Co-op City Times 08/24/19

Vol. 54 No. 34

Saturday, August 24, 2019

$1.25

Alliance, pols back ad hoc against MTA Like a lot of us in life, the Co-op City Ad Hoc Committee Against Bus Cuts may get by with a little help from its friends. It’s gonna try with a little help from its friends.

With its 50-page bus route redesign counterproposal in Metropolitan Transportation Authority hands as of two weeks ago, the ad hoc committee, co-chaired by shareholders Aaron Carnegie and Blossom Johns, has been looking for ways to shore up support for its cause as well as the means to bolster the evidence its proposal is a better one than the MTA’s.

There’s the bus service survey — available in CSO offices and elsewhere in this newspaper — that enables shareholders to tell the MTA exactly how and when

BY JASON CHIREVAS

they use existing bus routes. So far, the number of returned surveys resides in the hundreds but Mr. Carnegie and Ms. Johns have said they’d like to see as many as 5,000 surveys filled out and shown to the MTA. This is important, Ms. Johns said, because a 2014 MTA survey on bus service only polled 1,400 Co-op City residents and then used that data as the basis for service reductions. The ad hoc committee survey, she said, needs to garner significantly more responses than that to be a better representative sample of how Co-op City uses, and needs, its buses.

“We want to humanize Co-op City since they only know us by computers and maps,” Ms. Johns told the Co-op City Times.

The ad hoc committee was formed at the behest of Riverbay Board President Linda Berk in response to a June proposal from the MTA — part of a larger redesign plan for all the buses in the Bronx — that would essentially see Co-op City’s bus routes streamlined beyond the point of inconvenience to a degree some Riverbay officials called it dangerous.

As a community of more than 50,000 people without ready access to trains, Co-op City is more reliant on bus service than many areas of the Bronx.

After weeks of work, the Research and Proposal Subcommittee of the greater group of about 25 cooperators created a proposal that would, in essence, split most of the existing Co-op City bus routes between

Cost for Co-op City apartments increase effective Sept. 1 Funds earmarked for capital projects

Riverbay Corporation received approval from NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal (HCR) to raise the per room equity for Co-op City apartments 22% during the recently completed budget review process for Mitchell-Lama developments.

The higher equity becomes effective Sept. 1, 2019, and results in payments of $5,500 per room for incoming and transferring shareholders, from the current $4,500 per room level.

HCR also approved concurrent carrying charge increases in the amount of 1.9%

BY ROZAAN BOONE

(Continued on page 2)

Clarifications to Board directors’ viewpoints

A Board director stated in their viewpoint published in the Aug. 10, 2019 Co-op City Times that they had “filed formal written complaint with both the New York State Attorney General’s office and DHCR against four Board members…

However, at this point, I have been informed that it is not appropriate for me to discuss my complaints while the investigation is ongoing.”

Riverbay general counsel’s office acknowledges there is no “investigation” being conducted by the Attorney General of New York State of four Riverbay Board directors. A request was made by the individual Board director which was sent by the AG’s office to New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (HCR) and HCR has requested a report from Riverbay’s General Counsel.

In addition, another director’s viewpoints have included statements that the Riverbay Fund can receive $150,000 annually from Riverbay Corporation. The Riverbay Fund was established to provide educational, cultural and recreational programming for the benefit of the community.

The majority of its funding comes from grants, elected officials and shareholders’ donations to the recycling bins located at the garages.

While Resolution 16-45, passed by the Board in July 2016 authorizes Riverbay Corporation to make “annual allocations up to $150,000 for the purpose of establishing a supported Youth and Community Program Department,” the Fund has to request the money and justify its use.

for current shareholders for each fiscal year, the first of which will be implemented Sept. 1, 2019, followed by the second increase on Sept. 1, 2020. These increases raise carrying charges for Co-op City shareholders by $4.27 per room, per month this September and by $4.35 per room, per month in September 2020.

The increase in equity was identified in Riverbay’s fiscal year budgets for 2019/20 and 2020/21 as an additional income source to help alleviate financial impact on current shareholders and to raise funding for the community’s $159 million capital improvement plan. These improvements address infrastructure concerns that could potentially result in more costly (Continued on page 4)

Termite Infestation Spreads to Sections of Co-op City 20 trees will be removed from area

Crab Apple trees removed during the week from the Dreiser Loop area.

Earlier this Spring, residents were informed about the removal of Crab Apple trees specifically near Building 9; this time, all Crap Apples trees in all five sections of the community will be cut down.

According to Building and Grounds director, Michael Ambo, the department has found termites inhabiting the trees.

The Buildings and Grounds department plans on removing 20 trees while working with exterminators to treat affected areas to prohibit the spread of termites.

“This isn’t just an issue of removing trees, but most importantly, a safety concern,” said Mr. Ambo.

The termites feed starting from the root of the tree

BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND

and from the inside out – leaving the tree hollow, which can cause falling trees in heavy winds, being a potential danger to residents.

According to Mr. Ambo, the entire project of removing trees should take about two weeks, weather permitting. Every tree that is taken out will be replaced with new 7 to 10-foot trees next spring.

Photo by Michael Ambo

Bx. Councilman Faces New Ethics Charges (See page 27 for story)

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MTA Update

Co-op City Times / August 24, 2019 (Continued from page 1)

buses providing local and limited service. This, committee members have said, would aid the MTA in its goal of faster bus service without sacrificing the lines themselves, some of which would disappear under the MTA’s proposal.

Mr. Carnegie told the Co-op City Times the length and depth of the ad hoc counterproposal might catch the MTA off guard. “[The MTA] probably didn’t expect 50 pages,” he said. “They’ll realize, oh, they’re serious.”

The proposal was received by MTA’s president of the New York City Transit Authority, Andy Byford, who promised to consider alternatives to the authority’s proposal during a July visit to Co-op City that filled the courtyard outside the Bartow Center’s room 31 with about 1,000 shareholders. Although Mr. Byford’s power within the MTA appears to have diminished following a recent internal shuffle, ad hoc committee members have dedicated recent meetings to preparing for a possible face-to-face return engagement with Mr. Byford and other MTA officials, this time on the authority’s turf.

With such a meeting a distinct possibility, now would be the time for help to ride to the ad hoc committee’s side, reinforcing its position against the largest transportation bureaucracy in the United States.

It’s coming.

Next week, Ms. Johns is scheduled to meet via phone with Stephanie Burgos-Veras, senior organizer of the Riders Alliance, a Manhattan-based nonprofit dedicated to pursuing quality and equitability for all bus and train riders in the city.

“The Riders Alliance fights for reliable, affordable, world-class public transit in order to build a more just and sustainable New York,” the group’s mission statement reads.

“We organize subway and bus riders to develop grassroots power across racial, economic and neighborhood lines.”

Ms. Johns told the Times an association with the Riders Alliance has been on the ad hoc committee’s radar for some time but, now, with the proposal submitted and an MTA face-to-face possible, is the right time.

“Members of the ad hoc committee who are members of the Riders Alliance for weeks have been talking to me about what the Alliance is doing as far as the Bronx Bus Redesign,” she said. “I’ve been watching them also, and recently one of the committee members … asked me if I would have interest in speaking to Daniel Coates, the director of campaign and organizing, to get some advice or help from them.”

Coates, whom Ms. Johns said was eager to help, arranged for the upcoming connection with Ms. Burgos-Veras, who told the Co-op City Times the Riders Alliance does support redesign for the city’s busses, starting with the Bronx, but was unim-

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pressed with the MTA’s initial plans across the board.

“The current plan … was not bold enough, or efficient enough and did not address the problems that people need,” she said, “more connectivity, more frequency and better access to other boroughs.”

Ms. Burgos-Veras said she looks forward to speaking with Ms. Jones, adding, though she has not seen the ad hoc committee’s proposal yet, it is a good thing Co-op City has one, because there’s a big difference between declaring a dislike for something and coming up with a potential solution to it.

“The proposal will give Co-op City and the MTA a jumping-off point to start a back and forth,” she said.

With a significant advocacy group lining up to advise and perhaps help, it appears the ad hoc committee’s membership will be able to rely on Co-op City’s elected officials as well, both as independent actors and as direct backers of its efforts to get the MTA to switch tracks.

In an Aug. 21 letter to MTA CEO and Chairman Patrick Foye, U.S. Rep. Eliot Engel specifically endorsed the ad hoc committee and its work, and asked the top man at the authority to take both seriously.

“I respectfully request that you meet with a concerned group of my constituents who have formed [the ad hoc committee] to consider their alternative plan to carefully balance the MTA’s need for a more efficient system with the physical and financial needs of the community,” Mr. Engel wrote, highlighting later in the letter the committee’s efforts to explain to the MTA how its proposed changes would make some cooperators’ already difficult and challenging bus journeys that much worse, if enacted.

With Engel’s support squarely behind the ad hoc committee’s proposal, state Sen. Jamaal Bailey — who lent his presence and voice to the virtual rally that sprang up around Mr. Byford’s June visit to Co-op City — told the Co-op City Times he thinks it’s in the MTA’s best interest to meet with members of the ad hoc committee, whose work he commended.

“I grew up in the area, taking the bus to school in Co-op City, so I’m familiar the routes,” Sen. Bailey said. “Kudos to Co-op City for not just saying this is something we need to fix but coming up with a solution.”

The senator said, while he’s making his way through the ad hoc committee’s proposal, he already felt one of the major flaws with the MTA’s proposal was the amount of time it could potentially take shareholders to get out of Co-op City by bus with just the Bx23 acting as a circulator. Sen. Bailey also expressed concern with the MTA’s proposal in that some cooperators would have to transfer from one bus to another just to get back to their home section, or away from it, on their way to and from outside destinations.

“These bus routes affect all 50,000 Co-op City residents,” he said.

Co-op City’s other state representative, Assemblyman Mike Benedetto, took to Twitter Aug. 20 for a video message detailing his efforts to bend the MTA’s ear to his constituents’ collective will. “[The MTA has] volunteered to work with me and possibly make major changes to what they put forth,” Benedetto told his followers. “I will make your points known to the MTA and we will fight right to the end.”

The ad hoc committee’s general meetings are ongoing every Monday in the Bartow Center. The subcommittees meet on weekends.

Please Refrain From Littering.

• Participating in the Medicare Diabetic Shoe Program

Keep Co-op City Clean!

• Evening and Saturday appointments

Thank You!

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718.671.7226 100 DeKruif Place

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

Co-op City Times / August 24, 2019

COMBING

Co-op City Times 2 n d

Front Page

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Co-op City author publishes book of powerful women-of-color

ious short stories that detail moments in their lives showcasing For certain people, sitting quietly while an ongoing cathe sacrifices they made to ensure prosperity for their progeny. tastrophe is affecting so many lives is not an option. For a “My purpose in bringing this work is to lift up persons who man who has been a pastor for 40 years, a bereavement counthought it important to have this dialogue in order for all of selor for many as well as a pillar in the Co-op City community us to celebrate the uniqueness of the women who carried us for more than 20 years, it meant telling the stories of the rein their wombs,” Dr. Smith wrote in the introduction to markable women of color who never wavered in their goal Thank You Mama. of giving a better life to their children.

Women of color make tremendous personal The man is Rev. Dr. Robert A. Smith Jr., sacrifices for their family often without any and the ongoing catastrophe he could not tangible recognition, said Dr. Smith, “My inturn a blind eye to “was a result of my reading spiration was the women of color who display about all the immigrant children being held grace under fire, courage – who risked everyin cages,” Dr. Smith said during a phone inthing just so their children would have a better terview with the Co-op Times, “and the balife.”

He attributes his success and outlook on bies who were snatched from their mothers, life to his own mother, the late Dorothy Smith, their fathers, their grandmothers and grandand the message she pushed so hard on him fathers.” to realize the importance of community and Dr. Smith is referring to the ongoing sitputting others first. uation at the Mexican border where reports Dr. Smith also detailed in his interview with “indicate the incendiary tensions between Dethe Co-op City Times how his own perspective mocrats and the White House over the influx as a black male provides a helpful lens to unof families and unaccompanied minors at the derstand the stories told in Thank You Mama. border. Among the witnesses were lawyers He sees himself as merely the messenger sharing and advocates who described squalid, the testimonies of women of color and their cramped conditions at U.S. border facilities,” gravitas and power in the face of adversity. according to a Washington Post article pub- Rev. Dr. Robert A. Smith Jr. lished last month.

Rev. Dr. Smith Jr. will be holding a book The inspiration and motivation manifested itself into Rev. signing for Thank You Mama on Saturday, Aug. 31, at Grace Baptist Church on 3939 Dyre Ave. For additional information, Dr. Smith Jr.’s third published book, Thank You Mama.

The book explores the lives of women of color through varplease contact Dr. Smith at 917-734-4058.

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

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

Assemblyman Benedetto’s Lobby Visits

Assemblyman Michael Benedetto will be visiting the lobbies of more Co-op City buildings according to the following schedule: Tuesday, Aug. 27 – 100 Dreiser Loop (Bldg. 9A) Wednesday, Aug. 28 – 140 Donizetti Place (Bldg. 4A) Visits are from 5:15 p.m. to 7 p.m.

These lobby visits give Co-op City shareholders an opportunity to discuss a broad range of topics with Assemblyman Benedetto and to hear about key highlights of the 2019 Legislative Session.

Back to School event at PS 60

PS 160 will hold a family fun back to school event on Tues., Aug. 27, 4:30-6:30 p.m., and Co-op City community organizations are invited to participate by setting up a table to present information to attendees about their programs and offerings.

The back to school bash is an opportunity for parents and guardians to meet with the Parent Teachers Association, find their child’s classroom and meet with representatives of local community organizations. There will be games, rides, music and loads of fun. Special guest: iAS Live Music Review.

Mark your calendars!

NCNW Back to School Supply Drive

NCNW will be collecting school supplies today for students at a local resident shelter and students in need at partnering local community schools. The organization asks the community to assist in this effort. They are collecting notebooks, pens, pencils, crayons, glue sticks, tissues, backpacks, etc. Donated items can be dropped off at 177 Dreiser Loop, room 14, on Sat., Aug. 24, from 10 a.m. - noon and Sun., Aug. 25, from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. For more inquiries, please contact NCNW at ncnwco.opcity@gmail.com.

Riverbay’s Succession Rights summarized and updated for clarity

Riverbay Corporation has summarized the Division of Housing and Community Renewal’s (DHCR) rules and regulations on succession rights to avoid confusion or misunderstanding.

The DHCR has specific rules governing the transfer or assumption of ownership of apartments within Mitchell-Lama developments, which are spelled out in 9NYCRR Part 1727-8.1.

“The Succession Rights Policy is intended to help a cooperator be aware of the protection provided to a family member or a ‘life companion’ in the event a cooperator moves or dies,” said Michael Munns, Riverbay’s Senior Attorney.

“DHCR regulations provide that eligible persons may continue to live in an apartment after the death or move-out of the cooperator. Our policy follows DHCR rules and explains succession rights to Co-op City residents.”

It should be pointed out that while new ownership can only be assumed in cases of move-out or death, only persons who meet all of the regulatory requirements may obtain leases and stock certificates in their own names as successors.

According to the rules and regulations,

BY ROZAAN BOONE

succession of an apartment can only take place if the primary owner of the apartment moves out or passes away. As a general rule, whenever there is a change in the number of persons living in the apartment, Riverbay should be notified within ninety (90) calendar days of any such changes through the use of an Interim Affidavit Form, which can be obtained from their respective CSO Office.

“It is critical for all shareholders to inform Riverbay of changes in the household occupants in order for those occupants to potentially have succession rights at some point in the future,” said Peter Merola, Riverbay’s director of finance.

“The annual filing of the Income Affidavit accomplishes this, as well as filing an Interim Affidavit in between annual filings.”

If the shareholder moves out permanently, any member of the primary cooperator’s family or life companion may request, in writing, to be named as a shareholder on the lease and on the stock certificate. However, this person must meet certain requirements.

“They must have resided with the cooperator in the apartment as their primary residence for a period of not less than two years, or for one year if the succeeding

cooperator is a senior citizen or disabled person, immediately prior to permanent vacating of the apartment by the cooperator,” said Mr. Merola. “In cases where the occupancy or relationship is less than two years, the succeeding cooperator must have lived in the apartment from the inception of the tenancy or commencement of the relationship. The succeeding cooperator must have been listed on the Income Affidavit and/or Interim Income Affidavit during the relevant period of time.”

Per DHCR rules, the “relevant period of time” must be documented by no less than 3 affidavits and can be supported by either combination of 3 annual affidavits, or 1 interim affidavit plus 2 annual affidavits if the successor moves in between annual filings.

DHCR’s rules define “family member” as a husband, wife, son, daughter, stepson, stepdaughter, father, mother, stepfather, stepmother, brother, sister, nephew, niece, uncle, aunt, grandfather, grandmother, grandson, granddaughter, father-in-law, mother-in-law, son-in-law or daughterin-law of the primary cooperator.

Cousins are not defined family members and therefore are not eligible (Continued on page 4)

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Equity increase

Co-op City Times / August 24, 2019

in more costly repairs down the road, help ensure the sustainability of Co-op City and improve shareholders’ quality of life.

HCR’s approval of Riverbay Corporation’s 2-year budget came after the Riverbay Board and Management worked collaboratively to identify both efficiencies and additional sources to help reduce the financial burden on all shareholders. On April 3, the Board passed resolution 19-10 by a vote of 9-6 approving the corporation’s budget for fiscal years 2019/2020 and 2020/2021, after which Riverbay’s formal application for the proposed increases in carrying charges and equity was submitted to HCR for review and approval.

“The revenue raised from the equity increase will contribute to the corporation's ability to finance very necessary capital improvements,” said Bob Klehammer, Riverbay's executive general manager. “I would like to thank the Board and HCR for supporting our continuing efforts to improve the community's infrastructure.”

According to the Riverbay Finance Department,

Succession Rights

(Continued from page 1)

Riverbay Corporation’s operations budget is financially sound and running at a surplus. This budget covers such items as employee wages and related costs, mortgage payments, real estate taxes, insurance, repairs, materials and supplies, water and sewer costs and utility charges for expenses such as gas, oil, and Con Ed. “For Fiscal 2019/2020, we expect to have revenue of $236 million and expenses of $224 million resulting in a surplus of $12 million,” said Peter Merola, Riverbay’s director of finance.

Mr. Merola explained that the surplus is a result of efficient management.

The $12M saved on the operations side is earmarked to the capital projects budget to help pay for ongoing and planned capital projects. Likewise, funds generated from the September 2019 equity increase will also be dedicated to the capital projects budget, as directed by HCR. Major community-wide capital projects include the ongoing elevator modernization program, Local Law 11 repair work to balconies and building

(Continued from page 3)

for succession under this rule. However, cousins can apply for succession under the DHCR rule of “Emotional and Financial Inter-dependence.” In addition to meeting the residency requirements in this case, a successor would have to provide similar evidence as in the case of a life companion.

“Primary residence” is defined as the housing accommodation in which the person actually resides and maintains a permanent and continuous physical presence.

Proof of such residency must consist of the Income Affidavit or Interim Income Affidavits together with other evidence, for example, certified copies of tax returns, voting records, motor vehicle registration and driver’s license, school registration, bank accounts, employment records, insurance policies and other pertinent documentation.

At the same time, ‘life companion’ is defined as any other person residing with the cooperator as a primary resident who can prove emotional and financial commitment and interdependence between such person and the cooperator. Evidence of this can be the Income Affidavit or Interim Income Affidavit filed by the primary cooperator, as well as evidence of longevity of the relationship; sharing of or relying upon each other for payment of household or family expenses; joint ownership of bank accounts, personal and real property, credit cards, loan obligations, sharing a household budget for purposes of receiving governmental benefits; engaging in family type activities by jointly attending family functions; and formalizing of legal obligations by such means as executing wills, naming each other as executor and/or beneficiary, granting each other power of attorney, etc.

Yoga on the Greenway

Last Saturday was a perfect day for Yoga on the Greenway with instructor Meena Sharpe-Hicks. The morning was overcast with a mild breeze blowing. Yoga was new to one of the participants and she expressed how good it made her feel. Through the African-American Association, Meena has conducted Yoga and Pilates classes for more than ten years in the Dreiser Community Center. Everyone enjoyed the morning Yoga stretch and they are hopeful that more classes will be offered on the Greenway. For more information, visit: www.Yogaand pilatesforyou.com or watch for African-American Association notices this fall. Namaste!

facades, waterproofing of building porticos, renovation of lobby entrances in the 35 high-rise residential buildings, new power plant boiler, replacement of domestic water pumps, upgrades to the three shopping centers, removal of steel beams from the roofs of the garages and renovation of the Dreiser Auditorium.

The Riverbay Sales Department has been reaching out to potential shareholders who have been shown and accepted Co-op City apartments and whose units are ready for occupancy to find out if they are ready to finalize their purchase to take advantage of the lower equity payments ahead of implementation of the new equity requirement on Sept. 1.

Equity level in Co-op City was last increased in December 2008 when the $3,500 per room equity was raised to the current $4,500 value. And, even with the upcoming equity increase, Co-op City still remains very affordable and in high demand. The current wait for apartments is 2-3 years, depending on the size of the apartment and other considerations potential buyers may have, such as location.

The other avenue through which a successor can be named to the apartment is through death of the primary shareholder. If this is the case, the lease and shares of stock for the decedent’s apartment shall be surrendered to the Riverbay Sales Office by the decedent’s estate or survivors for redemption.

If there are no legal disputes, Riverbay will sell or transfer the shares to any member of the decedent’s family or life companion, as long as they meet all of the requirements as stipulated by DHCR’s rules and regulations.

Mr. Munns stated that any family member or life companion of a cooperator who would like permission to remain in occupancy after the cooperator moves or dies should submit a written request within ninety (90) days to Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, N.Y. 10475, Attn.: Succession Rights.

“It is imperative that shareholders understand that no other types of stock transfers or lease amendments are allowed except those directed by statute or an appropriate tribunal or court of law,” said Mr. Munns.

Shareholders may log on to Riverbay’s website at www.riverbaycorp.com to download a copy of these succession right.

It’s

HAPPENING in Co-op City!

Co-op City Times / August 24, 2019

5

Youth Showcase at Wicked Wednesday

BY KYLAH BLAKE

The first youth showcase on Aug. 14 went astonishing well – there were so many talented and gifted young adults, teens, and kids performing. In the beginning, I was blown away by the voices and instruments of the group “Awesome” including, 11 year old, Brandon Key on the drums. The second half of the show was an entertaining switch up from pop to rap and I enjoyed seeing young adults have the confidence to get on stage and perform in front of 75-80 people. The audience hyped up each performer, encouraging their friends to go up on stage as well. I can’t wait for the next youth showcase!

African-American Association’s Healing Drum Circle

The Healing Drum Circle got off to a great start last Saturday in Co-op City. Passersby stopped to observe, sing or join us with their drum or other instrument. Thanks to Sister Toni Roberts for initiating this wonderful program, which is sponsored by the African-American Association. All are welcome to join the Drum Circle at these gatherings on Saturdays from August 31until October 26, 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Section One Greenway stage. We look forward to making a joyful noise together as we drum ourselves into better health and a stress-free life. For more information, contact the African-American Association at aaaccpower@gmail.com or 929-430-3255.

Photo by Francine Reva Jones

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Co-op City Times / August 24, 2019

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

– •the– authenticity • – • – of•–the•authors.

– • Anonymous – • – •cannot – •exceed – •–350•words.

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

Letters to the Editor

Directors' viewpoints should keep Co-op City in focus

To the Editor: Over time, I have read various directors’ viewpoints in the Co-op City Times where the writers, who, of course, are Board directors and are granted the privilege to have a viewpoint published in our community newspaper, have used part of their viewpoint space to write about issues which exist outside of Co-op City. The latest example would be the viewpoint on page 10 of the July 27 issue where the writer wrote about the Garner controversy.

My issue has nothing to do with what side of the argument the writer is on but simply with the question of whether or not a director’s viewpoint should include a point of view about a non-Co-op City issue. Times viewpoints written by our Board members should be encouraged as they are a valuable method of transmitting information to our community. To me, that is the purpose of a community newspaper.

However, being a Board director should not, in my view, entitle Board

directors to assume the right to use their viewpoints to comment on issues outside specific issues involved with this community. We, shareholders, did not elect them because they have particular wisdom or insight into political or social matters beyond those which directly impact our community, and it seems to me that expressing views like that should not be considered right or proper in exercising the privilege of being able to publish a Riverbay Corporation director’s viewpoint.

—Dave Lazaar

Come together to fight the bus cuts

To the Editor: The MTA needs to cut costs, but at what cost?

Section 5 is hit hardest. We must do something, we must organize, we must unite, we must do more!

Remember that old union song…

“Step by step the longest march can be won, can be won.

“Many stones can form an arch.

Singly none, singly none.

“And by union what we will, can be accomplished still.

“Drops of water turn a mill. Singly none singly none. ” —Harriet Silver

College, Careers & Culture

We still need a dog park

To the Editor: The 8th Annual College, Career & Resource Fair will be held at the Dr. Daniel Hale Williams Middle School, 700 Baychester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. From 9 a.m. to noon, Grades 3 - 7 will participate. It’s all about robots, science, tech, engineering and math! Get hands-on with us!

Grades 8-12 should arrive from noon to 5 p.m. Come learn about college and career opportunities and how to get free money for college. For more information, call 917-324-1033 or 914-320-7481. Your support is welcomed.

As an American decedent of Africans who were enslaved in this country 400 years ago, I have a lot to be thankful for. As Frederick Douglas wrote, “Those who profess to favor freedom, and yet deprecate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground.” That said, we must continue to make an effort to be at the table when decisions are made that impact African-Americans.

Education is key and those who want to teach all children about the “Slave Bible” also known as the missionary book, should plan a trip to the Bible Museum in Washington, DC. They need to learn how “select parts” of the biblical text was removed when brainwashing slaves. This original Bible belongs to Fisk University and will be at the Museum until February 2020.

—Evelyn M. Turner

To the Editor: Fellow shareholders, I have written previously in an effort to get a movement going for a dog park. In the past ten plus years, we, shareholders, have had ballparks and even new basketball courts constructed, but not a dog park which, I do not believe is costly. We should not have to worry about bikes hitting our dogs when we walk them. Many of us are doing the right thing by obeying laws and it is possible that some may have issues picking up after their animals in which case they should ask for and seek help.

We should not have to bring our dogs to Pelham Bay for a dog park. Right now, we have a ballfield on the meadow not being used. A dog park could be the shared responsibility of owners who would help to maintain cleanliness, etc. as I wrote before. Since then, our effort has been gaining momentum.

So owners, stay alert for the next shareholders’ meeting, we need a major showing to get this done. Watch for information and show up. It’s not one person or two, it’s a community effort that will get this done. We have a lot of great things happening around here, movies, concerts, markets, etc. The opening of a dog park would be a great addition to not only people but for the dogs themselves. I have received many for petitions, please continue to send them in to davesworldnyc@yahoo.com.

—Dave Sanquiche

Co-op City Times

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

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

Rozaan Boone Editor-in-Chief

Jason Chirevas Managing Editor

Jennifer Piovanetti Operations Manager

Ralph Henriquez

Production Manager

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

Writers will be limited to one letter per topic.

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

Advertisements and classified advertisements in the Co-op City Times do not necessarily reflect an endorsement from Riverbay Corp. 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.

Avoid termination of garage agreement

Shareholders are reminded that if their carrying charges are two months late their parking agreements are subject to termination and may not be renewed for six (6) months.

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

Important Notice to Shareholders of Adler & Broun Pl. Townhouses Building 26 A, B & C

Building 26 A, B & C 2440, 2420 & 2400 Hunter Ave.

Current Lease Expiration Date

Nov. 30, 2019

New 3 yr.

Expiration Date

Nov. 30, 2022

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

Co-op City Department of Public Safety back-to-school shopping safety tips Co-op City Times / August 24, 2019

As summer draws to a close, the department of public safety would like to remind residents of the following tips to keep everyone safe for the back-to-school season.

Back-to-school safety begins when we are shopping for and preparing for the new school year. This year, New York City Public School students return to school Thursday, Sept. 5, 2019, with a partial day for kindergarten students. Drivers, parents and students each have a roll-in, assuring a safe school year. This is a good opportunity to take time out of your busy schedule to make sure all members of your household are familiar with the safety rules that pertain to them.

Traveling to school on a school bus helps ease traffic congestion in and around schools which adds to the safety of all students. Most school bus accidents occur when kids enter or exit the school bus. Children ages 5 to 7 are at the greatest risk.

Children may be in a hurry to enter or exit the school bus. They may have little experience with traffic and be unable to judge the speed of oncoming traffic in order to safely cross streets. Children believe drivers will see them and stop and allow them to cross. It is essential motorists never pass a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing. Never, ever pass a stopped school bus with the stop sign out or lights flashing, this can result in a summons being issued or worse.

Instruct children to leave the bus and stand on the sidewalk where the driver can see them and never cross in front of the school bus. Young children may drop something and run into the path of the bus to pick it up. Parents need to instruct children they should get the help of the driver or another adult if they drop something.

Children should never re-enter the danger zone; 10 feet around the school bus on all sides. Teach children to take five giant steps away from the bus in all directions.

Children should keep all items in their backpack.

Backpacks should not be too heavy for the child to easily lift. This prevents the backpack from impeding the child’s movement. Send school supplies in to school over the course of several days, if necessary. Check with the child’s teacher if you feel the child is regularly bringing too many heavy textbooks back and forth.

Backpacks and garments should also not have any long straps or drawstrings that can get caught in the bus doors or railings. Older or adult sized sweatshirts that have drawstrings should always be removed when worn by a child. These strings also present a hazard on the playground. A manageable sized backpack that fits everything the child needs to carry and a sweatshirt without hood strings are essential purchases.

Parents should always make certain children get to the bus stop on time, wait away from the street and avoid horseplay near the street. Parents should make sure an adult arrives at the bus stop early enough to receive young children from the school bus. Motorists should allow extra travel time and avoid areas around schools during arrival, departure and lunch periods. Use extra care to watch for children who may dart out in front of your vehicle to cross the street.

Remember it is always illegal to pass a stopped school bus with the lights flashing from either direction, even on a divided roadway. Children are our greatest resource; we must take every step to keep them safe.

For the weeks leading up to Labor Day weekend, we remind cooperators of these summer rules. Consumer fireworks of any type are highly dangerous and are illegal in New York State. Zero-tolerance enforcement will be conducted by the Co-op City Department of Public Safety as well as the New York City Police Department.

Barbequing is also not permitted on any of the public areas of Co-op City. Strict guidelines are set forth by the New York City Fire Department. Propane tanks are strictly prohibited by the New York City Fire Department in any multiple family dwellings. Charcoal grills within 20 feet of a building or structure. Electric grills

BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO

Public Safety Blotter August 11 - August 17, 2019

08/11/2019 – 920 Co-op City Blvd.

A male was observed smoking marijuana and was issued a Criminal Court Complaint Summons as a result. He was also issued a community complaint for anti-social conduct.

08/12/2019 – 100 Debs Place A male was issued a Criminal Court Complaint Summons after being observed urinating under the portico of the building.

8/14/2019 – 140 Debs Place A male was arrested by CCPD officers after he interfered with a patient’s assessment and treatment by CCPD ESU unit EMT’s. The male was charged with disorderly conduct and issued a Criminal Court Complaint Summons and a community complaint for his actions.

7

on terraces or patios is the only option.

Residents are also reminded that bike riding is not permitted near buildings, in shopping malls or anywhere else signs prohibiting bicycle riding are posted.

Be sure to stay safe as we enjoy the Labor Day weekend. Use caution near pools, beaches and other bodies of water. Ocean beaches are particularly dangerous this time of the year due to the effects of hurricanes. Offshore breezes, the remnants various hurricanes and tropical storms, still cause residual effects along the East Coast. While this may be good for surfing, it is not good for inexperienced swimmers and children. Only swim in areas where and when lifeguards are on duty. After Monday, Sept. 2, 2019, some beaches may not have lifeguards present. These areas should be avoided. No one should ever swim alone. Children should always have adult supervision. No one should swim at a beach without a lifeguard present, no matter how good of a swimmer they think they are.

If your pre Labor Day fun includes consuming alcoholic beverages be sure not to operate a motor vehicle. Also be sure to buckle your seatbelt, obey speed limits and avoid distractions when driving. Camp is open, drive safely. Never pass a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing.

The department of public safety would like to remind cooperators it is a violation of your lease to place food out for animals to eat. A Community Complaint may be issued for littering to anyone who puts food out for any reason. Well intentioned cooperators may think they are putting food out for stray cats or birds but the food ends up attracting rats, raccoons, skunks, coyotes or other animals that can be a threat to residents.

Feeding wildlife such as geese also tends to change the migration pattern of these animals as they end up not flying south for the winter. This was the case a few winters ago in the New York area where many geese were found starved to death when they did not fly south for the winter and their normal food source was covered by deep snow. Food placed out for animals is often lacking in the nutrition needed by the animals and serves to upset their ecological balance. Please resist the urge to place food out for animals in Co-op City or elsewhere.

Always remember, if you see something, say something. Call 911 and the department of public safety at 718-671-3050. Callers may remain anonymous

OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY

(Continued on page 30)

For information on CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES ONLY, please contact: Lenya Garcia at Lgarcia@riverbaycorp.com; and Anatoliy Budnitskiy at abudnitskiy@riverbaycorp.com. Please note: emails should be sent to both parties.

Please DO NOT email resumes for EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES to the aforementioned emails. For EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, please see the end of the employment listings for specific directions.

CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES There are no contract opportunities to list this week. Please check next week.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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An update on the Ad-Hoc Committee Against MTA Bus Cuts Co-op City Times / August 24, 2019

Director’s Viewpoint

Rod Saunders

I want to underscore the importance of the volunteer work that committee members are making to capture the opinions of as many Co-op City residents as Second Vice President possible – cooperators who are committed every day to travel by bus as their initial (or only) means of pubIn my August 3rd director’s viewpoint, I hoped to lic transportation – to ensure they are accounted for inform as many cooperators as possible of the out- and given a voice in this process.

The committee’s survey was created to: 1). obtain standing, decent and dedicated work that the Ad-Hoc Committee Against MTA Bus Cuts was doing. I also factual information about our bus services from those pointed out both fellow Board directors, and our man- who know it best; 2). expand the outreach to comagement team, were all committed to working together muters who the MTA may not have reached in 2013 (1,900 interviewed) 3). provide verifiable proof that in this effort for cooperators.

Subsequently, on Monday, August 12, committee every survey is filled in and answered by a resident members present at that meeting voted unanimously cooperator, in their own words.

Unlike the survey that was reportedly taken in 2013, to accept the MTA proposal document that had been prepared by the Research & Proposal subcommittee, both the MTA and the Co-op City community will signed by the committee’s co-chairs, Aaron Carnegie have full knowledge of the surveys’ content, and access & Blossom Johns, and listed all of the committee’s to the documents. Every cooperator will have filled in participants. The proposal was then sent down to MTA their name, address, section number, and contact information for verification.

President Andy Byford’s office.

So I am asking all of you to understand the imporAt the same time, that document was made available to the MTA’s main office, copies were also sent tance of taking the time to look in the Co-op City Times, out to the offices of every one of our elected officials find the survey, and fill it out. The drop-off locations – save one, however, that has since been properly are listed below the survey. If there are volunteers in addressed. your lobby and you have not filled out a survey, please While we are now waiting for the opportunity to stop, take a moment of your time, and fill it out. Everymeet with the MTA in a more formal setting to dis- one’s participation is absolutely important because the cuss the committee’s proposal, the committee contin- MTA has to know how many residents are paying ues towards the ultimate goal, which is to vastly attention, and are continuing to stay involved. improve the bus service that we all deserve, and to do In the near future, the community will be invited so by making sure that as many Co-op City residents’ to come together so that the ad-hoc committee may voices as possible are heard. To that end, committee present the proposal, and discuss the current position members have been, and will continue to be, out in that the MTA is taking at that time. our community, taking surveys that were created by I want to assure cooperators that the committee’s the MTA’s Community Outreach sub-committee, and proposal was designed approved by the entire body of the ad-hoc committee. primarily to ensure that

no one being transported by bus into Co-op City, would be forced to get off of that bus to reach their destination within Co-op City.

I want to assure the residents of Section 5 that the committee adamantly disagrees with the MTA’s redesign proposal to eliminate all but one bus (Bx23) being routed into and out of Section 5. Having said that, the committee also understands the necessity to address the travel time out of Co-op City from Section 5, but without penalty to any other sections.

We believe that we have addressed that.

We have heard from adult students, as well as those who work in our hospitals on the westerly side of the Bronx, that the bus schedules are not being adhered to, and there’s no dispatcher to inquire about the next scheduled bus arrival.

Residents of Co-op City who have jobs that schedule end of shift at late hours deserve to have safe and reliable service. The committee recognizes and has addressed that within the proposal.

A final note – Our elected representatives In addition to the support of our entire community, it is without question that the success of a viable solution to Co-op City’s transportation dilemma will require the continuing support of our elected representatives.

We need their support, their political influence, and their commitment to make sure that the Co-op City community is better served today than it has been in the past 10 years. I believe that we will have their support for our proposal and I believe that our elected representatives will advocate for what’s in Co-op City’s best transportation interest.

Thank you as always for reading my viewpoint. I can be reached at: rsaunders@riverbayboard.com.

Emergency preparedness—Be Red Cross Ready Co-op City Times / August 24, 2019

Get a kit. Make a plan. Be informed.

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fire or medical emergency, to those affecting your entire community, like an earthIt’s important to prepare for possible disasters and other emergencies. Natural and quake or flood. human-caused disasters can strike suddenly, at any time and anywhere. There are three • Identify how local authorities will notify you during a disaster and how you will actions everyone can take that can help make a difference...Get a kit. Make a plan. Be get information, whether through local radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio stations informed. or channels.

Be Red Cross Ready Checklist • Know the difference between different weather alerts such as “watches” and I know what emergencies or disasters are most likely to occur in my commu“warnings” and what actions to take in each. nity.

• Know what actions to take to protect yourself during disasters that may occur in I have a family disaster plan and have practiced it. areas where you travel or have moved recently. For example, if you travel to a place I have an emergency preparedness kit. where earthquakes are common and you are not familiar with them, make sure you At least one member of my household is trained in CPR/AED use. know what to do to protect yourself should one occur.

I have taken action to help my community prepare.

• When a major disaster occurs, your community can change in an instant. Loved Get a kit ones may be hurt and emergency response is likely to be delayed. Make sure that at Keep supplies in an easy-to-carry emergency preparedness kit that you can use at least one member of your household is trained in first aid and CPR and knows how home or take with you in case you must evacuate. to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). This training is useful in many emer• Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supgency situations. ply for home) • Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evac• Share what you have learned with your family, household and neighbors and uation, 2-week supply for home) • Flashlight • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio encourage them to be informed too.

(NOAA Weather Radio, if possible) • Extra batteries • First aid kit Emergency Contact Cards for All Household Members • Medications (7-day supply) and medical items • Multi-purpose tool • Sanitation and personal hygiene items • Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies) • Current digital photos of loved ones, updated every six months, especially for children • Cell phone with chargers • Family and emergency contact information • Extra cash • Emergency blanket • Map(s) of the area Consider the needs of all family members and add supplies to your kit.

Suggested items to help meet additional needs are: Print one card for each family member.

• Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, • Write the contact information for each household member, such as work, school cane) • Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers) • Games and activities and cell phone numbers. for children • Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl) • Two-way radios • Ensure contacts for relatives include familiar names (grandma, aunt, etc.) as well • Extra set of car keys and house keys • Manual can opener as actual names when making cards for children.

Additional supplies to keep at home or in your kit based on the types • Fold the card so it fits in your pocket, wallet or purse. of disasters common to your area: • Carry the card with you so it is available in the event of a disaster or other emer• Whistle • N95 or surgical masks • Matches • Rain gear • Towels • Work gloves gency.

• Tools/supplies for securing your home • Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes • Plastic sheeting • Duct tape • Scissors • Household liquid bleach • Entertainment items • Blankets or sleeping bags • Sunscreen • Insect Repellent Make a plan Meet with your family or household members.

• Discuss how to prepare and respond to emergencies that are most likely to happen where you live, learn, work and play.

• Identify responsibilities for each member of your household and plan to work together as a team.

• If a family member is in the military or engages in extendedbusiness travel on a regular basis, plan how you would respond if they were away.

• If you or a member of your household is an individual with access or functional needs, including a disability, consider developing a comprehensive evacuation plan in advance withfamily, care providers and care attendants, as appropriate.

Complete a personal assessment of functional abilities and possible needs during and after an emergency or disaster situation, and create a personal support network to assist.

Plan what to do in case you are separated during an emergency • Choose two places to meet— 1. Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, such as a fire.

2. Outside your neighborhood, in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate.

Consider any transportation challenges that might be encountered by individuals that use mobility assistive equipment.

• Choose an out-of-area emergency contact person. It may be easier to text or call long distance if local phone lines are overloaded or out of service. Everyone should memorize emergency contact information and have it in writing or programmed into their cell phones.

• Identify alternative ways to communicate (email, text, call, mail, through a third party, etc).

Plan what to do if you have to evacuate • Decide where you would go and what route you would take to get there. You may choose to go to a hotel or motel, stay with friends or relatives in a safe location or go to an evacuation shelter if necessary.

Have at least one alternate location if the preferred location is not accessible.

• Practice evacuating your home twice a year. Drive your planned evacuation route and plot alternate routes on your map in case roads are impassable. Ensure all household/family members know the evacuation route, alternate routes, primary and alternate meeting destination.

• Plan ahead for your pets. Keep a phone list of “pet friendly” motels/hotels and animal shelters that are along your evacuation routes.

Be Informed Learn what disasters or emergencies may occur in your area.

These events can range from those affecting only you and your family, like a home

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Co-op City Times / August 24, 2019

Director’s Viewpoint

Mary Pearson

What’s the Bus Buzz?

and off the Bx23 to connect with all other buses (except for the BxM7 express) at one of only three transfer points: Dreiser Loop, Asch Loop or the Pelham Bay Secretary Station. They also plan to take away eight of the bus stops. The bus stop they chop might be your own! They Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the would be: The pair behind the supermarket (near the medical center), the pair at Dreiser and Debs Pl., the Looming Bus Cuts But Were Afraid to Ask Around our house, I’m told, “If I hear the word ‘bus’ Asch Loop/Adler Pl. pair, the northbound Co-op City ONE MORE TIME I’ll scream!” Strangers’ eyes glaze Blvd./Bellamy Loop South and the southbound over once I start droning Bx this and Bx that. But I Co-op City Blvd./Peartree Ave. stops, and the Hunter won’t stop because this is the greatest threat Co-op Ave./Earhart Lane stop.

Bx26. If you want to ride the Bx26 you’ll have to City has ever faced.

You know that the Dreiser and Carver areas of catch it at Asch Loop by transferring from the Bx23.

Co-op City lost important service in 2010, right? Well, The Bx26 stops nowhere else inside Co-op City.

Bx28. The plan is to start and stop the Bx28 in Bay more of the same is planned for them, some of the same is planned for the Bartow area, and all that and Plaza. If you want to ride it you’ll have to transfer to a bag of chips is getting ready to sock Section 5 in it at Asch Loop from the Bx23. But there’s even more the gut…if no one stops it. Lots of people are trying bad news for you, you Lehman College bound Bx28 to stop it, of course. In fact side deals are going on rider. The plan is to turn down Jerome Avenue before all over the place, not just here. I saw on New York it reaches Paul Avenue, so make sure you wear hik1 that out in Queens, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic ing boots to classes and concerts.

Bx29. If you want to take a bus to City Island, take traded her “yes” vote on congestion pricing for some the Bx23 and transfer at Pelham Bay Station. The Bx29 new bus service. Sausage making at its finest! will no longer enter Co-op City.

Route Change Recap Bx30 has a reroute planned. Instead of making that Hard though it might be to believe, if you say something on the order of, “Hey, what about those buses!” right hand turn off Boston Post Rd. onto Gun Hill Rd., to someone in the elevator, the response you get may the plan is to have it continue south to Pelham Bay Parkbe something on the order of, “Huh?” So… a not-so- way. That’ll take you a few stops south of the #5 and the #2 trains so you might not get a seat like you might have quick recap might be helpful.

Let’s take the planned changes route by route in in the past… in the future. And once again, to catch the Bx30, you can’t get there from here, unless “here” is alphabetical and numerical order.

Bx23. Bx23 is our bidirectional circulator heading Dreiser Loop. Otherwise, catch the BX23 and transfer.

Bx38. Gone. to and from Pelham Bay Station where you can pick Q50. If you want to go to Queens, transfer from the up the6-train. The MTA plan is to multiply the Bx23 frequency by four, so instead of a Bx23 coming around Bx23. The Q50 will no longer directly service Co-op City.

Set in Stone? every half hour during off-peak times, one will pop Hopefully, not, because if these threats become realup at every bus stop every eight minutes. What’s the down side? They expect all of Co-op City to hop on ity, it will devastate Co-op City. Convenience: gone.

Comfort: gone. Cost? Maybe no additional cost will be required for all the new three-legged trips these changes will bring, but that’s just a maybe. There’s been no definite answer yet. We might be getting some financial insult added to our injury, as well.

I suspect these cuts would send a stampede of seniors to enroll in Access-a-Ride. The cost to the customer is the same as subway fare, but the cost to the MTA (in 2014) was about $71 per trip, according to Citizens Budget Commission of NY (a nonpartisan, nonprofit civic organization founded in 1932). Maybe the MTA will notice its bus-cutting cost-saving mission might prove less than successful.

What else will Co-op City suffer if these bus changes go into effect? Picture both sides of Asch Loop turned into a bus depot. The frequency for the Bx28 is promised to increase to one bus every eight minutes. That would have Asch Loop see seven or eight Bx28 buses come and go in each direction in each hour, plus several Bx26’s. And don’t forget those Bx23 busloads coming by every eight minutes to fill them up!

Now picture school letting out. Better still, don’t.

Option II I’ve got a plan to stop the bus cuts and keep everything we’ve got, but faster. It’s called Option II. Do you have Facebook access? Go to the “Co-op City 50th Anniversary” page to find maps and the plan. No Facebook access? Email me. No email? Catch me at Tunes on Tuesday (8/27), at Section 5’s Splash Day (8/30), or at the Section 5 Community Fair on September 7, and I‘ll be sure to carry a copy for you. (But not at Wicked Wednesday on 8/28 – sniff.)

Fun Day Section 5’s Fun Day was a huge success due to the volunteers’ hard work, the supporters’ generosity, and the kids’ smiles. A special thank you to all donors.

You can reach me by voice or text at 718-219-2211 or by email at mpearson@riverbayboard.com.

Co-op City Ad Hoc Committee Against MTA Bus Redesign Survey Co-op City Times / August 24, 2019

11

Shareholders are reminded to fill out the ad hoc committee’s MTA bus survey below. The survey can also be found in, and returned to, CSO offices around Co-op City. CSO offices also have a petition letter shareholders can sign and return to their respective CSO. These petition letters will also be sent by the ad hoc committee to the MTA.

Co-op City MTA Ad Hoc Committee Survey

Name: ________________________________________________________________________ Section:_______________________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________________________ Email: ________________________________________________________________________ Tel. #:_________________________________________________________________________ Questions – Please answer all that apply:

What line(s) do you frequently use (select all that apply).

BX23

How many transfers are you forced to make during your commute: Average wait time for the bus: ____________ minutes

BX26

None

BX28 1

BX30

2

Q50

BxM7

3 or more

What times of day do you use the bus to travel to your destination(s) (select all that apply): Morning Afternoon Evening Late Night Are you (please check all that apply) Student Employed

Retired

Reason for Travel (select all that apply): Work School Doctor’s or Other Appointments

Physically Challenged Shopping

Visiting Friends or Relatives

Proposed changes: To support a limited bus are you willing to walk one additional block

Yes

No

Additional Comments__________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Return this form to: CSO office in Dreiser, Einstein or Bartow Reception area, or CCPD (after 5:00 p.m.)

ANONYMOUS WHISTLEBLOWER HOTLINE

If you have knowledge or a concern of possible violations of law, accounting irregularities, or other suspected wrongdoing affecting Riverbay, you are encouraged to report it to law enforcement, or you may report it through an anonymous hotline by the following methods: Go to an independent website, www.lighthouse-services/riverbaycorp, to complete an online disclosure form;

Call the following independent third party whistleblower hotline at 1-833-290-0009 (English); or 1-800-216-1288 (Spanish);

Send an e-mail to: reports@lighthouse-services.com (the email must include “Riverbay” in the subject); or Send a fax to (215) 689-3885 (the fax must include “Riverbay” in the subject of the report).

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Co-op City Times / August 24, 2019

Director’s Viewpoint

Laundry Room Drama

As I distributed the survey, a young lady rejected it stating, “I am not interested.” Well, this is a person with Francine Reva Jones the type of attitude that would accept whatever is presented. I did not respond to her, but I spoke to someone Assistant Secretary standing near enough for her to hear me, stating this is why communities like ours can be taken advantage of – There have been many complaints about the manner because we allow it. It is important we respond to the in which the laundry rooms are being managed. The new MTA, especially when it wants to reduce our service. washing machines have begun to be installed with dark It is a simple survey and would probably take her less windows. Under the previous contract, cooperators com- than five minutes to complete. Remember, one of the reaplained that they wanted clear windows, and they were sons we have the U.S. President we have is because not changed. It seems clear windows would have been auto- enough Americans cared to vote. We must all participate matically ordered this time. However, Management will in order to maintain a decent quality of life. Thank you. make sure clear windows are installed.

Leak at Adler Place Townhouses Some of the new washing machines and dryers have Excavation behind the Adler Place townhouses was been installed. I understand some senior cooperators need performed and the work was done. The leaking has stopped. help in using the new payment card machine. It requires I have walked past this area of leaking water for several more technology than seniors are used to and Manage- months and asked Management to repair it. I trust the ment should see that it, or CSC, assigns someone to the hole will be filled ASAP, the fence will come down, the buildings to assist cooperators in using the newly installed problem will be solved and the area will look as beauticard machines. ful as it did before.

All of the new washing machines and dryers have yet The grounds department should be commended on to be installed. The cooperators in buildings with the old the beautiful flower beds they have created and mainmachines are having a difficult time in getting CSC to tained throughout the community. repair and/or replace them. My building is one of them Produce Market and we deserve better service. If your circumstance is the The visiting produce marketers have lots of fresh fruits, same, please contact CSC immediately for service of the vegetables and baked goods. They are located near the broken machines. The CSC contact information is located FDNY fire station at the corner of Asch Loop and Aldrich in all laundry rooms as 1-877-264-6622.

Street every Wednesday through September. The first Ad Hoc Committee time I visited them this season, I noticed the prices for I attended the Research and Proposal Subcommittee the fresh produce were not displayed. The baked goods meeting last Saturday, headed by Blossom Johns. We were wrapped in cellophane and the item was labeled reviewed the outline for the oral presentation to the MTA with the name and price. So, I informed them they must when members of the Committee will meet with the MTA display the prices for the produce. When I returned the to present our proposal. Along with many others, I vol- next time, I saw they adhered to my request. Stop by, if unteered to disseminate the community survey. It is very you have not already done so. important cooperators respond. The committee is attemptCharter Schools ing to collect as much information as possible in order I was surprised to learn that on August 19 the charter to persuade the MTA to accept the proposal we present. schools had opened and children have started the school The survey you submit will be analyzed and the results year. Other NYC schools will open Tuesday, Sept. 3. The incorporated in the proposal. summer is going by very quickly and I trust the teachers,

students and parents enjoyed themselves.

Now that some schools are back in session, please drive carefully, especially in school areas. Please obey the speed limit of 25 mph. Watch for the school bus with the “STOP” flag. When it is extended, drivers must wait until it is withdrawn before they continue driving.

It is suggested you expose your child to activities and events that are fun and stimulating. The annual Co-op City College Fair will be held Oct. 5. It is a well-organized event even grade-school children are encouraged to attend. Save the date and plan to attend with your child.

African-American Association Thanks to the efforts of instructor Meena Sharpe-Hicks, the African-American Association presented the first outdoor yoga class to the Co-op City community on the Section One Greenway stage last Saturday. It was fabulous.

I hope the instructor will conduct more of these classes in the future.

Also, Ms. Toni Roberts initiated the first Healing Drum Circle for the community that began last Saturday. There was a good turnout. Future gatherings are scheduled for Aug. 31st through Oct. 26th from 4 -7 p.m. at the Section One Greenway stage. All are welcome. Bring your drum, or other instrument, and let’s make a joyful noise together as we drum ourselves into better health and stressfree life.

Disabilities Expo Please save the date and plan to attend the Disabilities Expo on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. in the Einstein Community Center.

Do the right thing Police Commissioner James O’Neill should be commended for his decision to fire officer Daniel Pantaleo who used an illegal chokehold and killed Mr. Eric Garner July 17, 2014. This incident went viral. It was followed by complaints, protests and demands that Pantaleo be removed from the NYPD. After five years, it was finally done.

Contact You may contact me at 718-671-5957 or fjones@ riverbayboard.com.

Co-op City Times / August 24, 2019

Donizetti Building 4 Association

I’d like to wish everyone a Happy Saturday and hope everyone is enjoying their weekend. Last Saturday, we went to Resorts Casino in Atlantic City. The weather was perfect and everyone had a great time. Changing the trip date was necessary due to not having enough seats sold to go on Aug. 3. So in order not to cancel, we postponed the trip for two weeks later which resulted in having enough people to make the trip a reality. I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused anyone.

As you may have already noticed, each lobby has a new live plant called a Majesty Palm. Majesty Palms are native to Madagascar. Majesty Palms, unlike most palms, prefer the shade and that is what makes them one of the easier houseplant palms to care for because they prefer to live out of the hot afternoon sun. Majesty Palms are known for purifying the air by removing toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. Its style and grace will enliven our lobbies by providing the look and feel of a tropical getaway.

Andrea Diaz, vice president of our Donizetti Building 4 bus trip to Resorts Casino building association, will be in charge in Atlantic City. of taking care of our Majesty Palms in all three buildings.

I’d like to congratulate everyone celebrating a joyous occasion and remind everyone to please check on our elderly neighbors especially during times of

Advertising works!

13

Congratulations to our two scholarship award winners Jason McWillis, left, and Gabriel Cuilan from Building 4A.

extreme heat.

Buddhist intro meeting Saturday, Aug. 31, at 1 p.m. in Donizetti Bldg 4 Association room located in the rear lobby of 120 Donizetti Pl., aka Building 4B. Genuine compassion is about empowering others, helping them unlock strength and courage from within their lives in order to overcome their problems. –Dr. Daisaku Ikeda —Steven Vega

Call 718.320.3300, Ext. 3384 for our affordable rates.

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Co-op City Times / August 24, 2019

Director’s Viewpoint

Rebuilding vs. Repairing “Revisited”

Kevin Lambright Assistant Treasurer

The last two decades has been a patch and fix and then fix again journey into a deep, never ending money pit. Only most recently, the emergence is justified, but unacceptable to most. Any time a burden is placed on the budget of any homeowner due to improper upkeep, it is never met with cheers. There is always plenty of blame to go around. The owner blames the contractor, the contractor blames the budget and the owner. Unfortunately, you end up with substandard work.

When you look back at our history of budget changes, you will see a period of over a decade when we ignored the upkeep and reconstruction of our infrastructure. We did not secure enough funds to rebuild and maintain it.

Subsequently, we waited for emergency mode to kick in and had to resort to loans. We dropped the ball and allowed ourselves to be manipulated and tricked into a high level of mismanagement.

I say we because while some of us were fighting to stop it from happening, there was a vast majority who were just laying back and letting someone else dictate and run our corporation. I say we because although I was one of those who fought to make change with much opposition, I am part of this corporation. I recognize and understand that whatever happens to it happens to me.

Hopefully now, the vast majority understands that.

Hopefully now we understand that penny-pinching in the beginning will only cost us so much more in the end.

We have to recognize others outside of here look at us as a money pit due to our lack of respect for what we have. They know what we have and are willing to take it from us if we just sit back and ignore our own value.

We can’t just recognize these things, we must get involved and support one another in a unified effort to rebuild.

This is the only way we can move ahead allowing us to live productively and affordably.

Reminder: Solid Ground Let me be as clear as I can to emphasize I voted to

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

We all know the cost of living is going up and the reality of increased income for most is nonexistent.

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

We should always try to look for ways to make bad situations better or make good situations even better.

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

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

Section 4 Partnership

Fundraising time!

The (S4P) Section 4 Partnership is raising funds for its 3rd Annual Christmas Caroling event. Saturday, December 14, 2019 we will have our Christmas Parade and hopefully you will come along with us. Have you seen the 50th Anniversary T-Shirts with the Section 4 Partnership logo on the back? They are beautiful and on sale now. Come support our fundraiser, be a part of the parade and ride the Christmas Parade Float. Information is available by emailing: section4partnership@gmail.com or phone: 347-915-4939. All are welcomed to participate.

About the Section 4 Partnership The Section 4 Partnership is comprised of every building in Co-op City that makes up the sectional geographic which is referred to as Co-op City’s Section 4 (i.e., Building 20 - Asch Loop, Building 21 - Bellamy Loop, Building 22 – Co-op City Boulevard, Buildings 23, 24, 25 - Benchley Place, the Adler Place Townhouses, the Asch Loop Townhouses and the Broun Place Townhouses. Come and get involved. Email: section4partnership@gmail.com. Phone: 347-915-4939.

If You See Something, Say Something!

Working Together To Keep Co-op City Safe!

• Report any unusual or suspicious persons or activity to CCPD. • Do not allow strangers access to your building by holding the door.

• Be aware of work being done in your building and when contractors are allowed to be on the premises.

• Never leave your car or apartment door unlocked.

• Do not leave packages or electronics in your car where they are visible.

• Remember: You can make anonymous calls to CCPD.

Emergency: 718-651-3050 Non-Emergency: 718-320-3330 www.ccpd.us • @CCPDnyc

neighbors are equivalent to business partners.

Focused The above is, for the most part, a segment of a viewpoint that I wrote over a year ago. I took this opportunity to reprint most of it because it is just as relevant today as it was then. There are still many projects that must be met in our community. There are still behaviors that need to be reversed. We know what most of the complaints are and it is up to us to set the policies for these things to be corrected. It is easy to see the problems and to recognize them; I believe it is inherently feasible to correct many of the qualityof-life issues we experience in our community.

It is important we agree collectively to move forward fairly and responsibly. We must keep in mind that whenever you have a positive movement to do the right thing, there will always be a negative force doing everything in its power to discredit your efforts. Even if your efforts prove to be successful, they will come after you because they need to have the spotlight on themselves and they believe that if they crucify or discredit you, they will shine. That is unfortunate for those individuals. This community is no longer falling for dramatic mistruths and twisted facts. We are realizing that 10 percent truth and 90 percent falsehood does not equal 100 percent truth. We are learning to hear and visit both sides of an argument before we make decisions. I am so proud of the development of our community and look forward to our progress. I am truly focused. On behalf of our community, “No weapons formed against us shall prosper.”

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

Making an important and positive impact…

Help us continue this positive effort and reap the benefits of a united community. The Section 4 Partnership is making an important impact on the community of Co-op City each time we show up for events like Pioneer Day, the MTA Rallies, July 3rd Fireworks, Hoops and Beats, the Ice Cream Social, the Grand Opening of the Section 4 Basketball Courts and other notable events, meetings and gatherings. You don’t have to live in Section 4. You are already an important member of this team. You are a shareholder. Let’s show up! Let’s get it done!

—Michelle Marbury

Co-op City Times / August 24, 2019

National Council of Negro Women

Miracle of Christmas Join the Co-op City section of NCNW Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, as we travel to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to Sight & Sound Theatres to see “Miracle of Christmas.” Our price is $170 per adult and $120 per child under 12 years of age. The ticket price includes admission to Sight & Sound, roundtrip motor coach transportation and lunch at Golden Corral. The payment schedule is $50 due by Aug. 24 and the balance is due by Sept. 30. Non-refundable checks payable to NCNW Co-op City Section may be mailed to P.O. Box 93, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. Our bus will depart from 177 Dreiser Loop at 9 a.m. sharp. For more information, contact 718-379-3788, 646-270-1985 or 917-399-2643.

Economic empowerment & professional development Join NCNW Co-op City Section at its career forum Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., room 31, Bartow Center. Open to all but main focus will be for young adults just entering the workforce and those older adults making a mid-life career change. Please register at eventbrite.com/e/land-the-job-excel-at-

Broun Place Townhouse Association

Here we are, Aug. 24, the summer 2019 is almost done. Please take note of the beautiful centerpiece cul de sac in Broun Place. It is exceptional and couldn’t have been accomplished without the caring work of Mr. Walker and team summer intern. Plus, the heavy rains have brought our cul de sac lake back after every rain but, conscientiously, Mr. Walker and team drained it. Our residents truly appreciate this.

Welcome to new cooperators in 30A and 4A. We hope new residents will follow rules, especially regarding BBQ — only electric grills — and taking newspapers in.

Another mystery, an uncovered mattress was dumped in our dumpster pad. Mattresses must be wrapped to be discarded properly.

The red garbage can lid needs to remain on, if you are looking for recycling material, look, then replace the lid. Please put it back!

Sincere condolences are sent for Luna and Phoenix Rodriguez, these beautiful twin toddlers died in their family’s locked, hot car. Please be mindful to not forget if your children are in your car. Sounds impossible but tragic things happen.

We also send condolences to the families of victims in El Paso, Texas, Dayton, Ohio and Pennsylvania, Temple University area massacres.

Neighbors, please stay hydrated and wear hats. Please allow bumper time wherever you go, that is extra time to allow the unplanned to happen. Do not turn off the convector if you are out of town. If you are worried about drips or leaks, place a tray under each convector. Do turn off electrical plug strips when you leave for days at a time.

Our first meeting in September will be an election meeting. All members of Broun Place Townhouse Association are eligible to vote. Membership in the association is required to run and vote. Dues are $12 a household. You can pay by check or cash to our treasurer, 22A. If you wish to run for office, place a note in 31B. Disposing of kitchen garbage in pedestrian cans brings bugs and mice.

Bring it to the main dumpster sites and follow the recycling color chart.

Clothes need to go into recycling bins.

There are rules for household items like microwaves, freezers and refrigerators – check with CSO if you have questions.

Check out the “Totsie” artifacts from Freedomland. They are located in front of the bagel shop and Dunkin Donuts at Bartow Avenue. Thank you, Mr. Friedman, for the donation of the artifacts.

Neighbors, please keep updated on the bus route change proposal negotiations. Also, please read the carrying charge increase updates.

I thank Broun Place Association Vice President Vivian Burrus and Secretary Rev. Grace Emanuel for covering meetings while I was away.

Our Broun Place Executive Committee wishes David Garcia and John Roberts a steady recovery and many good days ahead.

Belated birthday greetings to Mrs. Gwen Roberts and happy wedding anniversary to the Kindaichi-Lazaar family.

Keep dancing and we guarantee happy days ahead!

—Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

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the-job-develop-your-career-tickets-69417484565 by Sept. 1st.

School supplies In order to support the children in our neighborhood shelter, we will be collecting pencils and other school supplies in room 14, Dreiser Loop, on Saturday, Aug. 24 and 31, from 10 a.m. to noon and Sunday, Aug. 25, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Save the date Mark Sept. 28, 2019, on your calendars now. On that date, NCNW will have its community health fair in room 31, Bartow Community Center, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. We will have health information, blood pressure screening, prizes, exercise and more.

Book club Our book discussions will resume Oct. 12 at 4 p.m. in room 11, Dreiser Center. We are all reading “The Sun Does Shine” by Anthony Ray Hinton. This Oprah’s Book Club Summer 2018 selection will be the first book we will discuss.

NCNW Northeast Regional Leadership Training Conference Sections from the northeastern United States, including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts, will attend the NCNW Northeast Regional Leadership Training Conference Friday to Sunday, Dec. 6 to 8, 2019, at the Westchester Hilton in Rye. We will discuss such topics as membership, section operations, protocol, programs and finance. All members of NCNW Co-op City Section are invited to help plan, create, organize and serve as an integral part of the Leadership Steering Committee.

Nutrition tips Our Health Committee chairman, Sheila Richburg, has some good suggestions for healthier eating, especially during vacations when we tend to eat too much.

Following these good ideas all year long will especially help us to avoid diabetes.

If you’re asking yourself how much should I eat? Try filling your plate like this: ¼ protein, ¼ grains, ½ vegetables and fruit and some dairy — low-fat or skim milk.

Membership meeting Our next meeting will be Sunday, Sept. 8, in room 11, Dreiser Community Center, at 3p.m.

—Joyce M. Howard

Building 25 Association

We wish all neighbors born in August a happy birthday, and for those who has been under the weather, we hope you get better soon.

Our building association meetings will resume on Sept. 17, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.

Please continue to log onto our building email address at building25ca@gmail.com and address your emails to any or all members of Building 25 Association.

Friendly reminder, for those who have not paid their building annual dues of $5 per family, over the summer break, if you see any building association member you can pass it along to them. Remember dues are collected at our monthly meetings by Carol Eilets, treasurer, or Celeste Stukes, asst. treasurer. In memory of the late Toni Morrison, I will close with the following: “Read some good, heavy, serious books just for discipline, take yourself in hand and master yourself.” – W.E.B. Du Bois —Wanda Bailey

Building 18 Association

Correction to our article on page 19 in Co-op City Times July 6, 2019 edition.

Hi, neighbors. Thank you all who attended our general meeting/scholarship award ceremony Tuesday, June 25. We presented a scholarship award of $500 to our high school graduate, Joshua Oppong-Peprah Jr. Since 2012, we have presented awards of $500 each to 12 high school graduates; Joshua is number 13. We invited all 12 graduates but due to other commitments only one showed up. Thank you, Dontae Archibald, for joining us. Joshua, your graduation is a direct result of the way you constantly strive for excellence.

We know you’ll have a future full of many great achievements. Keep up the good work. Congrats! We all enjoyed the special refreshments.

Our next meeting will be Tuesday, Sept. 23, in our association room. Summer is here, so please stay cool, seek for shade and drink plenty of liquids. Enjoy your summer.

Happy Birthday to those with that special day this month. Stay alert: If you see something say something.

—Gertie Brown

A Message from C.S.O. Dept:

If your Co-op City Times was not delivered...

Call 347-439-5632 on Saturday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Hammering after 6 p.m., vacuuming after 9 p.m., music or TVs played very loudly at any hour, doors slamming constantly at all hours... these are just a few examples of what can disturb the peace of fellow cooperators. Please, let’s work together to make Co-op City a peaceful community.

Co-op Insurance

16

Co-op City Times / August 24, 2019

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

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Co-op City Times / August 24, 2019

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Co-op City Times / August 24, 2019

Don’t Forget About These Other Increases

Director’s Viewpoint

Daryl Johnson

It’s official! We’re getting a 1.9 percent carrying charge increase on September 1, 2019 and another one on September 1, 2020. Additionally, there are other increases on the table. So, let’s take an inside look at them.

Equity Increase On April 3, 2019, the majority of the board approved resolution 19-10. This resolution was created to increase our equity rate from $4,500 per room to $5,500 per room for all new apartment sales. Similar to the carrying charge increase, this equity increase will start on September 1, 2019.

According to HCR, this equity increase is supposed to be “used solely for capital improvements and deposited in an account that segregates the proceeds for that sole purpose, and accounts for the use of such funds.” Additionally, “The increase is not to be assessed in instances involving family succession or in instances involving internal transfers into smaller size apartments by existing shareholders.”

Previously, it was rough to sell apartments here. So, Riverbay brought in some banks that could help prospective shareholders to get loans for apartments here. Thereafter, lots of incoming shareholders used these loans to purchase their apartment. And, now, they have to pay money on their loan, their carrying charges, along with their other bills. So, at this point, things might be somewhat tight for these shareholders.

However, in my opinion, some incoming families could face even heavier financial challenges when this new equity increase goes into effect after September 1, 2019. Thereafter, the question becomes: Based on financial documentation, will these families be able to show that they will be able pay off their bills over the extended term of their loan? If the answer is no, then will they be denied to get these loans? Thereafter, do you think that we might have a problem selling apartments here?

Well, we can say that we’re going to tighten up and get higher incomes, higher credit scores, and a larger down payment from prospective shareholders. But, the real issue is: Do individuals that have high incomes, high credit scores, and a nice bank account want to live here? If this answer turns out to be no, then it’s possible that we might have a very big problem selling apartments here. But, that’s just one reason why I voted no to raise the equity here.

Another reason why I voted against this equity increase is that Riverbay has issued 27 prior carrying charge increases to this community. And, on September 1, 2019, we will be receiving the 28th carrying charge increase. And, as far as I am concerned, they have refused to significantly cut our budget to justify these continued increases.

Anyway, let’s go back in time and review some of the equity increases that we received. New shareholders had to pay $500 per room when Riverbay opened their doors in 1969. Then, the equity charges started traveling like a rollercoaster from that point: 8/1977 - $600; 4/1980 - $1,000; 3/1985 - $1,500; 7/1986 - $1,750; 11/1988 - $1,826; 11/1989 - $1,907; 7/1990 - $2,557; 11/1990 - $2,643; 11/1991 - $2,735; 11/1992 - $2,832; 6/1993 - $1,750; 4/1996 - $1,950; 4/2004 - $3,500; 12/2008 - $4,500.

Riverbay is expected to make almost $236 million in this present fiscal year. So, we’re good, right? Well, not so fast. You see, we have some heavy expenses that we’re going to have to cover. For instance, according to our budget, the projection is that we will spend almost $90 million in payroll costs for 1,053 employees.

And, all of these employees will be spread out across 26 departments. So, in my opinion, we need to reduce the number of departments along with the amount of employees that we have here. And, as mentioned before, we can start with a voluntary early retirement program.

We have another problem, in my opinion, with an entity called the Riverbay Fund. On an annual basis, the Riverbay Fund can request $150,000 from the Riverbay Corporation. And, as mentioned before, $50,000 went into trying to convert the former bingo hall into a youth center back in 2015.

Building 9 Association

Greetings, Building 9 family.

Sadly, our favorite nonagenarian, Miss Eloise, took a fall inside her apartment last week and has been hospitalized. Please keep Miss Eloise in your hearts and prayers. We wish her a speedy recovery and return to us.

I agree with most of you who do not agree with the additional cost to shareholders for the extended wash/rinse cycle, which is being charged with the new laundry contract. The minimal amount of electricity and water the extended cycles would use is at no cost to the contractor/vendor. Shareholders already pay for our water and our electricity.

As usual, the Building 9 Association monthly membership meetings will reconvene in September. Please continue to monitor our lobby bulletin boards for notices about upcoming meetings and events.

The MTA ad hoc committee of Co-op City has created a letter and survey which are being distributed in our lobbies. Please take a moment to read the letter and to complete the survey. If we lose these vital bus routes we may never regain them.

As I wrote in this space previously: The MTA Re-design plan, as proposed, would devastate our community. Indeed, Co-op City is the city within the city. No city can survive without access to viable transportation. Be it stage coach, steamboat, locomotive, etc., transportation is the life blood of any thriving city.

Thank you to the Building 13 Association for sponsoring the Button Biz Workshop for our young people last week. I thank our Building 9 Association parents for ensuring our young people are being exposed to the various aspects of how to start and run a business.

The annual picnic sponsored by our assemblyman, Michael Benedetto, will be at the Surf Club in New Rochelle Monday, Aug. 26. Our thanks to Dinora Tirado for reminding us to solicit Building 9 participation for the event. See you all there.

The annual Assemblyman Michael Benedetto lobby visit to Building 9 will be hosted on Tuesday, Aug. 27, from 5:15 p.m. to 7 p.m. Please join us with your questions and concerns.

For years, we have demanded better 45th Precinct presence in the Co-op City community. Now, we have their attention. Our NCO team will host another Build-

Resolution 16-45, dated July 20, 2016, states that: "the Riverbay Fund has established a Youth Department to assist in providing programs & services to Co-op City youth; and…” “The Riverbay Corporation will authorize annual allocations up to $150,000 for the purpose of establishing a supported Youth and Community Program Department…” Therefore, some people, groups, and some churches have received money from this Riverbay Fund for shows, events, food, and even sponsorships.

So, I think that every shareholder here along with their groups and religious organizations should submit their request to the Riverbay Fund board to see if they can get funding for "educational, cultural and recreational opportunities for the Co-op City community." Then, I want to see how this Riverbay Fund is going to respond to these requests. Interesting, right?

Hey, I'll see you in the board room.

Garage Violation Fees New fines will go into effect on September 1, 2019 for garage and parking infractions. Taking up 2 spaces?

That’s $150.

Laundry Fees On January 16, 2019, a majority of the board approved resolution 18-35. This resolution states: “Management is hereby authorized to award contract #3272 to CSC Service Works.” Thereafter, Riverbay will receive a $750,000 signing bonus, a monthly rent of $302,250, and a .50-cent increase to each wash.

Close Riverbay is spending a lot of money on huge capital projects. These projects will take several years to complete. Therefore, based on the way that the resolution for our carrying charge increase was written, we will probably get another carrying charge increase in 2021.

Thank you.

Questions or comments? Please send a letter to: Daryl H. Johnson, Riverbay Board Director, c/o Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475.

Also, please call me ONLY at 718-671-4544 if you would like to have a brief discussion with me. Okay, that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful week.

And, may God bless you and your family. Thank you.

a-Block event Thursday, Aug. 29, in Dreiser room 1. This is your NCO Team.

Come out and help them to better address your concerns and to show your support for their presence in the Co-op City community.

Update on the 1.9 percent carrying charge increase scheduled for 2019. The mandatory DHCR merits/impact meeting with shareholders occurred without much fanfare. DHCR’s subsequent approval has also occurred. The 1.9 percent increase will appear on our carrying charges as early as September 2019.

“As long as the world shall last, there will be wrongs; and, if no man objects and no man rebels, those wrongs would last forever.” –Clarence Darrow —Linda Collins

Goose Island Seniors

Wind Creek (Sands) Casino Thursday, Oct. 17, at Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Price: $40. Time: 8:30 a.m. from Einstein Loop; 8:40 a.m.

Asch Loop; 8:50 a.m. Dreiser Loop.

More information will follow. Stephen Roberts Sr. is on an emergency vacation and will return Aug. 22.

Mambo Italiano Thursday, Sept. 5, at the Westchester Broadway Theatre, Elmsford. Price: $89. Bus leaving from our three usual bus stops: Starting at 9 a.m. with Einstein Loop. Follow the dominating but lovable matriarch, Maria Barbieri, as she and her devoted husband Gino struggle to keep the family restaurant afloat while adjusting to the newly found independence of their New Jersey born adult grandchildren who they have raised since birth. Laugh-out-loud funny.

Money was due by Aug. 21, money is now due by Aug. 28.

Goose Island Seniors get-together Saturday, Sept. 14. Members only, in our Section 5 Einstein Center Club, room 39. Members may bring a person or two. It’s a cover dish party, so bring your favorite dish or donate something to eat or drink. $5 donation at the door if no donation of food is given. Let’s party! Sing, play games, win prizes, etc.

Time: noon.

Bingo Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Time: 1:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Members only, in our club room 39. Admis-

Co-op City Times / August 24, 2019

sion, $5 for 3 cards, 12 games and jackpot. Extra cards are 25 cents each. Sunday bingo will be on Sunday, Aug. 25.

All are welcome, you don’t have to be a member.

Karaoke Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. with Stephen in room 45. All are welcome.

On Thursday, Aug. 8, Stephen will be taking Goose Island Seniors and friends on a trip to Mohegan Sun Casino.

After the trip, he will be leaving Friday, Aug. 9, for a two-week vacation and funeral. After Tuesday, Aug. 6, there will be no Karaoke until Tuesday, Aug. 27.

To all members Happy Birthday to our members who celebrate their birthday in the month of August: Amy Rindner, Rose F. Koerner, Elayne Gubitose, Betty Leak, Marvine Hollman, Sir Archangel Ortiz, Roberta McGee, Sylvia Polite, Bonnie Silverman, Evelyn Foster, Diana Gordon, Ella Thorne and Angel Rondon.

Note Call Ann or Stephen at Goose Island Seniors, 718-379-9613, or visit us at 135 Einstein Loop, room 39, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. Office hours: Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to noon. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, noon to 8 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Stephen cell: 347-847-1941.

Good health to all.

—Stephen Roberts Sr.

Building 27 Association

Hello, neighbors. Summer is here and almost over, quite a short summer. Enjoy and stay safe.

Ad hoc committee We commend those on this committee for the hard work being done. Has anyone notice the MTA buses serving the mall. There are 10 buses, Bx5, Bx12, Bx23, Bx26, Bx28, Bx29.B30, BX38, BXM7and the Q50. We would assume people can go shopping, sure some to work, so do the 55,000 plus people right here in Co-op City. Have the committee take a look at this scenario.

Section 5 Family Fun Day Building 27 volunteers again showed up and showed out, we had some new volunteers from Building A, B and C. Thank you Building A Board Director Mary Pearson, Ms. Kelly, Ardell and Wanda. B Building: Thalia, Sharon, Lydia, myself. C Building: Joann, Paquita, Margie, Steven, and Lou for representing Building 27 well. They all pitched in, just as they do in holding the 27 association together. They expressed the enjoyment of serving our little ones and their parents/adults.

Build the Block An opportunity to meet with the NYPD officers of the 45th Precinct serving this community. Working with the local community in solving local quality of life conditions and public safety challenges in our community. The meeting will be held Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, 1:30 p.m. in Dreiser Community Center, room 1.

Tropicana Casino Building 27 Association Fundraising Committee presents a bus outing Thursday, Sept, 26, 2019, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. SOLD OUT. Remember to note it on your calendar. The coach bus will depart 8 a.m. sharp from Einstein Community Center. $40 per person, $25 slot rebate. Govt. ID required. NOTE: Final payment, Aug. 27. Mail checks or M.O. to Margie Delgado, 140 Erdman Place, Apt. 11F, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. Please address checks/MO to Bldg. 27 Cooperators Association.

Pick up at Einstein only, three drop-offs: Bartow/library, Dreiser/H&R Block and Einstein Center. Contact info: Margie at 718-379-4629 and Sharon Sargeant, 718671-1905, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come and join us.

Happy birthday to all celebrating this month. The best of health to all. Contact Lydia Rondon at 718-583-3040 to share news of an illness, or the passing of a neighbor.

Pray for peace among the world leaders, now more than ever.

“The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are hard work, second, stick-to-itiveness and third, common sense.” –Thomas A. Edison —H. Overman

Section 5 Association

19

The Section 5 Association annual Family Fun Day for Buildings 26 thru 35 and the Earhart Lane Townhouses celebrated with families, neighbors and friends Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. First, we were thankful for the beautiful sunshine and warm and breezy day. Where can we began, we thank our politicians who took time out of their busy schedule to come by. Supporting the Family Fun Day were state Assemblyman Mike Benedetto, U.S. Rep. Eliot Engel, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark and city Comptroller Scott Stringer.

The Sponsors Thank you, U.S. Rep. Engel, Assemblyman Benedetto, state Sen. Jamaal Bailey, city Councilman Andy King, the Riverbay Fund, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Riverbay Corporation, Section 5 Association, American Legion of Co-op City Post 1871, Apple Bank, Amalgamated Bank, Drug Box Pharmacy, Ashely Home store and BJ’s Wholesale.

Section 5 Merchants/Sponsors To the merchants who serve the Section 5 community, thank you for supporting the Family Fun Day from its beginning: Food Universe Supermarket, Section 5 Pizza, Kenny’s Barbershop, Co-op City Pharmacy, DJ Smooth/music and Einstein Stationary for its donation of school supplies and various colorful tee shirts. Thank you, Section 5 Association for the donation of school supplies. Ms. Althea Cherbin donated backpacks with school supplies. Building 31 did its own thing, donating school supplies. Thanks to many others. The children enjoyed the fun along with free hot dogs, popcorn, icings. The popular face painting/ balloons by the Vegas.

Another hit was the Bounce House, the kids stayed at it from noon to 6 p.m.

Believe it.

The Entertainers Thanks to DJ Smooth/music, Mr. Kevin has been with us since the beginning, and he can jam the music. Thank you Voncelli/the Bartow Swingers and the Dancing Gents, Ellie Minor and the Marvelous Dancers and The Rapper Mr. Lo Green.

We were also treated with Mr. Mike Miller and a martial arts demonstration.

Thank you. Then there was the Velocity team and medals awarded. Plus the Section 5 teen center basketball tournament was over in the courtyard.

Volunteers Thank you volunteers. Our volunteers are committed, each year more volunteers sign on, and we worked where we were needed. Thank you chairperson of the Family Fun Day, Ms. Linda Warner. Grill masters Mr. Warner and Mr. Carson, thank you. Thanks too to the committee servers of the hot dogs and water; volunteer coordinator, Ms. Pauline Warren; Mr. Hedgepeth, Bill Gordon, a former Board president who continues to stay involved as well as building presidents, representatives and neighbors.

At the end of the day, it is impossible to succeed without the help of each and every volunteer.

A mailbox has also been installed in front of Building 30. That is great because it can be a long walk between one of the other mailboxes and the other.

MTA It appears there are a lot of issues and projects going on at the same time within the MTA establishment. Co-op City’s ad hoc committee is working on options if the buses are not returned to meet the ridership needs of this great community.

Boycotts in the works, sounds like a plan.

—H. Overman

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

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20

Co-op City Times / August 24, 2019

Director’s Viewpoint

Michelle Marbury Honorable mentions Greetings and salutations to all. We have a great many people who make up our community. We appear in various dimensions. Some are shareholders; others are workers ranging from directors, electricians, to maintenance engineers, porters, etc. Overall, we have a good lot of vested employees. Some of them get recognized for special service, but some who warrant this kind of recognition do not. They go about doing their work day in and day out, and never expect any more than the paycheck they work hard for. To those hard workers, we see you, and appreciate you. Thank you for showing you care about doing not just adequate work, but you care about doing good work for us here in the community of Co-op City. A professional and courteous disposition is what we look for from all of our employees.

The Flip Side…

The flip side of that coin is the worker who does just enough to “get by.” The worker who comes to work and at a certain time of day cannot be found if needed. The employee who doesn’t realize that the shareholders are to be respected as well as management. To those employees, please be informed, that we see you too. These are the kinds of talking points we discuss in gatherings like the Building and Grounds Committee, the Security Committee, etc.

Say NAY to the MTA! I said it before and repetition is key. You showed up for the MTA rallies, twice, and guess what? You’ve got to keep showing up until we all get what we want and need.

Please be advised: The MTA Ad Hoc Committee is working hard to ensure that we, the residents and

The time is now, shareholders

shareholders of this community, do not lose sufficient pen. Look at Co-op City. You see the good and the bus services. In fact, we are working to improve the downfall and the bad stuff as a result of it. The silence services for everyone in all sections of Co-op City must stop. Your voice must be heard. There should and the surrounding areas. be a waiting list for the “Letter to The Editor” secThe Goal is 5,000 surveys and 5,000 letters tion of this newspaper. All you have to do is email Stay tuned in to the MTA Ad Hoc Committee’s CCtimes@riverbaycorp.com. The problem with efforts to oppose the suggested MTA bus service complaining on Facebook is that, complaining makes redesign plan for Co-op City. If you’d like to lend up the majority of the posts. Information not found your much needed support, be sure to fill out the suron Facebook is posted here every week. Too many vey that was put into circulation at National Night shareholders have come to me very recently asking, Out and will continue until further notice. Come to “Did you win,” and “did you get in?” A fact that has the rallies, which you will hear about via the Co-op been printed for months now, right here at your finCity Times, robo calls and word of mouth. gertips, delivered to your floor each week and in Do you know who you are? other forms of media at your disposal. We all can We are a resilient community. We are a commudo better. Life is a work in progress. Each day is nity that joined together to form a 1970’s strike of another chance for us to step-up our individual games, magnificent proportions. We trusted each other. We do better and get it right. I will step up my game, collected monies in our own lobbies and hired buses will you, yours? Will you look at this community and rallied in Albany and we won. We succeeded in with new eyes and say, OK I will join this club, my the challenge at hand at that time. Trust in each other building association, I will take part in the FIX, is what is needed now. Involvement by you is what because we as a community deserve it. What is your goal to help fix this community? Follow the mantra is needed now. I am not saying strike but I am saycoming up… ing your involvement and mine is not only necesWe are a deserving community… sary, it is imperative. I am one person, humbled to We deserve better. We deserve greater. We deserve represent you in the board room; I have stepped up, to set standards. We deserve to have requirements. now it is your turn. After reading this article, make We deserve to have goals. We deserve to have aspidarn sure 10 others have read it as well. We have got rations. We deserve to be heard. We deserve to be to lift each other up and in to the human conversation that beckons to each of us that morality for, pleased. We deserve to be fulfilled. We deserve to be loved. We deserve to be cherished. We deserve to be responsibility to, and awareness about our own comat peace. We deserve to be restored. We deserve to munity must begin again and silence to what is hapbe renewed. We deserve to be exalted. We deserve to pening around you must stop. But when the converbe uplifted. We deserve to be respected. We deserve sation begins, it must not be in the form of gossip to be protected. We deserve to feel special. We deserve and negativity. Positivity, truth and positive discourse to be appreciated. We deserve to be admired. We must be our new moral compass. This notion that the deserve to be desired. We deserve to be praised. We “successful person” is the person who can sustain deserve to be remembered. We deserve to be seen as themselves without caring for someone else must worthy. We must become a community that knows cease. its value, so that we can demand our worth. The time Take part in the FIX, because we deserve it is now shareholder. Let’s get it done!

What we want to have happen we must make hap-

Black Forum of Co-op City

Emergency food pantry The pantry is located at 920 Baychester Ave. It faces the yellow schoolhouse and basketball court at the back of the building. We open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon. We also open 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays until Sept. 12 for working guests who cannot come during the day. Pantry guests do not have to be affiliated with a church or place of worship to receive food support. We are not affiliated with any state agency/program and do not share your personal information with anyone.

Guests must live within 10475 due to budget constraints and food shortage.

Please bring an up-to-date photo ID when registering or picking up food for the first time. The only accepted ID is the ID NYC card or a non- or driver’s license.

Your ID must show a 10475 address. Bring three clean/doubled shopping bags

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and a shopping cart. Guests will be issued a card that must be shown on every visit in order to pick up food. Canned food pick up occurs on a 30-day rotation, once a month.

Those who have registered but have not picked up food by Sept. 3 will be removed from our rosters. We need to make room for others who want to register.

Light bulbs will be distributed at 920 Baychester Ave. to current registered pantry guests — one pack of four per household: Section 5 on Tuesday, Aug. 27, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.; Section 2, 3, 4 on Thursday, Aug. 29, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.; Section 1 on Thursday, Sept. 5, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Guests can only pick up bulbs on their designated day/time and must bring their pantry card to receive bulbs, no exceptions. Quantities are limited; first come, first served. The first 154 households per section will receive the bulbs.

Defensive driving room change Next class is Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 177 Dreiser Loop, room 4, top floor; $35 per person. We look forward to meeting you. Please leave a voicemail at 718-320-8035. Someone will contact you.

Nordic Lodge Thank you to all who attended. You were a great group!

Harrahs Casino trip Join us Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, for a trip to Harrahs Casino in Chester, Pennsylvania. The cost is $45 and is due by Sept. 27, 2019. We are collecting money now. You are welcome to bring the money to the pantry during hours of operation listed above. No refunds. Call 917-209-5334 or 718-320-0033 if you have questions.

Contact We look forward to hearing from you: coopcityblackforum@gmail.com.

—D. Illis

DID YOU KNOW... There is a Lost and Found located in the Bartow Community Center Public Safety office. Please check there if you have recently lost keys, glasses, or other items.

21

Co-op City Times / August 24, 2019

Treasury Bill Indexed Money Market Account

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Visit our Co-op City branch today! 2021 Bartow Avenue, Onsite Parking Available, 718-320-3130 Nicole McNulty, Branch Manager and Licensed Notary Public

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*These rates are effective through August 31, 2019. $100,000 minimum deposit to earn the advertised 1.89% Annual Percentage Yield (APY). $50,000 minimum deposit to earn the advertised 1.70% APY. **Treasury Bill Indexed Money Market rate is based on an index calculated by taking the rate of the closing “asked” discount basis of the 30-day Treasury Bill as quoted and published in The Wall Street Journal on the last business day of the prior month as set forth below. If there are no exact Treasury Bills with a 30-day maturity, then the “asked” rate used shall be for Treasury Bills with a maturity date closest to, but not to exceed 30 days. These new APYs will then take effect on the first calendar day of each subsequent month and will remain in effect through each subsequent month-end. Balances of $25,000 to $49,999 earn an APY of 1.23%, which is 65% of the indexed rate, balances of $50,000 to $99,999 earn an APY of 1.70%, which is 90% of the indexed rate, and balances of $100,000 or more earn an APY of 1.89%, which is 100% of the indexed rate. There is no interest paid on deposits under $25,000. $10,000 minimum deposit is required to open this account. A monthly service fee of $10.00 will be charged each month at the end of the statement cycle if the account balance falls below $10,000 on any day of the month. Fees may reduce earnings and principal if the account balance falls below $10,000 on any day during the statement cycle. Please see disclosure for other terms and conditions. This offer may be withdrawn without prior notice.

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22

Co-op City Times / August 24, 2019

Dreiser Club room 19 will continue to be open during the month of August after 1 p.m. for your daily pleasure, except Wednesdays. Come relax and join in the fun by playing card games of choice, a variety of board games or just come in to socialize, sit and watch one of your favorite TV shows with others.

Travel events Prices include coach bus located on Dreiser Loop, front of H&R Block • Sept. 16 to 19, Monday to Thursday, Niagara Falls, Canada. SOLD OUT. Passport required. Meet and greet upon arrival, guided tours, three breakfasts/three dinners and Niagara Falls cruise. Contact: Serita Grayson, 347564-5722.

• Oct. 14, Monday, MGM Casino,

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

Springfield, Massachusetts. SOLD OUT. Wait list. Contact: Serita Grayson, 347564-5722, or Barbara Williams, 718320-0500.

Theatre committee Prices include van transport from Dreiser Loop, in front of the rehab center.

• Sept. 11, Wednesday, “Mambo Italiano,” Westchester Broadway Theatre.

Showtime: 11 a.m. Price: $75. Deposit, $40. Balance, $35, due Aug. 9. Contact: Marie Green-Ryan, 718-671-4949.

• Nov. 15, Friday, “Radio City Christmas Spectacular.” Showtime: 2 p.m. Price: $80. Down payment: $40 ASAP. Balance: $40, due Wed., Oct. 2. Contact: Eleanor Barlow, 917-9520861.

• Dec. 10 Tuesday. The Edwards

Advertising Works! Call 718.320.3300, ext. 3384 for our affordable rates.

Building 10 Association

Greetings, fellow cooperators.

New cooperators – Welcome all new cooperators. We look forward to seeing you at the next general membership meeting.

Emergency meeting – On Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at 6 p.m., the Building 10 Association will have an emergency meeting regarding the proposed MTA bus changes. We need everyone to come out to this important meeting. We must fight the proposed bus changes. This meeting will be held in the Building 10 Association room located in the rear of Building 10B. Light refreshments will be served.

Build-A-Block – On Thursday, August 29, 2019 at 1 p.m. in the Dreiser Community Center, the Neighborhood Coordination Officers and the Steady Sector Officers from the 45th Pct. will hold a discussion on the public safety challenges in our neighborhood. The NYPD wants to hear your voices and concerns for our neighborhood. Refreshments will be served.

Laundry room washing machines and dryers – If a washer or dryer is inoperable, please report it to Coinmach at https://servicerequest.coinmach or call 877264-6622.

Bulk garbage and furniture – All cooperators are reminded to take all bulk garbage and furniture to the basement and place near the ash cart room (follow the signs). Please do not leave any items in the elevator area.

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

We would like to wish all August babies, a very happy birthday.

To the homebound and sick, we wish you a speedy recovery.

To all who have lost a loved one recently, we give our deepest condolences.

Have a great week.

—Jewel Crawford-Duncan

Twins, Westchester Broadway Theatre.

Price: $80. Down payment: $40 ASAP. Balance: $40, due Oct. 25, 2019. Contact: Marie Green-Ryan, 718-671-4949.

We accept checks payable to Retirees of Dreiser Loop, along with your name and telephone number. Committee members will be available in the Dreiser club room 19, 718-379-0377, on Mondays and/or Thursdays, 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Health and Welfare Our sincere sympathy to Lorraine Parker whose youngest daughter, Kim Parker, passed away recently. We are sending healing prayers and comforting hugs to you and your family. To members and friends on the mend, we hope that each new day bring you renewed strength. Call Josephine Flow-

ers, 718-320-0539, regarding illnesses and bereavements.

Mark your calendar, our next Jazz up Your Health With a Senior Spa Day will be in September, date to be determined. Call Claudette D. at 718-3794784 or Hattie L., 718-671-8449 if interested in joining us.

I hope you enjoy: “So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day, if I feel like it.”

Best Wishes to all for a safe funfilled summer!

—Claudette Davis

How is your summer going? Your association members have been involved with other groups, such as participating in their bus rides or other fund raisers.

We involved ourselves with the Section 5 Association for the Fun Day. We raffled book bags filled with school supplies. We also gave away spiral notebooks, pencils and pens, and tote bags from our assigned table.

All buildings in Section 5 had assigned tables, along with various vendors that gave away free products.

For all children, we had a bouncy house as well as face painting and balloon sculptures and free hot dogs, popcorn and ices were available for all. This is what some of your association members do in their off time, volunteer. Each

Section 5 president, Robert Hedgepeth, became ill and was taken to Einstein Hospital by ambulance from the basketball

Building 31 A/B Association

building donated equally toward this fun day to make this event successful, there are pictures to capture our day to share with everyone.

Our building association president and

court. We all wish him well and our prayers are with him and his family.

The A-side lobby remodel continues on schedule and we were told B-side will start this week. There is a lot going on in our building, so just be mindful of your surroundings even though there are supposed to be 24-hour lobby attendants. If you don’t see anyone, please contact security, the more cooperators that call the better the response.

We will be back with our monthly meetings in September with guest speakers and award our 2019 scholarship winner. Look for posting of exact time and date in the lobby.

We have had several neighbors who passed away within the last month. If you are aware of those families, please contact Auvril Anderson 718-379-0531. She is the association’s representative to send out condolences to the families.

—Marilyn McDaniel

Be Respectful of Your Neighbors

Please be aware that not all disabilities are visible, so be considerate and respectful of all members of the community.

AARP Chapter #4997

Co-op City Times / August 24, 2019

FYI Ellie Minor will be conducting an AARP Driver Safety Class Friday, Oct. 25, and Saturday, Oct. 26, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Classes will be held at the American Legion, room 41, 135 Einstein Loop, Bronx, N.Y. Cost: $20, AARP members; $25, non-members. Check or money order only, no cash. To register, call 718-379-4429.

Reminder Welcome Back Luncheon and Fashion Show scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 26, 2019, noon to 4 p.m. at Marina Del Rey. $90, transportation provided for a small charge. Contact Stella Baker, 718-379-2088, for tickets.

Heartfelt condolence to Lorraine Parker on the loss of her daughter, Kim Parker.

Get well wishes to Eloise Coleman.

Please contact our Good & Welfare coordinator, Frances Wilson, 718-6715493, if you have a family member who has passed or one of our members who is sick, in the hospital or in a nursing home.

2019 tour activities Sept. 17 to 19, 2019, Ride the Rails in West Virginia is cancelled. Contact Hannah, 718-379-7962.

Dec. 10, 2019, Miracle of Christmas at the Sight & Sound Theater with lunch at Golden Corral. Includes motor coach transportation. 11 a.m. show. $150, $40 non-refundable deposit due at sign-up. Contact Hannah, 718-379-7962, or Judith, 718-379-3370.

Attention When signing up for the above trips, please give your name, phone number and a deposit. Checks/money orders should be made payable to AARP Chapter 4997 with the name of the trip in the memo section. Room 0, Dreiser Community Center, is opened Monday or Thursday, noon to 3 p.m., for checks to be dropped off in an envelope w/group/trip leader name. They may also be mailed to the group/trip leader.

—Delores Debnam

Building 21 Association

Section 5 “Funday” was a blast!

We had a great time in the 5th Section as some call it. Last Saturday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., shareholders from all of the buildings that make up our beloved Section 5 came out to great summer weather to show us all a good time. We had frozen ices, hot dogs, popcorn, water face paintings, and performances galore.

Kudos to the Section 5 Association. Good job, guys and gals!

Better and better every day in every way All of us want a better Co-op City, and the best way to have that is to be informed and to take advantage of the infrastructure that protects and guides us. “We,” the people of Co-op City, have chosen to live here, in a cooperative community. We are not tenants; we are cooperators and shareholders. Co-op City is the best kept secret in New York, hands down. We must cooperate with each other in order to make and keep our community one of the best places to live in New York. How do we do that? Our intention is to answer that question in The Tank. Think Tank at Building 21 needs your input. Read on, and find out more…

Floor captains will make Co-op City work better…

All we ask of anyone kind enough to be a Floor Captain is as follows: 1. Contact numbers (for your floor only) List all emergency contact numbers and distribute to each neighbor 2. Co-op City Times Place them at each apartment door (Delivered on Saturdays) 3. Elevator notices Read them and talk to your neighbors about them 4. Promote: Meetings, clubs and gatherings 5. Encourage Your neighbors to: Vote – Vote – Vote! In the Riverbay election Make calls to the Riverbay offices Security — 718-671-3050 CSO offices — 718-320-3300 If you have any questions regarding the 21 Association, you have three ways of gaining information. Email: 21association@gmail.com. Call: 347.504.1821.

Attend the monthly meetings which are held every fourth Thursday in “The Gathering Room” in the rear of the B-section at 7 p.m. All monies collected (i.e., annual dues, etc.) are turned in to our treasurer and installed in the association’s bank account.

We are dedicated to the self-development and empowerment of every shareholder in Co-op City. We are passionate about the community in which we live, aren’t you? Come and join us at Building 21 sometime soon. Each one of us, multiplied by all of us, equals a force for good. See you around the neighborhood!

—Michelle Marbury

No Co-op City Times?

Call 347-439-5632 on Saturday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Co-op City Working Families Party

23

See you in September Co-op City Working Families/Indivisible group will be tabling at the Section 5 Community Fair on Saturday, September 7. Calling all Co-op City Progressives to come on by and say hi. We meet monthly in the Einstein Community Center on third Tuesdays. Watch this space for details.

Summer break Want to reach out to an elected official? In the summer, these three tend to reach right back. In fact, you’ll probably see all three at the above mentioned Section 5 Community Fair on Saturday, September 7. It’s “The 2nd Biggest Fair in the Bronx” so you might have to endure a ton of fun before you reach the WFP table!

NYC District 12 Council Member Andy L. King; Andy.King@council.nyc.gov; 135 Einstein Loop, room 44, Bronx, NY 10475; (718) 684-5509 State Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, benedettom@nyassembly.gov; 177 Dreiser Loop, rm. 12, Bronx, NY 10475; (718) 320-2220, 718-892-2235, 518-4555296 State Sen. Jamaal Bailey, bailey@nysenate.gov; 959 East 233rd St., Bronx, NY 10466-3207; (718) 547-8854 The Co-op City Working Families Mission As progressives, Co-op City Working Families members work to elect the most progressive candidates possible who will stand in the way of all regressive legislation.

As a civic action group, Co-op City Indivisible (an aspiring Co-op City certified community organization) promotes progressive causes.

As Co-op City WF/Indivisible members, we do both. We embrace progressive values by modeling inclusion, respect, and fairness in all of our actions; we work to make Co-op City a stronger community; and we insist our representatives serve as our voice in Co-op City, in the Bronx, in Albany, and in Washington, D.C. In these divisive times it is of the greatest importance to maintain a progressive point of view. In essence, the mission of Working Families/Indivisible Co-op City is to promote tolerance and end second-class citizenship. Become a warrior for justice and equality. That’s what this group stands for. Stand with this group.

Remember, you don’t have to have a family or a job to join Working Families, you can be single or retired and still join the Co-op City Working Families Party.

All progressives are welcome. Feel free to text 718-219-2211, or email mpjazz @optonline.net anytime at all.

—Mary Pearson

Building 6 Association

Today we are having a bake sale in our lobby from noon to 3 p.m. We are selling cakes and cupcakes and water and cookies. Looking for donations for this event; cakes or cupcakes or muffins or cookies. Please support your Building 6 Association.

Let’s make it enjoyable and safe and looking good, we will have new elevators in our building and new washing machines. We have to make our building look good to live in, we have the best lobby attendant in Andy Soto. Let’s keep making this building great. Hope to see everyone at our bake sale today at noon. We going to have building meeting in our building association in Sept.

—Jeffrey Schwartz

A Message from the C.S.O. Dept:

Hammering after 6 p.m., vacuuming after 9 p.m., music or TVs played very loudly at any hour, doors slamming constantly at all hours... these are just a few examples of what can disturb the peace of fellow cooperators. Please, let’s work together to make Co-op City a peaceful community.

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Family of God Church

Co-op City Times / August 24, 2019

A message of empowerment from our pastor: Live in goodness.

The Greek word for goodness is agathosune. Agathosune, at first glance, seems very similar to chrestotes, the word for kindness. However, closer examination of its use in the scriptures reveals a word indicating zealous activity in doing good.

Kindness or gentleness is more passive. Goodness is about uprightness of heart and life. Pray today God will not only make you kind but good. Everybody that acts in kindness does live in goodness. However, when you live in goodness, you will act in kindness. God has not called us to be perfect people but has called us to be good people. God is good all the time! Today join God by being determined to be good by the power of the Holy Spirit within.

Proverbs 13:22 (NKJV) says, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.”

Family updates for this week: Join our gathering for Back-to-School Sunday, Sept. 8. Backpacks and school supplies will be given to children and youth.

We are looking for your presence as we celebrate Back-to-Church Sunday and Family and Friends Day on Sunday, Sept. 22, at 12:15 p.m. Bring your family and friends and join us in Dreiser community room 4.

We now offer special activities for children each Sunday during our services.

Sign in your children up at our safe space for them and then come worship with us.

If you are a young man or have a young man ages 9 and 12 or 13 and 17, personally sign up or sign your son up for our new Co-op City group for boys and young men called Young Bros. We will meet one to two times a month for: sports, trips, food, cooking, cultural outings, chess, gaming, art, music and socials.

Our Family of God is growing! There is still room for you. Remember, we are offering special Charter Member status to all who join us within our first six months.

—Pastor DeQuincy Hentz

Poem

Keeping her love by Frank Mayes

To all young men whose secret love has yet to come their way, I offer you these simple rules to keep her yours to stay.

Keeping her love that is the story, living your dreams all through the years, having that someone to be there for you through happiness and tears. Kiss her tears away, never leave her feeling blue, remind her in some little way each day the things she means to you. Hold her in your arms, shield her from the winter’s cold, tell her that she’s lovelier each day when she is growing old. Keep her high on a pedestal and never let her fall, just love her until the end of time – the lady will be yours.

Be there when she calls, always be her special friend. Remember all the days that she holds dear, don’t let the memories end. Be her guiding light, lead her through the darkest night, be at her side on dark and cloudy days and when the sun shines bright. Keep her high on a pedestal and never let her fall. Just love her until the end of time – the lady will be yours.

Evangelical UM Church of Co-op City Open doors, open hearts and open minds

Come and visit us You’re always welcome in God’s House, your house! We are a Bible centered congregation with spirit-filled worship, offering a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship and service to God and our community. We are a multiethnic, multi-cultural and bilingual congregation, all are welcome. Services are held at 2350 Palmer Ave., across from Building 30. Parking is available. Our Pastor is Rev. Arnaldo Sánchez-Orta. Telephone: 718-320-3795; Email: coopcityevangelicalumc@gmail.com.

Schedule for Sundays – Come and receive a blessing Sunday, Sept. 1 and Sept. 8, will be bilingual services from 10 a.m. to noon.

Holy Communion will be during homecoming service on Sept. 8.

English service: 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.; Spanish service: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; bilingual service: First Sunday of each month, 10a.m. to noon. Children’s Sunday School: 9:45 a.m., bring your children, they will have a great time while learning God’s word. Adult Sunday Bible study: English, 8:45 a.m.; Spanish, 10 a.m.

English prayer/Bible study night & Spanish prayer/Bible study afternoon Monday evening Bible study: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Tuesday Spanish prayer/Bible study: 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.; Tuesday English prayer service: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Young adults Bible study: Tuesday 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Come let’s pray together.

“Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.” –2 Chronicles 6:40 (NIV) Friday Night is Fun Night for the Youth, ages 13 to 21, 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Out for summer break, will resume in September.

Food Pantry Food Pantry distribution center at our church is now open. We are registering and distributing food Thursdays noon to 2 p.m. Those registering must present one of the following government issued up-to-date ID’s showing a 10475 zip code: Driver, non-driver, or NYC ID. Anyone 18 years of age or older can register. Only one participant per household may register.

Health Fair Community Health Fair is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 24, at Boller Avenue, between Hunter Street Stillwell Avenue, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be health/insurance information and children activities. Come out with your family and join us for an informative, fun filled day.

Free basic computer classes We are currently registering for classes starting mid-September, classes will be held on Saturdays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. To register, call 718-320-3795. If no answer, leave a detailed message with name and telephone number and someone will get back to you.

Flea market Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rain date: Saturday, Sept. 28. Vendors wanted: Registration, space and chair, $35. Additional chair, $5. For application, contact: Pauline, 718-320-1552; Jackie, 361-249-7033; church, (718) 3203795; if no answer, leave a detailed message and someone will get back to you.

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

–John 13:35 (NIV) —Marilyn Méndez-González

Family Owned and Operated

• Large Chapel on premises

• Pre-need counseling

• Ample Parking on premises

• Out of town services

• Casket Showroom on premises

• Cremations

All areas are handicapped accessible A dignified funeral every family can afford.

Personalized & Professional Care • 53 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

Co-op City Times / August 24, 2019

On behalf of our pastor, Rev. 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, N.Y. 10469. Telephone: 718-862-9172.

Summer church schedule Dress-down attire, July 7 to Sept. 1 Adult Sunday school — 9 a.m.

Worship service — 10 a.m.

Communion service — every first and third Sunday The following program is at the church’s annex: 2053 Asch Loop North. The neighborhood Bible study is suspended for the summer. It will resume, Thursday, Sept. 5 at 10 a.m.

Worship service begins at 10 a.m. during the summer. Everyone is invited to come and be a part of this special moment set aside each Sunday morning to be in the presence of God. We will be delighted to blend our spirits with yours as we bend both body and soul

Community Protestant Church before our heavenly father. We encourage you to spend time with God, and if it be His will, with us at community protestant.

Other scheduled events Sunday, Sept. 22, at 3:30 p.m., please join us for our annual celebration of the hospitality and missionary ministries anniversary.

Sunday, Oct. 6, at 11 a.m., observance of all clubs day, honoring some of the organizations of our church.

On these special occasions of the organizations we are celebrating, we extend our prayers and thanks for their continued loyal support of our church. All are welcome.

Saturday, Oct. 5, the missionary ministry sponsors a positively inspiring gospel lunch cruise, departing from Chelsea Pier from noon to 2 p.m. Featuring live gospel entertainment by the New York Gospel Choir, a live DJ and dancing, fresh buffet lunch, onboard games and outdoor observation deck. Bus departs Com-

Newsong Church Dynamic Faith

18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”

Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.

19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

20 You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless[d]? 21 Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,”[e] and he was called God’s friend. 24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.

25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. –James 2:18-26 (NIV) Last week we looked at the characteristics of “dead faith.” Once when my wife (Pastor Cyndie) was teaching about faith, she said, “Faith is a belief in something that has a corresponding action that brings about change.” In other words, our faith in Jesus will bring about a change in us that others around us will see. James gives us three characteristics of a dynamic faith Dynamic faith Steps Out James tells us that Abraham’s faith and actions were working together, he had to step out and believe God. Eventually every follower of Jesus, will have to step out and believe God! The temple is having services for the High Holidays this year in the Dreiser Community Center.

We look forward to seeing you, and please bring your friends. Your support is rewarding as we keep Judaism alive in Co-op City. Hear the sound of the Shofar. Bring in the new year 5780/2019. The High Holidays, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, are just around the corner, and you are invited to worship with us.

Services are as follows.

Rosh Hashanah Evening Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, 8 p.m., Dreiser, room 1 Morning Monday Sept. 30, 2019, 10:30 a.m., Dreiser, room 1

25 munity Protestant Church at 9 a.m. And the CPC annex in Co-op City at 9:15 a.m., sharp. Donation: $94, $50 deposit due immediately; $44 balance due by Sept. 15.

For additional information, contact Julia Nicholson at 917-836-9701 or Sarita Tidball at the church, 718-8629172.

Saturday, Oct. 19, at 3 p.m., at the church, the trustees’ ministry sponsors a gospel extravaganza, featuring Bishop Mary Freeman, Rev. Dr. Lois Giles, Rev. Audrey Jones and Sister Keisha Washington, with Renewed in Christ and the Angels in Christ liturgical dance ministry. Brother Troy Murray, worship leader. Donation, $25 in advance; $30 at the door.

The doors of Community Protestant Church are open to all to worship and share 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

Dynamic faith Speaks Out Rahab spoke out for the Israelite spies and she also spoke out on behalf of her family believing and trusting in the mercy of God. (Joshua 2) A faith that’s alive inside of us will come out of us when we speak!

Dynamic faith Works Out James finishes his teaching by reemphasizing that a faith that doesn’t work out into action is dead. The Apostle Paul said…—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. –Philippians 2:12b-13 (NIV) We don’t do good works to be saved…But because we’re saved we do good works!

Our teaching series, “The Book of James; A Blueprint for Making Faith Work,” continues this Sunday. Join us!

Newsong Church is located at 135 Einstein Loop in room 45. Discounted parking is available in parking garage 7 & 8. Kidsong Church (Nursery to 6th Grade) is available every Sunday!

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

—Pastor Mike Tolone

Chavurah Temple Beth El

Yom Kippur Kol Nidre Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2019, 7:30 p.m., Dreiser, room 1 Yom Kippur Day Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019, Dreiser, room 1 Morning Service, 10 a.m. Dreiser, room 1 Public Yiskor, 1 p.m., Dreiser, room 1 Public Yiskor, 2:30 p.m., Dreiser, room 1 Mincha and Neliah, 4 p.m., Dreiser, room 1 All services are to be held in Dreiser, room 1.

There is no charge for tickets for all services. Just come.

Tickets will be mailed out to all our members, along with the form for names to be read or added on our Yartzeit list.

If you have names you wish to have read, please

fill out the form and mail it back.

Please come and worship with us, as many of you have done in the past.

On Yom Kippur, we will read the list of the departed loved ones who are dear to your hearts, and are on our temple Yartzeit list, and the names of those that have also been given to us.

For further information, please email Rabbi Dennis Tobin at RabbiDennisTobin@aol.com or call him at 973-769-3915.

We look forward to beginning the year of 5779 with you and your families.

—Rabbi Dennis Tobin

Co-op City Times / August 24, 2019

Bartow

Einstein

Room 31 unless otherwise noted

Room 49 unless otherwise noted

Tues., Aug. 27

Health & Wellness Support Group On Vac until Sept. 10

Blood Pressure On Vac until Sept. 11 Games 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Stay Well Exercise On Vac until Sept. 4 Line Dancing On Vac until Sept. 4 Card Games 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Dominoes 2:30 p.m.

NORC Computer Class Bartow main office 11:15 a.m. -12:15 p.m.

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

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

Body in Motion w/Ola 10 a.m.–11 a.m.

Spanish Practice Class 10:30 a.m., Computer Lab Zumba 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., rm. 4 Arts w/Becky 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

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

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

Crochet & Knitting 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Spanish Class 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., JASA main office Dancercise w/Damion 1 - 2 p.m., JASA main office Card Games 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Fri., Aug. 30

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

Walking Club 10:30 a.m.

Caregiver Support Group 1:30 p.m., 1st & 3rd Tues.

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

Wed., Aug. 28

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

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

Health & Wellness Support Group On Vac until Sept. 9 YOGA w/Peggy 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

JASA main office Arthritis Exercises 11 a.m. - noon Card Games 2-4 p.m.

Dominos 2:30 p.m.

MENU

Dreiser

Room 7 unless otherwise noted Crochet & Knitting 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

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

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session Dominos 10 a.m., rm. 45 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Line Dancing 10-11 a.m., rm. 45 Stay Well Exercise will return Sept. 9 Around The Lunch Table 11:30 a.m. Basic Cell Phone & iPad training 11 a.m.

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

Mind Teasers 12 p.m. - 1 p.m., rm. 4 Bingo 1 p.m. - 3 p.m., rm. 35 Diabetes Support Group 1 p.m. – Last Diabetes Support Group 2nd Monday of the month Monday, 1 p.m.

Bereavement Counseling 1 p.m., rm. 8 Computer Class for Beg., 9:30 a.m., Gentle Yoga 1:15 p.m. - 2 p.m., rm. 2 Int., 10:30 a.m. & Adv., 11:30 a.m. Intermediate Yoga 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Thu., Aug. 29

Mon., Aug. 26

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Dominoes 10 a.m., rm. 45

Karaoke by Steven 1 p.m., rm. 45

Dominoes 10 a.m., rm. 45 Grandparent Connection Meeting & Exercise class 1st Thurs., rm. 40, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

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

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

Karaoke by Steven 1 p.m., rm. 45 Arts w/Becky 10 a.m.-12 p.m., rm. 49 Men’s Line Dancing 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. Dominoes 10 a.m., rm. 45 Word Games 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Art 10 a.m., rm. 45 Bingo 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Women’s Line Dancing 10 a.m. Pokeno 2-4 p.m., rm. 35 11:30 a.m.

Blood Pressure 2nd & 4th Fri., 10 Chat Session 10 a.m. a.m. - 11:30 a.m., rm. 45 Piano Sing-along 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Free Oil Painting Classes 10 a.m. – Card Games 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

11:30 a.m., rm. 38

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

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

JASA welcomes everyone age 60 and older! Payments for trips can be made at all three centers. Trip registration policy: there will be no refunds for all trips. All trips include roundtrip transportation! All trips must be paid in advance. JASA will not accept checks under $5.

In order to participate in any JASA Senior Activities or go on any Senior trips you must be a member of JASA. You may pick up an application in the main office at any of the three senior centers.

(FREE) LiveOn NY- SCRIE/SNAP (Food Stamps) Assistance – Fri., Sept. 13th & Sept. 27, Oct. 11th & 25th 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. - JASA Main Office 2049, Bartow Ave. - No appointments! Walk-ins! First come!

First served! Please make copies of your documents before coming to the office.

Social Worker (Royvi) will be on staff on Tuesday’s at the Bartow Senior Center - rm. 31 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. - Walk-ins! First come! First served!

Social Worker (Royvi) will be on staff at the Dreiser Senior Center - rm. 7 on Tuesday’s 1 – 4 p.m. Walk-ins! First come! First served!

Dreiser Back to School Supplies Drive has begun thru Sept. 2 – rm 7 - 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Please drop off notebooks, pencils, sharpeners, binders, lined writing paper, erasers, crayons, pens, construction paper, pocket folders, staplers, calculators, rulers, hand sanitizer, tissue napkins, etc. All donations go to local family shelter Mary’s Pool–$3 – Fri., Aug. 30th, Fri., Sept. 6th - Pool aerobics for seniors – 10 a.m. –12 p.m. Bartow

Alternate Kosher Meals are also available

Kosher

Non-Kosher

Juice Chef salad Cubed turkey salad Whole wheat bread Pasta salad Fresh fruit Alt: Tuna salad

BBQ chicken leg quarters Baked macaroni & cheese Braised collard greens

Juice Sesame chicken Lo Mein Oriental blend vegetables Whole wheat bread Sorbet Alt: Baked breaded fish Juice Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session Stuffed cabbage 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. w/beef Sewing 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Mashed potatoes Steamed green (New) Tai Chi 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., beans rm. 10, until Aug. 28 Whole wheat bread Art Class 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Fresh Fruit Yoga 2 p.m. - 3 p.m., rm. 2 Alt: Tuna salad Juice Moroccan Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session, salmon 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Cous cous Blood Pressure 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Brown rice 1st & 3rd, rm. 8 Steamed carrots Line Dancing, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m., Aud. A Whole Wheat bread Piano Sing Along 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Fresh Fruit Drama Class On Vac until Sept. 12 Alt: Egg salad Crochet & Knitting 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Juice Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session Apricot glazed 9:30 a.m. - 10 a.m., 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. chicken Meditative Moments On Vac until Sept. 13 Baked sweet potato Purple Life Trail Fitness – 11 a.m. Greenway Vegetable medley Pokeno 3rd Fri., 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Fresh Fruit Bingo rm. 7, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Yoga w/Peggy 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., rm. 2 Alt: Gefilte fish Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Alert & Alive On Vac until Sept. 10 Cultural Dance 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., Aud. B Computer Class 11 a.m.–12 p.m.

Mind Teasers 12 p.m. -1 p.m., rm. 4 Zumba 1 p.m. - 2 p.m., Aud. A Matinee 1 p.m.

New: Social Worker, Royvi 1 - 4 p.m.

Baked tilapia Rice Pilaf Broccoli & red peppers

Stewed pork chops Green bean sautéed Instant mashed potatoes

Spanish style baked chicken Yellow rice Carrots

Cod Fillet O’ fish sandwich Roasted sweet potato fries Baby spinach

Fee for lunch is $2.00 & $5.00 for guest

*Menu subject to change without notice.

Alternate Kosher Meals are also available Bartow Center (929) 399-1394 Dreiser Center (718) 320-1345 • Einstein Center (718) 671-5161

ALL meals served w/margarine and fresh milk

Upcoming Events/Trips

- 8:30 a.m., Einstein - 8:45 a.m. & Dreiser – 9 a.m.

(FREE) Tai-Chi for Arthritis class will start on Tues., Sept. 3 — 2049 Bartow Ave., rm. 31 from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.. The class is for 16 weeks. Seniors will have to register for this workshop at the JASA main office 718-320-2066 - 20 slots available.

Stew Leonard’s – Wed., Sept. 4th - $6 - Bartow 9:30 a.m. - Einstein – 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser - 10 a.m.

Walmart –Thurs., Sept. 5th - $15 – Bartow - 8:30 a.m. – Einstein - 8:45 a.m. and Dreiser 9 a.m.

Fairway/BJ’s – Fri., Sept. 6th - $4 - Bartow - 9:30 a.m. - Einstein – 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser - 10 a.m.

Shoprite New Rochelle – Mon., Sept. 9th - $4 Bartow - 9:30 a.m. - Einstein – 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser 10 a.m.

Target – Throggsneck Mall – Mon., Sept. 9th $3 - Bartow - 9:30 a.m. - Einstein – 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser - 10 a.m.

Empire Casino – Tues., Sept. 10th - $5 - Bartow 9 a.m. - Einstein – 9:15 a.m. & Dreiser – 9:30 a.m.

Aldi – Wed., Sept. 11th - $3 - Bartow - 9:30 a.m.

- Einstein – 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser - 10 a.m.

Join us for a Spectacular Lake George Steam Boat Cruise w/buffet luncheon & live entertainment, also, shopping at the Lake George Outlets – Thurs., Sept. 12 - $110 per person – Coach bus Pickups: Dreiser 6:30 a.m. – Bartow (Asch Loop) – 6:45 a.m. & Einstein 7 a.m. - 50 seats available – Payment deadline Fri., Aug. 30th – CASH ONLY!! – No Refunds Walmart –Thurs., Sept. 12th - $15 – Bartow - 8:30

a.m. – Einstein - 8:45 a.m. and Dreiser 9 a.m.

Costco – Fri., Sept. 13th - $5 - Bartow - 9:30 a.m.

- Einstein – 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser - 10 a.m.

Jersey Garden Outlet Mall (The Mills) Thurs., Sept. 12th - $15 – Bartow - 8:30 a.m., Einstein – 8:45 a.m. & Dreiser 9 a.m.

Apple Picking - OCHS Orchard, Warwick, NY – Wed., Sept. 25th - $25 – Apples are sold per bag – Lunch will be provided – Pickups: Bartow – 8 a.m., Einstein – 8:15 a.m. & Dreiser – 8:30 a.m. – 50 seats available – Payment deadline Fri., Aug. 30th - No Refunds Red Cross Emergency Preparedness Presentation Fri., Oct. 18th from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the JASA NORC Main office – Refreshments & giveaways – 40 seats available. Please call 718-320-2066 to register.

Ain’t Too Proud Musical – The life and times of the Temptations at the Imperial Theater – Fri., Dec. 11th – $160 - 2 p.m. matinee – Far side front orchestra seats - LUNCH NOT INCLUDED! – Pickups: Bartow – 12 p.m. Dreiser – 12:15 p.m. & Einstein – 12:30 p.m.

– 20 seats available – Payment deadline Mon., Nov. 11th – NO REFUNDS! Sight & Sound Theatre – Thurs., Dec. 5th - $150 – See the Miracle of Christmas w/center stage seating - Enjoy a Penn Dutch luncheon at Good N Plenty – Bartow – 9 a.m. – Dreiser – 9:15 a.m. & Einstein – 9:30 a.m. – Deluxe Motor Coach Bus - Depart destination 5:30 p.m. –Payment deadline Fri., Nov. 8th – NO REFUNDS! – Only 50 seats available

27

Co-op City Times / August 24, 2019 “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36 Word for the week It is God’s desire every bondage in your life be broken so you are free to be all you can be in Him. If you will allow it, God will break every fetter and set you free.

But you must yield to that spiritual work and let go of ungodly obsessions and everything that causes you to be disobedient. Be faithful.

Senior pastor, Presiding Elder Boyce Landrum, Pastor Carol Landrum and the Greater Love family invite you, friends and family to worship with us Sunday mornings at 11:30 a.m. Greater Love Refuge Ministries is a multigenerational, teaching, preaching faith and Bible way

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 9 a.m. for worship service. We invite you to worship, study, and pray with us.

Please note during the summer, there will be one worship wervice on Sunday at 9 a.m. Summer hours will remain through Sunday, Sept. 8.

The Co-op City Baptist Church is located at 135 Einstein Loop, lower level, room 50. Our telephone number is 718-320-3774. Visit us on the web at www.coopcity baptistchurch.org.

Wednesday Noon Day Service and all Bible classes are on hiatus for the summer and will return in September.

All Prayer Services are also on hiatus for the summer and will return in September. Sunday school for children and adults is also suspended for the summer and will resume on Sunday, Sept. 15, at 9:15 a.m.

On Sunday, Sept. 8, we will celebrate Family and Friends Day Service at 9 a.m. All are invited to join us.

Sunday, Sept. 8, is National Grandparents Day. Yes, Grandparents Day is a national holiday. The United States Congress passed legislation proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day. The proclamation was signed by President Jimmy Carter on Aug. 3, 1978.

September was chosen to signify the “Autumn” Years of Life.” The official flower for Grandparents Day is the “Forget Me Not” flower.

There are three purposes for National Grandparents Day: 1. To honor grandparents.

2. To give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children.

3. To help children become aware of the strength, information and guidance older people can offer.

Remember to reach out to your grandparents on Grandparents Day. Join the Scholarship Ministry on a trip to Mount Rushmore, the Badlands and Black Hills of South Dakota on July 17, 2020. The trip includes motor coach transportation, 10 nights lodging, 18 meals, visits to the spectacular Badlands National Park, to the Mount Rushmore National Memorial and much more. A $100.00 nonrefundable deposit is due on or before Oct. 27, 2019. For reservations or additional information, call 718-379-0541, 718-671-1271, 718-671-1918 or 917-612-1245.

NYPD invites you to a discussion of the public safety challenges in our neighborhood on Thursday, Aug. 29, at 1:30 p.m. Doors will open at 1 p.m., meeting will be held at Dreiser Community Center located at 177 Dreiser Loop, room 1. Come meet our Neighborhood Coordination Officiers as they collaborate with Co-op City residents in identifying and solving local quality of life conditions and crime concerns.

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

Greater Love Church

church with an old-school flavor and a new-school feel.

The SWAG Youth Church/morning worship is held on the first, third and fifth Sunday. Interactive Bible school for children and adults is held Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. We are conveniently located at 900 Co-op City Blvd., Building 2A on the ground level, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. Parking vouchers are available at the church. Our telephone number is 347-920-5607.

Just a reminder All weekly classes/meetings are in recess for the month of August.

Back-to-school drive We are collecting back-to-school supplies now thru Sept. 6. If you care to donate supplies to distribute to children in need, kindly call the church to arrange a convenient drip-off/pick-up time.

Christian prayer line All are invited to join our weekly prayer line Wednesday afternoon from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursday night from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. The dial-in number is 712-

775-7031 and the access code is 578165132# Two Fish and Five Loaves food pantry & prayer station — will reopen Saturday, Aug. 31, from 10 a.m. to noon. Donations from our community are welcome and will go a long way toward helping families in need. We appreciate your continued support.

The following classes resume in September: MOSAIC Women’s Ministry: Bible study – Saturday, Sept. 7, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Bible institute: A Survey of the Bible: Resumes Tuesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 10.

Discipleship/Bible study: Building your life in Christ: Resumes Thursday, Sept. 12, 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., bi-weekly.

New York State Chaplains Task Force Certification Program begins Thursday, Sept. 19, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Greater Love church is a host site only. For more information, please contact Rev. Chaplain Kim Osorio, program instructor, at 646-265-2173.

—Pastor Carol Landrum

Four Ethics Charges Confront Bronx Councilman Andy King

On Wednesday, Aug. 21, the New York City Council’s Standards and Ethics committee formally charged Council member Andy King of “retaliation, harassment, disorderly conduct and conflict-ofinterest violations.”

According to committee chair, Council member Steven Matteo, “Between 2015 and 2019, Council Member King either engaged in, encouraged, permitted, condoned or failed to prevent conduct that violated certain laws of the city as well as the rules and policies of the council.”

A “closed-door” hearing on the charges will be held on September 10.

Last year, Councilman King underwent sensitivity and ethics training following previous sexual harassment accusations by a female staff member.

Several new claims of harassment among other allegations against the councilman were announced at a New York City Council ethics committee meeting in May of this year.

According to news reports, the charges stem from a “preliminary inquiry” and range from new claims of sexual harassment, “misuse of city resources,” violating rules of nepotism involving the councilman’s wife, who, allegedly, was allowed “to perform Council business,” and “permitted to engage in harassment of a council employee.”

If found guilty of violating ethics rules, Councilman King could face disciplinary action.

A request for comment from Council member King’s office was not returned by press time.

BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND

Scheduling Activities Calendar

28

Co-op City Times / August 24, 2019

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church

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

Weekly schedule Sunday service with Holy Communion and Sunday school are both at 9 a.m. Every fourth Sunday, our children participate in the reading of the lessons, and every fifth Sunday, our young adults assist in the service.

We look forward to welcoming you to church tomorrow, Sunday, Aug. 25, at 9 a.m. when we will celebrate The Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost. Father Simeon Johnson, our supply priest, will be the preacher and celebrant.

Summer break Except for the Finance Committee, the Vestry and all other groups will be on break for the month of August. Please keep cool and have a wonderful summer!

Upcoming fundraising events Our next bus trip is planned for Saturday, Sept. 7, to the Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Trip includes Penn Dutch sampler luncheon at Good & Plenty, tour of Amish farmlands, time at farmer’s market, and shopping at Tanger Outlets with discount booklets. This trip is sold out and all balances are due now. The bus leaves from Dreiser Loop in front of the rehab center at 7:30 a.m. Stay tuned for other upcoming events.

General Information To those celebrating birthdays during the month of August, we wish you all a happy birthday and best wishes for many more.

To the sick and shut-in, we have you in our prayers and wish you a speedy recovery.

There is still time to submit your 2019 pledge cards and you are encouraged to complete and submit them as soon as possible.

Outreach program Our church supports the feeding program at Grace Episcopal Church in West Farms. This program is in desperate need of food. At St. Joseph’s, we collect non-perishable food items on an ongoing basis. Please remember to donate.

For additional information on all of the above, please call the church at 718-320-0844, or visit our website: stjosephsepcbronx.org for more information relating to St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church, Co-op City, Bronx, New York.

“The Lord is full of compassion and mercy, slow to anger and of great kindness.” —Psalm 103:8 —Merville Chambers

Church of God’s Children

Church of God’s Children, located at 127 Dreiser Loop, patio level, and Bishops Angelo & Nancy Rosario invite you with open arms to visit our church or one of the many houses of worship in Co-op City.

Community: After School Registration at Ms. Melinda’s Garden is still open. Free registration until 8/23/19. Email: msmelindasgarden@gmail.com, or call 718-671-7265.

COGC Schedule Monday: Bible Study & Prayer, 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday: Prayer in Sanctuary at 6:30 p.m.

Bishop Rosario’s 75th birthday celebration and fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Foundation on 9/27/19 at the Eastwood Manor, 7 p.m. $100 per person. Mail checks to Bronx Clergy Task Force, 159 Dreiser Loop, Bx, NY 10475. Put a smile on a child’s face. For additional info., email bxctf@aol.com or call 718-7909120.

Trip To Israel: Dec. 9-16 – all inclusive. For pricing and information inbox on FB messenger, email bxctf@aol.com. Read Romans 8:1-4 Some believers are plagued by feelings of condemnation. They either think they will never live up to God’s expectations of them or they are drowning in guilt over past sins. They cannot seem to shake the sense that God is displeased with their meager efforts at being Christlike. The book of Romans confronts this lie head-on: There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. When the Savior went to the cross on our behalf, He lifted the blame off our shoulders and made us righteous before God. Those feelings of condemnation do not belong to us; they are from Satan. He amplified our guilt and feelings of inefficiency and leads us to believe that’s how Lord feels about His “wayward child.” Not True. Our sins have been wiped clean, and we are chosen and loved by God. Condemnation is for those who Reject the Lord (John 3:36). Anyone who chooses to cling to sin instead of seeking divine forgiveness must pay the penalty, which is an eternity separated from God. There is no condemnation for those who receive Jesus Christ as their Savior. The believer’s penalty for sin is paid, and he can stand blameless before God. Trust in the Lord’s love and let go of Satan’s lie(s). You, as a child of

God are covered by His Grace and the sacrifice of Jesus the Christ of Nazareth. The church is for repented sinners of which we are all. God bless you.

Peace to our nation. email: cogcministries@aol.com; call 718-790-9120.

—Bishop Nancy Rosario

Please Refrain From Littering.

Keep Co-op City Clean!

Thank You!

Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City

General information The Traditional Synagogue is located in Section 5, 120 Erdman Place in the rear lobby of Building 27B. It is handicap accessible, no steps. Phone: 718-3796920. Office hours are Thursday and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. Please call the office before you attempt to come over. If no one is in the office, please leave a message.

Holiday information and schedule to follow soon.

The synagogue has services on Saturday morning starting at 9 a.m. After services, we always have a kiddush.

The synagogue has a Facebook page: Traditional Synagogue.

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

The synagogue needs men to help make a minyan.

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

The Traditional Synagogue is the only synagogue in Co-op City.

Sabbath ends on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, at 8:32 p.m.

Candle lighting for Friday, Aug. 30, 2019, 7:11 p.m.

Good and Welfare We sell tree certificates in honor or memory of a loved one. The cost is only $15 per tree.

Mazel tov, to all having simchas.

If you’re ill, wishing you good health.

If you asked the rabbi to say prayers for a sick person, you should make your donation to the synagogue.

To all members: Happy birthday to all members who will celebrate in August: Barbara Rose, Howard Schwartz, Steven Schwartz, Michael Schweiger and Fern Brandt.

For those members celebrating their birthday/anniversary in August, please send me your names and I will add them to the list.

Fun and games After services and kiddush, some men and women play Rummikub.

Your support for the Traditional Synagogue is greatly appreciated.

Wishing all our members and friends peace and good health.

—Bruce Gitelson

Pentecostal Tabernacle

Co-op City Times / August 24, 2019

Open Door Ministries

29

Reconstruction through resurrection Pentecostal Tabernacle is located at 100 Co-op City Blvd., Building 22A, Bronx, NY 10475 Full sermon on the Open Door Ministries YouTube channel You are invited to attend services on the following days.

Genesis 32:9 Then Jacob prayed, “O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, LORD, you who Sunday school for all age group begins at 10:30 a.m. said to me, ‘Go back to your country and your relatives, and I will make you prosper,’ 10 I am unworthy of Worship service starts at 11:45 a.m. all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. 11 Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Wednesdays: Prayer and fasting service will be held Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me, and also the mothers with their children. at 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Jacob said this when he pondered God’s goodness despite his own sin and shame: Unlike some who seem Bible study and prayer meeting will be held Wednesday have it all together, Jacob knew that all he brought to God was ruined by sin. He knew he was undeserving to evening at 7:30 p.m. of God’s grace. But his hope lay not in his worth but in the promise of God to look with favor on those who Fridays: Youth service starts at 7:30 p.m. throw themselves on His mercy.

Focus: Jesus Promises Us A Blessed Life If We Put 24 So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. 25 When the man saw that he could Him First.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his rightnot overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip and it was wrenched as he wrestled with the eousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. man. 26 Then he said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you Matthew 6:33 bless me.” 27 The man asked him, “What is your name?” “Jacob.” 28 The man said, “Your name will no Matthew 6.19-28 longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.”

19. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, 1 - Throw yourself on the mercy of God: Let go of the reigns of your life and let God take charge of you. where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves Jacob: I am not worthy; Deliver me! break through and steal: Jesus: Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit.

20. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where 2 - Allow God to break you down so that he can reconstruct you - When you fight with God you will get neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do the best beating of your life; you will come out with part of you broken and the way you walk will be changed not break through nor steal: forever.

21. For where your treasure is there will your heart be 3 - Let God choose your new name: also.

22. The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine Jacob: Name changed to; a Prince with God, Contender with God. eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

Jesus: Name changed to; the faithful witness; the firstborn from the dead; the ruler of the kings of the earth; 23. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be the Alpha and the Omega; who is, and who was, and who is to come; the Almighty. full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be 4 - Glorify God in your resurrected life: darkness, how great is that darkness!

Jacob: Father of the twelve tribes of Israel.

24. No man can serve two master; for either he will Jesus: Hebrews 7:24-26 Because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore, he is able hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. the one, and despise the other, Ye cannot serve God and Sunday services are at 11 a.m. in Bartow Community Center, room 28. mammon.

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

25. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your —Pastor Luis Ramos life, what he shall eat, or what he shall drink; nor yet for your body, what he shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

26. Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your Heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

27. Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

28. And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: Invest Your Treasures in God’s Kingdom The message of Matthew 6:25-32 is clear do not be greedy and do not worry. In verse 33. Jesus told us what to do: “ Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness: and all these things shall be added unto you.” In one short sentence, Jesus prescribed the cure to end greed and anxiety. We simply need to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. What does that statement mean? It means we seek to promote the kingdom of God in this fallen world before we seek to promote ourselves. We invest our treasures, our time, and our talents in the kingdom of God. When we invest our treasures in the kingdom of God, He promise to bless us in return For further information, call Rev. R. Sibblies, (718) 324-0334 or (718) 320-4218.

—Rev. R. Sibblies

Faith in God Church & Bible Institute

Pastor and evangelist Vernon Little greets everyone in the name of Jesus, that name which is above every name. I want you to know you are welcome in this house of the Lord! It is His house by ownership; it is our house by stewardship; and it can be your house by membership, so come on in and join with us. May God bless you in this house!

We need to follow God when we face challenges in life, and when we’re enjoying good times as well. Let’s look at scripture to support this. Hebrews 6:9 - 12 says: 9 Dear friends, even though we are talking this way, we really don’t believe it applies to you. We are confident that you are meant for better things, things that come with salvation.

10 For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, [a] as you still do.

11 Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true.

12 Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance.

Invitation Sweet hour of prayer is today at 3 p.m. Sunday school is tomorrow at 10 a.m. Our Sunday morning worship service is at 11 a.m. We have clothing items available that were donated to the church. If interested in picking some up, stop by the church in the 11 o’clock hour on Sunday. Every third Sunday following the morning worship, we serve Holy Communion.

Vernon Little has an EP on the market. It’s titled “Double Minded.” It’s a fusion of gospel, R&B and rap. He also has videos on YouTube. His music encourages, inspires and informs.

We are located at 171 Dreiser Loop in Section 1. Our phone number is 347-2764925. Jesus loves you, and so do we!

—Pastor Vernon Little

30

Public Safety

Co-op City Times / August 24, 2019 (Continued from page 7)

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 the crime rate remains low and a high quality of life is maintained.

Co-op City is a diverse community with people of all ages, abilities and characteristics. All persons should remember to respect each other and embrace their differences. Don’t forget to say hello to your neighbors when you pass each other in the hallway or in the street. Co-op City strives to accommodate all persons. It is also important to remember that not all disabilities are visible.

Someone who appears to be healthy may have a physical or developmental disability.

August is known as Cataract Awareness Month, Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month and Children’s Vision and Learning Month. This is a good opportunity to learn about disabilities or conditions that may affect your friends, family members or neighbors. It is also a good opportunity to schedule an eye examination. Knowledge is power, the more you learn the stronger you become.

Save the date, Sunday Oct. 13, 2019, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Einstein Community Center. Riverbay Corporation Disabilities and Accommodations Committee, in conjunction with the Co-op city Seventh-Day Adventist Church, will celebrate the 29th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act with the NYC Disabilities Expo. The title of this year’s expo is “Building Inclusionary Bridges through the Arts.” The expo features exhibitors, speakers, interactive arts, clinics and workshops. This is the fifth annual disabilities expo.

Co-op City Times is now on Twitter

Follow us at @coopcitytimes for up-to-the-minute news and alerts relevant to Co-op City. You can also read the Co-op City Times online at issuu.com/cctimes. Download the “issuu” app on your Android or Apple device.

Be sure to follow the Co-op City Times on Twitter and at issuu.com.

Keep up with community news at home or on the go!

Co-op City Democratic Club

The next meeting of the CCDC will be on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2019, at 6 p.m. in room #31 of the Bartow Community Center. This meeting will be for members only.

On Sept. 21, 2019, we will be leaving Asch Loop at 9:15 a.m. sharp to visit the famous Nordic Lodge for “All you can eat” sea food and all in between. So come join us for a relaxing scrumptious meal. From there, we will visit Mohegan Sun gambling casino. I heard they are generous with Lady Luck so we will try our luck and see what happens. Come join us and bring a friend. For further information, please call June Grimes at (347) 457-8249 to see what tickets are left.

Is anyone tired of the president’s lies? We are having severe problems with mass shootings clean across the country. The president claimed he is in favor of more strict background checks, and then reversed himself again. He does not want stricter background checks. Now he is blaming mental health. We know that plays a role. However, we can make it more difficult to purchase guns if we had more stringent background checks before purchasing a weapon. What about China?

The resident is happy with the imposed sanctions placed on China which will cause the American people to pay more money for products coming from there.

He is also continuing to get close to Russia again even though our Intelligence agencies warn they are still interfering with our 2020 election.

Come join the Democratic Party and help vote this president out of office in 2020. Call Shirley J. Saunders, democratic district leader, at (646) 245-1795, for further information.

—Shirley J. Saunders

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

We welcome your letters to the editor. If you would like your letter to be considered for publication, it must be signed. The Co-op City Times does not print anonymous or unsigned letters. Please include your address and phone number – which will be kept confidential – so the authenticity of the writer can be verified. Thank you.

31

Co-op City Times / August 24, 2019

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Co-op City Times / August 24, 2019

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