Co-op City Times 4/6/19 by Co-op City Times

Vol. 54 No. 14

Saturday, April 6, 2019

$1.25

Petition Period Ends This Monday, April 8

Board Approves 2-Year Budget

Thirteen shareholders have picked up petitions for 2019 Riverbay Board Election

Carrying Charge & Equity Increases Needed to Maintain Services to Shareholders

BY ROZAAN BOONE

As of press time Friday, April 5, thirteen shareholders had picked up qualifying petition packages from the Riverbay Legal Department indicating their intention to run for a three-year term on the Board of Directors. The deadline to return all signed petitions is 5 p.m. this Monday, April 8. This year’s voting period will begin at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, May 8 through 9 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22, when the Annual Meeting of shareholders of the Riverbay Corporation has been scheduled to take place. If a quorum is not reached at that time, the election will be extended from 9:01 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22, to 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11. This year, the terms of Board Directors Bernard Cylich, Sonia Feliciano, Andrea Leslie, Leslie Peterson and Claudia Sampson are expiring. Director Evelyn Turner, who placed sixth in last year’s election and was seated recently after another director was removed from the Board, is also required to run in this year’s Board election if she wishes to remain on the Board. As a result, shareholders will be voting to fill six seats on the Board, the top five for 3-year terms, and a sixth to fill out the remaining 2-year term of former director Junius Williams who was removed for cause (Continued on page 2)

SCRIE, DRIE & Other Vital Services Added to Enrollment Event Held in Co-op City on April 8 The New York City Department of Finance (DOF) will not only hold open enrollment for Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE), but shareholders can now sign up for Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE), as well. The enrollment event is scheduled for Monday, April 8, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., in room 28, of the Bartow Center. Representatives from the DOF and LiveOn NY will host eligible shareholders who would like to apply for benefits or are interested in learning more about SCRIE or DRIE programs. (Continued on page 26) BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND

What’s Inside: 1. Annual Income Affidavits on page 2 2. Management Report on page 4 3. Cancer Walk on page 5

BY ROZAAN BOONE

The Riverbay Board approved resolutions at its Wednesday, April 3 meeting aimed at balancing the corporation’s budget for the next two fiscal years and reducing the level of financial burden on current shareholders, including senior and disabled residents who would like to downgrade to smaller apartments. Resolution 19-10 approved balancing Management’s fiscal years 2019/2020 and 2020/21 budgets for the Riverbay Corporation by implementing a 1.9% carrying charge increase, which equates to $4.27 more per room, effective July 1, 2019, followed by another 1.9% increase, or $4.35 more per room, effective July 1, 2020 in order to continue providing the current (Continued on page 15)

Protecting the Confidentiality of Shareholder Financial Information

Last year, the Riverbay Board of Directors requested a confidential, internal investigation of charges leveled against Board President Linda Berk. After a detailed investigation by former Appellate Division Justice Robert Spolzino and Nancy Durand, Esq., it was determined that the charges against Ms. Berk were untrue, that she did not receive preferential treatment, and that she was treated the same as all other shareholders. The investigation also determined that Ms. Berk’s confidential financial information, including her resident ledger containing a ten (10) year payment history, was improperly obtained and distributed in violation of laws which require Riverbay to maintain the confidentiality of shareholder financial information. Allegations related to her confidential ledger, as well as an erroneous analysis of information in that ledger, were widely circulated by individuals using a false e-mail address. That information was then picked up and circulated by others. As a result of the investigation, additional safeguards to protect shareholder confidentiality have been enacted by the Riverbay Corporation. —Jeffrey D. Buss, Esq.

Installation of Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detectors Begins in Buildings 1 & 35

REMINDER

Presentation on 801 Co-op City Blvd. at CB #10 Meeting, April 9

The developers of the vacant property located at 801 Co-op City Blvd. will be making a presentation at the Housing & Zoning Committee of Community Board #10 on Tuesday, April 9, at 7:30 p.m. at 3165 E. Tremont Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461. Co-op City shareholders are invited to attend and observe the presentation. The developers have applied for a variance to reduce the number of parking spaces that the property is zoned for (538) to 275 spaces. “There is a proposed 6-story medical building by a developer, and as of right now, in their opinion, there’s a stringent parking requirement and they are looking for a Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) variance to ease that requirement,” said CB #10 District Manager Matthew Cruz. Following the April 9 presentation, CB #10 will schedule a public hearing either later this spring or summer where shareholders will be able to express their opinions and concerns about the plan before the community board votes. on the matter which will then be forwarded to the city’s Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA).

Two teams of Riverbay managers consisting of 12 staff members from the CSO, Risk Management, Safety, and Parking & Leasing departments accompanied six teams of American Red Cross (ARC) personnel to Buildings 1 and 35 to commence the smoke detector/carbon monoxide installation on Thurs., April 4. Riverbay staff will make initial contact with shareholders whose apartments are scheduled for the new installations, just ahead of the Red Cross team’s arrival. While onsite, Riverbay personnel will inspect the doors to the apartments to make sure they are self-closing, as well as the fire exits. Joe Spaccarelli, program director for the Home Fire Program of the Red Cross of Greater New York, said: “Today, we’re going to have 4-5 teams each with 2-3 members, depending on the team. They will meet with residents, they will do fire safety education, go through a check list of things residents should be prepared for and think about – fire safety, cooking safety, electrical safety, smoking safety...They will talk about escape route planning, making sure they know their way to get out of the building and then they’ll be installing alarms in each of the bedrooms and hallway in the apartment.” Mr. Spaccarelli also said that the Red Cross team will inform shareholders that they have two minutes to vacate the apartment in the event of a fire. They will also show shareholders where to locate the “hush” button on the smoke detectors to silence the alarm if they accidentally burn their food while cooking, rather than disabling the alarm which will render it useless. “It will be a good day to get residents educated well on fire safety,” he noted. Photo by Rozaan Boone

Petition period

Co-op City Times / April 6, 2019 (Continued from page 1)

from the Board. All six incumbent directors have so far picked up qualifying petitions indicating their intention to seek reelection. In addition, seven other shareholders are seeking certification to enter this year’s race. They are Angelo Rosario, Aaron Carnegie, Regina Hamilton, Michelle L. Marbury, Michael Garcia, Junius Williams and Luis A. Ramirez. Mr. Alfred Lynch has withdrawn from the race. There will be one vote per unit by residents who are shareholders of record as of April 8, 2019. 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 to run for the Board. Throughout this weekend, petition packages are available from the Public Safety window in the Bartow Center, however, they will not include the qualifying petitions until the next business day when the Finance Department has ascertained their financial eligibility. The prospective candidate will then be contacted by the Legal Department to come in and pick up the petitions which must be signed by at least 75 shareholders and returned to the Legal Department by the 5 p.m. deadline later that day, Monday, April 8, when all petitions must be submitted to be considered for certification to enter the 2019 Board race. Over the course of the following days, the signatures on each of the prospective candidate’s petitions will be certified against the signatures of shareholders of record for each apartment on the petitions. Riverbay Corporation enlists the assistance of a group of employees who are not residents of Co-op City to check the signatures on the petitions against the signature database, which is maintained by the Residential Sales Department for every shareholder who lives in Co-op City. This process is overseen by the Election Committee and the Legal Department. Shareholders and prospective candidates collecting signatures on their petitions should note that only the shareholder(s) of record for each apartment is allowed to sign their petitions. Once the signatures are checked, the list of eligible candidates who may run in the 2019 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 16, at 8 p.m. in room 31 of the Bartow Community Center where the certified candidates will be addressed by the 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 20 issue of the Co-op City Times. On Saturday, April 27, the first of three consecutive special election supplements will be published in the Co-op City Times, in which each of the candidates will place statements and advertisements outlining their qualifications for the position of Riverbay Board Director and their views on issues facing the community. All candidates’ statements and ads submitted for publication in the 2019 election supplements 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 be conducted by mail-in and electronic ballots. Election-America, Riverbay’s election contractor, will mail ballots to each Co-op City household. All mail-in and electronic ballots must be returned directly to Election-America which will verify and tabulate the votes. That information will then be conveyed to the 2019 Election Committee and their attorney. The committee will review and certify the final vote count on Friday, June 14, at 7 p.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 22. The deadline to file challenges to the election is Monday, June 17. 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 20, and begin serving their terms. The 2019 Election Committee is chaired by Board Director Leah Richardson and co-chaired by Director Francine Reva Jones. The other members of the committee include shareholders Janice Brown, Sandy Krasnove, Akeisha Neely and Annette Newman. Potential candidates who have questions about the election rules, or any election-related matters, may address their correspondence in writing to the 2019 Election Committee, c/o Riverbay Legal Department, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475.

Annual Income Affidavits The annual income affidavit process for Co op City residents is currently underway. The Income Affidavit and related instructions were mailed this week to all cooperators required to file (excluded are new residents who moved into Co op City after March 31, 2019, and those cooperators on the Section 8 Program). The due date for returning your completed Affidavit, which must be notarized, is April 30, 2019. Currently, surcharges based upon 2017 Income Affidavit forms will expire June 30, 2019. New surcharges will be imposed for the period July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020 based upon data taken from your 2018 Income Affidavit form. Please note that it is essential that every cooperator submit their 2018 Income Affidavit in a timely manner. If you filed an application for extension in lieu of a 2018 NYS Tax Return, you are still required to submit your affidavit by April 30, 2019. Please estimate your income and identify as "Estimated Income." 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 if one of the shareholders has permanently vacated the apartment, it is important that the remaining shareholder submit 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, 2019. You would then be required to pay the 50% surcharge 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 being 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 (Continued on page 19) BY PETER MEROLA, DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

Front Page National Alliance on Mental Illness Meetings Held in Co-op City

Co-op City Times / April 6, 2019

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Co-op City Times 2 n d BY DANIELLE CRUZ

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

Co-op City History Discussion As part of Co-op City’s 50th Anniversary celebration, the Baychester Library will be hosting “The Making of Co-op City: A Live Conversation From Three Viewpoints” today, Saturday, April 6, at 1 p.m. Stop by to hear Bernie Cylich, Tony Schuman, Ken Wray and moderator Alena K. Powell discuss the history of Co-op City.

Celebrating Women’s History and Poetic Expression Join NCNW, Inc., Co-op City Section, today, Saturday, April 6, at the Dreiser Center, room 4, from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. for an afternoon of artistic expression as we celebrate women and National Poetry Month at the 3rd annual program, “Women Represent!” This year’s theme is “Women are Lit,” a tribute to women in literature and leadership and a message on self-love. The NCNW has a wonderful afternoon planned. You will be entertained in the arts and Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams will pay tribute to women. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served.

Bake Sale To Benefit Velocity Track Club of NY Building 12 Association will be holding a Bake Sale on Saturday, April 12, from 3 p.m.-5 p.m. and the proceeds will benefit the athletes of Velocity Track Club of New York. Please come down and support the sale which, in turn, will help our community’s youth as they strive to do their part to promote pride in our community.

If you SEE something, SAY SOMETHING!!!

718-671-3050 Co-op City Public Safety

Facilitated by former Riverbay Board Director Marie Smith, the Co-op City chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers access to a variety of programs and support groups for people suffering from mental illnesses and people with loved ones who suffer from mental illnesses. Ms. Smith, who has been volunteering with NAMI for about 15-20 years, started the program in Co-op City three years ago after learning that, despite many residents having emotional support animals, Co-op City didn’t have a community support group that residents Marie Smith could attend to receive help and counseling for their mental illnesses. “I inquired if there was anything here in Co-op City only to find out that there was not,” said Ms. Smith. “So about three years ago, when I was on the Riverbay Board of Directors for a year, I had asked if we would be able to go under NAMI New York City Metro and start a support group here in Co-op City. Everyone was really open to it, very cordial and welcoming and that’s how it originated here.” Now Smith holds a support group that meets from 7 to 9

p.m. on the second Thursday of every month in room 35 at the Einstein Community Center. While the number of people who attend the support group varies from month-to-month, everyone is welcome to attend and receive judgment-free, confidential help for themselves, their loved ones or family members. The Co-op City chapter of NAMI also offers free sessions with Dr. Eric Padol, a volunteer psychologist, who attends the monthly meetings to offer his services. “Dr. Eric Padol comes pro bono, offering his services and he makes suggestions or people ask him for advice,” said Ms. Smith. “He is kind enough to give us his cell phone number and his email address so if anyone has a question they can get in contact with him.” While the Co-op City chapter of NAMI offers access to a lot of helplines and programs, one program that Ms. Smith wants to bring to Co-op City is NAMI’s Ending the Silence Program. The program is currently in place in Westchester – where Ms. Smith also facilitates a support group – and gives NAMI volunteers a chance to speak in middle school and high school health classes about (Continued on page 19)

Co-op City Spotlight: Original Shareholder, Winifred Saltus, Reflects on Upcoming Milestone – Her 90th Birthday! A Look back on her life and long-time career with the New York Public Library Original cooperator, Winifred ‘Wini’ Saltus’ dedication to serving others led her to a 31-year career at the New York Public Library (NYPL), including local Baychester branch in Co-op City. She sat down to reflect on her life in the last 90 years admitting, “When I look back on my life I just took it for granted. I think about it now and I didn’t record things as they were happening, I just experienced it. When I write it all down now, I say to myself, ‘Wow! I did all that’,” said Mrs. Saltus. Born Winifred Childs in Philadelphia, PA., Mrs. Saltus was raised by her grandparents in Mobile, Alabama before migrating to New York City. Her last name officially changed after she married her husband, Kermit Saltus, shortly after graduating high school. Unable to afford college after high school, Mrs. Saltus decided it was best to find a job. After working many odd positions, Mrs. Saltus gained employment at the NYPL as a clerk; clerks catalog, sort and shelve books while checking them in and out for patrons. She said, “I saw an ad in the newspaper and I applied.” The Tremont branch on Washington Avenue in the Bronx was Mrs. Saltus’ first office of employment with the NYPL. She confessed, “The Library was a good place to work. I loved it! I was at the library every day as a kid, but I never thought I’d end up being a librarian. You never know; it was supposed to be, I guess.” In the 1970s while working at the NYPL Sedgwick branch, Mrs. Saltus moved to Co-op City. When she learned about the opening of the new Baychester branch, she immediately applied and transferred to that location since it was close to home. Thanks to her opportunity with the NYPL, Mrs. Saltus was finally able to pursue her college education due to a program offered via her union that paid for her college education

BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND

only if she maintained good grades, which she did. During her time at the Baychester branch, she would work fulltime while pursuing her B.A. at the College of New Rochelle. Not wanting to give up at this point, she was determined to continue her education to move up the ladder at NYPL. Her goal was to be a librarian, a position that required a Master’s degree. She continued working, even giving up her Saturdays to the branch, while she pursued her Master’s degree in Library Science at St. John’s University. Ultimately, Mrs. Saltus worked at the Co-op City branch for 3-4 years as a clerk before moving on. “The Baychester location was one of the busiest branches in the Bronx back then. It had a lot to offer the community in programming. The community was very fortunate to have a library so close by, or they would have to travel.” (Continued on page 19) Mrs. Saltus during her career as a librarian

Co-op City Times / April 6, 2019

Productive Annual Meeting with our Lenders and State Supervisors

space will feature a state-of-the-art AV system, Last Thursday, March 28, we had our annual meeting Management Report improved HVAC system and new wall coverings. The our mortgage lender, Wells Fargo; representatives with bathrooms and hallway will also be upgraded. from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Devel• Commercial Center Storefronts — This was opment (HUD), and our state regulator, NYS Homes another non-critical item identified from the PNA to and Community Renewal (HCR). The purpose of the upgrade and refresh the appearance of the community’s meeting was to review our progress and make sure that we are complying with three commercial centers. We have retained an archithe terms of the mortgage which included certain work that the lender required tectural company and renderings are expected soon. us to do and, of course, over the last two years since we did the budget with the The Co-op City Power Plant is the heart of the com5-year capital plan, they wanted to get a report on our progress implementing that munity providing electricity, heat, hot water and coolcapital plan. ing. It is also a revenue-producing asset for the community. Working with an During the course of our presentation, we discussed both our accomplishments independent energy contractor, NAES, we have made significant improvements and challenges in certain areas where we did not make as much progress as we’d to equipment maintenance and procedures that have both lowered expenses and hope. increased revenue. These include equipment and employee optimization and Among the topics we addressed during the meeting were upgrade of our Yardi energy management. management and accounting software platform and IT infrastructure. After selectIn some areas, we have outsourced where it was deemed more economical ing and beginning implementation of the upgrade of our management/accountand efficient to do so than in-house. For instance, our “Turnkey Program” has ing platform last year, we implemented the first phase in January and migrated improved vacant residential unit renovation. Our goal is to improve productivity our Yardi data to cloud-based servers supported by Yardi, getting it off of our aged and efficiency of the Restorations department while, at the same time, ensuring physical servers maintained onsite. In the coming months, we will add features that the corporation has an inventory of completed apartments to show to potenthat will allow us to have better control of parking and storage spaces, improve tial shareholders. We are hopeful that this strategy will control of work order assignments and completion, help to reduce our vacancy loss ratios by having aparttrack the location of our Maintenance staff, and improve We reviewed the physical condition of the ments available to new shareholders within a shorter procurement and inventory control. time frame. We have also made significant physical improveproperty and developed a $111.8M, On our grounds, we have contracted with Tru Green ments to our IT infrastructure to increase data storage five-year capital improvement plan ... to provide additional landscaping services, e.g., fertilcapacity, replace obsolete technology and improve In 2018, we began to implement major ization, application of weed control, aerating and seedback-up power supply in case of electrical outage, parts of that capital plan. ing of grassy areas throughout the development. among others. In the area of fleet management, we have contracted In the area of capital projects, Douglas Elliman with Enterprise to take over management of the corinherited several projects when we arrived in 2016 that poration’s 140 vehicles. For the next five years, we will replace 1/5 of our vehihad been stalled, including the Dreiser and Bartow Malls; emergency façade work cles each year with newer, more fuel efficient, safer and reliable vehicles. Repairs at Buildings 10, 20 and 26; restoration of the Bellamy Loop basketball courts and will be completed at a pre-approved service center and at prices pre-negotiated installation of Boiler #2 in the Power Plant. While getting these projects comwith Enterprise. We project first year savings of $200,000, and as more new vehipleted, we also reviewed the physical condition of the property and developed a cles are added to our fleet, the savings should grow. Outsourcing our fleet man$111.8M, five-year capital improvement plan which was subsequently approved agement has allowed us to eliminate two positions in the Automotive department. by the Board. In 2018, we began to implement major parts of that capital plan, Our Safety department has made improvements throughout the corporation and including: the community. We have invested significantly on procuring Personnel Protec• Modernization of all 160 residential elevators in the community, a 4-year projtive Equipment (PPE) for our operations personnel. All employees are now sufect that will result in all new, state-of-the art mechanical equipment, redesigned ficiently equipped with up-to-date PPE, such as safety vests, goggles and hard hats cabs and call stations, and improved security cameras where required. The department has also embarked on a massive overall safety • Local Law 11 façade repair — Work will begin in Section 5 as soon as we awareness and compliance campaign throughout the complex. Relevant employare confident the weather will not interfere with progress. Previously, we had ees are being trained on OSHA requirements and proper use of equipment in completed a review of the 25 buildings in Sections 1-4 and, as a result of our due order to obtain and/or renew their licenses. Mandatory active shooter classes have diligence, we were able to save the corporation approximately $11M in bridging been held and fire safety and prevention training classes are offered to the comrental fees. We expect to complete bidding for the remediation work this year and munity and staff in collaboration with the FDNY and the American Red Cross of have set 2020 as the target to start the work in Sections 1-4. Greater New York. In addition, to ensure compliance with Local Law 55 of 2018, • Portico Work — This work is ongoing under four tower buildings, 6, 8, 23 the Safety department has added a Mold Unit with two certified mold inspectors. and 25. Buildings 6 and 18 are 50% complete with work just beginning in 23 and Combined, these initiatives will reduce the risk and potential financial liability to we are set to begin in 25 soon. The entire project is scheduled for completion this the corporation. year. In Public Safety, we hired as Chief, retired NYPD Deputy Chief Joseph Riley, • Garage T-beam Removal — This was a non-critical item identified in the who brings 32 years of experience in law enforcement and administration to our Physical Needs Assessment (PNA) completed as part of Co-op City’s mortgage community. Since being hired, he has installed new (Continued on page 14) refinancing to either repair or remove the steel beams and cement structures on the garage roofs. After conducting an engineering analysis, we determined that the cheaper options was removal. So far, garages 6 & 7 are complete. Garage 1 is getting new lighting and will be reopened this month, garage 4 is currently being worked on and garage 8 will follow. This work will be completed this year. • New Garage Access Control System — Installation of a new garage access system has been completed. It provides better revenue control, reporting of usage activity and reduces sharing of garage access passes. • Lobby entrances — Lobby entrance renovation commenced in January and will be completed this year. It entails replacement of all windows and mullions, doors and improving the intercom system to make the entrances handicapped accessible, and requires the use of a key fob by residents. • Dreiser Auditorium — Renovation of the 10,000 sq. ft. space began in October 2018 with full asbestos abatement and installation of new fire proofing material. Renovation will begin soon and completion will be some time later this year. When completed, the

Bob Klehammer

Co-op City Times / April 6, 2019

First Annual Cancer 5K Run-Walk in Bay Plaza Runners from Co-op City and Beyond Gather for Cancer Research The American Cancer Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (ACS) first annual cancer 5K run-walk in the Bronx took place last Sunday, March 31, in Bay Plaza. The event, supported and co-sponsored by Riverbay Corporation, among several other companies, involved 19 teams and 221 participants, including residents of Co-op City and surrounding areas of the Bronx. Participants came out rain or shine in the name of cancer research, raising over $22,000 towards the fight against the disease. At 9 a.m., both runners and walkers took to the streets of Bay Plaza to take on the flat course that started alongside Applebeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, then to Bartow Avenue, Hutchinson River Parkway, and finally for the final lap across Baychester Avenue â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to the finish line. Shortly following the end of the race was the award ceremony, where the top three finishers in their specific groups, along with top fundraising individuals and teams, received their award medals. During the program, Community Development director at the American Cancer Society, Lizette Dorado, explained: â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is the first time ever weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve hosted a 5K in the Bronx! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s colorectal cancer awareness month (March), so we wanted to do something special for Bronxites to bring awareness. We were hoping to get at least 50 runners and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re over 220, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very exciting.â&#x20AC;? Lizette added: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Since Co-op City is so close and Bay Plaza has so much foot traffic, we thought it was a good area to get people together and create awareness using the already existing base here. The American Cancer Society has always had a special relationship with Co-op City because theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always been so supportive in the fight against cancer. We raised a lot of money for cancer research and local programs today and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re already talking about plans to be back in 2020.â&#x20AC;? Bronx Councilmember Andy King was in attendance during the event. He explained: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cancer does not discriminate. Like the Bronx, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re standing united today to make sure that we do all that we can to let people know that this ugly disease must be tackled and the importance of giving support to all those families that have to live with it.â&#x20AC;? Speaking of families, the Norment family of Section One, consisting of mom, Jessie; dad, David; Sanaya, 12; Thais, 8; and Joaquim, 8, attended the walk as a BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND

Runners and walkers from Co-op City and all over the Bronx took to the streets of Bay Plaza on Sunday, March 31, for the American Cancer Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s First Annual 5K Run-Walk in the Bronx. Photos by Toriea McCauseland

unit. Having had relatives affected by cancer, Mrs. Norment thought it was a good idea for everyone to run-walk. She said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The whole family is here today to support ACS and for fitness goals. We have several family members on both sides whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve dealt with cancer and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for cancer to go. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing this as a family so the children will understand how important it is to support organizations like ACS, how to take care of themselves â&#x20AC;&#x201C; their health, and not to succumb to a disease like cancer.â&#x20AC;? Little 8-year-old Joaquim also added: â&#x20AC;&#x153;This event supports all the people who have cancer and gives them money to get better. We want to do this run to stop cancer and support the people who have cancer with the money they need to get medicine, so they can go back home and not have cancer again.â&#x20AC;? The next American Cancer Society event in the area will be Relay for Life of The Bronx, â&#x20AC;&#x153;a non-competitive walk that raises awareness and funds in the fight against all cancers,â&#x20AC;? which will take place on June 1, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., in Bay Plaza.

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In front of Dunkin Donuts 2035 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475 Bartow Community Center 2049 Bartow Avenue, Room 31 Bronx, NY 10475 Section One Greenway Enter at: 140 Benchley Place Bronx, NY 10475 Section 4 Basketball Courts Bronx, NY 10475 Section One Greenway Enter at: 140 Benchley Place Bronx, NY 10475

CO-OPP CITY 50TH ANNIVERSARY 2019 CALEND L AR OF SPECIAL EVENTS APRIL 6th: 1pm 2:15pm

THE MAKING OF CO-OP CITY APRIL 16th: 2pm 3:45pm SHAKESPEARE IN CO-OP CITY APRIL 28th: 3pm 5pm

CELEBRATION OF MUSIC

A live conversa sation ation from three viewpoints: Hoow did Co-op City begin? Discover some parts about Co-op City you might not know about. Watch theatre in the round as you see the latest pr p oduction from The Tempest. There will be giveaways! Watch as worldd and spiritual performers com me togetherr to bond over their love for music.

MAYY 5th: 3pm

Discover the best kept secret in Co-op City and let's watch the galaxy together!

CO- NIGHT OF THE ARTS MAY 18th: 11am FREEDOM LAND/ UNVEILING OF TOOTSIE JUNE 19th: 6:30pm-8:30pm JUNTEENTH CELEBRATION

MAY 17th: 7pm 9pm

A reception to vview artists' vision of Co-op City - paast, present and future and discover thhe winners off the Poster Contestt

JUNE 22nd: 10am 2pm

Celebrate the original pioneers for laying out the st s rong foundation of the community. y.

PLANETARIUM EVENT

PIONEER DAY JUNE 29th: 10am 2pm HOOPS & BEATS JULY 12th: 12 NOON BROADWAY IN CO-OP CITY * Information subject to change

Ceremony unveiling an original artifact from Freedom Land called Tootsie. Learn the histoory behind Juneteenth and why it's stiill celebrated today.

Partnering withh the Section 4 Partnership to bring you Basketball events and Icee Cream Social. Broadway actor ors will perform from the latest show ws such as Wicked & Beautiful: The Carol King Musical Giveaways: Broadway tickets!

Co-op City Times / April 6, 2019

The Co-op City Times welcomes issue-oriented letters to the editor to be considered for publication. All letters, in prose, not poetry, must be addressed to the editor, not to third parties. All letters must be signed by the writers and include their addresses and phone numbers, which will be kept confidential, so that the editor – can•verify the• authors. or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. – •the– authenticity • – • – of•– – • Anonymous – – • –L•etters – •cannot – •exceed – •–350•words. – • –Ideally, they should be typed. All letters must be in the Co-op City Times office in Room 21, Bartow Community Center, by 3 p.m. every Monday to be considered for publication in that week’s edition. Views and opinions expressed in letters are solely the writer’s, and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times or Riverbay Corp.

Letters to the Editor

Holding Our Postal Employees Accountable

To the Editor: I am a shareholder who is very alarmed and frustrated over a very incompetent postal service that delivers mail like they are doing us a favor. I am at a final straw over my most recent experience in Building 17. I had a purchased item, supposedly delivered to my mailbox via the key to the lockers in our lobby which was never actually placed in my mailbox. I only found out days later when I checked with the vendor I purchased my item from that the item had indeed been delivered. I called the Conner Street post office and spoke to the manager, who while pleasant, offered no solution about my loss of product and money. How can they be allowed to get away with this, showing no responsibility at all? The worst smack in the face is a neighbor from my building who took my item and kept it without malice. My question to my fellow shareholders is, does this sound familiar? If so, please contact me at ronpatricia1@gmail.com,

as together, we can make a difference! The incompetence of our once stellar post office needs to be addressed and they need to be held accountable for the carelessness of their employees. Postal service to our community has to be at a higher standard. Thank you in advance. —Ronald Hartridge

Fine Them!

To the Editor: I’ve lived in Section Five for 31 years. I love it here. I went to our little mall and on the upper level in front of a store, there was dog waste; this wasn’t the first time. The building’s people are sending their children to walk their dogs and most of them won’t pick up the waste. I would be glad to see these people fined. —Barbara Yturbe

Board of Directors’ Meeting - April 3, 2019 Second Reading – Resolution #19-16

SUBMITTED BY: Linda Berk SECONDED BY: Claudia Sampson, Francine Reva Jones, Jerome Rice, Leah Richardson, Leslie Peterson, Mary Pearson BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING: April 3, 2019

WHEREAS, Members of the Board of Directors have a duty to exercise judicious control of the premises, including of the community rooms and public spaces; and WHEREAS, The vacant 10,310.24 square foot former bingo hall located at 2081 Bartow Avenue would make a perfect site for a youth center; and WHEREAS, The City of New York has offered funding to renovate and lease this space to be used as a youth center with certain conditions including a lease approved by Riverbay and obtaining a commitment from an acceptable notfor-profit youth organization to staff and operate the youth center; and WHEREAS, The Board believes that the President and

management should work with the City of New York to bring a youth center to 2081 Bartow Ave. subject to the Board’s approval of the lease for the space and the Board’s approval of the not-for-profit organization to staff and operate the youth center. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, Notwithstanding any prior Resolutions, the President and management are directed to work with the City of New York to bring a youth center to 2081 Bartow Avenue subject to the Board’s approval of the lease for the space and the Board’s approval of the not for profit organization to staff and operate the youth center; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall be effective immediately. YES: Berk, Cylich, Feliciano, Jenkins, Johnson, Jones, Lambright, Leslie, Pearson, Peterson, Rice, Richardson, Sampson, Turner NO: Saunders PASSED

Amended Emergency Resolution #19-17

SUBMITTED BY: Linda Berk SECONDED BY: Mary Pearson BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING: April 3, 2019

WHEREAS, New York State regulations, 9 NYCRR 17256.1, require that Riverbay disclose to the Division of Community and Housing Renewal (DHCR) whenever a contract or a possible contract involves a possible conflict of interest WHEREAS, The Board wants to promote full community involving a Board Director; and participation in Co-op City’s 50th anniversary events; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, The Board WHEREAS, Board Director Kevin Lambright has approves the contract with Bright Advertising Inc. in the brought forth a $4,976.00 proposal from Bright Advertising, amount of $4,976.00 to produce thirty (30) second television Inc. to produce thirty (30) second television commercials commercials promoting Co-op City 50th Anniversary events and buy airtime from Altice for the commercials to be shown to air 162 times over a three week period in the Bronx on 162 times over a three week period in the Bronx on the BET the BET Channel and NEWS 12; and Channel and NEWS 12; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President and WHEREAS, Board Director Kevin Lambright disclosed Management is directed to make the submissions to DHCR to the Board a possible conflict of interest because Bright as required by 9 NYCRR 1725-6.1. Advertising, Inc. is owned by a relative of Board Director YES: Berk, Cylich, Jenkins, Jones, Leslie, Pearson, Kevin Lambright and said Director was not present for the Saunders Board’s March 6th, 2019 vote to approve the proposal; and NO: Johnson, Peterson, Rice, Sampson, Turner WHEREAS, the prospective TV commercials were aired ABSTAIN: Feliciano, Richardson at the March 20, 2019 open board meeting and were generRECUSE: Lambright ally were well received; and DEFEATED (Cont’d on page 11) Article SIXTH of your Occupancy Agreement provides, in part, that your lease automatically renews for an additional three (3) year period. You need to do nothing if you want your lease to extend for another three (3) year period. If you will be moving out at the end of your lease, notify Riverbay, in writing, Attention: Sales Support Office, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475, ninety (90) days prior to lease expiration.

Co-op City Times Co-op City’s official newspaper serving the world’s largest cooperative community. (718) 320-3300, ext. 3375 cctimes@riverbaycorp.com

Rozaan Boone Editor-in-Chief

Jennifer Piovanetti Operations Manager

Ralph Henriquez Production Manager The Co-op City Times welcomes issue-oriented letters to the editor to be considered for publication. All letters, in prose, not poetry, must be addressed to the editor, not to third parties. All letters must be signed by the writers and include their addresses and phone numbers, which will be kept confidential, so that the editor can verify the authenticity of the authors. Writers will be limited to one letter per topic. Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Letters cannot exceed 350 words. Ideally, they should be typed. All letters must be in the Co-op City Times office in Room 21, Bartow Community Center, by 3 p.m. every Monday to be considered for publication in that week’s edition. Views and opinions expressed in letters and Directors’ Viewpoint are solely the writer’s, and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times or Riverbay Corp. Advertisements and classified advertisements in the Co-op City Times do not necessarily reflect an endorsement from Riverbay Corporation of goods and services, but present greater options to cooperators of products and services available. The Riverbay Corporation does not assume any responsibility nor is it a party to any contract or agreement between the cooperator and the vendor. All matter published herein is copyrighted by the Co-op City Times. Permission for reprints of advertising or editorial contents produced by the Co-op City Times must be obtained in writing from Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Ave., Bronx, New York 10475.

Important Notice to Shareholders of Building 21 Building 21

Building 21 100 Bellamy Loop 120 Bellamy Loop 140 Bellamy Loop

Current Lease Expiration Date

May 31, 2019

New 3 yr. Expiration Date

May 31, 2022

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

Co-op City Times / April 6, 2019

Public Safety Report

CCPD Offers Home Repair Tips For Smart Consumers

Now that the spring cleaning and repair season is upon us, cooperators may be considering hiring persons to help with these tasks. New window blinds, curtains and kitchen countertops are some of the most popular projects this year. It is very important that consumers take steps to make sure that the services they are paying for are the services they are getting. Fraud is very popular among contractors especially during these difficult economic times. The Department of Public Safety offers these tips to avoid becoming the victim of a scam. Make sure when hiring someone to do work you receive recommendations from friends or family who have used the contractor for similar work. Get at least three written estimates for the work you wish to have done. Make sure all estimates detail the scope of the job so that meaningful comparisons can be made. Remember that no structural changes to Co-op City apartments can be made without the permission of Riverbay Corporation. Please check with your Cooperator Service Office (CSO) if you have any questions about intended improvements. Also remember that your Co-op City apartment must be restored to the original condition no matter how nice any improvements are and you will be responsible for the cost of that restoration. It is also important to make sure the contractor meets licensing and registration requirements. The New York City Department of Consumer 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, (212) 416-8300, www.oag.state.ny.us. You can check with these agencies or the Better Business Bureau, (212)533-6200, www.newyork.bbb.org to see if there are any complaint records against an intended contractor or repair service. Make sure your contractor is insured. They should have personal liability, property damage and worker’s compensation insurance for workers and subcontractors. Also check with your insurance company to see if you are covered for any injury or damage that may occur. Be sure any valuables are locked up while work is being done in your home. Insist on a written contract that details the entire scope of the job. Be sure it states exactly what will be done, when it will be done and the quality of materials to be used. Any warranties or subcontractors should be listed. The total price and schedule of payments should be included. Make certain you understand all payment options and any financing charges. Never make a final payment or sign a final release until you are satisfied with the work performed. Paying by credit card may give you any extra avenue of dispute resolution. Always be cautious of the deal that seems too good to be true. Be wary if the contractor comes door-to-door to seek you out or just happens to have material left over from another job. Be alert to a contractor who quotes you a price that is out of line with other estimates. Do not allow a contractor to pressure you to make an immediate decision or asks you to pay for the entire job up front. Be cautious of a contractor driving an unmarked van or a vehicle with out of state plates. Always remember, if you see something, say something. Call 9-1-1 and the Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050. Callers may remain anonymous when giving information. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety would like to thank all persons who have called in suspicious activity. It is by your actions that the crime rate remains low and a high quality of life is maintained. Co-op City is a diverse community with people of all ages, abilities and characteristics. All persons should remember to respect each other and embrace their difBY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO

ferences. Don’t forget to say “hello” to your neighbors when you pass each other in the hallway or in the street. Co-op City strives to accommodate all persons. April is known as National Autism Awareness Month, as well as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. This week is Oral Health and Neck Cancer Awareness Week, as well as Dental Hygiene week. It is the perfect time to make that dental appointment. Take this opportunity to learn about these topics and see what you can do to help. Knowledge is power; the more you learn, the stronger you become.

OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY For information on CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES ONLY, please contact: Lenya Garcia at Lgarcia@riverbaycorp.com; and Anatoliy Budnitskiy at abudnitskiy@riverbaycorp.com. Please note: emails should be sent to both parties. Please DO NOT email resumes for EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES to the aforementioned emails. For EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, please see the end of the employment listings for specific directions. CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES There are no contract opportunities to list this week. Please check next week.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Public Safety Blotter March 24 – March 30, 2019 March 25 – 140 Darrow Place A male was arrested by CCPD and charged with criminal mischief after he was observed breaking door glass to gain access to the basement and laundry room. March 26 – 150 Dreiser Loop A female was arrested by CCPD officers and issued a summons for disorderly conduct then released March 21 – Bellamy Loop A cooperator filed a stolen property complaint after finding her storage locker lock broken and items missing from her bin. March 29 – 150 Dreiser Loop Multiple CCPD and NYPD units responded to this location after it was reported that a male produced a knife during an argument and cut another male. The man did get a laceration and was taken to a hospital for treatment. The incident is under investigation. The injury was not serious. March 22 – 120 Elgar Place CCPD Detectives investigated a complaint where a knife was pulled out during an argument. The detectives were able to identify the male and later located the individual and placed him under arrest.

(See page 27 for more Opportunities)

Co-op City Times / April 6, 2019

Respect For One Another Goes A Long Way Director’s Viewpoint

Sonia Feliciano Treasurer Dear Fellow Shareholders, It doesn’t take much to remember that we have shareholders with dogs in our community, approximately 580 dogs. Riverbay, under its occupancy agreement, has a “no pet provision.” Under the law, Riverbay has a reasonable accommodation policy for people with disabilities and as such complies with federal, state and local laws. Having an approved emotional support dog allows for the individual to have companionship and support. Those who have dogs and those who don’t for the most part respect each other’s space and live cohesively. However, there are many shareholders who feel you could find yourself stepping in dog waste. Besides being unsightly, animal waste smells and can create a health condition for those most vulnerable – our children who play in the greenways and toddler parks, our seniors and individuals with illnesses. Not only are

they correct in their assessment, but the cleaning up that Maintenance has to do adds an additional burden to our workers when they could be doing something else in and around the maintenance of our buildings and park areas. Most shareholders who do own dogs respect and follow the policies Riverbay has put in place. It is only a very small handful who have forgotten or failed to understand that unleashing your dog to run around, letting them drop waste without picking up, aggressiveness by the dog and constant barking is a violation of Riverbay policy. In 2018, CCPD issued fines for violations to the dog policy and has continued to do so in 2019. Shareholders can call CSO and CCPD if they observe dogs running loose or pooping without being picked up, a violation punishable by a community complaint. As the weather gets better, there will be an increase of dog activity along with an increase of enforcement of the rules by CCPD. I love dogs and respect those who have them. It is important to remember that we live in a cooperative of 60,000 residents. Cleaning up after your pet, bringing a baggie with you to pick up waste and then dispose of it properly goes a long way in contributing to the beau-

tification of our community. As shareholders, we have to be mindful that respect for one another goes a long way. These are our homes, and a good and responsible dog owner shows they are good citizens and care about their community when they pick up after their dog. Let’s work together to make this happen. Announcement The annual 45th Precinct Council breakfast is being held on Wednesday, May 8, at the Villa Barone Manor at 737 Throggs Neck Expressway, Bronx, NY. Joe Boiko, former vice president of the 45th Precinct Community Council, is being honored posthumously, as well as Joyce Wilson, lovingly known as the mayor of Co-op City, and a long-time activist. For more information, please call: Bob Bieder, president, at 718-828-4400; Annie Boller, treasurer, at 917744-3375 or John Doyle, sgt.-at-arms, at 646-4698339. If you have any concerns, please reach out to me at 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY or call me on 917992-7311. Thank you for the opportunity to allow me to represent you. Shareholders First – We Matter!!

Co-op City Working Families Party

A Cause to Support The state came through with less harsh ways of dealing with non-violent alleged law breakers. Cash bail for low offenders has been eliminated. That’s a start. Next, let’s keep our kids away from jail in the first place. Here’s a worthy cause being launched this Thursday, April 11 — “NEVER BE CAGED: Ending Mass Incarceration By Investing In Our Youth.” For information and tickets, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/neverbe-caged-launch-fundraiser-tickets-53718817429. Or call 718-219-2211 and we’ll get a table! Jumaane Williams will be the keynote speaker. NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams The petitions for Jumaane Williams’ reelection for the next two year stint as Public Advocate have been submitted. Nothing to do now but wait to distribute palm cards reminding people to vote in the June 25 primary. Voting in big numbers makes elected officials pay attention! Actions Need to put your two-cents in on a state level issue? Who ya gonna call (or write)? These guys: • State Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, benedettom@nyassembly.gov, 177 Dreiser Loop, Rm. 12, Bronx, NY 10475; (718) 320-2220; LOB 727, Albany, NY 12248; (518) 455-5385.

• State Senator Jamaal Bailey, bailey@nysenate.gov, 959 East 233rd St., Bronx, NY 10466-3207; (718) 5478854; Legislative Office Building, Room 707, Albany, NY 12247;(518) 455-2061. Need to put your two-cents in on a federal level issue? Who ya gonna call (or write)? This guy: U.S. Congressman Eliot Engel, engel.house.gov/contact-me, 2462 Rayburn HOB, Washington, DC 20515; (202) 225-2464; 177 Dreiser Loop, Rm. 3, Bronx, NY 10475; (718) 320-2314. The Co-op City Working Families Mission As progressives, Co-op City Working Families members work to elect the most progressive candidates possible who will stand in the way of all regressive legislation. As a civic action group, Co-op City Indivisible (an aspiring Co-op City certified community organization) promotes progressive causes. As Co-op City WF/Indivisible members, we do

ANONYMOUS WHISTLEBLOWER HOTLINE

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

both. We embrace progressive values by modeling inclusion, respect, and fairness in all of our actions; we work to make Co-op City a stronger community; and we insist our representatives serve as our voice in Coop City, in the Bronx, in Albany, and in Washington, D.C. Next Meeting Tuesday, April 23, is the next scheduled meeting — our regular 4th Tuesday meeting. As usual, it will be held in Einstein, room 35 at 7:00 p.m. Expect a reminder call or email or just come! We do not say no to dues but what we really want is your presence and your input. Remember, you don’t have to have a family or a job to join us, you can be single or retired and still join the Co-op City Working Families Party. All progressives are welcome. For more details, text or call 718-219-2211 or email mpjazz@optonline.net. —Mary Pearson

Co-op City Times / April 6, 2019

Riverbay Residential Sales Committee Report Francine R. Jones, chairperson Kevin Lambright, co-chair Meeting date: January 17, 2019 Attendance: Francine Jones, Kevin Lambright, Board Director Cheryl Jenkins, Sheena McNeill, Residential Sales director. Guests: Peter Merola, Riverbay CFO; Cary Smith III, Assistant General Manager. Committee members: 11 members attended Review Agenda – The agenda was reviewed and accepted. Minutes from last meeting – The Minutes were read. A MOTION WAS MADE AND SECONDED: To accept the minutes of December 6, 2018. Mission Statement – The Committee is in compliance with the Mission Statement goals. Residential Sales Update – Sheena McNeill, director Co-chair Kevin Lambright read the following updates as of December 2018: A. Move-Ins totaled: 21 B. Move-Outs totaled: 30 C. Transfers totaled: 4 D. Applicants on waiting list totaled: 5,844 E. Applicants on Transfer waiting list totaled: 111 F. Available Units totaled: 146 G. Vacant Units totaled: 289 Director McNeill advised that the Sales Dept. has two waiting lists. Applicants are placed on the one-bedroom waiting list when they reach number 175 or less. Other applicants are on a continuous waiting list. Equity Refunds – Peter Merola, Riverbay CFO At the last Sales Committee meeting, the members discussed that when some shareholders move out they must wait a long time before their equity is returned. Merola explained that when a shareholder leaves, the equity is returned when that apartment is sold and the equity from the new shareholder is paid to the outgoing shareholder. He further explained that the original shareholders paid equity of $500 per room and that those equity funds went toward the construction costs. When the first shareholders moved in, they purchased shares from United Housing Foundation, which was the developer at that time. The shares are only sold by Riverbay Corp. There are restrictions to selling those shares. The Mitchell-Lama regulations require that you deliver the shares to Riverbay so that when you want to leave, your shares are sold by Riverbay to the new shareholder coming in. Riverbay acts as the agent. In 2012, HCR determined that shareholders would pay for a maximum of three months carrying charge. Question: Does the outgoing shareholder and the incoming shareholder both pay for painting the apartment. Answer: The outgoing shareholder pays for priming and

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the incoming shareholder pays for painting. If the outgoing shareholder paints the apartment, there is no restoration paint charge. Observation of New Cooperator Orientation (NCO) Meeting – Discussion Five committee members observed the New Cooperator Orientation meeting on January 8, 2019. The observers commented that the voice of one of the Riverbay presenters went high and low and that the audience sometimes could not hear; that room 28 is closed in and dull without anything to make it look better; that there was nothing in the room with the “Riverbay Corp.” name. Sales Director McNeill stated that the table coverings were out being cleaned; that several people arrived before the Riverbay staff presenters arrived and they just sat in silence; that the presentations were dry and bland, except for one; that it did not seem like they were meeting to become shareholders, but merely renters. Cary Smith III, assistant general manager, informed that he is working with the Sales director to improve the NCO meetings and would like to have professionals make a filmed presentation to show at the NCO meeting. He informed us that we pay the Riverbay staff for their attendance at these meetings twice a month. He advised that the presentation would be by professionals; that it would be much shorter, about 15-20 minutes; that there would be comments by a shareholder; and that the presenters would be dressed in uniformity. The following are Committee Recommendations to the Board so that improvements can be made ASAP: A. Add Riverbay table coverings containing the Riverbay name; B. Speakers should use a microphone; C. Play music while people are waiting for the meeting to begin; D. Add or substitute sandwiches to the refreshments; E. Place pictures on the walls and/or balloons around the room; F. Invite a building president to speak. Items for next agenda – No suggestions Announcements The 22nd Annual Black History Month Film Festival, 2/1/19, 12 p.m., Bartow Center, room 31. Next meeting – TBA Respectfully submitted, —Francine R. Jones, Chair

Committee Report

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Co-op City Times / April 6, 2019

Serious Issues & Serious Fun: Part 2

oval, is often forgotten (at best) and deemed a less desirable destination than the other sections. But not so two Saturdays ago. Standing-room only, it was in Einstein for our talented youth and their adoring Secretary groupies! Thanks to all involved for making it happen, especially Alena Powell, the 50th Anniversary event Advertising Success A thousand words cannot contain all the issues, planner, whose big idea this was. Three things: 1.) I’m serious or otherwise, affecting, amusing, and enrich- looking forward to seeing what else she’s dreamed up to amuse and astound us in the coming months, 2.) ing our community. So I’ll try another thousand. It was again a crazy-busy week last week and the I’m hoping our Community Relations director wranweek or so before. I missed the Talent Show – darn it gles ways to bring footage of this event, and many — but I did catch the commercial for it on News12 the more events, to our Co-op City channel some day Bronx – Super cool, with voiceovers magnanimously soon, and 3.) As I’ve said before, these commercials contributed by Director Kevin Lambright and Section will pay for themselves down the road in actual 4’s Michelle Marbury. The spot did us proud and paid money when some choice events are no longer free in the not so far future. for itself in good will and prestige, I feel. What’s Coming? Some argued the folly of advertising upcoming free The Community Fairs are coming up: Saturdays, events. Aside from our July fireworks displays, how often does Co-op City witness standing-room-only June 1, in Section 1, and September 7 in Section 5. Both crowds? Though I’m a big fan of flyers in the lobbies of these fairs are free, of course, but not for the vendors. and ads in our Co-op City Times, you can’t beat a TV They have to pay. We need to attract more vendors. We commercial for adding a layer of glam to any event. also need more browsers and spenders to make the day more festive and the vendors’ day worthwhile. Now Keep ‘em coming! We oughta be in pictures!! But what about the dreaded outsiders attracted to the that we have the new 50th Anniversary events comevent? Thanks to the diligence of Public Safety and the mercial template, let’s slip an ad for our community general goodwill of humans, Co-op City’s Got Talent fairs into the “donut hole” and have vendors begging came off without incident, as our events usually do. Well, for spots! (The donut hole’s the front and end of an our events mostly come off without incident. (I’m still existing commercial. Different dialog and visuals get talking about the lawn chair that vanished at last July’s plugged into the middle to easily complete a new one.) fireworks event — The Case of the Purloined Patio Eager vendors, eager visitors, ca-ching! Speaking of attracting vendors…I’m told that in Piece. Although the chair was perfectly well replaced by a shareholder’s generosity (thanks again, Theodora), the the past our residents got a discount on the spot rental. originally lost, long ago Caldor-bought, aluminum heir- In the spirit of cooperation, perhaps that hometown perk could be revisited. loom remains my Golden Fleece.) What Else is Coming? But back to the subject of advertising our free (for the I’d like to see more co-mingling of event listings. moment) events. Invite everyone, I say. Give our neighbors outside the snug confines of the I-95/ Hutchinson We’ve got a wonderfully full list of the year’s RiverRiver Parkway oval of isolation an opportunity to enjoy bay Fund upcoming events standing all by itself. But where are the 50th anniversary events? They’re not events offered within our confines. Even Section 5, which also lies just outside of that on that list. And how about other events (especially

Director’s Viewpoint

Mary Pearson

the free ones) produced by other Co-op City organizations? Today, VP Bernie and others will be presenting a history of Co-op City discussion in our library in the Bartow Mall (the Baychester Library) at 1:00 p.m. That planned discussion has competition. The NCNW’s literary offering, Ladies Are Lit!, is taking place in Dreiser, room 4, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Later in the month, a vegan’s delight health fair called Black VegFeast is scheduled for Saturday, April 13, in Bartow, room 31. I saw an ad for one event and a flyer for the other, but no advanced-notice listing. Also, Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” is coming to Einstein, room 45, on Tuesday, April 16. Again, I saw the flyer in the lobby, I know there will be commercials aired to advertise this culture-dripping event, but it’s not listed in our paper. Just saying. If it’s free, enriches the lives of our residents, and is supported by Riverbay (either the corporation or the fund…yes, they are actually officially two different things), let’s attempt to get us, and the information, all on the same page! Of course not everything can fit into a “what’s coming” page so as a public service message, please know the weekly exercise classes offered by Shapeup NYC, brought to us through the Department of Parks and Recreation, will continue into December, I’m told. I’m loving (?) the Monday, 2:00 p.m., Einstein, room 38 class by Paula. The Monday, Bartow, room 31, 6:00 p.m. Dance Cardio Fitness class looks good, too. Maybe I’ll try that one some Monday. But Seriously, Folks Speaking of Public Service announcements…vaccines have all but eliminated many dreadful communicable diseases. Please remember that even a seemingly innocuous case of the measles occasionally kills and that the most vulnerable members of the community are babies under the age of one since they are too young to be inoculated. I can be reached at by email, mpearson@riverbayboard.com, or by phone, 718-219- 2211.

Co-op City Times / April 6, 2019

Resolutions

(Continued from page 6)

Amended Second Reading – Resolution #19-10

rent average carrying charges from $229.00 per room per month to $233.35 per room per month. These increases will enable Riverbay Corporation to meet its obligations; BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, WHEREAS, the current equity rate is April 3, 2019 $4,500.00 per room which was established in December 2008; and in order to fund the CapWHEREAS, Management has prepared ital Project costs as listed in the proposed the proposed budget for fiscal 2019/2020 and budget the equity shall be increased by 2020/2021 for Riverbay Corporation based on $1,000.00 per room, to $5,500.00 per room maintaining the current level of services for with all additional funds generated from this shareholders; and $1,000.00 per room increase to be utilized on WHEREAS, the proposed budget also Capital Project costs; includes funding for the Five Year Capital Plan NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE, REwhich will provide necessary infrastructure SOLVED: that the proposed Riverbay Corporepairs to Co-op City; and ration Budget for the fiscal years 2019/2020 WHEREAS, the proposed budget requires and 2020/2021 is approved and Management two increases in carrying charges as follows: and the Board President are authorized to a 1.9% (one point nine percent) effective July process the necessary application with the 1, 2019 and a 1.9% (one point nine percent) NYS HCR for the above stated carrying charge increase effective July 1, 2020 in order to main- increases. Upon the NYS HCR’s review and tain a balanced budget through March 31, approval, Management is authorized to imple2021 all subject to review, analysis and dis- ment the carrying charge increases that the cussion with the HCR; and Commissioner of the HCR authorizes. WHEREAS, for the month ended January And that the $1,000.00 per room increase 2019, the average carrying charges per room in equity is approved and Management and per month was $224.73 and this amount the Board President are authorized to submit includes utilities. This amount became effec- this increase request to the NYS HCR, and tive August 1, 2018 based on authorization by upon their approval that the equity increase the HCR in 2017; and shall take place the first of the month followWHEREAS, the 1.9% carrying charge ing their approval. increase effective July 1st, 2019 will raise the YES: Berk, Cylich, Feliciano, Jones, Lamcurrent average carrying charges from $224.73 bright, Leslie, Peterson, Sampson, Saunders per room per month to $229.00 per room per NO: Jenkins, Johnson, Pearson, Rice, month; and the 1.9% carrying charge increase Richardson, Turner effective July 1st, 2020 will raise the then curPASSED SUBMITTED BY: Bernard Cylich SECONDED BY: Linda Berk, Claudia Sampson and Mary Pearson

Emergency Resolution #19-18

SUBMITTED BY: Linda Berk and Rod Saunders SECONDED BY: Bernie Cylich, Evelyn Turner, Francine Reva Jones, Leah Richardson and Leslie Peterson BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING: April 3, 2019

WHEREAS, For 50 years Co-op City has proudly provided affordable housing to middle income families under New York State’s Mitchell-Lama Housing Program; and WHEREAS, Many Co-op City residents have aged in place and now wish to downsize but cannot afford to do so due to HCR occupancy regulations; and WHEREAS, Following discussions with HCR, on April 1, 2019 Management submitted a request for a waiver of HCR’s occupancy regulations so as to allow zero equity transfers for eligible shareholders seeking to downsize. A copy of the April 1, 2019 waiver request is attached; and WHEREAS, the points of Management’s April 1, 2019 downsizing program are: • The waiver would have an initial term of one year. • Eligibility would be limited to shareholders (heads of household) who are 62 years of age or older or who would otherwise be considered handicapped for eligibility purposes under the New York City DRIE program. • The eligible shareholder’s annual income could not exceed $59,000, the current approximate median household income for Co-op City based on data from the 2017 annual income affidavits. It would not be available to any shareholder currently paying a surcharge of any amount. • The transferring shareholder would not be required to pay the current equity price for the new apartment, but would have the value of their existing equity transferred to the new apartment. • The transferring shareholder would not be responsible for three months of carrying charges for their old apartment, but would be responsible for any damages beyond normal wear and tear. • The transferring shareholder could move to any apartment smaller than their current unit. (e.g. a single or two person household would be eligible for a two bedroom unit) • There would be one downsizing transfer allowed for every two regular transfers. WHEREAS, The Board wants to assist eligible seniors and handicapped to downsize and continue to live in Co-op City. NOW THEREFOR BE IT RESOLVED, That the Board, notwithstanding any prior resolutions, requests that HCR review and approve Riverbay’s April 1, 2019 waiver request as soon as possible; and BE IT FUTHER RESOLVED, That the President and Management are directed to take all necessary action to carry out this resolution; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this Resolution shall be effective immediately. YES: Berk, Cylich, Feliciano, Jenkins, Johnson, Jones, Lambright, Leslie, Pearson, Peterson, Rice, Richardson, Sampson, Saunders, Turner PASSED

Second Reading – Resolution # 19-12 SUBMITTED BY: Cheryl Jenkins SECONDED BY: Mary Pearson BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING: April 3, 2019

WHEREAS, Members of the Board of Directors bear a significant public responsibility and have a duty to explain the Board’s position on matters of shareholder interest; and WHEREAS, On September 3, 1997 the Board passed Resolution 97-29 which provides Directors with the right to publish their viewpoints as long as such viewpoints refer only to issues directly affecting the welfare and quality of life of the residents of Co-op City, are free of any statements that may give rise to claims of defamation or personal vilification and do not subject Riverbay to liability; and WHEREAS, Resolution 97-29 further found that Directors had not been paying attention to Resolution #278 which called for Directors to avoid public personal attacks and to instead resolve any grievances against another Director or Management at an executive session of the Board nor to Resolution 87-34 which called for viewpoints to be free of defamation or personal vilifications; and WHEREAS, The sponsors of this resolution believe it would now be prudent to require that a Director give their prior approval before another Director may use their name or position in their Viewpoint. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, Notwithstanding any prior Resolutions, any Director who wishes to include the name or the position of another Director in their viewpoint must first submit a signed written approval from such Director indicating approval for their name and/or position to appear in that Director’s viewpoint; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this Resolution shall be effective immediately and that the Editor of the Co-op City Times shall comply with this Resolution. YES: Berk, Cylich, Feliciano, Jenkins, Lambright, Leslie, Pearson, Sampson, Saunders NO: Johnson, Peterson, Rice, Turner ABSTAIN: Jones, Richardson PASSED

Co-op City Times / April 6, 2019

Co-op City Black VegFest Extravaganza Director’s Viewpoint

Francine Reva Jones Assistant Secretary As Co-op City celebrates its 50th Anniversary, the African-American Association will sponsor its 15th Annual Wholistic Health & Wellness Fair on Saturday, April 13, 2019 from 12:00-6:00 p.m. in the Bartow Community Center, 2049 Bartow Avenue, room 31 and courtyard, Bronx, NY. This year, we have partnered with Black VegFest for a more comprehensive event. The Co-op City community is invited to attend and to learn more about becoming healthier. Over the past few decades, African-Americans and Latinos have been plagued with chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, etc. People need to know that their lifestyle, diet, water, genetically engineered foods, pesticides, etc. can affect their health. The Wholistic Health & Black VegFest would benefit the community by exposing the residents to this information. Also, it would teach them the natural methods that could be used to repair and maintain their bodies in a healthy state. With this knowledge, the result would be healthier, happier and more content families in Co-op City and the world. Meatless Monday has been introduced to the NYC Public Schools and will officially begin this fall. However, schools have already started. Meatless Monday is a global movement, followed by millions, with a simple message: one day a week, cut out meat for personal health and the health of the planet. At the Co-op City Black VegFest on April 13, there will be health information, testimonials, vendors selling handmade jewelry, wearable art and artwork; nutritious vegan meals, vegan oxtails, mac & cheese, popcorn tofu; Mofongo pizza, Pastelon lasagna, Jollof quinoa; vegan shawarma, fresh hummus; vegan soul food and sandwiches; fresh juicing, free herbs for tea; vegan donuts, cookies and banana bread; cooking workshop; herbal skin care creams, oil, body butter, salves, lip balms; organic skin care; vegan donuts, cookies and banana bread, etc. In addition, there will be workshops in yoga, exercise and salsa dancing, belly dancing, line dancing, meditation, prizes and more. Please bring your family and friends to this extravaganza in Wholistic Health. We look forward to seeing you. The Budget Your Board of Directors and Management are work-

ing diligently to arrive at a 2019-2021 Budget that will be fair and acceptable for all shareholders. We have met twice already and a third meeting is scheduled. The Board has a fiduciary responsibility to protect our corporation and the shareholders’ best interests. NAACP Co-op City Branch Meeting The following are some of the highlights of the March 24th meeting: The chairperson of the Health Committee attended a Sickle Cell Consortium and her report was read. The Civic Engagement chair reported on the February 28th Legislative Roundtable with Assemblyman Benedetto and Senator Bailey who advised the community on the progress they are making in Albany regarding early voting, abortion rights, etc. That Jumaane Williams is the NYC Public Advocate and on June 25, 2019 there will be another election for Public Advocate. The Education Committee chairman advised that there are scholarship opportunities and one of them is the Kevin Shaw Jr. Memorial Scholarship. The Criminal Justice/Public Safety chair reported that he went to Albany to try to abolish bail for low level crimes and that he is working with the Bronx DA to change the discovery law. It was announced that there will be Adult Education Classes at P.S. 160, including computer basics, GED, fitness classes and driver safety. That, “Finding Justice” is a worthwhile show to watch on BET on Sundays at 8:00 p.m. Janie Williams was recognized for her tremendous help at the 6th Annual Co-op City Spelling Bee. That, “Co-op City’s Got Talent” was successful and kudos to the organizers. Finally, that the National Action Network will present its annual three-day convention beginning April 3 at the Sheraton Hotel, NYC. The NAACP meets on the 4th Sunday of the month at 3:00 p.m. in the Einstein Community Center. All are welcome. Condolences Family, friends and fans are mourning the passing of radio host Bob Slade, who shared the airwaves of “Open Line” on WBLS-FM radio with attorney Bob Pickett and musician James Mtume, made his transition on March 24, 2019. He had been hospitalized for illness relating to long-term kidney disease, according to a statement from

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WBLS/Hot97/WLIB where he worked for many years. A Harlem, New York native, Bob Slade’s original dream was to become an actor. He attended Queens College where he studied acting, and he was a member of the Negro Ensemble and the Harlem YMCA Theater Group. While partaking in his dream to act, he discovered an interest in radio while he was performing in various off-Broadway shows. He began doing news radio in 1971 and then proceeded to a radio station. In 1980, Bob joined the WRKS-FM family and became the news director. Bob’s ability to answer almost any question regarding entertainment, sports, music, past events, and current affairs has made him the office historian. His diverse knowledge on Black History and the Women’s Movement was very impressive. Bob has won two Achievement in Radio Awards, one for the Best NightTime Show, and the other in 1997 for Soul Beginnings. He also received the 1998 Award for Public Affairs for “Open Line.” Bob was also the recipient of the Peabody Award for “The Rise and Fall of the Vee-Jay,” and two Armstrong Awards from Colombia University (one of them was for his documentary on the history of Black music). Other awards he received were CEBA, United Press International, and International Radio Festival of New York. Bob accomplished a lot in his life and his accolades are endless. He will be missed. Building Association Meetings Please attend your building association meetings. It is where you can meet and greet your neighbors, as well as obtain important information about your building and our community. Contact If you would like to share your thoughts, contact me at 718-671-5957 or fjones@riverbayboard.com.

Co-op City Times / April 6, 2019

Community Protestant Church Celebrates 50 Years It’s Jubilee Time As Co-op City celebrates fifty years of community-living, so does one of its original houses of worship – Community Protestant Church. On Saturday, March 23, at the beautiful Marina del Rey banquet hall, the church celebrated “50 Years of God’s Faithfulness Yesterday, Today and Forever.” Founded in the Spring of 1969 by a few dedicated Christian ladies seeking a Protestant place to worship in the community, of which two are members still active today – Ms. Ruth Webber and Deacon Frances Wilson – the church has continued to grow and serve the community from its humble, first official home in Bartow Center to its present “home on the hill.” On Sunday, November 13, 1994, under the devoted and visionary leadership of its third and current pastor, Rev. Dr. Calvin E. Owens, Sr., the groundbreaking for a new permanent home at 1659 E. Gun Hill Road took place. “As we enter our 51st year in service to the Maker, may we reaffirm our faith and heed His call to be faithful, obedient servants of Christ. Happy Anniversary,” said Pastor Owens. Mistress of Ceremony was Rev. Audrey Jones and in attendance were church members, clergy, local politicians and numerous community leaders. Community Protestant’s oldest member, Mr. Willie Thompson, a debonair 104 years old, received a standing ovation. Following greetings and a scrumptious lunch, the gala featured the CPC Liturgical Youth Dance Ministry choreographed by Ms. Courtney Johnson and wonderfully spirited gospels sung by the church choir, directed by Ms. Keisha Washington. In recognition of unselfish above and beyond service to the church, Pastor Owens compassionately presented awards to several honorees: James Alston, Master Tyron Brown, Ms. Rose Hillian, Deacon Milton Knights, Deacon James Nicholson, Ms. Ruth Webber and Deacon Frances Wilson. To bring the Word of God was Rev. Dr. E. Derrick Porter, Agape Ministries, NY, NY. BY LAURETTA J. JAYSURA

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. Photos by Lauretta Jaysura

Co-op City Times / April 6, 2019

Red Cross Makes a Big Donation to Co-op City

point of entry of gas piping into a building, including building service meters, up to individual tenant spaces shall be inspected for evidence of excessive atmospheric corrosion or piping deterioration that has resulted in a dangerous condition, illegal connections, and noncode compliant installations. “The inspection entity shall also test public spaces, According to management, the Red Cross has agreed to donate smoke/carbon monoxide alarms for all of our hallways, corridors, and mechanical and boiler rooms apartments. Additionally, they have agreed to assist our with a portable combustible gas detector to determine if there is any gas leak, provided that such testing need workers with the installation of these devices. only include public spaces, hallways and corridors on We’re Getting Help It’s very nice to hear that the Red Cross has agreed floors that contain gas piping or gas utilization equipto make this huge donation to us. So, let’s take a look ment.” Therefore, as of January 1, 2019, the NYC Departat what we could be getting for our community. First, we don’t know the exact smoke/carbon monoxide ment of Buildings has been enforcing this law. So, inspections must be done and submitted once alarm that we’re going to get. Therefore, just so that we can look at some numbers, I went online and found every five years. Here is the schedule for each borough: several smoke/carbon monoxide alarms that I liked that Staten Island, January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019; Bronx, January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020; Mancost around $35. So, let’s take a guess and estimate that their smoke/ hattan, January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021; Queens, carbon monoxide alarms will cost around $35. Then, January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2022; and Brooklyn, let’s say that we have 15,372 apartments here. So, with- January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023. Now, how does this law affect us? Well, at some out being very specific, we can get a reasonable estimate of how much it costs for just one of these devices point next year, we’re going to have to start testing our gas lines. That means that a plumber will have to go to to be purchased for all of our apartments. However, we have to go further because manage- every apartment for this mandatory inspection. Bottom line: Shortly, our workers will have to go to ment said that all of our apartments will get more than one smoke/carbon monoxide alarm. Additionally, their your apartment to install new smoke/carbon monoxide workers are going to travel to Co-op City and assist our alarms. Thereafter, as you can see, the law is going to workers to install these devices. Furthermore, this entire require that a plumber must go to every apartment next year to check on everyone’s gas lines. And, from that process is going to be finished by April 2020. Now, can you get a better picture of the financial point, they will have to go on a 5-year cycle. So, I hope assistance that we’re going to be receiving? Can you see that everyone will cooperate with these mandatory the amount of work that’s going to be required from requirements. Ring Doorbell the Red Cross to install all of these devices? So, from A man purchased a Ring Doorbell. Then, within just my perspective, this type of assistance is a blessing for this entire community. Therefore, I want to thank the 5 days, two guys allegedly tried to go onto his property. Red Cross for this tremendous donation to our com- And, as one guy was climbing the fence, a voice shouted out: “Hey, man, don’t do it.” The next thing munity. you know, both guys allegedly ran away and tried to Upcoming Gas Line Inspection Back in 2016, the City Council passed Local Law climb over another neighbor’s fence. In another case, a Ring Doorbell camera taped an 152. This law states that “all exposed gas lines from

Director’s Viewpoint

Daryl Johnson

Management Report

(Continued from page 4)

crime prevention policies and practices and has begun to upgrade equipment used by the officers. We have purchased new bullet proof vests and replaced aged and outdated equipment. Working with our IT department, Public Safety has upgraded the system used to maintain incident reports to allow for better crime reporting and analytics. Three new vehicles have been added to the fleet, and the department is on its way to being a highly professional law enforcement unit with the right tools to protect life and property throughout the community. Looking ahead, there is still a great deal of work to be done and we recognize that much of what we have been dealing with for the past three years are problems created by past bad management decisions and poor planning. While fixing infrastructure problems is the easiest part of the job, we are implementing improvements that we hope will improve residents’ satisfaction. We are creating a centralized customer care center which will be a one-stop shop for all resident complaints and service requests. This will eliminate the need for shareholders to call multiple numbers and different offices to receive service. We will also roll out a new enhanced website that we hope will become a useful source of information for residents and will give prospective shareholders the chance to submit an application for the waiting list. The Yardi upgrade will also contribute to better customer satisfaction and drive changes to our policies and procedures to produce efficiencies in accounting, procurement and work order fulfillment. We are replacing all smoke detectors throughout the complex and adding a carbon monoxide detector to each apartment for free through a Home Fire Safety program sponsored by the Red Cross of Greater New York. The Red Cross is providing both the detectors and volunteer labor to install the units and fire safety tips to shareholders while they are in the apartment. This is worth over a million dollars. We are upgrading all of the laundry rooms with new washers and dryers, countertops, credit/debit/cash cards and laundry baskets. The corporation will receive $3.6M in revenue annually which is a $500,000 increase over the last laundry contract. We also received a $750,000 contract renewal payment. Going forward, we will continue to execute our 5-year capital improvement plan that is vitally important to ensuring that Co-op City remains safe, livable affordable housing for many years to come. At the conclusion of the annual meeting, Wells Fargo and the agencies expressed how pleased they were about the direction in which we are heading with the capital improvements and also with how we are trying to professionalize the operation of the company across the board.

allegedly disturbed woman banging on a door and a window as she was shouting: “Let me in.” Then, as the woman broke the window, the homeowner (a retired police officer) grabbed her personal 9 millimeter pistol and shouted: “Get the - away.” The homeowner also called 911. Thereafter, the police arrived just as the homeowner was about to blast this woman away. “Hey, do you live here?” the officer calmly asked. The woman is then heard on the tape saying “No, I don’t.” Subsequently, the woman, a first grade teacher, was arrested. In another case, an uninvited man allegedly drove up to a home, looked around, and amazingly pressed a Ring Doorbell device. The homeowner, then, received a message on his phone that someone was at his home. Next, the uninvited man looked through the window and tried to push open the door. So, the homeowner answered: “Hello.” Then, at that point, you can see the uninvited man walking rapidly away from the door. “Wrong house, Brother,” the uninvited man stated. The police were called, reviewed the video, and later arrested that uninvited man. Management has stated that a representative from the Ring Doorbell company will be visiting Co-op City soon. Thereafter, a presentation will be made about a doorbell that can be inserted behind a door, in the peephole area. Then, let’s see what happens. Close Lots of cooperators are fed up with thieves trying to break into their apartment. So, I hope that everyone will understand why some of our cooperators might want to install a camera in their peephole. Lastly, I hope that neighbors will not start fighting over the use of these cameras. Thank you. Questions or comments? Please send a letter to: Daryl H. Johnson, Riverbay Board Director, c/o Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. Also, please call me ONLY at 718-671-4544 if you would like to have a brief discussion with me. Okay, that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful week. And, may God bless you and your family. Thank you.

Co-op City Times / April 6, 2019

Budget approved

(Continued from page 1)

level of services to shareholders and maintain a balanced budget through March 1, 2021 given market pressures and rising costs of goods and services pertinent to the operation of the corporation and maintenance of Co-op City. The resolution also calls for increasing the per room equity rate for transferring and new shareholders by $1,000 to $5,500 per room with these funds earmarked for the cost of Capital Projects. Riverbay Board President Linda Berk said: “Keeping Co-op City affordable is paramount and if we plan and are proactive we can continue to do so without neglecting our needs. The balance of maintaining the property and affordability is a challenge, but I believe that with the Board and Management working together we have been able to do just that.” The carrying charge and equity increases are subject to approval by the commissioner of New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) which supervises Mitchell-Lama developments such as Co-op City. Wednesday’s vote represented the third time that the Board met with Management to discuss the budget, and each of the previous two times Management was sent back to the drawing board to crunch its numbers and explore ways to distribute the burden in order to lessen the financial impact on shareholders. “I am proud of the hard work the Board and Management put in to coming to a recommendation for Riverbay’s two year budget for 2019-2021,” said Board President Berk. “We deliberated methodically and thoroughly to ensure we met all the infrastructure needs of Co-op City and kept cost and shareholder burden to a minimum. I feel good that we have met these needs protecting our future.” Resolution 19-10 was introduced by First Vice President Bernard Cylich and seconded by Board President Linda Berk, Directors Claudia Sampson and Mary Pearson. Voting to approve the budget as presented by Management were Directors Linda Berk, Bernard Cylich, Sonia Feliciano, Francine Reva Jones, Kevin Lambright, Andrea Leslie, Leslie Peterson, Claudia Sampson and Rod Saunders. Voting no on the resolution were Directors Cheryl Jenkins, Daryl Johnson, Mary Pearson, Jerome Rice, Leah Richardson and Evelyn Turner. The resolution passed by a vote of 9-6. In addition to the budget, to assist eligible senior and handicapped shareholders who wish to downsize their apartments and continue living in Co-op City, the Board unanimously approved Resolution 19-18 to request that HCR reviews and approves a one-year pilot of a zero equity waiver request for shareholders 62 years and over, and those who satisfy the NYC criteria for Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) with an annual household income of $59,000 or less. According to the resolution, “...following discussions with HCR, on April 1, 2019 Management submitted a request for a waiver of HCR’s occupancy regulations so as to allow zero equity transfers for eligible shareholders seeking to downsize…” Management’s proposed criteria for the downsizing program, as presented to HCR, include the following: • Eligibility would be limited to shareholder head of household who are 62 years of age or older or who would otherwise be considered handicapped for eligibility purposes under the New York City DRIE program • The eligible shareholder’s annual income could not exceed $59,000, the current approximate median household income for Co-op City based on data from the 2017 annual income affidavits. It would not be available yo any shareholder currently paying a surcharge of any amount • The transferring shareholder would not be required to pay the current equity price for the new apartment, but would have the value of their existing equity transferred to the new apartment • The transferring shareholder would not be responsible for paying three months of carrying charges for their old apartment, but would be responsible for any damages beyond normal wear and tear • The transferring shareholder could move to any apartment smaller than their current unit, and • There would be one downsizing transfer allowed for every two regular transfers. “The downsizing issue was another matter that was unresolved when I came to Co-op City so I am obviously pleased that I was able to make some progress in getting HCR to pay attention to the community’s concerns and I am hopeful that they will give us final approval,” said Bob Klehammer, Riverbay’s Executive General Manager. Board President Berk noted: “It has taken at minimum of five years to reach this agreement with HCR and I am so thrilled that we can come back to the community with such good news. The resolution requesting Management to present a proposal to HCR was submitted by First VP Bernard Cylich in March of 2014! Every time Director Cylich saw HCR, he asked, ‘Do you have a response?’ He was dogmatic and eventually the Board as a whole was pushing in every direction to get a response. We even pigeonholed the Lt. Governor when she visited Co-op City. Persistence pays off and as I told the HCR reps. in the meeting held to finalize this agreement, I was happy to see we were able to sit down and work this agreement out, collectively and respectfully. It was an awesome experience after fighting so many battles for Co-op City. It could have come sooner, but it is here!” On April 3, the Board also approved Resolution 19-16 authorizing Riverbay Board President and Management to work with the City of New York to bring a

youth center to the former Bingo Hall, a vacant 10,310.24 square foot space located at 2081 Bartow Avenue, subject to the Board’s approval of the lease, as well as approval of the not-for-profit organization to staff and operate the youth center. Resolution 19-16 was introduced by Board President Berk and seconded by Directors Sampson, Jones, Rice, Richardson, Peterson and Pearson. It was approved by all Board directors except Director Saunders who was the sole “no” vote. Resolution 19-17 was submitted by Board President Berk and seconded by Director Pearson for a contract with Bright Advertising, Inc. to produce thirty second TV commercials promoting Co-op City’s 50th Anniversary events to air 162 times over a 3-week period in the Bronx on BET and News12 at a cost of $4,976.00. The resolution also directed the president and management to make submissions to DHCR as required by 9 NYCRR 1725-6.1 regarding a contract or a possible contract that involves a possible conflict of interest involving a Board director. The resolution states: “Director Lambright disclosed to the Board a possible conflict of interest because Bright Advertising, Inc. is owned by a relative of Board Director Kevin Lambright and said Director was not present for the Board’s March 6th, 2019 vote to approve the proposal…” The resolution was defeated with Directors Berk, Cylich, Jenkins, Jones, Leslie, Pearson and Saunders voting yes, and Directors Johnson, Peterson, Rice, Sampson and Turner voting no with two abstentions recorded by Directors Feliciano and Richardson. The Board also addressed personal attacks against fellow Board directors in viewpoints published in the Co-op City Times requiring “any Director who wishes to include the name or the position of another Director in their viewpoint” to “first submit a signed written approval from such Director indicating approval for their name and/or position to appear in that Director’s viewpoint.” Resolution 19-12 was submitted by Director Jenkins and seconded by Director Pearson. It is effective immediately and directs the editor of the Co-op City Times to comply. The resolution was approved by Board President Berk, Directors Cylich, Feliciano, Jenkins, Lambright, Leslie, Pearson and Sampson. Directors Johnson, Peterson, Rice and Turner voted no. Directors Jones and Richardson abstained. With a 1.9% carrying charge increase scheduled to become effective on July 1 of this year — pending HCR approval — senior shareholders and those who meet the eligibility criteria for the city’s DRIE are reminded of the upcoming April 8 seminar in Co-op City presented by the city’s Department of Finance (DOF) to enroll and answer any questions residents may have on the two programs to protect seniors and disabled residents from future carrying charge increases and allow them to stay in their homes. (See related article on page 1.)

Co-op City Times / April 6, 2019

Outreach Assistance for Disabled and Older New Yorkers

people with disabilities apply for SCRIE or DRIE, and keep your maintenance from increasing. To apply, please bring: • Picture ID • 2018 tax return, W-2 or 1099 statements A vast majority of shareholders and • Income documents for all household members their friends and families living in our beautiful, peace• Copies of your 2 most recent leases ful community with its magnificent views and open • Social security disability award letter (if applicable) spaces agrees that Co-op City is still the best deal in Electric Cars and Charging Stations, Anyone? town. But, there are many others who have, through no As I listened to Congresswoman Alexandra Ocasio fault of their own, fallen on hard times, and are unable Cortez extol the benefits of the Green New Deal at her to meet their monthly obligations such as putting food recent Town Hall at Einstein Hospital in the Bronx, visions on their tables, buying medication or simply affording of dollar signs danced in my head. Imagine the revenue to pay for a ride in a sometimes 3-fare zone to visit their we could generate with Electric Vehicles charging stations doctors’ offices for routine procedures, not to mention not only installed in our parking lots for visitors passing by an occasional afternoon at the museum. on I-95, but those visiting our shopping centers and local For that reason, I’d like to take this opportunity to restaurants? How many people would then consider buycall your attention to an upcoming event on April 8th ing a hybrid or an electric vehicle to replace the fuel inefbetween 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. in the Bartow Community Cen- ficient ones they’re now driving. I would be one of the ter, room 28. The NYC Department of Finance, in col- first! Having test driven a Tesla recently, the only caveat laboration with LiveOn NY, and sponsored by the that prevents me from entertaining the thought is the Riverbay Corporation, will be offering benefits and scarcity of charging stations along the miles and miles of entitlement assistance for Co-op City shareholders. highways and byways I often travel. Planning a trip to NYC DOF (in order to be fully transparent, I must grandma’s would require a great deal of preparation and disclose that I work there), in an effort to increase afford- scanning the landscape for a place to plug in and charge. able housing in New York City, oversees enrollment for One visit to a friend’s place might be your last, once they the NYC Rent Freeze Program, which includes the Sen- receive their electric bill for your brief stay that required ior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) and the charging your EV and running up their utility bill. So, I did Disabled Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) programs. some research on NYSERDA, a NY state entity that offers This is an important benefit that freezes rent for tenants tax credits for multi-unit dwellings that install charging stain rent-regulated units so that they can stay in their homes, tions, and learned that this alternative is not only a way to and the city they love without the fear of being displaced make our community and environment cleaner by by escalating rents. NYC is committed to making sure installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, but also that one person in every eligible household signs up to a revenue generator. We’re currently exploring several take advantage of this program. There will be onsite out- options to present to the entire Board and the community reach coordination spearheaded by Michael Sharp from as a way to generate revenue and save the planet. DOF’s External Affairs and a representative from Perhaps, after the budget has been finalized and LiveOn NY (sorry I don’t have anyone’s name to share, approved by the Board, we can have an intelligent and probut they work closely with JASA) to help seniors and ductive conversation about this idea whose time has come.

Director’s Viewpoint

Claudia Sampson

ALL CO-OP CITY RESIDENTS! FREE NOTARY SERVICE WE CAN NOTARIZE YOUR AFFIDAVIT!

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The Wright Agency

Anthony Wright Agency Owner

Serving Co-op City for 38 Years!

Courteous, Knowledgeable Staff! Convenient H ours! Licensed Staff

Nichola Ferguson Licensed Insurance Agent

Albert Issifu Lawrence Newkirk Licensed Life Insurance Insurance Agent Specialist

America Borda Licensed Insurance Agent

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

The Wright Agency We Are Conveniently Located Only Blocks From Co-op City! Expanded Hours: Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sat.: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

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Finally, I envision a skate park for not only the skate boarders, but also quad skaters such as me. Wouldn’t we all welcome the addition of a nice little park along the perimeter of our development where our youths can skate safely and divert them from the congested and hazardous local streets and the Greenway? Why not include a dog walk/park so that we don’t have to look before we step along the sidewalks? Seems like we’ve grown weary and wary of warning dog owners to curb their pets. If signs are being ignored, then maybe the enticements of a dog walk/park might get some of the more intrepid pet owners to take a stroll to the park away from pedestrians. A few citations now and then by Public Safety for those chronic violators might also help change this behavior of ignoring Leash and Curb Your Pets signs. Hope springs eternal. American Red Cross Serving Our Commun& Saving Us Millions In The Process As you know, the American Red Cross (ARC) is a humanitarian organization with the mission of assisting people that have suffered from a natural or man-made disaster. In this regard, one of our shareholders, Tracy Holiday, reached out to me last summer to help her get permission to place and store a 20-foot Conex container on our property that would contain flood kits, cleanup kits, cots, blankets, coolers, shovels, rakes, brooms, etc. that are all needed during or in the aftermath of disasters, such as a major apartment building fire, building collapse, single and multi-family home fires, hurricanes, floods, etc. In addition, Tracy, who volunteers as the Home Fire Campaign Bronx Lead and Logistics Coordinator with the ARC, also successfully facilitated a meeting with Riverbay Management to install in all residential apartments in our community, in conjunction with the FDNY, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, free of charge. This initiative will save us over $1,000,000! Kudos to Tracy for helping to bring these wonderful services and benefits to her/our community. In closing, I welcome your comments and suggestions. I can be reached at csampson@riverbayboard.com. A safe and healthy week to all!

Co-op City Times / April 6, 2019

Building 25 Association

There are many neighbors that do not care for dogs, and that is their prerogative. However, it might be an easier pill for them to swallow if every little step that they took was not in dog poop and pet owners were responsible pet owners. This past winter, our greenway was littered with dog feces, yes, we have staff that maintains our greenway, but it is not their duty to clean up after your dog. The point is we all have a right to a clean greenway, it is our back yard. If you have not already done so, please visit Riverbay’s website at: riverbaycorp.com; the information is abundant there. You can find answers to questions you may have regarding issues with your apartment or within the Co-op City community, and Riverbay department contacts. We wish all neighbors born in April a happy birthday and for those who have been under the weather, we hope you get better soon. I will be in the lobby on Saturday, April 20, to get names of graduates, birthdates, weddings, etc. Our next meeting will be scheduled for Tuesday, April 16, at 7:30 p.m. If you cannot make it to meetings due to scheduling or other obstacles in your way, please write to our building email address at building25ca@gmail.com and address your emails to any or all members of Building 25 Association. Friendly reminder, our building annual dues are $5 per family. We would like to thank the residents who have paid their annual dues. Dues are collected at our monthly meetings by Carol Eilets, treasurer, or Celeste Stukes, asst. treasurer. I will close with the following “dog poop” quote: “I don’t think twice about picking up my dog’s poop, but if another dog’s poop is next to it, I think, Eww, dog poop!” –Jonah Goldberg —Wanda Bailey

Building 30 A and B Association

Building 30 A and B Association will be closed for the first three weeks in April. Our itinerary for the rest of April is: Meeting – Wednesday, April 24, in the association room; door opening at 7 p.m., meeting starting at 7:30 p.m. We will have our PoKeno night on Friday, April 26, with the door to the association room opening at 7 p.m., and the games starting at 7:30 p.m. Crochet starting up again on Wednesday, April 24, at 1 p.m. —Linda Werner

The Coalition to Save Affordable Housing

The Coalition’s next meeting will take place on Monday, April 8, at 7:30 p.m. in Bartow, rm. 28. Our objectives are… • To keep Co-op City affordable and livable within the Mitchell-Lama program. • To encourage fuller cooperator participation in activities within Co-op City. • To enhance cooperative spirit and fulfill the aims and principles of the founders of the cooperative movement. Activities we have organized and sponsored include our annual Mardi Gras Dance, The Bardekova classical music concerts, Co-op Pop-up Jazz and Co-op City candidates’ forums. We are now working on our Board of Directors election campaign and welcome all cooperators who want to help elect shareholders who support the effort to strengthen and promote affordable housing. We believe interested and active cooperators provide the best hope of preserving the affordability of our Co-op City homes. Hope to see you Monday night. Future upcoming meeting dates: 5/13 and 6/10. Light refreshments will be served. —Bruce Silberman

Co-op City Times / April 6, 2019

Stay Focused on Improving Our Community Director’s Viewpoint

Leslie Peterson Today at Dreiser, “Ladies Are Lit” presented by the NCNW Co-op City Section from 1-4 p.m., room 4. Women represent a tribute to Ladies in Literature and Leadership and a message of Self-Love. It’s a free affair and all are welcome! It’s voting time again so read, attend forums and vote. It’s your community and we are working to get it right. For years, there was talk of needing an internal auditor. I am very pleased to have been a part of the interviewing team that helped us fill that gap. We have many departments in Co-op City and as a result of the internal auditor we have been able to get a well-documented snapshot of how our departments are functioning. As directors, we must try not to interfere with day-to-day management, but we do have a responsibility to change policy when the need arises. Of the utmost importance was our aging infrastructure. In my opinion, significant changes and improvements have been made in that area. We have clear direction on how we will handle critical items that need to be addressed, however, now more than ever before, we must concentrate on the dayto-day quality of life issues and improve service to shareholders. The internal audit department has given us the ability to focus on how we can improve. There have been many chances for this community to obtain a central location for our youth. Recently, opportunity number four (4) has been offered and hopefully we will see this prospect come to fruition. The Bingo Hall space has been dormant for many years. It requires several million dollars to restore and with HCR, HUD and Wells Fargo approval, we will be able to see the repairs done at no cost to the community. The community has asked for changes to the transfer process. I was not then nor am I now, in favor of a deferred payment of equity but I am in favor of allowing downsizing without payment of current equity amounts. Management has been making progress and hopefully this matter will work in our favor. “In nature, nothing exists alone.” —Rachel Carson, 1962. Earth Day is celebrated every year in April. Join your Co-op City on April 20 as we honor the theme this year, save our species. Nature’s gifts to our planet are the millions of species that we know and love, and many more that remain to be discovered. Unfortunately, human beings have irrevocably upset the balance of nature. The unprecedented global destruction and rapid reduction of plant and wildlife populations are directly linked to causes driven by human activity. The impacts are far reaching. Get ready for the Earth Day Celebration Parade; making an appearance will be Mother Earth and the Easter Bunny both scheduled for April 20 (rain date: April 27). We will assemble at 9:45 a.m. at the Section 1 Greenway and walk to the Garden and Little League Field with our Grand Marshall Councilman Andy King. This year, we are celebrating Earth Day with not only the Co-op City Little League, but also the spEGGtacular Easter Egg Hunt and Celebration with the Riverbay Fund. If your building association or organization is interested in participating with a banner or to just join in, we welcome you. Please contact Rivers Run Community Garden at 718-671-3801 if you have any questions. Bring the kids to participate in the Easter Egg Hunt. In an effort to Reduce, Recycle and Reuse, and to safely dispose of electronics and other potentially harmful household products like batteries, paint, pesticides, and medicine NYC SAFE Disposal will be held

in the Bronx at the Orchard Beach Parking Lot, Saturday, May 4, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. You can bring: automotive products; household products, such as pesticides, paint, hazardous cleaners; unwanted medicines and electronics, among other items. Check with the NYC Department of Sanitation for additional information. The New York City Department of Consumer Affairs – Shredding truck is scheduled to be at MCU located on Co-op City Blvd. on Sunday, May 19, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. For those in the community interested in composting, check out the Rivers Run Community Garden schedule and bring materials there. They accept fruit and vegetable scraps, non-greasy food scraps (rice, pasta, bread, cereal, etc.), coffee grounds & filters, tea bags, egg and nut shells. So…what exactly do I do? Eat your fruits and veggies, drink your tea, but

instead of throwing it in the garbage, food scraps can be collected in large containers or other covered plastic containers, plastic bags or milk cartons. To reduce odor at home, store items in the freezer or refrigerator. Bring them on the designated composting date to the garden composting area. And one more thing…New York City has a leash law and so does Co-op City. Remember to “curb” your dog, not under the building, walkway or grass. “There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe nor politic nor popular, but he/she must take it because his conscience tells him it is right.” —MLK Don’t hesitate to reach out. I can be reached by mail at: Leslie Peterson, Riverbay Board Director, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bx, NY 10475, Tel. @ 718320-1370, or e-mail at lpeterson@riverbayboard.com.

NAMI

Co-op City Times / April 6, 2019 (Continued from page 3)

mental health and suicide prevention. The program is part of NAMI’s effort to help kids step forward and be more open about the depression and anxiety they suffer due to being bullied in school and online. They work to end the stigma of kids thinking it’s “shameful” to ask for help and gives them knowledge and access to confidential helplines and programs. “The other part of the Ending the Silence program is that we have a young person, under 30 years old, who goes to the schools and they tell their story,” Ms. Smith said. “They discuss what they have been through, what they are going through, if they are in recovery and if they have had lapses in their recovery.” According to Ms. Smith, the program has already reached over 12,000 kids. Ms. Smith hopes that by bringing these programs to Co-op City, more residents would be open to receiving the help they need for any mental illness they are hiding and suffering with, either because they don’t want to go to the doctor or they don’t want to admit they have a mental illness because of the negative stigma attached to those who suffer from mental illnesses. “It is very important that we reach out to anyone in the community who has a mental illness, and what we are trying to do is save a life and lives,” said Ms. Smith. “The suicide rate is very high whether it is police officers who are under the stress of mental illness and they feel that if they come forward they may be seen as though they are weak, they are not strong, that they should be able to handle anything because of their job…Or if it is the soldiers coming home from their service and they are suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or the kids suffering because they are being bullied, it is very, very important that we reach out to them and let them know that they can take advantage of the helplines.” One of NAMI’s goals is to offer people a safe and judgment-free environment where they can get the help they need and receive the medication they need to deal with their mental illness. According to Ms. Smith, a lot of people refuse to get help due to fear of being judged and that their refusal to receive proper help and support will ultimately affect their ability to live a happy and productive life. “That is just like someone with a physical illness, if you are a diabetic or if you have a heart condition and you’re not taking your medicine you’re not going to get better, you might die,” said Ms. Smith. “You know, a lot of people who have a mental illness and because they’re ashamed to admit it because of the stigma, they might not seek the treatment that they need.” For those who are still hesitant to go in person to a support group, Ms. Smith encourages them to call NAMI’s 24/7 hotline in New York City. The hotline allows people to receive help and information from people who have used NAMI’s resources themselves and are in recovery. The NAMI Hotline Number is 800-950-6264 The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 800-273-8255.

Winifred Saltus

At that time, the library had an array of programming for children, adults, movies, arts ’n crafts. Finally a librarian, Mrs. Saltus began to advance in her career within the NYPL, from clerk to librarian to head of the Gun Hill Branch until she retired. Motivated to make a difference, she made sure when she became a librarian, she also bought books for Black kids, getting what the neighborhood needed. “I got so happy when I got to that point when I could order the books that I wanted for my branch, instead of waiting for someone to order and send to me.” Since moving to Co-op City in the ’70s, Mrs. Saltus was a part of a variety of community programs. She’s a charter member of NCNW, as well as AARP, and was a long-time member of the Retirees of Dreiser Loop. Along with her duties as a member of Co-op City clubs, Mrs. Saltus enjoyed attending a variety of community trips and events. Although Mrs. Saltus had no idea she would ever work in a library, she devoted 31 years of service to the NYPL before retiring in 1999 from the Eastchester branch on Gun Hill Road. She expressed: “I’ve always worked to help people. When I was working in the Library, if the kids had homework or research to do, I would help them. “The library is far-reaching, especially now since they have incorporated computers. In my day, they didn’t have that – only books and records. I think it’s great because youth and adults who can’t afford to buy a book or own a computer can use available resources at the Library. “I enjoyed serving the public and reading – this was meant to be. I loved going to work and relating to people. There was nothing about the Library that I didn’t like. I never in my wildest dreams, as I was coming up, ever thought that I’d be a librarian – you just never know. I wouldn’t feel like I was doing my job if I wasn’t helping – I cared about the Wini in her younger years. people,” she explained. When asked what’s the most valuable lesson she’s learned, Mrs. Saltus responded: “It’s necessary to treat people the way you want to be treated. It’s all about how you behave towards folks. I don’t know how to do it any other way.” After looking back throughout her years, Mrs. Saltus confessed: “The most important thing I’m proud of is my marriage and my family, never mind the career. I have such fond memories. I’ve been married for 65 years and had five beautiful children: Karen, Theresa, Kermit Jr., Craig, and Lois. I’m blessed!” Mrs. Saltus is excited about her upcoming 90th birthday party, celebrating with old friends and new from around the community. So, if you see Mrs. Saltus around the neighborhood, wish her a happy birthday! (Continued from page 3)

Income Affidavit

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 comes from their NY State tax return. Riverbay staff will hold all-day sessions to assist cooperators in filling out their Income Affidavit form on Tuesday, April 23, and Thursday, April 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. in Dreiser Center, room 8; 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. Any cooperators wishing 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, 2019. 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. Also for your convenience, there will be personnel available at the following locations to assist and/or notarize your income affidavit form: 1. Congressman Eliot Engel’s Office, Dreiser Center, room 3. 2. Multi Service Office, 140 Carver Loop. Enclosed with the annual income affidavit packet is a letter from Risk Management Department regarding the submission of 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, 2019 to avoid the assessment of $150 Community Complaint fine. Any questions regarding the insurance documentation should be addressed to the Risk Management Department at (718) 320-3300, ext. 3387. (Continued from page 2)

Co-op City Times / April 6, 2019

Co-op Insurance The Wright Agency: Serving Co-op City for 38 Years!

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Albert Issifu Licensed Insurance Agent

America Borda Licensed Insurance Agent

Polly Heckstall Sr. Account Representative

Sandra Goldsmith Licensed Insurance Agent

Anthony Wright Agency Owner

FREE NOTARY SERVICE FOR ALL CO-OP CITY RESIDENTS!

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Co-op City Times / April 6, 2019

Hire Co-op City Youth Director’s Viewpoint

Evelyn Turner The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) connects NYC youth between the ages of 14 and 24 with career exploration opportunities and paid work experience each summer. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Call 1-800-246-4646 or 1-646-343-6800 at once for more information. Traditionally, the Riverbay Corporation offers a limited number of opportunities for our youth. Please be on the lookout for the application process. Budget Time Please pay attention to the details of the state budget, as well as Riverbay Corporation’s budget. On the state level, if the Home Stability Support Bill did not pass, all boroughs, including the Bronx, can expect an increase in homelessness and the need for

additional shelters. This initiative was designed to prevent evictions when individuals and families fall on hard times. It’s a new statewide rent supplement for families and individuals who are eligible for public assistance benefits, and who are facing eviction, homelessness, or loss of housing due to domestic violence or hazardous living conditions. HSS would be state funded, and would replace all existing optional rent supplements. Riverbay Corporation Budget According to reports, we have been paying our bills on time and have a healthy cash flow and reportedly over 90 million dollars in the bank. Our present management has not been accused of any egregious ethical violations during the past budget year. Our managers have been in touch with all elected officials and HCR, etc. who understand that this is our home and the best is expected for Co-op City. However, it has been stated by Board leadership that for many reasons, there is a possibility of a carrying charge increase again this year. This increase

will not have an impact on all cooperators. Low income seniors receiving subsidies will not be impacted by any increase. Please share your concerns about both the state and Riverbay Corporation budgets once you have a chance to review both. Transportation Resources MTA – accessible travel routes information and trip planning: 718-330-1234 Transportation Management for Medicaid and Medicare: 1-844-666-6270 NYC wheelchair-accessible taxi on demand 24/7, 365 days (normal metered taxi: 3-1-1 or 646-5999999. Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. Happy Spring! You may reach me for discussion and ideas you have at: Evelyn M. Turner: 917-324-1033 or evelyntinez@aol.com.

Building 27 Association

Hello, neighbors. Happy Spring to all! It has been quite chilly, but the trees and flowers can blossom overnight, so we have that to look forward to. Building 27 Association – General meeting was held on Thursday, March 29. A couple of cooperators paid their $5 dues. That was so nice of them – they were new cooperators. We had two guest speaker, Mr. Issifu and Ms. Ferguson of Allstate insurance company. Mr. Issifu spoke about the $25,000 homeowner’s standard insurance requirement for Riverbay. He informed cooperators that Allstate offers policies, liability of a substantial amount to cover the home, stores, physical theft outside of the home, etc. Mr. Issifu encouraged us to take pictures of the contents of our homes. An excellent pamphlet of inventory record was provided for the cooperators to help to record a list of their valuables for each room. As a result, one can better determine total value of personal inventor. Keep all receipts in a safe place. It is important to help the insurance representative to help us. Ms. Ferguson provided cooperators with more pamphlets on life insurance protection, and a pamphlet for kids with tips for safe riding on your bicycle, in-line skates, skateboard, and snowboard. Very enriching information. Both Mr. Issifu and Ms. Ferguson took questions and gave answers. Thalia thanked them for such interesting information. We also had another visitor, Mr. Shannon Ayala of CUNY TV’s ‘Diverse City.’ Mr. Ayala explained that he was reviewing the interactions of the diversities of the neighborhood communities. Entertainment – Our Fundraising Committee, Ms. Margie and Sharon, are working on another wonderful trip. Stay tuned. Open Discussion – It was brought to our attention, a portion of the ground is sinking in the circle in front of Building 27A. This issue will be given to GM Noel Ellison. Mr. Ellison informed the cooperators that a call center will soon be open in Dreiser Center, which we are anticipating. It will expedite matters/issues when we call in. To New Cooperators – We appreciate you supporting your building association by generously paying the $5 dues and becoming a proud member. Please join us at any time. Contact information of the association board is posted in the bulletin board. Feel free to call. The association meets every two months and take a break in the summer. We are busy taking care of issues concerning our building, we follow up on your concerns after you’ve contacted the CSO and the issues has not been solved. Please always ask for the name of the person you speak to, date and time. Happy Birthday to all celebrating in April. Best of health to all. Contact Lydia Rondon at 718-583-3040 to share news of an illness, or the passing of a neighbor. Pray for peace among the world leaders now more than ever. Leaders and leadership choices and decisions affect our very daily lives. At the end of the day, be nice, respectful and offer kindness to your neighbor; life is too short. —H. Overman

CO-OP CIITY ELIGIBLE SHAREHOLDERS E ENROLLMENT EVENT Sponsoredd by NYC Department of Finance, and Riverbay Corporation

Apply for an exemption and lower er your property tax bill. • STTAR: homeowners with an annual income of $500,000 or less. • E-Star: seniors age 65 and over with annual incomes of $86,300 or less. • SCHE/DHE: seniors age 65 and over, disablled homeowners with annual incomes of $58,399 99 or less. • Veterans: who served in the U.S. military during ring designated periods of conflict, their unmarried ed surviving spouse and Gold Star parents. • Clergy: for active and retired members of thee clergy and their unmarried surviving spouse. Must be NYS resident. To Apply Please Bring • Picture ID • 2018 tax returns or income documents for all owners • DD214 or discharge papers (for veterans) • Trust documents (if applicable) • Clergy verification letter on offficial ficial letterhead (clergy)

Seniors and people with disabilities apply for SCRIE or DRIE and keep your rent from increasing if you: • Are at least 62 years old or 18 years old with a qualifying disability. • Have a household income of $50,000 or less. • Live in a rent-regulated apartment. • Spend more than 1/3 of your income on rent. **NYCHA AND SECTION 8 RECIPIENTS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE** To Apply Please Bring • Picture ID • 2018 tax returns, W2, or 1099 statements • Income documents for all household members • Copies of your 2 most recent leases • Social Security disability award letter (If applicable)

For more information, visit nyc.gov/financee

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If due to a disability you need an accommodation in order to apply for and receive a service, or to participate in a program offered by the Department of Finance, please contact the Disability Service Facilitator at nyc.gov/contactdofeeo or by calling 311.

Co-op City Times / April 6, 2019

Broun Place Townhouse Association

Welcome, inconsistent Spring! Recognize it is up and down spring weather, playing games with us ‘til we settle into real spring. Over last week, pranks in Broun Place include lifting the new red garbage can lid so it was hanging to the side. Thank you to the Grounds crew for putting it back together and assigning Marion back to Broun Place to team with Martin. Yes, it is team M & M! Please be on the lookout for groups destroying property; call Public Safety, record what you see and who you speak to. Although Income Affidavits are due the end of April, many of us have not received the forms. They will come. Reviewing information from our association safety meeting, “hot” items like toaster, floor heater, microwave, and refrigerator should not be on extension cords; check your fire extinguisher for the expiration date. Recycle it correctly or recharge it. Regarding the association, dues of $12 are accepted any time. Dues are used to help defray costs of running the association, and afford gifts to those suffering a loss or emergency event. It has been requested that Mr. Michael Ambo, director of Buildings and Grounds, attend the next meeting. We will confirm that ASAP. Giveaway items in usable condition need to be donated into the bins by the garages or taken directly to “The Salvation Army” in Mount Vernon. You get a receipt from them that can be totaled with tax deductions. Do not leave stuff on the compactor pad. It is a disorganized sight to see discarded books and toys on the pad. We requested that our bins be emptied very expeditiously, especially if there is a strong wind forecast. They have kept this promise. Are you still disposing of house garbage in the older, open top concrete bins in the center of Broun Place pedestrian walkway? If you are caught and identified, expect a community complaint; please take the extra steps to the compactor pad! Neighbors, pick up your newspapers, please. Alert: 1- Never give personal information over the telephone. 2- Online? Use secure websites that have “https” as part of their ID name, only. When the recording says, “We are calling to let you know you qualify to apply for a lower annual interest rate on your credit card,” they never specify which credit card but they want you to press the button to speak to someone, don’t do it. Thank you to the members of the 50th Anniversary Committee and their chair, Bernie Cylich, for creating this year’s calendar of events. Cooperators, be on the

PS 153x Forms Chess Team

PS 153x has organized its first ever chess team. Team members are shown above with Mr. Ron Hartridge, parent coordinator and a Co-op City shareholder. We wish them good luck as they begin competing in city-wide tournaments.

lookout for events using the identifying logo that will tell you it’s an anniversary event. There are also contests and more cultural shows connected to it, featured in the Co-op City Times. “Tunes on Tuesday’s” will be back. Broun Place executive committee wishes those recovering from illness and hardships a speedy, complete recovery and many good days ahead; just keep dancing! —Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

Co-op City Times / April 6, 2019

Building 9 Association

Greetings, Building 9 family. Diet Study, which examines whether On March 29, Janice Rosario, Wanda lifestyle changes can reduce inflamRandall, and I, attended pastor Deb’s’ mation and the risk for Alzheimer’s book signing. Disease/Dementia. The eligibility Thank you to all our 2019 dues-payrequirements are male /female, 40ing members for your support this past 65 year-old residents of Co-op City. week. Thank you to our volunteers: You may contact the re-search group Evelyn Mavins, Mitzi Cleare, Helen directly at (718) 430-3823. Blakes, Wanda Rodriguez, Wanda RanThank you for attending: Eloise dall, Shirley Johnson and Shirley Coleman, Helen Blakes, Robert McCann. We will continue to collect Rosario, Janice Rosario, Ida Cleare, dues for the remainder of the month. Evelyn Mavins, Shirley Johnson, Mary Reminder: April 9, at 7 p.m., Linda Collins with Pastor Debo- Walker, Linda Holley, Jaimie Holley, Community Board 10 meeting refer- rah Jenkins at the “Breathe, Shirley Wells, Wanda Randall, Barring development of the vacant lot Sista, Breathe” book signing. bara Cloud, Marilyn Ringel, Neil located at 801 Co-op City Boulevard Offen, Angel Mangual, Jenny Man& Dreiser Loop. The Housing & Zoning Committee gual, Daisy McCoy, Shirley McCann, Rosemary Baiwill meet at 3165 East Tremont Avenue. Come out to ley, Marva Malone, Gwen Anderson, Gariella Conhear what is being planned for “our backyard.” cepcion & Camryn, Linda Morris, Helen Atkins, Last week’s membership meeting presenters were Karen Morrishow and Alexis Burgess. outstanding. Guest speaker Helen Atkins, former Last Saturday was our 4th Annual International Riverbay Board president, is our JASA super nova. Food Night event. I thank all our participants: Michael As a former Board director and a senior, Helen Atkins Collins, Linda Collins, Shirley Wells, Jerome Wells, has her finger on the pulse of our NORC population. Wanda Randall, Angel Mangual, Jenny Mangual, Ana Ms. Atkins’ power is in her passion for “life well Nieves, Neil Offen, Mrs. Walker, Eloise Coleman, lived.” She was accompanied by Gigi Morrishow. Mitzi Cleare, Linda Holley, Jaime Holley, Mike The JASA services discussed included housekeeping Collins, Cynthia Cruz-Collins, Chevie & Munchie. services, time-bank service exchange, daily meals, Our 2019 building association dues collection has trips, technology classes, dance classes, Yoga, Tai Chi, begun. Please support your building association. knitting/crocheting/sewing classes, daily R-U-O-K Next Saturday will be our Ladies Low Tea “Sip & welfare check calls, weekly calls by volunteers to Chat.” It will be a fun afternoon with refreshments and engage and encourage the homebound in efforts to polite conversation. create human connections and to ward off loneliness, “Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss isolation and depression. JASA services are available events, small minds talk about people.”– Eleanor to all seniors. Thank you to Helen Atkins and Gigi Roosevelt Morrishow. “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is Our other Guest Speaker Alexis Burgess, research for good men to do nothing.” – Edmund Burke assistant for the Albert Einstein Multicultural Healthy —Linda Collins

Congratulations, Yvonne!

Congratulations to Yvonne Hartridge, a junior at the University of Maine Presque Isle, for her enrollment on the Dean’s List! Yvonne is also a starter on the university’s softball team. Yvonne is the daughter of Co-op City shareholders Ron and Patty Hartridge. We wish her continued success in all of her endeavors.

Shareholders, not tenants! Become involved in your building association!

Co-op City Times / April 6, 2019

SCRIE/DRIE

LiveOn NY is a program that provides services for the aging population in New York. According to their website, they accomplish this “through targeted advocacy, data-driven policy, direct assistance & innovative programs.” Although LiveOn NY is currently collaborating with JASA, this community event was developed to address the issues and challenges most seniors and residents with disabilities in the community face when trying to request services. The goal is to help shareholders enroll by offering direct on-site assistance while both LiveOn NY and DOF representatives are in the neighborhood. Board Director Claudia Sampson, who was involved in bringing this vital service to Co-op City, noted last week: "The NYC Rent Freeze Program, which includes the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) Program and the Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) Program, helps eligible shareholders, in our case, stay in affordable housing by freezing their rent. “Under this program, a property tax credit administered by the NYC DOF covers the difference between the actual maintenance amount and what the shareholder is responsible for paying at the frozen rate.” Currently, only 165 shareholders in Co-op City are taking advantage of DRIE, while only 1,361 senior shareholders are signed up for SCRIE. Both of these programs will help protect eligible shareholders from future carrying charge increases. Senior shareholders and those with disabilities can apply for SCRIE/DRIE if: • Are at least 62 years old or 18 years old with a qualifying disability • Have a household income of $50,000 or less • Live in a rent-regulated apartment • Spend more than 1/3 of your income on rent Once eligible, be sure to bring the following documents: • Picture ID • 2018 tax return, W-2 or 1099 statements • Income documents for all household members • Copies of your 2 most recent leases • Social security disability award letter (if applicable) Both SCRIE and DRIE applications are available in the main office of the Bartow Center; the receptionist provides applications, both for first-time applicants and renewals. For more general information about NY Rent Freeze programs, call 3-1-1 or visit https://www1.nyc.gov/site/rentfreeze/index.page. (Continued from page 1)

Rivers Run Community Garden

Welcome to the 5th planting season of Rivers Run Community Garden. Flower are already peeking out of the soil, making their entrance for our amazement. If you’d like to take advantage of the opportunities to get your hands dirty and make your heart happy, there is always something that needs doing. Below is the list of workdays in April. Please tell your friends and family about this amazing place where we not only grow fruits and vegetables, but we grow knowledge and friendships. Rivers Run Community Garden is a movement towards improved mental and physical health. We provide all types of workshops including nutrition, meditation, edible and medicinal wilds identification, planting, building and crafting. We are the outdoor classroom for the local schools, daycares, as well as residents and neighbors. We are a place of beauty and peace. Visit. Stay. Experience us. Work Days (All are welcome): April 7, 11-2 p.m. Attendees: Kevin, Florence April 9, 11-2 p.m. Attendees: Andrea, Vivian April 10, 10-2 p.m. Attendees: Annice, Collin and Teddy April 17, 11-2 p.m. Attendees: Service April 24, 11-2 p.m. Attendees: Teddy April 29, 11-2 p.m. Attendees: Gary Event Dates (All are welcome): Saturday, April 20 – Earth Day Celebration Tuesday, May 14 – PS 153 (4th Grade) visits garden at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, July 21 (Rain date: July 28th) – Bomba!! (Details to follow) Beginning May 1, Rivers Run is open: Wednesdays & Fridays, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Membership Requirements: $20 per year fee and 20 hours of work. There is a waiting list for beds. Members who are actively fulfilling the 20 hours of volunteer work requirement are moved up on the waiting list. Volunteers are welcome. If you’d like to reach out to us, please email us at Rivers_run@yahoo.com or call Denise Shelley at 917-232-2982 or me at 718-671-3801. —Gail Sharbaan

Please Drive Slowly and Cautiously in all Co-op City’s Parking Facilities!

Debs Place Townhouse Association

The Debs Place Townhouse Association will hold its April meeting this Thursday evening. The meeting is to take place in room 1 of Dreiser Center beginning at 7 p.m. We expect to have a representative of the Riverbay Grounds department as our guest speaker. At the meeting, we should learn of plans for the spring planting, what will be pruned and what will be replanted after the winter. Townhouse dwellers will be able to comment and make suggestions that will add to the beautification of our area. We had a good turnout for the March meeting and we were entertained and informed by Riverbay Safety director, Anthony Barzelatto. Tony advised us of fire safety procedures and showed us one of the

new smoke/carbon monoxide detectors that will soon be installed in our apartments. He also discussed the use of fire extinguishers and the importance of being familiar with exits in the event of a fire. We learned a great deal and left our meeting much wiser. The April meeting will begin at 7 p.m. with a business portion of announcements and reminders along with a treasurer’s report and the collection of membership dues for those who have not yet paid the $10 fee per family. Our speaker is expected to begin his remarks at about 7:30 p.m. We hope to see all of our members this coming Thursday evening. —Nels Grumer

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(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.

Co-op City Times / April 6, 2019

Opportunities

(Continued from page 7)

Donizetti Building 4 Association

I hope everyone is doing well and for those who aren’t may you get well soon. Last Saturday, I met up with Mike Ambo, the director of Buildings & Grounds, to do a walk around our property. Mr. Ambo said by June there will be new bushes planted to close up any existing gaps. He also said there will be some trimming done to our trees, as well as the removal of some dead trees that will be replaced with new trees. Not to be alarmed, Mr. Ambo promised he will replace any trees he removes with new ones. He also said the benches will be painted. At our last meeting, the majority voted to have live plants in our lobbies. However, before that can take place, each building will need a designated person to care for the plants in their respective lobby. Anyone interested in doing so, please let us know at the next association meeting. The A building already has their designated person. Mr. Ambo will also advise me as to which plants will thrive best in our lobbies. I’m looking into getting hardy plants that require watering only once a week and fertilizing every two weeks, pretty much plants that are very low maintenance. In December of last year, I began looking into getting the lobby music back on in all three buildings. I was informed by Ms. English, our area manager, that the speakers in the B & C buildings are not working and need to be replaced. On Monday, April 2, I spoke with Ms. English and was informed of the following: speakers for our lobbies have been purchased and are in-house, new washing machines have been approved and our lobby garbage cans are on order. Now, I'm waiting to hear when the lobby speakers will be installed and the lobby music back on. As far as when we will get new washing machines, I was told some time in the near future. Monday evening, I noticed there was a spillage in the lobby of Building 4A. Accidents are a normal part of life so is cleaning up after yourself. So if you spill something or have an accident, by all means, please clean up after yourself or call Maintenance and alert them so they can. As we beautify our property, we are going to need every shareholder to help take care of and protect our lobbies and surrounding areas. We all deserve to live the best life possible in the best environment possible so let’s all pitch in. This is our property and we are the custodians. Finally, I'd like to congratulate everyone celebrating a joyous occasion this weekend. No matter what the state of society or the times, each of us can contribute to peace in our immediate environment. We can do this by encouraging even one young person and enabling them to tap into their potential. –Dr. Daisaku Ikeda —Steven Vega

Co-op City Public Safety Dept. Emergency: 718-671-3050 www.ccpd.us

Non-Emergency: 718-320-3330 @CCPDnyc

Co-op City Times / April 6, 2019

Building 13 Association

We are collecting building association dues this month. Annual affidavits will be notarized for free when you become a paid member of the Building 13 Association, Inc. We try to coordinate it with the Annual Affidavit submission in order to provide you an opportunity to have your paperwork notarized. We will include additional dates for notarizing only if the documents are mailed to shareholders after the dues are collected. Please check the bulletin board for dates and times. Reminder be prompt: QVC on Saturday, May 4. QVC offers two tours per day so we must leave promptly to meet our scheduled time. The bus will depart at 7:30 a.m. from Building 13 (100 Casals Place). The trip will include a Studio Tour (you must have a photo ID to enter the site), time at the QVC Retail Store and a buffet meal at the Golden Corral. The cost is $89 and if you paid in installments, the balance is due April 4). Payment (checks payable to Building 13 Assoc. Inc.) to address shown below. Get ready for the Earth Day Celebration Parade, making an appearance will be Mother Earth and the Easter Bunny both scheduled for April 20 (rain date: April 27). We will assemble at 9:45 a.m. at the Section 1 Greenway and walk to the Garden and Little League Field with our Grand Marshall Councilman Andy King. This year, we are celebrating Earth Day with not only the Co-op City Little League, but also the spEGGtacular Easter Egg Hunt and Celebration with the Riverbay Fund. If your building association or organization is interested in participating with a banner or to just join in, we welcome you. Please contact Rivers Run Community Garden at 718-671-3801 if you have any questions. Bring the kids to participate in the Easter Egg Hunt. Recently, we had a Bake Sale that was very successful. The association recognized the need to educate our youth in the area of business and finance. We are currently reaching out to agencies to help with our workshops. Flyers will be up shortly regarding the workshops for youth. Building dues help us to provide many activities for our youth and adults. Want to help, volunteer, contact our team. Participation at meetings keeps us aware of concerns and gives us the opportunity to keep you informed of what is happening in the community. New York City has a leash and curb your dog law and so does Co-op City. Checks for Building 13 events should be made payable to Building 13 Assoc. Inc. and mailed to 100 Casals Place #32K, Bronx, NY 10475. Contacts: Gail Sharbaan, treasurer, at 718-671-3801, Vivian Campbell 718-671-3012 or Leslie Peterson at 718-320-1370 (daddpeterson@aol.com) or e-mail us at building 13assoc@yahoo.com. Thanks for making our team work. —Leslie Peterson

Building 21 Association

We remember Mrs. Sylvia Sobel. “Miss Sylvia,” as we often referred to her, was an original co-operator. She loved her neighbors and befriended all who knew her. Before Hebrew Hospital and Nursing Home became Bay Park Nursing Home, Miss Sylvia volunteered there for years, bringing love and cheer and her famous popcorn balls to the elders of the community. At right, she is pictured 3rd from the left in her signature apple jack and shaded glasses. On this day, she treated friends to a delightful brunch and off Broadway production of “Wicked.” Miss Sylvia will be sorely missed at Building 21 and by everyone who was blessed to know her, but never ever forgotten. BE the change you want to see! “We” have chosen to live here, in a cooperative community. Remember that we are shareholders, we are not tenants. We must coexist and cooperate with each other in order make and keep our community rated as among the best places to live in New York, for its current residents and for generations to come. Think Tank at Building 21 is in session every Friday at 8:00 p.m. Think Tank at Building 21 is where we develop your ideas and turn your dreams into reality. We meet in “The Gathering Room” in the rear of the ‘B’ section. Your community, this community, our community, needs your ideas, your strength and your perseverance. All are welcome. Come and bring a friend with you. Be a part of something to change your life and the lives of the people you care about for the better. Floor Captains Are an Absolute Necessity in Every Building All we ask of anyone kind enough to be a Floor Captain is as follows: 1. Contact Numbers (for your floor only) List all emergency contact numbers and distribute to each neighbor 2. Co-op City Times: Place them at each apartment door (delivered on Saturdays) 3. Elevator Notices: Read them and talk to your neighbors about them 4. Promote: Meetings, clubs and gatherings 5. Encourage your neighbors to: Vote – Vote – Vote in the Riverbay election Make Calls to The Riverbay Offices Security 718-671-3050 • CSO 718-320-3300 Come join us at Building 21 sometime. We are dedicated to the self-development and empowerment of every shareholder in Co-op City…We are passionate about our community. Each one of us, multiplied by all of us, equals a force for good. Email: 21association@gmail.com; Phone: 347- 504-1821. See you around the neighborhood! —Michelle Marbury

Building 22A/B Association

Our next meeting will be April 22 from 7 – 8 p.m. in the association room on the first floor on the ‘B-side.’ Good news, the Catskills Casino trip is rescheduled for June 15. Details will be posted on the bulletin board. Association dues will be collected in lobby ‘B’ on Wednesday, April 10, 6 – 8 p.m., and on Friday, April 12, 5 – 7 p.m., Building 22A, on Friday, April 12, 6 – 8 p.m. This will also be posted. Don’t forget that our Spring Soiree at 7 p.m., Friday, April 26. Refreshments will be served. All shareholders are invited to attend. Charge of $3 for guests. Happy birthday to all in April. Prayers to all who lost a loved one. Get well greeting to all the sick and shut-in. If you see something, say something. —Betty Leak

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Building 31 A/B Association

Co-op City Times / April 6, 2019

Building 10 Association

Welcome Spring, we’ve missed you. It’s time to go outside and enjoy the weather. This past month, we’ve collected association dues which was generously paid by our neighbors. Thanks to all who gave. We will continue to collect as everyone was unable to give when we set the time to collect. Your association has many things on our agenda primarily for scholarship funding with the support of our neighbors. Thanks to all volunteers that collected in the lobby. Flyers will be posted soon for the scholarship we give annually; watch the bulletin board and between the two elevators. Due to numerous apartment fires in our community, there is a need for preventive information: Tuesday, April 9, at 7 p.m., we will have two invited guests — Fire safety group from the Fire Department; and Riverbay event planner; Alena Powell. Reminders Laundry baskets are not to be removed from the room. Pick up used laundry sheets off the floor. —Marilyn McDaniel

Greetings, fellow cooperators. New Cooperators – Welcome, all new cooperators. We look forward to seeing you at the next general membership meeting. Association Dues – We will begin collecting building association dues for the year 2019 on Tuesday, April 9. Building association dues are $10.00 per apartment. Please note, the money collected is used for association-related expenses, i.e. flyers, meeting and party supplies, bus trip expenses/supplies, and refreshments, etc. Please see the posted flyers for the dates and times. General Membership Meeting – Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 17, at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:45 p.m.), in the Building 10 Association room (rear lobby of Bldg. 10B). We are looking forward to seeing everyone. Light refreshments will be served. The Monday Memory Club Workshop – On Saturday, April 27, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Building 10 Association room, a workshop on how our memory changes as we age and how to improve our memory. The workshop will feature games, techniques and activities to improve our memory health. The workshop will be hosted by our very own Karina Williams, BSN Health Educator from Building 10C. Healthy and delicious refreshments will be served. Please see flyers in the lobby for more information. Bake Sale: Back by popular demand, our annual Bake Sale will be held on Saturday, May 4. We are looking forward to some tasty treats. We would like to wish all April babies, a very happy birthday. To the homebound and sick, we wish you a speedy recovery. To all who have lost a loved one recently, we give our deepest condolences. Have a great week. —Jewel Crawford-Duncan

Unfortunately, we’ve had to cancel our April meeting due to the Riverbay Board election. We will reschedule for May. A big “Thank You” goes out to all petition carriers. We submitted over a thousand good signatures for the Bronx DA. Congestion Pricing Plan is of great concern. This is for travelers going beyond 60th Street to the end of Manhattan and from east to west. It appears that all monies collected will be going to MTA for repairing subways and buses only and not to repair roads. How much it will cost has yet to be determined. But it is scheduled to go into effect in March of 2021. The tolls have already been increased on all MTA bridges. The ban on plastic bags goes into effect on March 1 of 2020, with very few exceptions. We will have to either provide our own bags at check-out counters or purchase a .05 cent paper bag for groceries. Our club fundraiser will take place on Saturday, April 13. We will be going to the fabulous Bally’s Casino. The cost is $40.00 per person and we will leave from the library at 8:45 a.m. We expect to return happy with heavy pockets. For further information, please call Ms. June Grimes at (347) 457-8249. —Shirley J. Saunders

Greetings: Our Building 12 Bake Sale will be held on Saturday, April 13, 3 p.m.-5 p.m., in our lobby on behalf of our Velocity Track Club. Come on down and purchase some goodies. If you have time, meet some of your neighbors. Recently, we have had some new move-ins. We would like to meet you. Stop by our Bake Sale for a neighborly welcome. Our Summer Fun Day is Saturday, June 22 (rain date of Saturday, June 29). We are asking that you volunteer for a couple of hours for this once-a-year event. If you would like to volunteer, I can be reached at 718-379-7841 or MLSAH@aol.com. Congratulations to all who are celebrating a special day this month. Our thoughts and prayers to all who are sick and shut-in. Our deepest sympathies to those of you who have suffered a loss. If you see something, say something by calling 9-1-1 or CCPD 718-671-3050. Reminder that our lobby door is our first line of defense. Please close the lobby entrance door when entering or leaving the building. You can reach us at MLSAH@aol, or 718-379-7841. —Sonja Maxwell

Co-op City Democratic Club

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

Building 12 Cooperators Civic Association

Please curb your dog. IT’S THE LAW.

COMMUNITY PROTESTANT CHURCH OF CO-OP CITY

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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:

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MONTHLY: COMMUNION - 1ST AND 3RD SUNDAYS

ALL ARE WELCOME!

Co-op City Times / April 6, 2019

Post 1871 Celebrates Women’s History Month As we continue to expound on the great legacy of women in commemoration of Women’s History Month, and most especially, the women in uniform, I want to give a shout-out to all the women in Post 1871. This is not in any order, even as I will love to identify them by their years in service. Hattie Harris (a World War II Veteran); Patrice Sweeting (currently deployed); Denise Chavis; Julieana Oliver; Katherine Penn; Constance Green; Susan Burgos; Joann Session; Anna Swanson; Joan Davis (recently retired as a full Colonel); Jasmin Lirio; Karen Morrishow; Cassandra Watson-Gabbidon; Robin Brown-Dawkins; Daisy Young-Anderson and Bernadette Matthews-Wells. Just this past week, Commander Toba appreciated our men and women for their sacrifices. He then recognized two women in the Post who go above and beyond, Rtd. Colonel Joan Davis and Intelligent Specialist Bernadette Matthews-Wells who were both of the United States Army. He then spoke about the necessity for the Post to join the nation in celebrat-

ing our women because they have some peculiarities that they deal with by their gender. So, he echoed that the American Women’s History initiative was to amplify and honor women’s voices in the past, inform the present of their contributions and inspire their future to do more in nation building. In considering the efforts of the women who had broken ceilings in the military, he emphasized that their individual stories deepen the understanding of women’s contributions to America and the world at-large. It showed how far women had advanced and how we, as a country, should value equality and the contributions of all our citizens. On Friday, March 29, in Queens Village, Commander Toba led about twelve (12) other Legionnaires from the Post to join fellow comrades from the Bronx County to a testimonial dinner. It was a welcome dinner for the National Commander of the American Legion and the event started at exactly 6 p.m. with a cocktail hour. It was a wonderful night to be out and share pleasantries with fellow Legion-

American Legion Post 1871

naires from other Posts. Raffle Booklet for Memorial Day The American Legion had sent out raffle tickets for fundraising for the celebration of this year’s Memorial Day event. The commander reiterated that it is the only means of fundraising for the group. Thus, he made a passionate appeal to veterans and their families to use this opportunity to support the post. Finance Officer Gordon and Adjutant Codrington coordinated the sales of tickets for this year. Each member of the American Legion was sent a minimum of 10 booklets while officers received a minimum of 15 booklets. Happy Birthday to Our Legionnaires Give a big shout-out to the following Legionnaires celebrating their birthdays in the month of March: March 05 – Vice Commander Norman Thomas March 08 – Robert E. Dean, Jr. March 13 – Commander Toba LaCrown March 21 – Raymond Riley March 31 – Angelo Mateo —Lsjc Adeyemi LaCrown Toba

National Council of Negro Women

Women Represent! Ladies Are Lit! – Join us for our women’s program on Saturday, April 6, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Dreiser Center, room 4. This artistic afternoon will feature poetry, song and dramatic presentations. We will open with “A Poetic Moment,” from 1-2 p.m. Calling all poets! Everyone is invited to share original poetry or poetry by a favorite author for the first hour. Men, women, teens and children are all welcome and encouraged to attend. This is a free community affair. We are excited to have as our special guest, Eric L. Adams, Brooklyn Borough President. For more information or if you would like to participate, contact Camille Worrell, worrellswords@aol.com. Raisin in the Sun – On Saturday, April 27, our Pre-Mother’s Day Event will be the play, “A Raisin in the Sun,” at the Taino Towers Cultural Building, 240 East 123rd Street in Manhattan. This theater is located near the first Express Bus stop in Harlem. Each ticket is only $20 so the whole family can enjoy this classic story of a Black family trying to move into a white neighborhood, which opened on Broadway in 1959 to rave reviews. Mail checks to NCNW, Co-op City Section, P.O. Box 93, Bronx, NY 10475. Bethune Height Recognition Program – Our 45th Annual Luncheon & Awards Program, at which NCNW sections from all over New York State will convene to support our national office, will be held on Saturday, May 18, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., at Russo’s on the Bay, Howard Beach, NY. Luncheon tickets cost $100 and can be purchased through Co-op City Section or through www.45thBHRP.eventbrite.com. Outstanding leaders being honored this year include Rev. Dr. Elaine Flake, Dr. Avis Jones-DeWeever, Pamela K. Davis and a special mystery guest. This luncheon is a national platform that provides an annual

Baychester Visual Arts Association

Painting classes will resume at BVA beginning on Tuesday, April 9. Art classes are held on Tuesdays in room 5, Dreiser Community Center. You can choose from the two class schedules which are 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Since this session will be 5 weeks, the cost will be $30. This is the best bargain in the Bronx – maybe even the city – given the quality of instruction offered. Mr. Moses Groves, BVA’s own art instructor, will be the artistic guide for these classes. Mr. Groves is an accomplished artist who has studied at the Art Students League and NYU. He has exhibited work in the New York and New Jersey area and has won awards for his artwork. You can call M. Groves at 201-926-6896 or S. Lochansky at 718-379-1049 for more information. We would like to invite artists interested in giving a paid demonstration to our class members and to people in the community. Many people are artistically talented and it would be great to share their ability with our artists. You can call Moses Groves at 201-926-6896. If you would like to take art classes, you can come to rm. 5 on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. or register by mail indicating the class time desired. Tuition can be sent to Baychester Visual Arts, P.O. Box 678, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475. BVA is a non-profit, self-supporting organization that needs your support to continue offering high level art instruction at these bargain prices. So, come join BVA on this fabulous artistic trek, take a class, make a tax deductible donation, and feel the satisfaction of being a creator and/or patron of the arts. All checks should be made out as indicated above. Science is for the body and art is for the soul. —Sylvia Lochansky

opportunity for members and friends to support and live the legacy of NCNW by attending. Members may further support by becoming achievers, life members or legacy live members of NCNW. Membership Meeting – Our next membership meeting will be on Sunday, April 14, in room 11, Dreiser Center at 3 p.m. It’s not too late for you to come and check us out! Social Media – Remember you can find us on Facebook: NCNWCoopcity Bethune; Twitter: @NCNWCoop City; Instagram: NCNW Co-op City and email: www.ncnwco.opcity@gmail.com. —Joyce Howard

Co-op City Times / April 6, 2019

Co-op City Sports

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

Velocity Track Club New York

Velocity Track Club New York was blessed with an outstanding indoor season after winning 41 medals at the 2019 AAU Indoor Nationals and 25 at the 2019 USATF Hershey Indoor Nationals Championships. Plus, Brianna Burrell was selected as the USATF New York 9/10 girl division Track & Field Athlete of the Year. This is an awesome accomplishment to be recognized at the USATF New York Awards banquet, along with the other division winners brings an extra sense of pride to Brianna and our program. This was Brianna’s third consecutive year winning the award. This award is a little more special because Brianna was the only nine-year-old competing in the 9/10 division who won the award. Congratulations, Brianna! To celebrate our outstanding indoor season, Velocity Track Club went bowling at Bowlerland, located on 2417 Hollers Avenue, Bronx NY. The athletes and parents had a great time bowling and bonding off the track. Velocity will return from break on April 1 for practice at Truman High School. The cost to practice on the track for two days per week from April 1 to June 26 is $736.00. Therefore, we appreciate all the generous donations we’ve received from Building 27 Cooperator’s Association, Section Five Association of Co-op City and the individuals from Section Five who should remain anonymous. It takes a village to raise a family and truly appreciate you. Building 12 will be holding a Bake Sale on Saturday, April 12, 3-5 p.m. and the proceeds will be donated to Velocity Track Club. Please come out and purchase some treats to benefit our hard-working athletes. Velocity Track Club New York is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit. A hundred percent of your donation will go towards helping our children. Support our youth so they can continue to do great things! For additional information, you can go to our website, Velocitytrack.org, or contact me, Coach Winston Dinkins, at 914441-6196, or email, watclt@aol.com. —Winston Dinkins

Matthew Scores More Notches On His Belt Just this past Saturday, March 30, Co-op City’s Matthew Miller competed at The Mercer County Martial Arts Nationals Championship at Rider University in southern New Jersey. Facing very tough competition and losing by a percentage point, Matthew, in both the Black belt Weapons and Kata (forms) divisions, came away with 2nd Place. On Saturday, March 16, Matthew took 2nd Place in both the Kata and Weapons divisions at the annual Back2Basics Martial Arts in Harlem. Next week Matthew will be competing in upstate New York and in Warwick, RI. Anyone who would like to make a contribution to help Matthew compete nationally and Matthew Miller internationally, visit Gofundme.com-Matthew Miller National/International Martial Arts Tournaments.

Stay Alert To Your Surroundings! If You See Something,Say Something! CCPD Emergency: 718-651-3050 or 9-1-1. Non-Emergency: 718-320-3330

The Retirees’ Fundraising Committee will host an afternoon Paint and Sip fundraiser today, Saturday, April 6, from 2:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m. at the Bartow Community Center, room 31. Travel Events: (price includes Lorant coach bus; located at Dreiser Loop, in front of H&R Block) • Apr. 9 (Tues.), Hunterdon Hills Playhouse Theatre. Price: $85.00. Deposit: $45.00/Balance: $40.00 due by Monday, March 18. Contacts: Serita Grayson, 347-564-5722/Barbara Williams, 718-320-0500. • June 24-26 (◄ date change) (Mon.-Wed.), Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, De. Price: $380, double per person/$470, single. Deposit: $100.00 ASAP. Two payments each due April 1 and May 6; double, $140 per and single, $185. Final payment due June 3. Hotel accommodations at Dover Downs Hotel and Casino, all-you-can-eat crabs at Woody’s Crab house, non-stop action at the Dover Downs slots, and shopping at Rehoboth stores. Contacts: Serita Grayson, 347-5645722/Barbara Williams, 718-320-0500. • Sept. 16-19 (Mon.-Thurs.), Niagara Falls, Canada. Price: double: $589/single: $709. Deposit $150.00 ASAP. Final payment due June 5. Passport required. Meet & Greet upon arrival, guided tours, 3 breakfasts/3 dinners, and Niagara Fall cruise. Contact: Serita Grayson, 347-564-5722. Theatre Committee: (price includes van transport, from Dreiser Loop across from Rehab Center) • May 15 (Wed.), “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations,” Imperial Theatre. Showtime: 2:00 p.m. Sold out! Contact: Dorothy Lindo, 718379-0314. • May 25 (Sat.), “Tribute to Michael Jackson,” Lehman College. Price: $55.00. Contact: Eleanor Barlow, 718-324-7847. We only accept checks payable to Retirees of Dreiser Loop, along with your name and telephone number. Committee members will be available in Dreiser, clubroom 19, (718-379-0377) on Mondays and/or Thursdays, 2:30-5:00 p.m. Good and Welfare Call Josephine Flowers, 718-320-0539, regarding illnesses and bereavements. Join us on our next Jazz Up Your Health with A Senior Spa Day, which will be on Wednesday, May 8. Call Claudette D, 718-379-4784/Hattie L, 718-671-8449, if interested. Attention! The Retirees need experienced part-time freelance drivers with a CDL license with passenger endorsement with at least three years’ experience and a clean driving record. This volunteer position requires transporting members and friends safely to and from special events within the Bronx, as well as to outer boroughs. Stipend can be expected for each trip. Please call C. Davis at 718-3794784 and leave your name, telephone number and a brief message. “Keep the smile, leave the tears, hold the laugh, leave the pain, think of joy, forget the fear, be joyous, coz it’s a new month! Happy new month!” —Author unknown —Claudette Davis

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NOW WEBCASTING TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS ABROAD

Serving all cultures & faiths

Co-op City Times / April 6, 2019

The Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City is sponsoring two Passover Seders on April 19. Details to follow, please hold the date open. General Information: The Traditional Synagogue is in Section Five, 120 Erdman Place, in the rear lobby of 27B. It is on the ground floor of Building 27B, it is handicap accessible; no steps. Phone #: 718-379-6920. Office hours are Thursday and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. Please call the office before you attempt to come over. If no one is in the office, please leave a message. The synagogue has services on Saturday morning starting at 9:00 a.m. After services, we always have a kiddush. The synagogue has a Facebook page: Traditional Synagogue. The synagogue needs donations. Whatever amount you can donate, big or small, would help the synagogue’s finances. The synagogue needs men to help make a minyan. There are a lot of Jewish men who live in Co-op City who don’t come to services. Please come by 9:30 a.m., so we can take out the Torah.

Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City

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 Noon Day Prayer – Hour of Power – Wednesday at noon Prayer Meeting and Bible Study – Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. The following program is at the Church’s Annex: 2053 Asch Loop North (Co-op City): Neighborhood Bible Study — Thursday at 10:00 a.m. Sunday School is now in session every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Sunday School is really a part of our history, and because someone cared and was concerned enough, many of us benefitted and know its value. In Sunday School, in a nurturing Christian education environment, an opportunity is provided for children to learn about the Bible, to grow in grace, to show love and respect for one another and to live more abundant lives. Jesus came that we might have life and have it more abundantly. (John 10:10) We encourage you to bring your child, children or grandchildren to Sunday School and we look forward to seeing you. Other Scheduled Events On Wednesdays at noon, you are cordially invited to noon day prayer at CPC, an hour of power, prayer, praise and testimony. Refreshments will be served. RSVP: (718) 862-9172.

The Traditional Synagogue is the only synagogue in Co-op City. Sabbath ends on Saturday April 6, at 8:19 p.m. Candle lighting for Friday April 12, at 7:12 p.m. Good and Welfare: We sell tree certificates in honor or memory of a loved one. The cost is only $15.00 per tree. Mazel Tov to all having simchas. If you’re ill, wishing you good health. If you asked the rabbi to say prayers for a sick person, you should make your donation to the synagogue. To All members: Happy Birthday to all members who will celebrate their birthday in April. For those members celebrating their birthday/anniversary in April, please send me your names and I will add them to the list. Fun and Games: After services and kiddush, some men and women play rummy-cube. Your support of the Traditional Synagogue is greatly appreciated. Wishing all our members and friends peace and good health. —Bruce Gitelson

Community Protestant Church

120 DeKruif Place (street level). Praise and Worship begins at 9:30 a.m. Church telephone: (347) 202-7006; email: fatwcc@aol.com www.faithatworkchurch.org. Weekly Worship Experiences: Tuesday Prayer Service, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Sunday Morning Worship, 9:30 a.m. Teen Church, 10 a.m., 2nd Sundays; Children’s Church, 3rd Sundays (K-3); Older Children’s Church, 4th Sundays (4th-7th). Church Motto: “We are Christ-centered, family-focused with, power and authority.” Church Mission: To empower, educate and motivate men, women, boys and girls to reach their full potential and live abundant lives through preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Come worship with us—where we honor tradition but are not bound by it! All are welcome to join us any and every Sunday because our goal is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in LOVE, through teaching and preaching the Word of God from the Bible. I would like to again thank the disciples of Jesus Christ at Faith @ Work for serving God’s people well last Sunday! Heartfelt thanks for the members of the community who came out to support the release of my third book, “Breathe Sista Breathe!” Summer Camp Registration Is Underway: Camp Days: July 1-August 9, 8:00 a.m. til 5 p.m., Monday-Friday. This is a S.T.E.A.M. academic camp which includes weekly trips/outings, lunch and a caring staff. We are offering a bonus week of Vacation Bible School, August 12-16, M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The registration is first come, first served with limited availability of seats! Registration is ongoing until June 7. Orientation, June 7 at 6:30 p.m. Applications available in the church Mondays-Fridays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Lent Season began March 6 with Ash Wednesday and culminates on Resurrection Sunday, April 21. We will be having a Community Baptism on April 13 at 10 a.m. at the Church of God’s Children, 135 Dresier Loop (lower level) where Archbishop and Bishop Rosario are pastors. Good Friday Service: At Faith @ Work Christian Church, 120 DeKruif Place, 10 a.m. and the seven preachers are Pastor Frank Jenkins, Pastor Lamont Granby, Pastor Kimberly Mabry Wright, Archbishop Angelo Rosario, Pastor James Furman and Pastor Keith J. Williams. Resurrection Sunday Worship and Breakfast: Community Breakfast/ Pantry and Worship Service, April 21, from 8 a.m. We invite everyone to join us. May 4 – Join us for our “Paint and Pie” Pre-Mother’s Day Fellowship at 5 p.m. led by Minister Norman Fields. All supplies and pie provided for a donation of $40. Great gift for mom or yourself. Space is limited. Call to let us know you’re coming. Remember, it’s never about us but always about the goodness of the Lord. —Pastor Deborah D. Jenkins

Faith @ Work Christian Church

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise; be thankful unto him and bless his name.” Psalm 100:4 Community Protestant Church’s 50th Anniversary – 1969-2019 Theme: “Celebrating 50 Years of God’s Faithfulness Yesterday, Today and Forever” We’ve come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord! On Sunday, April 7, Community Protestant Church will celebrate its golden jubilee – 50 years of faithful, devoted Christian service! As we observe the Golden Anniversary of the founding of Community Protestant Church, we take time to reflect and thank God for the journey that has led us to this place in time. We are cognizant of the fact that it was the grace of God which led a small band of devout Christians, listening to that still small voice whispering here is the place for my house of worship – my people need a home of their own. And so, Community Protestant Church was founded in the Spring of 1969, when two dedicated Christians, enlisted the help of fellow cooperators in organizing a protestant place of worship in Co-op City. Thus, it is with great joy and thanksgiving that the pastor and members of Community Protestant Church cordially invite you to celebrate with us at our 50th Anniversary services: 1. Sunday, April 7, at 11:00 a.m., our guest preacher will be Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams, Co-op City Baptist Church. 2. Sunday, April 7, at 3:30 p.m., our guest preacher will be Rev. Dr. Anthony Lowe, Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Bronx, NY. To God be the glory, great things He has done! May God continue to bless Community Protestant Church! —Evan G. Mitchell

Co-op City Times / April 6, 2019

Open Door Ministries The God who Overlooks Sin Full sermon at opendoorministries.net

Overlook – To fail to notice, perceive, or consider: to disregard or ignore indulgently, as faults or misconduct: to look over, as from a higher position: to afford a view over; look down or out upon: to rise above: to excuse; pardon: to look over in inspection, examination, or perusal: Proverbs 12:16 Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult. Proverbs 19:11 A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense. Acts 17:29 “Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. 30 In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. 31 For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.” When the first missionaries came to Alberta, Canada, they were savagely opposed by a young chief of the Cree Indians named Maskepetoon. But he responded to the gospel and accepted Christ. Shortly afterward, a member of the Blackfoot tribe killed his father. Maskepetoon rode into the village where the murderer lived and demanded that he be brought before him. Confronting the guilty man, he said, “You have killed my father, so now you must be my father. You shall ride my best horse and wear my best clothes.” In utter amazement and remorse, his enemy exclaimed, “My son, now you have killed me!” He meant, of course, that the hate in his own heart had been completely erased by the forgiveness and kindness of the Indian chief. Sunday services are at 11 a.m. in Bartow Community Center, room 28. Open Door Ministries’ Therapeutic Mentoring Program offers free Counseling. Contact Pastor Luis by text 917-334-4407 or email opendoorministries.net. Blessings in Christ. —Pastor Luis Ramos Please Drive Slowly and Cautiously in Co-op City’s Parking Facilities. Follow Speed Limits and Directional Signage.

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church

The congregation of St. Joseph’s cordially invites you and your family to worship with us in Co-op City at 155 Dreiser Loop, lower level. All are welcome. Weekly Schedule 1. Sunday service with Holy Communion and Sunday School are both at 9:00 a.m. Every fourth Sunday, our children participate in the reading of the lessons and every fifth Sunday, our young adults assist in the service. We look forward to welcoming you to church tomorrow, Sunday, April 7, at 9:00 a.m. when we will celebrate the Fifth Sunday in Lent. Our Supply Priest is Father Simeon O. Johnson who will be the preacher and celebrant. 2. Please join us on Wednesdays for an uplifting 15-minute midday service starting promptly at noon. 3. On Thursdays, Father Johnson will be available for telephone calls and visitations, interactive discussions on various topics in the Bible (11 a.m. to noon), followed by a very short noon-day service. 4. Choir rehearsal is on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m., and we are always looking for new members. Group Activities: The (ECW) Episcopal Church Women meet immediately after service on the first Sunday of each month. All women in the church are invited to attend and participate in planning the activities of the church. The men hold their meeting after service on the second Sunday of each month. Special Calendar Events for April April 14 – Palm Sunday: Liturgy of the Palms. April 17 – No Wednesday Noonday Service. April 18 – No Bible Study. Maundy Thursday Service at 7 p.m. Holy Communion, Washing of Feet, stripping of the Altar and Reserving the Sacraments. April 19 – Good Friday Service at noon. Stations of the Cross, Veneration of the Cross and Holy Communion (host only). April 21 – Easter Day: The Resurrection Mass, Choral High Mass at 9:00 a.m. led by the Youth Group. Ladies, remember your hats. Upcoming Fundraising Events • Today, April 6: Washington, D.C. deluxe motor coach trip to Museum of the Bible. The museum claims to have amassed one of the largest assemblies of biblical artifacts and text in the world. Buffet luncheon and museum. Admission, $120.00 per person. A few seats are still available. Departure time, 6:30 a.m. from Dreiser Loop.

• ECW Raffle tickets are now on sale. First prize – $300; second prize – $200; and third prize - $100. The tickets are $1 each and $5 for a book of six tickets. Drawing will take place at the church on May 18 and winners need not be present. • Stay tuned for other events. General Information To those celebrating birthdays during the month of April, we wish you all a happy birthday and best wishes for many more. To the sick and shut-in, we have you in our prayers and wish you a speedy recovery. Lenten folders are available beside the book shelf. Please remember to collect yours. Also, there is still time to submit your 2019 pledge cards and you are encouraged to complete and submit them as soon as possible. Outreach Program Our church supports the feeding program at Grace Episcopal Church in West Farms. This program is in desperate need of food. At St. Joseph’s, we collect non-perishable food items on an ongoing basis. Please remember to donate. For additional information on all the above, please call the church at 718-320-0844, or visit our website: https://www.st.josephsepcbronx.org for more information relating to St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church, Co-op City, Bronx, NY. “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad indeed.” –Psalm 126:4 —Merville Chambers

Coalition of African American Churches & Community Organizations

The Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City, Inc.’s next general membership meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 5, at noon in the Dreiser Community Center, room 15. We are requesting all members to please attend. Please watch this column for further information. It is important that two representatives are sent from each organization to attend all Coalition meetings. Please inform the Coalition of any suggestions that you may have. Ms. Virginia Stewart is the president of the Coalition. Phone number (718) 671-4506. The Coalition is a non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining and improving the quality of life of cooperators while providing educational and culturally enriching programs for the community. We also act as one voice for all Coalition members where there are issues of common concern and human rights. We also sponsor the Friends & Family Day Celebration, and the Annual Kwanzaa Celebration events, both events are 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; and St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church. Churches and organizations that desire to join the Coalition may apply for membership by calling (718) 671-4506 or (718) 671-9610 for membership application, which should 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, & Working Together is Success.” —Harman T. Leacock

Fri., April 12 Thu., April 11

Wed., April 10

Tues., April 9

Mon., April 8

Co-op City Times / April 6, 2019

Bartow

Einstein

Dreiser

Room 31 unless otherwise noted

Room 49 unless otherwise noted

Room 7 unless otherwise noted

Alternate Kosher Meals are also available

Word Games 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m. Library 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Health & Wellness Support Group Bartow Center 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. YOGA w/Peggy Hill 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., JASA main office Arthritis Exercises 11 a.m.-noon Card Games 2-4 p.m. Dominoes 2:30 p.m.

Library 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Dominoes 10 a.m., rm. 45 Line Dancing 10-11 a.m., rm. 45

Crochet & Knitting 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Non-Kosher Kosher Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Apple juice Stay Well Exercise 10-11 a.m., rm. 2 Pepper steak, Around The Lunch Table 11:30 a.m. Color Your Stress Away 11a.m., rm. 4 Chinese style Beef Pot roast Word Search 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Basic Cell Phone & iPad training 11 a.m. spaghetti, Cabbage Italian blend Mind Teasers 12-1 p.m., rm. 4 Bingo 1-3 p.m., rm. 35 Diabetes Support Group 1 p.m. – w/shredded carrots Vegetables Diabetes Support Group 2nd Last Monday of the month Whole wheat bread Roasted potatoes Monday, 1 p.m. Bereavement Counseling 1 p.m., rm. 8 Canned pineapple Computer Class for Beg, Int. & Gentle Yoga 1:15-2 p.m., rm. 2 Alt: Tuna salad Adv. 9:30 a.m. Intermediate Yoga 2-3 p.m. Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session Orange juice Word Games 9:30-11:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Dominoes 10 a.m., rm. 45 Spanish style roast Alert & Alive 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. chicken, Rice & Baked chicken Walking Club 10:30 a.m. Cultural Dance 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., beans, Green beans Health & Wellness Support quarters Aud. B Caregiver Support Group 1:00 p.m., Group 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Wax beans Brown rice Computer Class 11 a.m.–12 p.m. 1st & 3rd Tues. Whole wheat bread Cabbage carrot slaw Mind Teasers 12-1 p.m., rm. 4 Karaoke by Steven 1 p.m., Rm. 45 Zumba 1-2 p.m., Aud. A Fresh fruit Card Games 2-4 p.m. Alt: Salmon salad Matinee 1 p.m., rm. 7 Blood Pressure Every 1st & 3rd Dominoes 10 a.m., rm. 45 Wed., 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. Orange Pineapple Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session Spelling Bee 10 a.m. Games 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. juice Sweet & 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. (New) Body in motion w/Ola Stay Well Exercise 10 – 11 a.m. Shepherd pie w/beef sour pork loin Line Dancing 11 a.m. -12 p.m. 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Tossed salad Cauliflower w/carrots Card Games 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Sewing 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Spanish Practice Class 10:30 Computer Class JASA main office w/dressing & Parsley a.m., in the Computer Lab 11 a.m. -12 p.m. Art Class 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Whole wheat bread Instant mashed Dominoes 2:30 p.m. Zumba 11 a.m. -12 p.m., rm. 4 Fresh fruit potatoes Smartphone Class Beginner – 12:30 (New) Arts w/Becky 10 a.m.-12 Yoga 2 p.m.-3 p.m., rm. 2 Alt: Egg salad p.m. – 1:30 p.m.; Intermediate 1:30 p.m., Rm. 49 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Bartow main office Dominoes 10 a.m., rm. 45 Orange juice Library 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session Grandparent Connection 1st Thurs., Breaded fillet Word Games 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. rm. 35, 10:30 a.m. of sole fish, Bulgur Curried chicken legs Crochet & Knitting 10 - 11 a.m. Blood Pressure 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Arthritis Exercise 11 a.m., rm. 45 salad, Creamy White rice Spanish Class 11 a.m.-12 p.m. 1st & 3rd, rm. 8 Spelling Bee 11 a.m. spinach (Dairy Free) Broccoli Bartow Main Office Line Dancing, 10 a.m. 11 a.m., Word Search 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Aud. A Dancercise w/Damion 1-2 p.m., Whole wheat bread w/toasted garlic Karaoke by Steven 1 p.m., rm. 45 Piano Sing Along 11 a.m.-12 p.m. JASA main office Applesauce (New) Arts w/Becky 10 a.m.-12 Drama Club 1:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. Card Games 2-4 p.m. Alt: Turkey salad p.m., Rm. 49 Crochet & Knitting 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Men’s Line Dancing 9 a.m.-10 a.m. Dominoes 10 a.m., rm. 45 Apple juice Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session Art 10 a.m., rm. 45 Word Games 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Grilled Caribbean Baked fish w/black 9:30-10 a.m., 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Bingo 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Women’s Line Dancing chicken breast bean sauce Meditative Moments 11 a.m.–12 p.m., rm. 8 Pokeno 2-4 p.m., rm. 35 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Challah bread Egg noodles Blood Pressure 2nd & 4th Fri., 10 - Pokeno 3rd Fri., 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Chat Session 10 a.m. Noodle Kugel, Beet Steamed green Bingo 1 p.m. 3 p.m. 11:30 a.m., rm. 45 Piano Sing-along 11 a.m.-12 p.m. salad, Fresh fruit beans YOGA w/Peggy Hill 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., Free Oil Painting Classes rm. 38, Card Games 2-4 p.m. Alt: Gefilte fish 10 – 11:30 a.m. rm. 2

For information, please call: (718) 320-2066 (Schedule subject to change without notice) Payments for trips @ the Bartow office can be made Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., & 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. only Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, The NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation. JASA WELCOMES EVERYONE AGE 60 AND OLDER! Payments for trips can be made at all three centers. Trip registration policy: There will be no refunds for all trips. All trips include roundtrip transportation! All trips must be paid in advance – JASA will not accept checks under $5. In order to participate in any JASA senior activities or go on any senior trips, you must be a member of JASA. You may pick up an application in the main office of at any of the three senior centers. (FREE) LiveOn NY- SCRIE/SNAP (Food Stamps) Assistance – Fri., Apr. 12 & 19, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., JASA Main Office, 2049 Bartow Ave. No appointments! Walk-ins! First come! First served! Please make copies of your documents before coming to the office. AARP Tax Aide offers FREE tax preparation to anyone of any age – especially if you are 50 or older or can’t afford paid tax preparations until April 10, Einstein Community Center, 2nd fl., Tues. & Weds. Only, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tax prep. Rm. #40; waiting room 335. First come, first served! JASA TimeBank – A free intergenerational volunteer service exchange program. Members bank their time providing and receiving services, such as doing errands, tutoring, English/Spanish lessons, alterations, assisting neighborhood organizations & much more. For additional information or to become a volunteer, contact Helen Atkins, 929-399-1388. What: Cancer – Thriving & Surviving Interactive Program. The program gives participants the skills to coordinate all the things needed to manage their health;

Fee for lunch is $2.00 & $5.00 for guest

ALL meals served w/margarine and fresh milk *Menu subject to change without notice. Alternate Kosher Meals are also available Bartow Center (929) 399-1394 Dreiser Center (718) 320-1345 • Einstein Center (718) 671-5161

to learn such things as frustration, fatigue, pain, isolation, poor sleeping and living with uncertainty. Free 6-week workshop every Wed. starting Apr. 3 thru May 8, 1–3 p.m., 177 Dreiser Loop, rm. 4. For additional information/register, call 718-320-1345. Empire Casino – Tues., Apr. 9, $5; Bartow, 9 a.m.; Einstein, 9:15 a.m. & Dreiser, 9:30 a.m. Throggsneck/Target Mall – Wed Apr 10 - $3. Bartow; 9:30 - Einstein; 9:45; Dreiser- 10 a.m. Jersey Gardens Outlet Mall (The Mills) – Thurs., Apr. 11, $15; Bartow, 8:30 a.m.; Einstein, 8:45 a.m.; Dreiser, 9 a.m. Dreiser Loop Senior Center presents a live show with “Concerts in Motion” – April 11; 11 a.m., 177 Dreiser Loop, rm. 4. Please call 718-320-1345 to sign up. Co-op City’s Annual Passover Luncheon – Mon., Apr. 15; $5 in advance; $7 at the door, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Einstein Senior Center, 135 Einstein Loop, 2nd fl. Tickets will be sold at all three sr. ctrs. Menu: roast chicken, potato kugel & carrot tzimmes, apple strudel, juice & live entertainment. Pick-ups: Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Dreiser, 9:45 a.m. Free Healthy Heart Workshop Every Tues – Starting April 16 – May 17, 177 Dreiser Loop, rm. 7, 1-2:30 p.m. To register, please contact Julissa Reynoso, 646-946-1252, or Paola Ogando, 718-320-1345. Stew Leonard’s – Fri., Apr. 19; $6; Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m.; Dreiser, 10 a.m. IKEA – Tues., Mar. 12; $15; Bartow, 9 a.m.; Einstein, 9:15 a.m.; Dreiser, 9:30 a.m. Aldi – Rescheduled from Mon., Apr. 15 to Mon., Apr. 22; $3; Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m.;

Upcoming Events/Trips

Dreiser, 10 a.m. Empire Casino – Tues., Apr. 23; $5; Bartow, 9 a.m.; Einstein, 9:15 a.m. & Dreiser, 9:30 a.m. Walmart – Wed., Apr. 24; $15; Bartow, 8:30 a.m.; Einstein, 8:45 a.m.; Dreiser, 9 a.m. Ridgehill – Thurs., Apr. 25; $7; Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m.; Dreiser, 10 a.m. IKEA – Tues., Apr. 30; $15; Bartow, 9 a.m.; Einstein, 9:15 a.m.; Dreiser, 9:30 a.m. JASA Senior Services Annual Mother’s Day Celebration –Thurs., May 9; $7 in advance, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tickets will not be sold at the door, 135 Einstein Loop, rm. 45. Additional information: TBA. Tickets will be sold at all three senior centers. Pick-up: Bartow, 10:15 a.m.; Dreiser Loop, 10:30 a.m. Villa Roma Senior Day BBQ in Callacoon, NY – Wed., May 29; $82. Pick-ups: Bartow, 8:15 a.m.; Dreiser, 8:30 a.m. & Einstein, 8:45 a.m. Coffee & danish on arrival, buffet BBQ luncheon from 12-2 p.m., DJ & dancing from 1-3 p.m. Enjoy swimming, bocce, shuffleboard & so much more. Depart destination, 4 p.m. Coach bus, 50 seats available. No refunds. Payments due no later than Fri., May 10. Pindar Vineyards – Tues., June 25, $90. Pick-ups: Bartow, 9 a.m.; Dreiser, 9:15 a.m. & Einstein, 9:30 a.m. Sit down luncheon at J & R Steakhouse w/salad, choice of chicken francese, prime rib or stuffed flounder. Side dishes, dessert, coffee, tea & soda. Shopping at Tanger Outlets w/discount coupons for group. Depart destination, 6 p.m., 50 seats available. No refunds. Payments due no later than June 7.

Co-op City Times / April 6, 2019 Church of God’s Children located at 127 Dreiser Loop, patio level to the right of Montefiore Clinic. We invite you with open arms to visit our church, we hope that you can join with us in worship and God’s word. For prayer request, call 718-790-9120. Bronx Clergy Task Force-Boro Presidents Office of Faith-Based Initiatives – Bronx Week in Co-op City Peace & Health Interfaith Afternoon – Friday, May 17, 135 Einstein Loop, rm. 45, 4 p.m.-8 p.m. For tabling, call 718-790-9120 or email bxctf@aol.com. Full Cardiology Testing, plus many other health and community organizations. Sunday, April 7 – We invite you to “A Nation of Immigrants” Community Seder, 2049 Bartow Avenue, rm. 31. Doors open at 3:30 p.m., Seder begins at 4 p.m. RSVP is required: WWW.ADL.ORG/NJNYSEDER 2019 or email us at above. Wed., April 10 – Bronx Clergy Task Force Monthly Meeting at 177 Dreiser Loop, rm. 2, 11:30 a.m., Sunday, April 7. Spanish Worship, 9:30 a.m.; English Worship, 1:15 p.m. Holy Communion Holy Week, April 15-18; Prayer, 6:30 p.m. April 18 – Special Holy Thursday Communion Fellowship, 6:30 p.m. Good Friday – Watchnight Vigil, 9:00 p.m. – 7 Expressions of Jesus at the Cross of Calvary. Holy Week observances began in Jerusalem in the earliest days of the church, when devout people traveled to Jerusalem at Passover to reenact the events of the week leading up to the Resurrection. “Then the crowds who went ahead of him and those who followed shouted: Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” –Matthew 21:9 CSB And with those words…Holy Week began. As we begin Holy Week and head toward Easter Sunday, (I Pastors Kenneth Hodge and Deborah Hodge and the New Vision congregation invite you and your family to come and worship the Lord with us. Church of the New Vision is designed to meet the spiritual needs of God’s people. Serving the community for over 45 years, we offer a warm, friendly, spirit-filled atmosphere of Christian love. All are welcome. Order of Services Sunday Worship Service: 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Adult and Youth Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Mid-day Bible Study: Tuesdays, 12 p.m.–1:30 p.m. Wednesday Night Prayer and Bible Study: 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Youth Ministry: Fridays, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Upcoming Events/Programs • We are seeking a minister of music who is familiar with hymns and songs of the Baptist church. Feel free to contact the church or the pastor. • Saturday, April 20, at 2:00 p.m., the Next Generation for Christ will host an Easter egg hunt and egg coloring. Come and join us for an afternoon of fun and fellowship. This event is open to the community, invite a neighbor or friend. • Church of the New Vision’s Women’s Retreat is scheduled for October 17-19, at Eddy’s Farm in Sparrow Bush, NY. This two-night, three-day event’s theme is “Just a Closer Walk with Thee.” Double occupancy, $400 per person; single occupancy, $550; includes meals, transportation, workshops and retreat material. A $50 non-refundable deposit is due by February 24. We ask that each person bring one person. See Sis. Loretta Scott, Sis. Sadie James or Sis. Hermena Smith for additional information. Church of the New Vision is located at 115 Einstein Loop, Bronx, NY 10475. Office: (718) 6718746 or (203) 374-3020. Mailing address: P.O. Box 753037, Bronx, NY 10475. Visit our Facebook page: Church of the New Vision concerning upcoming events and trips, email us at info.churchnewvisionbx@gmail.com or call the church office. —Sis. Carol Haque

Church of New Vision

call it Resurrection Sunday) let’s remember the events leading to Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection and acknowledge their meaning. On the Sunday before His crucifixion (Palm Sunday), Jesus was welcomed into Jerusalem with coats and branches laid at His feet and people praising Him. Those shouting Hosanna, or “save us,” were looking for an earthly warrior to rescue them from the harsh Roman rule. The Thursday after Palm Sunday (Holy Thursday), Jesus and His disciples met in the upper room to observe the Passover, now known as “The Last Supper.” After washing His disciples’ feet, Jesus held communion with them. He charged His disciples to eat the bread while thinking of His broken body and to drink the wine while thinking of His blood (Luke 22:19-20). Imagine how mystified

Church of God’s Children

those men must have been until the events of the next day unfolded. Today, when we shout “Hosanna,” we recognize that Jesus came to be our personal Savior, to save us from the penalty of our sins. Monday: Bible Study & Prayer, 9:30 a.m. Tuesday Bible Study: 6:30 p.m. at Fellowship Hall, 159 Dreiser Loop Wednesday Prayer in Sanctuary at 6:30 p.m. and 12-step fellowship at 159 Dreiser Loop at 7 p.m. Monday-Friday After-School Workshop & Tutoring, 3-6 p.m. at 159 Fellowship Hall. For information, 718-671-7265. Goodwill Ministry & Book Shop – Tues.-Fri., 125 p.m., 163 Dreiser Loop. —Bishop Nancy Rosario

Scheduling Activities Calendar

Co-op City Times / April 6, 2019

I would like to thank everyone who came to the “Motown Tribute” at the Villa Roma Resort on March 26. We had such a good time. The food, line-dancing, show, and Bingo was great. I hope you enjoyed yourself too. Looking forward to traveling with you again. Indoor Picnic – Saturday, April 27. Members only. Time: 1 p.m. in our club room 39. $5 entrance fee at door. It’s a cover dish party, donate food, dessert, or beverage; no entrance fee required. Members may bring a friend or two. Sands Casino – Thursday, May 2, in Bethlehem, PA. Time: 8:30 a.m. Price: $40, rebate $30 slot play. Bus is leaving from our three usual bus stops: Einstein at 8:30 a.m., Asch Loop at 8:40 a.m. and Dreiser at 8:50 a.m. Sight & Sound, “Jesus” – Tuesday, May 21, Lancaster, PA. Price $130. Includes free buffet at Golden Corral. Time: 12 p.m. and show “Jesus” at 3 p.m. Buses leaving from our three usual bus stops: Einstein at 8 a.m., Asch Loop at 8:10 a.m., and Dreiser at 8:20 a.m. Bingo – Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Time: 1:15 p.m.-3:30 p.m. in our club room 39. Members only. Admission: $5.00 for three cards, 12 games and jackpot. Extra cards are 25¢ each. Refreshments available. Sunday Bingo this month is on March 31. Karaoke – Tuesdays and Thursdays from l p.m.-3 p.m. with Stephen in room 45. Come sing or listen to a free concert. All are welcome. To all members: Happy Birthday to all members who celebrate their day in the month of April: Guinette Romaine, Hilda Marrero, Wendy Berch, Alfonso Gonzalez, Milton Schlanger and Myrta Willems. Note: Call Ann or Stephen at Goose Island Seniors, 718-379-9613, or visit us at 135 Einstein Loop, room 39 (mornings); Mon. - Fri., 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. (evenings); Mon., Wed. & Fri., 12 p.m. - 8 p.m., and Tue. & Thu., 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. Good health to all. —Stephen Roberts, Sr.

Goose Island Seniors

FYI: Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 8, 1 p.m. in Dreiser, room 1. Spring is here; time to come out and get involved before summer vacation. Get Well Wishes to George Upton and Annette Harrison and to Paisley Harvey, who is at home resting. Good & Welfare – Please contact our Good & Welfare coordinator, Frances Wilson, 718-671-5493, if you have a family member who has passed or one of our members who is sick, in the hospital or in a nursing home. 2019 Tour Activities June 23-28: Montreal, Quebec City and Ottawa (Canada’s Capital City) – 6 days/5 nights includes Motor Coach transportation; guided tours, five breakfasts, five dinners, and much more; valid passport is required. Sold out! Contact Hannah, 718-379-7962 or Judith, 718-379-3370. September 17-19: Ride the Rails in West Virginia – Ride two trains in one day: the Cheat Mountain Salamander and the Durbin Rocket; 3 days/2 nights; 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners. $539/person double; $708 single ($50 deposit due immediately). Contact Hannah, 718-3797962 or Judith, 718-379-3370. Attention: When signing up for the above trips, please give your name, phone number and a deposit. Checks/money orders made payable to AARP Chapter 4997 with the name of the trip in the memo section of your check/money order. Room 0 (Dreiser Community Center) is opened Monday or Thursday, noon – 3 p.m. for checks to be dropped off (in an envelope w/group/trip leader name). They may be mailed to the group/trip leader. —Delores Debnam

welcomed, but only a $35 cash payment will be accepted the day of the class – No checks. Call by noon the Friday before to register for seating. Please leave a message at (718) 320-8035 and someone will get back to you. Kindly leave your name, telephone number and brief message. Upcoming 2019 Trips (deposits due) Please call 917-209-5334 or 718-320-0033 if you have questions about any trips listed below. Payments for all outings are now being accepted. No refunds. Sorry, we do not accept credit or debit cards for payment. Black-Eyed Sally’s (waiting list only) April 27 – Award-winning BBQ & Cajun cooking in Hartford, CT. Trip continues to new MGM Casino in Springfield, MA. Cost: $95. Casino rebate: Slot play $20, food $10. Boarding & departures times – Dreiser: board, 7:45 a.m./depart, 8 a.m.; Asch Loop: board, 8:05 a.m./depart, 8:15 a.m.; Section 5: board, 8:20 a.m./depart, 8:30 a.m. Tropicana Casino June 22 – Enjoy Atlantic City, NJ? Then join us! Cost: $45. Includes transportation. Casino rebate TBA. Monies due by May 24. Nordic Lodge & Mohegan Sun Casino Trip Join us Saturday, August 17, for an amazing dining experience at the awardwinning Nordic Lodge/Lobster Fest, in Charlestown, RI. Enjoy 2-hours of allyou-can-eat seafood plus buffet with lobster, prime rib, specialty desserts and more! The fun continues at Mohegan Sun Casino. $170 includes dining, shopping, & round-trip coach transportation. Three payments past due. Please make checks, payable to ‘Black Forum of Co-op City’, and mail to 920 Baychester Avenue, #19B, Bronx, NY 10475. Include name & phone number of attendee. Contact We look forward to hearing from you (coopcityblackforum@gmail.com). —D. Illis

Black Forum

Food Pantry Update Thank you to everyone who has worked tirelessly to help reopen the pantry. We look forward to sharing details on the relaunch date of the pantry. Please check this article each week for more information. Defensive Driving Last classes for the season: Saturdays, April 13 & June 8, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m., 177 Dreiser Loop, 2nd floor, room 1; $35 per person. Please arrive 10-15 minutes early. Bring your current driver’s license and a pen. Late arrivals may not be admitted. Lower your liability insurance cost by 10% and remove up to four points from your driver’s license. Checks & money orders can be made payable to ‘Black Forum of Co-op City’ and mailed to P.O Box 563, Bronx, NY 10475, at least 1 1/2 weeks before class. Include name and phone number. Walk-ins are

AARP Chapter #4997

Co-op City Times / April 6, 2019

Faith in God Church & Bible Institute

Pastor and evangelist Vernon Little greets everyone in the name of Jesus, that name which is above every name. We want you to know that you are welcome in this house of the Lord! It is his house by ownership: it is our house by stewardship: and it can be your house by membership; so, come on in and join with us. May God, bless you in this house! We are not asked to deny our pain and suffering, but we can take heart in God’s ability to use it for good. Let’s look at scripture to support this. 2nd Corinthians 1:3-7 says: 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 5 For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 6 If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in your patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. 7 And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. Invitation: Sweet hour of prayer is today at 3 p.m. Sunday School is tomorrow at 10 a.m. Our Sunday Morning Worship Service is at 11 a.m. Every 3rd Sunday following the morning worship, we serve Holy Communion. Vernon Little just released a new EP titled ‘Double Minded’ on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, etc. It’s a fusion of gospel, R&B, and rap. He also has videos on YouTube. You can see Vernon during the competition segment at the 2019 McDonald’s Gospel Fest, taking place on May 11, at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. We are located at 171 Dreiser Loop in Section 1. Our phone # is (347) 2764925. Jesus loves you, and so do we! —Apostle Gladys R. Little

Evangelical Church of Co-op City – UMC Open Doors, Open Hearts and Open Minds

Come & Visit Us – We welcome you to God’s House – Your House – One Family in Christ. We are a congregation with spirit-filled worship, offering a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship and service to God and our community. We are a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and bilingual congregation, all are welcome! Services are at held 2350 Palmer Avenue, across from Building 30. Parking is available. Our pastor is Rev. Arnaldo Sánchez and our phone number is (718) 320-3795; leave a message if no answer. We have a new email and it is coopcityevangelicalumc@gmail.com. Health Education Workshop: On 4/23 from 2-3:30 p.m. will be on “A Healthy Brain,” learning how to keep your brain and life healthy. The seminar will be held at the church address above. Schedule for Sundays - Come and receive a Blessing: We have the English service starting at 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. and the Spanish Service at 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. The bilingual services with communion are the first Sunday of each month from 10 a.m. -12 p.m. Children: Sunday School time at 9:45 a.m. Bring your children, they will have a great time while learning God’s word. Adult: Sunday Bible Study in English at 8:45 a.m. and in Spanish at 10 a.m. Prayer/Bible Study Night (English) & Prayer/Bible Study Afternoon (Spanish): The Lord said: “Whenever two or more are gathered in my name, I am in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20. Tuesday afternoon at 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. is the Spanish Prayer/Bible Study. Tuesday evenings, 6:30 p.m.-7:15 p.m., Bible Study, & 7:15 p.m. to 8 p.m. is the English Prayer Service. Young Adults Bible Study on Tuesday, 8 p.m. – 9 p.m. Come, bring your prayer needs so we can pray together. Friday Night is Fun Night for the Youth (ages 13 – 21): This is a great time for the youth of our community to learn God’s word and enjoy each other’s company and make new friends. Start time is at 7:30 p.m.–10 p.m. There will also be many activities. Exciting things are happening. Holy Week Services: Palm Sunday Bilingual Service, April 14, at 10 a.m. Holy Thursday Bilingual Service, April 18, at 7 p.m. Good Friday Bilingual Service, April 19, at 7 p.m. Resurrection Sunday (Easter), April 21. Breakfast, 9 a.m.-10:45 a.m. & Service at 11 a.m. Flea Market: Saturday, May 11, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (Rain date: Saturday, 5/18). Vendors Wanted: registration, space & chair $35 addt’l. Chair, $5. For application, contact: Pauline, (718) 320-1552; Jackie, (361) 249-7033; church, (718) 320-3795. If no answer, please leave a detailed message and someone will get back to you. Washington, D.C. Trip: August 9-13 (5 days/4 nights), $599 price per person based on double occupancy; add $179 for single occupancy. $75 due upon sign up and final payment due by 6/2. Contact: Linda Bannerman-Martin, (917) 6846463. Blessings. —Marilyn Mendez-Gonzalez

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 a.m. and 11 a.m. for worship service. Sunday School for children and adults is held at 9:15 a.m. We invite you to worship, study, and pray with us. The Co-op City Baptist Church is located at 135 Einstein Loop, lower level, room 50. Our telephone number is 718-320-3774. Visit us on the web at www.coopcitybaptistchurch.org. You are invited to join us for a mid-week spiritual pick-up at our worship service held on Wednesdays at noon. Bible Study is held on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Prayer Service is held on Fridays at noon. Prayer service is also held on Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to join us from the comfort of their home for an hour of prayer. Using available technology, prayer service is held using a conference call line. On Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m., you can call 563-999-2090; when asked for the PIN, enter “660065” and you will be connected. Prayer Service is not held on the first Friday of the month. The Building Fund Ministry is having a Cake Sale, along with jewelry and novelty items, on Saturday, April 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 135 Einstein Loop, lower level (room 50). Please come for homemade goodies and some bargains. On Sunday, April 14, at the 11 a.m. worship service, the Youth and Young Adult Choir will celebrate their anniversary. We invite you to come and celebrate with them as they lift up the name of the Lord in song. We will celebrate Men’s and Women’s Day on Sunday, April 28, the women’s service will be held at 11:00 a.m. and the guest speaker will be Minister Dianne Asphall, associate minister, Mt. Zion Christian Baptist Church, Mt. Vernon, NY. The men’s service will be held at 3:30 p.m. and the guest speaker will be Rev. Carl McCluster, pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church, Bridgeport, CT. The theme is “Men and Women Walking in the Favor of God.” – Ephesians 2:10. 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

Frequently Asked Questions for Mitchell-Lama Automated Waiting List (AWL) Public Access Functions (The following information on the Mitchell-Lama program’s Automated Waiting List Public Access Function is reprinted here from the NYS Homes and Community Renewal website.) 1. The Mitchell-Lama development I applied to doesn’t appear on the dropdown lists. Contact the development’s management office to find out who the supervisory agency is. The NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development also supervises Mitchell-Lamas, but only HCR supervised developments are on the AWL system. If HCR is the supervisory agency, it is also possible that the development is known by, and listed under, another name or is not on the AWL yet. 2. The development I applied to is not on the AWL system yet. When can I expect this to happen? We expect that all HCR supervised MitchellLama developments will eventually be on the AWL. Contact the development’s management office to find out if they have a projected conversion date. 3. I applied to a development on HCR’s AWL system and received an application number, but I can’t find the number on their waiting list. If you applied recently, your application might not have been entered into the system yet. If that’s not the case, and you applied before the development was converted to the AWL, your application number would have been changed during the conversion. Another possibility is that your application may have been inactivated by the housing company. Please contact the development’s management office for information. 4. I’m further down on the waiting list than I was the last time I checked. Does this mean something is wrong? Not necessarily. Inactivated applicants can be reinstated by the housing company for good cause or as the result of an HCR appeal determination, and this can negatively affect your position on the waiting list. In addition, at developments with open waiting lists, changes in the family composition of applicants who applied before you did can negatively affect your position. 5. I know there has been some turnover of apartments at the development I applied to for admission, but my position on the waiting list hasn’t changed. HCR Mitchell-Lama developments give preference to transfer applicants for three out of every four apartments of each size that become available. Consequently, admission waiting lists do not move as quickly as transfer waiting lists do. 6. Is it still necessary to submit address and telephone number changes to a housing development in writing? Mitchell-Lama applicants are required to inform the housing development of any change in address or family composition within 30 days of such occurrence. Admissions applicants can now submit address and telephone number updates using the Update Contact Information form. Transfer applicants must still submit these changes in writing. Changes in family composition for both admission and transfer applications must still be submitted in writing. 7. The Update Contact Information online form keeps giving me the error ‘No records found that match your request.’ What should I do? You should contact the housing development. It’s possible that the application number or head/co-head of household information you are entering doesn’t agree with the information on file. Also, contact information for transfer applications cannot be submitted online. 8. I received an email that my address change was rejected, what should I do? Housing developments have the right to reject changes submitted online. Contact the housing development to find out why your change was rejected. 9. I am on more than one Mitchell-Lama waiting list. Do I need to submit the online change form to each housing development? Yes, you must submit an online change form to each housing development to which you apply.

Co-op City Times / April 6, 2019

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