Co-op City Times 04/15/17 by Co-op City Times

Vol. 52 No. 15

Saturday, April 15, 2017

Safety inspection program underway throughout all of Co-op City

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Seven Candidates Officially Certified To Run In 2017 Riverbay Board Election BY ROZAAN BOONE

BY JIM ROBERTS

There’s one sure fire way to deal with accidents in the workplace – prevent the majority of them from ever happening. Besides injuring people, workplace accidents cost companies like Riverbay lots of money in higher insurance Anthony Barzellato (second, rates, workers com- Riverbay Safety Director left) conducts an inspection in the Bartow Center on pensation premium April 13 as part of the program of safety checks hikes, and lost hours throughout Co-op City. Photo by Jim Roberts of work from employees. The accidents that never occur are the valuable result of eliminating unsafe conditions. Riverbay Safety Director Anthony Barzelatto is now conducting the first stages of his initial inspection program that will include all the shopping areas, offices, residential buildings and other facilities throughout Co-op City. He’s finding many issues to correct, and numerous opportunities to eliminate unsafe conditions that breed accidents at work and in common (Continued on page 2)

NYPD Seeking Armed Robbers Of Mall At Bay Plaza Electronics Store The NYPD is seeking the community’s help in finding the two men responsible for the armed robbery of a Sprint store in the Mall at Bay Plaza at approximately 8 p.m. Sunday evening. T h e N Y P D ’s Public Information Office said that last Sunday, the two men entered the Sprint store within the Mall, displayed a gun and ordered three employees – two women and a man – to the rear of the store where they forced the employees to open a safe that contained electronics. They removed from the safe more than 280 electronic items including iPhones, iPads and Smart watches. The robbers then tied up the three employees and fled the store. In the days following the robbery, the NYPD released images of the suspects taken from mall surveillance cameras. (See above) The first suspect is described by NYPD as a dark-skinned male, approximately 35 years old, 5'10", medium build; he was last seen wearing a gray sweat suit. The second suspect is described by NYPD as a male, Hispanic, 25 to 30 years old, 5'9", thin build, with black sunglasses; he was last seen wearing a black baseball cap, a blue jacket, a black shirt, black sneakers and black pants. Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime stoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.

At the Candidates’ Meeting on Tuesday night, April 11, the 2017 Election Committee officially certified all seven of the candidates who turned in their qualifying petitions to compete in the 2017 Riverbay Board of Directors election. After the candidates submitted their qualifying petitions on Monday, April 3, the end of the petition period, the validity of the signatures on the petitions were checked. The Election Committee also worked with the Riverbay Finance Department to verify that none of the potential candidates were indebted to the Riverbay Corporation. The seven candidates who were certified, in the order that their names will appear on the ballot for the 2017 Riverbay Board of Directors election scheduled for Wednesday, May 24, are Marie Smith, Linda Berk, Daryl Johnson, Leah Richardson, Aminah Lucio, Jerome L. Rice and Kevin Lambright. The official candidates include four of the Board’s five incumbent directors whose terms are up this year — Directors Berk, Johnson, Lambright and Smith. At Tuesday’s Candidates Meeting, the qualified candidates received their instructions for running their campaigns according to the Riverbay election rules from Riverbay’s General Counsel Jeffrey Buss and the 2017 Riverbay Board Election Committee. The candidates also received the Co-op City Times guidelines and deadlines for the submission of their candidates’ statements and ads which must first be reviewed by the election committee and their attorney before publication in the three election supplements to be published in the April 29th, May 6th and May 20th issues of the Co-op City Times. During the meeting, the names of the seven candidates were randomly drawn to determine not only the order in which they will appear on the ballot, but also the order in which their candidate’s statement outlining their qualifications for the position of Riverbay Board Director and their views on issues facing the community, as well as a free ¼ page ad, (Continued on page 2)

Pizza with a Cop As a spin-off to the Public Safety Department’s highly successful “Coffee with a Cop” initiative, the department, with the event’s co-sponsor, the Building 9 Association, held its first ever Pizza with a Cop program giving young people up to 16years-old and their parents the chance to meet with officers over a slice of hot pizza. Over 30 young people came to the event in the Building 9 Association meeting room Thursday afternoon. Chief Apollo called the event “very successful” and said he hopes to hold similar events in other buildings in the future. “Most of these young people are the future shareholders of the community, just as I was once a future shareholder when I was growing up here. I appreciated then that the officers took the time to talk to my friends and I. That meant a lot to me so we are trying now to do the same thing with the young people of today, to make them comfortable interacting with our officers.” Linda Collins, president of the Building 9 Association, said: “There were coloring books and crayons for the youngest, child ID kits with corresponding information sheets on what to do if your child is missing and multiple handouts covering various safety tips and contacts. The smiles and laughter and long conversations made it clear that our children now have a positive experience and outcome with which to refer all future contacts with law enforcement.” Capri Pizza in the Dreiser Shopping Center provided the pizza. Pictured above (L-R) are Detective Damita Johnson, Chief Apollo and Sergeant Collette Mills who helped coordinate the afternoon’s activities. Photo by Linda Collins

Co-op City Times / April 15, 2017

Candidates

(Continued from page 1)

will appear in the first election supplement published in the Co-op City Times on Saturday, April 29. In the two remaining election supplements, published on Saturday, May 6th and May 20th, respectively, the order of statements and ads will be rotated to give each candidate the chance to be among the first five published in at least one of the three editions. The random drawing took place in view of each of the candidates attending the certification meeting. With the certification process completed, the 2017 election for the Riverbay Board of Directors has begun and candidates are free to campaign. The campaign process will be monitored by the 2017 Election Committee to ensure that everyone is adhering to the Election Rules and Regulations and that the process is fair to all involved. Candidates should be mindful that campaign literature can be handed out and posted only on personal property, but not in residential buildings or in commercial establishments in Co-op City, unless the owner of that establishment is a candidate in the election, as stated in the 2017 Rules and Regulations. All literature must include the name of the sponsoring organization or individual, along with the address or post office box of those entities. In addition, if an organization issues a flyer or other campaign material, the name of the chairperson or treasurer of that organization must also be included on the flyer. According to the election rules, improperly posted campaign posters, flyers and other campaign

Safety

material may be pulled down by any resident, Riverbay employee or candidates and their supporters. These infractions should also be reported to the 2017 Election Committee, in care of the Riverbay Legal Department, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. Shareholders will be voting to fill five seats on the Riverbay Board. There will be one vote per unit by residents who are shareholders of record as of April 3, 2017. This year, 5,036 votes are needed for a quorum. In addition, there will be three official Candidates’ Forums, one to be held in each of the three community centers, beginning with the first on Monday, April 24 in room 31 of the Bartow Center at 7:30 p.m., followed by the second forum on Wednesday, April 26 in the Dreiser Auditorium B, also at 7:30 p.m. The final forum will take place on Tuesday, May 16, in room 45 of the Einstein Center at 7:30 p.m. Shareholders should make every effort to attend at least one of the Candidates’ Forums to hear directly from the official candidates and to see them in person. This year’s election will not be conducted by voting machines, but by mail-in and electronic ballots. Election-America, Riverbay’s election contractor, will mail ballots to each Co-op City household beginning on May 10. The mail-in or online voting period will begin at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, May 17. Voting will end at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, May 24. All mail-in ballots must be returned to Election-

America in the stamped, addressed envelope provided with the ballot. Under no circumstance should election ballots be returned or delivered to Riverbay Corporation. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked no later than May 24, and received by Election-America no later than May 30, 2017 to be counted. Ballots with unverifiable signatures will not be counted. Election-American will then verify and tabulate the votes, and the information will be conveyed to the 2017 Election Committee and their attorney no later than 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 31. A meeting will be held in room 31 of the Bartow Center on that day, beginning at 9 a.m., where the election committee will review and certify the initial count provided by Election-America. Each election candidate and one designated observer will be able to attend this meeting and witness the certification of votes by the election committee. Upon completion of the review and certification of votes, the results will be publicly posted by 5 p.m. on May 31 and reported on in the Saturday, June 3, 2017 issue of the Co-op City Times. In the event a quorum is not reached, the election committee may recommend that voting be extended for an additional 20 days during which time shareholders who received a ballot but did not vote will be able to cast their ballots for the candidates of their choice. The winners of the election will be sworn in to office on Thursday, June 8, and begin serving their terms.

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areas of buildings. “Last week, I began a robust safety inspection program to inspect every square inch of this complex. The entire initial inspection process covering all of Co-op City will take months,” Barzelatto said. “The objective is that once we finish the entire complex, we are going to start over again. “The first round is going to be enormous in complexity and trying to educate people and making them understand why we’re doing this, with the storeowners and our own employees,” Barzelatto said. “I want to show them myself what the violation is and why it’s important that it be fixed.”

At the end of the inspection, a form is completed that cites the violations found, the codes and standards violated, the location, and what has to be fixed. The form is disseminated to the Riverbay departments responsible for correction covering electrical, mechanical, tripping issues and flooring problems. The result will put Riverbay in compliance with the New York City Fire Code, OSHA standards and National Fire Protection Association standards. Barzelatto has been inspecting shops and offices throughout the Dreiser and Einstein centers on a spot basis already. He’s now starting the comprehensive inspection program in Bartow, aiming to

Public Safety Supports Autism Awareness

complete all three centers first and then moving on to the residential buildings. Beginning next week, his staff will be spending time inspecting sidewalks looking for chipped concrete, missing block and other tripping hazards. In the residential buildings, the Safety Department will inspect the basements to ensure there is orderly housekeeping, as well as the laundry rooms to make sure everything is neat and that there are no electrical violations. All the floors will be inspected to look for tripping hazards in the hallways and lobbies, that tiles are in good shape and that all the lighting is operational.

Spring Tennis begins April 24th The spring session of the Co-op City Tennis Program will begin on April 24th at the Co-op City Tennis Courts on Donizetti Place behind M.S. 181. The tennis instruction program, led by Co-op City’s own Lorraine Alexander, will meet from 3 to 6 p.m. each weekday on the courts. All youth between 5 and 18 years old are welcome to participate and free racquets are provided for the lessons and play. Players of all ability levels are welcome. Registration for the program is onsite only and will be ongoing throughout the spring. The program is funded by New York Junior Tennis and Learning (NYJTL) and the office of City Council Member Andy King.

Happy 13th Birthday, Alyssa

April is Autism Awareness Month. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety has added autism awareness decals to its vehicles joining police departments across the nation to promote awareness. “We are very proud to join other police agencies in our area who are recognizing the importance of autism awareness,” remarked Chief Frank Apollo. “It is our goal to recognize various months during the year that highlight certain causes such as Autism Awareness, Breast Cancer Awareness and Mental Health Awareness.”

And now it begins – the long awaited crossover. The coming years will require you to be more alert and focused. Each day will bring you new and exciting challenges that only you can respond to. Your teachers say that you stick with a task until you have completed it correctly. This is a quality that is sure to help you through your teen years. Happy birthday, Alyssa. We love you very much. —Grandpas Ted & Scotty, Grandma Dorothy, Mom, Dad, sisters Amanda & Aaliyah, Uncle Jermaine and Cousin Jermaine.

Alyssa Carter

Co-op City Times / April 15, 2017

Co-op City Times 2 n d

Front Pa ge

“Meca Tabernacle: The First Lady” Opens In Co-op City BY LAURETTA J. JAYSURA.

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

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

Next CB #10 Meeting, April. 20 The next CB #10 meeting will be held on Thursday, April 20, Villa Barone Restaurant, 3289 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461 at 7:00 p.m. For further information, please contact CB 10 at (718) 892-1161.

BVA Flea Market The Baychester Visual Arts Association (BVA) will be holding its flea market in their studio room 5 in the Dreiser Community Center on April 22, from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. Beautiful and inexpensive items will be on sale. Please stop by and support local artists. For further information, you may contact BVA at 201-862-0847 or 718-379-1049

Application Deadline April 30 for Kevin Shaw Jr. Scholarship The application deadline for the Kevin Shaw Jr. Memorial Scholarship is Sunday, April 30. Named in memory of Co-op City resident Kevin Shaw Jr. (1988-2015), the Kevin Shaw Jr. Memorial Scholarship recognizes a graduating high school senior who demonstrates exemplary leadership and academic success. Recipients will receive financial support and mentoring to help them pursue and be successful in achieving their educational goals beyond high school. Applications can be downloaded online at www.kevinshawjrfoundation.org and must be postmarked no later than April 30, 2017.

Friday, April 7 was opening night for “Meca Tabernacle: The First Lady.” Directed by Georgette Moye & Chris Swain, written by Rondeel Trevillion & Chris Swain, this gospel comedy debuted to a sell-out crowd in the Dreiser Loop Center. Ms. Moye, also the play’s “Creator,” said, “This is a dream come true. Thank you, Co-op City and the African American Association, for helping to make this possible.” Of the many classes offered by the Association, acting is one and through this venue and it's participants “The First Lady,” the play, has evolved to become a reality ready for the world to see. It’s a three-act gospel comedy with an oft familiar plot, but offering a different twist set in contemporary times with contemporary lines. It features a rousing, foot-stomping choir with a colorful and spontaneous music director played by Winston E. Synaker, backed up by the renowned band “225” and a cast of over twenty very enthusiastic and talented thespians, singers and musicians. Everyone was sure to have a good time in Meca Tabernacle starring Chris Swain as Pastor Toran Woods, Anna Anderson as the “Janitor” and Blair Tate as “The First Lady,” all spinning a tale of deceit and misbehavior by a conniving First Lady until the truth is revealed by the least suspecting cast member. The hilariously funny host, Hattie Mae Brenda Sue Bernitha Rue, played by Ms. Malinda D. Davison, kept “law and order” during intermissions as she kicked up her heels dancing while using a walker. She told that crowd

firmly to not live-stream this play because we want people to come see it.

The cast of “The First Lady” appears for a curtain call. Photo by Lauretta Jaysura

A particular scene stealer was 6 year old JaMiyeah Walker who played the pastor's daughter. Already a professional dancer, she had "eyes that could kill." There were quite a few stand-outs and the crowd was full of whistles and cheers throughout the night as they thoroughly enjoyed themselves. (Continued on page 4)

Annual Income Affidavits BY LOUIS SALEGNA, CONTROLLER The annual Income Affidavit and related instructions have been mailed to all cooperators required to file (excluded are new residents who moved into Co-op City after March 31, 2017, and those cooperators on the Section 8 Program). The due date for returning your completed Affidavit, which must be notarized, is April 30, 2017. Currently, surcharges based upon 2015 Income Affidavit forms will expire June 30, 2017. New surcharges will be imposed for the period July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018 based upon data taken from your 2016 Income Affidavit form. Please note that it is essential that every cooperator submit their 2016 Income Affidavit in a timely manner. If you filed an application for extension in lieu of a 2016 NYS Tax Return, you are still required to submit your affidavit by April 30, 2017. Please estimate your income and identify it as "Estimated Income." You must file an amended affidavit once you have filed your tax return or you will be subject to the maximum 50% surcharge. Also, please note that Riverbay must be notified in writing with a copy of the extension form. In cases where there are two shareholders of an apartment and one of the shareholders has permanently vacated the apartment, it is important that the remaining shareholder submits documentation to Riverbay Corporation as to where the vacating shareholder currently resides. Acceptable documentation could be (1) driver’s license with current address; (2) copy of the apartment lease (3) utility bill with current address. If this documentation is not submitted with the Income Affidavit, the income affidavit will be returned as incomplete and a 50% surcharge will be assessed each month until the documentation is submitted. The shareholder will be liable for all surcharges assessed, no credits will be issued for surcharges already assessed. Failure to complete and return the Income Affidavit form in a timely manner will result in the maximum surcharge of 50% of your basic carrying charges being levied on July 1 2017. You would then be required to pay the 50% surcharge

for each month through the end of the month you finally filed. In no event will credit be given for excess surcharges already assessed as a result of failure, neglect or refusal of the cooperator to file the Income Affidavit on a timely basis. The instructions mailed with the Income Affidavit form include a cover letter and worksheet which will assist the cooperator in determining whether they are subject to a carrying charge surcharge. Cooperators are advised to read the material very carefully. As required by state law, copies of Income Affidavit forms will be submitted to the state for verification of income against filed tax return. Cooperators are cautioned, therefore, to make sure that the data provided come from their NY State tax return. Riverbay staff will hold all-day sessions to assist cooperators in filling out their Income Affidavit form on Monday, April 24th and Wednesday, April 26th, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Dreiser Center, room 1; Bartow Center, room 28; and Einstein Center, room 38. Extra forms will be available at the sessions for those cooperators who do not receive their mailed copy. Notaries will also be present so cooperators can file their completed Income Affidavit form at the sessions. Cooperators who wish to have their Income Affidavit form notarized must present two (2) forms of identification, one of which must be a picture of the individual. The affidavit will not be notarized without proper identification. Completed forms must be returned to Riverbay Corporation by April 30, 2017. Special boxes have been set up in the CSO Offices at Dreiser and Einstein and the Administration Office Reception area at Bartow Avenue for this purpose. The boxes will be open during regular business hours (9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.). An additional box will be available after 5:00 p.m. during the week and all day on weekends at the Bartow Security Office. (Continued on page 4)

Co-op City Times / April 15, 2017

Co-op City Sports

Velocity Track Club New York

Velocity Track Club New York athletes enjoyed their month break! The children were excited to return to practice on Saturday, April 8th at Pelham Bay Park. During the break, they went swimming and had an opportunity to do all the other activities they miss out on during the track & field season. On Saturday, April 3, Velocity Track Club enjoyed a fun day of rock climbing. The team went to the Rock Club, New Rochelle, NY for a day of fun, laughs, and climbing. Afterwards, the children had pizza and drinks. Velocity Track Club has a full schedule—practice on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, and track meets on some weekends. Through fundraising, we will be able to rent Truman High School track on Monday and Wednesdays. Co-op City is in need of a 400 meter track that the track teams and residents can utilize.

Our first outdoor meet will be the 2017 Youth Challenge Series on April 23rd at Icahn Stadium, Randall’s Island. For complete schedule, go to Velocitytrack.org. Please come out to see your future olympians. Velocity Track Club New York is a 501(c)3 notfor-profit. One hundred percent of your donation will go to help our children. For additional information, you can go to our website, Velocitytrack.org, or contact me, Winston Dinkins, at 914-441-6196 or email me at watclt@aol.com. —Winston Dinkins VTC athletes and parents enjoying Rock Club.

Riverbay staff will hold all day sessions to assist cooperators who need assistance filling out their Income Affidavit form On Monday, April 24th and Wednesday, April 26th, Riverbay personnel will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Dreiser Center, room 1; Bartow Center, room 28; and Einstein Center, room 38, to help. Extra forms will be available at the sessions for those who did not receive their mailed copy. Notaries will also be present so cooperators can file their completed Income Affidavit form at the sessions. Cooperators who wish to have their Income Affidavit form notarized must present two (2) forms of identification, one of which must be a picture of the

New Captain Of The 45th Precinct Addresses Security Committee On March 30, the new commander of the 45th Precinct, Captain Ghonz, and two Community Affairs Officers, Hannah Rahm and John Souhrada, were invited by the chair of the Riverbay Security Committee, Director

Junius Williams, to speak at the committee meeting. A couple of the committee members inquired why Co-op City does not get NYPD coverage as is the case in the Mall at Bay Plaza. The long and short of it is the 45th Pct. has a large area to cover and we have CCPD which keeps our stats down. On another note, this is about politics, not necessarily about policing. However, regardless of the politics, I will never stop fighting for this community. If we truly want things to change in Co-op City, we have to become a strong voting bloc. I believe the NYPD couldn't and wouldn't do what our own CCPD does. We are looking forward to working with Captain Ghonz as we did with his predecessor, Deputy Inspector Raia. Above, from right to left are Officer Souhrada, Board Director Junius Williams, chair of the Security Committee; Captain Ghonz, Chief Frank Apollo of CCPD and Officer Rahm. —Junius Williams

individual. The affidavit will not be notarized without proper identification. The deadline to return your completed Income Affidavits to Riverbay Corporation, as well as the declaration page of your co-op insurance or a certified letter from your co-op insurance broker, is April 30, 2017. Failure to submit proof of your co-op insurance may result in the assessment of a $150 community complaint fine. Questions regarding your co-op insurance? Please contact the Riverbay Risk Management Department at (718) 320 3300, ext. 3388.

Gospel Fest (Continued from page 3)

If you want to laugh, as this audience did, and have a good time at Meca Tabernacle with “The First Lady,” come out again and see the work of this great cast on April 30th at 5 p.m. at the Dreiser Center in Co-op City.

Income Affadavits (Continued from page 3)

Also for your convenience, there will be personnel available at the following locations to assist and/or notarize your income affidavit form: 1. Assemblyman Michael Benedetto’s Office, Dreiser Center, room 12. 2. Congressman Elliot Engel’s Office, Dreiser Center, room 3. 3. Multi Service, 140 Carver Loop. Enclosed with the annual income affidavit packet is a letter from the Risk Management Department regarding the submission of your co-op insurance declaration page or certified letter from your insurance broker or company showing that you have the required insurance coverage on your apartment. Please note that the insurance documentation must be submitted along with your annual income affidavit by no later than April 30, 2017 to avoid the assessment of $150 Community Complaint fine. Any questions regarding the insurance documentation should be addressed to the Risk Management Department at (718) 320 3300, ext. 3388.

A full house awaits the start of the show.

Malinda D. Davison as Hostess, Hattie Mae Brenda Sue Bernitha Rue. Photos by Lauretta Jaysura

Valuable Resources At Mental Health Awareness Workshop The Co-op City Disability Committee, co-sponsored a Mental Health Awareness Workshop on Saturday, April 8, with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Eta Omega Omega Chapter and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). There were guest speakers, workshops, caregiver resources, a Poetry Slam and a presentation of “In Our Own Voice.” Photographed at left are Director Evelyn Turner, (right), with Jill from NYC NAMI, a Guest Speaker. At right is guest speaker Jenn Paez, outreach director, Thrive NYC.

Co-op City Times / April 15, 2017

Annual Wholistic Health Fair

It’s

HAPPENING in Co-op City! Sandra White spoke about Rivers Run Garden Keith Witherspoon (right) leads a group exercise Xonia and the belly dancers get audience participation

BY FRANCINE JONES

Guest gives testimony of good health

I would like to thank cooperators for participating in various events in the community. Gospel Concert First, I enjoyed the amazing singers and dancer at the April 1st Gospel Concert sponsored by Bronx Borough President. The snack pack was appreciated, but something with less salt and sugar would be preferable. 2017 Leadership Award I proudly presented guest speaker, Tamika D. Mallory with the 2017 Leadership Award at the African-American Association’s meeting on April 4th. Thanks to Iris Steele, Ebony Rae Lambright and Lauretta Jaysura for their assistance. Wholistic Health & Wellness Fair “You Can’t Improve on God” was shown at the Wholistic Health & Wellness Fair last Saturday, which discussed why you have medical treatment choices; why what you put in your mouth determines whether you’re sick or well; and why anyone can carry out this natural, inexpensive plan at home. Participating vendors included: Deanna and Ramm Felix

Photos by Francine Jones and Sandra Mitchell

of My Life Spring Rejuvenation Center; Sandra White from Rivers Run Community GarDeanna & Ramm Felix den; Abena Anum of Bronx exhibit their products Holistic Healing; and Holistic Healer Nailah Beraki. A big part of health and wellness is exercise and thanks to exercise and salsa instructor Keith Witherspoon and belly dance instructor Xonia Wilson, for demonstrating and inspiring attendees to get involved with exercise and dance. Congratulations to winners of one of the nine prizes. All enjoyed a healthy meal and freshly juiced carrot, apple and celery juice drink. Special thanks are extended to Deborah C. Nelson, Sandy Mitchell, Delores Watson and Monifa Taylor. There were testimonials whose basic message was to “take charge of your health,” and refrain from bad habits that will make you sick, such as, smoking, drinking, consuming dairy products and white flour products, etc. Instead, consume the foods that are more suitably designed for your body, such as, vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains and you will live a healthier life.

Co-op City Times / April 15, 2017

Letters to the Editor

Time To Head To D.C. — Again, Again, and Again To the Editor: Today is April 15th, aka “Show Us Your Taxes Day.” It’s way too late to be catching a bus to Washington, D.C., but it’s not too late to go downtown to Bryant Park (42nd St & 5th Avenue) to take part in one of the many demonstrations happening all across the country today. (I counted 77 on taxmarch.com.) The tax site reminds #45, “We need a president who works for all Americans, and a tax system that does too. Release your tax returns and commit to a fair tax system for the American people. What are you hiding?” Then the next week, off we go to

one of the 480 worldwide science marches taking place on April 22nd. It says on the March for Science site, “Science protects the health of our communities, the safety of our families, the education of our children, the foundation of our economy and jobs, and the future we all want to live in and preserve for coming generations.” April 29th is the People’s March for Climate, Jobs and Justice. Do you know anyone who went on the Women’s March to D.C. in January? Let them know we’re doing it again! We want to fill up the bus and give #45 what-for one more time. Why? This is how the People’s Movement

puts it: “The Trump agenda is unfolding every day with attacks on the air we breathe, the water we drink and our earth. Assaults are underway against [minorities], workers, our right to public schools, affordable housing and health care, and the struggles for justice and peace.” Surely you’d like to push back against one or two of these attacks and assaults. Resistance is NOT futile. So… Join us! There’s a bus leaving right from Co-op City. You’ve seen the flyers posted in the lobbies. Get on the bus! Details/info./tickets: 718320-1922. —Mary Pearson

Building Our Political Muscle To the Editor: I hear some folks still complaining about the money spent on the Women's March on Washington. They act as if their pockets had been picked. And, the price tag is STILL being exaggerated. The uncollected money spent on the event has been whittled down through ticket sales and donations to approximately $3500, and donations continue to trickle in. Co-op City residents participated in the biggest rally/protest/demonstration in U.S. history. What the penny pinchers don't seem to realize is – that

money was not spent frivolously, that money was not wasted. The trip was not undertaken by a collection of individuals. The trip was a community effort. Participating in that trip earned our community political capital. Of the 30 or so groups that sponsored the trip, each has five, ten, or more core members and each one of those people influences three or five or a dozen people. We could be talking about a few thousand people when you add it all up – a few thousand voters. What do politicians care most about? Getting reelected. Political actions like the Women's March build

We Have Our Priorities Mixed Up To the Editor: Imagine! New York City “the abortion capital of the world,” where human life created in the image of G-d and possessing human dignity is eradicated daily in abortion clinics, paid for by our tax dollars, and our mayor and governor are acceptable of this practice yet will fight to have those who have illegally entered our borders and have committed such crimes as murder and rape, yet want to give them protection from deportation that a sanctuary city does. The mayor, governor and all others who are looking to protect these criminals at the expense of the safety of myself and all other citizens have only to speak and hear the stories of the many “angel moms” who have lost loved ones at the hands of those who are here illegally and have committed violent criminal acts. Thank G-d we have a president in Donald J. Trump who is attempting to rid our country of the criminal element that enters here illegally while at the same time defending the rights of the unborn of their G-d given right to be born and have life as G-d intended. —Michael Kaplan

VOTE! Riverbay Election is May 24!

political muscle. It shows our elected officials we care, and people who care, vote. So help us gain more political muscle and come with us on the People’s March for Climate, Jobs and Justice on Saturday, April 29th. We Resist. We Build. We Rise. Don’t forget about us – get on the bus! It is time to stand up, march, and fight for our beautiful affordable homes because it will not be here in the future for our kids and our grandkids if we don't. —Kelly Canzoneri

REMINDER – Carrying Charge Boxes 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

Important Notice to Shareholders of Building 33 Article SIXTH of your Occupancy Agreement provides, in part, that your lease automatically renews for an additional three (3) year period. You need to do nothing if you want your lease to extend for another three (3) year period. If you will be moving out at the end of your lease, notify Riverbay, in writing, Attention: Sales Support Office, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475, ninety (90) days prior to lease expiration.

Building 33

Current Lease Expiration Date

New 3 yr. Expiration Date

Building 33 140 Elgar Place

June 30, 2017

June 30, 2020

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

Rozaan Boone Editor-in-Chief

Bill Stuttig Associate Editor

Jim Roberts Business Manager

Jennifer Piovanetti Operations Manager

Ralph Henriquez Production Manager

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

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

Co-op City Times / April 15, 2017

Public Safety Report

CCPD Offers Tips To Prevent Identity Theft During Tax Season BY LT. PAM APOLLO

breach of credit card information, such as the recent Target and Home Depot As taxpayers are rushing to file their 2016 tax incidents. Anytime you swipe your credit card, it can be at risk. Carefully check returns before the April 18th deadline, they should be mindful of the potential for scams to take place. 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. Co-op City Department of Public Safety offers useful In most cases, credit card companies do not hold you accountable for unauthoprecautions residents should take to avoid becoming a rized charges. Debit cards do not always carry the same level of protection. victim of identity theft. Unscrupulous criminals have AARP also offers informative information about fraud protection at even found a way to use American’s eagerness to receive www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/. The information is geared for persons 50 or their tax refund as a means to attempt identity theft. The following information will help to avoid becoming the victim of older, but all ages can benefit from the information provided. There is also a quiz identity theft in all situations. to see how knowledgeable you are about fraud prevention. You can even sign up The government and police agencies are investigating different instances for fraud alert newsletters. where another person’s Social Security number may be used to file fraudulent Monitor your credit reports with all three credit bureaus at least once per year. tax returns. There have been instances where an active tax filer’s Social Security Free credit reports are available at www.AnnualCreditReport.com or by calling number was used, a dependent child’s Social Security number was used and even 1-877-322-8228. Place a “Fraud Alert” if identity theft is suspected: Equifax, 1a deceased person’s Social Security was utilized to file a fraudulent tax return. 800-525-6285; Experian, 1-888-397-3742 and Trans Union, 1-800-680-7289. Thieves may buy and sell these Social Security numbers from individuals, Also report any suspected identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission employers, hospitals, nursing homes, schools or other sources. All of these online at www.ftc.gov/idtheft.com; by phone, 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-4384338 or by mail at Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, instances are serious crimes and can result in severe penalties. Washington, DC 20580. Reporting identity theft to the Federal Trade CommisThe Internal Revenue Service recommends filing your tax return early to beat sion helps law enforcement officials across the country in their investigations. 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 Take steps to protect your identity and be a smart consumer. Call the authorigive out personal information unless you are 100% sure of who you are speaking ties immediately if you suspect you may have become the victim of identity theft. with. Always shred any documents or mail which contain personal information. Always remember, if you see something, say something. Call 9-1-1 and the With many American households anxiously awaiting a federal and state tax Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050 or online at www.ccpd.us. refund, criminals have attempted to gain access to peoples’ bank accounts. Emails Callers may remain anonymous when giving information. and phone calls have been received requesting bank account information. The 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 caller promises that payment will be deposited right into your bank account. We differences. Don’t forget to say hello to your neighbors when you pass each other are receiving reports this year that scammers have found a way to have fraudulent in the hallway or in the street. Co-op City strives to accommodate all persons. As information appear on the caller identification on your telephone. This is a new Stevie Wonder said at the Grammys, “We need to make every single thing accestechnique, but it is the same old scam with a new face. The scam artist will not sible to every person with a disability”. deposit money into your account, but rather, will make a hefty withdrawal. No April is known as National Autism Awareness Month, as well as Sexual 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. 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 It is very important for everyone to remember to never give out bank account learn, the stronger you become. 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. For information on CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES ONLY, please contact: Take down the employee’s name and phone number, Lenya Garcia at Lgarcia@riverbay corp.com; and Barbara Penn at Bpenn@riverbaycorp.com. make certain it matches the number you have on Please note that emails should be sent to both parties. record for the financial institution. Only once you are Please DO NOT email resumes for EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES to the aforementioned emails. sure that you are actually speaking with an employee For EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, please see bottom of the employment listings for specific directions. from your bank should you even speak about your finances. CONTRACT SUMMARY Always shred financial documents with personal information and account numbers before you discard Contract #P1064, Tub Reglazing All bidders must set up an appointment to see the them. Switch your accounts to electronic delivery to Bids Due: April 20, 2017 units. If interested in bidding on this, contact bpenn minimize paper clutter and lost statements. Never @riverbaycorp.com Contract Chevron Lobby Modernization Projclick on unsolicited emails, instead type a web Insurance: is required of the winning bidder ect: Renovation of the Chevron Lobbies. address into your browser. Scam emails are often Due: May 16, 2017 by the end of the business Bids made to look like real bank emails. Misspelling and day (4:00 p.m.) Contract #P1059, Fully Assembled Convector Units grammatical errors are often indicators that the email Bonding: Bonding is required Bids Due: May 4, 2017 is a fraud. Contact www.OnGuardOnline.gov if you If interested in bidding on this, contact bpenn Insurance: Insurance is required suspect email fraud. Be wary if you receive a check @riverbaycorp.com from a financial institution that you are not expecting. Reports have been received of persons receiving an EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES unsolicited check in an express mail envelope. If this There are no employment opportunities to list this week. Please check back again next week. 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

OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY

Co-op City Times / April 15, 2017

Approved Budget Funds Replacing All Lobby Doors

Director’s Viewpoint

Bernard Cylich First Vice President Cooperators in Building 15A have expressed their approval of the upgraded lobby doors, with new intercoms both in the lobbies and in apartments. The new doors include keyless remote control system. Every cooperator is provided a fob, a remote control device, to open the front and rear doors. As a result of the cooperators’ satisfaction, the Board has directed Management to go full steam ahead to install these state-of-the-art systems in the other 64 lobbies. As the first step, contractors are requested, via RFPs, to submit proposals to install the lobby doors for 19 chevron buildings. Management anticipates that the contractors will submit their proposals before the summer. Once the Board and the state agency, Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), have selected the lowest responsible contractor and the legal documents are signed, it will take between 8 and 12 weeks for the doors to be manufactured and ready for installation. We hope that work will begin in the 19 chevron buildings before the end of the year. What about the lobby doors for the towers and triple core? Management has requested architects/engineers to submit bids to design 45 lobbies. Once the Board and the HCR approve an engineer and a contract is signed, the architect/engineer may need several weeks to prepare the appropriate designs. At this rate, we hope that replacement of lobby doors in the other buildings will begin early in the summer of 2018. Fortunately, the Board-approved budget includes

financing to replace doors in 64 lobbies. Can Video Cameras Be Installed In High Rise Apartment Intercoms? At a town hall meeting, a cooperator inquired whether video cameras and mini monitors in apartments could be included in the new intercom system. The Board’s Construction Committee has asked the same question at the group’s meeting some time ago. According to Management, the existing wires that connect each apartment to the lobby intercoms have insufficient capacity to transmit videos. To provide such capacity, new wires from all 65 lobbies would have to be installed to all 14,700 apartments, excluding townhouses—a monumental, prohibitively costly job. However, cooperators who wish to check on visitors can watch television channel 592, where cameras already capture activity in the front entrance of every lobby. Can Sections 1-4 Greenway Be Spruced Up? In spite of numerous efforts, from re-tilling the soil to watering and reseeding and adding topsoil, the grass on Sections 1-4 Greenway apparently refuses to grow, according to the report the Grounds Department provided to the Construction Committee at its meeting on March 23. The reason the department gave is as follows: In 2003, when the Greenway was blacktopped to accommodate cars evacuated from the six damaged garages, the contractor installed what is called item #4 fill—including crushed cement, rocks, and bricks—on top of sandy, marshy soil to support both the blacktop and the cars. Problems arose, however, because the contractor who restored the Greenway (for $473,000) failed to remove the item #4 fill, together with the asphalt, nor did he deposit organic soil on top of the fill. The Grounds Department believes that, unless the item 4 fill is removed, enabling decent grass to thrive in that sec-

Bronx Borough President’s Gospel Fest Held In Co-op City On April 1, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. sponsored a Gospel Concert in Co-op City. Photographed, from left to right, are former Riverbay Board member Helen Atkins, Borough President Diaz; Board Director Leslie Peterson and Board Secretar y Francine Reva Jones.

Building 30 A and B Association Don’t forget our building association is having a crochet fair, with the selling of crochet items on Saturday, April 29th at 1 p.m. in the association room. Our next Movie night is Friday, April 28th. The door to the association room will open at 7 with movie starting at 7:30. Crochet is every Wednesday at 1 p.m. For all those celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and new arrivals, congratulations. Those under the weather, get well soon. Those who just suffered a loss, our condolences. —Linda Werner

Reminder to Shareholders: The deadline to file your 2016 taxes is this Monday, April 18.

tion would be nearly impossible. (When the Great Lawn in Central Park was restored some time ago, the work cost the city millions of dollars and took at least a year.) Unfortunately, for us to get any restitution from the Greenway restorer firm—who, in my opinion, did not fulfill the terms of the contract—would be nearly impossible, and the cost of removing the item #4 and deposit organic soil would be prohibitive. An important takeaway from the Greenway debacle: We no longer permit contractors to ignore their legal obligations. A few examples: two flooring and an engineering contractors were terminated for poor performance. When concrete was being poured for the highpressure boiler foundation, six truckloads of concrete were rejected because they did not meet required specifications. More recently, a concrete truckload intended for the Dreiser shopping center was not accepted, for the same reason. As this Board, as well as Management, affirms, Co-op City will not be a cash cow for contractors. OSHA Courses And Tool Box Meetings Management is requiring that staff members in our Restoration, Maintenance, and Construction departments take classes sponsored by the Occupational Safety and Health Agency, a division of the federal Department of Labor. The courses are being given either by Local 32BJ or by our disability insurance company. In addition, it has instituted weekly tool box meeting in all departments. I believe these steps will, as they have in our Power Plant, dramatically reduce preventable accidents, improve efficiency, and raise morale among our staff. I wish all our Jewish neighbors a joyous and sweet Passover, and those of the Christian faith a happy Easter. I can be contacted by mail at 2049 Bartow Avenue, cell phone (646-522-5498), or email lichsr@earthlink.net.

Co-op City Times / April 15, 2017

Co-op City Spotlight Co-op City Resident Receives Student Ambassador of the Year Award ing to walk the path paved only for you, my daughter. Tiffany Challenger, a 15 year old resident of Co-op City’s Please continue to walk in this way and before you Building 19 and a student at the Democracy Prep Endurance High know it, you will be touching the stars!” School in Harlem, NY was selected by FIBUSPAM as its Student Tiffany was a guest speaker at FIBUSPAM’s annual Ambassador of the Year after she entered the organization’s essay fundraiser on April 1 where she was formally recogcontest recounting her experience volunteering in Ecuador. nized. To read her essay, you may log on to Democracy FIBUSPAM is a charitable organization providing medical Prep’s Blog at http://blog.democracyprep.org/ dpehEcuador. and humanitarian support to children and families in scholars-volunteer. Each year, 20 scholars from each Democracy Prep High School In addition to being chosen as FIBUSPAM’s Stuare selected to travel to different parts of the world as part of their dent Ambassador of the Year, just last week, Tiffany mission to Work Hard, Go to College, Change the World. Last was informed that she was selected as one of Citymeals year, Tiffany, then in the 9th Grade, had the opportunity to travel on Wheels 2017 Junior Leader awardees. to Italy, and this year, she spent one week, February 16th through According to Vivienne O’Neill, Citymeals’ director 23rd, in Ecuador volunteering at a health clinic. to volunteerism at a very young of volunteer programs, the organization relies on its Tiffany, who was introduced more than 15,000 volunteers to assist them in the comage by her mother, Heava Lawrence-Challenger, has participletion of their mission to provide continuous lifeline pated in a number of volunteer projects in and around Co-op of nutritious meals and vital companionship to homeCity. She volunteers extensively with the Riverbay Fund, includbound elderly New Yorkers. ing last year’s clean-up along Bartow Avenue, the annual Hal“From this ever-growing community of volunteers loween Haunted House and Costume Party and Easter celebraemerges a select group of individuals who stand out tions, among many others. She also volunteers at Rain Boston Road Senior Center and with CityMeals on Wheels. Tiffany is (L-R) Paul Martel, founder of FIBUSPAM from the rest due to their continuous commitment and also a Girl Scout. She has won many awards and accolades for (Foundacion Internaticional Buen Samari- unwavering generosity towards Citymeals and proven tano Paul Martel); Tiffany Challenger, Stu- leadership in the fight to end elder hunger,” stated Ms. her community work. Tiffany’s proud mom, Heava, has these words of inspiration dent Ambassador of the Year; and Sarah O’Neill in her notification to Tiffany. “Our Junior Marjane, executive director, FIBUSPAM. for her daughter: “Tiffany, you know that this quote means a lot Leader Awards highlight select student volunteers to me, ‘I don’t believe that who started you on the journey has whose contributions to Citymeals deserve special anything to say about what you do on the road. That comes from life experiences recognition and I am sincerely delighted to be able to present you with this award.” and who is on that road with you.’ You’ve always taken every new experience Tiffany will be presented with her award from Citymeals on Saturday, April 23 with a positive frame of mind and you continue to demonstrate that you are will- in New York City.

Co-op City Times / April 15, 2017

Director’s Viewpoint

Evelyn Turner The Mental Health Awareness Workshop on Saturday, April 8, was a resounding success. In my opinion, many cooperators have experienced a shocking, scary or dangerous event, such as a natural disaster, car accident, sudden death, assault or combat. Reportedly, after a trauma or life-threatening event, reactions such as trouble sleeping or upsetting memories of the event may occur. Additionally, it is reported that an increasing number of people are experiencing depression and anxiety than ever before. Depression and anxiety are becoming increasingly common among younger Americans, especially college students. In my opinion and culture, getting mental health counseling was often taboo and one was labeled as “crazy” or just needed to “pray” away the pain. Prayer helps when coupled with professional counseling. When people have access to treatment and support, recovery is possible! Also, research shows that nutrition matters in mental health. “Diet Essential: Mood follows food: Eat breakfast.” Where there is mental illness, there is poor diet. Therapists today are asked to add the lens of nutrition, diet, and digestion to their clinical toolbox to enhance the efficacy of all other methods. At Saturday’s workshop, the co-chair of the Disability Committee shared valuable information and statistics about services provided by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). The guest speaker, “Jill,” shared her awesome heart- wrenching journey of struggle with mental illness for many years. She shared how she is a “work in progress” and her motto is “I Can’t, I Will, I Must!” Her secret to recovery and continued wellness is: medication, prayer and therapy. Jill shared her favorite Bible verse that gives her strength. According to Jill, eating healthy is important and association with people who give you positive energy. She shared that she is a three-time cancer sur-

Mental Health Matters vivor and has loss over 100 lbs. Her spiritual pay-itforward journey includes writing and sharing her story with others. She is also active in NAMI, NYC Chapter. First Lady Chirlane McCray – THRIVE NYC This director was able to get representatives from NYC WELL, an initiative launched by NYC First Lady Chirlane McCray, to visit Co-op City for the first time! Guest speaker Jenn Paez, outreach director, Thrive NYC shared information about a unique service for ALL New York City residents. For the first time ever, New Yorkers can speak to a counselor, connect to mental health and substance misuse services and get support for loved ones in 200 + languages. If cooperators observe alcohol or substance misuse taking over your partner’s/child’s life, change in behavior, stressed, sad and lonely, struggling to leave home, change in your child’s behavior, grief stricken over the loss of a loved one, etc., you can get FREE CONFIDENDTIAL support. Talk: 1-888-692-9355; Text WELL to 65173; CHAT nyc.gov/nycwell. This service is for you and someone you care about. Mental Health First Aid If your organization, churches or building associations are interested in a FREE one-day training called Mental Health First Aid for non-professionals, email paezj@hra.nyc.gov or call Ms. Paez at 646-599. 1301. This training will enable cooperators to identify someone who may require help and may not know what to do. The Disability Committee chair has expressed an interest in the training. Hopefully, other organizations, churches and building associations will do the same, so that when you see someone acting “strange,” you will know what to do. Mental Health Weekend Of Faith – 2nd Sunday in May. According to Ms. Paez, last year, over 1,000 faith leaders talked about mental health to their congregation on the 2nd Sunday in May. People trust their faith leaders and THRIVE NYC wants to SHARE RESOURCES with faith leaders (talking points, statistics, resources, etc.). Please reach out to Ms. Paez at the above number

Annual JASA Community Seder Co-Sponsored By Riverbay Fund

The annual JASA community Seder, a celebration of freedom, held last Friday, April 7, in the Dreiser auditorium B, was co-sponsored by the Riverbay Fund. The event attracted more than 100 shareholders, relatives and Above, audience participate in a Reading. Below, former friends who joined in Riverbay Board President Helen Atkins, (left) and Selma the celebration and Newman. participated in the ceremony and readings. Paola Ogando, director of the Dreiser JASA Senior Center and her staff welcomed the attendees. The audience was also addressed by Riverbay First Vice President Bernard Cylich, who helped to organize this year’s program. A Kosher meal was served, complete with dessert. There were also traditional songs performed by David Kloch and the audience joined in the dancing. A good time was had by all. Photos by Lauretta Jaysura

if you are a faith leader. She will mail information. You may also reach out to Joshua B. Cortes, Bronx Borough Director, Community Affairs Unit, at 212788-1412; Cell: 347.515-4198; jcortes@cityhall. nyc.gov. A special thanks to our City Councilman Andy King for speaking at the event and acknowledging his support for mental health awareness. Town Hall Meeting Thanks to all cooperators who attended the last town hall meeting. Your voice is important and yes, you have a right to know how “your money” is being spent and from what account. As far as the upcoming elections, it was shared by a director that building associations can invite candidates to speak. However, the invitation has to be extended to ALL candidates and not just one. If a candidate reaches out or has someone reach out to building presidents to share availability to speak, then ALL candidates should be invited regardless of candidates’ present position on the Board. Fake Facts This director welcomes clarifications of any Board initiatives that I have been involved in. It’s amazing how facts and opinions can be “fake” and without merit. Another fake fact is that cooperators can park in Bay Plaza all night for $3. Bay Plaza has a 24/7 fitness center (in walking distance for cooperators). Reportedly, the cars observed belong to staff and members working out at night. Upcoming Board Elections The process of mailing in ballots was discussed in detail by the Board is acceptable and makes sense to this director. However, some cooperators are worried about some new “campaign strategies” of those desiring to win a seat on the Board by any means possible. Time will tell. “Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.” –Suzy Kassem I may be reached at: Evelyn M. Turner, LCSW – 917-324-1033 or eturner@riverbayboard.com.

Co-op City Times / April 15, 2017

Drammeh Center The Drammeh Center had a great week with the innovative STEAM (Science Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) program for girls, featuring African math theory through traditional doll making. Girls learned how indigenous mathematical knowledge can be applied in the world around them, while gaining an appreciation for African culture. They also learned about oral history and used digital storytelling to document their work. At the time of this publication, the girls will have received a Certificate of Completion for this college level course currently taught at Borough of Manhattan Community College. We will share the news in next week’s paper and in the interim, you can see photos on our Facebook page. We thank all of the volunteers during our application process, opening and closing receptions, our sponsors, CHI STEM TOYS, INC. and Black Women for Black Girls, and all those who supported our fundraising drive. LIKE US on our Facebook page, facebook.com/DrammehInstitute. If you would like to support our continued programming you may also send your tax-deductible contributions by check/money order payable to: The Drammeh Institute, Inc. Send to: The Drammeh Institute, P.O. Box 558, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475 Beginning April 17, notary services will be available during the week days (6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.) at the Drammeh Center. Email NotaryStation@gmail.com to schedule an appointment outside these hours or during the weekends. —Elise Edwards

Building 13 Association Thank you to everyone who contributed their time to assist in the collection of membership dues and those who joined the association. This enables us to continue providing arts and crafts workshops, pay insurance, purchase meeting refreshments, prepare announcements and make available various special events. Last Saturday, we hosted the Women Keeping It Real gathering and had a very introspective, entertaining, lively discussion. The ziti was scrumptious, thanks Tracy; and the cheese babka was delicious. Looking forward to the next event. Our next building meeting is scheduled for May 4. We will have an update on the progress of the building inspection repairs. Preparations for the Annual Summer Fun Day event scheduled for June 17, from 12 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. are underway. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Ms. Maxwell at 718-3797841 or by e-mail at MLSAH@aol.com or advise your building association representatives. Election: The Election Committee will be hosting three forums during the election season. This is an opportunity to meet the candidates running for the five available positions to the Riverbay Board of Directors. Take the time and attend. A forum will be held at each center, Bartow, Dreiser and Einstein providing accessibility for all shareholders. New voting procedures are in place for your convenience. Additional information on voting will be provided in the Co-op City Times. Read, attend, view and VOTE. EARTH DAY PARADE – Pledge to Help the Planet, April 22 at 10:15 a.m. It begins with US! JOIN Rivers Run Community Garden in collaboration with the Co-op City Little League and take the pledge to: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle • I WILL SAVE ENERGY. Turn off lights and electronics when not in use. • I WILL CONSERVE RESOURCES. I will not waste water. • I WILL NOT LITTER. Put trash into proper receptacles and remember to recycle. Assembly will be at the stage on the main greenway and the parade will march to the Little League field for the opening day ceremony. There will be composting workshops, art workshops, music, refreshments and free giveaways, so join the parade. Attend the Double Dutch Exhibition scheduled to be held at Dreiser on May 6. You can watch the exhibit and then learn to jump. Check the bulletin board for information. UPDATE: Lobster Fest – Final payment is due April 15. The event is scheduled for Saturday, July 15, at the NORDIC LODGE. Contact Sherrie Hernandez for additional information, number listed below. Checks for Building 13 events should be made payable to Building 13 Assoc. Inc. and mailed to 100 Casals Place #32K, Bronx, NY 10475. For information re the Nordic Lodge Lobster feast, contact Sherrie Hernandez at 914-837-5970; Gail Sharbaan, treasurer, at 718-671-3801 or Leslie Peterson at 718-320-1370. Our website is www.bldg13assoc.com or email us at bthirteen.assoc@ yahoo.com. Again, thanks for making our team work. —Leslie Peterson

National Council of Negro Women Membership – Despite being displaced by the fire in Dreiser Loop, we had a very successful membership meeting in room 4 on Sunday, April 9th. We were happy to have our State Convener, Lynda Bagley, visit our meeting and help us with some technical procedures. If you were not able to come to our meeting, remember you can contact us at Facebook.com/ncnwco-op or ncnwco.opcity@gmail.com or at P.O. Box 93, Bronx, NY 10475. Spirit Cruise Pre-Mothers’ Day Celebration – There are only a few tickets left for a glorious way to celebrate Mothers’ Day! Join us on a Gospel Luncheon Cruise on Saturday, May 13, for a delightful 2-hour cruise with a lunch buffet, DJ and dancing, skyline views on New York Harbor and great gospel music as well. For just $80 per person, your preparations are complete. Just meet us at Pier 61, Chelsea Piers at 23rd Street and 11th Avenue. For more information, contact (718) 379-3788 or (347) 602-5600 or (917) 670-4012. Checks are payable to NCNW Co-op City Section and can be mailed to PO Box 93, Bronx, NY 10475. No refunds, please. Bethune Height Recognition Program – Our 43rd Annual Bethune Height Recognition Program will take place on Saturday, May 20, at the Astoria World Manor. This is a celebration in which all NCNW sections in New York State come together to support and live the legacy of NCNW’s founder, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune and Dr. Dorothy I. Height, Chair/President Emerita. We are fortunate in having a van provide transportation to our Recognition Program in Astoria, Queens. The van will leave from Dreiser Loop but make three stops in Co-op City on the return trip. The cost per person will depend on the number of riders (up to 20) in the van. We will have to share the price of the van for the afternoon. National Museum of African American History & Culture – Have you already visited the new Smithsonian in Washington on a one-day trip and only saw one floor? We are planning a 2-day trip, August 6 – August 7, for only $355 for a single and $299 for double accommodations. Payment plan available, but no refunds. A $100 deposit assures you a seat on our bus. We will spend Sunday afternoon and Monday morning at the museum and Monday afternoon, on the way home, we will visit Arundel Mills (back to school shopping) and the Live Casino! One breakfast, two lunch buffets at Golden Corral, one dinner at Phillips Seafood and one night hotel accommodations are included. For contact information for a child, triple or quads, call (718) 655-9034 or (718) 538-8606 or (718) 320-2366. —Joyce Howard

Co-op City Times / April 15, 2017

Building 18 Association

Broun Place Townhouse Association

Hi, neighbors. Well, it looks like summer is on its way; at present, the weather is marvelous! So get out and enjoy. Our next general meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 25 at 7:00 p.m. in the association room sometimes stated as the “meeting room.” We look forward to seeing all of you there. New move-ins, we look forward to meeting you. Please come and join us and hear what our association is about. We will have a guest speaker, we serve refreshments and a 50/50 drawing and after the meeting, we usually have a “chat” session and you are welcome to stay. Thanks to the new family that attended our March meeting. We show movies on the third Wednesday of each month. Next movie is April 19th; refreshments will be served. On Saturday, April 29th, we will have a GATHERING, “Meet Your Neighbors.” We will serve lite refreshments 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Floor Captains Needed: Anyone interested in being a floor captain, please contact vice president Arlene Kelly at 718-320-0302. FREE ICE CREAM GIVE-AWAY is scheduled for Saturday, July 1st at 12:00 p.m. in the meeting room. Membership Dues: Dues are only $10 for the whole year for each household family. A list of benefits is posted on the bulletin board and a copy is available for each member. You can give your dues to any member on the executive board. At present, we have 150 membership families. Scholarship Award applications are available for two high school students graduating in June 2017. They must live in Building 18 and must be a member of Building 18 Association. Each student will be given a $500 SCHOLARSHIP award. We would like to thank Coral S., Phyllis R., Brenda R., Helen A., Deborah H., Carlene F., Lorraine T., Estelle T., Sandra C., Diana A., and Arlene K. for sitting in the (cold) lobby in early March collecting membership dues. Thank you so much. Please remember our e-mail address: BLDG18newsletter@aol.com. Share with us jokes, recipes, your business, etc. We would love to hear from you. Help to make our day! Our deepest sympathies to all bereaved families and to Robert O-Arhin and family on the loss of their loved one. To the sick and homebound, we pray for a speedy recovery. Please, please stay alert. If you see something that just doesn’t seem right, please say/tell/call 9-1-1 and Riverbay Security at 1-718-671-3050. —Gertie Brown

From Broun Place Townhouse Association: Broun Place Townhouse Association wishes everyone a wonderful Passover and happy Easter. It looks like spring has finally sprung and we can put the winter boots away for the next eight months. Continuing with the theme of Co-op City reaching its 50th anniversary, please be reminded that in comparison with other Mitchell-Lamas, we are the best bargain. Please also be reminded that just 15% of Co-op City, about 45 acres, is taken up by buildings. The plan was to allow for open landscaped areas, and play areas between buildings. Thus Co-op City is appealing to families with children and folks who enjoy a healthy walk around. Neighbors, let’s improve by working within the system. If something breaks that is installed by you, it is your responsibility to fix it. That helps to keep costs down, too. It is also your responsibility to vote. We cannot go forward without your vote. Next, it is about the recycling bins, the green and white depository bins by the garages. They are not for old foam pillows or cushions. Someone tried to stuff the container behind Garage 6. These bins are for goods that fit in them and goods that are reusable, not cruddy aged foam inserts. Garbage dumping is a dangerous and disgusting problem. Call 3-1-1 for public areas that have been dumped upon. Since Martin has been our groundskeeper, we’ve observed major improvements in our dumpster pad. Broun Place agrees with Building 9, we shouldn’t go back to NYC Department of Sanitation. Our recycling program works. Let’s do our job, DO NOT LITTER! Thank you again, assistant general manager, Warren Mitchell, for attending our association meeting. Mr. Mitchell spoke with residents in his special style and we appreciate it. Additionally, signage proposals for townhouse clusters is a subject that we are working on and it will be solved in Co-op City. It was brought up again at the Building and Grounds meeting. Hallelujah, some mailboxes are back. Here’s the thing though. That slot is hardly wide enough for a large envelope. In order to return a package, you must go to the post office and stand on that long line. Yet, go to another neighborhood and the old fashioned mail boxes with large chutes are on public street corners! Townhouse residents can purchase window guards, but the forms are not required to be filled out by townhouse residents. We learned this by working with Adler Place Townhouse Association and their president, Kenneth Graham. The Co-op City Times issue of March 25th has information on the scholarship named for Kevin Shaw Jr. Applications should be submitted by April 30, 2017. Condolences to the Minor family, Jim and Barbara Minor, former Broun Place residents, on the passing of their son “Jimbo.” May the family know no more sorrow. “If you see something, say something;” call Public Safety: 718-671-3050. Have a great week! —Eva Lazaar

Building 21 Association Community involvement is the only way All of us want a better CO-OP City. The way to achieve that is to be informed and to take advantage of the infrastructure that protects and guides us. We must cooperate with each other in order to make and keep our community one of the best places to live in New York. How do we do that? Our intention is to answer that question in The Tank. THINK TANK at Building 21 needs your input. Come out and lend your intention to The Tank. Put us on your calendar, Friday evening, 8:30 -10 p.m. in the “gathering room” in the rear of Building 21B. Floor Captains will make CO-OP City Work Better 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 The Race for the $300 Prize is in full swing Those 21 Association members who wish to start earning valuable points and a chance to win $300 have many ways to do so. Note: A member is ANY shareholder who has paid their annual $5 dues to the Building 21 Association. Refer back to the following issues of the CO-OP City Times for complete rules of The 21 Association Rewards Points Program: September 10th, 17th and 24th. If you have any questions regarding The 21 Association, you have 3 ways of gaining information. EMAIL your building association at 21association@ gmail.com. CALL your association at 347.504.1821. ATTEND the monthly meetings which are held every 3rd Thursday in “The Gathering Room” in the rear of the B-section at 7 p.m. All monies collected (i.e. annual dues, etc.) are turned in to our treasurer and installed in the association’s bank account. We hope you are enjoying holy week…Have a blessed and Happy Easter tomorrow, Azizen Pesach and Happy Passover to those of the Jewish faith. We are passionate about this community. Aren’t you??? Come and join us at Building 21 sometime soon. Each one of us, multiplied by all of us, equals A FORCE FOR GOOD. See you around the neighborhood! —Michelle Marbury

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

accept most health insurance plans

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Call:

“Se Habla Español”

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

Co-op City Times / April 15, 2017

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Co-op City Times / April 15, 2017

African-American Association The Wholistic Health Seminar was a success, with over 100 in attendance, vendors, movement and edutainment being the focus. There were 10 door prizes and raffles, most donated by vendors. A good time of learning and movement was had by all. A special “thank you” goes out to all of the presenters and vendors. Next year will be even more spectacular so keep your mind clear and your calendar as well. “Mecca Tabernacle The First Lady,” the hit gospel comedy was a sold-out hit here in Co-op City. Rave reviews for the sold-out performance has sparked rumors of a second performance here April 30th. It’s only a rumor at this time, but if it does happen, I’m certain tickets will go fast. We will update you next week. We are aware that there are people in our community looking for the opportunity to display their talents and skills. Our fashion show will offer one of those opportunities during Fashion Week here in New York. If you are looking to showcase your modeling or designer skills, contact us ASAP. We will choose up to 15 models and five designers to showcase their talents. Contact: Deborah C. Nelson at (917) 445-6692. The association sponsors the following ongoing programs and encourages your participation. Acting Classes – Children’s and Adult classes are available. Contact: Meca Talent. For more information, call us at: 646-373-4122. Belly Dance Classes – Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m., Dreiser Center, room #2. For a nominal fee, you will have fun and stay in shape. For more information, call Xonia, 646-301-9438. Children’s Programs – For information about the early morning school dropoff program, contact: Ms. Hines at 347-283-3809 and for the after school program, call 718-379-5555. Evening Line Dance Classes – Dance to Soul, Latin, and Gospel music on Thursdays, 7:00 p.m. in Dreiser Center, room #2. Call Cynthia, 917-903-7073. Music, Rhythm & Dance – Most Fridays, 7:30 p.m., Dreiser Center, rm. 15; most Saturdays, 10:00 a.m., Dreiser Center, room #2. Call Keith, 917-561-6211. Yoga & Pilates Mat Classes – Classes on Tuesday, 7:15 p.m., Dreiser Center, rm. 2. Lose weight, tone and strengthen your muscles with exercises that reduce stress through breathing techniques. For more information, call 718-671-8364. Zumba And Yoga – Classes on Saturday start at 9:30 in Dreiser Center, room #2. General Membership Meeting – The next meeting will be announced. If you are unable to attend the meeting, please read our weekly column for updates. Also, if you wish to join or update your membership, please send a check or money order (DO NOT MAIL CASH) of $15 for a single membership or $25 for families to: African-American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475. Donations are welcomed. Like us on Facebook: Coopcity Africanamericanassoc/ Email us at: aaacc power@gmail.com. —Ebony Rae’ Lambright

Rivers Run Community Garden Can’t wait to team up with Co-op City Little League, CYO Sea Cadets’ Marching Band, Bronx Green Up, NYC Department of Sanitation and you to celebrate Earth Day on April 22. We start at the Section 3 Greenway Stage (near Bellamy Loop) at 10 a.m. and march to the many festivities along the Co-op City riverfront. It will be a fun-filled day of FREE workshops, giveaways and the first game of the baseball season. Tell a friend. Events are for all ages. Volunteers are needed for the event. If you can, set up is at 9:30 a.m. Clean up is at 5:00 p.m. In between is just as important. Hope you are telling your friends and family about this amazing place where we not only grow fruits and vegetables, but we grow knowledge and friendships. Rivers Run Community Garden is a movement towards improved mental and physical health. We provide all types of workshops, including nutrition, meditation, edible and medicinal wilds identification, planting, building and crafting. We are the outdoor classroom for the local schools, daycares as well as residents and neighbors. We are a place of beauty and peace. Visit. Stay. Experience us. Below are important confirmed dates. More to come: Important dates (All are welcome): • April 15 – Garden clean up at 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (weather permitting) • April 20 – Osborne Associates will help build beds at 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. • April 20 – General meeting - Dreiser Loop, rm. 4 at 7 p.m. • April 22 – Celebrate Earth Day March with a FREE Workshops, FREE garden goodies while supplies last and other fun filled activities. • April 29 - Garden clean up at 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (weather permitting) Membership requirements: $20 per year fee and 20 hours of work. There is a waiting list for beds. Members who are actively fulfilling the 20 hours of volunteer work requirement are moved up on the waiting list. Volunteers are welcome If you’d like to reach out to us, please email us at Rivers_run@yahoo.com or call Denise Shelley at 917-232-2982 or me at 718-671-3801. —Gail Sharbaan

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

CO-OP CITY FOOT CARE CENTER

Building 26 Association Easter and Passover greetings to all of our Co-op City families, friends, merchants, and especially our new residents. Fond wishes to everyone celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and other celebrated events during the month of April. Speedy recovery to all who are sick, home-bound, and/or hospitalized. Our sincere condolences to those families who have suffered the loss of a beloved one. Blessings to you during your difficult time of bereavement. Residents who park their vehicles on the street/or the garages are advised to remove all valuables, including small change, from plain view of your vehicle. Numerous vehicles have been vandalized and thefts taken from cars. Thanks to everyone who attended our monthly building association meeting. Congratulations to our 50/50 raffle winners. Pat Cipollaro will be notarizing Income Affidavits.You must provide photo identification. Pat's dates of availability will be posted in your respective lobbies. Let's all work to help keep Co-op City clean by properly disposing trash into the nearest receptacle. Please dispose of large boxes, furniture, and other large objects from your residence by taking it to the designated area of your building's basement. Debris thrown from your window and/or terrace is dangerous. Violators will be summonsed and/or arrested. If you see something, say something by calling 9-1-1 for emergencies and 3-1-1 for all non-emergencies. —YuVonne Lewis

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.

Building 33 Association Hello, all. I hope this week's warm weather has treated you well. I look forward to more as we continue into spring. Remember to stay hydrated and use sunscreen when you are enjoying the lovely weather. Upcoming events Building Association meeting, Wednesday, April 19th at 7 p.m. We will have a Notary present at the meet-

ing if you need your income affidavit notarized for $2/ea. Please come down, so we can catch up with each other and connect. Thoughts and prayers for any other of our sick and shut-in neighbors. Get well soon. We have a Facebook page: Building 33 Association and you can email us at: bldg33Assoc@gmail.com. —Tobias Garcia

We participate in Postal Workers, Mail Handlers, Letter Carriers, Verizon Workers, 1199, GHI, Blue Shield, Empire Plan, Medicare, Travelers, United Health Care and many other union and major medical plans. Se Habla Español MEDICARE ACCEPTED • HOUSE CALLS BY APPOINTMENT

Diabetic Patients with Medicare may be eligible for shoes.

Co-op City Times / April 15, 2017

NAACP Co-op City Branch #2210 National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Inc. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 75-3111, Einstein Station, Bronx, NY 10475. Office telephone: (718) 320-3210. Address: 135 Einstein Loop Community Center, room 36, 2nd floor. Office hours: Monday - Wednesday - Friday, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Theme: Our Lives Matter - Our Votes Count Membership Meeting: Sunday, April 23rd at 3:00 p.m. Voter registration is an ongoing community activity; registration forms available in the office. Be prepared to VOTE! If you don't vote, don't complain. Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil

rights in their communities. Spring Membership Campaign: Lifeblood of the Association (March-June): Your membership dollars help to lead the fight for freedom, justice and equality. The community-at-large is invited to join the Co-op City Branch #2210. Become a new member, renew, recruit, gift or sponsor an annual membership for self or another. Adult regular membership is $30 and Youth membership is $10. We have some exciting and challenging projects planned and we need your help. We look forward to working with you to go forward and meet the mandates of the NAACP. Your voice is needed NOW more than ever. Join the movement, join the NAACP CO-OP City Branch. Make check/MO payable to NAACP Co-op City Branch and use the mailing address above. —Brenda Brown

Black Forum Next Defensive Driving Class The next Black Forum defensive driving course will be on Saturday, May 13, 8:50 a.m. – 3 p.m., Dreiser Center, rm. 1. Lower your liability insurance cost by 10% and remove up to 4 points from your driver’s license. Please make your check in the amount of $35, payable to “the Black Forum of Co-op City,” and mail to P.O. Box 563, Bronx, N.Y. 10475 at least 1½ weeks before the class, or you can walk in on the day of the class, but you must have $35 in cash to pay for the course. Please also bring your current driver’s license and a pen. Call (718) 320-8035. Trips To Casinos The Black Forum trip to the Sugarhouse Casino on Sat., April 22 is sold out. Bus boarding time; Dreiser, 8:30 a.m.; Asch Loop at 9 a.m., and Einstein at 9:15 a.m. Sands Casino in Bethlehem, PA on Sat., June 24. Cost: $45. Casino rebate: $20 for slot, $5 for food. No refunds. For information, please call (718) 320-0033 or 917-209-5334. Call today. Summer Youth Program If you are young person between the ages of 1624 and you are interested in working with the Black Forum over the summer, please call us, (718) 320-8035. Food Pantry Volunteers Needed Two nights a week from 5-6:30 p.m. Please call

(718) 320-8035. Food distribution sites On Thursdays, residents of Buildings 27, 28, 29, 32 and 33 must pick up food at the New Vision Church, 115 Einstein Loop, 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Likewise, residents of Buildings 26, 30, 31, 34 and 35 must go to the Evangelical Church, 2350 Palmer Avenue, 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Thursdays to pick up food. Residents of all other buildings and townhouses can pick-up at Dreiser Center, room 20. For information, please call (718) 320-8035. Emergency Food Program We are open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., rm. 20 in Dreiser Center. Also, due to budget constraints and shortage of available food, you must live within zip code 10475 to participate in this program. You must also have your card with you and bring two clean plastic shopping bags. Please also have your current photo ID, such as a non- or driver’s license or any photo ID card with proof of address. You will then be issued a card in order to pick up food in the future. We Need You - Join Us Today Membership is $5 per year/person. Call (718) 320-8035 or write to Black Forum, P.O. Box 563, Bronx, NY 10475; email: coopcityblackforum@ gmail.com or tonyshome10475@gmail.com. Call or visit us, room 20 in the Dreiser Community Center. —Tony Illis

Co-op City Working Families Party The People’s Climate March on April 29th The bus trip to Washington for the People’s Climate March is coming up soon. It’s understandable that with all the political turmoil going on, climate change may not seem very important. But it is. It is the moral issue of our time. According to WorldWatch.org, by 2050, 500 million, possibly 600 million, people will be displaced due to extreme weather, encroaching seas, and desertification. Drought? Flood? Too far away. Not our problem. So how about right here right now. After hurricane Sandy, Bloomberg News quoted then-NYC Mayor Bloomberg: "By midcentury as much as one-quarter of New York's land area, where 800,000 residents live will be in a flood plain. The city has about 520 miles of coastline, more than Miami, Los Angeles and San Francisco combined.” “Bloomberg Outlines $20 Billion Storm Protection Plan,” read a NY Times headline. One of the submitted plans to protect the city was a U-shaped flood wall from Bellevue Hospital on the east side to 57th Street on the west side. Another plan protected Hunts Point, the

city's largest food distribution center. None of the plans mentioned Co-op City. Many cooperators see a beautiful water view as they look out their windows. That water won’t be so beautiful pouring into our basements. This isn’t happening tomorrow, and marching in Washington alone won’t literally stem the tide. But it’s a start. Demonstrations show the people in power that we care and we matter. Look how many of our legislators and other officials attended our Women’s March pre-march rally. As Andy King always says, “People pay attention to people who participate.” So…Get on the bus! Join the People’s March for Climate, Jobs and Justice on April 29th. WFP is joining with Indivisible and Co-op City organizations to make that trip possible. The slogan of the People’s Climate Movement is “We Resist, We Build, We Rise.” You can conveniently get on the bus right here in Co-op City. Email canzoneri.kelly@gmail.com or call or text Kelly at 347-681-3819. Our next WFP meeting is this Tuesday, April 18th, at 7:30 p.m., room 35, of Einstein Community Center, Section 5. —Kelly Canzoneri

Baychester Visual Arts Association Our 2016-2017 season portends to be one of the most exciting in our history – with art classes, art shows, lecture/demonstrations and workshops, free and open to the public. BVA’s next class session starts on April 18 in room 5, Dreiser Community Center. You can choose from the two class schedules which are 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. The fees are as follows: Annual membership is $35 a year and a session of 10 classes is $60. This is the best bargain in the Bronx – maybe even the city – given the quality of instruction offered. Mr. Moses Groves, BVA’s own art instructor, will be the artistic guide for these classes. Mr. Groves is an accomplished artist who has studied at the Art Students League and NYU. He has exhibited work in the New York and New Jersey area and has won awards for his artwork. You can call M. Groves at 201-862-0847 or S. Lochansky at 718-379-1049 for more information. Stop by our permanent workshop in room 5 in the Dreiser Community Center and see our new beautiful artwork display done by students and our instructor throughout our studio. You will be impressed by the beautiful work which is also for sale. Don’t miss our flea market which will be held in our studio room 5 in the Dreiser Community Center on April 22, from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. Beautiful and inexpensive items will be on sale. You’ll be glad you stopped by! You can register in room 5 on Tuesdays at the Dreiser Community Center and check out the art work on display in our studio or by mail indicating the class time desired. Tuition can be sent to Baychester Visual Arts, P.O. Box 678, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475. BVA is a non-profit, self-supporting organization that needs your support to continue offering high level art instruction at these bargain prices. So come join BVA on this fabulous artistic trek, take a class, make a tax deductible donation, and feel the satisfaction of being a creator and/or patron of the arts. All checks should be made out as indicated above. Science is for the body and art is for the soul. —Sylvia Lochansky

Building 32 Association Our next General Membership meeting, which will take place in May, will be the last prior to summer hiatus. The exact date, and special guest, will be announced in the next few weeks. We have spring, summer, and fall plans, including our annual bake sale, a casino and winery trip, and a trip to the Westchester Dinner Theatre. As always, we ask that you offer suggestions about trips you might be interested in. A Penn Dutch trip has been suggested and we are trying to put together the logistics. Friday game nights are ongoing; look for the postings. —Lorna Smith

Co-op City Times / April 15, 2017

Circle of Christ Church The Circle of Christ Church family extends a warm welcome to you and your family and invites you to come and worship with us at 147 Dreiser Loop, patio level (located in the Dreiser Community Center). La familia de la Iglesia Circulo de Cristo les extiende una cálida invitación a usted y su familia para que vengan a alabar a Dios junto con nosotros. Nos encontramos en el 147 de Dreiser Loop, al nivel del patio (localizado en el centro Comunal de Dreiser). We are a multicultural church that embraces God’s love for all. Family unity is very important to us. We have a wonderful children ministry focus on learning God’s word. Our Youth Ministry is very active and dynamic. The youth are involved in music, retreats, concerts, debates, conferences, drama, counseling among many other activities. Somos una Iglesia multicultural que recibe y da del amor the Dios para todos. La unidad de la familia es muy importante para nosotros.Tenemos un ministerio para los jóvenes que es muy dinámico. Los jóvenes disfrutan de música, retiros, conciertos, debates, conferencias, dramas, consejería y mucho mas. We also have a food pantry for those in need in our community. Our phone number is 347-945-1992. In case there is no one in the office, please feel free to leave a message, we will call you back. Suplimos comida a aquellos en nuestra comunidad que lo necesitan. Nuestro teléfono es 347-945-1992 de

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

no haber nadie en la oficina sientancen libres de dejar un mensaje, le devolveremos su llamada. Thought for the week And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. Philippians 1:9-10 Reflexion para la semana Y esto pido en oración, que vuestro amor abunde aun mas y mas en ciencia y en todo conocimiento, para que aprobéis lo mejor, afin de que seáis sinceros e irreprensible para el día de Cristo, Filipenses 1: 9-10 English services Wednesday, 7 to 9 p.m., Prayer & Bible Study. Friday, 7 to 9 p.m., Youth Night Sunday, 11 a.m., Worship & the Word Children Church, 5 years old to 12 years old Little lamb nursery. Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. Prayer and the Word Thursday, 5 p.m., Boys & Girls Club Horario de Servicios en Español Domingo, 9:00 a 10:30 a.m., Alabanzas y Predicación Jueves, 12 p.m., Oración y Estudio Bíblico Special Events Dramatic Production, Good Friday, April 14, at 6:30 p.m. Resurrection Sunday, April 16, at 11:00 a.m. All are welcome. —Reverend Samuel Colon

Travel Events: (price includes transportation/Coach Bus, Dreiser Loop opposite H&R Block). • July 5-7, Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, Del. Price: double, $400 pp/single, $490 pp. Deposit: $100 ASAP. Two payments each: $150 double/$195 single. Final payment due: June 5, 2017. Contacts: Serita G., 347-564-5722/Barbara W., 718-320-0500. • Sept. 9-16, (8 day/7 night), Canada & New England cruise on the beautiful Carnival “Sunshine.” $250 deposit per person due immediately to hold reservation. NYC departure/return. NOTE: Preferred Cabin/Category selection goes to earliest bookings. Cabin/Category. Prices from $929 to $1399 which include your cabin, meals, port charges and taxes. Final payment due by May 19. Travel insurance (additional cost) encouraged. Contact: Serita G., 347-564-5722. Theatre Committee: (price includes van transportation, Dreiser Loop opposite Rehab Center) • April 26th. Showtime: 2 p.m. “ON YOUR FEET” at the Marquis Theatre. Price: $90. Deposit: $45. Final payment DUE ASAP. Contact: Lois Scott, 347-768-3943. • May 9th (Tuesday). “JONAH,” Sight & Sound Theatre, PA. Includes lunch at Millers. Price: $125. Deposit required: $75. Final payment ASAP. Traveling by coach bus. Contact: Lois Scott, 347-768-3943. • June 21st (Wed.). Lunch/showtime: 11:00 a.m., “MAMMA MIA,” Westchester Broadway Theatre. A musical story about a young woman about to be married who discovers that any one of three men could be her father. She invites all three to the wedding without telling her mother, Donna. Price: $70. Deposit immediately: $35. Balance/full payment due May 1st. Contact: Marie GreenRyan, 718-671-4949. Members and friends, we do require your deposit and/or full payment along with your name and telephone number when signing up for trips and/or shows. First fully paid, confirmed seating. Committee members in Dreiser clubroom 19 (718-379-0377) on Mondays and/or Thursdays, 2:30-5:00 pm. Good And Welfare: With regret, two of our longstanding members, John Moyler and Adrese Jones, the son of Eleanora Jones, entered eternal peace on Saturday, April 8th. Our sympathies and prayers to both families. We also send “Get Well” wishes to Christine Harkins and Rosalie Menafee. Our Retirees family also send prayers to Carolyn Ellis, another longtime member. To all members on the mend, as you rest and heal, know that you are thought of warmly and wished a quick recovery. Call Josephine Flowers, 718-320-0539, regarding illnesses and. bereavements. If interested in joining us on our next SPA DAY (date to be determined), call 718-379-4784/718-671-8449 – leave your name and phone number. “Every morning we wake up we are born again, what we do today is what matters most. Yesterday is but today's memory, but tomorrow is today's dream.” –Author unknown. —Claudette Davis

Williamsbridge Club The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. (NANBPWC), The Williamsbridge Club is an organization dedicated to the support and promoting of women in business and the professions. The Adult Club meets at Dreiser Center on the second Friday of every month. Women who are in business and professions are invited to join the club. Our theme for this year is “Blazing New Pathways with Creativity and Confidence.” We will use the theme to fulfill our mission of promoting and protecting the interests of African American busi-

ness and professional women and in advising young people seeking to enter business and the professions to improve the quality of life in our local and global communities and foster good fellowship. On Saturday, May 6, the Williamsbridge Club will be celebrating 40 years of service to the community at Eastwood Manor, 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Our honorees this year are Ms. Gloria Alston, Sojourner Truth Awardee; Ms. Shana Williams, Education Professional; Mrs. Darlene Barkley Wilson, Community Service; Mr. Vernon Wilson, Man of the Year; and Mrs. Surraya Price-Isaac,

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Business Awardee, and most of all, scholarships that will be awarded to outstanding high school seniors DaJour Brown, Chantel Haigler and Robert Perez. If you do not already have your tickets, please call 718.328.2302 or 917.972.7732 for your tickets. Youth, if you are interested in serving an internship or community service project, please contact the club at the address listed. We are looking for young people who want to increase their skills. If you know of a youth age 13–18 who would be interested in joining our youth club, please forward the information to us.

Please check this column for ongoing information. Please watch our column in this month for our next scholarship announcement. Information concerning the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. (NANBPWC) may be found at www. nanbpwc.org or Facebook: ThewilliamsbridgeBPWC or our mailing address: Williamsbridge Club, P.O. Box 6, Co-op City Station; Bronx, New York 10475. Our phone contacts are 718.328.2302 for Joetta Brown, or 917.972.7732, Sandra Hall. —Joetta Brown

Co-op City Times / April 15, 2017

Community Protestant Church On behalf of our Pastor, Reverend Dr. Calvin E. Owens, and our church family, welcome to Community Protestant Church, a church of love and understanding, located at 1659 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, NY 10469; telephone: (718) 862-9172. Regular Church Schedule Sunday School - 9:00 a.m. Worship Service - 11:00 a.m. Communion Service - Every first and third Sundays Prayer Meeting and Bible Study – Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. The following programs are at the Church’s Annex: 2053 Asch Loop North (Co-op City) Morning Prayer Services - Tuesday, 6 a.m. – 8 a.m. and 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Neighborhood Bible Study - Thursday at 10 a.m. Extension of Prayer and Worship Service – Every first, second and third Fridays at 7 p.m. Other Scheduled Events TOMORROW, SUNDAY, APRIL 16TH, 9 A.M. (ONE SERVICE ONLY) - RESURRECTION SUNDAY (EASTER SUNDAY). A happy and blessed Easter to all our Christian friends. Please join us for Easter Services. Sunday, April 23rd at 11:00 a.m. – Observance of ALL CLUBS DAY honoring some of the organizations of our Church. The theme: “Joined together to become a dwelling place for God.” Our Guest Preacher will be Rev. Dr. Lamont Granby, pastor, First Baptist Church, Bronxville, NY. Saturday, May 6th, 4 p.m. – BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! The Hospitality Min-

Open Door Ministries

istry invites you to join us in A PREMOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATION, featuring the Master of Entertainment, internationally renowned MR. HUNTER HAYES. A jazz legend and Emmy Award winner, Mr. Hayes has performed with such great artists as James Brown, Miles Davis and Lonnie Youngblood. It will be held in room 31, Bartow Center, Co-op City, 2049 Bartow Avenue, lower level. Admission: $35 for adults; $15 for children 15 and under. For tickets and/or additional information, contact: (718) 6716122, (718) 671-0425 or (718) 671-3181. September 12–15 – The Missionary Ministry sponsors a trip to THE HOLY LAND EXPERIENCE IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA, the only entertainment park that celebrates the Biblical Word of the Christian Faith. Package includes: Round trip airfare; round trip airport transportation from Bartow Ave. (Co-op City, Bronx); 4 days/3 nights hotel accommodation; 3 buffet breakfasts; 1 group dinner, 2 day admissions to the Holy Land Experience; Lunch-To-Go at the Holy Land Experience; transportation from the hotel to the Holy Land and travel insurance. $1,013 per person double occupancy; $961 per person triple; $1,253 single. $113 deposit was due December 3, 2016 (non-refundable after 5/17/17). For reservation and/or additional information, call (718) 671-0425 or (718) 379-8514. The doors of Community Protestant Church are open to all to worship and fellowship with Christian believers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You are cordially invited to come in, join in and receive your blessing. —Evan G. Mitchell

Faith In God Church & Bible Institute

Recognizing Royalty (Full sermon at opendoorministries.net) Luke 19:29-41 (NIV) 29 As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, 30 “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” 32 Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. Fulfilling Zechariah 9:9 “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” 33 As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?”34 They replied, “The Lord needs it.” 35 They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. 36 As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road. Traditionally, entering the city on a donkey symbolizes arrival in peace, rather than as a war-waging king arriving on a horse. 37 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: 38 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 41 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43 The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44 They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.” 1. Jesus knew things that he had not seen 2. Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecy 3. Jesus cried at the foolishness of those that rejected him 4. Jesus offered peace but did not force acceptance 5. When we willfully refuse to acknowledge God’s call we will suffer the consequences Open Door Ministries’ Therapeutic Mentoring Program meets Mondays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. in Dreiser Loop, room 9. Every third Thursday, we meet at 6:00 p.m. to discuss life/spiritual issues, our discussion on April 20th will focus on ANGER WITH GOD. Sunday services are at 11 a.m. at the Bartow Community Center, room 28. Contact Pastor Luis by texting 917-3344407 or email opendoorministries.net. Blessings in Christ. —Pastor Luis Ramos

Rev. Dr. Gladys R. Little, Apostle, and Pastor & Evangelist Vernon Little greet everyone in the name of Jesus, that name which is above every name. We want you to know that you are welcome in this house of the Lord! It is His house by ownership: it is our house by stewardship: and it can be your house by membership; so come on in and join with us. May God bless you in this house! Sometimes, fear of what lies ahead can crush your spirit and you stumble along, desperate for a God who will strengthen you. Let's look at a passage of scripture for encouragement. Psalm 34:11-18 in the(NIV) says: 11 Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. 12 Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, 13 keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Family Owned and Operated 14 Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and • Large Chapel • Pre-need counseling pursue it. on premises 15 The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and • Out of town services his ears are attentive to their cry; • Ample Parking on premises 16 but the face of the Lord is against those who do A dignified funeral every family can afford. • Cremations evil, to blot out their name from the earth. • Casket Showroom All areas are handicapped accessible 17 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; on premises he delivers them from all their troubles. Personalized & Professional Care • 50 Years Serving Our Community 18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Worldwide Shipping including Caribbean, Africa & South America Invitations Sweet Hour of Prayer is today at 3 p.m. Sunday School is tomorrow at 10 a.m. Our Sunday Morning Worship Service is at 11 a.m. Every 3rd Sunday following the morning worship, we serve Holy Communion. If you’re into gospel rap/holy hip-hop, go to www.reverbnation.com/vernonlittle and download Serving all Call music from Vernon Little free of charge. He also has cultures 24 videos on YouTube. You will be blessed, encouraged, NOW WEBCASTING TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS ABROAD & faiths Hours and inspired. We are located at 171 Dreiser Loop in Section 1. www.mccalls.net • director@mccalls.net Our phone # is (347) 276-4925. Jesus loves you, and 4035 Bronxwood Avenue, Bronx, N.Y. so do we! Happy Resurrection Sunday. —Apostle Gladys R. Little

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

Co-op City Times / April 15, 2017

Evangelical Church of Co-op City – UMC

Church of the New Vision

Open Doors, Open Hearts and Open Minds

Pastors Kenneth Hodge and Deborah Hodge and the New Vision congregation invite you and your family to come and worship the Lord with us. Church of the New Vision is designed to meet the spiritual needs of God's people. Serving the community for over 44 years, we offer a warm, friendly, spirit-filled atmosphere of Christian Love. All are welcome. Order of Services Sunday Worship Service: 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Adult and Youth Sunday School: 9:45-10:45 a.m. Mid-day Bible Study: Tuesdays, 12:00-1:30 p.m. Wednesday Night Prayer and Bible Study: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Women Bible Study: 2nd Saturday of each month, 11:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m. The next scheduled date is May 13th. Youth Ministry: Fridays, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Upcoming Events – All are Welcome 1) April 16th, Easter Sunday, there will be a sunrise service at 6:30 a.m. and at 11 a.m. Breakfast will be served in between services. 2) May 28th, Senior Anniversary Service will be held during the 11 a.m. service. Rev. Anne L. Palmore will be the speaker. 3) Sunday, June 11th, Senior, Family and Friends Day Program will be during the 11 a.m. service, followed by a delicious meal and fellowship. 4) Saturday, June 17th from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., the Senior Ministry will sponsor a cake sale. Church of the New Vision is located at 115 Einstein Loop, Bronx, NY 10475. Telephone: (718) 671-8746 or (203) 3743020. Mailing address: P.O. Box 753037, Bronx, NY 10475. Visit our Facebook page: Church of the New Vision concerning upcoming events and trips, or call the church. —Carol Haque

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 opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship and service to God and our community. We are a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and bilingual congregation and all are welcome. Services are at the church at 2350 Palmer Avenue, across the street from Building 30. Parking is available. Our phone number is (718) 320-3795, and leave a message if there is no answer. Pastor Magaly Beltré is at the church on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Sunday Services – The first Sunday of the month is a bilingual service with communion, service starts at 10:00 a.m. Every other Sunday, the English Service is at 10:00 a.m. and the Spanish Service is at 12:00 p.m. Remember the importance of worship & fellowship of all who believe and have a relationship with the Lord. Sunday School – We are now having Sunday School for Adults at 8:45 a.m. in English,10:30 a.m. in Spanish and 10:30 a.m. for Children. Prayer Night (English) & Prayer Morning (Spanish): The Lord said, “Whenever two or more are gathered in my name, I am in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20. Tuesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday at noon to 1 p.m. Come and bring your prayer needs so we can pray together. Remember that prayer brings many blessings, which God has promised to all his children. (Prayer services/family night will be cancelled during Holy Week.) Family Night: Friday nights at 7:30 p.m., we have family night with Bible studies in English & Spanish and all kinds of activities for children, teens and young adults. Holiday Season: Holy Thursday’s service will be at 7 p.m. on April 13th with communion. Good Friday service will be at 6 p.m. on April 14th. Easter Sunday (Resurrection Day) service will be at 11 a.m. on April 16th, with our annual Easter Breakfast at 9:30 a.m. All holiday services will be bilingual. Seminar: There will be a seminar on Hepatitis C on April 23rd at 1:45 p.m. in the fellowship hall of the church. Come & Join Us On Black Friday: November 24, we will be going to Lancaster, PA. to do Christmas shopping at Rockvale Square Mall, then to Sight & Sound to see “The Miracle of Christmas,” finishing with dinner at Miller’s Smorgasbord. Includes transportation to and from. Cost is $160/person and $120/child (5yrs to 12 yrs.). If you are interested in coming with us, call Barbara at (347) 603-7473. $50 deposit required to hold a seat. Seats go fast. —Barbara Penn

Please Refrain From Littering. Thank you.

Co-op City Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invite you to join us tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. for worship service. Sunday School for children and adults is held at 9:15 a.m. We invite you to worship, study, and pray with us. The Co-op City Baptist Church is located at 135 Einstein Loop, lower level, room 50. Our telephone number is 718-320-3774. Join us for a mid-week spiritual pick-up at our mid-week worship service which is held on Wednesdays at noon. Bible study is held on Wednesdays at 1:00 and 7:30 p.m. Prayer Service is held on Fridays at noon and 7:30 p.m. On Sunday, April 23, we will celebrate Men’s and Women’s Day at our 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. services. The theme for the day will be Men and Women Standing Firm in the Faith, 1 Corinthians 16:3. The guest speaker for the 11 a.m. service will be Rev. Sharon Reese, associate minister of St. Paul Baptist Church, Harlem, NY. The speaker for the 3:30 service will be Rev. Carl McCluster, pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church, Bridgeport, CT. Everyone is invited to attend these celebratory services. On March 6 to March 15, 2018, we will be going to the Holy Land in Israel. Worship sailing on the Sea of Galilee, be baptized in the Jordan River; share in communion in the Garden Tomb, all where Jesus walked. The price per person

from JFK is $2,995 for a double room an additional $586 for a single room. A deposit of $500 is due on or before May 7. Final payment is due on or before November 12. It is recommended that all purchase travel insurance for this trip. All checks/money orders should be made out to the Co-op City Baptist Church. A flyer, along with the itinerary and reservation form, have been placed on the information table. For additional information, you may call 718-671-1918, 718379-0541, 718-379-1776, 718-671-1271 or the church at 718-320-3774. The Co-op City Baptist Church extends wishes for a Blessed Resurrection Sunday to all. 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

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Non-Emergency: 718-320-3330

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Co-op City Times / April 15, 2017

Bartow

Einstein

Dreiser

Room 31 unless otherwise noted

Room 49 unless otherwise noted

Room 7 unless otherwise noted

Alternate Kosher Meals are also available

JASA CLOSED

Word Games: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Walking Club: 10:30 a.m. Bingo: 12:30-2:00 p.m. Caregiver Support Group: 1:00 p.m. 1st & 3rd Tues Card Games: 2-4 p.m. Dominoes: 2:30 p.m. Blood Pressure: Every 1st & 3rd Wed., 9-10 a.m. Games: 9:30-11:00 a.m. Stay Well Exercise: 10 - 11 a.m. Line Dancing: 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Bingo: 1-2 p.m. Card Games: 2-4 p.m. Dominoes: 2:30 p.m. Smartphone Class: Beginner – 12:30– 1:30 p.m.; Intermediate – 1:30–2:30 p.m., Bartow office Library: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Word Games: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Crocheting & Knitting 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Chat Session: 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Bingo: 1- 2 p.m. Card Games: 2-4 p.m. Dominoes: 2:30 p.m. Men’s Line Dancing: 9 -10 a.m. Word Games: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Women’s Line Dancing: 10-11:30 a.m. Chat Session: 10 a.m. Bingo: 1 -2 p.m. Piano Sing-along: 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Card Games: 2-4 p.m. Dominoes: 2:30 p.m.

Wed., Apr. 19

Tues., Apr. 18 Thurs., Apr. 20

Passover Day 7

Fri., Apr. 21

Mon., Apr. 17

JASA CLOSED

Passover Day 7

Dominoes: 10 a.m. Tai Chi: 11 a.m., Rm. 45 Matinee Movie: 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Karaoke by Steven: 1 p.m.-2 p.m. Rm. 45

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Alert & Alive:10:30-11:30am Cultural Dance: 10:30–11:30 a.m., Aud. B Mind Teasers: 12-1 p.m., Rm. 4 Zumba: 1-2 p.m., Aud. A Afternoon Movie: 1:00 p.m.

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Dominoes: 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Sewing: 9:30 -11:30 a.m. Tai Chi: 11 a.m.- 12 p.m. Spelling Bee: 10 a.m. Mind Teasers: 12-1 p.m., Rm. 4 Spanish Practice Class: 10:30 a.m., African Brazilian Dance: 1 p.m., Rm. 2 Computer Lab Art Class: 1-3 p.m. Yoga: 2-3 p.m., Rm. 2 Zumba: 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 45

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

Dominoes: 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Grandparent Connection: 1st Thursday, Rm. 35, 10:30 a.m. Arthritis Exercise: 11 a.m., Rm. 45 Spelling Bee: 11 a.m. Word Search: 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Karaoke by Steven: 1 p.m., Rm. 45

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Blood Pressure: 10-11:30 a.m., 1st & 3rd Thursday, Rm. 8 Line Dancing: 10-11 a.m., Aud. A Piano Sing Along: 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Mind Teasers: 12-1 p.m., Rm. 4 Drama Club: 1:30-4 p.m.

Dominoes: 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Art: 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Bingo: 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Card Games: 2-4 p.m. Pokeno: 2-4 p.m., Rm. 35 Blood Pressure: 2nd & 4th Friday, 10 a.m. -11:30 a.m., Rm. 45

Crochet & Knitting: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session: 9:30-10 a.m., 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Meditative Moments: 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 8 Mind Teasers: 12-1 p.m., Rm. 4 Bingo: 1-3 p.m. Card Games, Dominoes: 2-4 p.m.

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.

Kosher

Non-Kosher

JASA CLOSED

Passover Day 7

Tuna salad

Orange pineapple juice Turkey meatballs Beef Moussaka Ziti Garden salad California blend Roasted eggplant vegetables Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit Alt: Grilled chicken breast Orange juice, Salmon cakes w/dill lemon sauce, Spaghetti w/ tomato sauce, Winter BBQ Pork chops Roasted potatoes blend vegetables, Whole wheat bread, Steamed kale Healthy strawberry and applesauce, Alt: Curry chicken salad Apple juice Roasted chicken Potato Kugel Carrot Tzimmes Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit Alt: Gefilte fish

Chicken salad Classic Macaroni salad Pita halves Tossed salad w/dressing

Fee for lunch is $2.00 & $5.00 for guest

ALL meals served w/margarine and fresh milk *Menu subject to change without notice. Alternate Kosher Meals are also available Bartow Center (718) 320-2066, Ext. 2010 Dreiser Center (718) 320-1345 • Einstein Center (718) 671-5161

Upcoming Events/Trips JASA WELCOMES EVERYONE AGE 60 AND OLDER! Payments for trips can be made at all 3 centers. Trip registration policy: There will be no refunds for all trips. All trips include roundtrip transportation! All trips must be paid in advance – No exceptions! You can register for all trips starting the Monday after it has been published in the newspaper: JASA will not accept checks under $5. (FREE) LiveOn NY – SCRIE Application & SNAP (food stamps) Assistance – Fridays, April 21st & 28th, May 12th, 19th & 26th, June 9th, 16th & 23rd, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. First come, first served! JASA Main Office, 2049 Bartow Ave Notary – Jeanette Graves will be in the Bartow office every Wed. from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free Tax Preparation & e-File – Sponsored by AARP Foundation Tax Aide for taxpayers with low–moderate incomes with special attention to those age 50 or older; JASA Einstein Office, 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 35, Tues. & Weds., 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Clients will be seen in order of appearance. Sign-in (sheet) begins before 10 a.m. Service may be limited to first 20-25 on line. Call 718-320-2066 for information, Tuesday, April 18th, last day of service. St. Mary’s Recreation Center Pool – Fri., May 5th, $3. Pool aerobics for seniors, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.;

Bartow, 8:30 a.m.; Einstein, 8:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 9 a.m. 14 seats available. There is a $25 yearly fee to use the facility. If you wish to become a member, please come into the JASA Bartow office and fill out an application. Membership is non-refundable. Membership is not only for the senior aerobics, it’s for any activity in the center and can be used with other city park centers. Proper attire requested, swim cap, sturdy lock, no valuables and, if needed, medicine in a bag to be held on deck by instructor. Bronx Opera is coming to JASA! – Starting Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. until June in the Bartow Senior Center, 2049 Bartow Avenue, rm. 31. Do you love to sing? Would you like to learn to sing? Would you like to spend time with your friends singing your favorite music? You don’t have to be an opera singer (or even like opera) to have fun and learn with us. Fairway/BJ’s – Fri., April 21st, $3. Bartow, 9:30 a.m.-Einstein, 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 10 a.m. Wait list. Ridgehill – Mon., April 24th, $7. Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 10 a.m. Empire – Tues., April 25th & Wed., April 26th, $5. Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 10 a.m. Wait list. Wal-Mart – Thurs., April 27th; Bartow, 8:30 a.m.; Einstein, 8:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 9 a.m. Wait list.

Mamma Mia – Westchester Broadway Theater, Fri., April 28th, $60. Bartow, 9:15 a.m.; Einstein, 9:30 a.m. & Dreiser, 9:45 a.m. Show starts at 11 a.m. Woodbury Commons Outlet Mall – Mon., May 1st, $15. Bartow, 8:30 a.m.; Einstein, 8:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 9 a.m. Empire – Tues., May 2nd, $5. Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 10 a.m. Ridgehill – Mon., May 8th, $7. Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 10 a.m. Wait list. Jersey Gardens Outlet Mall – Tues., May 9th, $15. Bartow, 8:30 a.m.; Einstein, 8:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 9 a.m. Ace in the Hole @ Royal Manor “Tribute to Lionel Richie” – Thurs., May 11th, $85. Coach bus: Dreiser, 9 a.m.; Bartow (Asch Loop), 9:15 a.m.; & Einstein, 9:30 a.m. Wait list. Louis Armstrong Home Museum – Wed., May 17th, $10. Bartow, 9 a.m.; Einstein, 9:15 a.m. and Dreiser, 9:30 a.m. Tour starts at 11:30 a.m. Beautiful the Musical - The Carol King Broadway Show – Wed., June 21st, $140. Included is an enjoyable delicious chicken & ribs combo meal at Dallas BBQ with a side dish, dessert & beverage. Mid Mezzanine seating; Dreiser, 9 a.m.; Asch Loop (Bartow), 9:15 a.m. & Einstein, 9:30 a.m. Coach bus.

Co-op City Times / April 15, 2017

Scheduling Activities Calendar

AARP Chapter #4997 FYI: Another campaign AARP has launched on behalf of seniors and their families is NUTRITION. AARP is working to ensure that low-income older people have access to nutritious food through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other federal nutrition programs. Please contact our Good & Welfare Coordinator, Frances Wilson, 718-671-5493, if you have a family member who has passed. 2017 Tour Activities July 7 - 9: Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture, Washington (DC) – round-trip transportation via Deluxe Motor coach, w/3 breakfast buffet, 2 dinner buffet – including a seafood buffet; a professional guided tour of Washington, DC; one full day at the Smithsonian African American Museum; and full day shopping at Arundel Mill mall, including the Maryland Live Casino before traveling home, $515/person, single; $415/person, double; $385/person, triple and $365/person, quad. Contact Judith, 718-379-3370. September 18 -21: 4-day/3-night trip to Cape Cod – Motor coach transportation, 3 full breakfast, 2 dinners, 1 Lobster dinner; Foxwood Casino (w/bonus); guided escort to African American tour of Martha’s Vineyard site; Hyannis, John F. Kennedy Memorial; Provincetown along scenic route 6A; Cape Cod National Seashore Visitors Center; admission to Zion Union Heritage Museum and more; $599/person, double; $739, single; $50 deposit due immediately; 2nd payment of $150 due 3/20; 3rd payment of $200 due by 5/15; final payment due 6/30; trip insurance is available. Contact Hannah, 718-379-7962. December 29, 2017-January 2, 2018: Swingin’ New Year’s Eve Celebration in Savannah (GA) – Motor coach trip (2 night lodging to & from Savannah); 4 breakfasts; 2 full course dinners including a Riverboat Dinner Cruise; guided tour of Savannah, historic Davenport House, and Savannah’s River Street District; New Year’s Eve Show & Party at the Savannah Theater; New Year’s Day Buffet Lunch; $799/person, double, single fee TBD; trip insurance available. Contact Judith, 718-379-3370. —Delores Debnam

Einstein Cancer Fund Goose Island Seniors Mohegan Sun – Tuesday, May 30th, in Uncasville, CT. Price is $33. Rebate $20 voucher and $5 toward food. Pick-up time is 8:30 a.m. at our usual bus stops. If you plan to go, please pay for your trip as soon as possible. We don't want to, have to, cancel the bus. Spring Indoor Picnic – Saturday, May 20th at 12:30 p.m. Members only in our club room 39. Admission, $5 for buffet and entertainment. Come and have a fun time with friends. “Mamma Mia” – Wednesday, June 7th at Westchester Broadway Theatre, Elmsford, NY. Come and enjoy a delicious lunch and a terrific show. Price is $79 includes a show, luncheon, and transportation. The people that paid a deposit of $5 please try to pay more. There are a few seats left. All money must be paid by May 15th. Pick-up at 9 a.m. at our usual bus stops. See Ann, Mary or Stephen. Resorts Casino – Tuesday, July 25th in Atlantic City, NJ. You may also enjoy the beach and boardwalk or shop in the many stores. More information will be available soon. “Come Blow Your Horn” – Thursday, October 12th at the Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, Hampton, N.J. It's a very funny play by Neil Simon. Also, you will enjoy a scrumptious lunch and all the desserts you can eat. They are de-li-cious. Price is $79 for

show, lunch and transportation. All money must be paid by September 21st. See Ann, Mary or Stephen. To all members: Happy birthday and happy anniversary to all our members who celebrate their day in the month of April: Marlene Gantwarg, Benny Konikoff, Wendy Berch, Alfonso Gonzalez, Iona Foote, Helen Miller, Myrta Willems, and Milton Schlanger. We got a call from Jeanne Delmonico, she is out of the hospital and staying with relatives. She is doing well and misses everyone. We wish her a speedy recovery. We all miss her too. Our Lounge – Come sit and relax, read or rent a book from our large library, play cards every Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Play Bingo every Wednesday and last Sunday of each month for only $15 per year. Also, come with us on great trips. We still have items from our Garage Sale for a very good price. Come up and look around. We are open Monday-Thursday from 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Note: Call Ann, Mary, or Stephen at Goose Island Seniors 718-379-9613 or visit us Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., at 135 Einstein Loop, rm. 39. You can also call Mary at 718-379-4899 and she will return your call. Leave a message and your phone number. To call Stephen, 347-847-1941. Good health to all. —Mary Pilla

Wishing everyone a happy Passover and a happy Easter. April 26 – “Born Yesterday,” Huntington Hills Playhouse. Time of pick-up: 8 a.m. starting at Einstein Loop, followed by Asch Loop, and Dreiser Loop. May 3 – Crab Shanty, members luncehon at 1 p.m. Cost per person $28. May 16 – Mohegan Sun, $35 per person. Casino package $20 slot play, $5 food voucher. Time of pick-up 8 a.m., at the usual stops. For all of the above trips, please call Lydia at 718-671-3005 or Annie Eutsey at 718-320-1874. As always, remember to give a call to the homebound and those in nursing homes. Your calls will cheer them up and they will know they are always in your thoughts and prayers. Good health and healings are wished to all. —Lydia Ruas

VOTE in the riverbay board election!

Co-op City Times / April 15, 2017

Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City The Traditional Synagogue is located in Section 5, 120 Erdman Place, in the rear lobby of Building 27B. Phone # 718-379-6920 Note: Office hours are Thursday and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. If no one is in the office, leave a message and we will get back as soon as possible. Shabbat ends today, April 15, at 8:18 p.m. Candle lighting for Friday, April 21, at 7:24 p.m. The synagogue has Services Saturday morning at 9 a.m. After services, we always have a kiddush. Everybody, please try your best to come to services so we have a minyan and will be able to take out the Torah. This Saturday, Cantor Sayoni will conduct services. Good & Welfare: We sell tree certificates in honor or memory of a loved one. The cost is only $15 per tree. Mazel Tov to all having Simchas. If you’re ill, wishing all a speedy recovery. Passover Services: The synagogue will have services for Passover the last two days, Monday, April 17th and Tuesday, April 18th. Services for Passover will start at 9:30 a.m. On Tuesday, April 18th will be Yiskor. Yiskor will start around 11:00 a.m. Please remember your departed love ones. Everyone is welcome to pray with us. Bingo: The synagogue’s next Bingo is scheduled for Sunday, May 21, at 1 p.m. The cost is only $3 admission, which includes refreshments and 10 games of Bingo. Also, there is a 3-part jackpot game for $2. Your support of the Traditional Synagogue, and Men’s Club is greatly appreciated. Wishing all our members and friends peace, good health, and happy holidays. —Gary Schwartz

Men’s Club Traditional Synagogue Try your luck with the Men’s Club It is now the Spring season, it’s the perfect time to take a trip to Atlantic City. Our next trip of the year is Sunday, April 30. It is to the RESORTS CASINO in Atlantic City. Payment for the trip is due by April 28th. The cost of the trip is $35 per person. You will receive $25 slot play. Also enjoy the boardwalk, visit the outlet stores and the other casinos. After this trip, our next trip is scheduled for the month of June, so try now to make this trip with us to Atlantic City. Please don’t wait to the last minute for a reservation. Make a reservation ASAP. Additional information can be found in your LOBBY SHOWCASES by the elevators. Everyone in the community can attend our trips. You need a Resorts Casino card, or government picture ID, passport, non- or driver’s license to receive the bonus. If you don’t have a Resorts Casino card, with proper ID, the casino will issue you a card. On the bus, we provide a drink, snack, play Bingo, and a 50/50 raffle. On the way home, we show a movie.

Building 31 A/B Association Thank you!!...to everyone who paid their association annual dues of $5. Your dues help us to thrive as an association. We are diligent in our duty to our membership as we are all volunteers striving to maintain our building’s safety and cleanliness. Supporting our maintenance and security staff is a goal. We all have a voice, let it be heard at our meetings. Together, we are loud and strong members’ suggestions are always welcomed. We will gladly accept dues from anyone still interested, but were unable to give during the time we were collecting the dues. Please use the envelope we put under your door to return it to us. One focus of the membership is to give scholarships to high school graduates each year who reside in our building. In order to do that, we raise funds in many ways and our bus trip on Wednesday, May 3rd to Huntingdon Playhouse still has a few seats available. Interested? Call a scholarship committee member listed on the flyer posted in lobby. We also sponsor a crochet and knitting group on Mondays and Pokeno game every other Friday. —Marilyn McDaniel

Passover Reflections by Rabbi Solomon I. Berl Spiritual Leader of Young Israel Synagogue The answer to an old riddle contains a message. Question: Which two things in life are inevitable. Answer: Death and taxes. The tax season is here. Actually, death and taxes have other things in common. Both involve a settlement of accounts, both are initial payments, and in both instances, we must face the ultimate authority. As human beings, we meet our maker, as citizens, we face the Internal Revenue Service. Are we more anxious about the confrontation with the IRS than about meeting the Eternal? In this vein, there is an amusing story which will strike a chord with most taxpayers. A pedestrian heard screams for help coming from a house he was passing. Running to the open door, he found a distracted mother explaining that her little boy had just swallowed a quarter. Grabbing the child by the feet, the stranger lifted him up into the air and shook him vigorously. In a moment, the coin dropped out of the child’s mouth. The relieved mother was profuse in her thanks. "Doctor, how lucky for us that you hurried to the rescue. You certainly knew how to get the money out of him.” "But, madam," replied the stranger, “I am not a doctor, I am with the Internal Revenue Service.” Although we all complain about the burden of taxes, we have to see them in proper perspective. Taxation serves a vital purpose. It supports the community, takes care of the needy and the disadvantaged, helps to protect all citizens.

We keep you entertained and the ride goes fast. The bus stops and returns to all three shopping centers. We leave Einstein Loop at 8:00 a.m. by the supermarket, Asch Loop by the back of the library at 8:15 a.m., and Dreiser Loop at 8:25 a.m. by the hardware store. We will return to Co-op City around 8:30 p.m. depending on the traffic. For reservation, call Gary at 718-671-8424 or Bruce at 718-320-2234. Please make out check or money order to the Men’s Club Traditional Synagogue, 120 Erdman Place, Building 27B Lobby, Bronx, NY 10475. Hope to see you on our April 30th trip, and our future trips. Wishing everybody good health and happiness, a happy Passover and Easter Holiday. —Gary Schwartz

Young Israel of Co-op City Schedule of Services for the Concluding Days of Passover Passover services on Sunday evening, April 16, will begin at 7:30 p.m. Services on Monday and Tuesday, April 17 and 18, will begin at 9:00 a.m. Yizkor Memorial Services will be held on Tuesday, April 18 at 10:30 a.m. Rabbi Berl and all the congregants of Young Israel wish all in our community a healthy, delightful and meaningful festival season. May the holiday be bright with promise, blessed with peace and filled with hope.

Co-op City Times / April 15, 2017

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church The congregation of St. Joseph’s cordially invites you and your family to worship in Co-op City at 155 Dreiser Loop, lower level. All are welcome. Weekly Schedule: Sunday service with Holy Communion and Sunday School are both at 9 a.m. Every 4th Sunday, our children participate in the reading of the lessons and every 5th Sunday, our young adults assist in the service. Choir rehearsal is on Thursdays at 7 p.m. The (ECW) Episcopal Church Women meet immediately after service on the 1st Sunday of each month. Membership is open to all women of the church. The men hold their meeting after service on the 2nd Sunday of each month. We look forward to welcoming everyone to service at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 16, when we will celebrate The Resurrection, Easter Day Service with Choral High Mass. Our Supply Priest, Father Simeon Johnson, will be the preacher and celebrant. Calendar of Events & More 1) Sunday, 4/16, all ECW Raffle ticket stubs and payments should be turned in. Drawing takes place at the church on Saturday 4/29. Tickets are still available, $1 each and $5 for a book of 6. Winners need not be present. 2) National Museum of African American History & Culture, Washington, DC, Saturday, June 3. Motor coach transportation departing from Dreiser Loop at 7 a.m. All-youcan-eat luncheon buffet at the Golden Corral. SOLD OUT!! 3) Save the Date: Saturday, July 22, Pindar Valley Winery Trip. (Details to follow) Outreach Program: We continue to collect non-perishable food for the feeding program at Grace Episcopal Church in West Farms. Please remember to donate. For additional information on all of the above, please call the church at 718-320-0844, or visit our website: http://www.stjosephsepcbronx.org. “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his mercy endures for ever.” –Psalm 118:1 —M. Chambers

Greater Love Refuge Ministries “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3 Spiritual Food for Thought: When nothing around you seems stable, seek JESUS. Remember that your stability originates spiritually and filters down to your sense of well-being naturally. You must press into the place of peace that only comes from God’s presence. Refuse to allow your feelings of instability to dictate your responses. Senior Pastor Boyce Landrum, Pastor Carol Landrum and the Greater Love family welcome you to worship with us on Sunday mornings at 11:30 a.m. Our corporate worship means gathering with people of all ages and cultures to express our love for God, our Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ, our Savior. We are conveniently located at 900 Co-op City Blvd. (Bldg. 2A), on the ground level, Bronx, N.Y. 10475; main entrance, red button. The church telephone number is 347-920-5607. Please join Greater Love. Easter Service: Happy Resurrection Day! We will have a Sunrise Service beginning at 6:00 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. on Resurrection Day (Easter) Sunday, April 16 followed by Praise and Worship at 11:30 a.m., at which time we hear from some of Jesus’ followers at the time of his life, life, death, burial and resurrection. All welcome! NYS Chaplaincy Course (10 weeks): will be offered at Greater Love on Thursday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. beginning May 18th. There is a cost to take the course (payable to the sponsor in installments) and an ecclesiastical endorsement/approval is required from your pastor. To register, please visit the chaplaincy website at www.nychaplaincyservices.org. Kindly con-

Pentecostal Tabernacle Pentecostal Tabernacle invites everyone to worship service every Sunday morning at 100 Co-op City Blvd., Building 22A, Bronx, N.Y. 10475; Tel. 718-324-0334 Sunday School for all age groups begins at 10:30 a.m. Midday service starts at 11:45 a.m. Wednesday morning fasting and prayer service starts at 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Regular prayer meeting & Bible study every Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. Friday evening youth service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Happy Easter greetings to everyone! Focus: Jesus came with the purpose of seeking and saving lost humanity. From the beginning, God created human beings with an inborn longing for relationship with him. Mankind has always felt that something was lacking in their lives, but could not understand what it was, they only felt the need for someone or something that reached beyond this mundane plan of mere existence. They began to seek to fulfill the spiritual aspect of their nature, looking for the creator, the sovereign giver of life–God, the Almighty. On the other hand God already laid out a pathway to lead human beings out of sin and into a vibrant and living relationship with him. That long term plan involved the incarnation, which

would lead to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God ‘slain from the foundation of the world.’ (Revelation 13:8) When the fullness of time was come, God sent forth his son, made of a women, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. Galatians 4: 4-5 God’s long term plan provides for a spiritual resurrection from sin and the exaltation of the believer into heavenly places. It is wholly of grace and not of works, It embraces the Gentiles who were far from God, but was brought nigh by the blood of Christ. It removes all barriers between Jews and Gentiles and unites them into one body for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The mysteries of the divine purpose revealed to Paul and his appointment as apostle to the Gentiles. It is possible for God to remove a stony heart that were hardened and desensitized by sin. Not only was it possible for humans to experience a complete change of heart spiritually, but also it would involve regeneration. God had a plan that would bring new life and a new heart to those to whom he would bring redemption and salvation from sin. It would begin with their repentance, water baptism, and reception of the Holy Spirit, regenerated them and empower with new life. —Rev. R. Sibblies

tact the church and leave a message for Pastor Landrum if you would like more information. Greater Love’s Sixth Church Anniversary: will be held on Saturday, June 24th at the Pelham Bay Diner Banquet Hall from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Ticket prices are $65 (adults) & $32.50 (age 12 & under). For more information or to reserve a seat(s), please call the church. Five Loaves & Two Fish Food Pantry: Donations of non-perishables, frozen foods & toiletries are needed. Donations are welcome on Wednesday afternoons between 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m., Friday evenings from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday between 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Thank you for your continued support. Weekly Schedule Church phone: 347-920-5607 Sunday Morning Prayer & Meditation: 9:30 a.m. Adult & Children Bible Study: 10:00 a.m. Foundational Scripture Teaching (Salvation): Every First Sunday at 10 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship: 11:30 a.m. Holy Communion – First Sunday Adult Bible Study/Discipleship Class: Tuesday evenings: 7:00 p.m. Mid-Week Prayer: Wednesday at 1 p.m. Deacon Training: Alternate Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. Food Pantry: 4th Saturday, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Mosaic Women’s Ministry Mighty Men of God: Men’s Ministry SWAG Youth Ministry: Friday evenings at 7 p.m. Peace & blessings. —Pastor Carol Landrum

Co-op City Times / April 15, 2017

Building 10 Association Hi, neighbors, It looks like ole man winter has finally been put to rest and those warm, sunny days are springing forth. We welcome them. Ice Cream Social – Your building association will host an Ice Cream Social on Saturday, May 6, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the building association room. Final details regarding the event are still being firmed up. Once finalized, flyers will be posted with all the particulars. General Membership Meeting – Please make note, our next meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 9, in our building association room (rear lobby of Bldg. 10B). Guest speakers will be Mr. Javier Valenzuela and Mr. Silfrodo Frias, Building 10 Maintenance managers. We will also continue to collect association dues ($5 per household) for the

year. Summer Youth Program – The Black Forum announced the availability of summer jobs for those between the ages of 16 to 24. If you're interested, please call (718) 330-8035. Since openings are probably very limited, you should act immediately. Scholarships – Scholarship money ranging in amounts from $1,000 to $10,000 is currently available to high school and college students. Parents and students are encouraged to "do their homework" and take advantage of this revenue stream. It's free money!!! To learn more use scholarship search tool at hesc.ny.gov. Booklets on the subject are also available in the reception area at 2049 Bartow Ave. Have a wonderfully blessed Passover and Easter holiday. —Carol Campbell

Newsong Church Easter @ Newsong Church Easter Sunday Celebration, 10:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. What to Expect on Easter Sunday! But God…These two words can change every single person’s life! Each word is only three letters long. The phrase is short, but the implications are huge. The path may look bleak, dim, and hopeless, but GOD changes everything! Join us on Easter Sunday for our new teaching series “but GOD.” Kidsong While you’re in service, kids from nursery to fifth grade will be learning about Jesus on their level. While in Kidsong, your child will have an interactive “Easter experience.” They will observe Jesus’ triumphant entry, last supper, his trial, and the empty tomb! Plus, they’ll enjoy crafts and more as we celebrate that Jesus is alive! Frequently Asked Questions If Easter is your first time at Newsong, you are our honored guest. We do church differently, so here are a few frequently asked questions to help you plan your trip. Where do I go when I get there? We’re located at 177 Dreiser Loop in Auditorium B. Discounted parking is available in the parking garage located on Dreiser Loop. Follow the Newsong signs and flags to the auditorium. Our greeting team will meet you as you’re walking to the building and can show you where to find the auditorium, restrooms and Kidsong. If you have any questions, our greeter team is friendly and would love to serve you! How long is the service? Our services last about one hour and 30 minutes.

We start by singing three to four songs. Then the speaker preaches. If you want to hear our preaching style, check out the “messages” tab on our website. If you’re visiting for the first time, give yourself a few extra minutes to stop by the Connect Tent after service. You are a VIP to us! We’d love to meet you, answer any questions you may have, and give you a gift. What should I wear? Don’t feel like you have to dress up. Most people dress casually, but you are welcome to wear whatever makes you comfortable. What if I have an infant? No worries! Infants are always welcome in Kidsong, but we understand if you’d rather have your baby with you. Can I attend if I’m___? Fill in the blank with whatever fear you have about not being accepted: divorced, single parent, broke, recovering addict, gay, transgender, atheist, skeptic, etc. Everyone is welcome at Newsong. So come as you are, and we’ll see you at Easter! Need more information about Newsong Church? Website: www.newsongchurchnyc.org Email: centralteam@newsongchurchnyc.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/newsongchurchbx Against the Flow: www.facebook.com/NewSongYouth/ Twitter: @newsongchurchBX Instagram: @newsongchurchBX. Our Newsong family is here for you, stop by this Easter Sunday and experience the difference! God bless you! —Pastor Mike Tolone

Association of Building 14 Cooperators In case you did not hear, our March association meeting was one of the best ever! A near capacity crowd listened and engaged themselves intently to capture important news. Guest speaker Michael Sanchez, an administrator with JASA Bronx Services, shared his expertise on the pros and cons of various life-care documents, such as the Health Care Proxy, Durable Power of Attorney, and Advance Health Care Directive. Cooperators asked poignant questions and shared personal knowledge and stories (sometimes horror stories) about navigating the legal/court-hospital/ nursing home-family triangle that can become a nightmare. The bottom line – get informed about these matters before you have to face them. Stop procrastinating. Take, at least, the minimum steps to ensure that the life-sustaining wishes and assets for yourself and your loved ones are managed properly and protected. Michael returns in May to discuss JASA-Montefiore’s PEARL (Program to Encourage Active Rewarding Lives) Program, a no-cost, in-home counseling program that addresses loss of loved ones and independ-

ence, social isolation, irritability, restlessness, etc. Errol Olton from Equality Adult Programming shared with his organization’s continuing initiative to provide desirable, quality adult learning programs to the local community. Operating out of the PS 160 school building in Section 5, Equality Adult Programming’s services range from GED (HS Diploma), Money Management and Resume Building to Wellness (Zumba, healthy cooking), basic computer skills and business workshops. To match these awesome programs and encourage participation, generous incentives include paid parking pass, refreshments and rewards for perfect attendance. What are you waiting for? Learning is a lifetime journey! Call 718.459.9597 today! Mark your calendar for our next meeting: Wednesday, April 26th at 7:30 p.m. Staff from our CSO, Lois English, Vanessa Aldea and Javier, are the invited guest speakers. Happy Easter and Passover to all! Questions/ suggestions? Email: theab14c@hotmail.com, or call 917.612.1951. —Josie Ferguson

Building 27 Association Greetings, neighbors. Spring are here, perhaps the trees and flowers be blooming slowly; looks like the snowfall affected the blooming. The days are a little longer. Please stay alert of your surroundings. Happy Easter to all. Scammer’s alert – a Microsoft warning appeared on my computer screen, almost gotcha! Once again, a phone number to call to unblock access to your computer. “X” out and call your provider to confirm. Never call the phone number that is provided via the fake warning alert. Game Night – Friday, April 28th at 7 to 9 p.m. Light refreshments. Come on down, play Pokeno and have some fun. We have other games, or you can bring a game. Annual Association Dues…are $5 per household. Thanks one and all for your contribution. If you miss the date and still want to give, call the contact phone number listed on our bulletin board of the association. Foxwood Casino, Connecticut – The Building 27 Association would love for you to join us on Friday, May 19. Price: $40, $10 rebate and a buffet voucher. NOTE: Payments will be accepted on Thursday, April 27, from 4 to 6 p.m. in lobby 27A; final payment and no refunds due on Thursday, May 11, from 4 to 6 p.m. in lobby 27C. Bus leaving at 8 a.m. SHARP from Einstein Loop Center. PLEASE, THE BUS WILL LEAVE ON TIME. Checks or money order may be mailed to Lillian Sumpter, 140 Erdman Pl. Apt. 6D, Bronx, NY 10745. Contacts, if any questions, 718379-4629 or 718-671-1905 (9-5 p.m.). Happy birthday to all celebrating this month. We extend condolences and prayers to those who have lost a loved one. Please share with the Sunshine Committee, Ms. Lydia Rondon, by calling her at (718) 583-3040. If a neighbor in our building is ill, homebound, celebrating birthdays or experiencing bereavement, Ms. Rondon will respond on behalf of the association. Please keep our Board and community in prayer that the Board will make the right decisions. Pray for leaders, peace and stability. —H. Overman

SCRIE/DRIE Applications Shareholders 62 years of age and those with qualified disabilities who meet all of the criteria for the Senior Citizens Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) and the Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) programs are reminded that if they have not yet applied for these programs, they must wait until after the carrying charge increase order has been received from the commissioner of the NYS Homes & Community Renewal (HCR). Applications must be completed using income data from your 2016 federal and state tax forms. Shareholders are also advised NOT TO apply for SCRIE or DRIE online via the NYC Department of Finance website, although the application can be downloaded online. Completed applications must be mailed to the address provided on the applications.

Co-op City Public Safety Dept. Emergency: 718-651-3050 Non-Emergency: 718-320-3330

www.ccpd.us @CCPDnyc

Co-op City Times / April 15, 2017

CLASSIFIEDS Cash Paid

718-320-3300 x3384 cctimes@riverbaycorp.com

Cleaning Service

Locksmith

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7/15

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4/29

NEW STYLE BLINDS

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

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EMERGENCY SERVICE

Re-installation of any types of Blinds. Repair Closet Doors and Sell New Bi-Fold Doors! Serving Co-op City for over 25 years. “When you see me, You’ll know me.” Call Anytime • Seven Days A Week

Decorator

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4/8

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4/29

Painting

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4/29

MetroCard Bus On the first and third Thursday of each month, the MetroCard bus will be at the Bartow Mall on Co-op City Blvd. (in front of the Bingo Hall and the eyecare center), from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; at Dreiser Loop (Park on Debs Place) from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and at Einstein Loop (Elgar Place) from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. enabling customers to sign up for or refill their Reduced-Fare MetroCard, purchase or add money to an existing MetroCard, and purchase E-Z Pass On the Go tags. The MetroCard Bus does not operate on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Co-op City Times / April 15, 2017

1-800-479-2667 • www.co-opsales.info

Visit Us At The Home Improvement Fair! Freshen Up Your Home! Saturday, April 22, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sunday, April 23, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

SAVE $100

Dreiser Center Auditorium

OFF YOUR NEW KITCHEN REFACING OR REPLACEMENT! with this coupon

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PROTECT YOUR FLOORS FROM LEAKS! Ask us about our Waterproof Laminate Flooring at the Lowest Prices! OTHER SERVICES: • TRY OUR NEW PAINT SERVICE! • Flooring (Tiles, Laminate, Wood) • Blinds • Closet Doors • Bath Cabinets/Sinks • Tub Liners • Appliances • Grout/Carpet Cleaning • Range Hoods • Shower Doors • Light Fixtures

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