there is not a better deal in this city and I will continue to work tirelessly to protect what we have.

I continue to remain interested in your thoughts and ideas. I may be reached at 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475 or Lberk@riverbayboard.com.

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Co-op City Times / April 1, 2017

Front Pa ge Mail-In And Electronic Voting In This Year’s Riverbay Board Election

Co-op City Times 2 n d Combing Co-op City Find out what’s going on in Co-op City here...

NCNW Women Represent 2017!

Come and join the Co-op City section of the NCNW for an afternoon of Artistic Celebration, today, April 1, Dreiser, rm. 4 from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

There will be poetry, music, drama and much more! Poetry reading and creativity from 1 p.m.-2 p.m. Guest are welcome to share a poem.

We will also recognize Bronx scholars, young ladies in high school, as well as college graduates in during our “Intellectually Speaking, Academic Divas Represent! Young Ladies of Distinction” segment.

We have a fun-filled afternoon scheduled for you. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served.

Spring Celebration April 15

The Riverbay SpEGGtacular Spring celebration will be held on Saturday, April 15, 12 – 4 p.m. in the Dreiser Center. Admission is FREE. The Easter Egg Hunt will take place from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. There will also be sack races, hula hoop contests, and egg & spoon race and much more. This is great family fun so bring the kids and come out and participate.

Next CB #10 Meeting, April. 20

The next CB #10 meeting will be held on Thursday, April 20, Villa Barone Restaurant, 3289 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461 at 7:00 p.m.

For further information, please contact CB 10 at (718) 892-1161.

Test Surveys Please remember to fill out and return your test surveys by the April 10th deadline.

Ballots Will Be Mailed By Election-America

The 2017 Riverbay Board of Directors election scheduled to take place on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 will be conducted by mail-in and electronic voting instead of by voting machines utilized in the past.

The measure is expected to save the Riverbay Corporation at least $60,000 or more this year.

Board Director Claudia Sampson, chair of the 2017 Election Committee, said: “For the first time this year, the Riverbay Corporation will be offering shareholders the option to vote in the upcoming Board of Directors election by mail or online. This is an historic occasion for shareholders to participate in one of the most important activity that will shape the course of events affecting the future of Co-op City.

“Shareholders will be able to cast their vote in a more efficient and secure manner by either choosing to mail in their ballot or vote electronically via a computer, tablet or smartphone.”

In preparation for the election this May, a test survey was mailed by Election-America to Co-op City shareholders this week requesting their opinion on community programming.

The survey is brief and takes only a few minutes to complete.

The response can be returned by mail or completed online as will be the case with the upcoming Board election. The deadline to return this test survey is April 10, 2017.

According to resolution 16-30 which was passed by the Riverbay Board last July, the expense of conducting the

BY ROZAAN BOONE

2017 election through mail-in and electronic voting will not exceed $40,000 with the process being facilitated through a third-party, independent company, Election-America.

Ordinarily, the annual Riverbay Board of Directors election is an expenditure of upwards of $100,000 to the Riverbay Corporation for charges associated with renting the voting machines, paying poll workers and inspectors, as well as mechanics to troubleshoot the voting machines in case of break-downs and other incidental charges.

The 2017 election rule on balloting and certification in Section F (2) states that “mailing, tabulation, collection, processing, initial counting and preservation of election ballots shall be conducted by an independent, third party entity, selected by the Board of Directors pursuant to a written contract, duly approved in accordance with all corporate and regulatory requirements…”

This year, Election-America will mail one ballot to each residential unit occupied by one or more shareholders of record as of April 3, 2017. There will be one vote per residential unit which must be cast by a resident shareholder.

Only one vote per unit will be counted. All ballots, including electronic ballots, must be signed by an eligible, residential shareholder.

“Each shareholder of record will be mailed a paper ballot

Annual Income Affidavits

The annual Income Affidavit and related instructions were mailed out this week to all cooperators required to file (excluded are new residents who moved into Co-op City after March 31, 2017, and those cooperators on the Section 8 Program).

The due date for returning your completed Affidavit, which must be notarized, is April 30, 2017. Currently, surcharges based upon 2015 Income Affidavit forms will expire June 30, 2017.

New surcharges will be imposed for the period July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018 based upon data taken from your 2016 Income Affidavit form.

Please note that it is essential that every cooperator submit their 2016 Income Affidavit in a timely manner. If you filed an application for extension in lieu of a 2016 NYS Tax Return, you are still required to submit your affidavit by April 30, 2017. Please estimate your income and identify it as "Estimated Income." You must file an amended affidavit once you have filed your tax return or you will be subject to the maximum 50% surcharge. Also, please note that Riverbay must be notified in writing with a copy of the extension form.

In cases where there are two shareholders of an apartment and one of the shareholders has permanently vacated the apartment, it is important that the remaining shareholder submits documentation to Riverbay Corporation as to where the vacating shareholder currently resides. Acceptable documentation could be (1) driver’s license with current address; (2) copy of the apartment lease (3) utility bill with current address. If this documentation is not submitted with the Income Affidavit, the income affidavit will be returned as incomplete and a 50% surcharge will be assessed each month until the documentation is submitted. The shareholder will be liable for all surcharges assessed, no credits will be issued for surcharges already assessed.

Failure to complete and return the Income Affidavit form in a timely manner will result in the maximum surcharge of 50% of your basic carrying charges being levied on July 1 2017. You would then be required to pay the 50% surcharge

(Continued on page 6)

for each month through the end of the month you finally filed. In no event will credit be given for excess surcharges already assessed as a result of failure, neglect or refusal of the cooperator to file the Income Affidavit on a timely basis.

The instructions mailed with the Income Affidavit form include a cover letter and worksheet which will assist the cooperator in determining whether they are subject to a carrying charge surcharge. Cooperators are advised to read the material very carefully.

As required by state law, copies of Income Affidavit forms will be submitted to the state for verification of income against filed tax return. Cooperators are cautioned, therefore, to make sure that the data provided come from their NY State tax return.

Riverbay staff will hold all day sessions to assist cooperators in filling out their Income Affidavit form on Monday, April 24th and Wednesday, April 26th, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Dreiser Center, room 1; Bartow Center, room 28; and Einstein Center, room 38. Extra forms will be available at the sessions for those cooperators who do not receive their mailed copy. Notaries will also be present so cooperators can file their completed Income Affidavit form at the sessions.

Cooperators who wish to have their Income Affidavit form notarized must present two (2) forms of identification, one of which must be a picture of the individual. The affidavit will not be notarized without proper identification.

Completed forms must be returned to Riverbay Corporation by April 30, 2017.

Special boxes have been set up in the CSO Offices at Dreiser and Einstein and the Administration Office Reception area at Bartow Avenue for this purpose. The boxes will be open during regular business hours (9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.). An additional box will be available after 5:00 p.m. during the week and all day on weekends at the Bartow Security Office.

BY LOUIS SALEGNA, CONTROLLER

(Continued on page 30)

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Town Hall meeting

meeting are asked to arrive early and sign in. Each speaker will have 1-2 minutes to ask their specific question which will then be answered by a director before the Board takes another question.

Cary Smith III, the new executive who works for Douglas Elliman, will be introduced to the community at the meeting. Smith will report to Robert Klehammer, the executive general manager from Douglas Elliman,

Co-op City Times / April 1, 2017 Riverbay’s managing agent.

Smith comes to Douglas Elliman from Metro Management Development, where he oversaw an eight-building, 24-acre residential site in Queens for the past four years. He also served as property, project and development manager at Smith Brothers Properties LLC and worked as a general manager for Douglas Elliman from 2011 to 2013.

Smith was also a portfolio manager for Cooper Square Realty, Inc. from 2006

(Continued from page 1)

to 2011.

“On Tuesday, April 4, Cary Smith III will join me here at Co-op City as the assistant executive general manager,” said Klehammer. “I first met Cary in 2010 when we both worked at Cooper Square Realty (which became FirstService Residential).

“He left there to work at Douglas Elliman and then his current employer, Metro Management. I am pleased that he has agreed to return to Douglas

Elliman and will be invaluable to me in continuing the progress we have made to modernize and improve the management practices here.”

Shareholders will be able to view plans for many of the capital projects being planned or currently under construction in Co-op City.

The Town Hall meeting will be videotaped for broadcast at a later date.

Information will be posted in the community when details are available.

Fire destroys shop in Dreiser – A two-alarm fire burned for an hour at the Beauty Mart Convenience Store in the Dreiser Shopping Center on March 28. The fire began at approximately 2:20 p.m. while a licensed subcontractor for Riverbay was doing construction work. Two civilians and two firefighters suffered injuries. Eight engine companies and five ladder companies from the NYFD along with officers from the NYPD and the Co-op City Public Safety Department responded to the call. “I want to commend my patrol staff who ensured a safe and quick evacuation of the area,” said Public Safety Chief Frank Apollo.

“Although the event itself was unfortunate, the bottom line is we did not incur any serious or life threatening injuries from this incident and that, in my opinion, is the most important thing of all.”

Riverbay Director of Safety Anthony Barzelatto reminds all shareholders to always call 9-1-1 to report the smell of smoke or fire. “Leave immediately. Do not pause to get dressed or take valuables - there isn’t time. Do not try to extinguish the fire unless you have called 9-1-1 first. Fire extinguishers are for small incipient type fires only and you must be trained in how to operate a fire extinguisher before using one.”

Photos by Daniel Rodriguez, Hector Ayala and Jim Roberts

$25 off for New Clients excluding 1040EZ.

Please bring coupon.

Petition period

of Co-op City to check the signatures on the petitions against the signature database, which is maintained by the Riverbay Residential Sales Department for every shareholder who lives in Co-op City.

This process will be overseen by the 2017 Election Committee and the Riverbay Legal Department.

Shareholders and prospective candidates collecting signatures on their petitions should note that only a shareholder of record for each apartment is allowed to sign the petitions.

Once the signatures are checked, the list of eligible candidates who may run in the 2017 Board election will be compiled and the election committee will notify the certified candidates by mail. A Candidates’ Meeting will then take place on Tuesday, April 11th at 8 p.m. in room 31 of the Bartow Community Center where the candidates will be addressed by the 2017 Election Committee and Riverbay’s general counsel. At that time, the certified candidates will take part in a lottery drawing to determine their places on the ballot. They will also receive instructions for producing and submitting their candidate’s statements and ads for the election supplements in the Co-op City Times.

The listing of official candidates will be posted in the Saturday, April 15th issue of the Co-op City Times.

On Wednesday, April 12, the day after the Candidates’ Meeting, the certified candidates and their supporters may begin campaigning as per Election Rule E 6 (a).

On Saturday, April 29th, the first of three consecutive special election supplements will be published in the Co-op City Times, in which each of

5

Co-op City Times / April 1, 2017 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.

All candidates’ statements and ads submitted for publication in the 2017 election supplement in the Co-op City Times are first reviewed by the Election Committee and its attorney prior to publication.

During the election period, directors’ viewpoints are also reviewed by the Election Committee prior to publication. The Election Committee, on the advice of its counsel, reserves the right to delete any material which, in its opinion, contains libelous statements, personal attacks or material misstatement of fact. Generally, candidates are notified of any major changes made to their statements and ads

by Riverbay’s general counsel.

This year’s election will not be conducted by voting machines, but by mail-in and electronic ballots. Election-America, Riverbay’s election contractor, will mail ballots to each Co-op City household. The mail-in or online voting period will begin at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, May 17. Voting will end at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, May 24. (See page 3 for more information on the new voting process.)

All mail-in and electronic ballots will be returned to Election-America which will verify and tabulate the votes. That information will be conveyed to the 2017 Election Committee and its attorney.

The committee will review and certify the final vote count on Wednesday, May 31 at 9 a.m. in room 31 of the Bartow Community Center, and the final results will be posted in the three community centers and published in the next issue of the Co-op City Times, Saturday, June 3.

(Continued from page 1)

The deadline to file challenges to the election is Thursday, June 1.

The five top vote getters in this year’s election will be sworn in as new members of the Riverbay Board of Directors on Thursday, June 8th and begin serving their terms.

The 2017 Election Committee is chaired by Board Director Claudia Sampson. The other members of the committee include Board Secretary Francine Reva Jones, and shareholders John Gale, Annette Newman, Dolores Rankin and Sandy Krasnove.

Potential candidates who have questions about the election rules, or any election-related matters, may address their correspondence in writing to the 2017 Election Committee, c/o Riverbay Legal Department, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475.

Well Done, Pierce!

Congratulations to you, Pierce Parker, for all of your recent accomplishments. You won First Place in the SMARTS Spelling Bee for all third graders in the Bronx school districts and then you went to the USATF Hershey National Championships at 8 years old running in the 9-10 division and took 6th place overall with your best time of 5:21. You also won First Place in the division bee and second place in the multiplication bee at your school, PS 160. We are so very proud of you!

Continue to focus on your future and success will always be yours. Keep pushing yourself for the greatness we know is in you. We love you, baby boy. —Mommy and Daddy

6

Co-op City Times / April 1, 2017

Letters to the Editor

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

– •the– authenticity • – • – of•– – • Anonymous – – • – 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 are solely the writer’s, and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times or Riverbay Corp.

Single-Payer Medicare for All To the Editor: It was no surprise that the Republican-controlled Congress tried to destroy the Affordable Care Act (ACA), aka Obamacare, last week. When they controlled only the House of Representatives, Republicans ineffectively voted to repeal it more than 60 times!

But this time was different. This time, thanks to Trump’s baseless boasts, Congress was expected to replace it with something as good or better. That proved to be an impossible task for them. So they decided to try to push through their flawed healthcare plan instead, in just 17 days; an ideological plan intent on saving money for rich individuals and corporations. Period.

As Stephen Colbert said about the plan: The American Healthcare Act left

Election-America package including optional instructions to vote online,” said Board Director Sampson. “The process has been streamlined and will take less than ten minutes to complete.”

While any one shareholder per unit can vote using a paper ballot, online voting will help keep cost down for the Riverbay Corporation.

Shareholder who would like to vote online but do not have a computer or electronic device to access the online voting portal will be able to use one of three voting kiosks which will be in each of the three community centers – Bartow, Dreiser and Einstein. Printed instructions will be available at all three kiosks.

Election Rule F (5) states, “Electronic signatures will suffice if the ballot has both a unique identifier, for instance, a bar code or number, and requires the shareholder of record to affix the last four (4) digits of their social security number to the ballot” in order for it to count.

Should more than one ballot be cast per residential unit, only the earliest dated ballot or the first electronically recorded ballot, will be counted, according to the election rules. All other ballots cast for that specific unit will be disregarded, but preserved until five (5) days after the period to challenge the election has passed – in this case, June 1, 2017, the deadline to file challenges to the 2017 election.

The signature on each ballot, including electronic signatures, must appear as it does on the shareholder’s occupancy agreement, along with a street

out just two things, “health” and “care.”

The cost of care was, and is, enormous and rising. Something social and economical needed to be done to rein it in and that was the purpose of the ACA. Contrary to what alarmists say, Obamacare will not collapse overnight. Still, I believe it is not sustainable in its current form. It needs improvement, or better yet, replacing.

Single-payer health care is the answer — not a new idea. Legislators have been trying to enact it in New York State since 1992. President Truman pushed for it in 1945, Franklin Roosevelt wanted it in 1935 and Teddy Roosevelt before him. Opposing factions have been wrangling over it since forever for ideological and financial reasons.

And it can actually work. Just look

at Canada. But what about the rationing and the life threatening wait time and the invasive government interference? Myths, lies, and propaganda spread by the insurance industry. Enacting single payer would eliminate the middleman.

For a capitalist viewpoint about care coverage, watch the movie on fixithealthcare.com. Also, explore the history on U.S. healthcare on the Physicians for a National Health Program site at pnhp.org.

Let’s all help fix America’s health care system. It is, after all, in everyone’s interest. Grassroots activism gave us Medicare and Medicaid in the 60s, last week it saved the ACA, hopefully it can soon make SinglePayer a reality.

—Mary Pearson

(Continued from page 3)

address and/or building number, and an ballots required for a quorum. apartment number in order to verify Following the review of the vote that the signature is from a resident count, the election committee will cershareholder of record. Any ballot with tify to the Board of Directors that a an unverifiable signature will not be quorum was obtained, the total number counted. of votes cast, the total number of votes disqualified, the total number of votes Election ballots will be mailed on cast for each candidate, and the names May 10, 2017. The voting period will of the top five candidates who have begin at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, May 17 been elected to serve three-year terms and end at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, May on the Board, followed by the order of 24, 2017. Mailed-in ballots must be received no later than Tuesday, May 30, all other candidates who ran in the Board election. The official results of 2017. the 2017 Board election will be posted The initial vote count, as recorded once the vote review and certification

by Election-America, will be provided of the election is completed. to the 2017 Election Committee no In the event, a quorum is not reached, later than 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May the election committee may recom31. The committee will then conduct a mend that the voting period is extended review and certification of the votes in for an additional twenty (20) days, durroom 31 of the Bartow Center on that ing which time, shareholders eligible to same day to which each candidate and vote who received a ballot but did not one resident observer for each candicast their vote, will be allowed to vote. date will be invited. This certification Until a quorum is achieved and the meeting will continue from day-to-day election is validated, current Board until such time that the final count is directors will continue to hold their completed. office.

For the review of the ballots, a confi“Our goal is to bring Riverbay’s dential, Riverbay Corporation computer-generated register of shareholders, election process into the 21st Century by streamlining the previously by building, as well as the last four digcumbersome and expensive process its of their social security number, will that required the use of antiquated be utilized, if necessary, to validate the machines and resources such as poll casting of any ballot.

The initial count will include the watchers and observers working total number of ballots cast, the total long hours,” said Director Sampson. number of votes received by each certi- “We trust that shareholders will agree fied candidate in the election, the total that this is not only a more efficient number of votes cast for each candidate way to conduct an election, but also by building, the number of votes disa great way to get more shareholders qualified and the basis for the disqualianimated about voting from the comfication, as well as the total number of fort of their homes.”

Important Notice to Shareholders of Building 32 Article SIXTH of your Occupancy Agreement provides, in part, that your lease automatically renews for an additional three (3) year period. You need to do nothing if you want your lease to extend for another three (3) year period.

If you will be moving out at the end of your lease, notify Riverbay, in writing, Attention: Sales Support Office, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475, ninety (90) days prior to lease expiration.

Building 32

Current Lease Expiration Date

New 3 yr.

Expiration Date

Building 32 A&B 4180 & 4160 Hutchinson River Parkway

May 31, 2017

May 31, 2020

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

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

Rozaan Boone Editor-in-Chief

Bill Stuttig Associate Editor

Jim Roberts Business Manager

Jennifer Piovanetti Operations Manager

Ralph Henriquez Production Manager

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

Writers will be limited to one letter per topic.

Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication.

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

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

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

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

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

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

7

Co-op City Times / April 1, 2017

Public Safety Report

Home repair tips for smart consumers

BY LT. PAM APOLLO

Now that the spring cleaning and repair seain your home. son is upon us, cooperators may be considering Insist on a written contract that details the entire scope of the job. Be hiring persons to help with these tasks. Some sure it states exactly what will be done, when it will be done and the qualcooperators may have just had new windows ity of materials to be used. Any warranties or subcontractors should be installed and may be upgrading blinds or winlisted. The total price and schedule of payments should be included. Make dow treatments. It is very important that concertain you understand all payment options and any financing charges. sumers take steps to make sure that the services Never make a final payment or sign a final release until you are satisfied they are paying for are the services they are getting. with the work performed. Paying by credit card may give you any extra Fraud is very popular among contractors especially avenue of dispute resolution. during these difficult economic times. The Department Always be cautious of the deal that seems too good to be true. Be wary of Public Safety offers these tips to avoid becoming the if the contractor comes door-to-door to seek you out or just happens to victim of a scam. have material left over from another job. Be alert to a contractor who Make sure when hiring someone to do work you receive recommendaquotes you a price that is out of line with other estimates. Do not allow a tions from friends or family who have used the contractor for similar work. contractor to pressure you to make an immediate decision or ask you to Get at least three written estimates for the work you wish to have done. pay for the entire job up front. Be cautious of a contractor driving an Make sure all estimates detail the scope of the job so that meaningful unmarked van or a vehicle with out-of-state plates. comparisons can be made. Remember that no structural changes to Co-op Always remember, if you see something, say something. Call 9-1-1 and City apartments can be made without the permission of Riverbay Corpothe Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050 or online at ration. Please check with your Cooperator Service Office if you have any www.ccpd.us. Callers may remain anonymous when giving information. questions about intended improvements.

The Co-op City Department of Public Safety would like to thank all perIt is also important to make sure the contractor meets licensing and regsons who have called in suspicious activity. It is by your actions that the istration requirements. The New York City Department of Consumer crime rate remains low and a high quality of life is maintained.

Affairs, (212) 487-4444, www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/ dca/home.html or the Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau Office of the Attorney General, Anonymous calls to Public Safety (212) 416-8300, www.oag.state.ny.us. You can check with these agencies or the Better Business Periodically, cooperators may witness someone violating the housing company’s rules and regulations, Bureau, (212) 533-6200, www.newyork.bbb.org however, some people are apprehensive about reporting the situation for fear of their identity being to see if there are any complaint records against divulged to the violator in question. an intended contractor or repair service.

Please know that you may request to remain anonymous when you contact the Co-op City Public Make sure your contractor is insured. They Safety Department (CCPD) regarding said issues and the Public Safety dispatchers, officers and supervishould have personal liability, property damage sors have been instructed to accept these calls and investigate, accordingly. and worker’s compensation insurance for workIf, however, you feel forced to surrender your identification in order to lodge your complaint, immediers and subcontractors. Also check with your ately request to speak with a supervisor. insurance company to see if you are covered for Rest assured that you should feel comfortable placing these calls to our Public Safety Department, as any injury or damage that may occur. Be sure any oftentimes residents are the first to know when an incident has taking place and in most cases who the indivaluables are locked up while work is being done viduals involved are, as well.

Thank you very much for your cooperation.

Co-op City Department of Public Safety (718) 671-3050 • www.ccpd.us Twitter: @CCPDnyc

—Riverbay Management

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

Please note that emails should be sent to both parties.

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

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

To All Cooperators In Buildings 26-35 Power Plant Electrical Maintenance Work Riverbay’s Power Plant workers will be performing the next phase of a preventative maintenance check of the feeders that serve your buildings on: Saturday, April 1, 2017 beginning 12:00 a.m.

During the maintenance check of the substations servicing your building, you should experience no loss of electrical service, however, you may notice a slight flicker as the switches are swung over to another feeder. The shutdown will not affect the heat, hot water and elevator service.

This continued activity is necessary to ensure that our electrical equipment operates at peak efficiency. The work should be complete by 6 a.m.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we perform this necessary work.

—CSO (Einstein)

CONTRACT SUMMARY

Contract P1052, 3rd Party Elevator Consultant for Cat 1 & Cat 5 Inspections Bids Due: April 6, 2017 at 2 p.m. (in a Sealed Opaque Envelope) Late Bids will not be accepted Insurance: Winning bidder will be required to provide insurance If interested in bidding, contact bpenn@riverbaycorp.com Contract Chevron Lobby Modernization Project: Renovation of the Chevron Lobbies.

Pre-bid Meeting: April 12, 2017 at 2:00 p.m.

Bids Due: May 16, 2017 by the end of the business day (4:00 p.m.)

Bonding: Bonding is required • Insurance: Insurance is required EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

There are no employment opportunities to list this week. Please check back again next week.

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Co-op City Times / April 1, 2017

Some Questions & Answers De-Mystifying The Budget Process Director’s Viewpoint

Bernard Cylich First Vice President Question: Who is required to prepare a Riverbay budget? Answer: Management is contractually required to draft a budget for the Board’s review, adjustment and approval.

Question: What happens to the budget after the Board’s approval? Answer: The Board’s approved budget is submitted to lenders and oversight agencies for review and approval – with or without amendments. They have the final say.

Question: What is the main characteristic of management’s currently proposed budget? Answer: Managements anticipates that for the next five years the operating budget will require - ZERO - carrying charge increases and will generate a surplus.

Question: Why then carrying charge increases?

Answer: To fund 5-year capital projects costing $111.8M. Question: How will we pay for that? Answer: $72.4M (2/3) will be available from reserve accounts, projected two-year operating surplus, and two-year budget revision. $39.4M shortfall will come from carrying charge and garage fees increases.

Question: What will be the 2-year per room/ month carrying charge increase? Answer: $4.11 the first year and an additional $4.19 the 2nd year.

Question: Do we need to undertake the capital projects? Answer: We must replace 160 faulty elevator motors. We cannot ignore NYC Local Law 11 requirements to repair balconies and building façades. And the loan documents require lobby entrances be made fully accessible with push button automatic door openers. We cannot ignore leaky portico pea-gravel that causes structural damage to our basements. Failure to address and repair known problems could result in severe penalties and endanger our cooperators.

Question: Are all capital projects essential? Answer: No. However, restoring all our commercial storefronts was required by our lenders. We anticipate upgraded stores will attract customers, increasing their revenue as well as ours.

Restoring Dreiser Auditorium will not only enhance our property, but promises to dramatically increase auditorium rental income. And renovating our 50 year old hi-rise lobbies will not only beautify them but also enhance our property, costing cooperators approximately 86 cents/room/ month in carrying charges the first year and an additional 97 cents the 2nd year.

Question: Is the Board mandated to spend moneys as identified in the budget? Answer: NO. The budgeted cost of the various projects are management’s best effort guesstimates. The actual costs can only be known when

contractors submit bids. In many cases, our staff can handle the work. Otherwise, it must be contracted to an outside company and can only be contracted and paid for after Board review and approval. In addition, all contracts above $150,000 must be approved by the DHCR and above $1M must be reviewed and approved by HUD. Question: What if the submitted bid prices are below what the budget estimated? Answer: In that case, (it’s worth hoping for) Riverbay may end up with a surplus deposited in our collective bank account rather than a shortfall. It could reduce any future carrying charge increases.

Two Projects Reluctantly Dropped In an effort to reduce projected carrying charge increases, the Board deleted two capital projects. One was to replace the fifty-year-old trailers located just north of the Power Plant, presently used by our Construction Department, with a new central warehouse and office structure. Presently, our warehouses are located in a crammed garage #1 space and in multiple satellite spaces throughout Co-op City.

The second item deleted was money for adding a floor to the Power Plant office adjacent to the plant.

The present space is too crammed for lunch room, change room, toilet/shower facilities for the 50 Local #94 women and men it serves. Crammed into it now are also offices for supervision and project managers, a meeting room, and storage space for documents. The originally proposed (and defeated) budget resolution that called for one 3.72% carrying charge increase for two years would have generated additional $3M, sufficient to fund those two projects.

Power Plant Staff Comes Through Note: When a snow blizzard recently shut down our city and drivers were advised to stay home, our Power Plant personnel braved the storm and reported to work ensuring continued 100% operation of our plant, providing electricity, heat and hot water.

Also, because of their diligence and full attendance during the 100-day critical summer period, they helped Riverbay earn close to $3M from Con Edison. And again, because of the efficiency and professional workmanship, the staff was able to switch over from natural gas to oil on very short notice from Con Edison saving Riverbay more than $5M. I hope our Board will acknowledge the contribution of our Local #94 union members the next time the Board considers a proposal to upgrade the changing room/lunch room/ and

meeting facility these workers use. $19.74M Savings And Additional Income Under New Management Leadership Long lists of figures don’t make for easy reading, but here’s one that tells an important story of Co-op City progress • Elimination of redundancy in departments to date – $4.5M saved • New management contract – $1M saved • Department budgets held flat in spite of union salary increases – $.10M saved • Brought painting/plastering in-house – $.50M saved • Pre-paid water bills – $1.6M saved • Power Plant savings — standby credit, ability to shed load, export power – $3M saved • Successfully switched from gas to oil on short notice – $5M saved • Plugging high-pressure hi-temp water leak over 18 months – heating water and water charges – $.45M saved • Eliminating need to replace 200 foot pipes – $.50M saved • New Power Plant water treatment facility – $.65M saved • Reducing insurance cost – $.50M saved • Eliminating a federal tax bill – $.44M saved • Garage Dept. rented new blacktop spaces & located unrented hallway closets – $.30M earned • Commercial leasing — rents for new and renewed leases raised to market value – $.90M earned • Introduced new 21st Century Board election technology – $.10M saved A 9.6% reduction against $206M expenses. Kudos to management.

History Committee Meeting The Board’s History Committee will be meeting Tuesday, April 11, at 7 p.m. in Bartow Center, room 26A I can be contacted at bcylich@riverbayboard.com, cell # 646-522-5498; snail mail at Riverbay Board of Directors, 2049 Bartow Ave., Bronx, NY 10475.

DR. LEWIS WOLSTEIN Podiatrist — Foot Specialist • Practicing in Co-op City since 1975 • Board Certified in Foot Surgery • ALL conditions of the foot treated • We

accept most health insurance plans

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

Dr. Lewis Wolstein

Call:

“Se Habla Español”

718.671.7226 100 DeKruif Place

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

Co-op City Times / April 1, 2017

Committee Report

9

Community Relations Committee

If you need to leave the laundry room, you should return as quickly as possible so that you don't inconvenience your neighbors by having them wait for your return or by having to remove your laundry from the washing machine or dryer in your absence. Consideration for others is an important quality in being a good Meeting date: February 21, 2017 shareholder. Please cooperate.

Management will be asked to have the person who organizes the New CoopAttendance: Twelve members attended erator Orientation Meetings to please include this topic in the presentation to the the meeting and the following transpired: potential shareholders.

1. Minutes – The chairperson read the The following suggestions were made: The laundry room sign should be report published in the 2/11/17 edition of the larger and in a brighter color. • Don’t take carts upstairs. • Report incidents that Co-op City Times. happen where people need to get a community complaint. Public Safety needs to 2. Mission Statement – The chairperson presented a Mission Statement respond in a timely manner.

• Increase fines by $25 and give the $25 to the sharewhich was accepted by the committee and the Community Relations director. It holder who reports the violation. will be forwarded to the Riverbay Fund president and the Committee on CommitDiscussion re: Dogs: Many of the laws favor the dog owner. • Dogs were licktees’ chairperson. ing candy in Rite Aid and owner was not watching and was unaware. • Public 3. Women’s March on Washington – The chair reviewed the success of the Safety (PS) should do something about dogs off the leash. • Read Public Safety March and credited the Community Relations director and her assistants. There article in the Co-op City Times about control of dogs. • There should be a regulawere movements in all major cities. On February 4th, Board President Linda tion to walk dogs along the curb only and relieve themselves in the street. Dogs Berk was a speaker at the African-American Association’s Black History Month Film Festival in an effort to get more cooperators involved and she announced the should not be on the grass at all. • A dog pooped in the elevator and it was sugupcoming Town Hall meeting. Also, Tamika Mallory from the Justice League gested that the witness call Public Safety right away so that it could be viewed by and Black Lives Matter is scheduled to speak at the African-American Associa- PS on camera. • If a dog is visiting, you must register it with PS. • Riverbay needs tion on Tuesday, March 14th in Dreiser Center, room 15. All are welcome to to publish new regulations on dogs. • Staff and residents need to be educated about dog regulations. attend. (Ms. Mallory’s appearance was rescheduled for April 4th).

Update – Michelle Sajous, CR Director – 7. Co-op Spelling Bee – The chair reported that the African-American Asso4. Community Relations Dept.

There will be a Black History Month program with the NCNW in Dreiser Center ciation and the Riverbay Fund would sponsor the 4th Annual Spelling Bee on Saturday, March 18th at 11:00 a.m. in Bartow Center, room 31. The following from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Several youth groups will perform. All are welcome.

5. Bartow Median Enhancement – The chair suggested that since the Bartow CRC members volunteered to help: Annette Newman, Sandy Krasnove, Janie median between Baychester Avenue and Co-op City Blvd. looks unattractive, Williams and Delores Debnum.

8. Other that we plant spring flowers to improve the appearance. We were reminded that a) A suggestion was made that since there is a low youth turnout for Tunes on that area is not Riverbay’s property or responsibility. It was suggested that we take advantage of a city agency’s program for enhancements such as this, and Tuesday and other events, we should have younger artists entertain for the community. The Community Relations director responded that it is because they use Leslie Peterson offered to provide the information.

6. Town Hall Meeting – Laundry Room Etiquette – The chair informed that too much profanity. They promise not to, but they do anyway. b) A suggestion was made to place a mural on the wall in Bartow, room 31. at the Town Hall Meeting on February 8, 2017, we discussed the issue of cooperHowever, since cooperators like to decorate the wall in their own way, a counter and dryers and then leaving the laundry room ators using the washing machines and failing to return before the machines have stopped. This requires that those suggestion was to have a banner made and placed on the wall when there is a waiting for the machines need to remove the laundry from the machine. This Riverbay meeting. The chair complimented the new paint job and the white doors action is unacceptable and should not happen. It is neglectful and disrespectful to really brighten up the room.

9. Next Meeting – March 21, 2017 your neighbors and fellow shareholders to leave your laundry and expect others —Submitted by Francine R. Jones to monitor it.

Francine Reva Jones, chairperson Kevin Lambright, co-chair

Building 32 Association Unfortunately, Mr. Rana, our scheduled guest speaker from StatCare located in the Bartow mall, was a no-show, again. Fortunately, our second guest speaker, Mr. Errol Olton, director of Adult Education at Equality Charter School, came early. Mr. Olton gave us an informative presentation about the adult education program located in P.S. 160 which shares space with the charter school.

The Adult Education program offers numerous classes at no charge to us. The classes include, but are not limited to, Zumba, learning to use the computer both elementary and intermediate, planning a budget, and GED. The only class that is charged is the driver safety class. Food is available to snack on, also at no charge. These classes are early evening sessions. Mr. Olton can be contacted at 718-459-9597, ext. 1112.

His email is errol.olton@equalitycs.org.

—Lorna Smith

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Co-op City Times / April 1, 2017

Director’s Viewpoint

SCRIE or DRIE Might Help You

Francine Reva Jones Secretary Women’s History Month Celebration Tamika D. Mallory will be featured at the AfricanAmerican Association’s Women’s History Month Celebration on April 4th at 7 p.m. in the Dreiser Community Center. Ms. Mallory’s appearance was postponed due to the blizzard NY recently experienced.

Ms. Mallory is nationally recognized as a fiery and outspoken champion for social justice who has worked closely with the Obama administration as an advocate for civil rights issues, equal rights for women, health care, gun violence and police misconduct. Tamika has been publicly applauded as “a leader of tomorrow” by senior advisor to President Barack Obama, Valerie B. Jarrett, and was selected to serve on the Transition Committee of New York City Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio. She served as a national organizer for the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington, which drew 300,000, as well as Justice or Else!, where she delivered a national address to over 700,000. A leading figure in the grassroots, community-based effort to stop gun violence in New York City, Tamika was instrumental in creating the NYC Crisis Management System, an official gun violence prevention program that awards nearly $20 million annually to innovative violence intervention organizations. After serving as National Action Network’s youngest executive director, Tamika founded Mallory Consulting, a strategic planning firm in NYC. Wholistic Health Fair The African-American Association will present its 13th Annual Wholistic Health Fair on Saturday, April 8th from 12 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. in the Bartow Center, room 31. More emphasis should be placed on avoiding illnesses and curing yourself naturally.

Some believe that drugs never cure disease; they only change the form or location of the disease.

There will be discussions, demonstrations and refreshments in many areas of natural holistic health. We look forward to seeing you.

SCRIE and DRIE Thanks to Riverbay’s Chief Financial Officer, Peter Merola, for complying with my request for an article regarding SCRIE and DRIE. It is important that shareholders know that under certain circumstances, they

can possibly get assistance to defray the cost of carrying charge increases. Applicants must meet the following requirements in order to qualify: Senior Citizens Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) applicants must be 62 years and over; have an annual household income not in excess of $50,000; have a valid one or two-year lease for an apartment that is regulated by the HCR, a rent controlled, rent stabilized or hotel stabilized apartment; and must pay over one-third of their household’s monthly income for rent.

Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) applicants must rent an eligible apartment; be head of household (18 years of age or older) and named on the lease or rent order, be the tenant of record, or be the spouse or registered domestic partner with a disability, or either of the above. DRIE applicants must receive eligible state or federal disabilityrelated financial assistance. Also, DRIE applicants must have an annual household income of $50,000 or less, and pay more than one-third of their household’s aggregate disposable income for rent.

The above is a brief overview. Please read the applications thoroughly and refer to the March 25, 2017 edition of this publication that provides additional information. Applications for SCRIE and DRIE are located in the Riverbay administration office.

I sometimes watch “Road to City Hall,” a television show where Mayor Bill de Blasio is interviewed about current issues in NYC. He recently spoke about the homeless problems in NYC, shelters and affordable housing, stating that housing homeless people in hotels is very expensive and his administration wants people to stay in their homes. Therefore, they will allocate funds for families facing eviction because staying in their homes is more cost effective than assisting them with funds to stay in shelters or hotels.

The Budget There were several directors’ viewpoints last week discussing the budget. I believe that many positive positions resulted from our struggles, such as, the surplus funds alone were not enough to cover all of the critical capital projects.

That, we must make the critical repairs in order to comply with our $621.5 million Wells Fargo loan, guaranteed by HUD. That everything cannot be done in one or two years and that Riverbay will survive

Building 27 Association Greetings, neighbors. Spring is here, snow and all. Perhaps the trees and flowers will be blooming soon.

Scammers alert – Microsoft warning appeared on my computer screen almost gotcha; once again, a phone number to call to unblock access to your computer. “X” out and call your provider to confirm. Guess what? It was indeed another scam attempt. April Fool, I wish I could say, but not so.

Telemarketers…are on the rise again, private unknown calls, first name basis. Names of companies, one may be affiliated with. Hang up the phone, we do no business over the phone. So please, stay alert.

Annual Association Dues…are $5 per family and representatives of Bldg. A, B and C buildings will be collecting from you on Friday, April 7th from 4 to 8 p.m. The dues support the association as we post flyers of information, participation in the Section Fun Day, our wonderful annual Holiday parties, decorations for our lobbies during the holidays, etc. Thank you for your continuous support of your building association.

Foxwood Casino, Connecticut – The Building 27 Association would love for you to join us on Friday, May 19; price: $40, $10 rebate and a buffet voucher.

Bus leaving at 8 a.m. SHARP from Einstein Loop Center. First payment of $20 due by Thursday, March 23, to hold your seat. Final payment due and no refunds after May 7, 2017. Checks or money may be mailed to Lillian Sumpter, 140 Erdman Pl., Apt. 6D, Bronx, NY 10475. Contacts, if any questions, 718-379-4629 or 718-671-1905 (9-5 p.m.).

Happy birthday to all celebrating this month. We extend condolences and prayers to those who have lost a loved one.

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

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

—Hattie Overman

if we must wait. That some employees were terminated, however, many more would have been terminated had the Board voted for a 0% increase. Last week, I mentioned the Board directors that voted for Resolution #17-21, which states that there would be two 1.9% increases, one occurring this year, and the other next year. However, I inadvertently omitted Sonia Feliciano’s name, who also voted for the increase after Management made a more in-depth explanation of the budget expenditures. I trust that the lender, Wells Fargo, and the oversight entities, HCR and HUD, will approve of the Board’s decision.

Repairs The Local Law 11 balcony and façade repairs are the second highest priority after the elevators. I expect that Management will get started on completing the work on the remaining buildings very soon. Many cooperators have gone without the use of their balconies for, I believe, nearly two years, but are still required to pay for that space. This, in my opinion, is unfair to these cooperators. Management should resume this work as soon as possible.

Board Elections Prospective candidates for a seat on the 15-member Board have begun the petitioning process. They must obtain 75 shareholder signatures in order to qualify. The candidates are vying for five seats that become available each year and the five winners will serve for three years. Thereafter, they have the option of running again. There will be three candidates’ forums.

We have arranged with Election-America to vote by mail and electronically. In preparation for this new process, there will be a practice vote to test the process. Watch for snail mail from Election-America containing a ballot. Please vote by April 10th.

You will receive the Board election mail from Election-America in a few weeks. Please be involved in this new voting process.

I can be contacted at 718-671-5957.

11

Co-op City Times / April 1, 2017

Co-op City Spotlight Young Co-op City Martial Arts Expert Continues To Rack Up Accolades On Saturday, March 18 in Harlem at the Back2Basics Martial Arts Tournament, Co-op City teen Matthew Miller won second place in the Underbelt Kata Division, third place in the Sparring division, and first place and

Top left: At the Back2Basics Tournament with Master David Moradi (left) and Sijou Halbert Lee. Top Right: Matthew with Grandmaster Dr. Ernest Hyman. Bottom left: The Mercer County Karate Championships held last weekend, with event host Master Ivan Mendez.

grand champion in the Weapons Division, representing Harlem Karate Institute.

Matthew defeated two seasoned, grown men (one Master) in the Weapons Grand Championship.

The following week, on Saturday, March 25, Matthew competed at the Mercer County Karate Championships at Rider University in Southern New Jersey. He competed in the Underbelt division and walked away with first place in kata (forms) division; first place, sparring division; first place, weapons division, and Grand Championship, weapons.

Today, Saturday, April 1, Matthew Miller will be part of the Martial Way Kung-fu Center Competition Team to compete at the Return of the Classical Warriors Martial Arts Tournament in Harlem.

On Friday and Saturday, April 7th and 8th, respectively, Matthew will take the stage at the Golden Nugget Hotel in Atlantic City to do a Kung-fu and karate demonstration (also weapons) in front of many Grand Masters, Masters and senseis (teachers) at the Kung-fu and Karate EXPO 11 Masters of the Martial Arts. Later on that evening, Matthew will be honored. He will receive an award at the Awards Banquet, along with other Grand Masters and Masters of Martial Arts.

Earlier last week, a martial arts movie was being filmed and the host has asked for Matthew to take part and be filmed.

Pentecostal Tabernacle The Co-op City Pentecostal Tabernacle invites everyone to attend services at 100 Co-op City Blvd., Bldg.

22A. Sunday School for all age group begins at 10:30 a.m. Worship Service starts at 11:45 a.m.

Wednesday morning prayer and fasting service will be held at 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

Friday evening Youth Service will be held at 7:30 p.m.

Focus Thought: The Power of Unity Genesis 11:1-6 1. And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech.

2. And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there.

3. And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them thoroughly. And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and they had brick for stone, and slime had they for mortar.

4. And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower whose top may reach unto the heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.

5. And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded.

6. And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they all have one language and this they began to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagine

to do. (study Genesis11-9) “When we all pull together” There is something spiritually nourishing about unity. Working together with godly unity produces a keen sense of satisfaction, and effective productivity skyrockets. We can accomplish so much more through the synergy of cooperative unity that we could ever hope to achieve alone.

The power of unity is incredible, but the lesson to be learned from our study today is that unity can achieve great evil or great good. It is insufficient only to possess unity; we must have godly unity – joined together with who are liked minded to do the holy will of God. Like Babel, ungodly unity always produces disharmony and confusion.

Godly Unity, on the other hand, produces harmony. Like the unison of the joined, harmonic voices of a choir or the blending of the harmonized instruments of a symphony.

“United In Purpose” Although pride is the wrong motivator, it does motivate. Over the centuries, evil people have been able to accomplish much only because their common pride united them in evil purpose. It seems that God would thwart all the evil purposes of mankind, but there are some fundamental principles involved that cause God to restrain Himself from prematurely intercepting evil. Just as the law of gravity works for both the godly and the godless, principles of industry work for anyone regardless of their purpose.

For further info., call 718-320-4218 or 718-324-0334. —Rev. R. Sibblies

Poetry

BY PATRICK FARRAR

If you don't believe in yourself you don't deserve any better.

***

One common love one common peace We have more in common than you think

***

Love yourself and watch how obstacles disappear.

Love your family and see how quickly your visions clear.

Love what you doing and you're sure to do it well.

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

12

Co-op City Times / April 1, 2017

Election-America – Riverbay's Vendor Of Choice Sending Survey Your Way Director’s Viewpoint

Claudia Sampson Second Vice President As appointed chair of the 2017 Election Committee, I am excited to be a part of a new election process that involves submitting your paper ballot in the mail or online voting. There are currently five (5) open seats on the Riverbay Board of Directors for which nine (9) candidates so far have picked up petitions for signatures. These petitions must be turned in to the Riverbay Legal Department by 5:00 p.m., April 3rd, according to the rules voted on by the Board.

In order to ensure that this new process is working properly, Election-America with my approval and the support of our Legal Department will be mailing a survey in a brightly-colored envelope that we'd like you to complete and return via mail or online. Your participation in this survey is a twopronged effort: to assess the viability of the new voting process and to generate a new level of community engagement.

We're hoping to bring Riverbay's election process into the 21st Century by streamlining the previously cumbersome and expensive process that required the use of antiquated machines and resources, such as poll watchers and observers working long hours.

We trust that you'll agree that this is not only a more efficient way to conduct an election, but also a great way to get more shareholders animated about voting from the comfort of their homes.

Why I Voted Yes For The Budget Submitted On 3/8/17 After several months of painstaking meetings

well into the late evenings, there was a vote taken to pass a budget submitted by management. It was by no means an easy decision on my part or that of the nine other directors who voted “yes” to increase our carrying charges for 2017-2018 & 2018-2019 by 1.9% each year. Trust me when I say, I don't like paying ANY increase. But, in my opinion, the reality is simply: we have no alternative if we want to maintain our property. Had we voted for no increases, we would have had to cut workers, eliminate basic services, and face much dire circumstances by ignoring the problems of 160 failing elevators and crumbling facades, not to mention leaking/pooling porticos and paving around the townhouses. Imagine what Co-op City would look like had we decided to not increase the carrying charges.

We have an obligation as directors entrusted with the care, fiduciary responsibility and accountability to you, the shareholders, who elected us to do the job required to keep our property in pristine condition.

We even delayed doing other projects well into the last three years of our 5-year Capital Improvement Plan so that we could get the budget ready for submission to DHCR by the deadline. So please understand that this was not an easy decision, but I believe it was the right decision needed at the time.

Remembering A Life Well Lived Gone But Not Forgotten On March 6, our community lost one of our noblest and socially-conscious entrepreneur and humanitarian I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. His name is Kevin Isaac Shaw. I would be remiss in not mentioning that Kevin was one of the first residents in my building 2B to extend his support when I first declared my intention to run for the

Building 13 Association Our next Building 13 Association meeting will be held on Thursday, April 6, at 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. We welcome your input in matters concerning the building and community. We are here to help answer questions and offer assistance.

We have interesting workshops on the horizon. Within the next week, we will begin collecting the $5 association membership dues. The dates will be posted on the bulletin board in our lobby. Your Riverbay annual affidavit will be notarized free when you join the association. Bring your dues, your annual papers and a picture identification.

Join us – Women Keeping It Real has been rescheduled for Saturday, April 8.

The Red Box returns! Our next meeting will be held on Saturday, from 6:308:30 p.m. at 100 Casals Place (Bldg. 13) association room. Women Keeping It Real is an inspiring, insightful and informative social gathering of women of all ages. We welcome new participants. Remember!You must be 18 and over to participate.

Summer Fun Day is coming soon. It is scheduled for June 17, from 12 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. If you would like to volunteer, please contact your building association. You will be advised regarding meeting dates for volunteers at a later date.

EARTH DAY PARADE – Pledge to Help the Planet, April 22 at 10:15 a.m.

It begins with US! JOIN Rivers Run Community Garden in collaboration with the Co-op City Little League and take the pledge to: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle • I WILL SAVE ENERGY. Turn off lights and electronics when not in use.

• I WILL CONSERVE RESOURCES. I will not waste water.

• I WILL NOT LITTER. Put trash into proper receptacles; remember to recycle.

Assembly will be at the stage on the main greenway and the parade will march to the Little League field for the opening day ceremony. There will be composting workshops, art workshops, music, refreshments and free giveaways, so, join the parade.

UPDATE: Lobster Fest – Final payment is due April 15. We ask that you be prompt with your payment. The event is scheduled for Saturday, July 15, at the NORDIC LODGE. It’s an all-you-can-eat LOBSTER FEST. If you would like to be placed on our waiting list, call Sherrie Hernandez (number below) with your contact information. The cost is $160 per person.

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

Inc. and mailed to 100 Casals Place #32K, Bronx, NY 10475. For information re the Nordic Lodge Lobster feast, contact Sherrie Hernandez at 914-837-5970, Gail Sharbaan, treasurer, at 718-671-3801 or Leslie Peterson at 718-320-1370. Our website is www.bldg13assoc.com or e-mail us at bthirteen.assoc@yahoo.com.

Again, thanks for making our team work.

—Leslie Peterson

Riverbay Board. What amazed me most about this gentle giant of a man was his compassion and interest in making sure that we had the highest quality of musical performances money could buy. His company, "Flavor Entertainment," brought some of the classiest acts to our Dreiser Auditorium. In fact, last year while on a cruise, I heard that Kevin personally paid for the transformation of our sub-par Dreiser Auditorium into a state of the art performance stage with the help of several local organizations and individuals so that artists such as Johnny Gil and Vivian Green would feel welcomed and treated the same they would had they been at another venue located in a tonier setting. I asked Kevin why he chose to spend his own money, and he replied, because the people here deserve to be treated to the best.

Kevin's larger-than-life personality, sense of humor and sharp wit weren’t dimmed even when he lost his dearly beloved son, Kevin Shaw, Jr., in a tragic incident. Less than two years after his son was eulogized at a standing-room only funeral at Abyssinian Baptist Church, Kevin Sr.’s home going service was equally stunning so much so that the Rev. Calvin Butts remarked that he was not only impressed by the outpouring of family and friends, but also by the amazing life well-lived by both men.

To Sakeena, his beloved and devoted wife of 33 years, loving daughter Ebonie and son-in law Aaron, twin granddaughters Khloe and Skye, and other family members too many to mention, I extend my sincerest condolences and well wishes from all of us. RIP, my dear friend and neighbor. Kevin, you did it your way!

Please feel free to contact me at: csampson @riverbayboard.com, or you can write me at Claudia A. Sampson, c/o the Riverbay Board of Directors, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, New York 10475.

Co-op City Times / April 1, 2017

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Co-op City Times / April 1, 2017

Boo! Are you going to let management scare you?

Director’s Viewpoint

Daryl Johnson Some managers might create budgets that are not good for this community. Nevertheless, strong directors should never allow managers to pressure them to accept and approve these types of budgets.

FEAR - False Evidence Appearing Real Last week, this paper was filled with doomsday viewpoints and articles about our budget. But, were the viewpoints and articles accurate? Did they reflect what was going on with our budget? From my perspective, they were written to evoke fear in this community.

For instance, there was a viewpoint about some cuts in a few departments. But, did you notice that Public Safety was mentioned first? Even the writer stated: "Make Co-op City Unsafe." Thereafter, the viewpoint stated: "Reduce Public Safety headcount from 100 to 90. Eliminate [the] supervisor of [the] Detective Unit?"

Now, were those statements supposed to induce feelings of fear here? If yes, then, should management use fear tactics to get directors to approve a budget? No! From my point of view, we are spending way over $100 million to run our 27 separate departments.

Therefore, the board should have told management that we want to cut our departmental budget by 15 percent. Now, some people might disagree with this point. But, as you'll see, it's a different story when they're presented with the numbers on the budget.

For instance, we currently have around 1,010 employees here. But, our current budget from that massive 4.5 percent increase was jacked up to have 1,112 employees on it. Why? Regardless, yes or no, is this portion of the budget bloated? If the answer is yes, then I say that this budget needs to be cut.

Also, just a few weeks ago, management wanted to increase this same departmental budget from $112.6 million to $120 million. So, my point is that we could have solved our budget problems if the board had told management to sensibly cut this budget. Now, could it have been done without affecting services? Despite what you may have read in this paper, my answer is yes.

Now, the payroll section is just one portion of our

budget. However, there are other portions of our budget I can publish in this newspaper. Then, you would be able to see the bloated numbers and make up your mind on the way that our budgets are crafted.

Recently, someone tried to cause some confusion with the way the vote count came out. So, again, here are the names of the directors that voted yes for this resolution to increase our carrying charges and our parking charges: Linda Berk, Bernard Cylich, Sonia Feliciano, Francine Reva Jones, Kevin Lambright, Andrea Leslie, Claudia Sampson, Rod Saunders, Marie Smith, and Evelyn Turner.

Here are the names of the directors that voted no for this resolution: Deborah Jenkins, Leslie Peterson, Junius Williams, and Daryl Johnson. Leah Graham was absent for this vote.

Priced out of Manhattan & Brooklyn, Hello Bronx Lots of people were priced out of Manhattan and Brooklyn. And, now, some apartments in Brooklyn cost more than some apartments in Manhattan.

Not being able to afford either borough, some people have moved to Riverdale, City Island, Throggs Neck, Country Club, and Pelham Parkway. And, now, they love these areas of the Bronx.

Eager to make a profit, investors have also set their sights on the Bronx. In fact, just last year, two major developers bought up 38 buildings in the Bronx for $140 million. Additionally, other developers have announced big plans for Mott Haven and for other areas of the Bronx. So, it's only a matter of time before lots of people get priced out of the Bronx.

Bottom line: Co-op City is a nice place with nice people. However, jacking up the carrying charges, refusing to dramatically cut costs, poor decisions, and other negative factors are going to force a lot of people out of this community.

SCRIE and DRIE Programs (Pronounced SCREE and DREE) There is talk now that the increases won't start until around July 2017. Good news, right? No! Mathematically, the calculations for the 5-year capital plan will be off if the increases don't start in June 2017. So, guess what?

We might be looking at

another increase to make up for this late start. Horrible!

Therefore, at this point, we must see if we can help some of our cooperators to qualify for the SCRIE and DRIE programs. If qualified, our cooperators will be exempt "from all or some increases" on their carrying charges.

Last Saturday, the Co-op City Times published an extensive article on both of these programs. In the future, I will also keep you informed about both of these programs. Additionally, later on, a social service agency named JASA will be offering their assistance to help people to fill out these applications.

Finally, please keep in mind that we have these applications in Bartow. But, cooperators should apply to these programs after these increases are in effect.

Elevator Videos Some people are doing things in our elevators that are not good. For instance, there have been several complaints about people littering, dogs relieving themselves, etc. Thereafter, videos were pulled and community complaints were issued. So, please remember that cameras are recording everything that goes on in our elevators.

Close Please help your neighbors by talking to them about the SCRIE and DRIE programs. Thank you.

Questions or comments? Please send a letter to: Daryl Johnson, Riverbay Board Director, c/o Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. Or, please send a message to me at darylhjohnson@optonline.net (There are absolutely no problems with this email address. So, please doublecheck the spelling of this address if your message bounces back to you.) Also, please call me at 718671-4544 if you don't receive a response from your message. You can also join me on Facebook by typing in: Daryl H. Johnson.

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

Thank you.

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Co-op City Times / April 1, 2017

Building 31 Association Thanks to our guest speaker during the general meeting held on Tuesday, 3/21, Vanessa Aldea, Executive CSO Manager. The information she shared with all in attendance answered many questions. She explained protocols for her office and how they assist you with apartment and community-related problems, from noise complaints you can’t get resolved to neighbors, incorrect disposal of garbage and lights off and not working on the walkway. CSO can be reached by phone and is always ready to suggest remedies for the issues you’re facing.

We still have a few seats left for the Hunterdon Hills Playhouse and the Sands Casino for May 3rd. Come and support us in this endeavor to raise funds for the 2017 scholarship we give to a 2017 high school graduate/GED recipient from our building. Contact any committee member listed on the flyer or contact us by email bldg31assoc@gmail.com.

Our knitting and crochet group is still looking for you on Mondays in the meeting room. Our game night every other Friday featuring Pokeno welcomes players.

Association annual dues of $5 collection will begin soon, notices will be placed under your door with envelope attached. Please read the message explaining the purpose and need for dues. Starting Fri., April 7th, 4 p.m.-8 p.m. and Sat., April 8th, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Reminder for dates and times for collection will be posted between the elevators in the lobby.

Our 50/50 was won by Marilyn McDaniel from the A-side the door prize was won by Sharon Clarke from the B-side.

Remember, this is our home; let’s do our part to keep it clean and remember security is our duty as well so if you see something, say something.

—Marilyn McDaniel

Improve the quality of life in Co-op City!

Share your ideas. Run for the Riverbay Board, join a Board committee, write to Riverbay’s management or pen a letter to the editor.

Donizetti Building Four Association Thank you to all who joined us on our first fundraiser trip last weekend to the Mohegan Sun Casino in WilkesBarre, PA. We hope everyone came back with a little something even if it was nothing but a smile and a day away from home. Our next fundraiser trip will be a lunch cruise scheduled for Saturday, August 19 (see below).

Fundraiser Trip We will cruise along the NJ coastline while enjoying an all-you-can-eat buffet luncheon on the Princess Cornucopia.

The cost of the trip is $125 per person.

This cost includes: • Round-trip deluxe motor coach transportation • 4-hour cruise on NJ coast line • 2-hour shopping at Jersey Gardens Outlet Mall • Buffet luncheon (all you can eat) Selections include: Salad bar, savory chicken, fresh fish, beef selections, prime rib carving station, rice, potatoes, pasta, vegetables, international desserts, soft drinks/ soda, coffee or tea.

Our payment plan is as follows: 1st minimum payment per person is $40, due no later than May 6; 2nd minimum payment per person is $40, due no later than June 17, and final payment is due on or before July18.

Our motor coach bus will leave 9:00 a.m. SHARP from Donizetti Place (Building 4).

Coffee will be served from 8:00 to 8:30 a.m. in our association room in rear of Bldg. 4B. For more information, you may call Yvonne, (718) 671-6922; Diane, (347) 275-7565 or Mary, (718) 671-0425.

Meeting Our next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 13, at 7:30 p.m. in the association meeting room in rear of Building 4B. Come and get an update of issues & things happening in and around our community and building.

Open discussions/issues are welcomed.

Building Membership Dues The lobby collecting of our annual building membership dues has concluded. If you missed us, we will be placing envelopes under doors for your convenience very shortly. Verification of your membership payment will be posted in each lobby’s bulletin board.

Once again, thank you for your support!

Continue to check on your elderly neighbors who may live alone. We extend get well wishes to the sick and shut-in. Congratulations to those celebrating a special occasion. Stay focused and be alert of people and your surroundings when entering your building and elevators.

Remember this is our home.

“IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING.” —Yvonne Burrus (DW)

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.

16

Co-op City Times / April 1, 2017

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Co-op City Times / April 1, 2017

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18

Co-op City Times / April 1, 2017

Director’s Viewpoint

Kevin Lambright There have been only a few questions looming in the air about why we would vote for an increase and the fact that most people cannot afford an increase in their maintenance fees. Our community is the fastest growing senior community in North America. If seniors were to be displaced in our community, it would be a major disservice of humanistic proportions. Fortunately, there are things in place to counter 95% of that ever happening.

The SCRIE program subsidizes any senior who applies and has an annual household income of less than $50,000 per year. If 1/3 of their monthly income goes to carrying charges, they will be subsidized for any increases in carrying charges. So seniors, for the most part, are safe from displacement.

That has been my understanding of the process.

Solid Ground Let me be as clear as I can to emphasize the fact that when I voted to move forward to ensure the best budget presented to us by our current management, I did not vote for an increase. I voted yes to enable us to continue to live with the quality of life that I had not been used to prior to moving to Co-op City. I voted yes to re-establish confidence in knowing that we refuse to be in “emergency” mode every time there was a small or large crisis to be dealt with. I voted yes to place us in a position where we can be respected by the politicians who were elected to serve us. I voted yes to place us in the position not to repair our community, but to rebuild it. I voted yes to make it stronger than it was from inception and better than it is today.

We all know that the cost of living is going up and

Seniors are safe the reality of increased income for most is nonexistent. This is a fact across North America. Co-op City is no different when it comes to that reality. To those of you who fight that reality by saying don’t compare us to the rest of the world because you want to dismiss that reality, I ask you two questions: Do you want to take the red pill and continue to live in a false reality ignoring self-deterioration? Or are you willing to take the blue pill and meet challenges head-on with financial stability and pride creating depth and never questioning how deep the rabbit hole goes?

For the record, the questions were not rhetorical.

We should always try to look for ways to make bad situations better or make good situations even better. We must admit that throughout our lives, we haven’t always made the best decisions. If anyone tells you that they have, you had better grow 10 more eyes and keep all eyes on them. We are all human and mistakes are part of our growth. When you are a representative of others, the responsibility is even greater.

As a member of the Riverbay Board, I am met with many emotions, personalities, learning curves and so much more. If my intentions can collaborate with responsibility and work ethic, I am only at the beginning of a potentially successful representation of those I serve. As shareholders and community participants, we all have responsibilities to ourselves, our families and neighbors. For those of us who are not aware, our neighbors are equivalent to business partners.

Spelling Bee The African–American Association and the Riverbay Fund sponsored the 4th Annual Co-op City Spelling Bee last Saturday, March 18. It was an incredible, heartwarming event. There were 22 participants, age ranging from 8-12 years. All participants received awards. The biggest award was watching these young scholars compete for titles and the positive aura in the room throughout the entire event.

MC for the event was Michelle Marbury. She, along with Elder Barry E. Lee, opened with the Welcome Address, prayer and libation. There were special greetings by Elder Francine Reva Jones, Spelling Bee creator and Riverbay Board member; Pastor Deborah Jenkins, Riverbay Fund director and Riverbay Board director. Contest rules were read by Rev. Beverly Spruill. The contest announcer was Ebony Rae Lambright. Closing remarks for the event were made by yours truly Kevin Lambright, president of the African-American Association.

Prize winners of the contest were: 1st Prize: Stephen Ogunbiyi (the African-American Association Award); 2nd Prize: Jaivon Gordon (the Rev. Beverly A. Spruill Award); 3rd Prize: Caleb Brennan (Ebony Rae Empowerment Award). All winners also received monetary awards as well.

Coming Soon I, like most of you, am looking forward to some fun things coming this year. Just to name a few: Hit Gospel Comedy “The First Lady;” Wholistic Health Seminar; UniverSoul Circus; fashion shows; Tunes on Tuesdays; Wicked Wednesdays, and so much more.

This is proof that so much is happening right here on your property. We must support these events so that we can continue to heighten levels of quality of life here in our community.

Keep in Touch These are times when we need to keep an eye on our family, friends and neighbors. There are people who want what we have and look for opportunities to take it. We must protect and defend one another and our property. Remember, this all belongs to us.

If you see something that seems suspicious, do not hesitate to call Public Safety. I look forward to your correspondence and feedback. I can be reached at klambright@riverbayboard.com or by phone at 646-721-8185.

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Co-op City Times / April 1, 2017

Broun Place Townhouse Association From Broun Place Townhouse Association: Co-op City is approaching 50 years in existence.

Broun Place feels it is important to take a look at some of the unique features and history of Co-op City. And as we approach 50 years, we will do so.

This week, let’s sing the praises of recycling in Co-op City and particularly that this protocol was created by Riverbay employees and is maintained thusly. Maintenance of the recycling bins and the pad never would happen if the city was in charge of garbage removal. And since our dumpster pads were cleaned up and since Martin has been our groundskeeper, there is a major improvement in our dumpster pad.

Call 3-1-1 to register problems off Co-op City property. Broun Place agrees with Building 9, we shouldn’t go back to NYC Department of Sanitation, but should continue with our own recycling program. Now as citizens let’s do our job and DO NOT LITTER! We have registered a complaint regarding Bassett

and DeReimer, under the I-95 trestle and at the Given Ave. road out of Co-op City. You can call too!

We might have had our last snow emergency for 2017. Let’s hope so and let’s also remember for next year the problem of not having the path to Dreiser Loop cleared properly. We have written to Building and Grounds, but no response to date. Thank you to the Nathaniel family for their update on the modifications and repairs on their apartment.

All were welcome to our first Broun Place Townhouse Association meeting of the New Year, held on March 23rd. Thank you, assistant general manager, Mr. Warren Mitchell, for your attendance and for the information you gave. We had a couple of cooperators with very special issues. Mr. Mitchell spoke with our residents in his special personal style and we appreciate it very much. Additionally, signage proposals for townhouse clusters is a subject that we are working on and it will be solved throughout Co-op City. We will report further next week.

This week, we will attend the “Cooperator’s

Building 26 Association Warm greetings to our Co-op City families, friends, merchants, and especially our new residents. The weather has been getting nice so get out and enjoy a leisurely walk throughout our beautiful community.

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

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

Interested Riverbay residents are encouraged to obtain qualifying petition packages to run for Board of Directors. We need input and direction from new, energized Board members.

Deadline for submission is April 3rd.

Residents who park their vehicles on the street/or the garages are advised to remove all valuables, including small change, from plain view within your vehicle. There has been numerous cars vandalized and thefts taken from cars.

Save your personal checks and pay your monthly maintenance fee online by logging on to www.riverbaycorp .com and scroll down to the bottom of

the page and click on the “PayLease” icon. You can also go directly to the PayLease website, www.paylease.com, to register and pay your maintenance.

It’s easy, convenient and environmentally friendly.

Our next building association meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 11, at 7:30 p.m. in the rear lobby of 2420 Hunter Avenue. Please come out and be updated to our building and community happenings. There will be refreshments served and we’ll also have a 50/50 raffle.

Upcoming Income Affidavits – Pat Cipollaro, our building president, will be available to notarize your income affidavit. Availability is forthcoming.

Let’s all work to help keep Co-op City clean by properly disposing trash in the nearest receptacle.

Please dispose of large boxes, furniture, and other large objects from your residence by taking it to the designated area of your building’s basement. Debris thrown from your window and or terrace is dangerous. Violators will be summonses and or arrested. If you see something, say something by calling 9-1-1 for emergencies and 3-1-1 for all non-emergencies.

—YuVonne Lewis

Building 2 Association Building 2 resident recognition Greetings. At our last association meeting on Tuesday, March 21, building members expressed an interest in recognizing those residents of (Building 2A and 2B) who are original cooperators. The date for this activity will be announced at our next meeting in April.

If you reside in Building 2A or 2B and would like to be recognized, please submit your name, apartment number and move-in date to Adelina at 718-679-6802 or Viviana at 718320-2080 by Friday, April 28.

Building General Meeting The association regularly meets on the second (2) Tuesday of each month, however, please note that due to religious observance, the April meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 18, at 7 p.m. in our regular meeting room in the rear of Building 2B (street level).

We encourage all Building 2 residents to attend association meetings so that we can hear from you, meet our neighbors and address matters that concern our building. See you at the next meeting.

—Adelina Martinez

Shareholders, not tenants!

Become involved in your building association!

United” meeting where the subject is mailboxes and their absence. We know of three locations where they have not been returned. Look for a report next week!

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

Tiding of condolence to the family and friends of Kevin Shaw, well-known entrepreneur and cooperator. Read the Co-op City Times issue of March 25th for information on the scholarship named for Kevin Shaw Jr. Applications should be submitted by April 30, 2017.

Please advise me of your tidings. We would be happy to recognize your special dates.

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

Have a great week!

—Eva Lazaar

Building 30 A and B Association The building association welcomes our new neighbors on the A and B sides.

We hope to see our new shareholders at the next association meeting.

Our building association will have its April General Meeting on Wednesday, April 12 with guest speaker Vanessa Aldea, Executive CSO Manager. The door opens at 7 with the meeting starting promptly at 7:30.

The rest of our itinerary is as follows: PoKeno, Friday, April 7th and Movie night, Friday, April 28th. The door to the association room will open at 7 with events starting at 7:30. Crochet is every Wednesday at 1 p.m.

For all those celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and new arrivals, congratulations. Those under the weather, get well soon. Those who just suffered a loss, our condolences.

—Linda Werner

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Co-op City Times / April 1, 2017

Director’s Viewpoint

Evelyn Turner It was suggested by a fellow director that “the budget will go to HCR and we hope they will approve it.” Also, it was suggested that we should act on possible grants, and other subsidies made possible by the taxes WE all pay.

Another director shared that “the proposed budget which included the 5-Year Capital Plan was shared with HUD, HCR and Wells Fargo BEFORE it was ever shared with the full Board of Directors.” I believe the legitimate concern was why share a 5-Year Plan with the oversight entities before deliberations by the entire Board?

According to the “Management Report,” a “Business–Based Budget ENSURES STRONG FUTURE FOR CO-OP CITY.” A draft budget was given the Board on January 11, 2017. The same day, without notifying the full board, the draft was given our supervising agents and lender.

The budget process is not something we can do in a vacuum and not have transparency with the lender or the supervisory agencies. It’s ridiculous for anyone to believe you can borrow that amount of money and not be scrutinized or held accountable, says Bob Klehammer. Surprise, surprise! The community needs to understand that Board directors are competent professionals, many with advanced degrees. It must be difficult trusting that “this” Board is capable of thinking in the best interest of the community. Who is the “anyone?”

“I believe that the Board should be about business, not politics and personal agendas.” In other words, it seems the trip to Washington, DC was business, nothing to do with politics and the draconian de-regulations and loss of rights under the present political leadership in Washington.

We are also constantly reminded that under the leadership of Cleve Taylor, the previous management, MSI, was removed.

Least We Forget It was under the historic, capable leadership of Board President Helen Atkins (for no charge) and the management firm of Marion Scott Realty, Inc. that we will remain affordable for the next 30+ years.

Building 29 Association The Building 29 Association held its March meeting on the 17th. A quick briefing was given of the Section 5 meeting (and the information that a train station is scheduled to be established there in the not too distant future).

Two speakers from Montefiore followed. The first speaker was Carlos Tejada, Community Health Specialist, discussing hypertension – risk factors, dangers and steps to take to avoid it.

The second speaker was Mariela Salazar, MPA, government and community relations manager.

She talked about urgent care facilities versus hospitals, and when to select where to go (or to selftreat).

Both guests were very informative and much appreciated by all.

—Katharine Wood

Co-op City Public Safety Dept.

Emergency: 718-651-3050 Non-Emergency: 718-320-3330

www.ccpd.us @CCPDnyc

Accountability/In The Papers Yes, a single costly act defying all supervisory agencies guidelines and protocol terminated the tenure of MSI. In my opinion, cooperators are paying dearly for Board leadership’s actions.

The process of approving another management company was an awesome, interesting “political” process that this director participated in. The decision to hire one, now possibly two staff members from Douglas Eliliman Property Management was never negotiated by the full Board. The negotiation was private and later presented to the Board for a vote. I believe the delay was on purpose as the desired plan was to “self-manage” which would have given key Executive Board members more control than they presently have. By the way, the Board president has the authority to make business and financial decisions WITHOUT full Board discussion or approval. Case in point, the Board presidents can decide or refuse agenda items. Also, like other presidents, they can appoint who they want as chairman of the various committees.

Douglas Elliman Management Company Contract Thanks for the feedback from a cooperator who is concerned that management can go to HCR with a proposed budget before discussing such a move with the Board. This cooperator is concerned that we are headed down the same path experienced with MSI. Please be informed that this will not happen again.

We are committed to having a management company that respects all Board members and have NO problems continuing the search if in fact this company, according to a cooperator, “refuses to listen to wise decisions and offered help.” Douglas Elliman Management Company’s contract has an expiration date.

Join The NAACP/Over Secure It was suggested by a “former Board member” from the pulpit on Sunday that it would be wise to join the NAACP as “a storm is coming.” Many African-Americans have become “over secure.”

Case in point, people of color “in particular” are being priced out of communities because of gentrification and lack of comparable income.

Remember, it is proposed that Co-op City will have a “Metro-North train “stop in approximately 5 years. We now have a proposed 5-year budget by the present management company. We were reminded that Wells Fargo wanted an automatic 2% increase in carrying charge every year.

Additionally, according to management, “we are renewing commercial leases closer to market rents.”

Youth Committee This director attended the Youth Committee on Monday, March 27. We have several great initiatives to look forward to. I did share that the corporation should consider hiring a professional social worker to be the eyes and ears of cooperators who need help.

Case in point, a WOMAN was viciously murdered in Co-op this year; we also had an unfortunate SUICIDE. At the funeral for the “woman,” no evidence of acknowledgement was observed from many women leaders “in particular” in the community.

By the way, a cooperator is waiting for a financial report to the community from “The Women’s March on Washington.”

In closing, cooperators, please know that you have Board members who are committed to maintaining our property and quality of life. You have Board members who will advocate budget cuts from the top, as well as the bottom. We will continue to pay attention to paying unnecessary consultants fees and astronomical legal fees.

Also, having served as a Board director under three previous Board presidents, ALL have been about BUSINESS. Without a business agenda, the $621,500,000 loan would not and could not have happened. All Budgets have been and will continue to be about BUSINESS. IT’S HAPPENING SATURDAY, APRIL 8: MENTAL HEALTH WORKSHOP at DREISER AUDITORIUM, 1:30 PM. FREE – NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. “Truth - It’s more important than ever.”

I may be reached at: Evelyn M. Turner, Licensed Clinical Social Worker; eturner@riverbayboard.com; (917) 324-1033.

Building 9 Association Greetings.

Thank you to all 2017 dues-paying, Building 9 Association members. We appreciate your continued interest and support. My truest heartfelt gratitude to the women of Building 9 who gave freely of their time and energy to collect for their neighbors, week after week: Shirley W., Gwen A., Shirley J., Janice R., Eloise C., Catherine L., Barbara C., Wanda Randall, Wanda Rodriguez, Daisy McCoy, Brenda Tolbert and Luz Garcia.

Our 1st Women's History Month Movie Night was a great success. Thank you, Shirley Wells, Gwen Anderson, Wanda Randall, Wanda Rodriguez, Barbara Nesby, Brenda Bailey, Daisy McCoy, Shirley Johnson, Janice Rosario, Jackie Lattie, Miss Eloise, Miss Helen, Miss Alma, Jerome Wells, Beulah and Loretta.

Our 2nd Annual International Food Night was another great success: Wanda Rodriguez (flan), Ana Nieves (coquito), Linda & Mike Collins (BBQ ribs, yellow rice, corned beef/cabbage), Jerome & Shirley Wells (southern potato, salad, brownies), Gwen Anderson (baked ziti), Shirley Johnson (Bajian curry chicken, peas & rice), Robert & Janice Rosario (Italian meatballs/sauce), Angel Mangual (ensalada), Jackie Lattie (Jamaican sweet bread w/cheese, chicken & beef patties), Barbara C. (cheese coffee cake), Brenda Tolbert (apple pies), Eloise C. (assorted pies), Linda Morris (corn bread), Ventia Lawson, Linda & Jamie Holley, Domingo and Ruben.

On Wednesday, April 12th, 4 p.m.-6 p.m., the Building 9 Association will proudly present the 'Pizza with A Cop Initiative' sponsored by our very own CCPD. The stated mission of this event is to

Women's History Month Movie Night: Hidden Figures

establish and foster a good rapport which will be the foundation for trust and friendship between our youth and our officers. Our children should be familiar with our officers, not fearful of them; our children should be comfortable with our officers, not confrontational with them; our officers should be the protectors, mentors and role models of our children.

May this be the first step on the road to many successful future relationships. When we know each other better, we treat each other better. Remember, encouragement is nourishment. If you can change a perspective, you can change a life.

Building 9 parents, please, urge your children to join us for this event in our Building 9 Association Room.

Our next building association membership meeting will be Thursday, April 20th at 7 p.m.

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

21

Co-op City Times / April 1, 2017

Co-op City Sports

2017 is starting out to be a great year for Velocity Track Club New York (VTC). After three years of wearing our original sweat suits which became too small for our children, we were blessed with a generous donation to help us get new sweat suits for all of our children at no cost to our parents.

We also received New Balance sneakers for the entire team, thanks to the New York Road Runners.

Thru fundraising, we will be able to pay for the entire team to work out at the Family Fitness Center. On Saturday,

Velocity Track Club New York February 11th, we won six medals and the title Fastest Kid on the Block at the 110th edition of the NYRR Millrose Games. On February 12th, we chartered a bus to the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center in Boston, Massachusetts for the Northeast Indoor Classic where we won 11 trophies, over 40 medals and a 3rd place team trophy.

On February 18th, we had four girls compete in the 43rd Colgate Women’s Games, earning four trophies and $250 in an educational grant. March 4th, we competed in the Armory Youth Championship and won four gold, six silver and six bronze medals! On March 10th – 12th, we won nine medals at the USATF Hershey Indoor Youth National Championship and had a National Champion!

On March 18th, we were honored at the Throgs Neck S.D.A. Church for the outstanding work we do with our youth. On March 19th, we had two athletes named the USA Track &

Field New York Athletes of the Year for 2016.

I believed Velocity Track Club is having an awesome year and I can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store for us for the rest of 2017.

As our children enjoy their much needed break, coaches and staff are working hard to be prepared for their return. Our first day of practice will be Monday, April 10th at Truman High School. Our first meet should be Sunday, April 23rd, the New York Relay (Youth Chal- VTC athletes Brianna and Olyvia Burrell with Coaches lenge) at Icahn Stadium, Gordon (left) and Dinkins (right) at the USATF New York Award Ceremony.

Randall’s Island. Velocity Track Club New York is a 501(c)3 our website, Velocity track.org, or not-for-profit. contact me, Coach Winston Dinkins, at One hundred percent of your dona914-441-6196 or email me at watclt tion will go to help our children. For @aol .com. additional information, you can go to —Winston Dinkins

African-American Association We have rescheduled for Ms. Tamika D. Mallory to be our special guest on Tuesday, April 4th. We look forward to another incredible turnout for this event so arrive early. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. in room #9, Dreiser Center.

Our Spelling Bee was a hit once again!!! With 22 eager contestants all showing off their intellectual fortitude, the audience seemed just as nervous for these young scholars as they were themselves. After close to 15 rounds of challenging words, three young ambitious scholars emerged: First Place: Stephen Ogunbiyi; Second Place: Jaivan Gordon; Third Place: Caleb Brennan.

We would not have been able to proudly boast the success of this event without the assistance of: Francine R. Jones, Cheryl Birdsall, Ebony Rae Lambright, Elder Barry E. Lee, Michelle Marbury, Rev. Beverly Spruil and Kevin Lambright. This event was

co-sponsored by the Riverbay Fund.

Thank you also to all donors and volunteers.

Meca Talent will present a Gospel comedy, “The First Lady,” on April 7th. Only 500 tickets available. There may be a second show added due to demand. Contact Meca Talent at the number below for info.

Our Wholistic Health seminar is on April 8th in Bartow Center.

Our fashion show will be held during Fashion Week here in New York.

If you are looking to showcase your modeling or designer skills, contact us ASAP. We will choose up to 15 models and five designers to showcase their talents. Contact: Deborah C. Nelson at (917) 445-6692.

The association sponsors the following ongoing programs and encourages your participation.

Acting Classes – Children’s and Adult classes are available. Contact:

Meca Talent. For more info call us at: 646-373-4122 Belly Dance Classes – Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m., Dreiser Center, room #2. For a nominal fee, you will have fun and stay in shape. For more information, call Xonia, 646-301-9438 Children’s Programs – For information about the early morning school drop-off program Contact: Ms. Hines at 347-283-3809 and the after school program, call 718-379-5555.

Evening Line Dance Classes – Dance to Soul, Latin, and Gospel music on Thursdays, 7:00 p.m. in Dreiser Center, room #2. Call Cynthia, 917-903-7073.

Music, Rhythm & Dance – Most Fridays 7:30 p.m., Dreiser Center, rm.

15; most Saturdays, 10:00 a.m., Dreiser Center, room #2. Call Keith, 917-561-6211.

Yoga & Pilates Mat Classes – Classes on Tuesday 7:15 p.m., Dreiser

Center, rm. 2. Lose weight, tone and strengthen your muscles with exercises that reduce stress through breathing techniques. For more information, call 718-671-8364.

ZUMBA AND YOGA – Classes on Saturday start at 9:30 in Dreiser Center, room #2 General Membership Meeting – The next meeting will be announced.

If you are unable to attend the meeting, please read our weekly column for updates. Also, if you wish to join or update your membership, please send a check or money order (DO NOT MAIL CASH) of $15 for a single membership or $25 for families to: African-American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475. Donations are welcomed. Like us on Facebook: CoopcityAfricanamericanassoc/email us at: aaaccpower@gmail.com.

—Kevin Lambright

Co-op City Working Families Party Justice Reform As a political party, Working Families works to elect the most progressive candidates possible. Then the interest turns to how those legislators legislate.

A mindboggling number of bills come before the N.Y. Assembly every day. Some of those bills go to committee, sometimes on to a second committee, then on to an assembly vote. If the bill passes, it goes on to the N.Y. Senate where that process repeats.

All the while, each bill is lobbied in some way. Constituents call, write, email, fax, or show up at the local or Albany offices of their legislators to support or oppose a bill. Sometimes paid lobbyists do the job. And sometimes representatives from civic or political organizations do the lobbying, organizations, such as the NYCLU (New York Civil Liberties Union) or the WFP (Working Families Party).

One of the bills of particular importance to our “minority majority” community regards policing. Bill #A.5946, referred to as the “Police STAT Bill,” follows recommendations of President Obama’s task force on policing.

If passed, the law would require better documentation, transparency, and record keeping from police departments and more accountability from individual police officers.

Why this more detailed review of police incidents is so warranted can easily be seen on the Civilian Complaint Review Board’s report of its Data Transparency Initiative on the city’s website.

That report, however, is not easily found without the complete name and URL for the specific page: CurrentNYPD Members of Service - CCRB NYC.gov. https://www1.nyc.gov/ site

/ccrb/policy/data-transparency-initiative-mos.page.

If you would like to call your elected officials about the “Police STAT Bill,” they can be reached at the following numbers: Assemblyman Michael Benedetto (518-455-5296) for assembly bill #A.5946 and State Senator Jamaal Bailey (518-4552061) for senate bill # S.147.

• We almost lost health care in our country. We still might. Let’s be prepared for the worst. April 4th is the day to lobby in Albany for the New York Health Act — the state universal health care bill. Details: www.nyhcampaign.org or www.pnhp.org/.

• FYI: African American Association presents Tamika Mallory on Tuesday, April 4th in room 9 of Dreiser at 7:00 p.m.

• Help turn a red congressional seat

blue in Georgia. Visit Jon Ossoff’s website, https://electjon.com/ to see why Congressmen Hank Johnson and John Lewis are supporting this candidate’s April 18th primary run. Flip GA-6!

• Mark your calendar for Tax March NYC on Saturday, April 15th at 1:00 p.m. Join the rally in Bryant Park located between 5th and 6th Avenues, and 40th and 42nd Streets.

• Interested in a bus trip to D.C. for the April 29th People’s Climate Rally?

WFP is joining with other Co-op City organizations to make that trip a possibility. Email Canzoneri. kelly@gmail .com or call or text Kelly at 347-6813819 if you’d like to take part.

Our next WFP meeting will be held on the usual third Tuesday of the month, April 18th, at 7:30 p.m., room 35 of Einstein Community Center, Section 5.

—Kelly Canzoneri

22

Co-op City Times / April 1, 2017

National Council Of Negro Women Women’s Celebration Program – Today, Saturday, April 1, we will be celebrating young women in our community, 16-18 (high school students) and 17-29 years of age who are enrolled in college or have graduated and have excelled in other extracurricular activities. We are calling this program “Bronx Scholars Represent.” Young women will be honored with Certificates of Achievement for their outstanding academics and will be highlighted in a booklet “Young Bronx Women of Excellence.” Also, we are calling all poets! Between 1 and 2 p.m., poets are invited to just show up and share their original work or read some of their favorite poetry. For more information, please contact first vice president and chairperson for our women’s event, Camille Worrell, at sistasonamission@aol.com. This will be a free afternoon event in room 4, Dreiser Center.

Spirit Cruise Pre-Mother’s Day Celebration –

What a glorious way to celebrate Mothers’ Day! Join us on a Gospel Luncheon Cruise on Saturday, May 13, for a delightful 2-hour cruise with a lunch buffet, DJ and dancing, skyline views on New York Harbor and great gospel music as well. Mother will be delighted!

No last minute desperate arrangements for you! For just $80 per person, your preparations are complete.

For more information, contact (718) 379-3788 or (347) 602-5600 or (917) 670-4012. Checks are payable to NCNW Co-op City Section and can be mailed to P.O. Box 93, Bronx, NY 10475. No refunds, please.

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

Bethune and Dr. Dorothy I. Height, chair/President Emerita. One of our honorees this year will be Sandra Bookman of WABC-TV. National Museum of African American History & Culture – Have you already visited the new Smithsonian in Washington on a one-day trip and only saw one floor? We are planning a 2-day trip, August 6 – August 7, for only $299 for a double and $249 per child. Payment plan available but no refunds. We will spend Sunday afternoon and Monday morning at the museum and Monday afternoon, on the way home, we will visit Arundel Mills (back to school shopping) and the Live Casino! One breakfast, two lunch buffets at Golden Corral, one dinner at Phillips Seafood and one night hotel accommodations are included. For contact information for single, triple or quads, call (718) 6559034 or (718) 538-8606 or (718) 320-2366.

—Joyce Howard

Coalition Of African-American Churches & Community Organizations The Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City, Inc. invites its members to attend this special meeting on Tuesday, April 4 at 12 p.m.

Please inform Coalition of any suggestions that you may have. Ms. Virgina Stewart is the president of the coalition. Phone number, (718) 671-4506.

We were in recess the months of January and February. The next general membership meeting will be on Tuesday, April 4, at 12 p.m., 177 Dreiser Community Center, room 15. It is important that two (2) representatives should be sent from each organization to attend all coalition meetings.

The coalition is a non-profit organization dedicat-

ing to maintaining and improving the quality of life of cooperators while providing educational and culturally enriching programs for the community. We also act as one voice for all coalition members where there are issues of common concern and human rights. We also sponsor Friends & Family Day and Kwanzaa celebrations free for the community. Members of the coalition include the following: African-American Association; Co-op City Baptist Church; Retirees of Dreiser Loop; Harriet Tubman Independent Democratic Club; NAACP, Co-op City Branch; St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church and Zodiacs Track Club.

Please support our efforts by sending us a tax deductible contribution made payable to Coalition of

African-American Churches and Community Organization of Co-op City, Inc., P.O. Box 619, Bronx, NY 10475. Churches and organizations that desire to join the coalition may apply for membership by either writing or calling (718) 671-4506 or (718) 671-5957 for a membership application, which should be returned with a letter on your church/organization’s letterhead and signed by the minister/president.

Read the coalition’s weekly column for information about events and issues. Remember the coalition’s motto is, “Coming together is the Beginning, Keeping together is Progress and Working together is Success.”

—Harman T. Leacock

Black Forum Next Defensive Driving Class The next Black Forum defensive driving course will be on Saturday, April 8, 8:50 a.m. – 3 p.m., Dreiser Center, rm. 1. Please make your check in the amount of $35, payable to “the Black Forum of Co-op City.” Call (718) 320-8035.

Trips To Casinos The Black Forum trip to the Sugarhouse Casino on Sat., April 22 is sold out. Bus boarding time; Dreiser, 8:30 a.m.; Asch Loop at 9 a.m., and Einstein at 9:15 a.m.

Sands Casino in Bethlehem, PA on Sat., June 24.

Cost: $45; there are no casino rebates. No refunds.

For information, please call (718) 320-0033 or (917) 209-5334. Call today.

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

Cruise to Bermuda Join with us for seven (7) glorious days of fun in the

sun cruise to Bermuda, on Norwegian “Breakaway,” sailing out of New York on Sunday, Aug. 27th to Sun., Sept. 3rd. Rates based on double occupancy, includes taxes & port fees; inside cabin $1235 .08, Ocean View: $1355.08 and Balcony $1505.08. Gratuities $13.50 p/d, p/p/. First deposit due Mar. 21. $50. Payment in full May 29th. For more information, call Judy at 929274-5839. Please leave your name and number.

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

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

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

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

WWW.GOODMANTAX.COM 137 EINSTEIN LOOP * SECTION 5

PARKING VALIDATED FOR GARAGE 7

LEFT OF THE ENTRANCE TO THE COMMUNITY CENTER

FOR INFORMATION CALL: 718-379-5217

information, please call (718) 320-8035.

Emergency Food Program We are open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., rm. 20 in Dreiser Center. Also, due to budget constraints and shortage of available food, you must live within zip code 10475 to participate in this program.

You must also have your card with you and bring two clean plastic shopping bags. Please also have your current photo ID, such as a non- or driver’s license or any photo ID card with proof of address.

You will then be issued a card in order to pick up food in the future.

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

—Tony Illis

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23

Co-op City Times / April 1, 2017

Rivers Run Community Garden

Retirees Of Dreiser Loop

Good news: We’ve teamed up with the Co-op City Little League and CYO Sea Cadets’ Marching Band to celebrate Earth Day on April 22. Join us at the Greenway Stage at 10 a.m. as we make a joyful noise and dance our way to the riverfront to throw that first pitch of the season and to launch the start of the growing season. It will be a fun-filled day of FREE workshops including crafting and giveaways. Tell a friend. The more the merrier!

The GreenThumb Grow Together Conference was outstanding this year. I was privileged enough to attend very interesting workshops – one which was about recording the stories of the community and working with the public library to archive them. Co-op City is the mecca for differing cultures and our stories should be told. Looking for a team interested in helping. Let me know…

Hope you are telling your friends and family about this amazing place where we not only grow fruits and vegetables, but we grow knowledge and friendships. Rivers Run Community Garden is a movement towards improved mental and physical health. We provide all types of workshops, including nutrition, meditation, edible and medicinal wilds identification, planting, building and crafting. We are the outdoor classroom for the local schools, daycares as well as residents and neighbors. We are a place of beauty and peace. Visit. Stay. Experience us.

Below are important confirmed dates. More to come: Important dates (All are welcome): • April 4, 5, 7, 8 - Garden clean up at 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. (weather permitting) • April 6 – Watch a Rivers Run Rep on OPEN -10 a.m. (Channel 67) • April 10 - Garden clean up at 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. (weather permitting)

Remember…Wednesday, April 5th, the RDL General Membership will be held at 1:30 p.m. in the Dreiser Auditorium. See you there!

Travel Events: (price includes transportation/Coach Bus-Dreiser Loop opposite H&R Block).

• July 5-7: Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, Del. Price: double, $400 pp/single, $490 pp. Deposit: $100 ASAP. Two payments each: $150 double/$195 single. FINAL PAYMENT DUE, June 5. Contacts: Serita G., 347-564-5722/Barbara W., 718-320-0500.

• Sept. 9-16 (8 day/7 night), Canada & New England cruise on the beautiful Carnival “Sunshine,” $250 deposit per person due immediately to hold reservation. NYC departure/return. NOTE: Preferred Cabin/Category selection goes to earliest bookings. Cabin/Category prices from $929 to $1399 which include your cabin, meals, port charges and taxes. Final payment due by May 19. Travel insurance (additional cost) encouraged. Contact: Serita G., 347-564-5722.

Theatre Committee: (price includes van transportation, Dreiser Loop opposite rehab center) • April 26th. Showtime: 2:00 p.m., ON YOUR FEET at the Marquis Theatre. Price: $90. Deposit: $45.

Final payment DUE ASAP. Contact: Lois Scott, 347-768-3943.

• May 9th (Tuesday). “JONAH,” Sight & Sound Theatre, PA. Includes lunch at Millers. Price: $125.

Deposit required: $75.00. Final payment ASAP. Contact: Lois Scott, 347-768-3943.

• June 21st (Wed.). Lunch/showtime: 11:00 a.m. “MAMMA MIA,” Westchester Broadway Theatre. A musical story about a young woman about to be married discovers that any one of three men could be her father. She invites all three to the wedding without telling her mother, Donna.

Price: $70. Deposit immediately: $35. Balance/full payment due May 1st. Contact: Marie Green-Ryan, 718-671-4949.

Members and friends, we do require your deposit and/or full payment, along with your name and telephone number, when signing up for trips and/or shown. First fully paid, confirmed seating. Committee members in Dreiser clubroom 19 (718-379-0377) on Mondays and/or Thursdays, 2:30-5:00 p.m.

Good And Welfare: To members, as you rest and heal know that you are thought of warmly and wished a quick recovery. Call Josephine Flowers, 718-320- 0539, regarding illnesses and. bereavements.

If interested in joining us on our next SPA DAY, call 718-379-4784/718-671-8449; leave your name and phone number. Note: Our next SPA Day – May date to be determined.

“Today is April Fool’s Day. Believe nothing and trust no one…Just like any other day! –Author Unknown —Claudette Davis • April 20 – General meeting - Dreiser Loop, rm.

4 at 7 p.m.

• April 22 – Celebrate Earth Day March with a FREE Workshops, FREE garden goodies while supplies last and other fun filled activities.

• April 29 - Garden clean up at 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. (weather permitting) Membership requirements: $20 per year fee and

20 hours of work. There is a waiting list for beds.

Members who are actively fulfilling the 20 hours of volunteer work requirement are moved up on the waiting list. Volunteers are welcome If you’d like to reach out to us, please email us at Rivers_run@yahoo.com or call Denise Shelley at 917-232-2982 or me at 718-671-3801.

—Gail Sharbaan

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

BVA’s next class sessions began on Tuesday, Feb. 7th and continues until April 11th in room 5, Dreiser Community Center. The next session starts on April 18. You can choose from the 2 class schedules which are 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. The fees are as follows: Annual membership is $35 a year and a session of 10 classes is $60. This is the best bargain in the Bronx – maybe even the city – given the quality of instruction offered. Stop by our permanent workshop in room 5 in the Dreiser community center and see beautiful artwork done by students and our instructor displayed throughout our studio.

Don’t miss our flea market which will be held in our studio room 5 in the Dreiser community center on April 22, from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m.

Beautiful and inexpensive items will be on sale.

You’ll be glad you stopped by!

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 201-862-0847 or S. Lochansky at 718-379-1049 for more information.

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

faction 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

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24

Co-op City Times / April 1, 2017

Church of God’s Children

Open Door Ministries

Bishops Nancy & Angelo Rosario and the congregation invite you to worship and learn God’s Word for a new you in your life. Make today the decision for Christ and let it be the first day of your new life. You may visit us and we hope you’ll stay, however, please visit and become a member at any of the many houses of worship in the Co-op City community that are teaching God’s Word. The sheep know their pastor’s voice. We are located at 127 Dreiser Loop (to the right of the Montefiore Health Clinic), 718-790-9120. Visit the Goodwill Ministry Shop for free coats and other items at 163 Dreiser Loop, Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Schedule of Services Sunday: Worship in Spanish, 9:30 a.m.; Worship in English, 1:15 p.m. Bible Studies for Women (Spanish & English classes), 11:30 a.m., “Praying the Scriptures.”

Bible studies for Men/Youth/Children – English, 11:30 a.m.

Monday: Prayer & Bible study, 9:30 a.m. (Min. Steve) Wednesday: Prayer, 7:00 p.m. (Rev. Melinda) Wednesday: 12-step program at 159 Dreiser Loop Palm Sunday Service – April 9, regular times. Prayer week, 4/10-14, 7 p.m. Holy Thursday Communion Service, 4/13, 7 p.m.; Good Friday – 7 expressions of our Lord service, 7 p.m. Resurrection Sunday – One Worship Service, 11:30 a.m.

Saturday, April 8 from 1:30-3 p.m., I’ll be available to notarize Income Affidavits at 159 Dreiser Loop (next to the shoe repair store). Wednesday, April 12 – Bx. Clergy Task Force network meeting, rm. 8, Dreiser Loop, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Everyone seems to have an agenda for our lives—bosses, team leaders, clients, co-workers, friends, congregation members, our children. Even Jesus had to work to maintain His focus in the midst of training followers, meeting needs, public speaking, demanding crowds, and a busy travel schedule. How did Jesus maintain His focus? He regularly made time to get away with His Father to talk things over. How do you maintain your focus? At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them. Luke 4:42 Prayer: Jesus, if You needed to take time with God to stay focused, then I know I need to make a point of spending time with God, too. Thank you for this reminder today. Help me to keep time with you at the top of my priorities. Be blessed.

—Bishop Nancy Rosario

Teach me Lord - Psalm 90:12 (Full sermon @ opendoorministries.net)

Greater Love Refuge Ministries "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Proverbs 9:10 Spiritual Food for Thought: Settle down and refuse to allow stress to rule.

You must deliberately seek to be at peace in your circumstances and with yourself. This will allow you to be at peace with God as well. Remind yourself that you are never alone. God gives wisdom and direction every time you ask, so let go of your tendency to try to be self-sufficient. Be one with God. Senior Pastor Boyce Landrum, Pastor Carol Landrum and the Greater Love family welcome you to worship with us on Sunday mornings at 11:30 a.m. Our corporate worship means gathering with people of all ages and cultures to express our love for God, our Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ, our Savior. We are conveniently located at 900 Co-op City Blvd. (Bldg. 2A), on the ground level, Bronx, N.Y. 10475; main entrance - red button.

Community Outreach: The Greater Love family will be out and about within our Co-op City community today, Saturday, April 1st from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Look for us in the shopping centers, the greenway and on the boulevard. We have Good News!

Mid-Week Prayer: Everyone is invited to join our prayer warriors for Wednesday afternoon prayer service from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Come out and learn about the power of prayer and receive your blessing through our corporate prayer.

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

Holy Week: Begins Sunday, April 9th on Palm Sunday and ends Saturday, April 15th. It is traditionally a week of somber reflection on the events preceding Jesus’ death: his triumphant entry into Jerusalem; his betrayal by Judas; his Last Supper with his twelve apostles; his arrest, crucifixion and death; and his burial in a tomb.

Please join Greater Love for Palm Sunday service on April 9th. Our Good Friday Service will be held on April 14th beginning at 6 p.m. The Deacon Board will be amongst the speakers to present the Seven Words of Christ on the Cross for the Good Friday service. We will partake in a fish dinner immediately following. Resurrection Day (Easter) service will be held on Sunday, April 16 at 11:30 a.m. All welcome!

Save the Date: Greater Love’s Sixth Church Anniversary will be held on Saturday, June 24th at the Pelham Bay Diner Banquet Hall from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Cost is $65pp and $32.50 for children 12 & under. Tickets available online thru Event Brite, cash or checks made payable to Greater Love Refuge Ministries.

For more information or to reserve a seat(s), please call the church.

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

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

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

Sunday Morning Worship: 11:30 a.m.

Holy Communion – First Sunday Peace & blessings.

—Pastor Carol Landrum

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

Prayer fulfills at least three very basic psychological needs which all people share, whether they believe in God or not: Prayer helps us to put into words exactly what is troubling us. Praying, in a way, is very much like writing our problems down on paper. If we ask for help with a problem – even from God – we must put it into words.

Prayer gives us a sense of sharing our burdens, of not being alone. Few of us are so strong that we can bear our heaviest burdens, our most agonizing troubles, all by ourselves. Sometimes our worries are of so intimate a nature that we cannot discuss them even with our closest relatives or friends. Then prayer is the answer. Any psychiatrist will tell us that when we are pent-up and tense, and in an agony of spirit, it is therapeutically good to tell someone our troubles.

When we can’t tell someone else – we can always tell God. Prayer puts into force an active principle of doing. It’s a first step toward action. I doubt if anyone can pray for some fulfillment, day after day, without benefiting from it – in other words, without taking some steps to bring it to pass. The world-famous scientist, Dr. Alexis Carrel (Experienced a supernatural healing and suffered loss of reputation), said: “Prayer is the most powerful form of energy one can generate.”

William James (Psychologist and Philosopher) put it this way; the turbulent billows of the fretful surface leave the deep parts of the ocean undisturbed; and to him who has a hold on vaster and more permanent realities, the hourly vicissitudes of his personal destiny seem relatively insignificant things. The really religious person is accordingly unshakeable and full of equanimity, and calmly ready for any duty that the day may bring forth. (How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie).

Psalm 90:12 Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts.

1 - Teach – Instruct, direct, demonstrate 2 - Number – understand that my life will end, my days are counted, my strength will cease 3 - Carefully – without waste, making the most of life, striving for the best 4 - Wisdom – practical application of intelligence, ability to discern rightly, understanding of the underlying meaning of things 5 - Hearts – our inner being, our thought processes, the seat of our soul We must rid ourselves of spiritual pride; live with wisdom taught by the Lord.

Open Door Ministries’ Therapeutic Mentoring Program meets Mondays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. in Dreiser Loop, room 9. Every 3rd Thursday, we meet at 6:30 p.m. to discuss life/spiritual issues, All are welcome. Sunday services are at 11 a.m. at Bartow Community Center, room 28.

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

Blessings in Christ.

—Pastor Luis Ramos

Church of the New Vision Pastors Kenneth Hodge and Deborah Hodge and the New Vision congregation invite you and your family to come and worship the Lord with us.

Church of the New Vision is designed to meet the spiritual needs of God’s people. Serving the community for over 44 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: 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Women Bible Study: 2nd Saturday of each month, 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

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

Upcoming Events 1) April 14th, Good Friday Service, 7:30 p.m. The Seven Last Words of Jesus.

2) April 9th is Palm Sunday service, 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

3) Easter Sunday, April 16th, there will be a sunrise service 6:00 a.m. and an 11:00 a.m. service; breakfast will be served after sunrise service.

4) Sunday, May 28th, Senior Ministry Anniversary Celebration, 3:00 p.m. service.

Church of the New Vision is located at 115 Einstein Loop, Bronx, NY 10475. Telephone, (718) 571-8746 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, or call the church.

—Carol Haque Throwing garbage/objects from apartment windows is UNLAWFUL, DANGEROUS and could cause you to receive a community complaint and fine.

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Co-op City Times / April 1, 2017

Community Protestant Church On behalf of our pastor, Reverend Dr. Calvin E. Owens, and our church family, welcome to Community Protestant Church, a church of love and understanding, located at 1659 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, NY 10469; telephone: (718) 862-9172.

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

Worship Service - 11:00 a.m.

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

The following programs are at the Church’s Annex: 2053 Asch Loop North (Co-op City) Morning Prayer Services - Tuesday, 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

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

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

Other Scheduled Events Observance Of The 48th Anniversary Of Community Protestant Church Tomorrow, Sunday, April 2nd, 11:00 a.m.—We extend a cordial invitation to you to worship with us on our special day, the 48th Anniversary of Commu-

nity Protestant Church. Our theme: “The Church is the Lord’s Vineyard, the Branch of the True Vine, and the Light of the World.” Our Guest Preacher will be Minister Diane Asphall, Mt. Zion Christian Baptist Church, Mt. Vernon, NY. Holy Week Services At Community Protestant All Are Welcome Palm Sunday, April 9th at 11:00 a.m., SUNDAY SCHOOL EASTER PRESENTATION. Thursday, April 13th at 7:00 p.m. – MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICE in conjunction with Co-op City Baptist Church.

Friday, April 14th, 12:00 p.m. – GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE – “THE SEVEN LAST WORDS.” Preachers: Dr. Carl J. Bruce, Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Yonkers, NY; Rev. Diane Asphall, Mt. Zion Christian Center, Mt. Vernon, NY; Rev. Dr. Thomas Johnson, Canaan Baptist Church of Christ, NYC; Rev. Dr. Sheldon Williams, Co-op City Baptist Church, Bronx, NY; Rev. Malobe Sampson, Thessalonia Worship Center, Bronx NY; Rev. Aldrick Joseph, Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church, Bronx, NY; Rev. Lois Giles, Seven Lights Baptist Church, Bronx, NY. Sunday, April 16th, 9:00 a.m. (ONE SERVICE

ONLY) – Morning Worship Service - Resurrection Sunday (Easter Sunday).

Saturday, May 6th, 4:00 p.m. – BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! The Hospitality Ministry invites you to join us in A PRE-MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATION, featuring the Master of Entertainment, internationally renowned MR. HUNTER HAYES. A jazz legend and Emmy Award winner, Mr. Hayes has performed with such great artists as James Brown, Miles Davis and Lonnie Youngblood. It will be held in room 31, Bartow Community Center, Co-op City, 2049 Bartow Avenue, lower level. Admission: $35 for adults; $15 for children 15 and under. For tickets and/or additional information: (718) 671-6122, (718) 671-0425 or (718) 671-3181.

September 12–15 – The Missionary Ministry sponsors a trip to THE HOLY LAND EXPERIENCE IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA, the only Entertainment Park that celebrates the Biblical Word of the Christian Faith. $1,013 per person double occupancy; $961 per person triple; $1,253 single. $113 deposit due December 3 (non-refundable after 5/17).

For reservation and/or additional information, call (718) 671-0425 or (718) 379-8514.

—Evan G. Mitchell

Newsong Church You’ve Got What It Takes-4 Whether you’re a follower of Jesus or not, there’s one thing I know to be true. We all go through seasons of pain and suffering. We experience physical pain, emotional pain, and spiritual pain. Sometimes these seasons of pain, loss, & grief, last a long time.

As followers of Jesus, what do we do when we’re praying for this season to end but it doesn’t seem to line up with God’s plan? As always, we find our example in Jesus, this time as He’s praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus is about to go to the cross, and He’s overwhelmed with anxiety…

“Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me.Yet not what I will, but what you will.” –Mark 14:34-35 (NIV) (emphasis mine) If you’re going through your own “garden experience,” we can quickly learn two things from Jesus’ example.

Jesus turns His WORRY into WORSHIP… Jesus acknowledges that God has the authority, the power, and the ability to remove Him from this situation. When we’re in the midst of our “garden,” we need to remember that God is not only aware of our situation, He’s able to move on our behalf! We need to be persistent in prayer, asking God to do what only He can do! When we turn our worry into worship, it keeps us from becoming bitter, and from falling into the victim mentality!

Need more information about Newsong Church?

Jesus SURRENDERED to God’s PLAN… Website: www.newsongchurchnyc.org Notice that Jesus started out praying, “Father, take Email: centralteam@newsongchurchnyc.org this cup from me?” However, He conclude His prayer Facebook: www.facebook.com/newsongchurchbx by stating, “Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

Against the Flow: www.facebook.com/NewSong What changed? Jesus surrendered to the will of God. Sometimes we don’t understand why God is allowing Youth/ Twitter: @newsongchurchBX us to go through our “gardens.” Truthfully, we may Instagram: @newsongchurchBX. never know this side of eternity, but that doesn’t mean that God’s not with us, that He doesn’t love us, and Our Newsong family is here for you, stop by this that He’s not working things out for our good. God Sunday and experience the difference! can use your garden experience for His glory, helping God bless you! others find healing and hope! Just because you’re in —Pastor Mike Tolone the garden doesn’t mean your breakthrough isn’t going to happen. As followers of Jesus, we have the victory, because He has the victory! One day, there will be no more pain, sorrow, or loss. In Christ, you’ve got what it takes to get through this! Join us tomorrow for the final week of our teaching series, “You’ve Got What It Takes!”

Our Worship Experience is at 177 Dreiser Loop, Auditorium B. Service starts at 11 a.m. Deaf interpretation is available during our adult worship experience. We have a well-staffed nursery and a children’s church called “Kidsong.” Any questions? You can contact us: Church office: 140 Alcott Place, Bldg. 19.

Office hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Phone: 718-708-8385.

Use Co-op City’s bike trails!

COMMUNITY PROTESTANT CHURCH OF CO-OP CITY

CO-OP CITY BAPTIST CHURCH

1659 EAST GUN HILL ROAD BRONX, NY 10469

135 EINSTEIN LOOP (Section 5) • Rooms 50-51 Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams, Pastor

REV., DR. CALVIN E. OWENS, PASTOR CHURCH

(718) 862-9172 OFFICE (718) 862-9179

An interdenominational Church of love and understanding, consisting of people of many faiths, races and cultural backgrounds, seeking to live the spirit of Christ with relevance.

CHURCH SCHEDULE WEEKLY: CHURCH SCHOOL - SUNDAY, 9:00 a.m.

WORSHIP SERVICE: SUNDAY, 11:00 a.m.

BIBLE CLASS & PRAYER MEETING - WEDNESDAY, 7:30 p.m.

MONTHLY: COMMUNION - 1ST AND 3RD SUNDAYS

ALL ARE WELCOME!

(718) 320-3774 • Sunday School – 9:15 a.m.

• Sunday Worship Services – 8:00 & 11:00 a.m.

• Midweek Worship – Wednesday @ 12 Noon • Bible Class – Wednesday @ 1:00 & 7:30 p.m.

• Prayer Service – Friday @ Noon & 7:30 p.m.

COMMUNION SERVICE EVERY FIRST SUNDAY. YOUTH DAY EVERY FOURTH SUNDAY. ALL ARE WELCOME TO WORSHIP WITH US.

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Co-op City Times / April 1, 2017

Bartow

Einstein

Dreiser

MENU

Room 31 unless otherwise noted

Room 49 unless otherwise noted

Room 7 unless otherwise noted

Alternate Kosher Meals are also available

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

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

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

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

Intermediate Yoga: 2-3 p.m.

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

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

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

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

Kosher

Non-Kosher

Orange juice, Stuffed cabbage w/beef, Mauzone toasted barley & onion, Whole wheat bread, Steamed carrots Fresh fruit Alt: chicken salad

To Be Announced In Center

Apple juice, Baked Asian style honey chicken, Rice-a-Roni, Mixed vegetables, Whole wheat bread and Fresh fruit Alt: Tuna salad

To Be Announced In Center

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

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

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

Spelling Bee: 10 a.m.

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

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

Orange pineapple juice, Beef & chicken meatloaf, Green beans, Mashed potatoes, Whole wheat bread, Canned pears Alt: Turkey salad

To Be Announced In Center

Mon., Apr. 3 Tues., Apr. 4

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

Walking Club: 10:30 a.m.

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

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

Dominoes: 2:30 p.m.

Wed., Apr. 5

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

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

Stay Well Exercise: 10 - 11 a.m.

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

Bingo: 1-2 p.m.

Card Games: 2-4 p.m.

Dominoes: 2:30 p.m.

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

Thurs., Apr. 6

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

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

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

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

Bingo: 1- 2 p.m.

Card Games: 2-4 p.m.

Dominoes: 2:30 p.m.

Dominoes: 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Grandparent Connection: 1st Thursday, Rm. 35, 10:30 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: 9:30-10:30am Blood Pressure: 10-11:30 a.m., 1st & 3rd Thursday, Rm. 8 Line Dancing: 10-11 a.m., Aud. A Piano Sing Along: 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

Orange juice Breaded Tilapia fillet Yellow rice Sautéed zucchini Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit Alt: Egg salad

To Be Announced In Center

Fri., Apr. 7

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

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

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

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

Pokeno: 3-4 p.m.

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

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

Weight Management: Bartow Center – 10 a.m.

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

Card Games: 2-4 p.m.

Dominoes: 2:30 p.m.

Men’s Line Dancing: 9 -10 a.m.

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

Women’s Line Dancing: 10-11:30 a.m.

Chat Session: 10 a.m.

Bingo: 1 -2 p.m.

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

Card Games: 2-4 p.m.

Dominoes: 2:30 p.m.

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

Card Games: 2-4 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

Apple juice Roasted chicken Sweet potato saute Broccoli soufllé Challah bread Fresh fruit Alt: Gefilte fish

To Be Announced In Center

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

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

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

Fee for lunch is $2.00 & $5.00 for guest

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

Alternate Kosher Meals are also available Bartow Center (718) 320-2066, Ext. 2010 Dreiser Center (718) 320-1345 • Einstein Center (718) 671-5161

Upcoming Events/Trips JASA WELCOMES EVERYONE AGE 60 AND OLDER! Payments for trips can be made at all 3 centers. Trip registration policy: There will be no refunds for all trips. All trips include roundtrip transportation! All trips must be paid in advance – No Exceptions! You can register for all trips starting the Monday after it has been published in the newspaper: JASA will not accept checks under $5.

(FREE) LiveOn NY-SCRIE Application & SNAP (food stamps) Assistance–Fridays, April 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. First come, first served! JASA Main Office, 2049 Bartow Ave. Free Tax Preparation & E-File – Sponsored by AARP Foundation Tax Aide – for taxpayers with low–moderate incomes; with special attention to those age 50 or older; JASA Einstein Office, 135 Einstein Loop, rm. 35, Tues. & Weds., 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Clients will be seen in order of appearance.

Sign-in (sheet) begins before 10 a.m. Service may be limited to first 20-25 on line. Call 718-320-2066 for information. April 18th last day of service.

St. Mary’s Recreation Center Pool – Fri., April 7th, $3. Pool aerobics for seniors, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

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

JASA Bartow office and fill out an application.

Membership is non-refundable. Membership is not only for the senior aerobics, but for any activity in the center and can be used with other city park centers. Proper attire requested, swim cap, sturdy lock, no valuables, and, if needed, medicine in a bag to be held on deck by instructor.

IKEA – 1 Beard Street, Brooklyn, NY, Wed., April 5th, $5. Bartow, 8:30 a.m.; Einstein, 8:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 9 a.m.

Aldi – Tues., April 4th, $2. Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 10 a.m.

Wal-Mart – Thurs., April 6th, $15. Bartow, 8:30 a.m.; Einstein, 8:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 9 a.m. Wait list.

Co-op City’s Annual Passover Luncheon 2017 – Fri., April 7th, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Tickets are $4 in advance and $7 at the door; Dreiser Community Center, 177 Dreiser Loop, Audit. B. Tickets will be available at all three senior centers. Menu – roast chicken, potato kugel & carrot tzimmes, honey cake, juice and live entertainment.

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

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

New Smartphone/Tablet Classes begin Wed.,

April 12th at the Bartow Main office. Beginner, 12:30 p.m. & Advance, 1:30 p.m. To register, call 718-320-2066. Computer classes will start Monday, April 24th.

JASA closed Tues., April 11th, Passover Day 1 & Monday, April 17th for Passover Day 7.

National Museum of African American History & Culture, Washington, DC – $85, Wed., April 19th; Sat., April 8th and Tues., April 25th.

Wait list.

Fairway/BJ’s – Fri., April 21st, $3. Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 10 a.m.

Empire – Tues., April 25th & Wed., April 26th, $5. Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 10 a.m. Wait list.

Wal-Mart – Thurs., April 27th; Bartow, 8:30 a.m.; Einstein, 8:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 9 a.m. Wait list.

Ace in the Hole @ Royal Manor “Tribute to Lionel Richie” – Thurs., May 11th, $85. Coach bus: Dreiser, 9 a.m.; Bartow (Asch Loop), 9:15 a.m. & Einstein, 9:30 a.m.

Louis Armstrong Home Museum – Wed., May 17th, $10. Bartow, 9 a.m.; Einstein 9:15 a.m. and Dreiser, 9:30 a.m. Tour starts 11:30 a.m. (15 seats available).

Notary – Jeanette Graves will be in the Bartow office every Wed. from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

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Co-op City Times / April 1, 2017

Scheduling Activities Calendar

Goose Island Seniors We will like to thank everyone for coming on the trip with us to the Sands Casino. We hope you enjoyed yourself as much as we enjoyed having you. We are planning a trip to the Resorts Casino in July and we will love to see you again. There’s going to be a blizzard tomorrow ... APRIL FOOL! Bingo—Wednesday, April 5th, at 1:30 p.m., with Stephen, in our club room 39. Members only.

Admission $5 include 12 games and jackpot. Extra cards are 25¢. Refreshments and snacks will be served. Come and join us. We are having so much fun and winning a little money on the side.

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

Admission $5 for buffet and entertainment. Come and have a fun time with friends.

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

Resorts Casino—Tuesday, July 25th in Atlantic City, N.J. You may also enjoy the beach and boardwalk or shop in the many stores. More information will be available soon.

“Come Blow Your Horn”—Thursday, October 12th at the Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, Hampton,

N.J. It’s a very funny play by Neil Simon. Also, you will enjoy a scrumptious lunch and all the deserts you can eat. They are de-li-cious. Price is $79 for show, lunch and transportation. A deposit will hold your reservation. All money must be paid

by September 21st. See Ann, Mary or Stephen.

To all members: Happy birthday and happy anniversary to all our members who celebrate their day in the month of April: Marlene Gantwarg, Benny Konikoff, Wendy Berch, Alfonso Gonzalez, Iona Foote, Helen Miller and Milton Schlanger.

Our Lounge—Come sit and relax, read or rent a book from our large library, play cards every Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Play Bingo every Wednesday and last Sunday of each month for only $15 per year. Also, come with us on great trips.

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

Note: Call Ann, Mary, or Stephen at Goose Island Seniors, 718-379-9613, or visit us Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., at 135 Einstein Loop, rm. 39. You can also call Mary at 718-3794899 and she will return your call. Leave a message and your phone number. To call Stephen 347847-1941.

Good health to all.

—Mary Pilla

AARP Chapter #4997 FYI: With Congress taking on so many issues, AARP has launched several campaigns on behalf of seniors and their families. MEDICARE: AARP is fighting proposals in Congress that would turn Medicare into a voucher system. A change like that could dramatically hike costs for seniors and pose serious risks to all Americans paying into Medicare. To join AARP’s national Medicare campaign, go to aarp.org/protectmedicare. There are two other areas: Caregiving and Nutrition – additional info in future articles.

FYI-2: Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 10, 1 p.m. in Dreiser Auditorium A. Spring would have made its way to Co-op City, and we would like to have you make our meeting your first outing. Also, we will have a presentation from our members on their trip to Cuba. You won’t want to miss it.

Please contact our Good & Welfare Coordinator, Frances Wilson, 718-671-5493, if you have a family member who has passed.

2017 Tour Activities July 7 - 9: Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History & Culture, Washington (DC) – round-trip transportation via Deluxe Motor coach, w/3 breakfast buffet, 2 dinner buffet – including a seafood buffet; a professional guided tour of Washington, DC; one full day at the Smithsonian African American Museum; and full day shopping at Arundel Mill mall, including the Maryland Live Casino before traveling home, $515/person, single; $415/person, double; $385/person, triple and $365/person, quad. Contact Judith, 718-379-3370.

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

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

—Delores Debnam

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

April 6, we will be going ot Foxwood Casino.

Cost per person is $35. Rebate is a $10 for Keno and $10 for food (buffet). Time of departure starting at Einstein at 8 a.m., followed by Asch Loop and Dreiser Loop. Remember your casino card.

Membership Meeting: Tuesday, April 4, at 1:30 p.m., Einstein Loop, room 38. Refreshments will be served.

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

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

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

Good health and healings are wished to all.

—Lydia Ruas

28

Co-op City Times / April 1, 2017

Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City

Passover Reflections

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

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

Shabbat ends today, April 1, at 8:02 p.m.

Candle lighting for Friday, April 7, at 7:09 p.m.

The synagogue has Services Saturday morning at 9 a.m. After services, we always have a kiddush. Everybody, please try your best to come to services, so we have a minyan and be able to take out the Torah. This Saturday, Cantor Sayani will conduct services.

This past Sunday, the BJCC Project Hope delivered Passover food to some of our elderly members. Thank you very much for your kindness.

Good & Welfare: We sell tree certificates in honor or memory of a loved one.

The cost is only $15 per tree. Mazel Tov to all having Simchas. If you’re ill, wishing all a speedy recovery. Wishing Martin Linder good health and a Happy Birthday on April 5th Save The Dates Bingo: The synagogue’s next Bingo is scheduled for Sunday, April 2nd at 1 p.m. The cost is only $3 admission which includes refreshments and 10 games of Bingo. Also, there is a 3-part jackpot game for $2.

Passover Seders: The synagogue is planning two Passover Seders, Monday night, April 10th and Tuesday night, April 11th. The cost is only $20 for each Seder. Cantor Sayani will conduct the Seders. The Seders will start both days at 8:15 p.m. For a reservation, call the Traditional Synagogue at 718-379-6920 or call Beverly at 718-644-0326. Please leave your name and the number of people who will attend the Seder.

Selling of Chametz: Cantor Sayani will be selling your Chametz this year. It is best to do this in person. The best time will be on Saturday night or Sunday morning. Please call the synagogue’s phone number or the cantor’s cell, 347608-1154, to check that he is in.

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

Wishing all our members and friends peace, good health.

—Gary Schwartz

In the Passover season, through prayer, custom and ceremonial, we celebrate and commemorate a memorable and decisive era in the history of Judaism. The Traditional Passover Seder abounds with ritual. As always, there will be some who tell us that we do not need ritual, that it is unnecessary within the framework of our religion or any religion, and that the religious life consists of following a pattern of ethical behavior. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The history of all religions reveal great emphasis and importance placed on ceremonialism and ritual. Judaism, which has expounded the noblest ethical principles as expressed by its prophets, has always placed equal emphasis upon the counterparts of ritual and observance.

What are the reasons for this? Why our continuing need for observing custom and ceremony in modern life?

One answer lies in the fact that ritual has basic psychological values. It enables the individual to give outward expression to his innermost feelings.

Hence – the Synagogue where he can better sense the Divine. Prayer expresses deep religious feelings and the sentiments of humility, gratitude, thanksgiving and joy.

Ritual serves as a reminder. Man’s nature is to forget, even the ethical principles. The stress and strain of modern life shut our eyes to the principles by which we are supposed to live. Ritual serves as a discipline. Selfdiscipline is elevating, exhilarating, spiritually uplifting, making for the good life.

To be sure, if there is no correlation between deed and belief, then our ceremonialism is empty and meaningless and defeats the real purpose of religious life. A true religious life, which makes for a better world and humanity, requires the happy combination of the two. It requires ethics and ritual, the idea as well as the form.

Men’s Club Traditional Synagogue

Young Israel of Co-op City

Try your luck with the Men’s Club Our next trip of the year is Sunday, April 30. It is now revised to the RESORTS CASINO in Atlantic City. Payment for the trip is due by April 28.

The cost of the trip is $35 per person. You will receive a $25 slot play. Also enjoy the boardwalk, visit the outlet stores and the other casinos. After this trip, our next trip is scheduled for the month of June, so try now to make this trip with us to Atlantic City. Please make a reservation early since in April we have the Easter and Passover holidays.

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

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

Hope to see you on our April 30 trip and our future trips.

—Gary Schwartz Wishing everybody good health and happiness.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rabbi Solomon I. Berl will be available for the sale of “Chometz” on Sunday, April 2, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at Young Israel of Co-op City. Other times, please call (718) 379-2655 between the hours of 1 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. (Do not call on the Sabbath.)

Be courteous to your neighbors. Clean up after your dog.

Co-op City Times / April 1, 2017

Co-op City 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.

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

Bible study will also be held on Wednesday, April 5 at 5:00 p.m. Prayer Service is held on Fridays at noon and 7:30 p.m.

The Building Fund Ministry is having a Cake Sale and Jewelry Showcase on Saturday, April 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 135 Einstein Loop, room 51 (lower level). Please stop by for some homemade cakes and pies and find some jewelry while supporting Building Fund.

On March 6 to March 15, 2018, we will be going to the Holy Land in Israel.

Worship sailing on the Sea of Galilee; be baptized in the Jordan River; share in communion in the Garden Tomb – all where Jesus walked. The price per person from JFK is $2,995 for a double room an additional $586 for a single room. A deposit of $500 is due on or before May 7, 2017. Final payment is due on or before November 12. It is recommended that all purchase travel insurance for this trip. All checks/money orders should be made out to the Co-op City Baptist Church. A flyer, along with the itinerary and reservation form, have been placed on the information table. For additional information, you may call 718-671-1918, 718-379-0541, 718-379-1776, 718-671-1271 or the church at 718-320-3774.

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

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

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

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

Somos una Iglesia multicultural que recibe y da del amor the Dios para todos.

La unidad de la familia es muy importante para nosotros. Tenemos un ministerio para los jóvenes que es muy dinámico. Los jóvenes disfrutan de música, retiros, conciertos, debates, conferencias, dramas, consejería y mucho mas.

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

Suplimos comida a aquellos en nuestra comunidad que lo necesitan. Nuestro teléfono es 347-945-1992 de no haber nadie en la oficina, sientancen libres de dejar un mensaje, le devolveremos su llamada.

Thought for the week 18 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.

19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18 Give your past and mistakes to God. God has the ability to use our mistakes for our good if we trust Him to do so.

Reflexion para la semana 18 No os acordéis de las cosas pasadas, ni traigáis a memoria las cosas antiguas.

19 He aquí que yo hago cosa nueva; pronto saldrá a luz; ¿no la conoceréis?

Otra vez abriré camino en el desierto, y ríos en la soledad. Isaias 43:18 Dale a Dios el pasado y tus errores. Dios tiene la habilidad de usar tus errores para tu propio bien si confiamos que así el lo ara.

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

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

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

—Reverend Samuel Colon

29

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

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

Choir rehearsal is on Thursdays at 7 p.m.

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

The men hold their meeting after service on the 2nd Sunday of each month.

We look forward to welcoming everyone to service at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 2, when we will celebrate the Fifth Sunday in Lent. Our Supply Priest, Father Simeon Johnson, will be the preacher and celebrant.

Calendar of Events & More • Sunday, 4/9, Palm Sunday Service with distribution of palms • Holy Week: This year, services will again be hosted in the Bronx by a member church from each IPC (Interfaith Parish Council). Services will begin at 7 p.m.

• Monday, 4/10, St. David’s Church, 384 E 160th Street • Tuesday, 4/11, St. Andrew’s Church, 781 Castle Hill Avenue • Wednesday, 4/12, Church of the Mediator, 260 W. 231st Street • Thursday, 4/13, Maundy Thursday Service at St. Joseph’s with washing of feet and stripping of the altar • Friday, 4/14, Good Friday Service at St. Joseph’s beginning at 12 noon • Sunday, 4/16, The Sunday of the Resurrection, Easter Sunday Service • Sunday, 4/16, all ECW Raffle ticket stubs and payments should be turned in. Drawing takes place at the church on Saturday, 4/29. Tickets are still available, $1 each and $5 for a book of six. Winners need not be present.

5) National Museum of African American History & Culture, Washington, DC, Saturday, June 3. Motor coach transportation departing from Dreiser Loop at 7:00 a.m. All-you-can-eat luncheon buffet at the Golden Corral. Sold out!!

6) Save the Date: Saturday, July 22, Pindar Valley Winery Trip. (Details to follow) Outreach Program: We continue to collect non-perishable food for the feeding program at Grace Episcopal Church in West Farms. Please remember to donate.

For additional information on all of the above, please call the church at 718320-0844, or visit our website: http://www.stjosephsepcbronx.org.

“If you, Lord, were to note what is done amiss, * O Lord, who could stand?”

—Psalm 130:2 —M. Chambers

30

Co-op City Times / April 1, 2017

Income Affidavits

Elevator Inspection Schedule

(Cont’d from pg 3)

Also for your convenience, there will be personnel available at the following locations to assist and/or notarize your income affidavit form: 1. Assemblyman Michael Benedetto’s Office, Dreiser Center, room 12.

2. Congressman Elliot Engel’s Office, Dreiser Center, room 3.

3. Multi Service, 140 Carver Loop.

Enclosed with the annual income affidavit packet is a letter from the Risk Management Department regarding the submission of your co-op insurance declaration page or certified letter from your insurance broker or company showing that you have the required insurance coverage on your apartment.

Please note that the insurance documentation must be submitted along with your annual income affidavit by no later than April 30, 2017 to avoid the assessment of a $150 Community Complaint fine. Any questions regarding the insurance documentation should be addressed to the Risk Management Department at (718) 320-3300, ext. 3388.

Elevator Repairs Rescheduled BUILDING 34 Please be advised that elevators #3 and #4 are being shut down for routine maintenance and repair, one at a time CAR # 3 on: Tuesday, April 4 AND on Wednesday morning, April 5 CAR # 4: Wednesday afternoon, April 5 until Thursday afternoon, April 6 We will be shortening the hoist ropes. We will make every attempt to have the elevator restored into service as soon as possible.

We thank you for your patience and understanding; we apologize for any inconveniences caused.

—Riverbay Management

Domestic Hot & Cold Water Building 10A, “G” Line The domestic hot & cold water will be shut down in order to do restoration work.

DATE: MONDAY, APRIL 3 TIME: 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. As soon as the work has been completed, the hot & cold water will be restored.

Please make sure that you keep your faucets in a closed position and all drains cleared of objects.

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience in this matter.

—CSO (Dreiser, rm. 6)

Elevator Category I Inspections have been assigned as per the schedule below. Please note that scheduled times are approximate. Each inspection takes approximately 90 minutes per elevator.

Building 21 Association Want a chance to win $300?

The 21 Association Rewards Point Program began in September. We are going above and beyond to make your involvement in the association fun and exciting. The rewards are for all 21 association members, BUT NOT 21 ASSOCIATION BOARD MEMBERS. Note: A member is a shareholder who has paid their annual $5 dues to the building association. Any shareholder of CO-OP City is eligible to be a paid member of the Building 21 Association.

The idea came from our own Rose C. Reyes and developed in a round table discussion at Think Tank…

Here is how you earn valuable points: 1. SHOW UP ON TIME FOR THE ASSOCIATION MEETING (i.e., once a month) Earn 1 point.

MEETING STARTS AT 7:00 p.m. After 7:30 p.m., NO points will be issued.

YOU MUST STAY FOR THE ENTIRETY OF THE MEETING. 2. BRING A NEW SHAREHOLDER OR NEIGHBOR WHO SIGNS UP AS A PAID MEMBER • THE NEW PAID MEMBER (NEIGHBOR/SHAREHOLDER EARNS A POINT ALSO) - Earn 1 point.

3. SERVE ON A COMMITTEE • HOSPITALITY (i.e., commitment and follow thru is a must.)

• CLEAN-UP • DECORATING ( i.e., seasonal ) • COMMITTEE THAT YOU CREATE Earn 1 point. (Must be acceptable by the board members and Charter members of the 21 Association.)

4. ATTEND THE THINK TANK • BRING YOUR IDEAS AND A FRIEND Earn 1 point.

5. BECOME A FLOOR CAPTAIN. • Must be active and assigned and certified by your building association.

6. At the end of the fiscal year (September June), the shareholder with the most points wins!!

What is the prize???

Grand Prize is $300 cash. Note: We raise the prize money at our fundraisers during the year.

Each point will be issued at the building association meetings only, no exceptions.

• Points will be issued on individual cards/stubs and is the responsibility of YOU, the member or shareholder, to keep track of your points.

• Any shareholder of CO-OP City is eligible to be a paid member of the Building 21 Association.

A paid member is a shareholder who has paid their $5 one-time annual dues to the association.

Questions regarding The 21 Association…You have three ways of gaining information. EMAIL your building association at 21association@gmail.com. CALL your association at 347.504.1821. ATTEND the monthly meetings which are held every 4th Wednesday in the gathering room in the rear of the B-section at 7 p.m. All monies collected (i.e., annual dues, etc.) are turned in to our treasurer and installed in the association’s bank account.

THINK TANK at Building 21 is in session every Friday at 8:30 p.m. This is where we develop each other’s ideas and make dreams a reality. We meet in the gathering room in the rear of the B-Section. Come and share our passion for this community. Each one of us, multiplied by all of us, equals A FORCE FOR GOOD. See you around the neighborhood!

—Michelle Marbury

NAACP The Co-op City branch NAACP joins with our national organization to issue the following statement regarding the series of hate crimes directed toward the Jewish community.

“We are deeply troubled and disgusted by the blatant display of violence and hate directed toward our Jewish brothers and sisters. Opposing antiSemitism isn’t the exclusive ethical jurisdiction of American Jews. The burden and responsibility of addressing American xenophobia is the inclusive moral responsibility of all Americans.

We call upon President Trump and the Justice Department to vigorously investigate and take action against these hate crimes and work to ensure the full protection of all Americans.

“We are all engaged in the task of affirming our rights as citizens in the wake of a campaign and presidential administration that has delivered on

its promise to make America hate again. The Jewish community has seen its share of trauma and violence.

In 2017, at least 100 bomb threats have been recorded since January; Jewish advocacy organizations — like the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Anti-Defamation League — have received threats to their organization headquarters; and more than 170 tombstones were found toppled at cemeteries in Missouri and Pennsylvania.

“These incidents are indicative of a broader issue, namely the emergence of a new era of anti-Semitism that is precipitated from a President whose rhetoric ‘revived some of the ugliest of antiSemitic stereotypes.’

“Although Donald Trump recently denounced violence towards Jewish communities, he has done so only after creating the conditions necessary

for such hate to thrive in America.

While we were heartened by the recent arrests of an individual charged in making a bomb threat to the offices of the ADL and other Jewish centers, as well as by the president’s remarks during his first address to congress reiterating ‘we are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all its ugly forms.’ The NAACP will continue to hold the president accountable to this position to ensure that the most vulnerable citizens in our country are protected.

“It is now more important than ever for the African American community and the Jewish community to band together in the fight for social justice and civil rights. Our communities have long traditions of organizing that have saved the soul of America.

Through hardships and hard fought campaigns for freedom, we have

forced the country to live up to its claim that ‘all men are created equal.’

Our current movements against hate and bigotry require the strength found in our diversity. This is a strength that our communities have built in the past century. Jewish and African American activists have founded institutions such as the NAACP, marched for civil and human rights. and called America to consciousness concerning its sins against the marginalized.

“We join our allies in the fight for social justice in calling for the president and the attorney general to appoint a special task force to investigate the recent span of hate crimes. An injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere and we refused to silent while our brothers and sisters of different faiths are persecuted because of their difference.”

—Jerome Rice

31

Co-op City Times / April 1, 2017

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April Fools tradition popularized On this day in 1700, English pranksters begin popularizing the annual tradition of April Fools’ Day by playing practical jokes on each other.

Although the day, also called All Fools’ Day, has been celebrated for several centuries by different cultures, its exact origins remain a mystery. Some historians speculate that April Fools’ Day dates back to 1582, when France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar, as called for by the Council of Trent in 1563. People who were slow to get the news or failed to recognize that the start of the new year had moved to January 1 and continued to celebrate it during the last week of March through April 1 became the butt of jokes and hoaxes. These included having paper fish placed on their backs and being referred to as “poisson d’avril” (April fish), said to symbolize a young, easily caught fish and a gullible person.

Historians have also linked April Fools’ Day to ancient festivals such as Hilaria, which was celebrated in Rome at the end of March and involved people dressing up in disguises. There’s also speculation that April Fools’ Day was tied to the vernal equinox, or first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, when Mother Nature fooled people with changing, unpredictable weather.

April Fools’ Day spread throughout Britain during the 18th century. In Scotland, the tradition became a two-day event, starting with “hunting the gowk,” in which people were sent on phony errands (gowk is a word for cuckoo bird, a symbol for fool) and followed by Tailie Day, which involved pranks played on people’s derrieres, such as pinning fake tails or “kick me” signs on them.

In modern times, people have gone to great lengths to create elaborate April Fools’ Day hoaxes. Newspapers, radio and TV stations and web sites have participated in the April 1 tradition of reporting outrageous fictional claims that have fooled their audiences. In 1957, the BBC reported that Swiss farmers were experiencing a record spaghetti crop and showed footage of people harvesting noodles from trees; numerous viewers were fooled. In 1985, Sports Illustrated tricked many of its readers when it ran a made-up article about a rookie pitcher named Sidd Finch who could throw a fastball over 168 miles per hour. In 1996, Taco Bell, the fast-food restaurant chain, duped people when it announced it had agreed to purchase Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell and intended to rename it the Taco Liberty Bell. In 1998, after Burger King advertised a “Left-Handed Whopper,” scores of clueless customers requested the fake sandwich.

Source: History.com

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Co-op City Times / April 1, 2017