Co-op City Times 4/13/19

Vol. 54 No. 15

Saturday, April 13, 2019

$1.25

2019 Riverbay Election Petition Zero Downsizing for Period Ended Monday, April 8 2019 Board election to be certified Seniors and the Disabled Official candidatesoninTuesday, April 16

It took five years and President’s Message has many seniors who persistence to finally find themselves living get HCR to agree to a in large three- or twozero-downsizing plan bedroom apartments, President for seniors in Co-op alone, without the chilCity. This is one of the most dren they raised in these exciting accomplishments of larger apartments. my tenure on this Board. I It took a resolution subam thrilled to be able to mitted by Director Bernard announce to the community Cylich, who never let HCR that we have been able to forget about the resolution, work with HCR to agree on and the Board recently, who a pilot program for seniors would not let this issue die.

The Board was relentless, to be able to downsize to and the persistence paid off. smaller apartments without The details of the program will be the burdensome requirement of prosent to each shareholder once we viding current equity rates. As the largest NORC (Naturally Occurring have the final approval in writing Retirement Community), Co-op City (Continued on page 2)

Linda Berk

Shareholders Show-up in Large Numbers to SCRIE/DRIE Enrollment

Shareholders filled the room for the NYC Department of Finance SCRIE and DRIE application outreach held in Co-op City this week. Photo by Rozaan Boone

Approximately 100 shareholders turned up for the SCRIE/DRIE event that was held by the Department of Finance (DOF) on Monday, April 8, in the Bartow Center. The large turnout and overwhelming response led to the

BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND

room being standing room only, with the line stretching out the door as a steady stream of shareholders came down to attend the outreach program.

While some came to apply for SCRIE, others went for the DRIE program, all

Tune In to Fire Safety!

(Continued on page 13)

Be sure to watch the Co-op City Times Media presentation on Fire Safety with Riverbay Safety Director Anthony Barzelatto. The video is currently running every three hours beginning at 9 a.m. on the Riverbay Crawler (channel 12 on MATV and channel 591 on Cablevision).

Twelve of 15 shareholders who picked up qualifying petitions to run for a seat on the Riverbay Board of Directors returned their completed petitions by the 5 p.m. deadline on Monday, April 8.

The returned petitions include those from all six of the incumbent directors running for re-election – Bernard Cylich, Sonia Feliciano, Andrea Leslie, Leslie Peterson and Claudia Sampson, as well as Director Evelyn Turner, last year’s sixth place winner, who was seated in February after another director was removed from the Board for cause.

In addition to the incumbents, six other shareholders returned their petitions.

They are Aaron Carnegie, Michael Garcia, Regina Hamilton, Michelle Marbury, Bishop Angelo Rosario and Junius Williams.

Director Leah Richardson, chair of the 2019 Election Committee, said that with the Candidates Meeting scheduled to take place this coming Tuesday, April 16, and the campaign period beginning in earnest, she encourages all certified candidates to carefully read and understand the election rules, and if any candidate needs clarification of the election rules to get in touch with the Election Committee through the Riverbay Legal department. In addition, (Continued on page 4)

BY ROZAAN BOONE

Army Corps of Engineers Seeks Public Comment on Harbor & Tributaries Feasibility Study

The Army Corps of Engineers is holding public meetings with residents who live in coastal communities as part of its HATS Study. The Hutchinson River falls within the feasibility study's focus area. Photo by John Hunter

The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has scheduled a meeting for Wednesday, April 17, to discuss its New York & New Jersey Harbor & Tributaries Focus Area Feasibility Study (HATS) and to solicit public input.

HATS includes the Hutchinson River which runs on the east and southeast sides of Co-op City.

The public meeting will take place from 5-7 p.m. at Hostos Community College, D Building/Savoy Manor Building, 120 East 149th Street, 2nd fl., Bronx, NY 10451. It will be held in the Savoy room on the second floor, and will include a presentation by the HATS study team.

In response to coastal storms, such as Hurricane Sandy in 2012, and rising sea levels due to climate change, as well as other extreme weather events that have severely impacted the north Atlantic coast of the United States, USACE undertook the North Atlantic Coast Comprehensive Study that identified nine high-risk focus areas for further analysis, one of which was the New YorkNew Jersey HATS area, which encompasses the Hutchinson River.

Continued on page 23) The goal of both the North Atlantic coastal study

BY ROZAAN BOONE

New Income Affidavit Deadline The deadline to submit your 2019 Income Affidavit to Riverbay Corporation has been extended due to late delivery of the forms by the US Postal Service. The completed affidavits are now due on Tuesday, May 7, 2019. Please see annual notice on page 3.

2

President’s Report

Co-op City Times / April 13, 2019

from HCR. But, in the meantime, on this day, on any day, this is good news!

Budget Approved It has been a tough road to hoe to get this mammoth development turned in the right direction, but we are doing just that. Years of neglect and poor corporate culture had eroded Co-op City, not to mention our aging infrastructure. As much as we have accomplished, there is still so much more to do. Our aim is to provide an affordable, high quality, proud and safe community to raise our families. Working out this budget was guided by these goals and principles. We are fortunate that we were able to save money over the past few years, in operations, efficiencies and better business decisions. To follow, I am repeating an earlier message of accomplishments and expectations so that you can see where your money has been and will be spent.

The increase of 1.9% for 2019 and 2020, respectively, will provide enough financially to complete our planned capital projects and will allow us to remain financially healthy without spending every dime. The budget also includes an increase in equity from $4,500 a room to $5,500 a room. All in all, I am proud to say that we will address our needs and leave this community poised to deal with potentially unexpected issues in the future.

To date, we have: • Saved $53 million in operations in preparation of capital projects lined-up, our bank account is now up to $94 million!

• Earned $4.4M from ConEdison from the Power Plant – stand-by credit, ability to shed load, and export power to Con Ed • Begun an elevator contract under the estimated $40 million • Purchased new Yardi software allowing for a more efficient and customer service-oriented service for shareholders (currently in transition phase) • Developed a new, long-awaited website to be launched in the next 90 days • Started the restoration of the Dreiser Auditorium with the potential of increased revenue • Replaced most sub-pumps that bring water into each building avoiding a catastrophic occurrence by being proactive • Been proactive in responding to Local Law 11 requirements to save Riverbay Corporation roughly $2 million and avoid extended bridging around buildings for several years • Raised commercial rents for new and renewed leases to market rates which earned Riverbay $900,000 • Guided improvement in online payment allowing for payment of a different amount than what is on the invoice • Switched to another wholesale gas provider, resulting in Co-op City saving roughly an additional $1 million/annual • Continued savings in various insurance requirements for Riverbay Corp.

• Installed flat screen TVs in each community center to post announcements and the Riverbay crawler for increased awareness and information sharing • Built state-of-the-art basketball/tennis courts on Bellamy Loop • Upgraded garage EZ-Pass type access • Implemented monthly management reports in the Co-op City Times to ensure the community is aware of what Management is planning and implementing (Continued from page 1)

CB #10’s Zoning & Housing Committee Discusses New Medical Facility at 801 Co-op City Blvd.

The Executive Board members of Community Board #10 met on Tuesday, April 9, led by committee chair, Louis Popovic, to discuss a housing and zoning proposal regarding 801 Co-op City Blvd.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss plans, as well as get feedback from the community about the construction of a new medical facility accompanying Bay Park Nursing Home while gaining a deeper understanding of projected parking layout on the shared site.

Representatives from the real estate firm Rothkrug, Rothkrug & Spector, LLP, who represent Simone Development, the developers of the property, presented blueprints for a new health facility that will provide locals with a primary care and pediatrics practice operated by Montefiore. Unfortunately, representatives from Montefiore were unable to attend the scheduled meeting leaving many with unanswered questions.

The site in question is on the north side of Co-op City Blvd. and will share the same property owned by Bay Park, who will share and lease to Montefiore. According to Todd Dale, Esq. of Rothkrug, Rothkrug & Spector, LLP, the proposed development is seeking to construct a new building that’s going to contain the new medical facility.

The six-story structure will have three floors; one thru three will include accessory and valet parking, while floors five thru six will hold the medical office space. There will be parking spaces on the ground level and within the structure itself. Ultimately, the legal team is proposing to add 382 parking spaces for patrons – 104 dedicated to Bay Park and 278 strictly for patients at the new medical property.

Although Bay Park already has a parking area on their property, they will receive an additional 104 parking spaces, thanks to a leasing agreement made with Montefiore and the developers, totaling 208 spaces for their nursing home facility. While the new facility will have two floors of attendant parking, it is unknown how many of those spaces will be dedicated to medical staff and (Continued on page 10)

BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND

• Improved the look and curb appeal of the greenway by securing new grass service • Overseen the redesigned of the Co-op City Times front page • Expanded communications with new Co-op City Times Media presentations on the crawler • Spearheaded the new corporate logo, going back to “Co-op City,” rather than Riverbay Corp • Engaged Enterprise Car/Truck Rental Co. to provide new vehicles and repair service for our fleet at a lower cost of current fleet purchase and maintenance • Begun removal on garage roof concrete slabs and supporting steel beams • Repaired pea-gravel concrete floors under porticos in four buildings that will mitigate water damages in basements 2019 for Co-op City Here is what we can look forward to for 2019: • New elevators in 20 buildings (project will be completed in all buildings by 2023) • New external entrances for chevron buildings/Approved designs for Triple Core and towers in the works • New laundry machines with the ability to use ATM/Credit Cards, monitor machines with smart phones and allow for timely reporting of broken machines via barcodes and smart phones • Renovated Dreiser Auditorium • New lighting for building address signage • New website with a resident portal • New Yardi system allowing for more customer and timely services • New central call center for CSO • Renovation of the former Co-op City Cinema/Bingo Hall to a community Music and Art Cultural Center • Introduction of electric charging stations in garages • Installation of solar panels on garage roofs • Investigation of engineering solution to the convector flooding problems • Plans to replace 50-year-old trailers behind the power plant with new prefab module offices • Introduction of fob remote key system in all high-rise entrances and exits, as well as in all garage entrances Riverbay Corporation President – Proud to serve I can be reached at 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475; 347-913-4224 or at Lberk@riverbayboard.com.

Co-op City Times / April 13, 2019

COMBING

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

15th Annual Wholistic Health & Wellness Fair today The African-American Association has partnered with Black VegFest for its 15th Annual Wholistic Health & Wellness Fair being held today, Sat., April 13, 12-6 p.m. in rm.

31 and the courtyard at the Bartow Center. Everyone is invited.

The film “Food, Inc.” will be shown. There will also be health information, testimonials, vendors, wearable art and artwork, nutritious vegan meals and desserts, herbal skin care products. In addition, there will be a yoga workshop, salsa dancing, belly dancing, line dancing, etc.

Bring your family and friends to this extravaganza in holistic health.

Co-op City Times 2 n d

Women Represent! During NCNW’s 4th Annual Program Women demonstrated their strength during the Co-op City chapter of the National Council of Negro Women’s (NCNW) 4th Annual Women Represent! celebration, highlighting women who are “lit” in literature and leadership.

On Saturday, April 6, in the Dreiser Center, the compelling program presented an afternoon of women empowerment filled with self-love and self-validation.

Committee chair, Camille Worrell, shared a few words about the program. She expressed: “Women Represent! is designed to showcase women at all of their amazing angles.

Women Represent! is made up of various themes and focuses that highlight specific ways women ‘work it.’ This year, our theme ‘Ladies are Lit,’ reflect ladies as leaders and how they shine in the literary arts.”

In light of April being National Poetry Month, which recognizes poets and their crafts, the start of the program began with an open poetry session where women from the audience shined as they shared poems written by themselves and other notable poets. The poets delivered verses filled with passion and inspiration, filling the room with words of affirmation like “Fear, you may slow me down, but you cannot stop me,” and “You don’t fail until you quit,” “Women who want to lead the orchestra have to turn their backs to the crowd,” and more simply, “Believe in yourself.”

Throughout the afternoon, poems by prominent writers, such as “Mother to Son,” by Langston Hughes; “In All Ways a Woman” and “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou; along with “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison, were read

BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND

2019 Summer Tour Auditions The Renaissance Youth Center is calling all singers, musicians, dancers and rappers from ages 6 to 21 to audition for the 2019 Summer Tour.

Auditions will be held on April 19 and 26, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and April 20 and 27 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., in the RYC Center located at 3485 Third Avenue, Bronx, New York 10465. Additionally, auditions will be held April 27 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the RYC in 177 Dreiser Loop. For more information, visit musicwam.org, or call 718-450-3466.

Bake Sale To Benefit Velocity Track Club Today Building 12 Association is holding a Bake Sale today, Saturday, April 13, 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

Front Page

3

The women of the Co-op City branch of NCNW presented a delightful afternoon recognizing ladies in literature and leadership during their Ladies are Lit program, Saturday, April 6, in the Dreiser Center.

Photos by Toriea McCauseland

The Co-op City Section of NCNW’s 4th Annual Women Represent! program featured guest speaker, Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams, who spoke about the encouraging women in his life.

aloud to the crowd. The event also featured a “Poet-to-Poet Presentation,” a one-on-one sit-down conversation featuring poet and author, S.E. Scott and Camille Worrell, Co-op City NCNW’s Women Represent Committee chair.

Additionally, Rev. Dr. Robert Smith, Jr. delivered a message of self-love. He asked, “When was the last time you celebrated you?” He continued: “That’s one of the things that we always forget to do because we’re always doing for others, we forget to celebrate ourselves.”

Guest speaker, Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams, spoke highly about the women in his life who shined during some of his darkest moments. He expressed, “This was an easy topic for me to engage in, the topic of the most significant women in one’s life. When I look through my life, there was always a Black woman there. I can benchmark the troubled times in my life, and I can see the presence of Black women.”

As can be seen, the theme of “Ladies are Lit” was felt throughout the program along with how women shine every day! According to president of the Co-op City chapter of NCNW, Lori Melton: “Ladies can be lit every day by coming out of their comfort zone and striving for self-improvement in addition to sharing their God-given gifts and talents with others. Be participators and not just spectators because we have been blessed by the best so let us not keep it to ourselves. Let the light within us continue to brightly shine as we have the potential to lead the way for others to follow.

Ladies are Lit!” See page 5 for more pictures.

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

BY PETER MEROLA, DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

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 to read the material very carefully.

(Continued on page 13)

4

Petitions end

Co-op City Times / April 13, 2019

she encourages all Co-op City shareholders to take full advantage of the various mediums through which information about the election and certified candidates will be disseminated, which include not only the Co-op City Times, but broadcasting of the three candidates’ forums on the Riverbay crawler, flyers posted in common areas of the development and information available online at the Election America site.

During this past week, the signatures on each candidate’s petitions were matched against the signatures of shareholders of record of each apartment on the petitions since only shareholders of record for each unit are allowed to sign candidates’ petitions.

The signature database is maintained by the Riverbay Residential Sales Department for every shareholder who lives in Co-op City. This process is overseen by the 2019 Election Committee.

Once the signatures are checked and certified by the Election Committee, the list of eligible candidates who may run in the 2019 Board election is compiled and will be announced at the Candidates’ Meeting which will take place this coming Tuesday, April 16, 8 p.m. in room 31 of the Bartow Community Center.

The official candidates will be listed in the Saturday, April 20 issue of the Co-op City Times.

At the Candidates’ Certification meeting on April 16, certified candidates will hear from the 2019 Election Committee and Riverbay’s general counsel, Jeffrey Buss. They will also enter a random drawing to determine their place on the official election ballot and the first election supplement. In addition, the candidates will receive the Co-op City Times’ guidelines for preparing and submitting their candidates’ statements and ads for the three election supplements.

The first election supplement will be published on Saturday, April 27. The candidates will place an individual statement and advertisement in which they will outline their qualifications to sit on the Riverbay Board and their views on issues facing the community. The remaining two election supplements will be published on Saturday, May 4, and Saturday, May 11.

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

The 2019 Election Committee has scheduled three official Candidates’ Forums, one in each of the three community centers. These forums will be videotaped and broadcast at a later date. Once the broadcast schedule is set, it will be announced to the community so shareholders can tune in to see and hear the candidates.

No one, other than authorized Riverbay personnel, is allowed to video or audio tape any of the forums, according to election rule E 1(a).

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

Any candidate who is unavailable to attend a forum may provide the chair of the Election Committee with the reason for their non-attendance and, with the permission of the candidate, the chair may announce the reason to the audience, Election Rule E 1(b).

The annual meeting of shareholders will take place on Wednesday, May 22. This year, shareholders are voting to elect six (6) members to the 15-member Riverbay Board which sets policy for the Riverbay Corporation and the Co-op City community. The top five winners in the election will serve three-year terms, and the sixth place winner will be seated to complete the remaining two years of the term of the director who was removed earlier this year.

There will be one vote per unit by residents who are shareholders of record as of April 8, 2019.

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 is 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.

The 2019 Riverbay Board of Directors election will be conducted by an independent, third-party company, Election-America. Mail-in and electronic ballots will be used once again this year. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked no later than May 22, 2019 and electronic ballots must be transmitted and received no earlier than 6 a.m. on May 8 and no later than 9 p.m. on May 22 – the duration of the voting period.

Any candidate who requires clarification or explanation of any election rule should address their questions/concerns to the 2019 Election Committee, c/o the Riverbay Legal Department, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475.

As noted in Sec. E (3) of the 2019 election rules, no candidate or community organization may use Riverbay’s facilities for campaign activities, except, as provided in the 2019 Election rules and regulations, “unless applicable rates for the use of such facilities have been paid in advance to Riverbay,

(Continued from page 1)

and unless all candidates can be provided with equal access to such facilities or services.”

In addition, Election Rule D (2) stipulates that campaign material, including campaign signs, literature and other material which can include posters, gummed stickers, etc., should only be posted on personal property or within a shareholder’s premises with Riverbay’s consent, not on Riverbay’s property, including but not limited to public spaces, such as lobbies, elevators, bulletin boards, walls, doors and other common areas.

Rule D 2 (a) also states that campaign literature, which includes flyers, “may not be posted by a candidate or in a commercial establishment within Co-op City, or on their websites, Facebook pages, or similar electronic forums, unless the owner of the commercial establishment is a candidate for election,” and residents, employees, candidates and their supporters may remove any improperly posted non-electronic campaign material as a service to Co-op City [Rule D 2 (b).] The Election Committee may also ask candidates to remove any improperly posted electronic campaign material from websites, including social media site, maintained by any tenant, vendor or other entity doing business with Riverbay, Rule D 2 (c).

The use of outdoor space owned by Riverbay for election activities is also prohibited. [Election Rule E (2)].

Campaign literature may, however, be slipped under apartment doors between the hours of 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. Campaign handout are also allowed [Election Rule D (4)].

All campaign material, whether physical or electronic, must include the name, address or post office box of the person or organization issuing such campaign literature. In the case of an organization, the posting must also include the name of the chairperson or treasurer.

Director Richardson said: “It is important that all candidates conduct themselves professionally throughout the election process. Elections need candidates and candidates need voters. That means candidates need to compose effective statements that introduce themselves and set their positions on the issues affecting their community. Good candidates’ statements educate and inform members, so it’s important that your candidates’ statements are directed to the issues. I also encourage supporters and candidates to respect the election process so we can meet our objective and select the best qualified candidates to fill this year’s open seats for Board directors of the Riverbay Corporation.”

In addition to Director Richardson, the other members of this year’s committee include Board Director Francine Reva Jones, co-chair, and shareholders Janice Brown, Sandy Krasnove, Akeisha Neely and Annette Newman. Ms. Ruth Ramos is the new election coordinator.

5

Co-op City Times / April 13, 2019

It’s

HAPPENING in Co-op City !

Earth Day Poster-Making with Girls Scouts

NCNW Ladies Are Lit!

Ladies are Lit!

Gearing up for Earth Day!

The Co-op City chapter of the National Council of Negro Women’s (NCNW) 4th Annual Women Represent! celebration, highlighted women who are “lit” in literature and leadership. The compelling program presented an afternoon of women empowerment filled with self-love and self-validation. Photos by Toriea McCauseland

Elena Marrero of the Rivers Run Community Garden facilitated a Mother-Daughter Earth Day poster making project with the Co-op City Daisy Troop 1475 Girls Scouts last week. The posters will be displayed at the annual Earth Day & Easter Egg Hunt scheduled for next Saturday, April 20, at the Rivers Run Community Garden on Co-op City Blvd. beginning at 9 a.m. with the Little League parade marking their season opener. All are invited to join the festivities. Mother Earth and the Easter Bunny will be in attendance.

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

Riverbay REQUIRES All Shareholders to Obtain Co-op Insurance! #O OP #I T Y F OR

9EAR S

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.

1435 East Gun Hill Road (near Eastchester Road)

Call Us Today!

718-671-8000

6

Co-op City Times / April 13, 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 Let’s Make Lemonade

To the Editor: As cooperators, we are aware of recent events involving New York City’s dangerous eyesore truck impound lot.

Our councilman, Andy King, managed to negotiate concessions from the city, including funding to turn the former Bingo parlor into a youth center. The city still gets its animal shelter, but as the old adage says, “If you get a lemon, make lemonade.” With the help of our councilman, let’s turn the new shelter into a victory for Co-op City.

As you may know, we are called an “aging in place” community. More and more of us are adopting companion pets. I know from personal experience how difficult it can be for senior citizens to take their pets to, much less pay

Income Affidavit Assistance for Shareholders

Riverbay staff will hold all-day sessions to assist cooperators in filling out their Income Affidavit forms 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 cooperators who have not yet received their mailed copy.

New Deadline for Submission: Tuesday, May 7, 2019

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 have a picture of the individual. The affidavit will not be notarized without proper identification.

Completed forms must be returned to Riverbay Corporation by the new deadline: Tuesday, May 7, 2019.

for, vet services. Perhaps Councilman King can negotiate with the city to provide low cost vet services to our cooperators. Likewise, free or low cost pet adoptions for senior citizens!

Next, are the questions of pet poop and doggy exercise for said pets. I would suggest dog runs, one on the Section 1 greenway, which is central to the first four sections and one by the Hutchinson River for Section 5.

Perhaps Riverbay and Councilman King could get a major pet store chain to sponsor them. We have a CitiField so why not a Petco run? Let’s try to turn our lemons into nice, tasty refreshing lemonade!

—Sam Schwartz

Save the Date – 45th Pct. Community Council Breakfast

On Wednesday, May 8, the 45th Precinct Community Council will hold its annual Breakfast at Villa Barone Manor where Co-op City resident and a former member of the council’s executive board, the late Mr. Joe Boiko, will be honored posthumously.

The breakfast will be held from 8:30 a.m.–11 a.m.

Among the other honorees are Co-op City’s Ms. Joyce Wilson, member-at-large, Co-op City branch NAACP; Louise Giacco, corresponding secretary of the City Island Chamber of Commerce; Sr. Seline Mary Flores, CEO, Providence Rest Nursing Home; Mouhammad Ali, faith leader, Ali Baitul Maamur Jame Masjid Community Center; and Andrew Chirico, vice president, Waterbury-LaSalle Community Association.

For tickets and additional information, please contact Mr. Bob Bieder, president of the council, at (718) 828-4400 or Mr. John Doyle, Sgt.-at-arms of the council, at (646) 469-8339.

Clarification

Dr. Eric Padol is a volunteer psychologist with the Co-op City chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) who only offers brief consultations and referrals, if possible, to those attending the meetings, not free sessions as was reported.

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.

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

—Riverbay Management

REMINDER—Carrying Charge Boxes

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.

Important Notice to Shareholders of Building 22 Building 22

Building 22 100 Co-op City Blvd.

120 Co-op City Blvd.

Current Lease Expiration Date

June 30, 2019

New 3 yr.

Expiration Date

June 30, 2022

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

7

Co-op City Times / April 13, 2019

Public Safety Report

Tips To Prevent Identity Theft During Tax Season

BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO

As taxpayers are rushing to file their 2018 tax returns before the Monday, April 15, 2019 deadline they should be mindful of the potential for scams to take place. Co-op City Department of Public Safety offers useful precautions residents should take to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft. Unscrupulous criminals have even found a way to use Americans’ eagerness to receive their tax refund as a means to attempt identity theft. The following information will help to avoid becoming the victim of identity theft in all situations.

The government and police agencies are investigating different instances where another person’s Social Security number may be used to file fraudulent tax returns. There have been instances where an active tax filer’s Social Security number was used, a dependent child’s Social Security number was used and even a deceased person’s Social Security was utilized to file a fraudulent tax return. Thieves may buy and sell these Social Security numbers from individuals, employers, hospitals, nursing homes, schools or other sources. All of these instances are serious crimes and can result in severe penalties.

The Internal Revenue Service recommends filing your tax return early to beat the scammers to your refund. After filing, check the status of your refund at www.irs.gov/Refunds. Make sure you know and trust your tax preparer. Never give out personal information unless you are 100% sure of who you are speaking with. Always shred any documents or mail which contains personal information.

With many American households anxiously awaiting a federal and state tax refund, criminals have attempted to gain access to peoples’ bank accounts. E-mails and phone calls have been received requesting bank account information. The caller promises that payment will be deposited right into your bank account. We are receiving reports this year that scammers have found a way to have fraudulent information appear on the caller identification on your telephone. This is a new technique, but it is the same old scam with a new face. The scam artist will not deposit money into your account, but rather will make a hefty withdrawal. No United States government agency will call you to request your bank account number. The Internal Revenue states that they make initial contact by mail in all cases.

It is very important for everyone to remember to never give out bank account numbers, Personal Identification Numbers (P.I.N. numbers), Social Security numbers or other confidential numbers which can provide access to financial records unless you initiate the contact. Legitimate bank employees should never call up customers requesting this information. Bank employees should be aware that customers know not to give out this type of information by telephone. Take down the employee’s name and phone number, make certain it matches the number you have on record for the financial institution. Only once you are sure that you are actually speaking with an employee from your bank should you even speak about your finances.

Always shred financial documents with personal information and account numbers before you discard them. Switch your accounts to electronic delivery to minimize paper clutter and lost statements. Never click on unsolicited e-mails, instead type a web address into your browser. Scam e-mails are often made to look like real bank e-mails. Misspelling and grammatical errors are often indicators that the e-mail is a fraud. Contact www.OnGuardOnline.gov if you suspect e-mail fraud.

Be wary if you receive a check from a financial institution that you are not expecting. Reports have been received of persons receiving an unsolicited check in an express mail envelope. If this check is deposited into your account, the funds will not be available and you will be responsible for money. Never wire money with the anticipation of receiving more money in the future. This scam pops up in a variety of different ways – apartment rentals on Craigslist, merchandise being sold on eBay, winning a sweepstakes, long lost relative in another country, job as a Mystery Shopper, etc. When in doubt contact the police.

We only hear about the high profile cases of breach of credit card information, such as the Equifax, Uber, Home Depot, Target and eBay incidents of a few years ago. Anytime you swipe your credit card, it can be at risk. When a restaurant takes your card out of your line of sight that also (Continued on page 34)

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 31 – April 06, 2019 Rear of 120 Casals Place A complainant found their car window glass shattered. After checking the interior, the owner determined that nothing of value was missing.

120 Co-op City Boulevard A male was taken into custody after he became violent after threatening a female and resisted arrest.

April 05 – Corner of Bartow and Baychester Avenues A male filed a report stating he was attacked by two men with an unknown weapon and received minor injuries.

(See page 17 for more Opportunities)

8

Co-op City Times / April 13, 2019

Waiver Request for Downsized Apartment Transfers Director’s Viewpoint

Rod Saunders Second Vice President While I greatly appreciate having my picture appear on the front page of our beloved Co-op City Times, sometimes the best work that Board directors do does not occur in public or in front of a lens.

On the exact same day the elevator pictures were taken (March 28), members of the Riverbay Board, Management, and representatives from HCR met to finalize a negotiated agreement to the “downsizing of apartment transfers.”

First and foremost, I want to recognize Riverbay Corporation’s Executive General Manager Bob Klehammer for resurrecting the program when he discussed it at last year’s State of the State address with Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul and in orchestrating the meetings which brought all of the interested parties together.

In past articles, I have given the community a brief history regarding my initial involvement with the “transfer” of apartments which dates back to October, 2016.

While there is a Riverbay Board-approved resolution (14-07) dating back to February 12, 2014, the subsequent proposals to augment the resolution’s approval did not encourage seniors who would be most affected by the transfers to smaller apartments, to do so.

The overwhelming majority of seniors who felt hard-pressed to give up their 3-bedroom apartments for a 1- or 2-bedroom apartment, felt it completely unrealistic to do so if it meant having to pay more than three times their current equity. A low percentage cost, in-house loan agreement proposal for seniors, might have only served to place some of our shareholders in an unintentional financial bind should any other emergency requiring a loan surface.

The Relevant Facts The relevant facts going forward are the terms of the pilot program which were included (as agreed to at the March 28 meeting), and unanimously approved within Emergency Resolution 19-11, at the April 3 Board Business meeting.

Attending the meeting were Riverbay Board of Directors executive officers – President Linda Berk, the corporation’s first vice president, treasurer, and myself, second vice president.

From Riverbay Corp. Management, Executive

General Manager Bob Klehammer, Assistant Execu- pilot program. It will be a win for our seniors looking to move into a smaller unit, and a win for our eligible tive GM Cary Smith, and GM Noel Ellison.

NY State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) younger families who are looking to move into a larger was represented by Daniel Murphy, V.P. Housing Port- apartment.

Commitment to Promises Made folio Unit; Denise A. C. Snyder, Housing and ComThis time last year, I (and others) asked shareholders munity Renewal Manager I; Alfred Walcott, director, Office of Integrated Housing Management; George to sign my petition as I sought re-election to the RiverChan, HCR’s representative to the Riverbay Board, bay Board of Directors. When I officially became a canand George Simon, who is slated to become Mr. didate, I (and 4 others) promised to advocate for five quality of life issues.

Chan’s successor.

I embraced two of those issues, in that through the In the one-hour meeting, we discussed Riverbay’s request for a waiver of the existing occupancy regula- Legislative Committee which I chair, we were able to tions as required as of February 9, 2012, relating bring the MTA’s Fast Forward program here to Co-op specifically to allow a zero equity payment for eligi- City to advocate for the return of our Bx26, Bx28, and ble shareholders wishing to downsize their apartment. QBx50 bus routes to their pre-2014 routing. We promBy the end of the productive meeting, we had ised to advocate for the zero equity transfer for seniors agreed on at least six points, which would then be put to downsize their apartments, and so we have. A third into a letter by the Executive General Manager agree- campaign promise was to address the Accessible Lobby Door entrances. ing to those terms.

Management has been diligent in making this a high The proposed terms of the waiver would include: • 1st – That the waiver would have an initial term priority within the 5-year Capital Construction Budget, and Riverbay is stepping up their installation of accesof one year.

• 2nd – That eligibility would be limited to share- sible door entrances to all of the Chevron buildings, holders who are the head of households (as defined and will begin work on the Triple core and Tower buildon the Income Affidavits), who are a minimum of 62 ings when all required approvals and bid processes are years of age (or older), or who may be eligible under finalized. the NYC DRIE program.

The questions most asked during last year’s election • 3rd – That the eligible shareholder’s annual house- were directed at customer services. The Board has both hold income could not exceed $59,000 heard, and experienced some of your complaints as well.

• 4th – That the transferring shareholder would Management has opined that most of the customer not be required to pay the current equity price for service complaints (the answering of calls & maintethe new apartment, and will simply transfer their exist- nance) being leveled by cooperators will be addressed ing equity to the new apartment by adjustments in our technological operations, how• 5th – That the transferring shareholder would ever, as a 42 year shareholder, I am here long enough to not be responsible for paying for three (3) months remember when Riverbay Corp.’s Maintenance/repair of carrying charges for their previous apartment, staff was not computer-driven, and there were far fewer except for any damages that are considered to be complaints regarding the quality of the work, or the beyond normal wear & tear commitment to keeping an appointment. Customer • 6th – That there will be a separate list allowing one services is, and will be, a high priority issue. downsize transfer for every two regular transfers.

Thank you for reading my viewpoint. I can be In my opinion, this is not a good deal, this is a great reached at rsaunders@riverbayboard.com. accommodation.

I’d like to thank the HCR representatives, Management, and the executive members of the Board for We are looking for volunteers to join the Section One Family Funday Plancoming together to proning Committee to assist in and attend monthly meetings. Section 1 consists vide the language and of Buildings 1 thru 8. structure of this excellent Those who are interested, please feel free to apply via email to Aellie49@optimum.net or Livingsl@optonline.net. Include your name, building, apartment number, and best number to reach you at (preferably a cell phone number). If you have any special talents or interests that you wish to accentuate, please include it on your response to us.

When selected, we will email you to updates for the upcoming meeting and pertinent information that will be assigned to you. Feel free to play a role in the decision making process that will put together an enjoyable family event for 2019.

—Adelina Martinez

Building Associations of Section 1

9

Co-op City Times / April 13, 2019

Happy 15th Birthday, Alyssa!

As we watch each new day begin, we look around to see all that has been given to us. Right in the middle of our circle is you, dancing and singing, bringing joy to us all. As the years continue to pass, continue to strive for perfection in whatever you take on. Keep the faith and continue with your good grades and you will find all your paths to be smooth. We love you.

—Grandpa Ted, Grandma Dorothy, Mom, Dad, Amanda, Aaliyah, Jermaine, Uncle Jermaine, Misty Blu and Favor

Alyssa Carter

Ladies, Beware

Eyes are deceiving; the best way To really see a person is to listen carefully to what they say.

Know that he’s the smaller man that talks like six feet tall: A bigger man is likely one who hardly talks at all.

Have proof before trust and faith before lust and see each promise through, Hold his hand when kindness leads but hold to render more, A good night kiss doesn’t alter this and don’t raise high his score.

Accept true affection but identify deception and surmise all what seem nice If your head, heart and eyes agree, and even then look twice.

—Frank Mayes

Thank you, friends!

To all my wonderful friends and relatives, “thank you” for all the thoughtful gifts and celebratory wishes I received for my birthday. Thanks a million!

—Clarence “Jake” Powell

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

NOW ACCEPTING AETNA!!

• Practicing in Co-op City since 1975 • Board Certified in Foot Surgery • ALL conditions of the foot treated • We

accept most health insurance plans

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

Dr. Lewis Wolstein

Call:

“Se Habla Español”

718.671.7226 100 DeKruif Place

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

10

Co-op City Times / April 13, 2019

The Budget

Director’s Viewpoint

Mary Pearson Money in, money out…make it match. Sounds easy.

Really?

So many moving parts. So much arithmetic. So many priorities.

I learned a long time ago that people have different money priorities. I had a friend who spent her last five bucks on Chinese food. I’d have spent it on bread, eggs, and milk. (Yes. It was a long, long time ago.) Money priorities differ within a couple, between friends, within families, so finding an acceptable agreed upon balance for 15,000 families isn’t easy. Actually, saying “it isn’t easy” is a laughable understatement.

I think our management company does an incredible job. You’ve heard it before, and each time it’s true: this place was mismanaged for years. “Mistakes were made” could have been our motto. Buying elevator motors that were too small for the job or a new boiler too big for the building were part of the “benign neglect” – or more likely, “malignant neglect” – inflicted on our community by our former mis-managers.

We are playing catch-up with our long-neglected infrastructure and that takes a whopping amount of money. There is now a re-examined, Board-approved, two-year budgeted, finalized five-year plan. That plan deals with many projects. Some are mandatory, some just necessary, and some could be considered cosmetic (the term is “curb appeal”). Will every shareholder agree on every earmarked expense? Of course not. Will everyone agree with the trade-offs on how expenses can be reduced and moneys raised to balance and satisfy that money in/money out match? Of course not.

I was a co-sponsor of the budget resolution, yet I voted “no” on the final formula. To raise the amount to cover those needed projects, we were presented with choices:

Secretary

CB #10 Meeting

apply a combination of carrying charges, equity, and parking rate increases. An additional option was presented before it became time to vote: eliminate a garage attendant shift. I was all for splitting the needed increase between equity and carrying charges, but I also wanted a parking increase to protect the garage shift status quo.

Eliminating one shift saves us a million dollars. The slow hours of 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. could smoothly run without the presence of a garage attendant, it was argued. I disagreed. What about the glitches? Each time the mechanism fails to react, dispatch has to be contacted by pressing a button and reciting a tag number (or building and apartment number) for the barrier arm to be raised.

I preferred raising parking fees ten bucks a month – $111 for reserved spaces and $85 for non-reserved spaces – rather than eliminating the shift. Adjusting for inflation (yes, there’s an app for everything) I saw those spaces should already cost $105.71 and $155.52 a month, respectively, and it still would be a bargain. A parking increase would raise close to a million dollars.

That’s what the third shift costs, practically to the penny.

I was voted down. Fourteen to one. Ah, democracy.

The subject of storage unit rates briefly joined the discussion later that night. Seems the hallway closets currently rent for $9 a month. A Board member mentioned her commercial space costs $91 a month. When were the storage rentals raised last? Management was right there with the figures: a 20% raise in 2002 and then the price doubled in 2008. “Doubled to nine dollars?” I asked incredulously. Anyway, don’t be surprised if storage rates are revisited down the line. But it’s not like storage space increases would raise significant funds for a corporation that moves more than 200 million dollars in and out each year. However, it is a matter of fairness. If the prices were significantly raised, the current storage space renters may decide it’s not worth it to hold on to their treasures and their junk, giving others a chance to weigh the option of keeping their

(Continued from page 2)

employees. Ultimately, the contractors are looking to receive a special permit to accommodate the 382 potential parking spaces because there’s a limit to what can be provided since they are sharing the existing space on the property with Bay Park.

After Mr. Dale’s presentation, the committee asked questions followed by members of the public. The committee frequently asked questions and made comments regarding the variance in the number of parking spaces involving patient vs. employee parking, the number of employees, reserved vs. open spaces. One committee member asked how many employees have dedicated parking spots within the 278 that will be created for the new medical building? Will parking be free?

Unfortunately, since there was no representative from Montefiore available and although the meeting was just for discussion, it was challenging for committee members, as well as members of the public, to make informed decisions without having someone available to answer their questions from the potential tenant.

One committee member mentioned, “I don’t know how many spots are needed. If the committee had a better idea of usage, then we could allocate the correct amount necessary,” while another noted, “It’s hard to approve something when we don’t know what it’s going to be used for.”

Riverbay General Manager Noel Ellison attended the meeting and shared his concerns. He expressed: “To be quite honest, I’m scared; my fear is how do I get out of my neighborhood, because everyone’s doing good and/or educational or business-type things around the community. I’m a fan of progress, but I’m not a fan of non-planning. More and more traffic is coming along.

I’m not versed enough in what you’re doing to say ‘no,’ but I’m not comfortable enough to say ‘yes.’ The logistics of working in and around Co-op City is a dynamic all onto its own. If anyone comes in and figures they can put a building up here, and it’s not going to affect the community – they’re wrong!

“No one has a holistic plan of what we do in our particular community. I don’t see everyone sitting down and saying ok, how are we holistically going to design this neigh-

Bronx Community Board Executive Committee, along with members of the community, met on Tuesday, April 9, to learn details of newly proposed medical facility in Co-op City.

Photos by Toriea McCauseland

borhood and what kind of services do we give. One thing that tells us we failed is the traffic, and we can’t afford more traffic failures around our community without having a plan.”

Sharing those same sentiments was Riverbay Board President Linda Berk, who stated: “This is not a relief for our neighborhood. ... We already have parking issues.

We’ve lost parking spaces to revised bus service from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. People are going to start pulling up and parking in places that they see on the street; Co-op City can’t afford to lose these spaces.

I’m saying to you on behalf of the residents of Co-op City that we’re already squeezed enough. We can’t manage this unless you have some other plan that does not impact this community as you’re about to do. Some serious consideration needs to be made on what you’re about to do to this community.”

Furthermore, cooperators in attendance also made comments during the meeting. Resident Ms. Thomas said: “You’re going to have a lot of young people driving in to take their kids here since this is a two-fare zone and taking public transportation may not be feasible for some people, especially when it’s cold.”

Resident Ms. Dalouche asked if the parking will be paid, but the reps couldn’t confirm because there was no representative for Montefiore in attendance.

Linda Collins of Building 9 expressed, “Parking is a big deal in Dreiser Loop, some attention needs to be paid

expendable or irreplaceable items.

To me, that’s the same issue with equity costs and parking rates. Fairness. If those on our 6000-namelong waiting list cannot raise the average additional $4700 in equity, perhaps it’s not yet time for them to consider home ownership. Give the ready ones a chance. Personally, I think affordable housing is a human right, but until our government agrees with me, choices need to be made, and as usual, money is the determining factor.

Same goes for the price of parking. Section 5 is short of parking spaces. Maybe raising a parking spot ten dollars a month would cause some to reconsider the cost of car ownership versus the cost of occasionally using a Zip Car. That could free up spaces for some on the waiting list. Also, we’ve spent and are continuing to spend a ton of money on the new garage entry system and the removal of “stuff” on the garage roofs.

Should the entire community evenly offset that cost, or should the car owners pay a little more for something that directly affects them? Does the community offset the cost of subway or express bus fare when it goes up? No, we do not.

It comes back to the co-operative quandary. Seniors don’t use the Splish Splash, teens don’t eat JASA lunches, tots don’t shoot hoops. We all pay for each others’ quality of life, as we should in a co-operative.

We do not, however, pay for each others’ additional, personal space—living, storage or parking.

The final vote was presented as a package. Raised equity, raised carrying charges, eliminated third garage shift. If eliminating the garage shift had been voted on separately as the parking rates increase was, I’d have voted “no” on that and “yes” on the package. As it was, my “no” could have scuttled the whole deal. Luckily it didn’t. We really need those extra funds! And the reality is: It wasn’t easy, but it’s done.

I can be reached by email at mpearson@riverbayboard.com or by phone at 718-219-2211. to the fact of low-fee parking and overflow parking into Co-op City neighborhood; we don’t even have enough parking for the people who already live there.”

In closing this topic on the agenda, Mr. Popovic concluded by saying, “The goal of this was discussion purposes; to hear them [Rothkrug Rothkrug & Spector, LLP] and for them to listen to us. That’s where we stand right now as a community board. We want to do what’s best for the community; that’s our goal. Hopefully, these guys will be able to support us; this was a good discussion for our meeting.”

Since many questions required further attention from all parties, presenters will have to schedule another meeting with the community board so they can get clarification. This should happen in the next coming months, followed by a public hearing that will possibly take place in Co-op City.

Co-op City Times / April 13, 2019

11

Construction Committee Report Power Plant & Capital Projects Updated at April 4 Meeting

Meeting Date: Thursday, April 4, 2019 A mix of Riverbay Management, including General Manager Bob Klehammer, Power Plant Director Anthony Ligato, and long-time cooperator/community activists met Thursday evening to be updated and review various construction and capital project matters.

Following round-the-room introductions, the first issue on the agenda, the Power Plant update, began with a look at “Power Plant Benefits Generated over the last one to two years.” Last summer’s ability to sell power to Con Edison and areas outside Co-op City paid $4 million for the sold energy. We also saved half a million dollars in consulting fees. In the past, for example 2009, over $40 million was spent on our community electricity.

Regarding the recent Section 5 and other scattered power outages throughout the community, they were described and partially attributed to turbine breaker tripped switch that caused half building short-term blackouts. Our Power Plant manager, Anthony Ligato, simplified and explained – imagine a cable around Co-op City whose switch was set and caused a switch to trip. It really helped attendees to understand.

Other points enumerated included contract issues, air emissions testing, chiller service contract, testing and inspection of Fire Control system. The water treatment process has changed, much is now in-house so that eliminates GE trailers, and we purchase treatment chemicals directly eliminating a 20% cost mark-up. There have been “Reliability improvements from 2017 to 2019,” the total benefit calculated to share at this meeting is almost $3,500,000.

The recent failure of the water pumps in Building #9, #10 and #11 was explained, as well as the measures taken to repair and protect the system for the future. We also discussed hot water problems in Debs and Broun Place Townhouse clusters. It was also reviewed how brown water can occur.

Next, our elevator installations plan was reviewed. Currently, the plan is to achieve 40 elevator installations per year. The new elevators include state-of-theart security cameras, being able to identify specifically where each elevator is, new panels, emergency security functions and more.

Management submitted their report on the cost of in-house restoration vs. Turn

Committee Report

Key restoration over a specific time-frame, F18/19. The result on this report shows there is a savings when it is in-house work as opposed to the work being done by a restoration contractor.

Finally, other Capital Projects were updated. Those include: garage roof work and solar panels, lobby restoration and entry doors, adjusting the timing of the “open and shut” feature of the new lobby doors is possible and being done and replacing keys for key fobs in the future. Other possible future projects like the building of a new garage was mentioned. It was a very productive meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9 p.m.

—Submitted by Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

Assembly Member Benedetto Hosts 2019 Scholarship Competition for Co-op City Students

Assembly Member Michael R. Benedetto recently announced the kick-off of the annual Co-op City Scholarship competition, an initiative to help students who live in Co-op City achieve their dreams of attending college.

“I don’t need to tell parents that the cost of attending college has become increasingly expensive,” said Assemblyman Benedetto, a member of the Assembly Committee on Education and a former school teacher. “However, I do want parents to know that community scholarships like ours do exist to help offset the high expense of college and I want the youth of Co-op City to take advantage of them. Cost should not play a large role in a student’s decision to pursue higher education.”

To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must be Co-op City residents in their senior year of high school, currently serving or have served their community in a volunteer capacity, and have a C+ grade average or better.

Each year, the Co-op City Scholarship Fund awards scholarships of $500 each to use for school-related expenses like books or tuition. The fund has awarded more than 35 students since its inception in 2011.

Applications for the scholarship can be picked up at the assembly member’s offices at 177 Dreiser Loop, room 12. All applications are due by Monday, May 3.

For more information, contact the assembly member’s office by calling 718320-2220 or by email to Leon Tulton at tultonl@nyassembly.gov.

12

Co-op City Times / April 13, 2019

Untapped Resources

Director’s Viewpoint

Kevin Lambright Assistant Treasurer I am proud to be the first Board member in the history of Co-op City to ever be named in a resolution.

And the results are positive. I want to thank all of those forward thinking shareholders who welcomed my input in uplifting our pride and sharing some of my resources for the betterment of our community. I do this as I promised with no personal gain, but to benefit the whole of our community. Some of you have money saving ideas and resources that you are able to tap into that will highly benefit our community.

Don’t let the fear or selfishness of those who refuse to share resources discourage you.

I believe there should be a committee created that gathers resources not just for the corporation, but for the shareholders directly. Many times I have stated that Riverbay does not use its buying power and skilled talent of the people who live here effectively.

We have power plant engineers, educators, plumbing and electrical engineers, lawyers, doctors, event organizers, childcare professionals, interior designers, etc.

Those are just the retired ones. We also have students

studying to become professionals in these fields and more. We have grandmothers and grandfathers with wisdom and knowledge that could mentor our children. We have a large population here and people are our greatest asset.

Are you aware that we have paid over one million dollars a year to consultants who merely tell us if something is good to buy and when to buy it? Do you think NYC Housing goes to Home Depot or the local hardware to buy products that they spend more than $20,000 per week on?

A Resource Committee could propose deals based on our population alone. Never mind the fact that we spend over 5 million dollars per month on products and services that come from outside of our community.

We complain about just about everything, but fail to realize that if we took care of some of these economic structural faults, it may entirely diminish our economic black hole mindset.

I would welcome and love to be part of a Resource Committee formed to develop a Riverbay Card that would allow shareholders 10%-20% off every time they shopped in and around participating Co-op City stores. This action would boost sales for the stores, but at the same time, add value to being a shareholder in Co-op City. The committee could propose other sponsorships for the card like discount travel and car

Shareholders, not tenants!

Become involved in your building association!

rental/purchasing as well.

I would welcome any and all shareholders with any expertise to share ideas and skill sets on such a committee. However, I am realistic in knowing that there will be some people who will find excuses why it shouldn’t or can’t be done. If you are not afraid of those people, then please feel free and join me on this crusade to a better Co-op City, and the best possible way to bring more value to our families and lifestyle.

There are many hidden jewels in our community.

You may be one of them. Allow yourself to shine so that you may share your unspoken talents. You can benefit your community in many ways. It is up to you to make a change for the better. You don’t have to be an elected individual or a great public speaker in order to make a difference.

Keep in Touch These are times when we need to keep an eye on our family, friends and neighbors. There are people who want what we have and look for opportunities to take it. We must protect and defend one another and our property. Remember, this all belongs to us. If you see something that seems suspicious, do not hesitate to call Public Safety. I look forward to your correspondence and feedback. I can be reached at klambright@riverbayboard.com or by phone at 646-7218185.

Building 25 Association

Okay, parents in Building 25! Our children have done their part, now it is time for you to do your part. Graduation time is coming up, let your graduating children shine this year by submitting their names, graduating from/to schools, and a brief description of their accomplishments.

Our space in the Co-op City Times is limited, so it is first come each week. The graduating postings will start now until the end of June, once your child’s name has been submitted, check each week until the end of June, and for those who do not meet the June deadline, there will be an extension into July to make sure that all our children are recognized for their hard work.

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, between the hours of 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. to get names of graduates, birth dates, 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 log onto our building email address at building25ca@gmail.com and address your emails to any or all members of Building 25 Association. Friendly reminder, our building annual dues are $5.00 per family. We would like to thank the residents who have paid their annual dues. Dues are collected at our monthly meetings by Carol Eilets, treasurer, or Celeste Stukes, asst. treasurer.

I will close with the following quote: We may live in an age of instant messaging, instant gratification and Instagram, but there is no way to short circuit the path to success.” —Tory Burch —Wanda Bailey

13

Co-op City Times / April 13, 2019

Income Affidavit

(Continued from page 3)

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 May 7, 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:

SCRIE/DRIE

every week,” said Ms. Bucknor. “This location is very comfortable for me, and I appreciate the DOF and Riverbay for doing this.”

Correspondingly, Marie Perez-Delgado, a resident of Building 20C, came to get information for a friend.

She said: “I think it’s extremely helpful that they have this event for people who cannot go downtown or have a computer…I am a volunteer for JASA, and I know that they provide much information also, but I think it’s great that the DOF came to provide these services because many people can’t travel and don’t have family members to help.”

Additionally, Riverbay Corporation’s director of finance, Peter Merola, has reported that Riverbay Corporation will schedule dates for the Dreiser and Einstein Centers when Riverbay staff will assist shareholders to fill out their SCRIE and DRIE applications, and check to make sure they have the appropriate documents.

Shareholders will be then responsible for submitting

(Continued from page 1)

of whom were seen on Monday since there were less in number than those attending to apply for SCRIE. Since DOF representatives were only able to see approximately 30 SCRIE applicants that day, the DOF added three additional dates to assist the overflow shareholders who attended Monday’s workshop. The applicants’ names were taken and they were divided into three other groups, with each group given a follow-up date to report back to the Bartow Center to meet with the DOF representatives.

Shareholders should be aware that this service is only for first-time SCRIE and DRIE applicants, not for anyone who has already applied and wishes to get an update on the status of their application.

Merlene Bucknor of Building 27A has been a resident of Co-op City for 12 years. She saw the article announcing the DOF event in last week’s Co-op City Times and came to the outreach to apply for SCRIE for the first time.

“I look forward to receiving and reading the paper

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 May 7, 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. their applications to the city’s DOF for either SCRIE or DRIE. As soon as these details have been worked out, shareholders will be informed.

According to the official website of the city of New York, SCRIE and DRIE are a part of the NYC Rent Freeze Program, “an exemption against future rent increases for eligible disabled persons living in rent-controlled, rent-stabilized, Mitchell-Lama and other eligible apartments.”

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 programs will help protect eligible shareholders from future carrying charge increases.

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 New York Rent Freeze programs, call 3-1-1 or visit https:// www1.nyc.gov/site/rentfreeze/index.page.

CO-OP CITY FOOT CARE CENTER SECTION 5 • BUILDING 29C

4240 HUTCHINSON RIVER PARKWAY EAST

(718) 671-2233 DR. LOUIS JACOBS, DIRECTOR ALL FOOT CONDITIONS TREATED The in-office surgical correction of BUNIONS • HAMMERTOES • INGROWN TOENAILS PAINFUL CORNS and CALLOUSES

The treatment of traumatic foot injuries, heel spurs, bursitis and arthritis of the joints of the feet, toenail and skin infections, as well as other conditions.

Most Union and Insurance Plans Accepted.

HIP CMO (Montefiore) Health Plan Accepted.

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

Se Habla Español MEDICARE ACCEPTED • HOUSE CALLS BY APPOINTMENT

Diabetic Patients with Medicare may be eligible for shoes.

14

Co-op City Times / April 13, 2019

Two More Increases Are On The Way

Income Affidavits Can you believe that some cooperators and I still Director’s Viewpoint have not received our income affidavits? Allegedly, these forms are still at the post office waiting to be delivered, since March. Ridiculous!

NYC Summer Youth Employment Program Deadline, Friday, April 26, 2019 On August 1, 2017, we received a 1.9 percent The NYC Summer Youth Employment Program is increase and a 5 percent garage increase. Then, on looking for youths, ages 14-24, to join their program.

August 1, 2018, we received another 1.9 percent increase. And, now, we’re going to get a 1.9 percent According to the city’s website: “Participants have the increase on or about July 1, 2019. Then, we’re going opportunity to explore their interests and career pathto get another 1.9 increase on or about July 1, 2020. ways, develop workplace skills and engage in learning experiences that help in developing their social, Way Too Many Increases civic and leadership skills.”

How is it that we can get an increase every year?

Now, do you want to do something nice to help Yes, I understand that we have big projects to handle. your family and friends? If yes, then please tell them But, in my opinion, issuing annual increases in our about this summer jobs program. Also, please talk to supposedly affordable housing development is not the the youths in your building about this program. You way that we should be raising money for these projects. can simply ask: “Did you sign up for a NYC summer A better way to deal with these projects is to reduce job?”

That’s it!

Youths that are interested in this proour budget. Sure, this matter is unpopular with some people. But, the alternative as you can see is to kick the can down the road, issue annual increases, and force some of our cooperators to move out of here.

Now, I’m going to put up some numbers and then I want you to ask yourself if we’re headed in the right direction with our budget. Presently, we have 26 departments here. For fiscal year 2018/2019, the budget for these departments was $118,085,400. Thereafter, for fiscal year 2019/2020, the budget for these departments was $132,215,100. A $14 million increase for 26 departments? How is this possible?

A better approach, in my opinion, is to reduce the number of departments along with our personnel. To start, we can create an early retirement program.

Thereafter, we can outsource some of our work. Outsource? Yes. But, in a proper way. Previously, using our workers, it was estimated that it cost on average about $18,000 – $19,000 to renovate an apartment here. Then, Riverbay outsourced this work. And, now, it costs about $15,000 – $18,000 to restore a 3-room apartment. And, it can cost between $20,000 and $25,000 to restore a 6½ room apartment.

But, my from perspective, these prices are completely outrageous. For instance, cooperators get charged money if they leave their apartment in a horrendous manner. Therefore, it’s unreasonable why we’re paying so much money to restore an apartment.

But, let’s do some simple math and break down some possible costs to see if it should cost between $15,000 and $18,000 to restore a 3-room apartment.

Example: How much money do you think Riverbay should pay an outside worker to plaster and paint one room? Again, please remember that the former cooperators are charged money if there are large holes in the walls. So, we’re talking about some light plastering and some painting. Now, how much money do you think that Riverbay should pay to restore a living room? Bedroom? Kitchen? Bathroom? Hallway? What’s your total price? Are your numbers way below $5,000?

If yes, are you starting to see some of the mistakes that are being made here?

Okay, let’s move on. Riverbay workers restore kitchen cabinets. Therefore, with our materials, we shouldn’t be spending a lot of money on restoring and resurfacing our cabinets. Lastly, we might have to deal with our floors and a few other items. But, think, do you honestly believe that these remaining items should jack up the price to $15,000 or $18,000? Personally, I don’t think so.

Bottom line: Our cooperators are in charge of the Riverbay Corporation. So, why are we trying to maintain 26 departments with 1,000 employees here? If anyone does not understand this point, then they will understand it when they get priced out of here. Therefore, we cannot continue to accept these outrageous increases. Also, we should reduce our work force with an early retirement plan. Thereafter, we can outsource some of our functions, in a proper manner, and save millions of dollars a year.

Ring Doorbell A representative from the Ring Doorbell company attended our board meeting on Wednesday, April 3, 2019. And, he fully explained how the Ring Doorbell can replace our peephole. Thereafter, our cellphone will ring if motion is detected by someone that is standing at our door. Discussions and discounts will be discussed soon. So, please stay tuned.

Daryl Johnson

gram should go online, follow the instructions, and fill out an application.

You have no idea how a young person’s life might change when they get a job. So, please make sure that youths apply to this program way before Friday, April 26, 2019. Thank you.

Close Please consider calling your family and friends to tell them about these summer jobs before you finish reading this newspaper. That one call could help a young person to get a job and then meet other people that can change their life. 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 13, 2019

Building 10 Association

National Council of Negro Women

15

Women Represent! Ladies Are Lit! Greetings, fellow cooperators.

Thank you to everyone who came out to our 4th annual program on April 6, Game Night/Karaoke Night – Good food, drink, music, and fun was had by all.

“Women Represent!”

The ladies were lit as they paid tribute to the ladies in literSpecial thanks to Kecia for loaning us her karaoke machine. Karaoke was a great ature and leadership in addition to sharing their poetic expressions. The men were addition to our Game Night. Hope to see you there next time. lit as well, as they paid tribute to the ladies. Thank you to the honorable Brooklyn New Cooperators – Welcome all new cooperators. We look forward to seeing you Borough President, Eric Adams, for sharing his tribute to the ladies. at the next general membership meeting.

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). Our guest speaker will be Mr. Silfredo Frias, Building 10 Maintenance manager. We are looking forward to seeing everyone. Light refreshments will be served.

Association Dues – Collection of building association dues has begun for the year 2019. Building association dues are $10.00 per apartment. If you missed the dues collections in your building, you can bring it to the association meeting or please see any executive board member.

The Monday Memory Club Workshop – On Saturday, April 27, from 11 a.m. – 2 As we continue to pay tribute to the ladies in literature and leadership, we p.m. in the Building 10 Association room, a workshop on how our memory changes as want to keep the legacy alive of Dorothy Irene Height who served as the president we age and how to improve our memory. The workshop will feature games, techniques of NCNW for over forty years. Dorothy Irene Height was an educator who and activities to improve our memory health. The workshop will be hosted by our very worked as a civil rights and women’s rights activist. She was awarded the Presown Karina Williams, BSN Health Educator from Building 10C. Healthy and delicious idential Medal of Freedom in 1994 and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2004.

The Dorothy Irene Height U.S. postal stamp was unveiled in 2017. Dorothy 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, Height was a woman of many hats. You can find an exhibit of one of her hats at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, May 4. We are looking forward to some tasty treats.

D.C. One of her noted quotes is, “Greatness is not measured by what a man or We would like to wish all April babies, a very happy birthday. woman accomplishes, but by the opposition he or she has overcome to reach his To the homebound and sick, we wish you a speedy recovery. goals.” Dorothy Irene Height transitioned in life on April 20, 2010. She is a pillar To all who have lost a loved one recently, we give our deepest condolences. in NCNW and we will continue to keep her light shining brightly.

Have a great week.

—Jewel Crawford-Duncan Raisin in the Sun – Join us on Saturday, April 27, for our pre-Mother’s Day event to go and see the play, “A Raisin in the Sun,” at the Taino Towers Cultural Center Building, 240 East 123rd Street in Manhattan. The cost is $20 per ticket.

This classic play is a story about an African American family trying to move into a white neighborhood. The play opened on Broadway in 1959. Checks can be We have 384 apartments in our building and out of 384 only 25 apartments paid made payable to the National Council of Negro Women, Co-op City Section and their dues this year, so far. Thank you to everyone who paid this year’s building dues can be mailed to NCNW, Co-op City Section, P.O. Box 93, Bronx NY 10475. of $5 an apartment. I’ve been collecting dues for three days and we’ve had a low Membership Meeting – Our next membership meeting will be on Sunday, turnout. Please support your building association. This is where you and your family April 14, in room 11, Dreiser Center, at 3 p.m.

Social Media – Remember you can find us on Facebook: NCNWCoopcity live. We all want where we live to be better, clean and safer for our families to live.

Bethune; Twitter: @NCNWCoop City; Instagram: NCNW Co-op City and email: We all must work together to make this happen. I can’t do it alone. www.ncnwco.opcity@gmail.com.

—Lori Melton Many people want to see our building lobby look better, look great during the holidays and many people want to know why we don’t have music on the lobby speakers.

Everyone hates this construction around the building and it takes longer to get across the street to the stores and get to the buses for work. Everyone wants to know how I would like to wish everyone a Happy Saturday and congratulate anyone celebrating a joyous occasion this weekend or in the coming week. This past Friday long all the construction will be done in our building, but we need people to make was our monthly building association meeting and, as usual, we had a great our building grow and look better – I can’t do it alone. Many people want to see new turnout. Next Saturday is our Annual Easter Celebration from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. We Christmas decorations, along with Christmas photos with Santa, their kids and family; plan on dying eggs, having three Easter basket raffles and then watching the all of that cost money. I want to have social night in our building association with movie “HOP.” “HOP” is an animated movie about the Easter Bunny’s teenage music, drinks and food. The building association room still needs to be fixed up and son E.B. who heads to Hollywood, determined to become a drummer in a rock cleaned. The building construction blocks our storage room and I can’t get to it to get ‘n’ roll band. In LA, he’s taken in by Fred after the out-of-work slacker hits E.B. things in or out. I hope to have a social night in the building association room soon. with his car. The movie is rated PG and the running time is 1 hour and 35 minutes.

Goodie bags will be handed out to children at the end of the event as they leave. If Support your Building 6 Association to make our building look better and safer any shareholders who haven’t paid their membership dues want to attend the Egg for all of our families to live in.

Celebration, they may do so and pay their $5 membership dues upon signing in We have an awesome lobby attendant in Andy Soto; everyone loves him so much. at our Egg Celebration. Come one, come all. It’s guaranteed to be an egg-citing Andy, for sure, makes our building a lot better to live in and safer. I am the one who time. See you there. got Andy Soto to be a permanent lobby attendant in our building. I am always trying Those who sincerely revere and praise others will, in turn, be revered and to make improvements in our building and plan a building holiday party, but without praised. Likewise, those who sincerely rejoice at the happiness of others are those your support, improvements and holiday events can’t happen. who are truly happy themselves. Let us expand the circle of friendship and trust as we strive for the happiness of ourselves and others while conducting ourselves I am just trying to keep it real and keep you all informed too. with wisdom when engaging in sincere dialogues. – Dr. Daisaku Ikeda —Jeffrey Schwartz —Steven Vega

Building 6 Association

Donizetti Building 4 Association

16

Co-op City Times / April 13, 2019

Building 21 Association

Black Veg Fest/Wholistic Health and Wellness Fair today!!!

This event gets better and better every year. There will be demonstrations, advice, testimonials, entertainment, prizes, and a film called, “Food Inc.,” by Robert Kenner, which promises, “You’ll never look at dinner the same way again.” Come out today at noon; event ends at 5 p.m., at the Bartow Community Center, room 31. Join the African American Association of Co-op City.

A re-posting for 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. She is pictured above, center, 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.

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 Offices 718-320-3300 A blessed Holy Week to all! Come and join us at Building 21. 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: 347-5041821. See you around the neighborhood!

—Theron Marbury

Co-op City Times / April 13, 2019

Opportunities

(Continued from page 7)

17

18

Co-op City Times / April 13, 2019

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

Riverbay Requires Current Co-op Shareholders to Obtain Coverage!

Anthony Wright Agency Owner

Your Co-op is an Investment Worth Protecting!

WE CAN NOTARIZE YOUR AFFIDAVIT!

FREE NOTARY SERVICE FOR ALL CO-OP CITY RESIDENTS! P r o t e c t i o n T o C o v e r Yo u r B e l o n g i n g s A g a i n s t :

• Guest medical protection • Fire & Smoke • Theft Coverage • Water damage from plumbing • Certain personal liabilities • And so much more!

We O f f e r :

• Low Premiums • Protective Device Discounts • Auto-Home Discounts

Ot he r Li ne s o f In s ur a n c e : • Auto • Homeowners • Life

Low Rates For T h e E n t i r e Ye a r !

Licensed Staff

Nichola Ferguson Licensed Insurance Agent

Lawrence Newkirk Life Insurance Specialist

Albert Issifu Licensed Insurance Agent

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.

1435 East Gun Hill Road (near Eastchester Road)

Ca ll Us To day !

718-671-8000

Co-op City Times / April 13, 2019

19

20

Co-op City Times / April 13, 2019

Building 18 Association

Hi, neighbors!

Thanks to all who came out to our general meeting held in room 31, 2049 Bartow Ave., on March 26. Our guest speaker was Joseph Riley, Chief of Public Safety Dept., accompanied by Lieut. Pam Apollo. They both spoke on safety issues and improvements in future planning. They were clear, knowledgeable and attention-grabbing. We thank them for their outstanding presentations.

Guest Speaker for our general meeting coming up on Tuesday, April 23, is Danielle O’Conner, director of Parking and Leasing Dept. Please make all attempts to attend this very important meeting. This meeting will also take place at 2049 Bartow Ave., room 31, at 7 p.m. Our meeting dates and locations will be posted in the bulletin board.

We are still accepting membership dues. Please give your dues to any member on the executive committee, only $10.00 per household. At present, we have 104 membership families.

Happy Birthday to all with that special day this month and may it be all you want it to be – enjoy!

To the sick and homebound, we wish you a speedy recovery; to the bereaved, we give our deepest sympathies.

Please stay alert: If you see something, say something.

—Gertie Brown

Building 2A /2B Association

Greetings, neighbors!

Happy Passover & Happy Easter to those celebrating these holidays. May these holidays bring the nicest things to you and those you love!

Annual Association Dues – Once again, we thank those who generously paid their annual association membership dues. Your continued support of our building association is greatly appreciated. If you have not had an opportunity to pay your dues as yet, we will continue to accept payments at our monthly general building association meetings. The annual dues are just $6 per apartment. The funds are used to purchase refreshments for our monthly meetings, holiday decorations for our lobbies, our building’s annual holiday party and our building’s contribution to the annual Section 1 Family Fun Day. Spring Tag Sale – Our building association will soon be holding a tag sale.

Thank you to those who donated saleable new and gently used items. The date and location of the tag sale will be announced soon.

Happy Birthday to those celebrating their special day during the month of April. Welcome to our new neighbors and get well wishes to those recuperating from an illness. We extend our condolences and prayers to those who have suffered a loss.

Our next general building association meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 14, at 7 p.m., in the association room behind Building 2B. Please plan to come out and join us.

—Georgianna Rodriguez

Building 22A/B Association

Attention: Our next Spring Soiree is Friday, April 26, at 7 p.m. in the association room on the ‘B-side.’ Refreshments will be served. All shareholders are invited. A charge of $3 for guests.

The new schedule for the Catskills Casino is June 15. Details will be posted on the bulletin board.

Thank you all for your association dues. Please come and join us at the meetings and voice your opinions about what you would like us to incorporate this year.

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.

Thank you.

—Betty Leak

DIVORCE - BANKRUPTCY • ABSOLUTE LOWEST FEES • EVENING APPTS. AVAILABLE • IMMEDIATE FILING

• FREE CONSULTATION • FLEXIBLE PAYMENT PLANS

“COURTEOUS AND PROMPT SERVICE AT AN AFFORDABLE FEE”

633 Lydig Ave • Bronx, NY 1 block from Pelham Parkway & White Plains Road Accessible by #2 & #5 trains • #12, #22 & #39 buses

DAVID BRODMAN,Esq.

718.239.7110

The bulbs are blooming in Broun Place gardens and brightening up our public walkways; down the center of Broun Place are new, red-lidded waste cans.

They really brighten up the walkway. Last week, committee meetings attended

by Broun Place representatives were the always well-attended Building and Grounds Committee and Construction Committee. Thank you, Riverbay, for sponsoring these committee meetings. Thank you also to the committee chairs and cochairs for moderating the meetings.

Among the public activities, Saturday, April 6, was the 50th Anniversary Committee seminar, “The Making of Co-op City.” Moderator and organizer, Alena Powell did an excellent job questioning the panelists. Altogether, this seminar was just two hours long. It could have gone on much longer.

Congratulations to President Linda Collins of Building 9 for all the exciting activities the association does for their residents. We are envious and still wish we could host and offer a game night or movie night, etc. Any suggestions, we would love to hear them.

If you still haven’t received your Income Affidavits, time to get in touch with the Finance department. The notarized forms are due the end of April. Contact the Finance department if you still haven’t received yours.

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. Outdated? Recycle it correctly or recharge it.

Giveaway items in usable condition need to be put into the bins by the garages or taken directly to the Salvation Army in Mount Vernon. You get a receipt there, it can be totaled with tax deductions. Do not leave stuff on the compactor pad. Discarded books and toys on the pad become unsightly. With that in mind, neighbors, pick up your newspapers!

Alert: 1- Never give personal information over the telephone.

2 - Online, use secure websites that have “https” as part of their ID name. This week’s new scam call begins, “Get help for your chronic pain, we have not received your response to our mailing.” Don’t respond!

Condolences to neighbor, Thea Lowe, on the passing of her dear friend, Carla Bayley. We are truly sorry for her loss. 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

Broun Place Townhouse Association

21

Co-op City Times / April 13, 2019

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

Riverbay Requires Current Co-op Shareholders to Obtain Coverage!

Your Co-op is an Investment Worth Protecting!

P r o t e c t i o n T o C o v e r Yo u r B e l o n g i n g s A g a i n s t : • Fire & Smoke • Water damage from plumbing

We O f f e r :

• Low Premiums • Protective Device Discounts • Auto-Home Discounts

• Guest medical protection • Certain personal liabilities

• Theft Coverage • And so much more!

Ot her Lines of Insu rance: • Auto • Homeowners • Life

Lo w Rat es F or T h e E n t i r e Ye a r !

Licensed Staff

Not Pictured:

Nichola Ferguson Licensed Insurance Agent

Lawrence Newkirk Life Insurance Specialist

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!

The Wright Agency We Are Conveniently Located Only Blocks From Co-op City! (near Eastchester Road)

Expanded Hours: Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Friday: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Saturday: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

1435 East Gun Hill Road Call Us Today!

718-671-8000

Courteous Staff!

Convenient Hours!

22

Co-op City Times / April 13, 2019

Co-op City Working Families Party

Jumaane Williams and the June 25 Primary We’re still not certain who besides current Public Advocate Jumaane Williams is up for election or reelection in our area in the June 25 primary. Jumaane must run for the next two year stint in the November 5 general election finishing out Letitia James’ term. Watch this space. Get Out The Vote efforts will soon begin. Help your preferred progressive candidates — running right here in Co-op City (for the Riverbay Board of Directors) and beyond — by spreading palm cards, information, and excitement.

Voting in big numbers in any election 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) 547-8854; 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,

Building 9 Association

Greetings, Building 9 family.

Our dear friend and neighbor, Mitzi Cleare, lost her brother-in-law last week. Please keep her in your prayers.

Thank you to all our 2019 dues-paying members for your support this past week. Thank you to our volunteers, Shirley Wells, Gwen Anderson, Mitzi Cleare, Helen Blakes, Daisy McCoy, Barbara Cloud, Janice Rosario, Wanda Rodriguez, Wanda Randall, Shirley Johnson and Shirley McCann. We will continue to collect dues until April 26.

This afternoon, we will partake in a ‘Spot of Tea.’ We are hosting our Ladies Low Tea ‘Sip & Chat’ from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. It will be a fun afternoon with refreshments and polite conversation. “Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, small minds talk about people.”

On Tuesday, April 2, Buildings 9, 10 and 11 experienced flooding and water shut off due to a compressor malfunction. The rise in pressure within the system caused flooding. Ms. Lois English, CSO 1 manager, was present and her staff was engaged with water vacs, mops, and pails. Thank you, Ms. English, for your prompt response and action! After receiving calls, Wanda Randall (whose apartment was also flooded) and I visited shareholders to check on the various states of flooding from severe to minor.

Water pressure was restored by early afternoon.

On Tuesday, April 2, the Building & Grounds Committee met Warren Mitchell, assistant general manager, who advised that due to Riverbay Management thinking “outside the box” and engaging in “smart management” strategies, approximately $800,000 savings to the Riverbay Corporation is being accomplished via partnership with the American Red Cross.

Kudos to Management! The initiative will satisfy a Wells Fargo/HUD loan requirement that all units have both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors installed.

The Red Cross will provide all detectors, Red Cross staff will install the detectors and Red Cross staff will provide a brief safety overview to shareholders, free of charge to the corporation. The process will take about 20-25 minutes per unit.

Riverbay staff will be in the building with the Red Cross personnel. All workers will have ID which you have the right to see. This initiative began April 4.

The installation began in Buildings 1 and 35, then will continue throughout the complex. The appointment days will be Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m.7 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Someone must be available to grant access to your unit. Management will provide detailed notice one week before installation dates.

The Grounds department is pruning bushes and trees, removing diseased trees and trees with destructive rooting systems (trees will be replaced), soil turning and grass seeding.

Do your part to maintain your property investment.

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

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 both. We embrace progressive values by modeling inclusion, respect, and fairness in all of our actions; we work to make Co-op City a stronger community; and we insist our representatives serve as our voice in Co-op City, in the Bronx, in Albany, and in Washington, D.C. Next Meeting 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 13, 2019

Feasibility Study

and the HATS feasibility study is to not only identify failures and potential weaknesses, but also opportunities, and to develop a viable, comprehensive alternative to actually manage and prevent future loss of human lives, loss/damage to property, ecosystems and infrastructure, “with due consideration of the economics of proposed breakwaters, sea walls, dikes, dams, and other structures, warning services, or other measures which might be required,” according to the USACE website.

An interim report on the HATS study was released in February which conceptualized five alternatives, although USACE says that the types of measures included in the report are “assumptions” for cost estimating purposes, and that the “type of barriers, gates and shore based measures,” for example, “floodwall vs. levee, or structural vs. nonstructural and nature-based features,” have not yet been decided or confirmed for any of the locations referenced in the interim report.

“There is currently no project,” said Michael Embrich, a spokesman for the Corps. “We have just proposed alternatives that could one day become a project.

This is the very beginning of the study process. No decisions have been made on any of the alternatives. The Interim Report is a preliminary document published to provide facts about what the Army Corps has learned to date, at the request of our partners. A Draft Report containing more detail and environmental analysis will be released in 2020. After that, we will know more about the future of the study as a whole.”

Mr. Embrich points out that one of the most important parts of this study is feedback and public engagement. “We are in the very early phases of this process, and nothing is set in stone. All of the features and alternatives in this study are proposals. We will continue to accept public feedback and data throughout the study process. We encourage all concerned parties to attend public meetings and submit comments in person or online to assist us as we move forward on this study.”

James Dambrosia, also with the Corps’ Public Affairs, emphasized this week that the study is still in its infancy stages in what is expected to be a very long process of exploration and conceptualizing with significant public input to flesh out the proposals and develop a course of action that is both economically prudent and agreeable to the residents who live in the communities along the affected coastlines.

As it relates to the Hutchinson River, this would include the Bronx and Westchester communities of Co-op City, City Island, Pelham, Pelham Bay Park, Pelham Manor, Throggs Neck, Eastchester, Mt. Vernon, New Rochelle and Scarsdale.

Nevertheless, environmental advocates for the rivers that could be affected by any proposed erection of such structures as storm gates and surge barriers are incensed at the prospect of what this could mean for the health and sustainability of those bodies of water.

In October 2018, following a USACE public meeting in Westchester, John Lipscomb, a boat captain for Riverkeeper, an environmental advocacy group that protects the Hudson River, told the Rockland/Westchester Journal that his concern is about proposed storm barriers. He said that the erection of sea gates, levees and sea walls would lead to disaster for the region and that environmentalists were “terrified” of in-water barriers.

“It’s a tidal estuary, all the way to Troy,” Mr. Lipscomb told the Journal of the Hudson River. “It’s essential to have full tidal excursion every day, twice a day, (Continued from page 1)

23

which is the way it’s been for ages. These projects, if they go forward, will spell the end of the river as we know it.”

Likewise, here in the Bronx, the Hutchinson River Restoration Project, a dedicated group of environmental supporters for the Hutchinson River, is equally concerned about the USACE proposals and their potential impact on the ecosystems that the river supports.

Eleanor Rae is president of the Hutchinson River Restoration Project and at 85, she continues to be a fierce advocate on behalf of the Hutch. She said that one of her primary concerns with the USACE has been their not so careful attention to detail as in the case of them identifying the location of the Pelham Bay Wildlife sanctuary in one of their documents as being on the Bronx River and not on the Hutchinson River, its actual location. She also described another experience she has intimate knowledge of regarding a USACE project in Montauk, LI where the Corps, despite a very engaged community, advanced with a planned project, disregarding the wishes of local residents.

Nevertheless, Ms. Rae said that she is encouraged that with regards to the HATS study, the USACE appears to be making greater effort to interact with local residents.

“I have gone with some of my associates to about 3-4 of their meetings and I guess the good thing is that they didn’t go ahead and implement their plan which, in other cases, I think that they have done,” Ms. Rae said. “At least they are willing to listen to people who are coming to meetings and saying wait a minute, we think this has to be looked at in more depth and also there probably has to be some alternate plan that might make more sense.”

Ms. Rae said that she believes one of the HATS study proposals to build a 1¾ mile barrier at the mouth of the Hutchinson River would be disastrous for the river. She stated: “The Hutch starts in Scarsdale, NY and then flows to Westchester and then to the Bronx. When it comes to Westchester, it is a freshwater river.

In the Bronx, it is brackish because we are getting the water from the Long Island Sound so this is the reality of what the wildlife lives with and if they (USACE) were to put up a barrier, they are going to totally change the nature of the water and what will this do? Will this impact the life of the species that live there; I’m not sure that’s being taken into account. I also have a very large concern that when we do work, are we too focused on its impact on the human and not really on the whole web of life? I think as humans, we are beginning to learn and understand that we are just part of a vast system and what affects one of us affects all of us and that we really have to learn how to work together and I don’t see that thinking in some of the writing of the Army Corps. …I don’t see enough concern for the rest of the non-human populations that live in the river…”

The Hutchinson River Restoration Project has been urging their members and all Bronx residents concerned about the welfare of the river to attend the April 17 public meeting and express their opinions about the USACE study, offer their input on the proposals being floated and advocate for the preservation of the river and its ecosystem.

Mr. Dambrosia emphasized that USACE’s intention is to engage in a robust exchange with the affected communities and residents pointing out that “we are still in the very, very early stages of a lengthy study.” He said that ultimately, funding, economic feasibility and many other factors will determine if the plan ever comes to fruition. “Congress would have to fund the project and we would need to secure a local sponsor … and without all these things coming together, we can’t go forward,” he said.

The HATS feasibility project has been endorsed by New York State, New York City and New Jersey, all entities that are involved in contributing both financially and conceptually to the study. The initial length of the study was three years, but it has now been extended to six years and the budget has been increased from $3M to $19.4M due to not only the complexity of the issues being studied, but also in order to allow sufficient time to hear from as many residents in coastline communities as possible. Since the release of the Interim Report in February, a new round of several public meetings have already been held in various locations in New York and New Jersey to hear from residents, with more to be added as the study progresses.

“I’m very happy that they have put the deadline for implementation for the future and not where it was initially,” said Ms. Rae. “This makes me feel positive that they haven’t plowed ahead and done it, that they are willing to listen to what people have to say.”

A Draft Feasibility and Environmental Impact statement is expected to be issued in 2020 which will contain more detailed information taking into consideration public comments collected during this round of meetings. The study is expected to be finalized in 2022 with a Chief of Engineer’s Report. The execution phase of this project is expected to cost hundreds of billions of dollars.

“There are five different alternatives being studied, and no specific plan has been selected at this point,” said Mr. Embrich. “We are still in the very early phases of this study. We could find that all or none of the alternatives or features are environmentally acceptable or economically feasible.”

In addition to attending the public meetings being held by USACE, interested citizens can also email comments to NYNJHATS.TribStudy@usace.army.mil or by mail to: NYNJHAT Study Team, Planning Division 26 Federal Plaza Room 2145 New York, NY 10279-0090

24

Co-op City Times / April 13, 2019

Building 29 Association Some of the activities planned for the remainder of this month are: The speaker for April will be from Montefiore and will be talking about Dementia (and Alzheimer’s) on Friday, April 19, at 7 p.m.

Game Night will be on the last Friday of the month (April 26) at 7 p.m.

Senior exercise continues every Saturday (unless posted otherwise) from 10-11 a.m.

Jumping ahead to June, we will be hosting again our popular Flea Market on Saturday, June 8, 12-4 p.m. There will be a wide array of accessories, household items, and other items, all at reasonable prices.

Do be sure to come and bring your friends. All are welcome!

—Katharine Wood

Section 5 Association

The Section Five Association met on Monday, April 1. Our guest speaker was General Manager Noel Ellison. He also invited Mr. Mark Warren, asst.

GM of Construction here in Co-op City. They both were welcomed to speak. Mr. Ellison stated this was in his plans to meet with the shareholders within the community to get their perspectives and input.

Mr. Ellison stated that we will see him from time to time out and about the community. He told us that Mr. Warren and Riverbay had their annual meeting with HCR, Wells Fargo, etc. for an update on the progress of Co-op City. We were told the software system used by Riverbay is Yardi, which has lasted 10 years thus far and needs upgrading. The new telephone system should eliminate the wait complaints. The call site should expedite all complaints.

There will be screens to monitor the incoming calls.

Management is also working on incorporating a call back system as well.

In reference to Local Law 11, there will be a lot of work going on within the community. Mr. Ellison spoke about how 160 elevators with inefficient motors were installed under the previous management company and that the elevators were not running at the proper speed. The good news, the new elevators will include the lock systems for all elevators, and in the case of a blackout, the elevators will be programmed to drift to the next floor where the door will open and passengers will have 30 seconds to exit the elevator.

At this point and time, renovations for the lobbies will be only for the Chevron buildings.

Section 5 Concerns The agenda for Section 5, it was requested from GM Ellison, is to ensure that Section 5 receives the equal amount of entertainment as the other sections based on the funding allotments to Co-op City; he will look into it. Noel said that due to the lack of participation by cooperators attending, and as a result, this has affected the decisions by Riverbay to provide time and space for entertainment here on the greenway. That answer did not sit too well.

Mr. Mark Warren addressed the drainage situations in Section 5 and promised to look into it. However, Mr. Warren informed us that cement walkways underneath the porticos have been recemented with stamp concrete and it is waterproof. More work is being done to Einstein Plaza, including waterproofing of the walkways. Noel will also see about the directional signage for Building 27 and any other addresses that are hard for visitors, taxis, etc. to find. We were also informed that HUD requested that the beams be removed from the roofs of the garages; the reason the beams were installed has not been made clear.

The president, Mr. Robert Hedgepth, and the Section 5 Association representatives thanked GM Ellison and Mr. Warren for the time spent in sharing an abundance of information with us. We are looking forward to the concerns of Section 5 shareholders, buildings, and community issues being addressed, resolved and completed.

—H. Overman

Building 12 Cooperators Civic Association

Today, Saturday, April 13, 3 p.m.-5 p.m. is our Bake Sale in our lobby on behalf of the Velocity Track Team. They have won many trophies and made us all proud. They need our help. Come on down, purchase some goodies, meet our Velocity Track Team and wish them continued success.

Our lobby door lock was changed. If your key does not fit, go to Maintenance in Dreiser to get a new key. Have your ID with you.

If you see something, say something. Call 9-1-1 or CCPD, 718-671-3050. Our first line of defense is the lobby entrance door. Please close the door when entering or leaving the building.

Congratulations to all who are celebrating a special day this month. Our heartfelt sympathy to everyone who suffered a loss and our thoughts and prayers to all who are sick and shut-in.

Reminder—Our Annual Summer Fun Day event is Saturday, June 22 (rain date is Saturday, June 29). If you can volunteer a couple of hours that day, please call 718-379-7841.

We can be reached at MLSAH@aol or 718-3797841.

—Sonja Maxwell

General Meeting: Our next general meeting will be this Monday, April 15.

We are looking for young people ages 10-18 years of age to take part in our new Jr. Executive Board. Yes, we will be launching empowerment of our youth with their own election into our organization. Are you ready?

We will sponsor our 15th Annual Wholistic Health & Wellness Fair scheduled for today, Saturday, April 13, from 12-5 p.m. in the Bartow Center, rm. 31 and the courtyard. This year, we have partnered with Black VegFest for a more comprehensive event.

There is so much we need to do and we want to include you. Are you still waiting to become a member? Why are you waiting? Now is the best time to become a member. Setting aside the discounts you receive to most of our functions, the information and pride of membership in the African-American Association is unmeasurable.

Culture, economics, health and education will continue to be our focus in 2019. Portions of our meetings may be recorded in order to archive some events. Our new number for the African-American Association is 929-430-3255.

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

Acting Classes – Children’s and Adult classes are available. Contact: Meca Talent. For more information, call us at: 646-373-4122.

Belly Dance Classes – Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m., Dreiser Center, rm. #2. For a nominal fee, you will have fun and stay in shape. For more information, call Xonia, 646-301-9438.

Evening Line Dance Classes – Dance to Soul, Latin, and Gospel music on Thursdays, 7:00 p.m. in Dreiser Center, room #2. Also 1st and 3rd Tuesdays in Einstein, Section #5. Call Cynthia, 917-903-7073.

Institute for Youth/Adult Study Group – Meets every 2nd and 4th Monday, Dreiser Center, room #15, 7 p.m. Contact Heru Maat, herumaat@msn.com.

Karaoke – Fridays, 7:30 p.m., Dreiser Center, rm. 15. Call Keith, 917-561-6211.

Salsa Class – Saturdays, 10 a.m., Dreiser Loop, Audit. A. Call Keith, 917-561-6211.

Specialized Workshops/Programs – Life Group workshops (Understanding My Money/My Relationships/My Politics/My Culture. For more information, contact Kevin at 646-721-8185.

Yoga And Zumba – Classes on Saturday start at 10 a.m. in Dreiser Center, rm. #2.

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

—Kevin Lambright

African-American Association

Ghanaian Association of Co-op City

March General Meeting: The next general meeting is on Saturday, April 20, at the Bartow Community Center, room 28, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

His Excellency Dr. Samuel Amoako, Ghana Consul General to US, is scheduled to visit us at the April General Meeting. He will speak on developments in Ghana, issues affecting the Ghanaian Diaspora in the USA, and answer your questions.

Please invite all your Ghanaian friends in the Bronx and beyond to join us. The meeting will be on April 20 at the Bartow community center.

2019 Program & Activities: The line-up of 2019 programs and activities is listed below. Thank you for the ideas shared at the meeting. Please continue to share your great ideas either through phone calls or on WhatsApp. April 20 – Ghana Consulate General to the USA May 25 – Investment Ideas – USA & Ghana June 7 – Riverbay Section 1 Fair June 29 – Social Security July 20 – Rep. from Fire Dept. – Fire Safety July 27 – Health Fair, a community event August 10 – Summer Picnic August 24 – Insurance September 28 – Marriage Seminar October 19 – Nominations for Elections November 23 – Election of Officers December 28 – Christmas Party Free Annual Registration: The annual registration for this year is currently ongoing. Please make sure to fill your registration form. Even if you were not as active as you wanted to be last year, this is a new year. All things are born new! Call 347-7733499 if you have any question.

About Us: The Ghanaian Association of Co-op City (GACC) is a not-for-profit organization with the purpose of promoting the general welfare of the Ghanaian community in Co-op City. The objectives of the association include providing educational programs to members, building a capacity for greater involvement in the activities of the community, and providing a platform to address issues of common concern to members and the Co-op City community.

Key Priorities: Build a stronger unified Ghanaian community in Co-op City Strengthen engagement in the Co-op City community activities Provide opportunities for members (for their families & especially the children) Provide social, economic and emotional support to members and their families Dues: Members are reminded to pay your dues.

You can now pay using credit card. Pay the entire year dues now and get a discount.

T-Shirts: If you don’t have the association t-shirt yet, please get yours for only $15! You may get additional t-shirts for family and friends.

Please Join Us: We need your support. Please join us. We invite you to come to our next general meeting.

Call 347-773-3499. UNITY IS STRENGTH! JOIN US TODAY! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! Coop Ghanama OR www.facebook.com/gacc2013 —Seth Osei-Fosu

Co-op City Times / April 13, 2019

Building 13 Association

On Saturday, April 20, get ready for the Earth Day Celebration Parade with our Grand Marshal, Councilman Andy King. 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 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 in just joining 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.

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.

Looking forward to having fun with everyone.

The association recognized the need to educate our youth in business and finance. We are currently reaching out to agencies to help with our workshops.

Registration will take place for the Youth Business Workshops and Button Biz on April 14, from 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., in the association room located at 100 Casals Place. 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 718-3201370 (daddpeterson@aol.com) or e-mail us at building13assoc@yahoo.com. Thanks for making our team work.

—Vivian Campbell

Drammeh Center

Black Forum

Food Pantry Update Registration for new and returning pantry guests begins in April. Times & dates are TBA. Please check community bulletin boards in the coming week for that information. The pantry is tentatively scheduled to reopen in May 2019. 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 1½ weeks before class. Include name and phone number. Walk-ins are 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 award-winning Nordic Lodge/ Lobster Fest in Charlestown, RI. Enjoy 2-hours of all-you-can-eat seafood, plus buffet with lobster, prime rib, specialty desserts and more! The fun continues at Mohegan Sun Casino. $170 includes dining, shopping, & round-trip coach transportation.

Three payments 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

Due to upgrade construction, the Drammeh Center remains inaccessible. In the interim, we hope you will join us in an historical, educational & fun trip fundraiser to support the work of The Association of Black Social Workers Child Adoption Counseling and Referral Services on August 16August 17. Rates include: Double occupancy, $390/ triple, $370/quadruple, $350/single, $470/children 12 and younger sharing a room with an adult, $320.

Costs include: • Deluxe round-trip Motor Coach transportation • Visit to the new Museum of the Bible in Wash., DC, featuring the exhibit and history of the “Slave Bible” that was developed by the British during the American slave trade in an attempt to keep the slaves in the Caribbean from rebelling.

• All-you-can-eat dinner at the Golden Corral restaurant.

• One overnight hotel stay.

• Hot breakfast at the hotel.

• Visit to the Great Blacks in Wax Museum in Baltimore, MD • Visit to the beautiful Baltimore Harbor.

• 4-hour all-you-can-eat crab and shrimp feast & sumptuous non-seafood feast, open bar and DJ entertainment and dancing at Michael’s 8th Avenue restaurant in Glen Burnie, MD. The Association of Black Social Workers Child Adoption Counseling and Referral Services is a 44 year old institution that supports the finding of loving families for African American and Latino children in need of adoption. Proceeds will be benefit their continued work. For ticket information, contact Leora Neal at (917) 371-1339 or email abswnyc@aol.com.

—Elise Edwards

25

American Legion Post 1871

Memorial Day in Discussion On Saturday, April 6, the executive committee met at the Post to discuss the latest event in the month of April and days leading to the Memorial Day celebration in May. Everything that formed the agenda revolved around the successful celebration of this year’s Memorial Day weekend, which comes with specialty. Commander Toba identified various experienced committee chairs and charged them to seek for their membership in the meeting for the month of April. Vice Commander Norman Thomas will be in charge of the Honor Guard with Legionnaire Lowell James playing the bugle. Chaplain Lawson will handle the food issues and make sure that everyone is well fed. Finance Officer Gordon will liaise with Riverbay to cement our collaboration.

From the American Legion Post 1871 Commander The Memorial Day Celebration for 2019 is coming up on Sunday, May 26. It is around the corner, so to say, though some forty-three days away. It is going to be packed with a lot of fun and exciting activities, especially since American Legion as an organization clocks 100 years this year. And, for the first time, the ceremony will be moved from the normal 1 p.m. to a later time of 3 p.m. The decision to move the time was to enable community participation. We want the community to be part of the untiring services of our veterans both at home and abroad.

On this note, I need the help of various associations in the community to celebrate the 100th year anniversary of the oldest veterans’ organization in America. We want to make sure that the weekend is a memorable and successful one indeed. To do this, we need to have strength in numbers. We need every association in Co-op City to support the veterans in the community.

We will try to bring in some of our World War II veterans to be in the audience, including our wartime heroes to be on hand and sign autographs, take photos with attendees and even engage in an hour-long Q & A session with Legionnaires. Therefore, I’m asking all of you to be there and join us in our celebration of everything that service to the nation represents through American Legion. On a rough analysis, this community is home to close to two thousand military members and their families living throughout Co-op City. This includes, but is not limited to, everyone who wore the uniform in one way or the other.

Therefore, I am personally reaching to you to spread the news about this event and other events that the veterans are part of in this community. I also want to help share this message for what will be an amazing weekend, and spread the word to other Legion members and families. It will be an event we will never forget, so don’t miss out.

—Lsjc Adeyemi LaCrown Toba

26

Co-op City Times / April 13, 2019

Rivers Run Community Garden

Can’t wait to see everyone at the Earth Day Celebration happening on April 20. Excited to have Mother Earth and the Easter Bunny at the same event. The Little League is gearing up for their exhibition games and at Rivers Run, the daffodils are already showing off. See you there!

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 17, 11-2 p.m., Attendees: Service April 18, 7 p.m., Membership Meeting at Dreiser Loop Community Center 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 28) Bomba!! (Details to follow) Rivers Run Opens May 1!

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

Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City

The Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City is sponsoring two Passover Seders on April 19-20.

Shul Seder – Both nights, Mincha and Maariv service at 6:45 p.m.; Seder at 7:30 p.m. The cost is $20 per person, per night. For additional information and reservations, call Beverley on (718) 644-0326, or the office on (718) 379-6920. If you don’t get someone, then leave your name and the number of people who will be attending and which nights.

Rabbi Daniel Kronengold will be available for the sale of Chometz, Sunday, April 14, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the shule. For more information, his number is 212-470-4134 for phone/texts. For email, danielkronengold@gmail.com. The deadline for the sale is Wednesday, April 17, 7 p.m.

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 a.m. After services, we always have a kiddush. The synagogue has a Facebook page, Traditional Synagogue.

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

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

The Traditional Synagogue is the only synagogue in Co-op City Sabbath ends on Saturday, April 13, at 8:15 p.m.

Candle Lighting for Friday, April 19, at 7:21 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.

Travel Events: (price includes Lorant coach bus; —Bruce Gitelson located at Dreiser Loop, in front of H&R Block) • 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, allyou-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: $709.00. 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.

• Sept. 11 (Wed.), “Mambo Italiano,” Westchester Broadway Theatre. Showtime: 11:00 a.m. Price: $75.00. Deposit, $40.00 Balance due, $35.00, Aug. 09.

Contact: Marie Green-Ryan, 718-671-4949.

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 We are sending warm regards to George and Gail Crouch, Sandie Hardison, George Upton, and Gladys S. Williams, and we hope that you have a complete and quick recovery. 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, 718-6718449, 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 718-379-4784 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

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

Co-op City Times / April 13, 2019 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 midweek spiritual pick-up at our worship service held on Wednesdays at noon. Bible Study is held on Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Prayer Service is held on Fridays at noon.

Prayer service is also held on Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to join us from the comfort of their home for an hour of prayer. Using available technology, prayer service is held using a conference call line. On Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m., you can call 563-999-2090; when asked for the PIN, enter “660065” and you will be connected. Prayer Service is not held on the first Friday of the month.

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

Tomorrow, 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

Co-op City Baptist Church

Open Door Ministries The Great Provider Full sermon at opendorrministries.net

27

Community Protestant Church

On behalf of our pastor, Reverend Dr. Calvin E. Owens, and our church family, welcome to Community Protestant Church, a church of love and understanding, located at 1659 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, NY 10469; telephone, (718) 8629172.

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.

Holy Week Services at Community Protestant - All Are Welcome Sunday, April 14, at 11:00 a.m. – Palm Sunday Thursday, April 18, at 7:00 p.m. – Maundy Thursday service in conjunction with Co-op City Baptist Church. * Friday, April 19, at 12:00 p.m. – Good Friday service – “The Seven Last Words.”

Worship Leader: Rev. Dr. Calvin E. Owens. Preachers: Rev. Dr. Lois Giles, Seven Lights Baptist Church, Bronx; Bishop Mary Freeman, Emmanuel Church for All People, NYC; Minister Diane Asphall, Mt. Zion Christian Missionary Baptist Church, Mt. Vernon, NY; Rev. Dr. Sheldon Williams, Co-op City Baptist Church, Bronx, NY.; Rev. Dr. Carl J. Bruce, Mt. Carmel Baptist Church; Rev. Joseph Alrick, Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church, Bronx, NY; and Rev. Dr. Thomas Johnson, Canaan Baptist Church of Christ, NYC. Good Friday Fish and Chicken Fry: After Service. Fish sandwich - $8; chicken sandwich - $7; can soda and bottled water - $1 each. Sandwiches only.

The doors of Community Protestant Church are open to all to worship and fellowship with Christian believers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You are cordially invited to come in, join in and receive your blessing.

—Evan G. Mitchell

“Aim at heaven and you get earth ‘thrown in’: aim at earth and you will get neither.” –C. S. Lewis Luke 23:43 Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.

Christ here demonstrates the divine doctrine of salvation – the man could do nothing to be saved, except call on Jesus – All who call on his name will be saved.

Christ provides heaven – no opportunity for baptism, to memorize scripture, to prove devotion to God. No opportunity to evangelize, to do good works, to pay tithes. His salvation was dependent on Jesus – as is ours.

John 19:26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” 27 and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

Christ provides earth – Even while dying Jesus is not negligent of his duties as first-born son. He leaves his mother in safe hands. He calls her woman, not mother, not out of any disrespect to her, but because mother would have been a cutting word to her who was already wounded to the heart with grief. (–Matthew Henry) Christ as a dutiful son calls on his disciple to care for his mother. He does not call on any of his brothers but on someone that he mentored and taught – Christ does not leave orphaned parents.

Mark 15:34 My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?

Christ must suffer to provide both – Jesus gives Paradise to the repentant thief and an earthly home to his mother, yet he had no one to comfort him in his death. Christ – the man of sorrows – forsaken of God Family Owned and Operated – had to suffer to deliver salvation and to teach men to love beyond themselves.

• Large Chapel • Pre-need counseling on premises He was betrayed by Judas, abandoned by his disciples, put on trial, flogged, ridiculed, mocked, humil• Out of town services • Ample Parking iated, embarrassed, his clothes taken, a crown of on premises A dignified funeral every family can afford. thorns placed upon his head, and his hands and feet • Cremations nailed to a cross. Many had gathered to watch, jeer, • Casket Showroom All areas are handicapped accessible on premises sneer, and mock. Others watched with horror as the one who had healed them, taught them, who had Personalized & Professional Care • 53 Years Serving Our Community laughed with them, the one who had fed them, the one who had miraculous powers to cast out demons, heal Worldwide Shipping including Caribbean, Africa & South America the sick, and calm the storms was taken from them. They were powerless to do anything.

As Jesus neared death on the cross, God caused the world to be cast in darkness, perhaps as the shadow of God’s grief, as his only Son died. And as the world looked up and asked, “Where is the sun?” God responded, “Look up at the cross… “Where is my Son?” Serving all Call –Lisa Toney cultures 24 Sunday services are at 11 a.m. in Bartow ComNOW WEBCASTING TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS ABROAD munity Center, room 28. & faiths Hours Open Door Ministries’ Therapeutic Mentoring Program offers free Counseling. Contact Pastor Luis by www.mccalls.net • director@mccalls.net text 917-334-4407 or email opendoorministries.net.

4035 Bronxwood Avenue, Bronx, N.Y. Blessings in Christ, —Pastor Luis Ramos

718-231-7647 Fax: 718-231-7665

28

Co-op City Times / April 13, 2019

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: Cancelled until further notice 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.

• Join us on Good Friday, April 19, at 7 p.m. to hear the seven last words of Jesus.

• On April 21, Easter Sunday, we will have a 6:00 a.m. sunrise service and an 11:00 a.m. service.

• 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 1719, 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) 671-8746 or (203) 374-3020. Mailing address: P.O. Box 753037, Bronx, NY 10475.

Visit our Facebook page: Church of the New Vision concerning upcoming events and trips, email us at info.churchnewvisionbx@gmail.com or call the church office.

—Sis. Carol Haque

Church of New Vision

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 4th Sunday, our children participate in the reading of the lessons and every 5th Sunday, our young adults assist in the service. We look forward to welcoming you to church tomorrow, Sunday, April 14, at 9:00 a.m. when we will celebrate Palm Sunday: The Liturgy of the Palms. 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 9:00a.m.

Ladies, remember your hats.

Upcoming Fundraising Events • 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 May18 and winners need not be present.

• Saturday, June 29: Bus trip to Pindar Vineyards, the largest in Long Island.

Trip includes wine tasting, sit-down luncheon at J&R Steakhouse, and shopping at the Tanger Outlets with discount coupon booklets.

• Stay tuned for other events.

General Information Last Saturday, our bus trip to the Museum went very well. Many thanks to everyone who supported this event. 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 of the above, please call the church at 718320-0844, 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

Newsong Church Sacred Moments – 2 “The Widow’s Two Mites”

In the gospels, we get a clear picture of what Jesus’ last week on earth looked like. We get to listen in on his conversations, his teachings, and see his miracles.

As he was headed for the cross, we can learn from these “sacred moments” that are recorded for us.

21 As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury.

2 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3 “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4 All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” –Luke 21:1-4 (NIV) What a crazy statement that Jesus makes! How could those two small coins (worth about 1/64 of a day’s wage in that time) be more valuable than all the money that was collected that day?

We learn that God doesn’t measure our gifts according to the portion but according to the proportion! Here’s two things to take away…

The widow gave out of her livelihood Jesus saw that everyone else was giving out of their wealth; it was chump change for them, but this woman was giving out of her poverty! God sees our heart when we give, he wants us to have a pure motive behind our giving.

The Widow’s giving was sacrificial Giving should cost us something. We should feel it. Our giving should be centered in the idea that God’s got us and will provide for our every need! King David understood this when he insisted on paying for the supplies he needed to worship God (2 Samuel 24:24). Sacrificial giving gets God’s attention!

What can we learn from today’s sacred moment?

There were two kinds of givers that Jesus observed, those giving out of their wealth, and the widow giving out of her poverty. None of the offerings were worthless, but only one was worth more! Perhaps Jesus expects all his followers to be generous in their giving, understanding that God has blessed us to be a blessing, and the Lord loves a cheerful giver!

Join us this Sunday! Newsong Church is located at 135 Einstein Loop in room 45. Discounted parking is available in parking garage 8. While you’re enjoying our worship experience, your children will be enjoying “Kidsong.” At Kidsong, children from nursery to 6th grade will learn about Jesus in fun interactive ways!

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

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

—Pastor Mike Tolone

29

Co-op City Times / April 13, 2019

Circle of Christ Church Psalm 122:1 I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”

Psalm 122:1 Yo me alegré con los que me decían, “a la casa de Jehova iremos.”

If you are looking for a place of worship in the local area that is aimed at teaching the transforming word of God, Circle of Christ Church invites you to fellowship with us. We are a non-denominational, multicultural, and loving church that accepts you just the way you are. Our senior pastor, Elisamuel Colón, and the body of Christ are committed to love people into a life changing-liberating relationship with God. We are located at 147 Dreiser Loop, patio level (located in the Dreiser Community Center).

Our Sunday services are in Spanish and English.

We have an anointed worship team and dance ministry that minister regularly. The English service has Bible-centered children’s church and a nursery program where children are ministered to from the cradle to 12 years of age. We have ministries for all ages.

Please see our schedule below and follow us on Facebook and our website, circleofchristchurch.com.

Nuestros servicios dominicales son en español e inglés. Tenemos un equipo de adoración ungido y un ministerio de danza que ministran regularmente. El servicio de inglés tiene una iglesia infantil centrada en la biblia y un programa de guardería dónde se atiende a los niños desde la cuna hasta los 12 años de edad. Tenemos ministerios para todas las edades.

Consulte nuestro programa a continuación y síganos en Facebook y en nuestro sitio web circleofchristchurch.com. distribuimos alimentos y ofrecemos asesoramiento familiar según las necesidades.

Si está interesado, contáctenos al (347) 945-1992.

Circle of Christ Church responds to Isaiah 68:10 says: Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. We have a food pantry that serves the community and we offer family counseling based on need. If you are interested, please contact us at (347) 945-1992.

English Services Tuesday: Prayer, 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Wednesday: 7 to 9 p.m., Prayer/Bible Study Thursday: Prayer/Bible Study, 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Friday: 7:00-8:30 p.m.; Operation Grace Youth Service, 7:00 p.m.

Sunday Service: 11:00 a.m.

Servicios en Español Domingo: Culto de Adoración de 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Jueves Oración y Estudio Bíblico de 12–2 p.m.

Special Event Women’s Fellowship, Saturday, March 13.

—Nancy Rodriguez

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 coopcity evangelicalumc@gmail.com.

Health Education Workshop: On 4/23 from 23:30 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 $35.00 addt’l. chair, $5.00.

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 per person based on double occupancy; add $179 for single occupancy. $75.00 due upon sign up and final payment due by 6/2. Contact: Linda Bannerman-Martin, (917) 684-6463.

Blessings. —Marilyn Mendez-Gonzalez

Co-op City Pentecostal Tabernacle

We invite everyone to attend worship service at 100 Co-op City Blvd., Building 22A (main lobby), Bronx, N.Y. 10475.

Sundays: Sunday School for all age groups begins at 10:30 a.m. Midday Worship Service starts at 11:45 a.m.

Wednesday: Prayer and fasting service every Wednesday morning at 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Bible study and prayer meeting will also be held Wednesday evening starting at 7:30 p.m.

Friday: Youth service will be held every Friday evening starting at 7:30 p.m.

Focus: Grace is divine power that causes the heart to rejoice and reflects in the lives of those who find favor with God. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus and great grace was upon them all. (Acts 4:33) The promises of God are given by His grace.

Peter explained that the outcome of God’s grace

working in our lives is the giving of “great and precious promises.”

Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (II Peter 1:1-4) At a glance, we may credit these promises to God’s power, but a closer examination of scripture reveals that all scriptural promises are ultimately the result of God’s grace. Apart from His grace, we would not receive any promises from God. It should not be a strange thing for one who has experienced the grace of God to ask for more. Although there are several means of obtaining more grace one way is through seeking a greater knowledge of Jesus Christ from the study of his word.

Grace allowed us to enjoy God’s unmerited favor, gave us a gift that we did not deserve.

This is the true love of God that supersedes the love of human as John 3; 16 stated: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. His love towards us is so strong that He was willing to give up his life for us.

1st Corinthians 13:4 speaks of charity suffers long, and is kind, charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, it not puffed up. It is very important that we try to love one another just as God loves us, love is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil. 1st John 4:8 states: He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

For further information, call: 718-324-0334, 718320-4218, or 646-345-6707.

—Rev. R. Sibblies

Fri., April 19 Thu., April 18

Wed., April 17

Tues., April 16

Mon., April 15

30

Co-op City Times / April 13, 2019

Bartow

Einstein

Dreiser

MENU

Room 31 unless otherwise noted

Room 49 unless otherwise noted

Room 7 unless otherwise noted

Alternate Kosher Meals are also available

Word Games 9:30 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 Around The Lunch Table 11:30 a.m.

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

Bingo 1-3 p.m., rm. 35 Diabetes Support Group 2nd Monday, 1 p.m.

Computer Class for Beg, Int. & Adv. 9:30 a.m.

NO ACTIVITIES IN DREISER TODAY

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session Word Games 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Dominoes 10 a.m., rm. 45

Walking Club 10:30 a.m.

Health & Wellness Support Caregiver Support Group 1:00 p.m., Group 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

1st & 3rd Tues.

Karaoke by Steven 1 p.m., rm. 45 Card Games 2-4 p.m.

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

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

Stay Well Exercise 10 – 11 a.m.

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

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

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

Dominoes 2:30 p.m.

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

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

Crochet & Knitting 10 - 11 a.m.

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

Bartow Main Office Dancercise w/Damion 1-2 p.m., JASA main office Card Games 2-4 p.m.

Men’s Line Dancing 9 a.m.-10 a.m.

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

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

Chat Session 10 a.m.

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

Card Games 2-4 p.m.

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

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

Spanish Practice Class 10:30 a.m., in the Computer Lab Zumba 11 a.m. -12 p.m., rm. 4 (New) Arts w/Becky 10 a.m.-12 p.m., rm. 49 Dominoes 10 a.m., rm. 45 Grandparent Connection 1st Thurs., rm. 35, 10:30 a.m.

Arthritis Exercise 11 a.m., rm. 45 Spelling Bee 11 a.m.

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

Karaoke by Steven 1 p.m., rm. 45 (New) Arts w/Becky 10 a.m.-12 p.m., rm. 49 Dominoes 10 a.m., rm. 45 Art 10 a.m., rm. 45 Bingo 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

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

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. 26 – (April 19 is cancelled), 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.

Swimming is back! St. Mary’s Pool – $3; Mon., Apr. 22. Pool aerobics for seniors, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

Bartow, 8:30 a.m.; Einstein, 8:45 a.m; Dreiser, 9 a.m.

There is a $25 yearly fee to use the facility, which can be paid at the pool by check, money order or credit/debit card.

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 and learn about such things as frustration,

9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Alert & Alive 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Cultural Dance 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Aud. B

Computer Class 11 a.m.–12 p.m.

Mind Teasers 12-1 p.m., rm. 4 Zumba 1-2 p.m., Aud. A Matinee 1 p.m., rm. 7 Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

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

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

Yoga 2 p.m.-3 p.m., rm. 2 Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

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

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

Kosher

Non-Kosher

Orange pineapple juice Turkey drumsticks Green beans Mashed sweet potatoes Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit Alt: Egg salad

Homemade roast pork Spanish style Yellow rice Stir fry kale & broccoli

Orange juice Garlic chicken meatballs, Pasta Winter blend vegetables Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit Alt: Salmon salad

Teriyaki chicken thighs Chinese style spaghetti Oriental blend

Orange Pineapple juice Beef Moussaka Garden salad Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit Alt: Tuna salad

Baked whiting fish fillets Baked red potato wedges Sautéed spinach

Orange juice Tilapia fish Francaise Jerk chicken Rice a roni Rice & beans Israeli salad Cabbage w/shredded Fruit cocktail carrots Whole wheat bread Alt: Chicken salad

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

Apple juice Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session Honey apricot glazed 9:30-10 a.m., 11 a.m.-12 p.m. chicken, Kasha Meditative Moments 11 a.m.–12 p.m., rm. 8 Varnishkes, Broccoli Pokeno 3rd Fri., 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Soufflé, Challah Bingo 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. bread, Fresh fruit YOGA w/Peggy Hill 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., Alt: Gefilte fish rm. 2

Tuna fish salad Pasta salad Cucumber salad

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

fatigue, pain, isolation, poor sleeping and living with uncertainty. Free 6-week workshop every Wed. starting Apr. 3 through May 8, 1-3 p.m., 177 Dreiser Loop, rm. 4. For additional information and to register, please call 718-320-1345.

Annual Health & Wellness Fair – Wed., May 15, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Einstein Senior Center, 135 Einstein Loop, rm. 45. Music, raffles, blood pressure screenings, entertainment, health tips, etc. Pick-ups: Bartow, 9:15 a.m.; Dreiser, 9:30 a.m. For lunch, please contact Bartow, 718-320-2066; Dreiser, 718320-1345 or Einstein, 718-671-2090. All three senior centers will be closed, no activities.

Free Healthy Heart Workshop – Every Tues. starting Apr. 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.; Dreiser, 10 a.m.

Free Theater! – Featured Movie “The Tempest,” Tues., Apr. 16; 2 p.m., 135 Einstein Loop, rm. 45.

Pick-ups, one-way: Bartow, 1:15 p.m.; Dreiser, 1:30 p.m. There will not be any return drop-offs.

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

Upcoming Events/Trips

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

JASA is closed Fri., April 26 for Passover Day 7.

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. Pickup: Bartow, 10:15 a.m.; Dreiser Loop, 10:30 a.m.

Villa Roma Senior Day BBQ, 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. Pickups: 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.

Spirit of New York White Party – Tues., July 9; $115.00. Pick-ups: Bartow, 8:45 a.m.; Dreiser, 9 a.m.; Einstein, 9:15 a.m. Deluxe coach bus. Enjoy a fabulous white party event on the Spirit of NY w/allyou-can-eat lunch buffet, music, dancing, DJ & & 2½ hour cruise. 52 seats available. No refunds. Payments due no later than Fri., June 14.

31

Co-op City Times / April 13, 2019 Indoor Picnic – Saturday, April 27. Members only. Time: 1 p.m. in Einstein Community Center, 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.; Dreiser at 8:50 a.m. Payment due on April 17.

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.; Dreiser at 8:20 a.m.

Second bus was ordered, seats still available.

Bingo – Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

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

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

Refreshments available.

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

To all members: Happy Birthday to all members who celebrate their day in the month of 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

Building 24 Association

The chair of the Audit Committee was the guest speaker at our last meeting on March 21. Co-op City had been operating without an Auditor for many years until the current Board brought the office back.

We now audit the management of the 27 departments to ensure they operate efficiently putting us in a better position; managing a budget of over $250 million which includes operating and capital reserves. The audit committee chair also serves on the Disability and Accommodations Committee which provides support services for shareholders with disabilities.

Anyone who has noticed that many of our laundry room washing machines have been out of order lately will be happy to learn that a new contract with the company we get our machines from is being negotiated and we should be getting new washing machines once that is done.

I have also learned that HCR, the agency that reviews all of our transactions, has approved a 1-year pilot program for downsize apartment transfers. One out of every four available apartments will be allowed for shareholders who want to move to a smaller apartment. If the program proves cost-effective for Co-op City, the plan will be extended. This is great for any seniors who, for example, no longer want the large apartment they originally needed. They could transfer to a smaller unit with a lower carrying charge and free the larger apartment for Riverbay to offer to new shareholders who need more room. They wouldn’t have to pay the equity for the new apartment. The program will begin in June.

Our annual election period for Board directors is underway. Shareholders have turned in their qualifying petitions and are awaiting certification. I encourage all shareholders to read the candidates’ articles which will appear in the CC Times beginning April 27, and attend a Candidates’ Forum to hear and see and question the shareholders who want to represent them and, of course, participate in the voting which runs from May 8 to May 22.

Now that Spring has sprung, I hope everyone will get out more and enjoy the fine weather. If you can’t make our meetings, you can still use our email address, building24association@gmail.com, to communicate any concerns you may have. We’ll read and reply to all of them.

Our next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 24.

—Bruce Silberman

AARP Chapter #4997

FYI: Welcome back to the Panama Canal travelers…

Get Well Wishes to Gladys S. Williams.

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, 5 breakfasts, 5 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; two breakfasts, one lunch and two dinners; $539/person, double; $708, single ($50 deposit due immediately). Contact Hannah, 718-379-7962, 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

Scheduling Activities Calendar

32

Co-op City Times / April 13, 2019

Cohen’s Gentle Dental 100 Alcott Place 718-585-4400 Bronx, NY 10475 COME IN AND EXPERIENCE NATURAL TOOTH RESTORATION & VENEERS

$100

PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE. WE SPEAK ENGLISH AND SPANISH.

Additional Locations:

New Patient Special!

Check-up • X Rays • Cleaning

Expires 5/2019

SAME DAY DENTURES REGULARLY $1500

NOW

$1200

Expires 5/2019

SINGLE IMPLANT STARTING AT

$999

Expires 5/2019

2169 White Plains Road, Bronx, NY 10462 718-597-6314

We Accept All Major Insurances Including All Unions and Healthfirst, Affinity, Fidelis, Medicaid.

1 East Fordham Road, Bronx, NY 10468 718-365-0990

DENTAL CROWNS

$699

WITH THIS AD COHEN’S GENTLE DENTAL WHY PAY $999 ELSEWHERE? No More Slipping, Sliding, Dentures That Don’t Fit!

VALPLAST FLEXIBLE PARTIALS REGULARLY $1800

NOW

$1500

Expires 5/2019

183 West 231 Street, Bronx, NY 10463 718-543-1123

2 IMPLANTS OVERDENTURE

LOWER $6000

427 Fort Washington Ave., Suite 1C, NY, NY 10033 212-923-7644

33

Co-op City Times / April 13, 2019

Church of God’s Children

Family of God Church

Church of God’s Children is located at 127 Dreiser Loop, patio level, to the From Hosanna to crucify him, is part of the story of Holy Week! It is a right of Montefiore Clinic. We invite you with open arms to visit our church, we message that I often heard on Palm Sunday while growing up in the church.

The same ones that praise you one minute can be the very ones to turn on you hope that you can join with us in worship and God’s word. For prayer request, in the next minute! In this age of social media, so many of us crave likes, views call 718-790-9120. and followers! The attention we get on Instagram or Facebook can be Bronx Clergy Task Force – Boro President’s Office of Faith-Based Initiatives, intoxicating, and sadly, some of us desire to live lives where this kind interest Bronx Week in Co-op City. Peace & Health Interfaith Afternoon: Friday, May 17, at 135 Einstein Loop, rm. 45, 4 p.m.-8 p.m. For tabling, call 718-790-9120 or follows us in every moment. email, bxctf@aol.com. Full cardiology testing, youth speakers, plus many other Often in our relationship lives, we seek fans rather than true friends. Many of us do not realize that fans are frequently temporary. They are usually here health and community organizations. one day, but gone tomorrow. They are quick to desert us as soon as we are not Holy Week – April 15-18, Prayer, 6:30 p.m. what they hoped or thought we would be.

April 18 – Special Holy Thursday Communion Fellowship, 6:30 p.m.

In the late 1980s, one of my favorite music groups was the rap group Public Good Friday – Watchnight Vigil, 9:00 p.m. – 7 Expressions of Jesus at the Cross of Calvary Enemy. Chuck D, Flavor Flav, and the boys had a song that I loved called, Easter Resurrection Service, Sunday, April 21 – One Worship Service at 10:30 “Don’t Believe the Hype!” There are times in this life when we need to remember this song! Some people will act as narcissists tend to act. They will build you a.m., bi-lingual. in one instance and tear you down in the next! Stay sober! Remain levelPalm Sunday is the Sunday before Easter that begins Holy Week. It is the day headed! Don’t believe the hype! Pray for friendship and not the attention of that we remember and celebrate the day Jesus entered into Jerusalem as Savior and fans! Always remember the greatest friend you can have is Jesus! Blessings king. As Jesus rode a donkey into the town of Jerusalem, a large crowd gathered and Happy Palm Sunday! and laid palm branches and their cloaks across the road, giving Jesus royal treatment.

Join Family of God (F.O.G.) Church for Easter Sunday worship at Bartow The hundreds of people shouted, “Hosanna, to the son of David! Blessed is he who Community Center, 2049 Bartow Ave., room 31! Worship starts at noon! Bring comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” Matthew 21:4 family and friends along with you! Dress according to your comfort! We are a tells us: “This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying, ‘Say to welcoming and nontraditional congregation! the daughter of Zion, Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted Also join us for our Launch Party and Official Church Opening, Sunday, on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden’.” The prophecy is cited from Zechariah 9:9 and Isaiah 62:11. Jesus had become somewhat of a celebrity May 5, Dreiser Community Center, rm. 4. Worship will begin at 12:15 p.m. with fellowship time starting at 11:45 a.m. (pastries will be served). A free Soul among people who had heard of the miraculous raising of Lazarus from the dead Food Cafe will follow our service! Everyone is invited! and they wanted to see him and treat him like a king, but Jesus wasn’t arriving to —Pastor DeQuincy M. Hentz be their king because of Lazarus; the story of Lazarus would have had the religious leaders in even more of an uproar and determined to put an end to his life, which he knew. Jesus’ glory would be greater than that of a local king.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Monday: Bible Study & Prayer, 9:30 a.m.

We welcome your letters to the editor, however, if you would like your letter to be Tuesday: Bible Study, 6:30 p.m. at Fellowship Hall, 159 Dreiser Loop. considered for publication, it must be signed, and include your address and telephone Wednesday: Prayer in Sanctuary at 6:30 p.m., and 12-step fellowship at 159 number – which will be kept confidential – so the authenticity of the writer can be Dreiser Loop at 7 p.m. verified. The Co-op City Times does not print anonymous or unsigned letters.

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

Goodwill Ministry & Book Shop – Tues.-Fri., 12-5 p.m., 163 Dreiser Loop.

—Bishop Nancy Rosario

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

—Evangelist Vernon Little

It’s Graduation Time!

Shareholders, if you have a graduate, soon to be graduate or a student who excelled this past school year, let us know so their accomplishments can be shared with your neighbors. Send your submissions to cctimes@riverbaycorp.com or call us at 718-320-3300, x3375/6.

34

Co-op City Times / April 13, 2019

Public Safety

(Cont’d from page 7)

places you at risk as the number on the rear of the card can be retained and used for online purchases. Carefully check your credit card statements to insure there are no unauthorized charges. If something about a merchant does not seem right, utilize a different form of payment. In most cases, credit card companies do not hold you accountable for unauthorized charges. Debit cards do not always carry the same level of protection. AARP also offers informative information about fraud protection at www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/.

The information is geared for persons 50 or older, but all ages can benefit from the information provided.

There is also a quiz to see how knowledgeable you are in fraud prevention. You can even sign up for fraud alert newsletters.

Monitor your credit reports with all three credit bureaus at least once per year. Free credit reports are available at www.AnnualCreditReport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228. Place a “fraud alert” if identity theft is suspected, Equifax, 1-800-525-6285; Experian, 1-888-397-3742, and Trans Union, 1-800-680-7289.

Also report any suspected identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission online at www.ftc.gov/ idtheft.com; by phone, 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877438-4338); or by mail at Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580. Reporting identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission helps law enforcement officials across the country in their investigations.

Take steps to protect your identity and be a smart consumer. Call the authorities immediately if you suspect you may have become the victim of identity theft. 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.

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

Co-op City strives to accommodate all persons.

April is National Autism Awareness Month, as well as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. 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.

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).

35

Co-op City Times / April 13, 2019

CLASSIFIEDS SPACE FOR RENT

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

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

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

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

HANDYMAN

718-320-3300 x3384 • cctimes@riverbaycorp.com CLEANING SERVICES

A BEE R.A.G. SERVICE, INC.

718-798-4259

Cleaning and Carpet Cleaning Services.

Call Us! 7/26 4/13

HOME IMPROVEMENT

FOR SALE

1-800-479-2667 CO-OP SALES - JASON LASH

EX Light Cruiser III Drive Medical Wheel Chair Electric.

Brand New. $2000 FIRM 929-237-0460 718-320-0947

• ALL HANDYMAN SERVICES • VERTICAL & MINI BLINDS • SINK VANITIES • SPACE SAVERS • MATCHING HAMPERS • BATHTUB ENCLOSURES • CLIP-ON MIRROR FRAMES

Breathe Easy

4/13

RECORDS WANTED

4/27

Call Joe 917-952-4408

5/25

SPOONER

DOMESTIC SERVICE

• Basic Cleaning $90 • Deep Cleaning $130 • Non-Medical Senior Care $80 • 4 Hour Min. + 8.78% tax • Bonded • 7 Days • Cash, Pay-Pal www.spoonercleaning.com 6/22 (718) 320-5112

Advertise in the Co-op City Times!

Call for rates!

Ads starting at $8/week!

718-320-3300 x3384

DON’T PAY MORE AT YOUR LOCAL HARDWARE STORE!

COMPUTER CONSULTANT, SALES & REPAIR

LOCKSMITH

FAMILY LOCKSMITH AND BLINDS 20% Off Any Lock Job!

Medeco • MultiLock • Wilson High Quality Labor, Low Price!

NEW STYLE BLINDS

All Colors • Vertical • Minis • Woods • 2 in. Regulars • Wash, Tape, Cord Blinds

EMERGENCY SERVICE

L&L APPLIANCE REPAIR

FREE VALANCE & INSTALLATION

Present This Coupon (except vacuums/lamps)

Re-installation of any types of Blinds.

STOVES • WASHERS • REFRIGERATORS • VACUUM CLEANERS and more. LIMIT — One Coupon Per Person.

Repair Closet Doors and Sell New Bi-Fold Doors!

Serving Co-op City for over 25 years.

10/26

“When you see me, You’ll know me.”

Call Anytime • Seven Days A Week

EMERGENCY SERVICE

Call Mike at: 718-974-1290

L & L APPLIANCE REPAIR

PAINTING

• ALL MAKES & MODELS • Stoves • Washers • Dryers •Lamps • Dishwashers • Refrigerators • Bags • Hoses • Belts • Vacuum Cleaners

4/20

Family Owned & Operated Since 1954 NYC License #1233497 10% DISCOUNT

Fully Insured

(except vacuums)

718.792.2655

2951 Middletown Road, Bronx, NY 10461 (Near Pelham Bay Station)

CAR SERVICE

Executive Exotic Limo

•Proms •Sports Events •Weddings •Funerals •Tours •Sweet 16 •Special Occasions •Airports •Casinos Office: 212-531-3792 Mobile: 917-560-6838 Toll Free: 855-369-9936 ExecutiveExoticLimo.com ExecutiveSecurityProtection.com

4/27

HIGH SECURITY LOCKS

APPLIANCE REPAIR

718.792.2655

CO-OP SALES BLINDS!

Licensed and Bonded

SERVICES - SERVICES - SERVICES

Fully Insured • NYC License #1233497

Co-op City Resident Specials

Elim in Bugsate

www.co-opsales.info

Will Pay Top $$ for JAZZ, JAZZ, JAZZ, Rock & Roll, Soul Music, Latin, 50s, 60s, & 70s.

LP, 78 or 45.

OFF

Grout & Carpet Cleaning

Vertical, Mini, Wood, Pleats

Old Records Wanted.

$20

• RANGE HOODS We BEAT • LIGHT FIXTURES Any • KITCHEN CABINETS • CABINET REFACING Quote!

• COUNTERTOPS • CUSTOM CLOSET MIRROR DOORS • CUSTOM WALL MIRRORS

10/26

Casino Specials Atlantic City, NJ Foxwoods, CT Empire, Yonkers Resorts, Queens

6/8

JB R YAN C OMPUT ER R EPAIR & U PGRADE 8/24 Repair - Upgrade - Trouble-shooting - Data Recovery Virus Removal - Laptop Overheat - Cracked Screen Broken Power Jack. Call James 646-281-4475 • 718-324-4332

DECORATOR 4/13

4/27

4/27

36

Co-op City Times / April 13, 2019

BEST

BEST !

PRICES

QUALI T

Y!

1-800-479-2667 • www.co-opsales.info

Spring Sale Event!

KITCHENS $2500 Solid Oak, Shaker White or Figured Cherry With Choice of Countertop Including Stainless Steel Sink and Gooseneck Faucet w/Spray

$100 SAVINGS or FREE Rangehood With Purchase of Any New Kitchen or Closet Door Sets!

Co-op Sales 1-800-479-2667 Limited Time Offer

WE ALSO OFFER: • SHOWER DOORS

• APPLIANCES

• TUB ENCLOSURES

• LIGHT FIXTURES

• VANITIES/SINKS

• CARPET CLEANING

• WALL MIRRORS

• FLOORING (TILES, LAMINATE, WOOD)

• CABINET REFACING • MEDICINE CABINETS • RANGE HOODS • PAINTING • BLINDS

Waterproof Laminate Flooring AT THE LOWEST PRICES!

Short Closet Doors?

Get your full height closet doors back!

You don’t have to overpay for elegance!

— We Beat ALL Competitor Pricing! — JasonLash@Co-opSales.com • Se Habla Español Licensed & Insured #1188270, NYC Better Business Bureau, NYC Dept. of Consumer Affairs