Co-op City’s official newspaper serving the world’s largest cooperative community.
Interim Management team bringing ‘culture change’ to Riverbay
© Copyright 2015 Co-op City Times
Vol. 50 No. 23
Saturday, June 13, 2015
Warren Mitchell named Assistant General Manager in charge of Sales, Commercial Leasing and Marketing BY BILL STUTTIG Warren Mitchell, Riverbay’s Parking Facilities Director, will have his duties expanded effective immediately to include oversight of all Riverbay departments involving the leasing of space to shareholders or the general public. Mitchell, a licensed real estate broker who has served the community in several supervisory capacities over the last decade, will continue for the time being overseeing the operations of the Parking Facilities Department, but also be charged with working in closer coordination with Riverbay’s Sales Director Sheena McNeil and Commercial Leasing Director Kim Umstead in an effort to coordinate all of Riverbay’s leasing and sales operations in one clear defined direction. Riverbay’s interim General Manager Noel Ellison, in informing the Co-op City Times about the promotion said: “All three of these departments are performing well and this change in is no way a reflection on the performance of the staff members of each of these individual departments. Rather, this change reflects the move taking place in Co-op City to coordinate all operations, increase interaction between departments, improve the efficiency of all operations and, in turn, reduce costs and increase revenue for the shareholders.” Ellison said that Mr. Mitchell, in his new expanded role, will work closely
with the other two d e p a r t ments involved with leasing operations and provide direct support to the staff of each of these departments in terms of creating and Warren Mitchell finding opportunities for staff to improve their professional qualifications. For the three leasing departments for which he will have direct oversight, this means increasing opportunities for staff to earn real estate sales and brokerage licenses. Mr. Mitchell has worked for Riverbay for more than 20 years, beginning his career here as a porter and eventually working his way up to CSO Manager, Assistant Director of Commercial Leasing and then for the last four years, as Director of Parking Facilities. “I am excited by this new expanded role,” Mr. Mitchell said, “and the opportunity to increase customer services on all levels of the community leasing operations while streamlining procedures to have all the leasing, sales and marketing operations working together towards the (Continued on page 2)
Loaded .45 caliber gun recovered after reports of gun shots heard in Section 2 BY BILL STUTTIG
Public Safety investigators responding to reports of gunshots heard in the vicinity of Section 2 at approximately 8:15 p.m. Monday evening recovered a fully-loaded .45 caliber firearm from a trash can behind Building 11. According to Chief Frank Apollo, commanding officer of the Department of Public Safety, numerous Public Safety units responded to the area between Buildings 10 and 11 immediately after the gun shots were heard. A complete canvass of the area turned up no suspects or witnesses to the actual gun being fired, but a search of the area resulted in investigators finding a firearm wrapped in a t-shirt which was apparently tossed into a garbage container behind Building 11. Speculation is that the gun was tossed into the container by a suspect or suspects flee-
ing the scene as law enforcement began to arrive. Apollo said that it is likely that the owner of the gun would have returned to the scene to reclaim the weapon if Public Safety investigators had not found the gun first. After the fully-loaded gun was discovered, an NYPD evidence control unit was dispatched to the scene to voucher the weapon as evidence in the ongoing investigation as to who fired the shots and why the shots were fired. One nearby resident who was out walking in the area said that it is a frightening situation because anyone out at the time could have been hit by one of a stray flurry of shots that seemingly came out of nowhere on that presummer evening. Apollo said that there were no reports of injuries in the immediate aftermath of the shooting.
BY JIM ROBERTS
Change is coming from within at Riverbay Corporation, led over the past six months by the new interim management team that has met the daily challenges presented by a community of 55,000 residents while creating a new work culture among the staff of more than 1,000 workers. “Overall, the morale here is a lot better since the change,” said Noel Ellison, the interim General Manager of Riverbay. “Employees in the past often felt they did not have the opportunity to make suggestions, so they held their ideas to themselves fearing they wouldn’t be well received. “Now we’re asking everybody who believes they have the talent to show us how they can fly and how they can make this company fly. They are now able to embrace our open door policy, and offer their ideas to make things better,” Ellison said. The unique size and complexity of Co-op City, the world’s largest cooperative housing property, has produced a diverse work force of experienced employees who have the background earned over many years of working here to bring new ideas, Ellison
25¢
believes. “We are a management team, not a sole-source intellectual monopoly. In Co-op City, the generic way of property management does not necessarily apply here and we believe that team experience gives us the advantage of a clear perspective for working here in this wonderfully unique community,” Ellison said. Last August, the Riverbay Board assigned three senior staff level employees to serve as Knowledge Assistants to facilitate a possible transition in the management of Co-op City. Starting last November, Ellison and Peter Merola, Riverbay’s Director of Finance, served as co-interim General Managers overseeing the day-to-day operation of the company while the Board assesses the future direction of Riverbay. Over the past six months, Riverbay staff has handled the many challenges presented each day while managing more than 15,000 apartments, 8 parking garages, a heat, cooling and cogeneration power plant and 3 shopping centers. (Continued on page 4)
Final HPD workshop on SCRIE today in Einstein
The third and final workshop on the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) will be held today in Room 35 of the Einstein Center, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring your income documents and come early if you need assistance filling out your applications. Applications and assistance are also available at the JASA Senior Services office, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY.
Evacuation drill … Children from P.S. 160 walk with their teachers between the Section 5 school and the nearby Einstein Community Center as part of the annual evacuation drill the school stages each year in cooperation with Riverbay. The drill entails each class in the school walking together to the community center and back. Riverbay’s Director of Safety Kevin Keenan coordinates the annual drill at the request of school administrators. In the event of a real emergency at the school, the children will be directed to the nearby community center in much the same manner where they will be sheltered until their parents or guardians can pick them up. As part of the drill, Public Safety officers closed off the south side of Einstein Loop to traffic for the duration of the drill to allow the school children and educators to cross safely. Photo by Bill Stuttig
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Co-op City Times / June 13, 2015
Riverbay is committed to granting reasonable accommodations to its rules, policies, practices, or services when such accommodations may be necessary to afford people with disabilities the equal opportunity to use and enjoy their dwellings, as required by federal, state and local law. A reasonable accommodation may include a change or exception to a rule or policy that is needed because of a person’s disability, or it may be a physical change to a unit or common area. It is Riverbay’s general policy to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities whenever an individual has a disability and there is a disability-related need for the requested accommodation. A disability-related need for a requested accommodation exists when there is an identifiable relationship, or nexus, between the requested accommodation and the individual’s disability. Riverbay accepts reasonable accommodation requests from persons with disabilities and those acting on their behalf. Reasonable Accommodation Request forms are available in your local Cooperator Services Office, and may be returned to that office when completed. They will then be forwarded to the Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator. If you require assistance in completing the form, or wish to make the request orally, please contact the Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator at 718-320-3300, extension 3329. Riverbay will keep a record of all requests. We will make a prompt decision on your request. If the request is of a timesensitive nature, please let us know and we will expedite the decision-making process. In the event we need additional information to make a determination, we will promptly advise you of the information needed. It is Riverbay’s policy to seek only the information
Mitchell
same goal, that is to provide new opportunities for the staff, increase services and shopping options within and throughout the community and in the end improve the bottom line of the corporation and its shareholders, the residents of Co-op City. ” Mr. Mitchell’s promotion is just one of a series of changes that will be taking place within Riverbay to increase coordination, communication and efficiency throughout Riverbay Corporation. “We feel that morale among the staff has improved over the past year and increasing communication between all the departments has played a big role in that,” Ellison added. “We plan in the near future to continue to consolidate operations in order to create a better spirit of teamwork amongst all employees which in the end will mean a happier and more
APPENDIX A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION POLICY needed to determine if a reasonable accommodation should be granted under federal, state or local law. We will not ask about the nature or extent of your disabilities. If we grant the request, you will receive a letter so indicating. If we deny the request, we will provide you with a letter stating all of the reasons for our denial. If an individual with a disability believes that the request has been denied unlawfully or a response has been unreasonably delayed, then he or she may file a complaint by writing or calling any of the following: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban DevelopmentOffice of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity 26 Federal Plaza, Room 3532 New York, NY 10278-0068 1-800-496-4294 http://hud.gov/complaints New York State Division of Human Rights One Fordham Plaza, 4th Floor Bronx, NY 10458 Tel No. (718) 741-8400 TDD: 1-718-741-8300 http://www.dhr.state.ny.us/
New York City Commission on Human Rights 100 Gold Street, Suite 4600 New York, NY 10038 (212) 306-7450 http://www.nyc.gov/cchr
ASSISTANCE ANIMALS One common type of reasonable accommodation is allowing a person with a disability to keep an assistance animal. An assistance animal is any animal that works, provides assistance, performs tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability, or provides emotional support that alleviates one or more identified symptoms or effects of
a person’s disability. Riverbay is committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities may keep such animals in Co-op City to the extent required by federal, state and local law. An animal that is trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability is known as a service animal. It is often readily apparent that an animal is trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability, such as a dog that guides an individual with a visual impairment. Where it is readily apparent that an animal is a trained service animal, for example, a dog trained to guide an individual with a visual impairment, Riverbay will not inquire about the individual’s disability or the animal’s training. In the case of a resident who requests a reasonable accommodation for an assistance animal that provides emotional support or other assistance that ameliorates one or more symptoms or effects of the resident’s disability, Riverbay may require a statement from a health or social service professional1 indicating: i. That the applicant has a disability, and ii. That the animal would provide emotional support or other assistance that would ameliorate one or more symptoms or effects of the disability. In the case of a resident who requests a reasonable accommodation for an assistance animal that does work or performs tasks for the benefit of a
1
“Health or social service professional” means a person who provides medical care, therapy or counseling to persons with disabilities, including, but not limited to, doctors, physician assistants, psychiatrists, psychologists, or social workers.
DR. LEWIS WOLSTEIN Podiatrist — Foot Specialist • Practicing in Co-op City since 1975
(Continued from page 1)
productive staff, and more importantly, improved services and quality of life for Co-op City’s residents.” Recently, longtime CSO employee Valerie Hayes was promoted to Manager for Cooperator Services Office III which serves all of Section 5. Ms. Hayes said earlier this week, “Having lived most of my life in Co-op City in addition to working in CSO for many years, I know firsthand the frustrations that many residents can face and the concerns that we all have both in the short and long term. I promise my fellow shareholders that I will work as hard as possible in my new position to have myself, the rest of the CSO III staff, and the various operational departments we interact with daily to address those concerns and issues to the best of our ability.”
person with a disability, Riverbay may require that the resident provide: i. A statement from a health or social service professional indicating that the person has a disability, and ii. Information that the animal has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks that would ameliorate one or more symptoms or effects of the disability, or information that the animal, despite lack of individual training, is able to do work or perform tasks that would ameliorate one or more symptoms or effects of the disability. If an assistance animal both provides emotional support or other assistance that ameliorates one or more effects of a disability and does work or performs tasks for the benefit of a person with a physical disability, Riverbay may require compliance with either of the two preceding paragraphs, but not both. In order to minimize the effect on other shareholders, Riverbay prefers but does not require that emotional support animals have an adult weight of 25 pounds or less, that animals be spayed or neutered, and that applicants choose an emotional support animal that does not have an exceptionally strong bite strength.
• Board Certified in Foot Surgery • ALL conditions of the foot treated • We
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• Participating in the Medicare Diabetic Shoe Program • Evening and Saturday appointments
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Co-op City Department of Public Safety PARKING WILL NOT BE PERMITTED
100 DeKruif Place
on Carver Loop between Casals Place and Cooper Place on Saturday, June 20 from 6 a.m. - 8 p.m.. Violators will be towed at owner’s expense & summonsed.
Building 8 • Ground Floor Section 1 • Co-op City • Bronx, NY 10475
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Co-op City Times / June 13, 2015
2nd Combing Co-op City
Bereavement Support
Co-op City’s weekly Bereavement Support Group, led by Rev. Dr. Robert Smith, resumed on June 8th in Room 25 of the Bartow Community Center. The support group for residents struggling to cope with the loss of a friend, spouse or other loved one previously met under the auspices of Church of the Savior, but was temporarily suspended due to Dr. Smith’s retirement. The program resumed under Dr. Smith’s leadership in partnership with JASA. The group will meet from 2 to 4 p.m. each Monday. Residents interested in participating can call Dr. Smith at 917734-4058 or by calling JASA at 718-320-2066, Ext. 2010.
JASA’s SCRIE
Application Assistance
LiveOn NY (formerly CSCS) Benefits Outreach Specialists will assist with your SCRIE application and submit it for you! They can also help with SNAP, Medicare Savings Program, and Medicaid. Come to Rm. 25 in the Bartow center on Friday, June 19, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please bring documents that verify your identity, address/lease, total household income (Social Security award letter, Pension letters, Income tax returns and housing expenses (carrying charge bill). Can’t make it this time? Call LiveOn NY’s Benefits Outreach Office at 347-815-5930 for an appointment; Email: benefits@ liveon-ny.org
Section 2 Summer Fun Day
Next Sat., June 20 from 12-6 p.m. in the park between Carver Loop and Casals Place. Come join the fun. First 50 youth will receive a free t-shirt. Special musical guest is the fantastic Juan Ortega, One Man Band (weather permitting). Come early, 1-2 p.m., for the Salsa dance contest and win the special prize. There will be games, demonstrations, and a dunk tank! Come early, stay late! Parents must sign a waiver form for youth under 18 years old to participate in the games.
Health Seminars
A series of health seminars sponsored by the Riverbay Fund and the Co-op City Seventh Day Adventist Church, will begin on June 15 with the wisdom of Making Food Choices, 7-8:30 p.m., Dreiser Auditorium.
FRONT PA G E
Co-op City mourns the loss of beloved pastor, Rev. Dr. Milca C. Plaud BY ROZAAN BOONE
The Co-op City community lost a most beloved and respected religious leader last Thursday, June 4, when Rev. Dr. Milca Celeste Plaud succumbed to her battle with breast cancer. For more than 20 years, Rev. Dr. Plaud has been interwoven into the fabric of this community and especially Section Five where she was instrumental in the building of the Evangelical Church of Co-op City, United Methodist Church, (UMC) formerly known simply as the United Methodist Church of Co-op City. Rev. Plaud became pastor of the United Methodist Church of Co-op City in 1985, when she first moved to New York City from Pennsylvania where she received her Master of Divinity from the Lancaster Theological Seminary and pastored the congregation of “El Redentor” United Methodist Church for 5 years. At that time, the United Methodist Church of Co-op City, a Spanish speaking congregation, leased space in the Bartow Center for their services. Rev. Plaud held fast to the vision of her predecessor, Rev. Juan Sosa, that one day the congregation would own their own building. With a dedicated team of church members leading the project, that vision came to pass in 2005 when the Evangelical
Church of Co-op City, UMC, opened its doors at 2350 Palmer Avenue. Through the years, the congregation has grown and today, in addition to Spanish services, there are also English services, several different ministries have been created,
Rev. Dr. Milca C. Plaud
and one of Rev. Dr. Plaud’s proudest accomplishments, the Crescendo Christian Music School, was established. “I believe that she was the most amazing person I have ever met,” said Barbara Penn, a 10 year congregant at the Evangelical Church of Co-op City, UMC, and Vice President of the Board of Trustees. “She loved everyone, and always put the needs of every one of us
in front of her own. She was definitely a woman who lived what she believed. “One of my fondest memories will be of her up in the pulpit singing and dancing to the Lord. She was a great teacher, friend and leader. I thank God for bringing her into my life and I will miss my friend and pastor, but I have the surety that I will see her again one day.” Elizabeth Pena, Trustee Emeritus of the Board of the Evangelical Church of Co-op City, has known Rev. Plaud for more than 30 years and is not only godmother to her two daughters, Natalia and Claudia, but babysat them as children when their mother’s duties took her away from home, sometimes up to a week at a time. “What she meant to me is hard to put into a few words,” said Pena. “She was a friend, mentor and teacher. I felt honored that she entrusted me with the care of her daughters. We loved those girls and she knew that they were in good hands. I will always appreciate her companionship when I most needed it. “To our church, she was an angel from heaven. I feel like a light has been extinguished from Co-op City with her (Continued on page 21)
Co-op City Disabilities Expo offered a wealth of information BY EVA LAZAAR
At the Disabilities Expo held last Sunday, June 7, in Dreiser Auditorium, there were so many important things going on that each table seemed to beckon as guests signed up for services and gained information. The event was presented by the Special Needs Advisory Committee for the Seventh Day Adventist Church of Co-op City, working with the Riverbay Disabilities and Accommodations Committee, chaired by Director Linda Berk and the Riverbay Community Relations Department, and offered a comprehensive day-long event which provided information from dozens of agencies charged with helping people with a wide-range of disabilities. At the entry, following sign in, each guest received a wonderful color catalog of Expo participants. The following describes just a few of them: Co-op City Department of Public Safety, including on-site, Chief Frank Apollo, handing out information on programs like the RUOK (Are You Okay) Program, referral assistance for folks with addiction problems, such as alcohol abuse and assistance for those suffering domestic violence. RUOK is a free service and is perfect for seniors and anybody at risk
who lives in Co-op City. For example, if you are a diabetic and follow a pharmaceutical program that involves the need to be checked on, this is a great service. The cooperator completes a form for the database and that puts their contact call into
The nurses in the NAHN crew: Christina Gorzko, Stephanie Skapley, Johanna Nunez, Melody Madera, LaLa Aramain and Rosa MacBryde. Photo by Eva Lazaar
action. Irving Berkowitz, civic activist and a former Riverbay Board Director, developed this program. It is a model used by other communities to help prevent emergencies. At a nearby table, the Jewish Association for Services for the Aged, (JASA) had information showing how their theme, “Staying Alive for As Long As Live,” is their plan of action. AHRC of NYCAHRC stands for formerly the New York State Association for
Retarded Citizens, with 52 Chapters, of which AHRC New York City is the local chapter. Their friendly representatives explained their support services from schools, residential and adult day services to counseling and more. It was a short turnaround to hear how our Baychester Library, headed up by Library Manager Leslie Brown, is offering programs tailored for all age groups, including after-school programs, computer training and programs partnering with folks with disabilities. A musical event entitled “Classics to Ragtime” had every seat filled. Check out the June calendar at the library’s main desk; our library is the place to borrow a book and much, much more. Then, Bronx Legal Services representative Gullene Cherenfant, Esq. talked about their recent successes in, for example, securing services when a student has an undiagnosed emergency. With Ms. Cherenfant at that moment was Ms. Sally Nussbaum, former City Council aide with her home health care provider, George Paturas, who was a great proponent of this kind of expo and very appreciative to those who put it together. Next was the table for the National (Continued on page 26)
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Co-op City Times / June 13, 2015
Public Safety detains and arrests potential child predator
BY BILL STUTTIG Acting on alarms raised by an alert lobby attendant, Public Safety officers questioned and eventually arrested a man who was suspected of trying to lure young people into his vehicle. According to the Public Safety report on the arrest, the incident began when a lobby attendant in Building 11 noticed the suspicious behavior of a middle-aged man inside a vehicle parked in front of the building trying to engage young people in the area in conversation. Building 11 sits across the street from a playground and basketball courts. The attendant alerted the Public Safety dispatcher to the suspicions man and officers responded immediately. While approaching the vehicle, the Public Safety report said, the officers began observing some strange features to the vehicle in question, including blankets spread out on the floor of the trunk. The responding officers then asked the man to produce identification and, according to the report, as the suspect began reaching for identification, a stun gun or Taser was spotted by one of the officers in the storage compartment on the driver’s side door. At that point, the officers asked the suspect to step out of the vehicle and then asked him where he lived, according to the report. Despite being in a vehicle with Oklahoma plates, the suspect said that he was a resident of Building 11 and gave an apartment number of which it was soon
Management
During that time, Riverbay has come through some major hurdles, including resolution of a multi-million dollar labor lawsuit, an outbreak of the Legionella bacteria in the Power Plant cooling towers and negotiation of a zero increase labor contract with the Public Safety Department. During those six months, the Public Safety Department provided quick identification and apprehension of perpetrators of robberies of food service persons and attempted push-in robberies and assaults in Building 25. The Grounds and Maintenance Department aptly handled several severe snowstorms during a tough winter and nearly 500 Riverbay employees received federal OSHA safety training and certification. In-house painting is projected to save the company nearly $800,000. And in one very important measure of success, the Sales Department continues to report stellar results as vacancies remain very low while move-outs have dropped to an all-time low of only 166 in the past six months compared to 223 in the prior year period. Ellison believes these many achievements prove that the existing Riverbay staff has stepped up to meet the challenges they were handed and proved their worth. “When we heard that the Board was looking at management companies, we, as a staff, felt that we needed to do what we could to make the Board and others aware of the capabilities and activities
discovered he was not the legal occupant and when the legal occupants were quickly located, they claimed that they did not know the suspect. The officers were then able to get written consent from the suspect to search the vehicle and the search revealed, aside from the previously spotted stun gun, $598 worth of counterfeit bills, including 59 phony $10 bills and 8 counterfeit $1 bills. The officers also uncovered a brass knuckle. The suspect was placed under arrest and charged with multiple counts of possession of forged instruments and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon. Chief Apollo said that Public Safety conducted a thorough investigation both at the scene and while the suspect was detained at Public Safety Headquarters. As of this time, no children and/or parents have reported to members of Public Safety any improper comments made or behavior exhibited by this individual on the date in question. "I would like to commend both the lobby attendant for their keen observation and immediate reporting of suspicious activity, as well as the officer on the scene who observed the stun gun in the door compartment of the suspect’s vehicle,” said Chief Frank Apollo. “Had it not been for their observations and alertness, this situation may have developed into an entirely different turn of events." The suspect was later identified as a 35year-old resident of Lawton, Oklahoma.
Riverbay Fund
The next Riverbay Fund Board Meeting will be held on Monday, June 22. On the agenda will be updates from HUD and securing a temporary site to get an abbreviated program started. The space at the former Bingo Hall has been leased to the Riverbay Fund for 10 years and we will not abandon our youth who need their community to provide them with a state-of-the art facility like other large cities. The youth in this community are predominantly African American and Hispanic. They are our shining stars and future leaders. I get calls every week from Public Safety arresting our young men in particular. We, the successful middle income adults, are responsible for creating and supplementing opportunities for them. There is value in young people growing up in a vibrant community with a state-of-the-art Community Center in walking distance. Many of you are needed to fill in the gaps and inspire young boys, in particular, who may not have a male in the home. We also need to pay attention to our girls and their special needs. Volunteers are needed. Please contact: Evelyn M. Turner, evelyntinez@aol.com, 718-320-8088. —Evelyn M. Turner President, Riverbay Fund
Co-op City Jewish Community Council
The Co-op City Jewish Community Council/Community Service Center will close its doors on Wednesday, June 24th. The office was to have closed down last summer, but due to a last minute infusion of money from Councilman Andy King, we were able to stay open one day a week until the end of June, 2015. That day is around the corner, and so it is with fondness and regret that I take leave of my dear friends, co-workers and clients here in Co-op City. It may be that in the future, the office may reopen under new leadership, but that remains to be seen. To you all, my best wishes for a great summer and the future beyond. —Lynn Levine
A. Singh, DDS
DENTAL CARE
(Continued from page 1)
that are performed here on a daily basis,” Ellison said. “In that way, the individuals who will determine the management direction of this company can see what skills are available and/or need to be supplemented. My sense is we’ve been in this interim position long enough and now the community needs us to make some aggressive moves regardless of what the future is going to bring.” Ellison said changes will continue within Riverbay as managers examine how to handle work in-house vs. outside engaging outside contractors, reorganize a number of departments, and better utilize staff to serve the shareholders. “There is a perception of an entranced Riverbay culture and its impact on how Riverbay functions,” said Ellison. “Because of that, it’s hard for some to believe that people within the company can change that culture. But to Peter and I, it was always clear how to change things because we’ve developed new ideas over the years we’ve been here about how this company needed to be run and how things needed to be turned around. “I want to express my appreciation to the Board of Directors for supporting our efforts and allowing us to begin to unleash the power of a talented, experienced staff. As we continue to make changes within the corporate structure, we expect the shareholders will be the beneficiaries. I am excited about the direction we are taking.”
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Co-op City Times / June 13, 2015
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It’s happening in Co-op City Annual Co-op City Community Fair and Caribbean Heritage Celebration
Many came out to the Greenway to enjoy the annual Co-op City Community Fair and Caribbean Heritage Celebration last Saturday. Among the vendors that were present to showcase their goods, services & programs were the Co-op City Public Safety Department, featuring the ever popular Crime Fighting Dog, McGruff; personnel from the Baychester Library and many of the community’s clubs and organizations. The annual event also presents a chance for local elected officials to interact with constituents and Congressman Elliot Engel and the district office of Councilman Andy King took full advantage of the opportunity. (Many thanks to those who submitted their photos.)
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Co-op City Times / June 13, 2015
Co-op City Times
Letters to the Editor
Heartfelt gratitude
To the Editor: My heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported me through the election process for a Board of Director’s seat. While I was not one of the winning candidates, I was victorious in running with “Cooperators with Vision.” We were able to seat two new Board members, Pastor Deborah Jenkins and Rod Saunders, and reelect two Board members, Evelyn M. Turner, and Francine Reva Jones. In all, this is a great accomplishment for the team. My congratulations to Junius Williams, who ran independently, and was elected to a Board seat. These are a fine group of people
that understand the concerns of the community and will work tirelessly to ensure that you are well represented. For me, I am equally victorious because I got the opportunity to speak to many of you, participate in the forums where your concerns will challenge me as I continue to advocate for the things I ran on: protecting our financial integrity, enhancing our quality of life, driving operational efficiencies, working towards opening a youth center, making quarterly forums a reality and making sure that we are all getting our share of resources from our elected officials. This is a vision I believe in
To the Editor: It is with great disappointment that we, as a community, have to contend with idle threats from a state agency that was created to protect us. Riddle me this…DHCR’s role is not limited to: “all administrative and support services, including Communications, Legal affairs, Administration, Fair Housing, Policy Development, and Accounting and Treasury.” Where have they been the last 16 years while MSI was allowed to mismanage this community? Now when we oust their friends for mismanagement, they want to threaten us? I don’t believe
All closed eyes ain’t asleep!!!
To the Editor: One Sunday morning, May 30th, I saw a familiar sight. While taking an early morning walk, I witnessed garbage strewn in many area of our community, around the Section One Greenway, on Co-op City Blvd., our lawns, sidewalks and behind buildings. The garbage is of food containers, bottles, bags, newspapers and more. The shrubbery & flowers are supposed to be pleasant additions to the scenery. Instead, there is often garbage and cigarette butts mixed in as well. The wood
Preserve our quality of life
To the Editor: I am greatly disappointed with the Board's decision not to select an outside management firm to manage the day-to-day operations of Co-op City. I think that an outside management firm would bring the much needed objectivity to our community as it relates to the decision-making process. I believe one of our biggest problems is that we allow personal opinions to influence
Ask the shareholders
it’s the state. I believe it’s certain individuals who work for the state; individuals who stood by and allowed MSI to hurt us and supported them by looking the other way while this community was being victimized. HUDs Mission Statement includes these words: “utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life/build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination, and transform the way HUD does business.” Riverbay Corporation is and always was a managing entity for Co-op City. Go to the courthouse and look it up!!
shavings placed at the base of trees to retain moisture is necessary, but sometimes messy, due to neglect. There are abandoned construction supplies left on and around the Section One Greenway. This is an eyesore. The condition of the Greenway is bad. The grass is tall, there are weeds and bald spots. The surface is uneven. These are not new problems. Some may say this is due to the weekend when our workers may not be on duty. This is not the case. These conditions can be seen any day of the week. In light of the fact that summer is
our decisions, instead of doing what is best for the community. Several of the Board members were pro-hiring an outside firm, but later changed their minds. Why? Why was this vote made before the new Board members were seated? Why is it that all of the management firms lack the experience to manage a housing development of this size, but two (2) managers are capable? A
and will continue to fight for. I would like to thank my church, United Methodist Church - Co-op City, the Coalition to Save Affordable Housing, Building 19 Association, and the Spanish American Club, for their support. Lastly, I ask that we take a few moments and reflect as a community, to always ask the right questions and never lose sight of our greatest prize and asset - our homes! Thank you for making this experience such a wonderful one. With deepest gratitude, —Sonia Feliciano
Even MSI knew it. Every time they wanted to post a service interruption, the top of the letterhead would say Riverbay Corporation and on the bottom signed Management. We cannot let scare tactics frighten us into submission of our homes and livelihood. We must support our new responsible Board as a community. We must take this to the Supreme Court, if necessary. People, I urge you to come together and stand up and support the fight to continue building this community. Lest we will wither amongst the dust… —Kevin Lambright
here, we need to have more garbage cans on the grounds. There is also the problem of garbage being thrown from the windows. I have seen it as it passes my window on the way down. More anti-littering signs inside of the buildings and around the community grounds may be of help. There also seems to be a lot of garbage in the areas that surround our community. Hopefully, improvements will be made. This used to be such a nice, clean place to live. —Sherran Dixon
management firm would bring the organizational and technological skills needed to bring us into the 21 Century. No disrespect to the two interim general managers, I do not think that two (2) managers can effectively manage a housing development of this magnitude. Ask the shareholders for their opinions. —Shirley Holliday
Important Notice to Shareholders of Building 21 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 21
Current Lease Expiration Date
New 3 yr. Expiration Date
100, 120 & 140 Bellamy Loop
May 31, 2015
May 31, 2018
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 handsigned 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.
Public Safety Report
CCPD offers burglary prevention tips
BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO Burglary is a crime that tends to occur in patterns from time to time. There are currently no specific patterns, but it is still a good idea to be alert. Advanced surveillance systems and improved technology have greatly reduced the occurrence of burglaries within Co-op City. It is still a good idea to be aware of steps that can be taken to further decrease your odds of being a burglary victim. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety offers these tips to decrease your chance of being burglarized. Never welcome burglars by telephone. Burglars have been known to try to find out if anyone is home by phoning. If you get a pattern of several suspicious wrong numbers or hang up calls, notify 9-1-1 or the Co-op City Department of Public Safety at 1(718) 671-3050. Warn family members, children included, not to give out information by telephone. It is particularly important not to tell callers who is out or how long they are expected to be out. Also do not put this information on your answering machine. A standard greeting, “There is no one available to come to the phone right now, please leave a message” does not divulge extended absences to potential burglars. It is always nice to post vacation pictures on Facebook, Instagram and other social media sites. Just remember not everyone that can view your information is truly your friend. Use caution when posting pictures. You can always wait until you get home to paste photos. Also, make sure your privacy settings exclude anyone other than your friends from viewing your photographs. This holds true for the social media sites of everyone in your household. This is good practice for a variety of safety reasons. Never open your door to anyone you do not know. Ask repair persons or delivery persons to show identification. All Riverbay employees and utility providers, such as Cablevision, are required to carry identification while on duty. There are several different contractors working within Co-op City. Riverbay attempts to notify cooperators in advance when contractors will be working in a particular building. Never open your door until you are sure the person on the other side is legitimate. Even if you are expecting someone, ask who it is before opening your door. Solicitors of any type are not permitted within the buildings of Co-op City. If you have any doubt, call 9-1-1 or the Department of Public Safety at 1(718) 671-3050. Always make your home look and sound occupied. Consider purchasing a timer with a random setting to turn on a radio and lights at different times every day while on vacation. Lights that are left on for long periods of time can also signal that no one is home. Never advertise your vacation plans. Inform a trusted neighbor who can collect newspapers, mail or other deliveries. The postal service will suspend mail service for vacation periods. Notify the Public Safety Department if you are a member of the “Are you Okay?” program. Install good pick-proof locks and use them every time you leave the house or go to sleep. Riverbay Corporation provides only bottom lock access. A good quality top lock with a safety plate is highly recommended. Always change your locks if you lose your keys. Never leave keys under the mat, on top of the door frame or in any other “hiding” spot. Always keep house keys separate from car keys when utilizing valet service. Never place identifying information on keys. Consider purchasing a burglar alarm and set it every time you leave the house or when you go to sleep. Do not reward the burglar who does get in. If, despite your precautions, a burglar does get in, don’t reward him with a large sum of cash and jewelry. Never keep large sums of cash in your home. Keep jewelry not often worn in a safe deposit box. Consider purchasing a high quality personal safe for short term storage of certain valuables. Inventory valuables and keep receipts in a safe place in the event that you are the victim of a burglary. Never enter your apartment if you believe it has been burglarized. The burglar could still be in the apartment. You also do not want to ruin evidence, such as fingerprints, before they are collected by the police. As summer is in full swing, there is an increase in vehicle (Continued on page 14)
Co-op City Times / June 13, 2015
OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY
7
Tell your friends, relatives and employers about:
2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475 • 718-320-3300 Riverbay Corporation is an equal opportunity employer.
For information on CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES ONLY, please contact: Lenya Garcia at Lgarcia@riverbay corp.com; AND Barbara Penn at Bpenn@riverbaycorp.com. Please note that emails should be sent to both parties. Please DO NOT email resumes for EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES to the aforementioned emails. For EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, please see bottom of the employment listings for specific directions.
CONTRACT SUMMARY Contract 2999, Balcony Restoration/Repair Pre-bid Meeting: June 16, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. (Buildings 10, 20 & 26): The repair of nine (9) Bids Due: June 25, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Lines of Balconies in three Tri-core Buildings Bonding: Bonding is not required Pre-bid Meeting: May 26, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Insurance: Insurance is required Bids Due: June 9, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Bonding: Bonding is required Contract P809, Purchase of Folding Tables Insurance: Insurance is required Bids Due: June 18, 2015 at 2 p.m. This is for purchase only. Contract 3004, Installation of Doors and E-mail: bpenn@riverbaycorp.com to receive Frames as Needed a bid package
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES buildings, or other structures; Applicant must have Annual Summer Youth Lottery ability to walk for long periods of time, twist, kneel, Riverbay Corporation will once again be hosting a push, stoop, climb ladders; work in inclement Summer Youth Lottery for Co-op City High School weather; as well as lift and carry up to 80 pounds; and College student residents. Valid Driver License (NY, NJ, CT, or PA) required; Applications for these seasonal grounds’ positions Knowledge of OSHA and safety requirements related will be available at the Bartow Administration Office, to performing maintenance repairs; Must be available located at 2049 Bartow Avenue, between the hours of for emergency work; Must be able to read and write in 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. All appliEnglish; Bi-Lingual is a plus. Drug Screening Test, cants must apply in person. Applications will be availBackground check. Days and hours of operation will able from Monday, June 8, until Friday, June 19. vary on a flexible schedule. High school & college lotteries will be observed by All applicants are advised to submit a resume along a “Lottery Committee.” Riverbay residency will be with the application. Applications are given out at the confirmed & all eligible winners will be notified by below address from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, June 26. ——————————————————— ——————————————————— Open to 153 Union Members from New Job Posting: Open to All applicants from June 8, 2015 to June 12, 2015 June 4, 2015 to June 12, 2015 Open to All Internal applicants from Job Reference #: 15-29 June 15, 2015 to June 23, 2015 Utility Person Maintenance Department Job Reference #: 15-30 THIS IS A TEMPORARY POSITION. Under the Request for transfer/promotion must be received by supervision of a Maintenance Emergency Desk the Human Resources Department by June 22, 2015. Supervisor, candidate will be responsible for performEmployees are responsible for submitting the transfer ing emergency and routine maintenance repairs forms in person to the Human Resources Department. throughout the development. He/she will perform Employees who are promoted will receive the applicaHVAC repairs, including clearing of condensation ble rate scale for this position. lines, blower fan and motor replacement. The selected Secretary Buildings and Grounds candidate will be tasked with plumbing repairs on Ideal candidate will perform all secretarial duties; lines up to 2 1/2 inches diameter and snake sewer including typing, filing, answering phones, data entry, lines. This new employee will use manual and electric and general support of office directors, managers and equipment and perform electrical troubleshooting supervisors. Candidate will be responsible for genertechniques to repair apartments, public space circuits ating various reports for the Buildings & Grounds and devices. Department. Selected person will create corresponJob Description: Ideal candidate will: dence, flyers for the office. Applicant will work via • Test electrical circuits or components for continutelephone, two-way radio, and email and in person ity, using electrical test equipment. with various other field supervisors, departments, ven• Repair or replace defective equipment, compodors and managers alike. Candidate must be detail orinents, or wiring. ented coupled with excellent customer service skills. • Discuss heating or cooling system malfunctions Job Description: Ideal candidate will: with users to isolate problems or to verify that repairs • Use computers for various applications, such as corrected malfunctions. Microsoft Office and Mainframe databases. • Repair or service heating, ventilating, and air con• Answer telephones and give information to ditioning (HVAC) systems to improve efficiency, such callers, take messages, or transfer calls to appropriate as by changing filters and motors. individuals. • Comply with all applicable standards, policies, or • Create, maintain, and enter information into dataprocedures, such as safety procedures or the maintebases. nance of a clean work area. • Set up and manage paper or electronic filing sys• Record and report time, materials, faults, defitems, recording information, updating paperwork, or ciencies, or other unusual occurrences on work orders. maintaining documents, such as attendance records, • Perform preventive or general maintenance procorrespondence, or other material. cedures, such as cleaning, power-washing, or vacuum• Operate office equipment, such as fax machines, ing equipment, oiling parts, or changing filters. copiers, or phone systems and arrange for repairs • Cut or drill holes in floors, walls, or roof to install when equipment malfunctions. equipment, using power saws or drills. • Greet visitors or callers and handle their inquiries • Measure, cut, thread, or bend pipe or tubing, or direct them to the appropriate persons according to using pipe fitter's tools. their needs. • Obtain or already have and OSHA 10 hour card. • Maintain scheduling and event calendars. Job Requirements: HS Diploma or equivalent is • Complete forms in accordance with company a plus; Successful candidate should have 1 to 3 years procedures. of experience in maintenance; Candidate should have a working knowledge of materials, methods, and the (Continued on page 35) tools involved in the construction or repair of houses,
Applications are given out at the following address from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Riverbay Corporation Administration Office, 2049 Bartow Ave., Bronx, NY 10475; OR Resumes can be faxed to 718-320-3672 with the Job Title and Job Reference # on the TOP RIGHT CORNER of the resume. *Riverbay Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer*
8 As co-Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee in search of a new General Manager or Managing Agent, I entered this process excited about the possibilities. I thought we could get a really good company that can advance our corporation and protect our investment. There were no proposals submitted by General Managers, but there were eight Managing Agents that did submit management proposals. The pool of applicants varied and the management proposals they submitted showed various degrees of in-depth knowledge and interest. After seven months of meeting, reading, vetting, interviewing and visiting properties managed by these managing agents, the ad hoc committee recommended three management companies. We recommended Winn WB, First Service and CompassRock, all major property management companies, all very eager to be the company to manage Co-op City. I was most impressed with CompassRock. However, I have always felt that this was a very critical time for Co-op City and the decision on who would manage our community would be the most important decision of this Board. The process of interviewing and vetting took approximately eight months and during this period, the Co-op City interim General Managers showed me that they were capable of running this property better than MSI, our previous managing agent of fifteen years. The company that had received the vote of confidence from DHCR, HUD and Wells Fargo; the company all three said we needed to manage our property
Co-op City Times / June 13, 2015
Self-Manage or Managing Agent Linda Berk
Director’s Viewpoint First Vice President
to win their confidence. Tried, Tested and True! In the eight months that we searched for a new managing agent, our interim managers were confronted with the worst winter we have had in years, a Legionella outbreak, a labor lawsuit, and the phasing in of a new painting department. On top of all of this, they were strapped with discovering design and installation problems with a new boiler for the Power Plant. A plant that was hemorrhaging in cost and they needed to stop the bleeding. Granted, they had a Board that provided oversight, but in my opinion, they rose to the occasion. Our property was cleared of snow every morning by 6:30 a.m. as residents were leaving for work. The Power Plant was scrubbed and cleaned after the Legionella diagnosis that has now potentially become a national model for dealing with the infection of cooling towers with the dreaded bacteria. The painting department they established at the request of the new Board of Directors is up and running with a projected savings of $800,000 a year with a serious drop in cooperator complaints. And they have worked diligently to clear up the labor issues left by our
previous managing agent MSI. The mortgage was paid, bills paid and everything was functioning as good as ever. Our interim General Managers accomplished all of this with no advance notice that they would be in the position of managing this massive property in the middle of several major problems. But they accepted the challenge and they did it quite well! This we know. A Bird in the Hand Worth Two in the Bush What we don’t know is what we will get from a managing agent, except a $1.3 - $1.5 million a year bill. Was I looking forward to a new agent to come in here with new ideas and cost saving concepts? Yes, I was. But then, did I think our existing staff could handle the challenges of the past seven months like they did? No, I didn’t! Moreover, we saved over a million dollars. According to their plans, each managing agent we interviewed needed our existing staff, because our staff knew Co-op City like no one else. Does our existing staff need some retooling? Yes, they do. We have areas that need to be brought up to speed and modernized. But no one has run a property like Co-op City, except our current staff! Are we concerned about complacency, mediocracy or nepotism? I believe we are. However, what we need immediately, in my opinion, is a recruiter on staff to find new and impressive talent. I did not vote to recommend a managing agent because I believe we have the basis of what we
need and we know what we have. Just as we can hire a managing agent, we can hire talented and experienced executives where we need them, that will help our current management take us into the 21st century with professionalism and efficiency. Who Has Our Best Interest at Heart? Clearly, we are regulated by DHCR, and HUD and Wells Fargo have a vested interest in our property. However, I believe at the end of the day, we live here at Co-op City and we too are vested in Co-op City. I know that while our history with General Managers has been spotty, they were never as bad as what our ONLY managing agent has left us to undo. Are we ready to gamble again or do we improve on what we have? My final thought is we improve what we have and put that $1.5 million back into our pockets. Disability and Accommodations Committee (DAAC) at Work I’m proud of the hard work of Cheryl Silvera, member of the Disabilities and Accommodation Committee (DAAC), for her outstanding work and dedication for conceiving and coordinating a very successful Disability EXPO. It was very well attended with over 70 vendors and hundreds of participants from all over New York City. This was the first expo to be held in New York City. Congratulations, Cheryl, for a job well done; John Rose for a passionate welcoming speech and Vivian Campbell for providing the art work for DAAC’s logo and banner. Have a safe and wonderful summer!
Co-op City Times / June 13, 2015
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On Sunday, June 7, this Director joined a packed church to continue the celebration of life of a remarkable spiritual leader in our community-Section 5, Rev. Milca Plaud. It was her leadership that is responsible for the purchase of land and building of the Co-op City United Methodist Church located at 2350 Palmer Avenue, Bronx, New York. Her life story is one of courage for the present generation of girls. It was stated how God is the driving force of this church and He will give the congregation a plan as the question is asked, “What’s next?” It was shared how Pastor Plaud was a woman of courage when it came to negotiating a plan to purchase the land and build God’s house. She refused to install a clock in the sanctuary as her thinking was that we need to give God some time without watching a clock on the wall. Pastor Plaud loved beauty and wanted God’s house to look nice. It was important to her that God’s house was clean and orderly and she was often observed picking up or arranging flowers if out of place. She ensured that services were available in English and Spanish using the latest technology during service. Décor was important and the Golden Crown was mounted before her transition. If you attend her church and did not bring your Bible, you could follow via power-point on the walls.
A giant of a woman Co-op City Times / June 13, 2015
Evelyn Turner
Director’s Viewpoint Second Vice President
“She is not replaceable,” however, she left a legacy of how church members should help and encourage each other, starting with prayer. On a personal note, it was Pastor Plaud who opened up the doors of her church for a Free Workshop on February 13, 2013 to discuss the problems of gun violence in Section 5. There had been a double youth shooting in January, 2013 and Pastor Deborah D. Jenkins was the impetus for a movement called “Faith Leaders and Community against Violence. I accepted an invitation to become an active part of this community based initiative as Chairman of the Outreach Committee. We had ten (10) committed spiritually grounded young people, most of them from Pastor Plaud’s church to join the committee with the vision of making Section 5 a “no violence zone.” Weekly prayer walks occurred throughout Co-op City. Two other Pastors joined the movement, Pastor Anthony Davis and Dr. Sheldon Williams.
Pastor Plaud was part of a strong cadre of spiritual resources available at the time in our efforts to divert the hopelessness often felt by youth who lack employment and who are disillusioned with the school system. I was allowed to speak with her youth in the fellowship hall in order to listen to their ideas. Their ideas are part of the program plan for the former “Bingo Hall.” One of Pastor Plaud’s members sent me a letter that was shared with HUD, advocating for the use of the former Bingo Hall for our youth. “It is a sad state of affairs when the cry of our youths, to be acknowledged as part of a vibrant community is being heard as a burden and not a blessing. Imagining a space in their own back yard is a mark of ownership in which their value will soar bringing this community to a higher standard; enriching everyone and everything.” “We must pay it forward.” “This is an investment that will never stop producing nothing but greatness …if we only dare to believe.” The struggle continues as we move forward to obtain an enrichment center for our youth and community. Pastor Plaud’s beauty and quiet, deliberate, consistent strength will never be forgotten. She left so many moments to treasure that are too great to measure. Her legacy will live forever in my heart and spirit! My deepest sympathy, and
know that our hearts are with you (family & friends) and share in your grief. Working in Partnership Many thanks to the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, and the Greater New York Conference of SDA for working in partnership with Linda Berk, John A. Rose, Cheryl C. Silvera, and Michelle Sajous in sponsoring such an awesome Disabilities Expo for our community. Many of us are now connected with and learned about resources that will be very helpful. Many thanks to the National Council of Negro Women for the awesome Harambee Brunch on Saturday, June 6. We need to celebrate our culture and provide our young people opportunities to shine. Because of the AKATEEN Rites of Passage mentorship program, 5 young high school girls have been given the tools necessary to blossom into womanhood. All five are attending college. Re-Election Again thank you for all of your wonderful help and your overall support of my campaign. I hope that my work in office will merit your continued support. I will be keeping you abreast of issues discussed at our meeting. Your voice is important, volunteers are needed, so contact me at: Evelyn M. Turner – evelyntinez@ aol.com – 718-320-8088.
Co-op Insurance
11
Co-op City Times / June 13, 2015
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12 Dear cooperators, Congratulations to the winners of the 2015 Board of Directors elections – Rev. Deborah Jenkins, Evelyn Turner, Rod Saunders, myself and Junius Williams. Sonia Feliciano finished in sixth place and will replace any Board Director who cannot complete their service on the Board this year. Thank you for your vote and allowing me another term to serve you. I will do my best to carry out the promises made on COOPRATORS WITH VISION platform, that being to: Protect Riverbay’s Financial Integrity: Money is needed to run Co-op City and if the responsible people are irresponsible, then we run the risk of going into receivership by the State. Work to Enhance Our Quality of Life: I will advocate maintaining the heat, hot water, air conditioning, beautiful and spacious grounds, etc. Optimize Operation of Riverbay: Assure that the managers manage our community with the greatest efficiency and effectiveness possible. Open Youth/Community Enrichment Center: The community’s youth are our greatest assets and we must do all we can to nurture their development for our community’s future. “It takes a village …” Lobby Our Elected Officials for Fair Share of Services and Additional Funding: Continue to address approaches to deal with asbestos, sanitation, water charges, etc. Initiate Quarterly Cooperator Forums: “From the People; to the People,” has long been my motto. Shareholders will be heard and their ideas evaluated for implementation. Community contributions To the outgoing Board Directors, Othelia Jones, who served on the Board for 21 years; Al Shapiro, 21 years; and Khalil Abdul-Wahhab, 9 years, I wish
Congratulations
Co-op City Times / June 13, 2015
Francine Reva Jones Director’s Viewpoint Secretary
them all the best and hope that they continue being involved in our community. Major cuts Cooperators should know that major cuts have been made since Cleve Taylor was elected President of the Riverbay Corporation in June of 2014. Marion Scott Real Estate, which is responsible for the Ramirez lawsuit, is no longer mismanaging the Riverbay Corporation. Questionable contractors are no longer here. Painting and plastering has returned in-house. Management Over the past few weeks, there has been much controversy over the hiring of a management agent versus self-management. I participated in some of the early meetings of the Management Search AdHoc Committee, headed by Director Bernard Cylich. I must say that he and Director Linda Berk, along with attorney Jeffrey Buss, did an outstanding job of meeting with management agents, reading proposals, vetting, interviewing, etc. At the Emergency Open Board Meeting on May 28, President Taylor expressed the desire to self-manage Co-op City. Since the suspension of MSI in November of 2014, the Knowledge Team and then the Interim General Managers, Noel Ellison and Peter Merola, worked diligently running Co-op City while the Ad Hoc Committee searched for a new management company. Out of eight management companies,
three were selected for the Board to interview. Being that Riverbay needed an immediate upgrade in Information Technology, I was ready to select from First Service, CompassRock and Winn WB, the three recommended. However, in discussions with my Board colleagues, we realized that they all were lacking experience and staffing in areas that we needed, such as a Power Plant engineer. We are using one of the best Power Plant consultants now, and would probably need to continue this policy under new management, in addition to paying them their annual fee of $1.5M. Bring back the spunk Shareholders need to bring back the courage and the backbone that was once our culture. In Director Cylich’s viewpoint last week, he discussed how Al Shapiro organized demonstrations and threatened to sit in at the offices of Gov. Mario Cuomo and the HFA regarding the establishing a $134M superfund – including $109M deposit from HFA and the state – to finance construction defects discovered at least ten years earlier. The authorities understood and respected our views and our shareholders were successful. In addition, I somewhat agree with, but am disappointed by the statement in last week’s edition, made by Othelia Jones, “Today, we don’t have the people who care the way we cared years ago; people are too accepting of whatever they’re told, they don’t question anything and it seems there’s no cooperative way of living anymore. When people say we now have a tenant mentality here, I believe that is the truth.” While many cooperators are passive, I am encouraged by the response regarding the Department of Transportation’s Vision Zero Program where their goal is to reduce the Bartow Avenue six-lane thoroughfare
into four lanes with a bicycle path. The community is responding. Board Directors must be expressive and challenge an agreement that was made if it is not the best for our community. It’s the “wheel that squeaks that gets the grease.” If we don’t speak up and present to HCR, HUD and Wells Fargo what we really need, they will remain unaware. They need to know that neither of the three managing agents the Board interviewed demonstrated the ability or experience to manage all of Co-op City’s facilities, including the Power Plant, the Public Safety Department, the refuge facility, the in-house construction department, the parking facilities department, eight garages, 125 vehicles, etc. However, our Interim General Managers have been successfully managing our complex community, and I am one of the Directors that would prefer that they become the perma-nent managers. The Interim General Managers and their department heads recently met with the Board and, I believe that the Board Directors present were impressed with their professionalism and performance throughout their many years with us, many over 20 years. HCR, HUD and Wells Fargo should know this and perhaps they will agree to allow the IGM to remain servicing our community in this excellent manner, as opposed to taking a chance with an outside management company and the possibility of winding up in a position similar to our experience with MSI. It’s worth a try. Building Associations Participate in your building association. Congratulations to the newly elected Building 20 Association officers: President: Eddie Whitten; VicePresident: Bill Craft and Treasurer: John Dent.
CO-OP CITY FOOT CARE CENTER SECTION 5 • BUILDING 29C 4240 HUTCHINSON RIVER PARKWAY EAST
(718) 671-2233 DR. LOUIS JACOBS, DIRECTOR ALL FOOT CONDITIONS TREATED The in-office surgical correction of BUNIONS • HAMMERTOES • INGROWN TOENAILS PAINFUL CORNS and CALLOUSES The treatment of traumatic foot injuries, heel spurs, bursitis and arthritis of the joints of the feet, toenail and skin infections, as well as other conditions.
Most Union and Insurance Plans Accepted. HIP CMO (Montefiore) Health Plan Accepted. We participate in Postal Workers, Mail Handlers, Letter Carriers, Verizon Workers, 1199, GHI, Blue Shield, Empire Plan, Medicare, Travelers, United Health Care and many other union and major medical plans. Se Habla Español MEDICARE ACCEPTED • HOUSE CALLS BY APPOINTMENT
Diabetic Patients with Medicare may be eligible for shoes.
Co-op City Times / June 13, 2015
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A pivotal time in our history Co-op City Times / June 13, 2015
Rod Saunders
I want to make my first viewpoint about not come upon a cooperaarticulating the vision I have for making my Director’s Viewpoint tive community such as election to the Riverbay Board of Director’s ours very often. meaningful to the shareholders who have In my opinion, we have Assistant Secretary entrusted to me, their hopes that this time an opportunity to pivot will be different. from a community that is heavily burdened from past policy decisions, to I am not sidestepping the 800 pound one that will lead by example, showing other gorilla in the room, but before I comment to Mitchell-Lama cooperatives what can be done by our cooperative community regarding the being more conservative with our Board policy HCR/HUD - we have to have an outside resolutions, creative in our management style, management team situation, I want to be clear in my understanding of the interpretasmarter with our capital construction projects, tion of HCR’s correspondence with and completely committed towards improving Riverbay’s Board in the stated sections of their code, the quality of life for all cooperators. and that it’s being properly applied to our actual current I would like to begin by immediately suggesting situation here in Co-op City. ways to reduce the amount of money that comes out of cooperator’s pockets every week, and then by I truly believe that this moment in time is a “transiengaging our elected officials to help us resolve by tional” one, and that an opportunity such as this does
CCPD
and pedestrian traffic. Always be alert to driving hazards. Summer time means school buses are still on the road, often at less predictable hours. Never pass a stopped school bus with a STOP sign displayed of its red lights flashing. This means children are loading or unloading. Be aware of pedestrians and bike riders when operating a motor vehicle. Bike riders must refrain from riding bicycles near buildings and shopping centers. Bicycle riders must give pedestrians the same level of respect that they expect from motor vehicles. Everyone needs to share the road safely. Never operate a motor vehicle if you have consumed alcoholic beverages. Always buckle your seatbelt; it will save your life in a serious collision. Avoid distractions and excess speed when driving; these are the two leading causes of collisions within New York State. Always remember, if you see something, say something. If you see suspicious persons or hear suspicious
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noise coming from your neighbor’s apartment, a burglary could be taking place, notify the authorities. Townhouse residents should also be vigilant for persons loitering about the townhouse areas. Call 9-1-1 and the Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050 or online at www.ccpd.us. Callers may remain anonymous when giving information. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety would like to thank all persons who have called in suspicious activity or sent information via our website. It is by your actions that the crime rate remains low and a high quality of life is maintained. Lt. Pam Apollo would also like to thank my loyal readers who stop by to say hello or who provide feedback and suggest topics for future articles. My youngest reader is ten years old and has an interest in Law Enforcement. There is fierce competition for my oldest reader. Thank you and enjoy your summer.
negotiation, or legislation, some of the long standing bureaucratic issues that have been hampering Co-op City for years, and costing us million of shareholder dollars. During the campaign for the Riverbay Board, I (as did the entire Cooperators with Vision team) made a promise to hold quarterly Shareholders Forums. I would like to have the entire Board agree to hold the first, open mike, shareholders forum in September (the 17th or the 24th), in the Dreiser Auditorium, thus giving everyone an opportunity to tell the Board about what’s important to you. Within reason, the floor will be yours. And so, as a freshman Board member with an opportunity to discuss my ideas, some shared, some original, I am genuinely looking forward to working with my new, very capable, and extremely dedicated Board family.
Public Safety Blotter: June 6, 2015
June 6- 120 Aldrich Street One male was arrested for possession of a weapon and ammunition. He was transported to Central Booking for further processing and a community complaint was issued. June 6 - Various Locations One male and one female were arrested in Joint Ops with CCPD and 45th Pct. Crime Unit for possession of Narcotics. Both were issued Community Complaints and were then Transported to Central Booking for processing. June 6 - 137 Dreiser Loop One male was arrested for Public Consumption and Disorderly Conduct. The individual was processed and issued two Universal Summonses.
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Co-op City Times / June 13, 2015
Health News
New program at Montefiore helps prevent peanut allergies in children
An innovative new program has been developed by the Food Allergy Center at Montefiore that will help prevent peanut allergies in children. It is located at the new Hutchinson Metro campus at 1250 Waters Place and will be offered to parents with babies from 4-6 months of age who are at risk for peanut allergies, who have eczema or food allergies in their families. Food allergies are a growing problem in this country, affecting 15 million people, including 1 in 13 children. And peanut allergy is the number one food allergy affecting children. In fact, peanut allergy has become the leading cause of anaphylaxis and death related to food allergy in the United States. An allergic reaction can
cause hives, wheezing, swelling of lips, mouth, eyes or tongue, difficulty breathing or even loss of consciousness and death. Based on a recent study that found early consumption of peanuts can prevent peanut allergy, the Food Allergy Center at Montefiore is offering parents of babies at approximately 4-5 months of age who have just started eating solid foods the opportunity to bring their babies to be introduced to peanuts. They will be given peanut butter to eat and will be watched for 2 hours. If they do not have a reaction, parents will be instructed to feed the babies small amounts of peanut butter, about five teaspoons per week, on a regular basis at
home. www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/ NEJMe1500186 A recently published study found that the prevalence of peanut allergy among children in London who were not given peanut-based products in the first year of life was 10 times as high as that among children in Israel who had consumed peanut-based products before their first birthday. This prospective, randomized trial clearly indicates that the early introduction of peanuts dramatically decreases the risk of development of peanut allergy (approximately 70-80%). This service is safe and very effective because it has been found to decrease peanut allergy risk by 70-80%. It is not a
Fr. Taylor and the congregation of St. Joseph's cordially invite you to worship with us 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. Bible study is held each
Wednesday at 7 p.m. Choir rehearsal is on Thursday 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 and dues are $2 per month. We look forward to welcoming everyone at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 14, when we will celebrate the Third Sunday after Pentecost.
Fundraising Event • A few seats are still available for the bus trip on Saturday, June 27. The ECW will be sponsoring this trip to North Fork, L.I. Pindar Vineyards for wine tasting, luncheon at the Sound View Inn Restaurant and discount shopping at the famous Tanger Outlets. Donation, $100 per person. Bus leaves at 8:30 a.m. from Dreiser Loop. Call 718-320-0844 for reservation.
St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church
medication or a vaccine. It is merely introducing a food. Special appointments are being offered because time is of the essence. The earliest possible introduction of peanuts will give parents the power to do something to prevent peanut allergies in their children. The program is being offered at the two Food Allergy Center locations -- at the new Hutchinson Campus, 1250 Waters Place in the Bronx, and at Montefiore Medical Specialists of Westchester, 495 Central Park Ave. in Scarsdale. For questions or to schedule an appointment, call 866-MED-TALK. www.montefiore.org/food-allergyresource-center.
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. “Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the Courts of our God.” –(Psalm 92:12) —M. Chambers
Our next “meet and greet session will be at 11 a.m. at the St. Michael’s Church, 13th of June. ALTOUR 1270 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020 TO CONTACT MONICA - PLEASE CALL 212-497-7674 or cell 646-515-8702 Joyce Hall - Group Coordinator - Tel: 914-736-3683
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The Countdown to Defaulting on our Mortgage is On Co-op City Times / June 13, 2015
Daryl Johnson
defiant directors. Election Results I wrote a few articles in June, 2013 that clearly showed that something may have gone wrong with the election during that year. In several instances, there were clear patterns that some candidates had the same amount of votes in separate sections of our buildings. In other words, how was it possible that a candidate had exactly 22 votes in each section—A, B, and C— in a triple-core building? Coincidence? Maybe. But, can you really say that a coincidence occurred when Riverbay's numbers clearly showed, in lots of instances, that some candidates had identical voting numbers in separate sections in some of our other buildings? And, now, I see a similar controversy has affected this year's election with several cooperators raising questions about the high vote counts here. One of their major concerns was about the quorum— a third of our shareholders—that wasn't met on election day. Yes, the election was extended for a few hours the next day so that more cooperators could vote and a
quorum could be met. But, was this extension issued because lots of cooperators said that they were disgusted with the way that things were going here and that they were not going to vote for anyone? Anyway, a few questions need to be considered at this point. After several inquiries, why hasn't the election committee sent the vote count from the individual buildings to some of our directors for a thorough review? Moreover, why didn't the election committee print the vote count from the buildings in this paper? Is there a problem with the votes? Perhaps, yes. Nevertheless, this election is going to cost far more than $115,000. So, this community deserves to know exactly what happened with the votes from their buildings. Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE, Pronounced SCREE) A lot of seniors that are at least 62 years of age have recently signed up for the SCRIE program. And, they will not have to worry about their carrying charges going up as long as they stay enrolled in this program. This is wonderful because this current 4½ percent increase and future increases will not affect them. So, they can continue to live here on a fixed income without having to worry about being priced out of here. Now, have you signed up for this SCRIE program? If not, then, do you understand that you will have to pay for this increase for as long as you live here if you miss their deadline for signing up? Look, we're going to have a workshop in Dreiser today from 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. to help you to fill out your application. So, I would like to encourage our seniors to please attend this meeting so
that you can get your applications in today. If you cannot make this workshop, then please go to Bartow and pick up an application at our finance department or at JASA's offices, 718-320-2066. We even have online applications on page 1 at riverbaycorp.com. Thank you. Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE, Pronounced DREE) Here's a program for cooperators with disabilities to help them avoid this 4½ percent increase and future increases. Similar to SCRIE, you can have your current carrying charges "frozen" as long as you stay enrolled in this program. We have applications in the same areas that the SCRIE applications are located. Also, cooperators that would like to sign up for the DRIE program can go to our finance department and speak to Linda Pujols, 718-320-3300, x3371. Close The idea of self-managing is not bad. But, the regulations dictate that we must bring in a management company. So, my next article will focus on a few ways that we can benefit from having a management company. Thank you. Questions or comments? Please send a message to: Daryl Johnson, Riverbay Board Director, c/o Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. Or, please send a message to me at darylhjohnson@optonline.net (Please double-check the spelling of this address). Also, please call me at 718-671-4544 if you don't receive a response from your message. You can also join me on Facebook by typing in: Daryl H. Johnson. Okay, that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful week. And, may God bless you and your family. Thank you.
Make Music Celebration, June 21 at 11 a.m. On Sunday, June 21, Rivers Run Community Garden (RRCG), Co-op City’s first ever riverfront community garden, is opening its doors with a free outdoor live musical extravaganza featuring Make Music performers from 11 a.m. to dusk at the site located on Co-op City Blvd. (left side of Baseball Field), Bronx. The event is sponsored in part by Make Music New York, Citizens Committee of NY, Riverbay Fund, Riverbay Community Relations, Building 13 Association, Inc., and Rivers Run Community Garden’s members and volunteers. Now in its ninth year, Make Music
New York, “the largest music event ever to grace Gotham” (Metro New York), is a unique festival of 1,000+ free concerts in public spaces throughout the five boroughs of New York City, all on June 21st, the first day of summer. MMNY takes place simultaneously with similar festivities in more than 700 cities around the world – a global celebration of music making. All day, musicians of all ages, creeds, and musical persuasions – from hip hop to opera, Latin Jazz to punk rock – perform on streets, sidewalks, stoops, plazas, cemeteries, parks and gardens. This year, RRCG has been chosen to participate as a Bronx location for a full day of entertainment. Tentatively scheduled to
appear are Kyle Young, Phantm aka Phantm Phuego, 212 Green, Newsong, Kuf Knotz, Shawnee Jay, J Love Copeland, Tommi Truthz, Gregg James, Brotherhood Experience, Benita Charles and Yoshi the Talent. The day will include a Bake Sale, tours of RRCG, crafts, information from NY Botanical Gardens, composting information, and lots more. Rivers Run Community Garden is currently being designed, built and maintained by volunteers of diverse ages and backgrounds and accommodates a wide variety of needs and abilities, including children, elderly and those with limited mobility. The garden raises the profile of Co-op City whilst
showcasing healthy vegetables and herbs, garden artistry and environmental awareness. This vision of the rich fusion of nature, technology and environmental management has already begun to provide healthy choices as garden members participate in workshops and workdays sponsored by the New York Botanical Garden and NYC Parks’ GreenThumb that focus on water conservation, growing food, composting, wild life perservation, among others. The whole plan has an intelligent environmental infrastructure, allowing healthy food, healthy minds and healthy community togetherness to flourish in Co-op City. —Gail Sharbaan
Please join us on the 2nd Thursday of every month at 8:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome! The club is hosting another fun ‘Vegas Night’ in our club room, Room 16 of the Dreiser Community Center. Activities start at 7:00 p.m. and admission will be only $2. Try your luck with us. Our monthly ‘Social Friday’ gathering
will be held on June 26th at 7:00 p.m. in the club room. Wind down from a long week with music and refreshments in a comfortable environment. The club is pleased to sponsor ‘Lobster Fest’ – a combined trip to Foxwoods Casino, the new outlets, and Nordic Lodge, on Sunday, June 21st. The balance was due by June 12th.
Please contact Alfonso Gonzalez at (347) 249-3403 with any questions. The ‘El Batey’ picnic at Glen Island is scheduled for Sunday, July 26th. Parking permits should have been requested already. For more information, please see our website. Plans are in the works for ‘Karaoke Night’ on Saturday, August 15th.
Additional details will be available soon. Additional information for all of our upcoming club events, as well as details concerning the club in general, can be found on our website: http://spanamcccc .synthasite.com. You may also contact the club at (718) 379-7017 or email us at SpanAmCCCC@gmail.com. —Carmen Rodriguez
The summer is coming soon. Wicked Wednesday starts July 8th. Entertainment is on the Greenway in Section Five every Wednesday, so come out and enjoy. Speaking of coming out and enjoying, don’t forget Fun in the Sun Saturday, August 22nd. We still need volunteers.
Our building’s association room has had another back-up from the sink this past Sunday with leakage coming into the hallway in the lobby. The itinerary for the rest of the month is as follows: The last building association meeting till September is Wednesday, June 17th with the door opening at 7 p.m.
At this meeting, the election for a new association board will take place. The new business of creating a youth board for the building will be also be discussed. We will also honor James Parker for his service to our building. After the meeting, refreshments will be served. The last Movie Night till September
will be on Friday, June 19th, with the door opening at 7 p.m. The last crochet class will be Wednesday, June 24th with the door opening at 1 p.m. The association room is in Building 30B in the lobby. —Linda Werner
Some of our directors have let a socalled sense of power go to their head. Therefore, they're not taking the warnings from the NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) agency and HUD seriously to bring in new management by June 30. DOJ and HUD Takes Action Against Riverbay Recently, Riverbay settled a lawsuit with the U.S. Department of Justice and HUD. The allegations state that “Riverbay failed to provide reasonable accommodations to people who require service or assistance animals.” According to the documents, "HUD issued three separate charges of discrimination against RiverBay and participated in two administrative hearings before an administrative law judge (ALJ) concerning RiverBay’s reasonable accommodation policy." Then, the settlement dictates that “RiverBay has agreed to pay a civil penalty of up to $50,000, and to dedicate as much as $600,000 to compensate people who have been harmed by inadequate accessibility at Co-op City.” Now, didn't HUD back a portion of our $621.5 million mortgage? Yes. But, as you can see, they will take action against you if you violate their regulations. In our case, some directors wasted everyone's time by interviewing several management companies and then out-rageously disqualifying every single one of them. Therefore, HCR sent some letters to our board. The most recent letter, dated May 28, states: “I am advising you again to notify DHCR, HUD, and Wells Fargo, as soon as possible, of the managing agent that the board recommends that we approve."
Director’s Viewpoint
So, now, we have until June 30 to sign a management agreement. If not, then we might “receive a notice of non-monetary default” on our mortgage and HCR will probably take action against these
Rivers Run Comunity Garden
Spanish American Community Club
Building 30 A&B
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Co-op City Times / June 13, 2015
African American Association
General Membership Meeting, Saturday, June 13th – The general membership meeting will be held today at 4:00 p.m. in Dreiser Center, Room 15. The agenda will include an update on community issues, election of new officers, the Scholarship Awards Presentations, entertainment, music and refreshments. Please note that the association offices of President, VicePresident, Secretary and Treasurer are open. Association members that wish to run for one of these offices should please contact us at 718-379-5555 and attend the June 13th meeting. All are welcome. 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. From March-July, the dues are reduced by one-half. Donations are welcomed. Like us on Facebook: CoopcityAfrianamericanassoc. Juneteenth – The Association members will participate in a Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 20th at 1:00 p.m. in the Dreiser Community Center Auditorium. It is a free event. All are welcome. June is Black Music Month – On
Saturday, June 27th at 4:00 p.m. in the Dreiser Community Center Auditorium, the Drammeh Institute will present “When Dignity Prevails,” featuring traditional and contemporary African musical performances. It is a free event. All are welcome. The association sponsors the following ongoing programs and encourages your participation. Summer Day Camp – Registration is still open for the association’s Summer Day Camp beginning 7/6 until 8/21. For more information, call 347791-7104 or 347-368-8629. Before School Program – Your child will be cared for from 6:00-8:00 a.m. and walked to school. Call 718-3795555. After School Program – Your child will be picked up from school and cared for from 3:00-6:00 p.m. Call 718-3795555. Adult Study Group – The Institute for Youth meets on the 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7:00 p.m. The Book Study Group meets every 3rd Sunday, 1:00 p.m., Dreiser Center, Room 15. Call 718-379-5555. Yoga & Pilates Mat Classes – Tuesdays, 7:15 p.m., Dreiser Center, Rm. #2. Call Meena, 718-671-8364. Belly Dance Classes – Wednesdays, 7 p.m., Dreiser Center, Rm. #2. A fun and healthy way to stay in shape! Call Xonia, 646-301-9438.
Retirees of Dreiser Loop
The Retirees’ 42nd Annual Luncheon will be held on Wed., June 17th at the beautiful Marina Del Rey, featuring the Carol/DAD Productions, from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. At the luncheon, we will be honoring the following persons who have made significant contributions to our organization: Recording Secretary, JoAnn Daniels-Harris and Elinor Gordon, former Good and Welfare Coordinator, posthumously. Donation: $75. Tickets are available for pick-up and please advise if transportation needed. Contacts: Beverly Waller/Daisy Young-Anderson, 718-379-0377. ATTENTION: Hold the Date, Saturday, June 20th, 1-5 p.m. in the Dreiser Community Center, Auditorium C. The RDL Humanitarian Committee cordially invites the community to be a part of our 1st Juneteenth Celebration. A celebration that will tell of some of the struggles and the many achievements of our people through Fashion and Dance, by our Writer, Director, and Producer, Joan L. Murrell. Free admission. Limited seating. A free-will offering will be accepted and appreciated. TRAVEL EVENTS • August 17-19, (Mon.-Wed.), Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, Dover, DE. Price: Double, $400 pp/Single, $490. $100 deposit required now to hold seat. Monthly payments: $150 pp/Double $195/Single. Final payment due Thursday, July 9th or sooner. Casino rebate: TBD. Package includes - All You Can Eat Crabs at Woody’s Crab House, shopping at Rehoboth Outlet Stores; on day of return, stopping at the Harrington Raceway & Casino. Bonus: free slot play and free buffet. Contacts: Serita G., 347-564-5722/Barbara W, 718-3200500. • September 12 (Saturday). Gospel Lobster Feast in the Poconos. Price:
$175. $50 deposit required to hold seat. 2 monthly $50 payments each, and final payment of $25 due August 10th or sooner. All You Can Eat Lobsters and a variety of 50+ items on menu, such as crab legs, shrimp, scallops, mussels, Salmon, prime rib of beef, etc. Live choir with uplifting Gospel Music. Shopping Woodbury Commons. Travel by coach bus, Bob Mann Tours. Contacts: Serita G., 347-564-5722/ Barbara W, 718-320-0500. THEATRE COMMITTEE: * prices include transportation/Dreiser Loop: • Wed., Sept. 16th, 11:15 a.m. show. Price: $68. Backwards in High Heels, Westchester Broadway Theatre. The Ginger Roger Musical. Deposit: $30 to reserve seat. Balance due Thursday, July 30th orsooner. Contact: Marie GreenRyan, 718-379-0377. • Fri., Nov. 20th, 11 a.m. show. Price: $57. Radio City Christmas Spectacular. $30 deposit required now to reserve seat. Pay in full ASAP to hold price. After July 1st, ticket price increased to $69. Contact: Ione Edwards, 718-3797756. GOOD AND WELFARE Those of you still under the weather, know that you are thought of warmly and wished brighter days. Call Josephine Flowers, 718-320-0539, regarding illnesses and bereavements. A deposit is required to reserve your seat, and please note - NO deposit, NO seat guarantee. Check/money order addressed to Retirees of Dreiser Loop. Committee members will be available in Dreiser clubroom 19, 718-379-0377 on Mondays and/or Thursdays, 2:30-5 p.m. “New month, new day, new date, new chapter, new page, new wishes! Welcome, June!” —Claudette Davis
News from the Youth Committee
Lead your life - teach your child transform your community. Be a learning leader.
The Youth Committee is looking for 10 adult volunteers to work as volunteers at our local schools. We can have the training onsite if we get at least 6 volunteers. This is a great opportunity to "pay it forward" for a few hours a week or month. Become a certified Learning Leader! Please call 917-324-1033 to sign up. Also, Save The Date: Saturday, October 3 for our annual College, Career & Resource Fair. —Evelyn M. Turner
Evening Line Dance Classes – Thursdays, 7-9 p.m., Dreiser Center, Rm. #2. Dance to Soul, Latin, and Gospel music. Call Cynthia, 917-9037073. 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, 917-5616211, or Iris, 917-838-7723. The following are the association officers: President: Francine Reva Jones; VicePresident: Deborah C. Nelson; Secretary:
Ebony Raé Lambright; Treasurer: Sandra Mitchell; Assistant Treasurer: Kevin Lambright. The association office hours at 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 15: Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Phone #, 718-379-5555. Co-op City Fair – Thanks to all our friends and neighbors for stopping by our table last Saturday. It was nice chatting with you. Despite the brisk breeze, everyone was thankful for what turned out to be a beautiful, sunny day. —Francine Jones
Shareholders, not tenants!
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Co-op City Times / June 13, 2015
Co-op City Times / June 13, 2015
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Thank you
Co-op City Times / June 13, 2015
I know you all have been wondering why I didn’t thank the people along with the rest of your recently elected Board members. I wanted to get the official confirmation on record. I never take anyone or anything for granted. Now that I have received the official confirmation, I can thank you properly, without any reservations. I would like to humbly thank all of you from the bottom of my heart, who voted for me. Those that didn’t vote for me, I feel no ill will. You see, I’m fighting for all of us as a community. I want every one of us to live, if possible, a long and healthy life, coupled with a great quality-of-life. I will continue to fight in the present and the future as hard as I have in the past. One of my first tasks will be to get
Junius Williams
Director’s Viewpoint
NYPD cameras for our community. We pay taxes for NYPD coverage and barely get anything in return. This is the least they can do for us. I would also like to add another date to our Riverbay Summer Event roster. For their services, I would like to start a cooperators’ ‘Thank You Day’ for our community’s first responders: CCPD and the NYFD Engine #66-Ladder 61. This way, we
Building 10 Association
Want to thank all the shareholders that attended our June 2nd meeting. That was our last meeting until September, 2015. Have a good, healthy, and safe summer vacation. The Fundraising Committee would like for you to join us on our first Fundraising Event! Foxwoods Casino/ New Tanger Outlet, Saturday, July 25th leaving from 140 Debs Place at 8:00 a.m. sharp. The cost is $40, includes gratuities, $10 slot play and $10 food voucher. Please call to make reservation, 718-320-2366 or 718-671-5485. Checks for Building 10 events should be made payable to Building 10 Assoc.
and mailed to 100 Debs Place, Apt. 5G Bronx, NY 10475. Section 2 presents “Summer Fun Day,” June 20th, at the park between Carver Loop and Casals Place. This event is a block party; celebrate family, friends and the community that bring them together. We would once again like to thank all of our volunteers! Congratulations to all of our 2015’ graduates. We wish you success with your future endeavors. We wish all of our sick and shut-in, a speedy recovery. Happy birthday, June shareholders. —Maxine Sullivan
“Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” -Margaret Mead Would you like to learn how to save money on your cable bill? Did you know HBO has launched a standalone service and Showtime recently announced they will be following with their own standalone service? This means you don’t even need a cable subscription to gain access to these hit channels. To learn more about this, join us on Tuesday, June 16th for Tech Tuesday: Internet Streaming devices from 7-9 p.m. Reminders: 1. Please everyone remember that our lobby attendant, Ms. Cynthia, is our lobby attendant and not a doorman. She’s here to help keep us safe and is an extension of Public Safety. She is not your butler or servant. Thank you for service, Ms. Cynthia 2. With the heat of the summer
months starting upon us, it’s a must that the residents with dogs pick up after their dogs. There are a few places that violate your nose from the dog feces that wasn’t picked up and then amplified by the high temps. So, please clean up after your dog. On that note, if you see a dog owner not cleaning up after their dog, please call and report it. Hotline Question: We are looking into taking a casino bus trip. Where would you like to go? Let us know...you can call or text our hotline number at 347-746-0608. Thoughts and prayers for any other of our sick and shut-in neighbors. Get well soon. We have a Facebook page: Building 33 Association. We also have a website: www.building33.org, and you can email us at: bldg33Assoc@gmail.com. You can also call or text our Building 33 Hotline number, 347-746-0608. —Tobias Garcia
Building 33 Association
Let us know… If you have news you’d like to share with your neighbors, please give us a call at (718) 320-3300, Ext. 3375/6; email: cctimes@riverbaycorp.com or fax (718) 320-2595.
can start getting to know our first responders and they can start getting to know us. I also am determined to do something about the illegal dogs situation which has gotten out of control. I would like the tags to be more visible and for there to be better enforcement by Management and CCPD. I would also like to stop the wasteful spending, better contract negotiating, cutting down on lawsuits and making the different departments more efficient. I would be remiss if I don’t thank a few individuals. First, I would like to thank Kevin Lambright, my Building 21 Association President and Vice President, Michelle Marbury, for their unwavering support. Thanks also to those who helped me
get signatures for my petitions. I would like to thank Director Leah Graham for realizing the work I was doing and I was not going to back down or stop fighting. She suggested I should join the Security Committee because of my relentless determination to make our community safer. Thanks, Leah. I would also like to thank Chief Apollo and Captain Keappock for beginning to help with my quality-oflife initiatives. Last, but not least, I especially, would like to thank Michael Horowitz for giving me a voice via his paper, the City News. Again, my thanks to all of you and in closing, I would like to echo that popular Frank Sinatra song, “I Did It My Way.”
Baychester Library Association
Book Sale Today Just a short reminder to all our Coop City neighbors. The library association will be holding its annual book fair today, Saturday, June 13th. We will be in front of the library at the Bartow shopping center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. As usual, we have a large selection
of both hard and soft cover books for children, teens and adults. The proceeds from the sale will be used for programs and improvements at our neighborhood branch library in the coming year. Come on down. Tell your friends. We welcome your continued support and look forward to seeing you all again. —Helen Topal
Plaud
passing. Our hearts are broken, but she will always live in our hearts.” “Through my almost ten years at the U. M. C. of Co-op City, I found a sanctuary and developed in the knowledge and power of who Jesus Christ is in my life,” said Elizabeth Penn. “My ingenuous Pastor Milca Plaud provided opportunity to grow in that power, but not in a way that was self-serving, but one in which the whole was to be blessed. She permitted Sister Abby and myself to do the Children's Ministry for seven years, as well as Friday Night Neos which … was initiated by Richard Rivera, a Youth Pastor at the U.M.C of Co-op City.” Recalling how Rev. Plaud travelled many miles to visit with her family at the bedside of her twin grandsons when they were ill, Elizabeth added: “My confidant, Pastor Milca Plaud entrusted and passed the torch to which today I am Chaplain Elizabeth Penn with the State of New York Chaplain Federation. She taught me how to flex my ‘caring for another human being muscle,’ unashamed and without excuse, we focus on the ‘how’ with the understood ‘why’ in mind and heart. Her relentless ability to squeeze out of each day all the treasures each day held was touching and empowering. She exhibited these qualities with such discipline and grace. Beautifully, at the end of each robust day, wherever there was Pastor Milca Plaud, her illuminating qualities of hope, health, happiness and lots of love were always evident! You will live in my heart forever and in all the generations touched by your belief in God and man.” Known for her gentle and caring disposition, Rev. Dr. Plaud was an open spirit who embraced all people. Her love of children was surpassed only by her love of God. She was totally dedicated to the youth in her congregation and in 2013 following a series of shootings in Section Five, she opened her church to other religious and community leaders to sit with the youth and discuss ways to end the violence. In her viewpoint this week, Director Evelyn Turner refers to Rev. Dr. Plaud as “a giant of a woman.” “It was Pastor Plaud who opened up the doors of her church for a free workshop on February 13, 2013 to discuss the problems of gun violence in Section 5,” Director Turner wrote. “There had been a double youth shooting in January, 2013 and Pastor Deborah D. Jenkins was the impetus for a movement called ‘Faith Leaders and Community against Violence.’ I accepted an invitation to become an active part of this community based initiative as Chairman of the Outreach Committee. We had ten committed spiritually grounded young people, most of them from Pastor Plaud’s church, to join the committee with the vision of making Section 5 a no violence zone’.” “Rev. Dr. Milca Plaud was my friend,” said Director Rev. Deborah Jenkins. “In 2013, following a double shooting in Section 5, Pastor Milca was the first to respond to my request that faith leaders would partner with the community against violence. On a more personal note, my daughter benefited from her expertise as a pianist as she taught her. We are forever blessed to have walked the earth during her lifetime. She is already missed.”
Co-op City Times / June 13, 2015
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(Continued from page 3)
In addition to being the long-time pastor of the Evangelical Church of Co-op City, United Methodist, Rev. Dr. Plaud was also the female chaplain of the Co-op City Public Safety Department (CCPD), a position she held since 2011 when thenDirector Tony Illis chaired the Security Committee and recommended her for the post. “This past week, Co-op City lost a giant with the passing of Rev. Dr. Milca Plaud who has been the lead pastor at the Evangelical Church of the United Methodist in Co-op City and who I have known for the last 30 years and have seen her work diligently from the planning to the building of the church in Section 5,” said Illis. “It was a labor of love and everything else in between to get the building completed. In addition, all one had to do was to ask Rev. Milca Plaud for help as I did and she was always there to give willingly.” Illis recounted how Rev. Plaud worked diligently to help him bring the Black Forum food program to Co-op City some 28 years ago and has continued to work with his group to provide assistance to residents in Section 5 by offering the use of the church as one of their distribution sites. “I’d like to express my deepest condolences to her family and her daughters,” he said. CCPD’s Ceremonial Unit had a very active role in the remembrance and funeral services for Rev. Dr. Plaud earlier this week. Captain James Keappock, who heads the unit, reported that he sought and received permission from Rev. Plaud’s family for the unit to be part of her funeral detail. “We acted as honorary pallbearers and assisted the family during the wake services,” said Captain Keappock. “We escorted the funeral procession around Co-op City as a final tribute to her and her services to the community…The procession was larger than expected; there were in excess of 30 vehicles.” CCPD officers were present to take Rev. Plaud’s casket out of the hearse when it arrived at the church for viewing and services on Monday afternoon. They opened the top of the casket at the onset of the viewing and raised her head. Two guards stood one on each side of the casket and every half hour, the guards were changed. Before the service ended on Monday night, CCPD officers closed the casket. On Tuesday, after the funeral service, CCPD officers opened up the casket for final viewing. They were also part of the funeral procession to Oakland Cemetery in Yonkers, NY. where Rev. Dr. Milca Plaud was laid to rest. Chief Frank Apollo of the Co-op City Public Safety Department said: “The tremendous loss of Rev. Plaud is felt throughout the Co-op City Department of Public Safety, as well as her congregation and the Co-op City community. During my interactions with Rev. Plaud, I found her to be an extremely caring and spiritual human being with a calming demeanor and armed with the words of God. “All of us in life set out to leave a legacy, an indelible footprint that allows us all to be missed and remembered when we leave this world; the legacy that Rev. Plaud left behind is her church and family,” Chief Apollo said. “While I attended
the church service this past week, you could see the outpouring of love that people had for her and how many lives both young and old she touched and significantly changed. Her love for the youth in her congregation was quite evident and she always made that very clear to me when we engaged in conversation. “Rev. Plaud left this wonderful community the gift of the house of God, what better gift could any of us receive? Rev. Plaud will live on forever in the memories of those who knew her.” Ms. Pena expressed the gratitude of the congregation of the Evangelical Church of Co-op City for their involvement in their beloved pastor’s funeral. She said that they are extremely grateful and proud of the officers of CCPD who were involved. “They did a fantastic job in controlling traffic, performing the Color Guard in the church, and at the cemetery, they were truly professional,” she added. Rev. Dr. Plaud was an inspiration to all who crossed paths with her. Born in Patillas, Puerto Rico to Marcos and Elodia Plaud, she was raised with the teachings of the United Methodist Church and grew in the knowledge and wisdom of God. As a young adult, she found her passion for teaching and taught different subjects at different grade levels. This eventually led to her calling as a Minister of the Gospel. Rev. Plaud left Puerto Rico and settled in Lancaster, Pennsylvania where she began her preparation for the ministry before moving to New York and serving with the New York Annual Conference. In addition to pastoring her congregations, Rev. Dr. Plaud was also Editor of the Spanish Resources for the General Board of Global Ministries and the Women’s Division. She served as chairperson of the Superintendency Committee under the leadership of Rev. Randy Day, as well as on the Commission on the Role and Status of Women (COSROW) for 4 years. In addition, Rev. Plaud served on United Methodist Communications: Spanish Advisory Committee for the Interprete Magazine and on the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry. She was also President of the New York Annual Conference Hispanic Council. “We worked together for many years when we did Yogi Bear and a few other programs in the community, when she opened her youth center called Oasis in Section Five and then the opening of the church in the Bartow Center,” said Leticia Morales, a former President of the Riverbay Board and a close friend of Rev. Plaud’s for about 15 years. “I supported her and introduced her to the people she needed to know to help her to get the permits for the building of the church on Palmer Avenue. I also assisted with her church duties when she was still in Rm. 28 in the Bartow Center and she was on vacation. Milca Plaud was a woman to look up to, she was a person you could confide in, a person who lived her life as an example for others, and a friend to many. We will miss her a lot.” In her private life, Rev. Dr. Plaud was married for 23 years, and is the mother of two devoted daughters in whom she inculcated her guiding principles: God, people, love and laughter. “The main thing that sticks out to me
is how supportive she was of pretty much everything I wanted to do with my life,” said Natalia, Rev. Plaud’s elder daughter. “Small things like being on sports teams, she would go to every single game, she was literally the number one fan. She supported me travelling to South Korea by myself when I was eighteen because she believed that I would learn from that experience. She was also very supportive of whatever I chose to study in college and my dreams and what plans I made for my life even though they kept changing. “She was always forgiving and never made me feel that any mistake I made was too big to bounce back from, or that there was no way for me to recover or regain trust. She always gave me a second chance even if it was a fifth chance. “She showed me what it meant to be selfless,” Natalia continued. “Her being a pastor, I always saw how much she gave to people so willingly and never asked for anything in return. People were her main focus. She never really had to tell me that, I just learned it from watching her.” Natalia said that her mother also taught her the importance of laughter. “Because our mother was a pastor, she was a lot of people’s counselor; she was the person they called first so she taught me how to be light hearted no matter what negatives were going on,” said Natalia. “She always found a way to make a joke to lighten up the air. She loved to laugh; she would even make jokes about herself.” “She was always so happy, always, and she could find some humor in any situation or a way to make others laugh and feel better,” said Natalia. “She had such a full laugh and when she did, she meant it. It was one of those laughs that made others laugh as well.” Natalia said she wants others to remember how much her mother valued education. She not only enjoyed learning, but she also enjoyed teaching and one of her future goals was to become a college professor. “She also loved to read and write, to teach and educate, and she always pushed us to embrace that. She really loved education. She was very down to earth and not intimidating. She made everyone feel welcomed no matter what they believed in.” “I met Rev. Plaud several years ago and I’ve always found her to be a very caring, concerned individual who treated you as if she’s been knowing you her whole life,” said Joe Boiko, Riverbay’s Director of Special Projects. “I have participated in many of the church trips. Rev. Plaud always showed you a warm heart and inquired how you were doing. I will especially miss her involvement in the Riverbay holiday functions that she participated in. I am truly gratified to have known her and can honestly say that she will be missed by many. I wish her family well and they should know that she is at peace and will be remembered for all that she has done within this community.” Rev. Dr. Milca Celeste Plaud is survived by her loving mother, Elodia Tirado; her daughters, Natalia and Claudia; sister, Kelia Plaud, and brothers, Marcos and Peniel Plaud. The family wishes to thank the Co-op City community for their generous outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.
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Representing the entire Co-op City community
To my fellow cooperators, it is with great pleasure that I say thank you for your support for my candidacy to become one of your Board of Directors representative. Though there are 15 members, please know that I represent each and every one of you and really encourage you to send me emails and call if you’d like. I have no “Special Interest,” only your and my interests so please, please make your interests, issues and victories known so that we as a community can grow stronger together. I do have things on my radar that I
Co-op City Times / June 13, 2015
Rev. Deborah Jenkins
believe may be of interest to many of you and one is as follows: We are fortunate to be living longer as a society. However, longevity sometimes brings unexpected complications, such as debilitating health which may render us unable to make decisions for ourselves. Many who find themselves in this situation have family members who are their live-in caretakers and many who are their children who have lived here all their lives. Unfortunately, if the cooperator loses his/her ability to make decisions for themselves suddenly or not and eventually
passes away, what becomes of the adult child who has devoted himself/herself to their parent’s care? I believe this is something we can all be concerned about and should. As I learn the ins and outs of Riverbay Corporation, I will find out if there is anything we can do to relieve the stress of the relative caretaker. Again, I realize that to be a first time candidate and to be the top vote-getter, you have high hopes for my leadership and for me to bring the expertise I have to our community to help us move forward and become the community that is most highly desired by all New Yorkers. It is my intent to do just that! Please feel free to call me at (718) 644-0951 or email me at djenkins@riverbayboard.com.
Greetings to all of our Post members who are homebound and recovering from various medical operations. We wish you a speedy recovery. Happy birthday to all of our members who will be celebrating this month. Our Post is always looking for new members to join, so if you are a VETERAN from any branch of the military, stop by our Post and join. Bring your DD-214 with you. Post 1871 is located in Section #5 in the Community Center, in 135 Einstein Loop, Room 41. Our office telephone number is (718) 320-8165, and our email address is post1871@optimum.net. The following Post members were at the table to recruit members for our Post and helped to set up and break down our equipment on the Section 1 Greenway on June 6: Post Commander Jerome Rice, Post Adjutant Toba LaCrown, Post Vice Commander Robert Dean, Jr., Norman Thomas, Donald Fuller,
Fred Lochansk, Martinez, Gregory and Richard I. Lawson, Jr. Thanks for supporting our Post on this day. We had one female who said she would like to join our Post! June 20, all Post members are requested to attend this meeting. This will be the last meeting until September and we will have a flag folding so that all Post members will see and learn how to fold an American flag. After the flag is folded, it will be placed in a flag case and displayed on a wall in the Post so everyone can see and learn the history of this flag. June 24, at P.S. 160, an award will be given out to the winner of the essay, “How proud I am to be an American.” All Post members are welcome to attend this affair. The winner will receive a plaque and a gift certificate, too. The American Legion Auxiliary of Post 1871 will be giving a bus ride to Foxwoods & Tangers Shopping
Mall. All seats are $60 per person, this includes a meal. If you would like to go, contact Deloris Cornelius at 718-671-1672 or Gertie Brown at 347275-2995. The deadline for the payment is July 13, the bus will be leaving on August 5, from Asch Loop Library at 8 a.m. sharp. All Post members are welcome to attend this bus ride and shopping trip. I trust all Post members and their families will have a safe and happy summer. “Soldiers for life.” Most people want a perfect relationship, but some days we just want a hamburger that looks like the one in the commercials. Q: Why did the man ride the bull? A: It was too heavy to carry. This information was provided to you by your Post information officer. —Richard I. Lawson, Jr.
On Saturday, June, 27, Griots’ Gate, now in its fourth year, will host a free music concert under the theme “When Dignity Prevails,” in solidarity with West African communities recovering from the Ebola and other crises. The event will be held in the Dreiser Auditorium. The performing artists include, Guinean singer, Sabare Soumano, New York based Sierra Leone/ Liberian Afropop recording artist RJ, Ivorian dancer Atito Gohi – known for his skills in dancing Zaouli, and Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars, whose saga spans from life in refugee camps in war torn Sierra Leone, to appearing on the Oprah Winfrey Show, contributing a song to the Blood Diamond film soundtrack, and participating in the U2 tribute album In the Name of Love: Africa Celebrates U2. This exciting program will bring together heritages from across West Africa regions of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone that have been impacted greatly by the Ebola crisis. Plan to shop for your favorite African arts and crafts, jewelry and hair products from African women businesses. Food and beverages will be available. In addition to the concert, a parallel photo exhibit will show selected works by photojournalist Michel du Cille, a three time Pulitzer Prize winner who was noted for his photographs that aimed to grant dignity to people exposed to armed conflict, disease, and natural calamity. du Cille collapsed and died while on assignment covering the Ebola crisis in Liberia for The Washington Post in December, 2014. He was 58. The show is co-curated by Stacey All Ellis, a Bronx artist producer and writer. Concert information: The Dreiser Auditorium, 177 Dreiser Loop, Saturday, June 27. Space opens at 4:00 p.m. Performances start 5:00 p.m. Directions and more information can be found at http://bit.ly/1drnXvr. Exhibit Information: Drammeh Center (across the street from Dreiser Auditorium) 140 DeKruif Place, ground floor, Saturday & Sunday, June 27 and 28 from
12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The event is free to the public and is supported in part by public funds from the New York City Department for Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. Consider becoming a member to support multi-
media and cultural programs in Co-op City, or you may also write to us and send your tax-deductible contribution by check/money order payable to: The Drammeh Institute, P.O. Box 558, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475 —Elise Edwards
Director’s Viewpoint
American Legion Post 1871
Drammeh Center
Richard B. Chernaik, M.D.
I have been in solo Internal Medicine practice in Co-op City for over 35 years. I have many years of experience in Primary Care as well as consulting at Montefiore Hospital. I have taught medical students and residents at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and am a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine there. I have been recognized in Connelly's Book of "Top Doctors". I am in the office 5 days a week and make rounds at Montefiore Hospital daily including weekends. I am also on call twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. I provide a "Medical Home" for my patients (I am willing to help make all significant medical decisions). I have excellent consultants available whom I have vetted over the years and work well with them. Good Primary Care requires the Primary Doctor to know his patient thoroughly and guide them through our chaotic medical system. We now accept Medicare, Centerlight, VWS Choice, Empire, GHI, HIP, United Healthcare/Oxford and Emblem Health.
100 Elgar Place, Building 35 Telephone (718) 320-2188 • rchernaik@aol.com
23
Co-op City Times / June 13, 2015
Co-op City Sports
Zodiacs Dominate the Gotham Games This past Sunday, the Zodiacs left an indelible impression on the racing circuit. We ran at Mt. Saint Michael High School in the North West section of the Bronx. Teams from as far as Philadelphia and Central Islip, Long Island showed up to compete in the NYC Gotham Games. We left with a total of 24 medals in either first, second or third place standing. We had a few break-out performances from some of our newest athletes and our veterans were still able to lead the pack: 8 & Under Girls — Royana Murray and Kenese Irish-Bramble took home 1st and 2nd place in their respective events. 9-10 yr. old girls - Adaria Reaves,
Bre Washington, Stephanie Ogunbyi, and Kenia Irish-Bramble won their Sprint Medley Relay securing the 1st place win. 9-10 yr. old boys - Darren Manning and Jared Dawson dominated the field in the 400m and 200m dashes. Keep your eyes out for these two. They run with an unparalled determination not often found in athletes this young. 11-12 yr. old boys - Steven Switzer, Lavon Everett, Michael Rodgers, and Kyle McIntosh took home the gold in their Sprint Medley relay. 15 yr. old - Dejanae Smalls took home 1st Place in the High Jump.
120 DeKruif Place (street level) Praise and Worship begins at 9:30 a.m. Church telephone: (347) 3465790; email: fatwcc@aol.com. Weekly Worship Experiences 6 p.m., Wednesday Prayer Service 6:30 p.m., Wednesday Bible Study
Sunday Morning Worship, 9:30 a.m. Teen Church, 10:00 a.m., 2nd Sundays; Children's Church, 3rd Sundays (K-3); Older Children's Church, 4th Sundays (4th-7th). Church Motto: "We are Christcentered, family-focused with power
Consistent workouts, proper diet, and team organization is what we expect out of athletes and their parents. We all do our part to keep this machine running smoothly. All hands on deck as we inch
our way towards the Junior Olympics. If you’re interested in partnering with us, we will be hosting a team orientation in late August. See you there. —Arhemia Fidai
and authority." Church Mission: To empower, educate and motivate men, women, boys and girls to reach their full potential and live abundant lives through preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Come worship with us, where we honor tradition, but are not bound by it! All are welcome to join us any and every Sunday because our goal is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in LOVE, through teaching and preaching the Word of God from the Bible. Join us tomorrow as we celebrate our youth for Youth Day. Pastor Shane Burt-Miller, Youth Pastor of Bethany Church of the Nazrene. The youth are bringing the entire worship experience.
Come out and support them. Summer Camp Registration Ongoing: The Faith S.T.E.A.M. Camp will run from June 29 - August 21, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. (7:30 a.m. early arrival/6 p.m. late pick-up add'l. fee) S.T.E.A.M. = Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. Our camp will enroll 1st through 8th grade students on a first come, first serve basis. August 17th-21st is a BONUS FREE week of Vacation Bible School! Trips are scheduled for each Friday through August 14th. Please stop by the church for a flyer and for fees. Remember, it's never about us, but always about the goodness of the Lord. —Pastor Deborah D. Jenkins
The coalition is calling an emergency meeting on Tuesday, June 16, at 12 p.m., 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 15. Please attend. The coalition’s General Membership meetings will be in recess July and August; meetings will resume on Tuesday, September 1, at 12 p.m., 177 Dreiser Center, Room 15. We will be hosting our 20th annual Friends and Family Day event on Sunday, October 18th, 3 p.m., 177 Dreiser Community Center, Auditorium B. There will be games with prizes for the children. There will be vendors which we hope that you will consider purchasing items from, and last but not least, refreshments will be served. So come out and support the many organizations that make up the coalition. Please inform the coalition of any suggestions that you may have. Ms. Virginia Stewart is the President of the coalition. Phone number, (718) 671-4506. The coalition is a non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining and improving the quality of life of cooperators while providing educational and culturally enriching programs for the community. We also act as one voice for all coalition members where there are issues of common concern and human rights.
We also sponsor Friends & Family Day Celebrations, and Kwanzaa, free for the community. Members of the coalition include the following: African-American Association; Co-op City Baptist Church; Retirees of Dreiser Loop; Harriet Tubman Independent Democratic Club; NAACP, Co-op City Branch; St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church and Zodiacs Track Club. Please support our efforts by sending us a tax deductible contribution made payable to Coalition of African-American Churches and Community Development of Co-op City, Inc., P.O. Box 619, Bronx, NY 10475. Churches and organizations that desire to join the coalition may apply for membership by either writing or calling (718) 671-4506 or (718) 671-5957 for a membership application, which should be returned with a letter on your church/ organization’s letterhead and signed by the Minister/President. Read the coalition’s weekly column for information about events and issues. Remember the coalition’s motto is “Coming together is the Beginning, Keeping together is Progress and Working together is Success.” —Harman T. Leacock
Faith @ Work Christian Church
National Council of Negro Women
On Sunday, June 14th at 3 p.m. in Rm. 11, Dreiser Community Center, we will have our final meeting of the 2014-15 year. Please come out and join us. We will not have another membership meeting until September when we start our new year. On Saturday, June 6th, we had our Harambee Brunch with the theme, “Pulling Together, The Journey from Africa to the Americas” in Dreiser Center’s Auditorium B. The program was both exciting and spiritual embracing the vigor of youth and the legacies of our ancestors. The program in the beautifully decorated auditorium opened with authentic ancestral drummers calling the program to order. Our very own Rev. Dr. Lillian Holloway-Mills served as Mistress of Ceremony. President Dorcas Lay welcomed everyone to the celebration. Deborah Oguamah, First Vice President of the Co-op City Section, who was chair of the Harambee Committee, read an African proverb. The Super Star Steppers from M.S. 180, under the direction of Rita Henry, performed several thrilling routines that had everyone cheering. Naomi Alston and Zakia Henderson described paying homage to our ancestors by explaining about prayers and pouring libation in honor of those who have gone before. Michelle Woody then led us in memorializing past members of our section and relatives of members of our section. We were all honored by having our guest speaker, Rev. Anne L. Palmore of Church of the New Vision, speak to us about the importance of strong family support in keeping with the concept of Harambee, or pulling together. After the bread and wine were blessed and consumed by all present, a delicious brunch
Zodiacs’ athletes did well at Gotham Games.
(L-R) Maxine Sullivan, Congressman Elliot Engel staff assistant who manages his Co-op City office, Congressman Engel and Riverbay’s Second Vice President Evelyn Turner.
was served and enjoyed by all. Don’t forget on Saturday, June 13th we’re going shopping at Woodbury Commons of America, then we’re having lunch at Gasho Hibachi Restaurant and then spending the afternoon tasting various wines at America’s oldest winery, the Brotherhood Winery established in 1839. If you’ve arranged to go with us, the Coach bus will leave at 8 a.m. sharp from the hardware store at 177 Dreiser Loop. On returning, the bus will stop at Einstein Loop, Bartow Avenue and Dreiser Loop. We are now busily making preparations for our Regional Leadership Training Conference from October 30 to November 1, at the Crystal Springs Resort in Vernon, NJ. Registration forms will be available at our meeting on Sunday; just bring your deposit if you plan to attend. Our condolences go out to our Associate Member, Evangelist Julian McDavid, on the loss of his father. Please extend your sympathy to our member. Members, please remember to bring your canned goods and/or can openers for our Youth Committee collection. —Joyce Howard
Coalition of African American Churches & Community Organizations
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Co-op City Times / June 13, 2015
First Reading, Resolution #15-45
SUBMITTED BY: Evelyn Turner SECONDED BY: Rev. Calvin Owens BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: June 10, 2015
WHEREAS, the Contracts Department sent out thirty (30) requests for proposals for Bid #2987, Emergency
Plumbing Repairs – (Domestic Water Mains Bldgs. 3, 9 & 16); and WHEREAS, we received two (2) proposals which were reviewed in detail by the Project Manager and the Project Engineer; and WHEREAS, the Project Manager and Bladykas Engineering, P.C. recom-
mends Express Plumbing Sewer & Water Main Corp. as the lowest responsible bidder (Recommendations attached). NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that the proposed contract with Express Plumbing Sewer & Water Main Corp. for a total cost of $296,000.00 + tax if applicable be
approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and amended by Board of Directors Resolution #95-44 and the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.
est responsible bidder (Recommendation attached). NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that the proposed contract 2990 with Abacus Innovations for a not to exceed cost of $200,000.00 over a 1 year period be approved as submitted by
Management in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and amended by Board of Directors Resolution #95-44 and the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.
City law and for state and federal litigation an hourly rate of $325 for partners, $225 for associates and $95 for paralegals for litigation; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Legal Retainer with Jackson Lewis is approved for the three year period (i) for employment and labor counsel, arbitrations, grievances, collective bargaining negotiations, legal counsel to the Management and PBA pension plan as well as representation at all Administrative Hearings and Administrative Trials regarding any and all claims brought before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission,
the New York State Division of Human Rights and the City of New York Commission on Human Rights, in addition to any Administrative proceeding regarding an alleged violation of the FMLA, ADA, ADEA, Title VII or equivalent New York State or New York City law at the flat rate $186,000.00 per year and (ii) for state and federal litigation at an hourly rate of $325 for partners, $225 for associates and $95 for paralegals for litigation. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President is hereby authorized to sign this legal retainer on behalf of the Corporation.
Atlantic Cooling Technologies & Services to provide all necessary work as outlined in the attached memo dated May 7, 2015 and the attached proposal from the contractor dated March 27, 2015. NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that the proposed contract 2996 with Atlantic Cooling Technologies & Services for the not to exceed cost of $283,000.00 be approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and amended by Board of Directors Resolution #95-44
and the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective. YES: Atkins, Cylich, Gordon, Jenkins, Johnson, Jones, Owens, Peterson, Saunders, Taylor, Williams ABSENT FOR VOTE: Leslie, Turner ABSENT: Berk, Graham
First Reading, Resolution #15-47 SUBMITTED BY: Bill Gordon SECONDED BY: Evelyn Turner BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: June 10th, 2015
WHEREAS, the Contracts Department sent twenty nine (29) requests for propos-
als for Bid #2990, Replacement & Repair of Sidewalks at Various Locations; and WHEREAS, we received two (2) proposals which were reviewed in detail by the Project Manager; and WHEREAS, the Project Manager recommends Abacus Innovations as the low-
First Reading, Resolution #15-48 SUBMITTED BY: Evelyn Turner SECONDED BY: Bernard Cylich BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING DATED: June 10th, 2015
WHEREAS, Whereas the law firm of Jackson Lewis, with offices in White Plains, New York, is an 800 attorney national law firm dedicated to representing management exclusively in workplace law with a preventive approach to reduce workplace litigation by educating management on legal tends and statutory compliance; and WHEREAS, Management recommends a three year retainer with Jackson
Lewis at the flat rate $186,000.00 per year for employment and labor counsel, arbitrations, grievances, collective bargaining negotiations, legal counsel to the Management and PBA pension plans as well as representation at all Administrative Hearings and Administrative Trials regarding any and all claims brought before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the New York State Division of Human Rights and the City of New York Commission on Human Rights, in addition to any Administrative proceeding regarding an alleged violation of the FMLA, ADA, ADEA, Title VII or equivalent New York State or New York
Second Reading, Resolution # 15-38 SUBMITTED BY: Helen Atkins SECONDED BY: Rev. Owens BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING DATED: June 10th, 2015
WHEREAS, this is a contract request for the Power Plant Cooling Tower Cells 4&5 Splash Fill Installation; and WHEREAS, the Cooling Tower project was broken down into two (2) parts, Cells 4&5 Splash Fill Installation and the Drift Eliminators which will be completed by May 18, 2015; and
WHEREAS, the Power Plant sent a Request for Proposal (RFP) to four (4) companies that were qualified for the aforementioned projects; and WHEREAS, the four proposals shows all the contractors have a full understanding for the RFP and the bids were all complete; and WHEREAS, Atlantic Cooling Technologies & Services is the lowest qualified bidder for this project; and WHEREAS, the project manager recommends that the Board approves
VISION CARE SPECIALIST
DR. DAVID HORN, O.D. FAAO • FELLOW, AMERICAN ACADEMY OF OPTOMETRY
• COMPLETE VISION CARE - EYE EXAMINATION
• OCULAR DISEASE TREATMENT
• EYEGLASSES
• GLAUCOMA TREATMENT
• CONTACT LENSES
High Fashion Frames on Premises. “Your Vision Health Is My Concern.” Much of Learning Is Done Through The Eyes. Insist on a Professional Eye Examination.
120 ALCOTT PLACE
(Bldg. 17 • Sect. 3) • Co-op City
718-379-8029 Medicare and many insurances accepted. DOCTOR’S HOURS: MONDAY: 1:30 - 7:00 PM • WEDNESDAY: 2:00 - 7:00 PM FRIDAY: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM • SATURDAY: 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT!
PASSED
See page 26 for more Resolutions
Co-op City Times / June 13, 2015
Black Forum
Defensive driving on hiatus Black Forum defensive driving course is on hiatus until September. Free potatoes & onions available TODAY ONLY We are giving away potatoes and onions today only, Saturday, June 13, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Rm. 4, Dreiser Center. You must bring two shopping bags. Sound Off, Co-op City, coming soon We will be starting Sound Off, Co-op City, for all cooperators to discuss and debate issues of particular relevance to living in Co-op City, matters that affect our quality of life, social interactions, education, commercial, jobs, and other topics. Meetings will be held once or twice a month. More to follow. Tentative start in early September. If interested,
please call (718) 320-8035. Mohegan Sun trip We are going to Mohegan Sun in the Poconos Down on Saturday, June 27. Cost: $40; casino rebate is $25 slot play and $5 for food. No refunds or adjustments. Checks should be made out to the Black Forum, and must be received no later than June 5. Once payment is received, seats will be assigned. Pick-up: TBA. For information & reservation, please call (718) 320-0033 or (917) 2095334. Black Forum Aerobics and Zumba It’s time to get in shape, get healthy and feel healthy. Aerobics classes are held Mondays and Wednesdays; Zu-mba on Thursday. Classes are in the Dreiser Aud., 7:30 p.m. To register, please call (718)
320-8035. Nominal fee for each class. Food distribution sites added 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. – 12:45 p.m. Likewise, residents of Building 26, 30, 31, 34 and 35 must go to the Evangelical Church, 2350 Palmer Avenue, 11 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. on Thurs-days to pick up food. For information, please call (718) 3208035. Emergency Food Program We are open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., Room 20 in the Dreiser Center. Also, due to budget constraints and shortage of available food, you must live within zip code 10475 to participate
Summer Fun Day is Saturday, June 20 - FREE T-SHIRTS TO THE FIRST 50 YOUTH. Sponsored by Section 2 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. between Carver Loop and Casals Place. There will be Free popcorn, cotton candy, franks and other surprises. Weather permitting, we will have a DUNK TANK and guess who has agreed to get dunked!!!!! Each week, a name will be revealed. First reveal - Chief Apollo, CCPD. The Second reveal Michelle Sajous, Community Relations Director. The Third reveal - Daryl Johnson, Riverbay Board Director. The Dunk Tank begins at 2:00 p.m. More reveals to follow. Read the Co-op City Times to see who’s next! Our special Summer Fun Day musical guest is the fantastic Juan Ortega, One Man Band (weather permitting). Come early so you can join the Salsa
dance contest and win the special prize, from 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. DJ Val will also have the music going, “oldies and newbies” ….Play Name That Tune!!! You don’t want to miss the Zumba and Martial Arts demonstration or the Parks Department skating equipment. Skills and Drill Basketball and Velocity Track Club will be there to prepare you for your race and game. Parents must sign a waiver form for youth under 18 years old to participate in the games. Make Music in The Garden on Sunday, June 21, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Listen to the smooth sounds of Jazz along with R&B, Hip Hop and Gospel. This event is sponsored by the Riverbay Corp. Community Relations Dept., Make Music NYC, Citizens Grant Committee, Building 13 Association Inc., and Rivers Run Community Garden members. Raffle
of “Verdi” sparkling wine provided by Tiny Wood. Foxwoods and the Tanger Outlet Stores Trip is scheduled for October 3, leaving from 100 Casals Place at 8:00 a.m. The cost is $65. First payment of $35 due June 30, 2nd payment of $30 is due on August 28). The Tanger Outlets includes over 80 brand name stores, such as Coach, Crocs, Easy Spirit, Eddie Bauer, JCrew, Kids Apparel, Michael Kors, NY & Co., Old Navy and Torrid, to name a few. So you have shopping, dining and gaming. The trip will include
Building 13 Association
Cooperators United of Co-op City
Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 23rd, Bartow, Room 31, 7:00 p.m. Some of you informed me that you have lots to do and places to go. We will hold Tuesday, June 23rd, as a tentative date. If the date is canceled, we will let you know. We have reached out to the DOT and they are still working on their presentation to our community. At the meeting held in April, we gave them feedback on the proposed changes to Bartow Avenue, along with other suggestions. The DOT said they will come back to speak to us in the form of a presentation. There will be two presentations that will consist of an overview and a question and answer period by the DOT. Two presentations will give our entire community an opportunity to be
informed and have input. We, Eleanor G. Bailey and I, will stay on top of this. We have also reached out to the East Bronx Traffic Coalition. They are a community-based organization that represent Bronx County, New York and have concerns about traffic conditions especially on Interstate 95 and the Hutchinson River Parkway. We will be meeting with them. Mark Saturday, June 20th, Section 2 Annual Summer Fun Day from 12 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. on your calendar. There will be games and refreshments. Come out and enjoy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to our sick and shut-in. Congratulations to all of our graduates. We can be reached at MLSAH@aol.com and 718-379-7841. —Sonja Maxwell
Baychester Visual Arts Association
Book Sale Today Just a short reminder to all our Co-op City neighbors. The library association will be holding its annual book fair today, Saturday, June 13th. We will be in front of the library at the Bartow shopping center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. As usual, we have a large selection of both hard and soft cover books for
children, teens and adults. The proceeds from the sale will be used for programs and improvements at our neighborhood branch library in the coming year. Come on down. Tell your friends. We welcome your continued support and look forward to seeing you all again. —Helen Topal
25 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. Help us keep independent community organizations alive in Co-op City. Everyone is encouraged to join. Call or visit us, Room 20 in the Dreiser Community Center. —Tony Illis
the casino with bonus, luncheon buffet and shopping with discount booklets. Join us and have some fun! Checks for Building 13 events should be made payable to Building 13 Assoc. Inc. and mailed to: Bldg. 13 Assoc. Inc., 100 Casals Place #32K, Bronx, NY 10475. For information, contact Gail Sharbaan at 718-671-3801 or Leslie Peterson at 718-320-1370, our website: http://www.bldg13assoc.com or e-mail us at building13assoc@yahoo.com. Thanks for making our team work. —Leslie Peterson
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Co-op City Times / June 13, 2015
Second Reading, Resolution #15-40 SUBMITTED BY: Bill Gordon SECONDED BY: Leslie Peterson BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: June 10th, 2015
WHEREAS, Technical Construction Services, Inc. is doing work under contract 2862, Exterior Renovation for Shopping Center #2 and WHEREAS, a Credit Change Order is being requested for (-300,233.55) since some of the original work in the
contract was either not needed or has been done in house. Also corrective changes were made by the Project Engineer re-measuring some of the original quantities that were calculated by the previous engineering firm; and WHEREAS, the Project Engineer, The Falcon Group is in agreement with the requested credit change order as indicated in the attached AIA document G701-2001 and the Project Manager is also in agreement as indicated in the
attached memo dated May 19, 2015. NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that the proposed Credit Change Order One (1) with Technical Construction Services, Inc. for a total credit of (-300,233.55) to contract 2862 be approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and amended by Board of Directors Resolution #95-44 and the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract
and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.
YES: Atkins, Gordon, Jenkins, Jones, Leslie, Owens, Peterson, Saunders, Taylor, Turner, Williams NO: Johnson ABSTAIN: Cylich ABSENT: Berk, Graham PASSED
Second Reading, Resolution #15-41 SUBMITTED BY: Bill Gordon SECONDED BY: Leslie Peterson BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: June 10th, 2015
WHEREAS, Technical Construction Services, Inc. is doing work under Contract 2862, Exterior Renovation for Shopping Center #2; and WHEREAS, Change Order Two (2) is being requested for additional money
needed to complete work for the replacement of detreated steel at the rear lower plaza as well as the other items listed on the attached AIA Document G701-2001; and WHEREAS, the Project Engineer, The Falcon Group is in agreement with the requested change order as indicated in the attached AIA document G7012001 and the Project Manager is also in agreement as indicated in the attached
memo dated May 19, 2015. NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that the proposed Change Order #2 to Contract 2862 with Technical Construction Services, Inc. for the cost of $353,067.99 be approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and amended by Board of Directors Resolution #95-44 and the President is hereby authorized to
execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective. YES: Atkin, Gordon, Jones, Owens, Turner NO: Cylich, Jenkins, Johnson, Leslie, Peterson, Saunders, Taylor, Williams ABSENT: Berk, Graham DEFEATED
Second Reading, Resolution #15-42 SUBMITTED BY: Bill Gordon SECONDED BY: Leslie Peterson BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: June 10th, 2015
WHEREAS, Technical Construction Services, Inc. is doing work under contract 2861, Exterior Renovation for Shopping Center #1 and WHEREAS, a Credit Change Order is being requested for (-293,387.40)
since some of the original work in the contract was either not needed or has been done in house. Also corrective changes were made by the Project Engineer re-measuring some of the original quantities that were calculated by the previous engineering firm; and WHEREAS, the Project Engineer, The Falcon Group is in agreement with the requested credit change order as indicated in the attached AIA document G701-2001 and the Project Manager is
also in agreement as indicated in the attached memo dated May 19, 2015. NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that the proposed Credit Change Order One (1) with Technical Construction Services, Inc. for a total credit of (-293,387.40) to contract 2861 be approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and amended by Board of Directors Resolution #95-44 and the President is
hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective. YES: Atkins, Gordon, Jenkins, Johnson, Jones, Leslie, Owens, Saunders, Taylor, Turner, Williams NO: Peterson ABSTAIN: Cylich ABSENT: Berk, Graham
the Project Manager is also in agreement as indicated in the attached memo dated May 19, 2015. NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that the proposed Change Order #2 to Contract 2861 with Technical Construction Services, Inc. for the cost of $881,153.50 be approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and amended by Board of Directors Resolution #95-44
and the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.
PASSED
Second Reading, Resolution #15-43 SUBMITTED BY: Bill Gordon SECONDED BY: Leslie Peterson BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: June 10th, 2015
WHEREAS, Technical Construction Services, Inc. is doing work under Contract 2861, Exterior Renovation for Shopping Center #1; and WHEREAS, Change Order Two (2) is being requested for additional money
needed to complete work for the replacement of detreated steel at the inner plaza area, including additional money for asbestos abatement, insulation that was not in the original scope of work as well as the other items listed on the attached AIA Document G701-2001; and WHEREAS, the Project Engineer, The Falcon Group is in agreement with the requested change order as indicated in the attached AIA document G701-2001 and
Second Reading, Resolution #15-44 SUBMITTED BY: Bill Gordon SECONDED BY: Leslie Peterson BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: June 10th, 2015
WHEREAS, The Falcon group is performing work under contract 2936, Engineering Service for the Renovation of the Shopping Centers; and WHEREAS, Change Order Two (2)
Expo
Association for Hispanic Nurses (NAHN). The NAHN is dedicated to the promotion of Hispanic nurses to improve the health of our community. It is their mission to provide members with professional and leadership opportunities. Co-op City residents can benefit from this helpful and dedicated organization. A very different offering was next. This table was managed by the Fialco family
is being requested to file repair drawings with the Department of Buildings (DOB) and construction administration and periodic construction observation for additional exterior repairs; and WHEREAS, the filing with DOB will be a not to exceed cost of $3,995.00 and whereas the construction administration and observation will be a not to exceed cost of $100,000.00; and
YES: Atkins, Gordon NO: Cylich, Johnson, Leslie, Peterson, Saunders, Taylor, Turner, Williams ABSTAIN: Jenkins, Jones, Owens ABSENT: Berk, Graham DEFEATED
WHEREAS, the Project Manager is in agreement with the requested Change Order as indicated in the attached memorandum dated May 19, 2015. NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that the proposed Change Order Two (2) to Contract 2936 with The Falcon group for the not to exceed cost of $103,995.00 be approved as submitted by Management
in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and amended by Board of Directors Resolution #95-44 and the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.
while listening to the CD and/or reading the story. On the other side of the Dreiser Auditorium was the “Better Living Being” Wellness Center. Here the benefits of exercise, good nutrition and the helpfulness of massage, hydrotherapy and detoxification of the liver, colon and blood were explained. This table was manned by a young veteran, Akil Telesford, after spend-
ing a military tour in Afghanistan, he now has a mission to improve himself. A cooperator at the elevator held up the ”Welcome Catalog of Vendors” and pointed to the cover saying “An EXPO such as this is a great benefit for cooperators, it provides information, tools and services for persons with disabilities, their friends and all families” and, he added, “I’m glad I came, I really did learn a lot.”
TABLED
(Continued from page 3)
whose existence reflected their journey demonstrating how out of a disability, a daughter with Autism, came an ability to create. From daughters Tara and Sharon, Starabella was born, a super heroine for all children. These books are fun and through them, children learn about empowerment, confronting and dealing with new, possibly scary situations. View yourself with the mirror on the inside cover of each book
Co-op City Times / June 13, 2015
Broun Place Townhouse Association
27
It was a great weekend for community events in Co-op City. Broun Place residents just needed to open their doors to the fun of the annual fair or just walk across the Greenway for the Disabilities Expo or Harambee Festival. Old friend and former aide to the City Council, Sally Nussbaum, reminded us and agreed, Co-op City is still a great place to live. Thursday, May 28, Broun Place Townhouse Association met for the last time this season. Our guests were Assemblyperson Michael Benedetto, Congressman Eliot Engel’s Director of Constituent Services, Richard Fedderman, and newly elected president of Adler Place Town House Association, Kenneth Graham. Assemblyperson Michael Benedetto spoke about the troubles in Albany with the indictment of Sheldon Silver and sang the praises of Assemblyperson Carl Heastie, who is the face of the new leadership. Mr. Benedetto’s goals this season included work on a bill to encourage rent control housing and work on the education tax credit. Many important questions were taken and
answered, including where does the lottery money go? The answer: some goes to repay federal loan and some does support education. He also spoke on the Bartow transportation proposal. Aide to Congressman Eliot Engel, Richard Fedderman has accepted my apology for misspelling his name. From this meeting, Mr. Fedderman brought back information on our problems with postal delivery to the congressman. It really was a great meeting and congratulations to Alder Place Townhouse Association for reforming. The illegal dumping in Broun Place story continues. We learned the feathers were dumped Friday, May 29th. Thanks to our neighbor for supplying the great photo. Thank you to Captain James Keappock for coming over and checking the area. We will be following up on the placement of cameras in the dumpster pad area to catch culprits who think they can use our site to unload garbage. Again, we thank Riverbay Maintenance employees, Mr. Benjamin Samelot and Anthony, for their energy and resource-
fulness. They were heroes! Broun Place honors them for their work to get this job done. We also thank supervisor Tutti for calling in the truck and replacing the full compactor bins. A few departments have heard about this horror and the investigation continues. But what is wrong with some people that have to abuse the community and our cooperators? We ask that you be vigilant, call Public Safety, 718-671-3050 and CSO or even drop your president a note if you witness community abuse. We were disappointed our new Groundskeeper, Danny, despite our efforts, was released from his position. We sincerely hope he will be called back to Broun Place. Please share your tidings with Eva or a member of our board. Congratulations to all our graduates and their families. We offer sincere condolences to the parishioners and family of Rev. Milca Plaud, a longtime acquaintance of ours, and we keep the family of Vice President Joseph Biden in our prayers as well. —Eva Lazaar
Six deserving students awarded scholarships Great things are happening in Co-op City for young adults pursuing school and furthering their education. Building 11 Carver Loop Civic Association wanted to encourage/support the young adults in our buildings by establishing a scholarship award. The award application process comprised of the following: • General application/recommendations • Scholastic information: grades/transcripts • Essay (personal) • Extra curricular activities, hobbies, community involvement honors/distinctions, affiliations/clubs • Interview
The committee advertised in the three lobbies the scholarship awards by posting information/requirements qualifications for the awards. On a designated date, each building was manned with staff/table explaining the scholarship criteria and handing out applications. The building lobby attendants were also charged with providing applications. Flyers and posters were displayed on each of the lobby attendant podiums and in each of the buildings showcase windows. The Scholarship Committee consisted of 8 building residents: Kandi Harris, Chairman; Sheila Manley, Jean Mickens, Toni Thomas-Lyons, Francine Berkowitz, Magdalen Lewis, Deborah Henry and Hattie Robinson. Review of the application process spanned over 6
months and during that time we met stellar candidates. While it was difficult to choose from amongst the superior candidates, we were able to award scholarships ranging from $250 to $500 to the following individuals: • Dante Francis, Senior, Archbishop Stephanack, H.S. • Nailah Hines, Sophomore, Wesleyan University • Lauren Lyons, Senior, Benjamin Cardozo, H.S. • Kaiyla Manley, Sophomore, Buffalo State College • Nikaya Manley, Senior, Ethel Walker, H.S. • Khadijah Martin, Junior, Virginia State University We wish them all the best of luck in their future endeavors! —Deborah Henry
This is a reminder to keep the date available for the association’s final meeting before the summer break. It will be held on June 27th in the meeting room. There will be discussion and planning for the upcoming year. There will also be food, fun music and laughter. We had a good year and we should celebrate that. Thank you for all who help to make it so with your time and your talents. We look forward to the second half of the year to be even better but need your ongoing support. Come and join us. School will be over and it is the weekend before the big Fourth of July holiday. What a perfect kick-off to Summer with friends and neighbors and you don't have to go far. The second annual Section Five Fun Day will be
August 22nd. Volunteers are needed to make this day more successful than last year. We especially need representatives for our building. Think about becoming a part of the day. Bring the kids. It will be fun for everyone. By now, we have all felt the sting of the new increase in maintenance and garage fees. If you did not attend the workshop for SCRIE on June 6th in Einstein Center, there will be another on June 13th. So, gather your documents together and go to the workshop if you are on a fixed income like many of us are, and if you are looking for all the help you can get. In conjunction with celebrating Father's Day, June is Men's Health Month. We should have the men in our
lives take care of themselves. Encourage them to make appointments for their annual check-ups. If they are on medication, make sure they take them as prescribed. Emphasize the importance of exercise and good nutrition. Help them to stay around as long as possible. Birthday wishes to all Geminis. Congratulations to the many graduates and good luck in your endeavors. Get well wishes to those who have been ill or just under the weather. And last, but certainly not least, best of luck to our own neighbor, Othelia Jones, on her retirement from the Riverbay Board after serving for more than twenty years. Thank you for all your years of service to this community. —LaVerne Floyd
Our next general membership meeting is Monday, June 22nd, 7:30 p.m., Activity Room. This is the last meeting for the summer and refreshments will be served. Our agenda is building issues, security and any other item you would like to add to the agenda. Our Annual Section 2 Summer Fun Day is Saturday, June 20th, 12 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. There
will be games and refreshments. Come out and enjoy. A special call out to Section 2 buildings, we need volunteers. Please submit the names and times your volunteers would like to serve. Your Garden Committee planted flowers in the front of the building. Let us know what you think. We are reminding our ladies and young girls to be careful entering and leaving the building and
riding the elevators. Please be aware of your surroundings. Don’t be afraid to call 9-1-1 or CCPD at 718-671-3050. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who has suffered a loss and to our sick and shut-in. We can be reached at 718-379-7841, MLSAH@ aol.com. —Sonja Maxwell
Our Trip Date: Saturday, June 20 Departure: 8 a.m. across from Garage #7 Einstein Loop North & Hutch. River Pkwy. Bus is expected to arrive at 7:45 a.m. Return to Co-op City: Approximately 8:30 p.m. REMINDERS Please bring ID as it is required to get casino bonus.
Don't forget your "Sands Casino card" if you have one. If not, it can be obtained when we arrive at the casino. Please be on time. There will be assigned seating, and if you have made your preference known, every attempt will be made to honor it. We will be making three (3) stops on the return – Dreiser Loop, Asch Loop and Einstein Loop.
We will spend approximately one (1) hour at the wine-tasting, five (5) hours at the casino and attached Outlet Mall, and one hour and fifteen minutes (1.15) at the Golden Corral, where you can eat to your heart's content. We will show movies, and a breakfast snack will be provided, so you don't drink wine on an empty stomach. We should have a great day! —Lorna Smith
Building 11 Association
Building 34 Association
Building 12 Cooperators Civic Association
Building 32 Association
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Co-op City Times / June 13, 2015
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 or 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 Room 50. Our telephone number is 718-320-3774. Visit us on the web at www.coopcitybaptistchurch.org. Join us for a mid-week spiritual pick-up at our midweek worship service which is held on Wednesdays at 12 p.m. Bible study is held on Wednesdays at 1:00 and 7:30 p.m. Bible study will also be held on Wednesday, June 17 at 5:00 p.m. Prayer Service is held on Fridays at noon and 7:30 p.m. Tomorrow, June 14 at 3:30 p.m., the Nurses’ Ministry and the Usher’s Ministry will have a combined anniversary service in Einstein Center, Room 45. The guest speaker will be Rev. Dr. Gloria Bradshaw, Pastor of Mt. Bethel Church, Harlem, NY. All are invited to this celebratory service.
On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, June 24, 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m., we will hold our Spring Revival. The guest speakers will be Rev. Dr. Betty Spencer, Interim Pastor of Lowly Nazarene Baptist Church, Bronx, NY; Rev. Lamont Granby, Pastor of First Baptist Church, Bronxville, NY; and Rev. Roderick McArthur, Pastor of Gilead Baptist Church, Bronx, NY, respectively. All are invited to come out and be revived. On Sunday, June 28 at 11:00 a.m., we will celebrate Children’s Day in Room 45, Einstein Center. The guest speaker will be Minister Caura Livingston, Associate Minister, New Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Their theme is “Walking in Truth” 2 John: 1-6. Everyone is invited to attend. The Co-op City Baptist Church’s Vacation Bible Study will be held June 29 to July 10 this year. Our theme is “And Then God Said…!” We will be studying the Ten Commandments. Classes will be held for PreSchoolers to Adults, it will be two weeks of fun learning the Word of God and what it really means. Snacks
will be served from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and classes will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. every evening except July 3. We look forward to seeing you there. For additional information, call the church at 718-320-3774. Beginning July 6 to August 28, the church will have a summer Liturgical Performing Arts intensive day program for ages 6 – 17. This program will include daily Bible study, prayer, and writing, African drumming, theatre, poetry, literature, gospel music, field trips and games. This summer program will end with two performances that will showcase their program experience. Registration will be held every week on Mondays from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., Tuesdays from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m., and Thursdays from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. 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
Pastor Anne L. Palmore and the congregation of the Church of the New Vision extend a warm and friendly invitation to everyone to worship with us every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. We are a church where inspirational messages from the Word of God, the Bible, are delivered every Sunday morning. The church is designed to meet the spiritual needs of our community by offering anointed singing and preaching, and a general atmosphere of Christian love and friendly hospitality. We also invite the youth of our community to attend our Sunday Morning services, starting at 9:30 a.m. with Sunday School designed to meet the spiritual needs of our young people. Parents, please send your children to learn of
the Lord Jesus. Bible teaching from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; and Prayer Service from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. every Wednesday evening. Be with us to learn the Truth from the Word of God. List of Events Come join New Vision's Partners in Math & Reading Program every Friday evening from 6:00 7:30 p.m. Students in Grades 1 through 6 can discover the joy of reading while exploring and improving their literacy levels through small groups and reading partners. Parents, we encourage you to bring your children to benefit from this free program, taught by trained professionals. Registration
is ongoing. You could contact the church at the number listed below. Join us for Senior, Family and Friends Day, which will be held on Sunday, June 14th during the 11:00 a.m. service, with lunch served immediately after. Enjoy an afternoon of praise, worship and fellowship. The Church of the New Vision is located at 115 Einstein Loop, Bronx, NY 10475; Telephone: (718) 671-8746 or (718) 320-0409. Our mailing address is: P.O. Box 753037, Bronx, NY 10475. Please visit our website at www.churchofnewvision.com. —Carole Haque
Hey, Co-op City! Over the past couple of months, I've had many conversations with people about religion and spirituality. The question, "tell me what you believe," usually comes up. This is a very important question because what you believe determines how you behave! This month, we've started a series called, "I love my church." In this series, I will be explaining why Newsong Church exists here in Co-op City. I will share with you our core convictions and why we desire to share the love of Jesus with our city...Join us for this series and discover why "I love my church!" Here's what you can expect when you enter our Worship Experience... Newsong Church is a multi-cultural church that believes God has a purpose and a plan for your life. We exist to reach people who are far away from God, and teach them how to follow Jesus step by step. That's why you will find our Sunday Worship Experience to be so warm and friendly, we genuinely care about you! We're not concerned about where you've been, but where you're going. You see, we've all got a past, we've all made mistakes, and we still do. When you step into our worship experience, you won't find a bunch of "Holier-than-thou" people pretending to have it all together. Instead, you'll find that we're all broken people, but we're allowing God to put us back together. We're not perfect, but God is! As God puts us back together, we're realizing that although our past has shaped us, it does not define us! We're finding out that not only does God love us with a radical and unconditional love, but that He loves us just as we are! At Newsong Church, we believe that the Bible is the greatest book ever written, containing the greatest story ever told, and that each of us is part of His-story! In fact, we have a saying at our church: "If you're not dead, God's not done with you!" We don't just believe this for the adults, but for our children as well! At Newsong Church, we're so passionate about our children learning about Jesus, that we created a church just for them called Kidsong! At Kidsong, our children learn about Jesus in a safe, fun, age-appropriate learning environment! We also have a fully staffed nursery! We hope that you will join us this Sunday! We meet
at 177 Dreiser Loop in Auditorium B at 11:00 a.m. Parking is available in the parking garage located on Dreiser Loop. Please bring your ticket to our connection tent for validation. Deaf interpretation is available during our adult worship experience. If you have any questions, you can contact us: Website: www.newsongchurchnyc.org; Email: info@newsongchurchnyc.org.
You can also interact with us on social media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/newsongchurchbx; Twitter: @newsongchurchBX; Instagram: @newsongchurchBX. Our Newsong family is here for you, stop by this Sunday and experience the difference! God bless you! —Pastor Mike Tolone
Church of the New Vision
Newsong Church
Family Owned and Operated • Large Chapel on premises
• Pre-need counseling
• Ample Parking on premises
• Out of town services
• Casket Showroom on premises
• Cremations
A dignified funeral every family can afford. All areas are handicapped accessible
Personalized & Professional Care • 49 Years Serving Our Community Worldwide Shipping including Caribbean, Africa & South America
718-231-7647 Call 24 Hours
Fax: 718-231-7665 NOW WEBCASTING TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS ABROAD
www.mccalls.net • director@mccalls.net 4035 Bronxwood Avenue, Bronx, N.Y.
Serving all cultures & faiths
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Co-op City Times / June 13, 2015
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. Church Schedule Sunday School - 9:00 a.m. Worship Service - 11:00 a.m. Communion Service - Every first and third Sundays Prayer Meeting and Bible Study – Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. The following programs are at the Church’s Annex: 2053 Asch Loop North (Co-op City) Morning Prayer Services - Tuesday,
6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Neighborhood Bible Study Thursday at 10:00 a.m. Extension of Prayer and Worship Service – Every first, second and third Fridays at 7:00 p.m. Other Scheduled Events June 28th at 11:00 a.m. – Youth Day celebrated at Community Protestant. All children and youth in the community are cordially invited to attend this special service and to bring their parents with them. Our Guest Preacher will be Minister Darius Davis. The Women’s Guild invites you to join us on our Christmas/New Year Extravaganza, December 22, 2015 –
Come & Visit Us – We welcome you to God’s House – Your House – One Family in Christ. We are a congregation with spirit-filled worship, offering a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship and service to God and our community. We are a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and bilingual congregation and all are welcome. Services are at the church at 2350 Palmer Avenue, across the street from Building 30. Parking is available. It is with great sadness that I inform everyone who knew our Pastor, Rev.
Dr. Milca C. Plaud, that she has gone home to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 4. Our church family and all of the people that knew her from Section 5 will miss her smile and her loving ways in which she treated everyone she met. Sunday Services – The first Sunday of the month is a bilingual service with communion at 10 a.m. Every other week, the English Service at 9 a.m. and the Spanish Service at 11:30 a.m. Children: At 10:30 a.m., classes are for 3 yrs. – 12 yrs. The curriculum being
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Matthew 6:33 Spiritual Food For Thought: God always encourages and entreats you to align your life—your purposes, goals, attitudes and actions—with what is good and true. Your life in the Spirit depends on your willingness to walk in the ways of righteousness and peace. Prioritize your life to actually put God first in all things. Many of you say that is what you want to do, but actions speak louder than words or intentions. You must do it! Sr. Pastor Presiding Elder Boyce Landrum, Pastor Carol and the entire Greater Love family cordially invite
you join us for Praise & Worship service. We are conveniently located at 900 Co-op City Blvd. (Bldg. 2A), on the ground level, Bronx, N.Y., 10475; main entrance - red buzzer. Free parking is available in Garage #1 on Darrow Place. Parking stubs will be validated at the church. Greater Love’s Weekly Schedule Church phone: 347-920-5607; Email: glcubc@optonline.net. Sunday Bible School for Young People: 10:00 a.m. (sharp) Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00 a.m. Holy Communion – First Sunday Adult Bible Study/Discipleship Class: Tuesday evenings: 7:00 p.m. Training for Service - A Survey of the Bible: Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.
January 3, 2016. A fantastic 12-night southern Caribbean cruise aboard the magnificent Queen Mary 2, departing from New York, Red Hook in Brooklyn. Ports of Call: St. Thomas, Charlotte Amalie; St. Kitts, Basseterre; St. Lucia, Castries; St. Maarten, Phillipsburg; Tortola, Road Town. To make a reservation or for additional information about the cruise, please call (718) 320-1435 or (718) 671-5961. Blessings On The Charitable “Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter –when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and
blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say; Here am I, if you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk.” – Isaiah 58:7-9. 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
used is The Super Book. 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. Thursday mornings at 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.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 that have a personal relationship with Him. Trip to the Holy Land Experience
in Florida: We will be having a 9 day trip to the Holy Land Experience in Orlando, Florida from August 8 to August 16. The trip is $799 per double occupancy. A $75 deposit will hold your seat. We will be stopping at different places and will spend two days at the Holy Land Experience and two extra days in Florida. For information, call Linda at (917) 684-6463. If there is no answer, leave a message and she will get back to you. There are still seats available. —Barbara Penn
Family Movie Nite: Third Friday: 6:30 p.m. (next: June 19th) Youth Bible Study/Rehearsal : 2nd & 4th Fri. at 6:30 p.m. Tomorrow, following our Sunday morning Worship, Greater Love Church will fellowship with the Prince of Peace Tabernacle, 555 W. 182nd Street, New York, NY, Reverend Ola Graham-Boyd, Pastor – for their Men’s Service; The theme: “Men Motivated by the Love of God (John 3:16)” Pastor Carol Landrum will be the guest preacher for the afternoon’s service which begins at 3:30 p.m. Departure from Greater Love will be at 2:00 p.m. Family Night is Friday, June 19th at 6:30. All are invited to join us for
board games, a feature movie presentation and refreshments. Mark your calendar for our Father’s Day Worship Service followed by a special brunch on Sunday, June 21st 11:00 a.m. The church doors are open to ALL! Greater Love’s Saturday morning Heart to Sole Walking Club has been postponed until further notice. Pastor Landrum thanks you all for your prayers for healing. We still accept non-perishable and toiletry donations for our Food Pantry. Feel free to stop in or give us a call. God bless all in the community who continue to support our pantry and Christian library. —Pastor Carol Landrum
Evangelical Church of Co-op City – UMC Open Doors, Open Hearts and Open Minds
Greater Love Baptist Church
DIVORCE - BANKRUPTCY • ABSOLUTE LOWEST FEES • EVENING APPTS. AVAILABLE • IMMEDIATE FILING
• FREE CONSULTATION • FLEXIBLE PAYMENT PLANS
“COURTEOUS AND PROMPT SERVICE AT AN AFFORDABLE FEE”
633 Lydig Ave • Bronx, NY 1 block from Pelham Parkway & White Plains Road Accessible by #2 & #5 trains • #12, #22 & #39 buses
DAVID BRODMAN,Esq.
718.239.7110
Wed., June 17
Tues., June 16
Mon., June 15
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Co-op City Times / June 13, 2015
Bartow,
Einstein,
Dreiser,
Activities in Room 31 unless otherwise noted
Activities in Room 49 unless otherwise noted
Activities in Room 7 unless otherwise noted
Library 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Dominoes 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Line Dancing 10-11 a.m., Rm. 45 Around The Lunch Table 11:30 a.m. Word Search 11 a.m. 12 p.m. Bingo 1-3 p.m., Rm. 35 Pokeno 3-4 p.m., Rm. 35 Diabetes Support Group 2nd Monday of the month, 1 p.m.
Crochet & Knitting 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session 9:30-10:30 a.m. Stay Well Exercise 10-11 a.m., Rm 2 Mind Teasers 12-1pm, Rm 4 Diabetes Support Group 1 p.m. – Last Monday of the month Gentle Yoga 1:15-2 p.m., Rm 2 Basic Cell Phone & iPad Training 1:30-2:30 p.m. Intermediate Yoga 2-3 p.m., Rm. 2
Word Games 9:30-11am Bingo 12:30-2:30 p.m. Weight Management 10 - 11:30 a.m., Bartow Office Arthritis Exercises 11 a.m.-noon Library 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Tablet class 1st & 3rd; Cell Phone Class 2nd & 4th, Bartow Office, 12:40-1:40 p.m. Card Games 2-4 p.m. Dominoes 2:30 p.m. Word Games 9:3011:30 a.m. Current Events 10 a.m. Health Current Events Club 10 a.m., Bartow office Bingo 12:30-2 p.m. Caregiver Support Group 1 p.m., 1st & 3rd Tues Card Games 2-4 p.m. Dominoes 2:30 p.m. Blood Pressure 9-10 a.m. 1st & 3rd Wed. Word Games 9:3011:30 a.m. Stay Well Exercise 1011 a.m. Line Dancing 11 a.m.12 p.m. Bingo 12:30-2 p.m. Card Games 2-4 p.m. Dominoes 2:30 p.m.
Fri., June 19
Thurs., June 18
Library 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Word Games 9:3011:30 a.m. Chat Session 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Bingo 12:30- 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 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Women’s Line Dancing 10-11:30 a.m. Chat Session 10 a.m. Bingo 12:30-2 p.m., Rm. 25 Piano Sing-along 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Card Games 2-4 p.m. Dominoes 2:30 p.m.
Dominoes 10 a.m. Tai Chi 11 a.m., Rm. 45 Matinee Movie 10 a.m.-noon, Rm. 45 Pokeno 1-3 p.m., Rm. 35
Dominoes 10 a.m., Rm. 45
Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session 9:30-10:30 a.m. Alert & Alive 10:3011:30 a.m. 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 Tuesday - Movie w/popcorn 2-4 p.m. Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session 9:3010:30 a.m.
Spelling Bee 10 a.m.
Sewing 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Spanish Practice Class 10:30 a.m., Computer Lab
Tai Chi 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Zumba 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 45
Art Class 1-3 p.m.
Mind Teasers 12-1 p.m., Rm. 4
Yoga 2-3 p.m., Rm. 2 Dominoes 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Stay Well Exercise 10-11 a.m., Rm. 45 Spelling Bee 11 a.m. Grandparent Connection 1st & 3rd Thurs. computer lab, 10:30 a.m. Arthritis Exercise Class 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 45 Word search 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Pokeno 1-3 p.m., Rm. 35
Library, Exercise Bike, Chat 9:30-10:30 a.m. Blood Pressure 1011:30 a.m., 1st & 3rd Thu., 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. Card Games 2-4 p.m. Blood Pressure 2nd & 4th Friday 10 -11:30 a.m., Rm. 45 Bingo 1-3 p.m., Rm. 35 Pokeno 3-4 p.m., Rm. 35
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Crochet & Knitting Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session 9:30-10 am.; 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Meditative Moments 11 a.m.–12 p.m., Rm. 8
Mind Teasers 12-1 p.m., Rm. 4
Spanish Class 1-2 p.m. Card Games, Dominoes 2-4 p.m.
Yoga 1:30-2:30pm, Rm. 8
(Schedule subject to change without notice)
Fee for lunch is $2.00 & $4.00 for guest *Menu subject to change without notice. Alternate Kosher Meals are also available
ALL meals served w/margarine and fresh milk Bartow Center (718) 320-2066, Ext. 2010 Dreiser Center (718) 320-1345 • Einstein Center (718) 671-5161
For information, please call: (718) 320-2066
New Payment Schedule - Payments for trips @ the Bartow office can be made Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Only) Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, The NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation.
Date:
Kosher
Non-Kosher
Soups, Breads and Desserts
Alternate Kosher Meals are also available
Apple juice, BBQ sauce
Mon., Cajun chicken w/pasta turkey, meatballs Jun Garden salad Mashed sweet potatoes Steamed green beans 15
Whole wheat bread Garlic bread Fresh fruit
Alt: Veggie burger patty
Tues, Jun 16
Apple juice Grilled Caribbean chicken breast Rice a Roni Vegetable mix Alt: Egg salad
Whole wheat bread BBQ short ribs Whole wheat dinner roll Coleslaw Fresh fruit Steamed corn on the cob
Apple juice
Wed., Stuffed cabbage w/beef Meatloaf w/beef & pork Mashed potatoes Garlic mashed potatoes Jun Steamed carrots Steamed carrots 17
Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit
Alt: Tuna fish salad
Thurs., Jun 18
Orange pineapple juice Lemon garlic tilapia Pasta w/sweet peas Sautéed spinach Alt: Baked turkey breast
Fri., Jun 19
Orange juice, Italian roast chicken, Kasha varnishkes, Cabbage w/shredded carrots Alt: Gefilte fish
Baked Asian style honey chicken Fried brown rice Broccoli w/teriyaki sauce Baked white fish in a garlic crumb crust
Upcoming Events/Trips
There will be no refunds for all trips. All trips include roundtrip transportation! All trips must be paid in advance No exceptions. LiveOn NY - (Free) SNAP (Food Stamp) Application Assistance, Friday, June 26th at the 2049 Bartow Avenue office, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. First come, first served! LiveOn NY - SCRIE Application Assistance, Friday, June 19th, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Room 25, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. & Tuesday, June 23rd, 135 Einstein Loop, Room 35, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Please bring with you documents that verify the following: Government issued ID, Address/affidavit, Total household incomes, (2015 Social Security award letter which will include monthly or yearly benefits, 2014 pension letter, 2014 income tax returns & Maintenance/ Carrying charge Receipt). FREE six-week workshop with lunch included - build skills to manage ongoing health problems – Mondays, June 8th through July 6th, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Room 25. Raffle entry for $50 gift card for attending all six sessions. Please call to register by May 26. The Rich Culture of Puerto Rico – Tuesday, June 16th, $2, Bartow Ave. Senior Center, Rm. 31 @ 11 a.m. Join Anna Tonna & her special guest frummer & Folklorist Jose Ortiz aka “Dr. Drums.” Menu: Grilled Caribbean chicken breast, Rice a Roni, vegetable mix, whole wheat bread, orange juice and fresh fruit. Central Avenue – Wednesday, June 17th, $13. Pick-ups: Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m. and Dreiser, 10 a.m. 2 hours Xmas Tree Store, 1 hour at Trader Joe’s, 2 hours Amazing Savings. ShopRite – Friday, June 19th. $3. Pick-ups: Bartow, 9:30; Einstein, 9:45 and Dreiser, 10 a.m. Wal-Mart – Friday, May 19th, $15. Bartow, 8:30 a.m.; Einstein, 8:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 9 a.m. Turtle Back Zoo – Monday, June 22nd, $13. West Orange, NJ. Pick-ups: Bartow, 8:30 a.m.; Einstein, 8:45 a.m. and Dreiser, 9 a.m. Monthly Birthday Party! – Tuesday,
Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit
Challah bread Canned apricots
June 23rd, $2. Bartow Senior Center, Rm, 31, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 a.m. Doors will open at 11 a.m. Kosher menu Breaded chicken breast, Kasha Varnishkes, steamed peas & carrots, whole wheat bread, fresh fruit, apple juice and cake. Entertainment: DJ Woody. Pick-ups: Einstein, 10:30 a.m. & Dreiser, 10:45 a.m. Cabaret LuLu at Dreiser Auditorium B –Wednesday, June 24th at 2 p.m., $7 and $50 per table in advance. “Juke box Serenade Volume 2 the Sequel,” with songs made famous by performers like Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Etta James, Dinah Washington, The Drifters and the Isley Brothers, featuring outstanding male and female performing artists from the Broadway theater and featuring Lucille Gould, The Original Cabaret Lulu. The New York Public Library – Wednesday, June 24th, $8. Pick-ups: Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m. and Dreiser, 9:45 a.m. Tour starts 11:30 a.m. for 1 hour. Dreiser Senior Center welcomes Summer Luncheon, $2, Wednesday, June 24, 11 a.m. -2 p.m., 177 Dreiser Loop, Auditorium C. Entertainment by DJ Woody. Menu: Non Kosher-BBQ spare ribs, baked potato, steamed peas and carrots. Kosher: Turkey wing (roasted), mashed potatoes, steamed cabbage, dessert, raffles & surprises. Please call 718-320-1345 (Dreiser Senior Center) for tickets/information. Access-A-Ride, Para Transit Division, Kenneth Stuart, Customer Relations Officer, New York MTA – Friday, June 26th, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., 135 Einstein Loop, Room 45. Light refreshments will be served. Call JASA at 718320-2066 for more information. Laugh Out Loud Productions presents - The SEQUEL! Ira and Isabella’s Baby: The Bristening, Tuesday, June 30th, $72. 15 seats available. Luncheon menu: Appetizer, salad, choice of 3 entrees, dessert, coffee or tea and soda, 1 complimentary glass of wine or beer. This trip is sponsored by Friendship House. Please call Millie or Ronit, 718863-8833.
Co-op City Times / June 13, 2015
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
AARP Chapter #4997
FYI - 1: Caregivers Outreach Ministry Empowerment & AARP Chapter #4997 presents FREE one-on-one Computer Training Sessions – starting Monday, July 6th – August 14; 3 sessions/day; 10 a.m.11 a.m., 11-12 p.m. or 1 p.m.-2 p.m.; Monday-Thursday. Classes are held at 177 Dreiser Loop, Room O, 2nd floor. Feel free to bring your own iPhone, iPad, Tablet, Laptop and other Mobile devices. You will be shown how to set-up an Email, a Facebook account, save your pictures, make-up a flyer and other documents. Please RSVP – 718-379-3159 to secure your place. FYI - 2: With the sponsorship of Blue Sky Travel, we will be raffling off an Evening for Two on the Essex Clipper Dinner Train – October 3. It will include: a 2-1/2 hour train ride, 4-course meal w/coffee/tea (gratuities and beverages not included), departing from the Bronx, deluxe Coach Bus transportation to/from Essex, CT. Raffle tickets are $5 – on sale NOW! Drawing will be held on WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30th at 1 p.m. in the AARP Office, Room “O” in Dreiser Community Center. Contact Stella Baker, 718-379-2088 or 718-3201946 (office) for raffle tickets and additional information.
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Get well wishes to Beatrice Chaderton. To our sick, on the mend and shut-in members, and those bereaved members, please know that you are in our prayers. Contact Frances Wilson, Good & Welfare Coordinator, 718-671-5493. 2015 Tour Activities July 23 – Ace in the Hole: A Tribute to the Temptations at the Brownstone – Deluxe Motorcoach, Family-style luncheon; entertainment with a live band and the Boutique Corner…$98/person…All money due NOW!….Contact Jean, 718379-3742. October 30 - November 13 – Autumn Repositioning 15-day Cruise on the Norwegian Dawn – WAITING LIST ONLY. Deluxe Motorcoach to Boston, MA to board the ship going to San Juan, PR; Bonaire Curacao and Aruba; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Georgetown in Cayman Islands; Cozumel, Mexico; returning to New Orleans, LA to fly back to New York….Double Occupancy - Inside State Room - $1,853; Ocean View $2,253 and Balcony - $2,553; Insurance and 1st deposit ($600/person) due at time of reservation; 2nd payment due June 5th and final payment due 7/15… Contact Jean, 718-379-3742. —Delores Debnam
Goose Island Senior Citizens
Baychester Library Events VISIT THE LIBRARY - A GREAT WEALTH OF INFORMATION Events for June Toddler Time - Tuesdays, 11 a.m. 6/16: Monkey Monkey Music: Macaroni Tech Connect - Wednesdays, 5:00-6:30 p.m.: 6/17, 6/24 - Excel Tech Connect - Thursdays, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.: 6/18, 6/25 - Google Series Click On - Fridays, 10:30 a.m.: 6/19 - Basic Internet; 6/26 - Email. Book Sale - Saturday, 6/13, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Music@NYPL - Saturday, 6/20, 2 p.m. - I Am Blue w/Stacy Hobdy Hot Spot Lending Event - Monday, 6/22, 5:30-6:30 p.m.; Thursday, 6/25, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Kids Summer Reading Kick-off - Turtle Dance, Wed., 6/24, 3:30 p.m. Matinee - Friday, 6/26, 10:30 a.m. Summer Superheroes program for 1-8 Grades - July 6 - August 20, Mondays/Wednesdays or Tuesdays/Thursdays, 2-5 p.m. Attend one of our Enrollment Sessions for more information - Monday, June 15, 1-2 p.m./ 4:30-5:30 p.m.
The New York Public Library Baychester Branch • 2049 Asch Loop • Bronx, NY 10475 (Fully Wheelchair Accessible) HOURS: Monday & Wednesday, 10-7; Tuesday & Thursday, 10-6; Friday & Saturday, 10-5. Libros En Español (Books in Spanish). HORARIO DE LA BIBLIOTECA: Lunes 10-7, Martes 10-6, Miércoles 10-7, Jueves 10-6, Viernes 10-5, Sábado 10-5, Domingo Cerrado.
718.379.6700 FREE ADMISSION TO ALL
Congratulations are in order to the students graduating this month and happy birthday or anniversary to anyone who may be celebrating this month of June. We will be playing Bingo on Wednesday, June 16th at 1:30 p.m. in Room 39. The next trip to Atlantic City will be to Resorts Casino on June 30th. The price is $33 with a return of $25, slot cash. The pick-up time for this trip is at 8 a.m. at Einstein Loop, Asch Loop and Dreiser Loop. (Pickup points are the same places, for all trips. Please remember to bring your picture I.D.) On Wednesday, August 12th, we're going to La Neves to see a wonderful show, Motown. The price is $75, and
can be paid out. Lunch included, two free drinks per person, pasta marinara, chicken Francaise or roast beef with gravy, cheesecake, coffee or tea for dessert. Pick-up will be at 8:30 a.m. On Wednesday, October 14th, we are going to Westchester Dinner Theater to see a wonderful musical, Show Boat. The price is $80, which could be paid out and includes lunch, served at your table, with a choice of six different entrees for you to choose from, dessert, coffee or tea. The pickup time, is 9 a.m. at the same places listed above. Mary is now getting fitted for her new “jogging suit!” She just has to decide on a color. Good health to all. —Ann Schlanger
We will be going to Resort’s Casino on Tuesday, July 14th. Cost per person is $33 and receive a $25 casino slot play. Time of pick-up is at 8 a.m., starting at Einstein Loop followed by Asch Loop (library) and Dreiser Loop. Don’t forget to bring your casino card and a valid photo I.D. Thursday, September 17th – Hunterdon Hills Playhouse for their luncheon comedy show Social Security. Enjoy their delicious entrees and their famous unlimited desserts buffet. All entrees are served with salad, vegetables and homemade bread. Cost per person $79, which can be paid off at your discretion. Final payments are due by September 1st. Saturday, October 3rd – Our annual raffle luncheon to be held at the Seashore Restaurant at City Island. Cost per person, $52. Enjoy their entrée choices which consist of 5 selections to
choose from. In order to make this a huge success, please participate in donating gift cards from stores and restaurants that you frequent. This will enable all who attend to get a gift card depending on how many are donated! Gift cards should range from $10 to $25. All profits are donated to our three charities: Cancer Care Children’s Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Research and Calvary Hospital for the comfort and care of the terminally ill. Everyone is most welcomed to this endeavor. For the above agendas, please call Loretta at 718-671-2958, Ann Eutsey at 718-320-1874 or Lydia at 718-6713005. You can reach us Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the evening from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Good health and healings are wished to all. —Lydia Ruas
Einstein Cancer Fund
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Co-op City Times / June 13, 2015
Reflections by Rabbi Solomon I. Berl Spiritual Leader of Young Israel Synagogue Before there was electricity, people had to resort to candle light during the evening hours. Light is the source of many illuminating stories in Jewish literature. One telling tale tells how a man, deeply troubled, was once wandering restlessly through the streets of the European Village in which he lived. He knew that he had sinned, but he did not know how he could make amends. He happened to pass a little shop and through the window, he saw a tailor repairing a garment by the
light of a flickering candle. The man went into the shop and said, “It is late at night, the candle is almost out, and you are obviously very weary. Why don’t you stop?” The tailor replied, “As long as the candle is burning, we can still mend,” The man gazed at the industrious tailor and his spirits lifted. “As long as we live,” he thought. “We have a chance to correct our mistakes.” As long as we live, we have the opportunity to repent, to change, to improve, to do good. As long as the fire of life burns in us, there is hope.
Young Israel of Co-op City
Young Israel of Co-op City (lower level of the Dreiser Loop Shopping Center) is a house of worship that opens its doors every morning from 6 until 7 a.m. Anyone who wishes to start the daily routine with prayers, during which our spiritual leader, Rabbi Solomon I. Berl, offers a brief Bible teaching is welcome. On Friday evening, Sabbath services begin at 10 minutes after the candlelighting time. Saturday morning serv-
ices start at 9 a.m. Rabbi Berl delivers his sermon at 10:30 a.m. The Rabbi’s class on the Torah reading at the week begins one hour before sunset every Saturday afternoon. For office hours or any information you may seek, feel free to call (718) 671-2300 and leave your name, phone number and a brief message on the synagogue’s answering machine, and your call will be returned as soon as possible.
We are trying to put together a Block Party for this coming September for Buildings 1 through 7. The building presidents are meeting together this coming Tuesday to talk about all the details. I would love to wish a long time member of Building 6 and special lady Rachael Bennett a happy 90th birthday. Happy birthday to Jeffrey Schwartz, our Building President, and all the June birthdays in our building. We are looking forward to having our Lobby Attendant Andy back full time soon. We all miss seeing him 5 days a week in our lobby. He’s been on jury duty the last 3 months. I want to also thank Al
Shapiro, a loving man and true friend to me and my family, a Riverbay Board member for 35 years for helping Building 6 with any problems they had in their apartments and for coming to our building meetings when we asked him too. We are truly going to miss you on the Riverbay Board. Thank you, Al Shapiro, for all your hard work you did for this building and making Co-op City better. I hope everyone enjoyed the Co-op City Fair with all the food, music and free stuff to win and given out. Our next game night is June 19, in our building association room. —Jeffrey Schwartz
Building 6 Association
Shalom Jewish Funeral Home, Inc. George Farr - Funeral Director
(718) 828-1700 / 914-654-1700 Keeping Tradition Under Rabbinical Supervision
1528 Castle Hill Avenue Bronx, NY 10462 www.shalomjewish.com Services from Our Chapel, Graveside or Synagogue Parking Facilities • Pre-Arrangements
Traditional Synagogue
Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City, Young Israel of Baychester, Section 5 at 120 Erdman Place (behind the lobby 27B), welcomes you to pray with them. Tel. for the Synagogue: 1-718-379-6920. Note: Our office hours are on Thursday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Candle Lighting on Friday, June 19, is at 8:10 p.m. Shabbat ends on today, Saturday, June 13 at 9:18 p.m. Coming Events From now through the summer, Fri. night services will be held at 7 p.m. Services will be held on Saturday, June 13 at 9 a.m. Join Rabbi Daniel Kronengold in prayer. We hope that you will sign up to sponsor a Kiddish to take place after services on Saturdays. Sunday, June 14, at 1 p.m., we will have bingo. Cost $3 per person. Snacks and refreshments are provided. We look
forward to seeing everybody. On June 20, a Father’s Day Kiddish will be held after services. For Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we are happy to announce that Cantor Ringel will be returning to us. Dues are due for both the synagogue and Sisterhood. Good and Welfare Get well wishes to our friend, Mary Pilla. We wish her a speedy recovery. We are sorry to inform you of the passing of Marshall Kriftcher. May his family know no more sorrow. Best wishes to all celebrating special occasions this month. We have tree certificates “in Honor of” or “in Memory of” a special occasion or a condolence. The cost is $15 per tree. If you are feeling under the weather, we wish you all a speedy recovery. Mimi Berlofsky welcomes all calls at 347-4274526. —Miriam Berlofsky
The Men's Club Traditional Synagogue is running a Father's Day Kiddush on June 20, all are invited to join us. Men’s Club Traditional Synagogue is running a trip to Resort's Casino in Atlantic City on Sunday, July 12. Have a day of fun on the Boardwalk, shopping and all the sight and sounds of Atlantic City. The cost: $35 per person with a $25 slot. Player may use any machine or table. I would like to remind you that you need a Resort's Casino Card or Government Photo ID card (such as a Driver or NonDriver License or Passport) to get your bonus slot play. Payment is due by July 6.
Please send checks and make it out to the following: Men's Club Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City, 120 Erdman Place, Building 27B, Bronx, NY 10475. We provide a free snack going, play games, and on the return trip, we show a movie. For Reservations, Call: Gary, (718) 671-8424, or Bruce, (718) 3202234. Please Note, Pick-Up Times Have Changed: Einstein Loop, 8:15 a.m.; Asch Loop, 8:25 a.m., and Dreiser Loop, 8:35 a.m. Everyone is invited to all our functions. We hope you will join us. Shalom! —Bruce Gitelson
Regular monthly meeting Thursday, June 18, Bartow Center, Room #31 at 7:30 p.m. All members are requested to attend this very important meeting. This will be the last meeting before the Summer recess. There will be no meetings in July or August unless an emergency arises. At this meeting on June 18, there will be a High School Scholarship Awards Ceremony whereby three (3) students from the Truman High School 2015 Graduation Class will be presented individual scholarships to augment their expenses for the upcoming Fall Term at the college or university where they have been accepted for admission. So, please attend.
We continue to send our prayers to all the members who are recovering from injuries, illnesses, surgery, and various medical procedures. Get well soon. Best wishes are also extended to those members who are home-bound. Please keep the faith and keep in touch with our Good & Welfare Committee Chairman, Ms. Gertie Brown, at (347) 275-2995 relating to your status. Best wishes are also extended to those members who are celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or special event during the month of June. I would like to thank the membership and the community for your continued support of this club. —George T. Clarke
Men’s Club Traditional Synagogue
Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club
THE LAW OFFICE
OF
Christopher W. Edwards, P.C. • Personal Injury • Divorce • Family Law • Landlord & Tenant • Real Estate Closings • Contracts
• Criminal Defense • Probate/Estate • Immigration Law • Employment Law • Entertainment Law • Other Legal Matters
3049 Eastchester Road Bronx, NY 10469
(718) 671-4910
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Co-op City Times / June 13, 2015
Faith In God Church & Bible Institute
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! Scripture carries spiritual vitality. That’s why it doesn’t return void. Wherever it encounters an open heart, it brings refreshment, nourishment, and
new life. The resurrection of Christ is the basis of our faith. Let’s look at Scripture to support this. 1st Corinthians 15:12-19 says: 12 Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. 14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. 15 Yes, and we are found false wit-
nesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up - if in fact the dead do not rise. 16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! 18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. 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 hiphop, go to www.soundcloud.com and download music from Vernon Little free of charge. He also has videos on YouTube. You will be blessed, encouraged, and inspired. We are located at 171 Dreiser Loop in Section 1. Our phone # is (347) 2764925. Jesus loves you, and so do we. —Apostle Gladys R. Little
Pentecostal Tabernacle, 120 Benchley Pl., Building 24 (street level), Bronx, N.Y. 10475. You are invited to attend services on the following days. SUNDAYS: Sunday School for all age groups begins at 10:30 a.m. Sunday Worship service starts at 11:45 a.m. Evangelistic service begins at 7:30 p.m. every Sunday evening. WEDNESDAY: Morning prayers and fasting service will begin at 11 a.m. - 12:30 a.m. Bible study and prayer meeting will be held every Wednesday evening starting at 7:30 p.m. Effective Fervent Prayers change things. Come and experience the power of Biblical prayers. God’s power is released through His Words. Come and study the Word of God; it can change your life. 2 Timothy 2:15 - Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman
that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. FRIDAYS: Youth service starts at 7:30 p.m. for all the youth who would like to attend. Please be advised that we are planning to relocate very early to Co-op City Boulevard. Although there will be a change of address, the phone numbers will remain the same. Focus: Virtue is the quality that sustains our entrance and standing before a holy God and allows the strength and healing presence of God to flow through us. Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever
things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. A Christian’s strength resides in his or her relationship with God. A life filled with virtue results in a clean conscience and removes any cloud of guilt, providing a bold entrance into the presence of the Lord. A virtuous life fulfills the purpose for the grace of God, making that work complete. Godly virtue adds value to human life, and that enhancement becomes obvious to others. Paul joined Peter in encouraging the pursuits of virtue when he admonished Timothy to give himself wholly to righteous principles. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself; and
unto the doctrine; continue in them, for in doing this thou shall both save thyself, and them that hear thee (1 Timothy 4:1516) Believers are required to live a victorious life, and increase in their knowledge of the things of God. Peter referred to virtue as one of the stones in the foundation of the believer’s faith. 2nd Peter 1:5 And beside this giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge. Paul concluded that adding virtue to faith is a profitable venture that causes the believer’s value to rise even in the eyes of those around him. For more information, call: 718 3240334. —Rev. R. Sibblies
Pentecostal Tabernacle
Gregory S. Gang D.D.S., M.S. Complete Family Dental Care Cosmetic Bonding Periodontal (Gum) Treatment Endodontics (Root Canal) Dentures / Crowns / Bridges Participating Dentist UFT • Oxford • CSA • Con Edison Guardian • BC/BS • Aetna Cigna • HIP/Dental • PBA Most other dental plans as full or partial payment
Evening and Saturday Appointments Available
140-1 Casals Place, Co-op City Building 14, Section 2 - Bronx, NY 10475 Visit our website G reg o r yGan g DDS.co m or email us at: smileggdds@aol.com
(718) 671 - 6000
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Co-op City Times / June 13, 2015
CLASSIFIEDS
Floor Refinishing 6/27
718-320-3300 x3384 • cctimes@riverbaycorp.com Cash Paid
Blinds
Antiques, collectibles, pre-1950 furniture, gold, silver, diamonds, costume jewelry, oil paintings, coins, stamps, pre-1970 Latin, Jazz, R&B records, rare books, pre-1970 sports cards/memorabilia, vintage clothing, toys, bric-a-brac, contents of homes, estates. Mark 718-882-0598. 6/13
FAMILY BLINDS SERVICE NEW STYLE BLINDS
Help Wanted Partners and/or Workers needed for several moneymaking and business ideas. Call Mark 718-882-0598. 6/13
Get Top Cash for your Jazz, Soul, R&B and Gospel albums from 50s to 70s. Call Howard 7/18 at 212-873-4016 anytime. Records Wanted
SERVICES
•
Serving Co-op City for over 25 years
SERVICES
All Colors • Vertical • Minis • Woods • 2 in. Regulars • Wash, Tape, Cord Blinds
Home Improvement
FREE VALANCE & INSTALLATION. Re-installation of any types of Blinds.
1-800-479-2667 CO-OP SALES - JASON LASH
Repair Closet Doors and Sell New Bi-Fold Doors! Call Mike at: 718-974-1290 6/27 Quality work! Lowest Prices in Town! Call Anytime • Seven Days/Week • “When You See Me, You’ll Know Me!”
Appliance Repair
ACE APPLIANCE REPAIR For prompt service call:
(718) 379-8782
6/27
CO-OP SALES BLINDS!
6/27
L & L APPLIANCE REPAIR
YOUR AD HERE! From $8 per week!
1-800-479-2667
• Stoves • Washers • Dryers • Refrigerators • Vacuum Cleaners and more
DON’T PAY MORE AT YOUR LOCAL HARDWARE STORE!
vacuums 10% DISCOUNT (except and lamps)
Call 718.792.2655
FAMILY LOCKSMITH
EMERGENCY SERVICE
L&L APPLIANCE REPAIR
Licensed and Bonded
HIGH SECURITY LOCKS
Present This Coupon (except vacuums/lamps)
STOVES • WASHERS • REFRIGERATORS • VACUUM CLEANERS and more. LIMIT — One Coupon Per Person.
718.792.2655
10/10
L & L APPLIANCE REPAIR
GEORGE’S CLEAN WINDOWS
6/27
Moving
Professional Window Cleaning • FAST RELIABLE SERVICE
(except vacuums)
Cell:
10/10
P&R APPLIANCE SERVICE
if you are tired of paying too much for repairs! 718-829-9090 • Washers • Dryers • Stoves • Refrigerators • Dishwashers • Vacuums
1-203-482-6337
6/13 6/27
Computer Consultant, Sales & Repair JB RYAN COMPUTER REPAIR & UPGRADE
8/29
Repair - Upgrade - Trouble-shooting - Data Recovery Virus Removal - Laptop Overheat - Cracked Screen Broken Power Jack. Call James 646-281-4475 • 718-324-4332
Decorator 6/20
Painting
FATHER & SON
Vacuums FREE Pick-up and Delivery!
1058 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx
Serving Co-op City for over 25 years. “When you see me, You’ll know me.”
Call Mike at: 718-974-1290
Cleaning Service - Windows
718.792.2655
Service Charge only $24.95 plus 10% off any repair Senior Citizen Discount
High Quality Labor For a Low Price!
Call Anytime • Seven Days A Week
Family Owned & Operated Since 1954 NYC License #1233497 10% DISCOUNT
Call
Medeco • MultiLock • Wilson
SPOONER DOMESTIC SERVICE
www.spoonercleaning.com (718) 320-5112
• ALL MAKES & MODELS • Stoves • Washers • Dryers •Lamps • Dishwashers • Refrigerators • Bags • Hoses • Belts • Vacuum Cleaners
2951 Middletown Road, Bronx, NY 10461 (Near Pelham Bay Station)
20% Off Any Lock Job! • Basic Cleaning — $90 9/5 • Deep Cleaning — $130 • Non-Medical Senior Care — $80 • 4 Hour Minimum + 8.78% sales tax • Bonded • 7 Days • Accept Cash, Pay-Pal
EMERGENCY SERVICE
Fully Insured
6/27
Locksmith
Fully Insured NYC License #1233497 10/10
Fully Insured NYC License #1233497
Co-op City Resident Specials
Elim in Bugsate
Vertical, Mini, Wood, Pleats
Advertise!
$20 OFF
• RANGE HOODS We BEAT • LIGHT FIXTURES Any • KITCHEN CABINETS • CABINET REFACING Quote! • COUNTERTOPS • CUSTOM CLOSET MIRROR DOORS • CUSTOM WALL MIRRORS
Grout & Carpet Cleaning
Cleaning Service
Refrigerators, stoves, air conditioners, washers, dryers, dishwashers. Free service call with repairs.
• VERTICAL BLINDS • MINI BLINDS • SINK VANITIES • SPACE SAVERS • MATCHING HAMPERS • BATHTUB ENCLOSURES • CLIP-ON MIRROR FRAMES
Top Quality Work - Painting, Plastering, Wallpapering, 8/15 Floor Sanding, Refinishing, Waxing. 6/27
Call Wesley 212.996.7347 or
917.325.5334
Now you can follow the Co-op City Times online at www.issuu.com/cctimes
35
Co-op City Times / June 13, 2015
Opportunities
RIVERBAY
• Schedule and confirm appointments for residents, customers, or supervisors. • Make copies of correspondence or other printed material. • Locate and attach appropriate files to incoming correspondence requiring replies. • Operate electronic mail systems and coordinate the flow of information, internally or with other organizations. • Compose, type, and distribute meeting notes, routine correspondence, or reports, such as presentations or expense, statistical, or monthly reports. • Open, read, route, and distribute incoming mail or other materials and answer routine letters. • Conduct searches to find needed information, using such sources as the Internet. • Manage projects or contribute to committee or team work. • Order and dispense supplies. • Coordinate conferences, meetings, or special events, such as luncheons or graduation ceremonies. • Arrange conference calls and/or meeting for office personnel. • Prepare conference or event materials, such as flyers or invitations. • Perform other duties as assigned. Job Requirements: HS Diploma or equivalent is required. College degree is a plus; Successful candidate will have 1 to 3 years of secretarial experience; Candidate should have a working knowledge in Microsoft Office that includes MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint & Adobe products; Candidate should be able to type 40 to 50 wpm; Applicant must have ability to walk or sit for long periods of time, twist, kneel, push, stoop, as well as lift and carry up to 20 pounds; Must be available for emergency work; Must be able to read and write in English; Bi-Lingual is a plus; Knowledge of Yardi is a plus. Drug Screening Test, Background check. Days and Hours: Monday - Friday; Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. How to Apply: Applications are given out at the below address from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All applicants are advised to submit a resume along with the application. ———————————————————— New Job Posting: Open to 32BJ Union Members from June 9, 2015 to June 15, 2015 Open to All applicants from June 16, 2015 to June 24, 2015 • Job Reference #: 15-31
Store Room Clerk Power Plant Under the supervision of the Inventory Supervisor, this candidate will be responsible to receive, store, and issue materials, equipment, and other items from stockroom, warehouse, or storage yard to fill shelves, racks, tables, or power plant pair orders. Job Description: Ideal candidate will: • Receive and count stock items, and record data manually or using computer. • Pack and unpack items to be stocked on shelves in stockrooms, warehouses, or storage yards. • Verify inventory computations by comparing them to physical counts of stock, and investigate discrepancies, report errors. • Store items in an orderly and accessible manner in warehouses, tool rooms, supply rooms, or other areas. • Mark stock items using identification tags, stamps, electric marking tools, or other labeling equipment. • Clean and maintain supplies, tools, equipment, and storage areas to ensure compliance with safety regulations. • Determine proper storage methods, identification, and stock location based on turnover, environmental factors, and physical capabilities of facilities. • Keep records on the use or damage of stock or stockhandling equipment. • Examine and inspect stock items for wear or defects, reporting any damage to supervisors. • Provide assistance to other stockroom, warehouse, or storage yard workers. • Dispose of damaged or defective items, or return them to vendors. • Issue or distribute materials, products, parts, and supplies to departments or coworkers, based on information from incoming work orders. • Recommend disposal of excess, defective, or obso-
(Continued from page 7)
lete stock. • Read orders to ascertain catalog numbers, sizes, colors, and quantities of merchandise. • Obtain merchandise from bins or shelves. • Compute prices of items or groups of items. • Complete order receipts. • Keep records of out-going orders. • Requisition additional materials, supplies, and equipment. Job Requirements: HS Diploma or equivalent is a plus; Successful candidate should have 6 months to a year of warehouse experience; Applicant must have ability to walk for long periods of time, twist, kneel, push, stoop, climb ladders; work in inclement weather; as well as lift and carry up to 80 pounds; Must be able to show proof of having forklift training and know how to drive a forklift; Must have basic Microsoft Office and mainframe computer skills; Knowledge of OSHA and safety requirements related to warehouse labor is a plus; Must be available for emergency work; Must be able to read and write in English; Bi-Lingual is a plus. Drug Screening Test, Background check. Days and hours of operation will vary on a flexible schedule How to Apply: All applicants are advised to submit a resume along with the application. Applications are given out at the below address from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ———————————————————— Open to: Open to 153 Union Members from June 4, 2015 to June 11, 2015 Open to All Internal applicants from June 12, 2015 to June 22, 2015 Job Reference #: 15-32 Request for transfer/promotion must be received by the Human Resources Department by June 22, 2015. Employees are responsible for submitting the transfer forms in person to the Human Resources Department. Employees who are promoted will receive the applicable rate scale for this position. CSO Secretary Cooperators Services Ideal candidate will be assigned to one of Riverbay’s on-site Cooperator Services Offices. Ideal candidate will perform all secretarial duties; including typing, filing, answering phones, data entry, and general support of office managers including maintaining the rental and termination of hall closets. Candidate will be responsible for generating various reports for the department. Selected person will create correspondence, flyers for their respective office. Applicant will work via telephone, two-way radio, and email in addition to communicating in person with various other field supervisors, departments, vendors and managers alike. Candidate must be detail oriented coupled with excellent customer service skills. Job Description: Ideal candidate will: • Use computers for various applications, such as Microsoft Office and Mainframe databases. • Answer telephones and give information to callers, take messages, or transfer calls to appropriate individuals. • Create, maintain, and enter information into databases. • Set up and manage paper or electronic filing systems, recording information, updating paperwork, or maintaining documents, such as attendance records, correspondence, or other material. • Operate office equipment, such as fax machines, copiers, or phone systems and arrange for repairs when equipment malfunctions. • Greet visitors or callers and handle their inquiries or direct them to the appropriate persons according to their needs. • Complete forms in accordance with company procedures. • Schedule and confirm appointments for the Manager and Assistant Manager. • Make copies of correspondence or other printed material. • Locate and attach appropriate files to incoming correspondence requiring replies. • Operate electronic mail systems and coordinate the flow of information, internally or with other organizations. • Compose, type, and distribute meeting notes, routine correspondence, or reports, such as presentations or monthly reports. • Open, read, route, and distribute incoming mail or other materials and answer routine letters.
CLASSIFIEDS Painting
6/27
Pigeon Guards
RON THE PIGEON MAN ARE PIGEONS A BIG PEST? NEW & IMPROVED
PIGEON GUARD OVER 25 YEARS OF SATISFACTION GUARANTEED! CO-OP CITY APPROVED!
EFFECTIVE PLASTIC NETTING CALL Ron: 718.671.3697
6/27
Summer Care for Kids School’s out... Summer’s in... and you need a good, family-oriented, safe place for your kids. Call me, Jeanette at 347-341-5297 or 347-653-1190. Prices are affordable as well as negotiable.
• Manage projects or contribute to committee or team work. • Order and dispense supplies. • Learn to operate new office technologies as they are developed and implemented. • Arrange conference calls and/or meeting for office personnel. • Responsible for rental, transfer and termination of Hall closets and maintaining accurate records of such. • Perform other duties as assigned Job Requirements: HS Diploma or equivalent is required; College degree is a plus; Successful candidate will have 1 to 3 years of secretarial experience; Candidate should have a working knowledge in Microsoft Office that includes MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint & Adobe products; Candidate should be able to type 40 to 50 wpm; Applicant must have ability to sit or walk for long periods of time, twist, kneel, push, stoop as well as lift and carry up to 20 pounds; Must be available for emergency work; Must be able to read and write in English; Bi-Lingual is a plus; Knowledge of Yardi is a plus. Drug Screening Test, Background check. Days and Hours: Monday – Friday; Hours will vary between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. How to Apply: Applications are given out at the below address from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All applicants are advised to submit a resume along with the application.
Applications are given out at the following address from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Riverbay Corporation Administration Office, 2049 Bartow Ave., Bronx, NY 10475; OR Resumes can be faxed to 718-320-3672 with the Job Title and Job Reference # on the TOP RIGHT CORNER of the resume. *Riverbay Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer*
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Co-op City Times / June 13, 2015