Co-op City Times 09/28/19 by Co-op City Times

Vol. 54 No. 39

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Changes at the polls in store for this year’s election

Annual Bartow parking lot spruce-up The annual spruce-up of the Bartow parking lot was completed this week by Riverbay Parking and Leasing personnel. Parking lines and directional signs were repainted and the lot was cleaned. In addition, T-beam removal work on the roof of Garage 2 is in progress. Restoration work on all other garage roofs has been completed and the roofs have been reopened, resulting in the availability of additional parking spaces.

Locations, scan cards, early voting all new for 2019 It used to be so simple. You went to the Dreiser auditorium, or the Bartow Center, you signed the poll worker’s big, dusty book and you voted. Case closed. See you later. This year, things will be a bit different in some ways and, the NYC Board of Elections hopes, better in others. While the Bartow Center will still be open for voting this year — albeit with a few electoral districts moved out to alleviate overcrowding — the Dreiser auditorium closed

BY JASON CHIREVAS

for repair last year and is scheduled to reopen next year. That leaves a great many Co-op City voters — 19 electoral districts worth, to be exact — in need of a new place to vote. Thanks to some maneuvering by Board of Elections and Riverbay officials, shareholders used to voting in the Dreiser auditorium won’t have too far to go this Election Day. According to Ben Holloway of the city Board of Elections, rooms 4 and 9 in the Dreiser

Photo by Miguel Baez

(Continued on page 2)

FDNY: Parking, double-parking in front of Co-op City buildings needs to stop

People are using false law enforcement plates to do it. People are using fake handicap placards to do it. And people are just parking their cars in the circular driveways outside Co-op City’s largest buildings with no pretense or gambit at all. All of it is illegal and all of it needs to stop. So said the NewYork City Fire Department in a message to Co-op City Safety The FDNY was in touch with Co-op City Director of Safety Anthony Barzelatto last week about the preponderance of cars illegally and Director Anthony Barzelatto last week. “Time is of the essence,” Mr. Barzelatto obstructively parked outside some of the property's larger buildings.

BY JASON CHIREVAS

Caribbean Literary “Lime”

Public Safety Chief Joseph Riley says the NYPD will be cracking down

(Continued on page 4) on the problem with tickets and towing.

$1.25

Photo by Brandon Ortiz

Authors from the Caribbean along with members of the community joined together for a literary “lime,” or hangout, on Friday, Sept. 20, in the Bartow Center. The event featured literature highlighting Caribbean culture from writers Imam Baksh of Guyana, Andrene Bonner of Jamaica, Daniel O’Brien representing Trinidad and Carlette DeLeon of Jamaica. There were plenty of genres of books on hand for purchase, including Island-Fantasy, Caribbean Folklore, Parenting, Non-Fiction, and many more. Guests from Guyana, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, Haiti, and St. Thomas, as well as areas throughout the USA, enjoyed live-reading from authors and Q&A session. At the end of the event, attendees mixed and mingled while enjoying traditional a Caribbean meal and refreshments. (See more pics on page 4) Photos and summary by Toriea McCauseland

Riverbay Telephone Prompts Directory

Changes have been made to the prompts at the main Riverbay switchboard, (718) 320-3300. Please listen carefully as options to contact individual departments have been reassigned. Below is a listing of the new prompts and other telephone numbers to call in order to reach Riverbay departments or vendor. Please note: If you know the extension of the party you are trying to reach, you may dial it between prompts 1 and 2 below.

Riverbay Switchboard (718) 320-3300 – New prompt locations

Press 1 for Public Safety Press 2 for Maintenance, Restorations and Inspections Press 3 for CSO Press 4 for Rent Bookkeeping Press 5 for Parking and Commercial Leasing Press 6 for Residential Sales Press 7 for Co-op City Times Press 8 for Scheduling community room rentals Press 9 to dial by directory Press 0 to hold for the next available operator

Public Safety Emergency: 718-671-3050 MATV – Camera Service Desk: 718-320-3300, ext. 3529 CSC Customer Support (laundry issues): 800-734-8851 Optimum Customer Service: 718-617-3500

A t l

Co-op City Times / September 28, 2019

Early Voting

(Continued from page 1)

Community Center will accommodate nine of the Dreiser area electoral districts, while St. Michael’s Church and Council Towers, both on Co-op City Boulevard, Truman High School and the space at 105 Dreiser Loop, formerly a pharmacy, will accommodate the others as well as the overflow moved from the Bartow Center. “Everything we do, we always have the voters’ convenience in mind,” Mr. Holloway told the Co-op City Times.

Voters this year should bring their new registration cards with them to their respective polling site. The bar code on the card will then be scanned by the poll worker speeding up the voting process. Photo by Brandon Ortiz

In addition to the reconfigured polling places, voters will also have a new means of identifying themselves to poll workers when they’re ready to cast their ballots. Gone are the cumbersome, ledger-style books filled with registered voters’ names and signature lines. Starting this year, voters will have their own personalized registration cards that will be scanned at their polling place with an ePoll Book device — essentially a specialize iPad — which will provide election workers with the voter’s name and registration information. Once they’re scanned in, voters are issued a paper ballot to mark, as usual. The new voter scan cards, which are attached to mailed leaflets, have all already gone out, according to Co-op City shareholder and veteran polling place coordi-

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nator Sandy Krasnove, so it’s important to make sure the leaflet hasn’t been discarded and the included registration card has been detached. If voters do not have their new cards with them when they go to the polls, Ms. Krasnove said, workers will be able to put voters’ names into the ePoll Books and access their information that way, but having the card should be a much smoother, quicker process. As it was when the big ledger books were in place, voters will not have to show ID when using the new registration cards. The only way a voter would have to present identification, Ms. Krasnove said, would be if he or she didn’t fully complete the information required when registering to vote. Once voters have their registration cards squared away, there will be no need to wait to go to the polls. Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed an election law in January that, among others things, allows early voting up to eight days before Election Day. This year, that means, from Oct. 26 to Nov. 3, shareholders will be able to go to Truman High School — where early voting will take place for all local electoral districts — and cast their ballots early. See the accompanying chart for the specific times available for early voting. Early voting will use the new registration scan cards, too, Ms. Krasnove told the Co-op City Times. This year’s election will feature races for Bronx District Attorney — incumbent Democrat Darcel Clark is currently unopposed — civil court judges, municipal court judges and state Supreme Court judges as well as several ballot measures. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Early voting comes to New York New York voters will be able to cast their ballots early for the first time this year. For Co-op City shareholders, all early voting will be done at Truman High School and will utilize the new registration scan cards to confirm each voter’s identity. The following are the dates and times for early voting in Co-op City this year: • Saturday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Sunday, Oct. 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Monday, Oct. 28, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Tuesday, Oct. 29, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. • Wednesday, Oct. 30, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Thursday, Oct. 31, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Friday, Nov. 1, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. • Saturday, Nov. 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Sunday, Nov. 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Polls throughout Co-op City will be open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Please Refrain From Littering.

• Participating in the Medicare Diabetic Shoe Program

Keep Co-op City Clean!

• Evening and Saturday appointments

Thank You!

“Se Habla Español”

718.671.7226 100 DeKruif Place

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

Co-op City Times / September 28, 2019

COMBING

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

NCNW Health and Wellness Fair Invest in your health today, Sept. 28, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bartow Center, room 31. Free admission. Nutritional counseling, holistic health, vegan food demonstrations, ear acupuncture, genetics, Zumba, yoga, prizes, light refreshments and much more! The mammography van will be there from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call for advance registration for a mammogram at 917-319-6758. Ask for Sheila Richburg.

Medicare Information Session On Saturday, Oct. 12, UnitedHealthcare, in conjunction with the Bronx Clergy Task Force and the Riverbay Disabilities and Accommodations Committee, will cosponsor a Medicare information session in Co-op City. The presentation will be held in the Einstein Center, room 49. There will be a Continental Breakfast at 9:30 a.m. and the morning session will begin at 10. At 11:30 a.m., light lunch will be served followed by the afternoon program at noon. If you have questions about Medicare, this is your chance to get answers. The guest speaker will be Maggie Vazquez, a representative from UHS. To RSVP, please call 1-800-983-6998.

Next Community Board #10 meeting at Co-op City Community Board #10 will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, Oct. 17, at 7 p.m. in room 31 of the Bartow Community Center, 2049 Bartow Avenue. Please make every effort to attend. For further information, and to request access or other accommodations, contact CB #10 at (718) 892-1161 or by email at bx10@cb .nyc.org at least 72 hours prior to the meeting date.

Co-op City Times 2 n d

Front Page

Co-op artist has showing in Mott Haven BY BRANDON ORTIZ

Many people go to Pelham Bay Park to barbeque, go for a run or to just be outdoors, but for local artist and Co-op City pioneer, Ersilia Crawford, this park doubles as a supply store of sorts and an integral part of her creative process. Currently, Ms. Crawford has her series of collages called, “Landscapes,” being displayed at an art show in El Fogon Center for the Arts, located in the Bronx at 989 Home St., as part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the Mott Haven Historic District. Today is also the last day to see the pieces in the “Landscapes” series with the final showing starting at 5 p.m. and Ersilia and her husband, Charlie, left. At right, Ersilia poses with some of her recent artwork. She loves to make collages that feature both an array of textures concluding at 8 p.m. Ms. Crawford said and color, using items she finds on walks to add another dimension to her work. she plans to also be there. The first showing was last Saturday and she was “absolutely amazed” at the response her work received. “All of them (those in attendance) were Bronxites—some from Co-op City, and they all understood what I was about,” she said of the show’s attendees. The “Landscapes” series was inspired particularly by the sunsets Ms. Crawford would see in her hometown back in Italy. Her connection to nature is one of the driving inspirations behind not only the “Landscapes” series but a majority of her work. “Nature reminds me that everything that is in the universe was at the Big Bang. So what makes plants, grass, sand and water — it has also made us,” Ms. Crawford said. Ersilia Crawford is an abstract artist who uses collage work in addition to painting to create her work. “I still relate to nature,” Ms. Crawford said. “So the color is important, what grows on the ground is important.” She often goes for walks especially in Pelham Bay Park and along the way picks up “things that are broken” and uses them as materials for her collages. She remembers speaking to an aspiring artist in the past and the person asked her how does one know if their art is done or if it is even truly good. “If you have part of yourself in that work, then you have achieved it,” she said in response. “It requires a commitment from yourself.” Ms. Crawford has been painting for almost all of her life and does not plan to stop anytime Pieces from the “Landscapes” series on display as part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the Mott Haven Historic District in El Fogon soon. She enjoys painting at the Art Students League in midtown on Sunday mornings. Center for the Arts.

Co-op City’s 8th Annual College, Career & Resource Fair BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND

Co-op City’s 8th annual College, Career & Resource Fair has a new home this year in Education Park. Guests can jumpstart their college education research or discover a new career during the fair, on Saturday, Oct. 5, at Dr. Daniel Hale Williams Middle School, M.S. 180. The fair will be broken up into three sections catering to various age groups and interests. The schedule is as follows: 9 a.m. to noon, Students Grades 3 to 7 • Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) activities. • Witness a real robot built by the Morris High School’s 2 Train Robotics Team • 3D experience: An engineering design competition, music technology, and more. Noon to 5 p.m., Students Grades 8 to 12 • Get important college application questions answered • Meet representatives from schools including State University of New York (SUNY), The City University of New York (CUNY), and Historically Black Colleges and Univer-

sities (HBCUs) and many more. 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Scholarship Workshops • Three experts will share information on how to search for free money for college. Along with the above activities, attendees will have the chance to learn about paid internships and career opportunities. Founder, organizer and former Board director, Evelyn Turner, started the college fair eight years ago. She previously said: “This event stems from my passion and concern for youth in this area. I’ve never seen colleges come into my community directly. I asked permission from the Board to start a college fair and recruited volunteers. That’s how I got the college fair started.” “Students can learn about college and career opportunities from over 50 participants. Learn about paid internships with NASA & NYC Youth Bureau as well as attend scholarship workshops and sign up for the Historical Black College tours and much more,” she continued. For further information or to volunteer, please contact Ms. Evelyn Turner, by sending an email to evelyntinez@aol.com.

Double Parking

Co-op City Times / September 28, 2019

said. “If an emergency call comes in … they can’t be wasting time trying to get into [the building].” Parking in the circular driveways outside some of Co-op City’s larger buildings — meant to be used for pick-up and drop-off — has been a longstanding problem, Mr. Barzelatto said, but this is the first time FDNY officials have been in touch with their concerns on the matter. For help, Mr. Barzelatto reached out to Co-op City Department of Public Safety Chief Joseph Riley to see what might be done. Although all Co-op City property is owned by Riverbay Corporation and, in turn, the shareholder residents living on the property, the streets between all those buildings and facilities are city owned. With that in mind, Chief Riley told the Co-op City Times, the New York City Police Department intends to crack down on cars parked illegally outside the larger buildings, issuing tickets and, if need be, towing cars away. Also, Chief Riley said, his officers will be on the lookout for fake law enforcement license plates and handicap parking placards for report to NYPD personnel. “We’re concerned about safety,” Chief Riley said. “I’m glad the safety director brought it to our attention.” Although parking tickets and tow-aways are now in the offing, they are not the primary concern for Chief Riley, Mr. Barzelatto or the FDNY. The safety — and potentially the lives — of residents inside the buildings is. (Continued from page 1)

When people park where they’re not supposed to — and, in fact, where there are no marked spaces — outside those buildings, Mr. Barzelatto said, it makes it more difficult for emergency vehicles like ambulances and fire trucks to get close enough to the buildings to be effective, as well as hinders their exits from the buildings with people in need of rescue or medical attention aboard. If people double-park in those areas, he said, as they are now, it can make access to the buildings impossible for emergency responders. And that, quite simply, Mr. Barzelatto and Chief Riley said, could cost residents their lives. “People parking illegally in non-designated areas are endangering lives by hampering emergency response vehicles,” Chief Riley said. “We’ve had ambulances that couldn’t get in.” Hopefully, Mr. Barzelatto and Chief Riley said, illegal parkers outside these buildings will get the idea once NYPD enforcement begins. In the meantime, there’s one kind of driver, Mr. Barzelatto said, that will absolutely not be tolerated parking or double-parking in the circles outside Co-op City’s larger buildings, Riverbay personnel. “We have to set the bar for excellence here,” he said. “Shame on us if a shareholder comes out and sees a Riverbay vehicle [illegally parked]. That’d be a problem.”

More highlights from the Caribbean Literary Lime

Readers attending the book fair learning about the Caribbean diaspora along with what it takes to publish a book from the authors in attendance. Photos by Toriea McCauseland

It’s

HAPPENING in Co-op City!

Co-op City Times / September 28, 2019

NAACP’s 5th annual Community Service Dance “Rewarding those who make a difference in our community” The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Branch #2210, held its fifth annual Community Service Dance event in the Einstein Center Saturday, Sept. 21. Guests spent the evening celebrating and “rewarding those who make a difference in our community.” Nine members of the Co-op City community received awards from the local chapter of NAACP as well as from local and state officials in government. Master of Ceremonies and NAACP’s Education Chairman Errol Olton commanded the room as he opened the event with, “Tonight, we celebrate members of the community who’ve made a difference through their work. Tonight is about honoring members of our Co-op City community.” After a moment of silence for members who’ve transitioned on to “rest in power,” Mr. Olton continued with his keynote address. He said: “The vision is more significant than the obstacle. Tonight, we are the encouragement behind that courage. We owe it to our honorees to celebrate them, encourage them towards the vision they see, even if they can’t see it themselves.” Tremaine O’Garro, NAACP’s economic chairman, presented the Youth Community Service Awards. According to Riverbay Board Director and NAACP president Jerome Rice, “The youth, Stephen Ogunbiyi, Jean-Pierre Santiago and RickiLee Riley, were recognized for their excellence in education while striving to make a difference in their community and country.” Stephen Ogunbiyi said as he accepted his award: “I don’t do community service so that I can get a room of happy people…God allowed my family to come to this country, and the ones that can’t come, I still try my best to support them. If God has blessed you enough, you should at least give back to the people that have not always been as lucky as you.” As Jean-Pierre Santiago walked around the room, he addressed the crowd saying: “Over the years, I’ve realized that being in the community means a lot more than having people live in a particular area as you. It’s being able to go outside every day and know that everyone around you cares enough to give you that love and support whether they know you or not. We’re all a family here.” Ricki-Lee Riley, whose father couldn’t conceal his excitement during her introduction, shared her love for the place where she grew up. She said: “Co-op City has been an extraordinary place for me. Growing up in Co-op City was special to me. I’ve always loved Co-op City because it supports (Continued on page 9) BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND

Co-op City Times / September 28, 2019

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

Letters to the Editor

Bring back Barnes & Noble To the Editor: Management of Bay Plaza Mall needs to bring back Barnes & Noble. Co-op City has enough restaurants, coffee and bagel eateries and shopping stores. We need books to educate the mind, we need books which will improve conversations, we need books to gain historical information, we need books to help us self-improve, we need books to read for our leisure/pastime enjoyment, etc, etc. “Reading is a way for me to expand my mind, open my eyes, and fill up my heart.” —Oprah Winfrey —Rachelle Anthony

Be fair to the fair

To the Editor:

I was disturbed to see there was no mention of the Section 5 Fair on the cover of the Sept. 7 edition of the Co-op City Times. In fact, one had to delve all the way to page 14 in order to find any mention of the event, and that was in an ad for the Section 5 Reunion. The fair, though, is for everyone and should have had its own promotion. In 2016, the fair was cancelled due to lack of vendor participation. If our own paper isn’t helping to remind cooperators on the day of the event, encouraging turnout, vendors will continue to stay away and residents will miss out. —Stephanie Clarke

Why install electric car chargers in the garages?

To the Editor: I understand the people who support climate change consider it a religion. Therefore, they consider debate as to natural versus manmade — or what changes if any are required — has no value and people who disbelieve in it are not intelligent. However, before Riverbay spends money on this, I believe shareholders have the right to have the following questions answered: How many shareholders own an electric car that would require a charging station? If charging stations were placed in our garages, how many shareholders would consider spending $35,000 to $50,000 to buy an electric car? What would be the cost for a shareholder to use the charging station?

How many cars, given the estimated cost to shareholder, would be required to pay for providing the new shareholder services? How many parking spaces would have to be removed to support the new charging stations? What we really need is more parking spaces for parking the cars that currently fit in our present garages. The new parking spaces in Section 5 may require a new parking garage. I believe the problem could be handled in all sections by adding floors to our current garages. What we need Riverbay to do is provide shareholders with information about the possibility of adding garages or adding floors to garages.Allowing shareholders who currently do not have access to our garages for parking their cars, I believe, is more important to our shareholders. —Bruce Gitelson

Late night garage shift must be restored

To the Editor: I believe elimination of night-shift garage attendants is an open invitation to crime. Besides potentially imperiling residents and their property without so much as a shareholder vote, the 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. shift was cut on the heels of substantial increases in residential and transient parking fees. Either parking rates should be cut to well below the increase

to reflect reduced service or night shift attendants should be brought back at once. In my opinion, auto insurance rates could also increase because of the reduced security. Rates in this area are already higher than average because of the proximate highways. Late night female workers may be especially vulnerable. This must not wait. —Sally Kya-Hill

Concerns about open Board meetings

To the Editor: This letter addresses two areas of concern regarding the Riverbay Open Board meetings. One – There needs to be a Sergeantat-Arms or person who is paying attention to the permitted allotted amount of time for each speaker. Two – Perhaps the Board should rearrange how the agenda is made so that items that take longer are at the beginning and items that cooperators cannot participate in are at the end. Resolution reading is done in advance and only voted on by 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.

members. Can’t that process be abbreviated in some way? It seemed like many questions were at the beginning and the gallery session came later. Most of all, the “in” fighting language that attendees were subject to was shameful and childlike, in my view. In all my years as a cooperator, I have never witnessed such a display between Board members. How can this behavior change? I left at 10 p.m. and understand the meeting wasn’t over till after 11 p.m. —Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

Co-op City needs a book store

If Saks Off-Fifth in Bay Plaza Mall is truly closing, mall management ought to bring back the prior tenant. Barnes and Noble was truly a resourceful and comforting place to be, and it meant a lot to this community. —John A. Hunter

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. 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.

(See page 9 for more letters)

Important Notice to Shareholders of Buidlings 27 A, B & C Building 27 A, B & C

Building 27 A, B & C 100, 120 & 140 Erdman Place

Current Lease Expiration Date

Dec. 31, 2019

New 3 yr. Expiration Date

Dec. 31, 2022

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

Co-op City Times / September 28, 2019

Public Safety Report

CCPD urges residents to be prepared after September’s hurricanes

BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO September is known as Emergency Preparedness Month. Be sure you are prepared for whatever weather may be around the corner. We were lucky this year’s storms had little effect on the Northeast. Fortunately, we only got a few raindrops, rough swells and some extra wind. Wind always has the potential to cause downed trees and power outages. The month of September generally brings a mixture of weather, which can often be very unpredictable. September’s weather is often combined with the threat of effects from tropical storms, hurricanes and tornadoes. Last year, we had several storms with thunder, lightning and high winds. There were no injuries or property damage reported in Co-op City as a result of any of these storms. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety urges all residents to make sure they are prepared for all types of emergencies. Being prepared will allow residents to feel confident in the event of any type of emergency. It is always better to be over prepared than not prepared at all. Once an emergency strikes, it becomes too late to prepare. Many supplies become scarce once a storm hits or is predicted. Preparing for emergencies should involve all members of the family. Establishing an emergency plan that is known to all members of the family is essential. Children actually enjoy helping to prepare for an emergency. There are several websites — fema.gov/kids/, ready.gov/kids/home.html and bam.gov.cdc — designed for children to help to educate them on all facets of different types of emergencies. Other websites for emergency preparedness are redcross.org and nyc.gov/html/oem/. These websites offer information regarding emergencies most likely to affect residents of our geographical area. Preparing for an emergency includes establishing a plan. The plan should include a family meeting place, one local and one regional. The plan should take into account family members being at home, at work or at school. A local telephone contact and a long-distance contact should be included. Telephone outages often only affect local services. Establishing a long-distance contact will allow families to check on the status of all family members. All family members should be familiar with the plan. Putting together an emergency kit is also an important part of emergency preparedness. An emergency kit should include one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. A three-day supply of non-perishable food, include a can opener, plates, cups, utensils and paper towels should be included. Include a battery-operated radio and a flashlight with extra batteries for both. Never burn candles for light, they are a fire hazard. A well-stocked first aid kit and basic tools should be a part of every emergency kit. Moist towelettes, personal hygiene items and garbage bags should be included for personal sanitation. Clothing and blankets should be included for warmth and comfort. Prescription medications and eyeglasses should also be included. Books, games, puzzles and comfort items should be included for children. Infant formula and diapers should be included for babies. Important family documents, identification and cash should be ready to bring in the event you must leave your home in an emergency. It is very important everyone takes whatever steps they can to conserve electricity in order to decrease the risk of a blackout. A blackout coupled with a severe storm is not a good combination. If everyone takes steps to conserve electricity it decreases the risk of a blackout. Energy conservation is a good idea year round. Using energy saving lightbulbs is a good place to start. Turning off and unplugging appliances when they are not used is also a good idea. Consumer fireworks of any type are highly dangerous any time of the year 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

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 or 9-1-1 Non-Emergency: 718-320-3330 www.ccpd.us • @CCPDnyc

Public Safety Blotter 09/15/2019 – 09/21/2019

Sept. 15, 2019 – 100 Elgar Place Two males in the lobby were found to be in possession of marijuana and were issued NYC Criminal Court Summonses.

Sept. 16, 2019 – 2420 Hunter Ave. FDNY responded to this location to investigate a smoke condition and possible fire. Upon arrival, it was determined the source of the smoke was food on the stove. There was no property damage or injuries.

Sept. 21, 2019 – 725 Co-op City Blvd. A vehicle driving against traffic was stopped by officers. After an investigation, the driver and front passenger were arrested. Department. Barbequing is also not permitted on any of the public areas of Co-op City. Strict guidelines set forth by the New York City Fire Department are in effect for barbequing only on terraces or townhouse patios. Propane tanks are strictly prohibited by the New York City Fire Department in any multiple family dwellings. Residents are also reminded that bike riding is not permitted near buildings, in shopping malls or anywhere else signs prohibiting bicycle riding are posted. During warm fall weather it is often tempting to take a dip in the ocean. However, lifeguards are no longer on duty at some area beaches. Ocean beaches are particularly dangerous this time of year due to the effects of offshore tropical storms. The absence of lifeguards combined with dangerous conditions can have deadly consequences. Indian summer can last well into October but avoid the temptation of swimming in unguarded beaches. If your idea of 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. Always remember, if you see something, say something. Call 911 and the Department of Public Safety at 718-671-3050. Callers may remain anonymous when giving information. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety would like to thank all persons who have called in suspicious activity. It is by your actions 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 not all disabilities are visible. Someone who appears to be healthy may have a physical or developmental disability. September is known as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, Cholesterol Awareness month as well as Gynecological Cancer Awareness 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 a full physical examination with screening tests recommended by your physician. Knowledge is power, the more you learn, the stronger you become.

NYC SAFE Event at Orchard Beach Oct. 5

The NYC Department of Sanitation invites you to take advantage of this year’s SAFE (Solvents, Automotive, Flammable, Electronics) event being held on Saturday, Oct. 5 at the Orchard Beach parking lot. This event provides a chance to properly get rid of harmful household products, such as auto fluids, batteries, electronics, strong cleaners, medications, paint, etc. The event will run from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. so take the opportunity to finally get rid of any harmful materials you may still have at home.

Follow the Co-op City Times 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 Times / September 28, 2019

Hispanic Heritage

Director’s Viewpoint

Sonia Feliciano Treasurer On Sept.15, 2019 the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month began. This celebration, lasting through October 15, is significant in that it starts with the Independence day of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, followed by the Mexican independence day and Chile on Sept. 18, 2019. In 1968, President Lyndon Johnson declared Hispanic Heritage Week and this was expanded by President Ronald Regan for a month-long event. The presence of Hispanic and Latino Americans in the United States culminates the richness of the culture, diversity and meaningful experiences. Hispanic Heritage Month has a deep positive influence on our country through the strength of family, the service, hard work and faith. Hispanics have shaped the national quality of their personality with old-age traditions that reflect multiethnic and multicultural customs that we share not only within ourselves, and with our families, but with our community. Hispanics today make up 18% of the population in this country with 56 million people. We have many notable role models, such as athletes, film and television producers, scientists, a Supreme Court judge, activists, teachers, lawyers, and congress members, to name a few. Teaching our children what the influence of Latinos and Latinas means in our society with music, art, the origin of traditional foods, phrases, and family folklore creates memories for a lifetime. It prepares them for life’s next steps in understanding and embracing diversity through respect, acknowledging and valuing each other’s differences. On Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019 in partnership with the Riverbay Fund, the Spanish American Community Club will host Hispanic Heritage Month in the Bartow Center, room 31, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Unfortunately, only cooperators who secured tickets on a first come, first serve basis will be able to attend. Due to the limited capacity of the room, it became impossible to have a large event this year. While this is regrettable, we hope that once the Dreiser auditorium is fully operational next year, we will be able to service the community in large volumes as being together is what makes us the strong community we are. Let’s celebrate “Hispanic Heritage Month” – Mes de la Herencia Hispana” Buildings and Grounds Mike Ambo, director of Grounds, and his staff provided an overview of the impressive efforts by the Grounds department’s landscaping of the community. • 20 summer interns were hired to assist the Grounds department with weed, garbage, pruning and bench painting.

• 20 termite infested trees were removed. • With our new cherry picker, bags are being removed from the trees. • The damaged benches will be replaced and/or repaired. So far, out of 835 benches, 717 have been painted and the process will continue until all benches are painted. • The staff beautified the existing areas with an abundance of flowers and plants. Mr. Ambo provided a video of the planting of flowers and greenery throughout the community that created a stunning effect transforming the landscape in many instances into a show piece. He showed the fence line in Section 5 along the river, Co-op City Blvd. fence line, excavation done inside of the fence where now you can see from the street side to the river. He showed the Administration building, Broun Place and Buildings 21-22 and much more. The array of colors used increased the landscape appeal of the community. Thank you, Mr. Ambo and his team, for the design that has made our community stand out. Updates to Sections 3 & 4 • Laundry room in Building 24 is completed • Smoke/carbon monoxide detector completed in Asch Loop and Broun Place. Working in Adler. We need more cooperation from our shareholders in letting the Red Cross into the homes. This is a life and safety issue. • Misc. inspections over the summer covered over 20 buildings and as many apartments. • Walking the property 2x per day checking everything. We will now have more time to take care of things that are seen and address them by being in the field. • Portico in Building 18 is complete. Buildings 23 and 25 are almost complete. Updates from Sections 1 & 2 The Red Cross is installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in Building 1, 2, 3 Defoe and Cooper Place 7 inspections, 23 misc. inspections and elevator 2A completed. CSO will be open Tuesday thru Thursday from the hours of 5 to 7 p.m. in order to obtain the new laundry card. Updates from Section 5 Local Law 11 in Buildings 26, 27, 30, 31 & 33 in progress. Shareholders are happy that the work is getting done.

Buildings 32 & 31 lobby modernization has been completed. We are working in Building 30A and then will move onto Building 30B. Buildings 28, 29 and 34 laundry room installations have been completed. Smoke detector project in progress in Buildings 33, 34, 35 and Earhart Townhouses. We are moving in Sections 1 & 5 from beginning to end and join at the middle. We are working Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, trying to save lives. Completed 37 misc. inspections Property walk resulted in observing Building 29 puddling in A & B and B & C. Construction is working to resolve the issue. We have some puddling in Building 26, however, we cannot resolve until the bridging comes down. Working with the various departments to address any issues Smoke/carbon monoxide detector project for Building 32 will be next. Any concerns, the CSO department has an open door policy. Call Center Update Call Center is now operational Results are showing a high level of improvement on hold times…Way to go!! We still have so much to cover. It is a work in progress and will continue to strive to drive excellence because we deserve this and much more. If you have any concerns that I can be of assistance with, you can reach me through the liaisons’ office at 347-913-4224 or 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. I can also be reached at Sfeliciano@riverbayboard.com. We are shareholders first because we matter!!!!

Co-op City Times / September 28, 2019

NAACP

everyone, whether young or old. The fact that they could have picked tons of other kids, but they chose me tells me that just as much as I love Co-op City, Co-op City loves me back. This award has given me more motivation to do more good for this community and the Bronx.” Shortly followed was the Community Service Awards, given to the adultleaders of the neighborhood – Virginia Stewart, Francine Reva Jones, Ronald J. Hartridge, Leah Richardson, and Lori Melton – all received their awards for their continuous work in the area.

(Continued from page 5)

Finally, NAACP president Jerome Rice introduced Carlton Berkley, giving him the President’s Award. He said: “The President’s Award is presented to Carlton ‘Chuck’ Berkley in recognition and appreciation for your tireless and dedicated service that you have shown to your community throughout the years. Mr. Berkley received the President’s Award for his work on the Blindfold Law which is designed to balance the scale of justice in the state of New York.” Mr. Rice credits branch Treasurer Diane Rodriguez for designing the awards to publicly recognize those in the community who have and continue to do extraordinary work for the betterment of others. “I want to thank Riverbay Corporation, Riverbay Fund, Food Universe, Amalgamated Bank, and others that have supported this event, including the judges and elected officials. I also want to thank my great team Errol Olton, Brenda Brown, Dianne Rodriguez, William Gordon, Tremaine O’Garro, who helped make this event a reality,” he said. The special occasion concluded with guests socializing and dancing the night away.

Photos by Toriea McCauseland

Letters

(Continued from page 6)

Not charged over electric stations

To the Editor:

I was reading the second reading on Resolution #19-38 from the Board of Directors’ Sept. 18 meeting and found the following statement: “WHEREAS, Co-op City is committed to a leadership role in fighting climate change and improving public health.” I have been living here since 1971 and don’t recall the community vote held in which our group of Riverbay climate scientists and shareholders committed to this objective. This was the verification as to why we should look into purchasing and installing electric car charging stations in our eight garages. Right now, there are 70 plugin electric/hybrid cars in our garages versus 10,676 gas powered vehicles. Apparently, the less than 1 percent of these car owners have had no problem powering up their batteries until now. Additionally, General Motors just recently announced it is stopping production of the Chevy Volt. The reason? They aren’t selling many. Why don’t the powers that be make life easier for the overwhelming majority of shareholders and spend the money on security cameras on all garage floors? Or make sure hot water is an option in the garage rest rooms so the pipes don’t freeze in the winter? Or find out a way to clean out all the pipes that cool the air in our apartment convectors. —Mark Peters

More CCPD is needed at Debs Place To the Editor: Many concerned shareholders living at Debs Place are appalled with growing groups of alcohol drinking outsiders and others using the benches in the circle and behind the townhouses by the kids’ park. It’s getting worse and nothing seems to be done. These groups are loud, and cursing is a large part of their vocabulary. Whatever happened to the CCPD observation trailer that was purchased? A recent shooting at 140 Debs was discussed by the shareholders. We are asking CCPD to stand up for shareholders, come up with a plan, enforce curfew and drinking laws, and, most of all, show some presence here. —Nick Liberati

Co-op City Times / September 28, 2019

Votes, Voices, and Visual Arts

Director’s Viewpoint

Mary Pearson Secretary Ballot Proposals — Part Two The first NYC Charter Revision proposal we’ll be seeing on our ballots this election season, Rank Choice Voting (RCV), got the once-over in my viewpoint last week. I’ll recap. RCV is a novel way of choosing from a crowded field of candidates. The consensus method forces politicians to forge closer political relationships and woo more clusters of constituents. This voting model abandons the “winner take all” aspect of choosing a leader. The result? An overall, happier election outcome, the theory goes. The first time I heard of RCV, I thought, that would be perfect for Riverbay Board elections. This fall, RCV appears on the ballot as part of Proposal Number 1: Elections. If passed, RCV would go into effect in 2021, but it can’t hurt learning how it works before then since we’ll be (early) voting on it soon enough in 2019. The non-partisan group, Common Cause, is sending a speaker to Co-op City (Section 5, Einstein Community Center, room 49, 7 p.m.) on Oct. 15 to explain all about it. It will be fun. There will be cake. Yes, that’s a bribe. Save the date. Now, let’s take a look at the second of the five ballot measures we’ll be deciding on this fall – Proposal Number 2: Civilian Complaint Review Board. The last time I checked out the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) was in March of 2017. One anonymous officer on the force had 52 complaints filed against him. Today, that officer, sadly, is still on the force but I imagine he’s been on desk duty all this time, because that number of complaints is still 52. (https://www1.nyc.gov/site/ccrb/policy/data-transparency-initiative-mos.page) With data like that, CCRB seems ready for tweaking. Currently, the 13-member review board has nine men, two women and two vacancies. Of the 13, three appointees are chosen by the Police Commissioner (the only members with law enforcement experience), five are chosen by the City Council (one from each borough), and the remaining five, including the chair) are picked by the Mayor. Right now, the Mayor has

African American Association

They drummed in ancient China. Africans drum. Native Americans drum. Ancient Celtic people drummed. Shamans drum to shift consciousness. Since the beginning of human existence, we humans have drummed for entertainment and pleasure…for communication…and as part of Sacred Ritual. Today in modern times, the world over, people gather together in Drum Circles where they drum their way to better health. The Co-op City Healing Drum Circle gathers on Saturdays through Oct. 26 from 4 to 7 p.m. (weather permitting) on the Section 1 Greenway, near 100 DeKruif Place (Bldg. 8). Drumming to the unified beat of our hearts…una gente…una voz…una humanidad…we bring healing to ourselves and to our community. Join us Saturdays from 4 to 7 p.m. (weather permitting). Bring your percussive instruments and a chair and let’s make a joyous noise together as we drum ourselves into better health. Bienvenidos a todos! The Co-op City Healing Drum Circle is sponsored by the African American Association and presented by Toni Roberts. For more information, contact the association at aaaccpower@gmail.com or by calling 929.430.3255. —Kevin Lambright

final say on which appointees are approved. If Proposal 2 passes: the number of members would increase from 13 to 15 – one chosen by the Public Advocate and the other jointly chosen by the Mayor and the Council Speaker; the City Council would no longer need the Mayor’s final okay on appointees; and the Council Speaker would serve as the chair. Other parts of the proposal deal with additional funding, additional oversight and investigatory rights and boosted subpoena power, and, if the review board’s disciplinary recommendations aren’t followed, they will be entitled to know why, exactly, in a written report from the Commissioner. Critical Mass Years ago, maybe decades ago by now, I read an article who-knows-where about women’s voices. The question was, did people, all people, listen to a woman when she spoke. The question wasn’t, do you pay attention when a woman speaks? Or do you consider a woman’s words valuable? No, the question was, did the listener actually hear the verbal sound emanating from a woman’s voice box. Simply put, the answer was no. This inability, in the article, was attributed to the pitch and tone of the female voice. The “study” didn’t dwell on much more than sound. Did listeners willfully dismiss speakers along gender lines? That wasn’t explored. It was just matter-of-factly determined in the article that the sound of the female voice was “tuned out” by the average listener. That’s why men dominated the radio and television newscasters industry, the article explained. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor was interviewed for the piece and she concurred. She was ignored by the other eight if she didn’t go out of her way to insist she be listened to. A Supreme Court justice had to hit the male justices over the head with a two-by-four to get their attention. It was years ago, maybe decades ago, and since then things have changed. “I am woman, hear me roar,” has expanded to “I am woman, hear me at any volume level and at any pitch,” thanks to critical mass. Critical mass is a term borrowed from physics. It’s the amount of “stuff’ needed to sustain a nuclear chain reaction. In life, it’s the percentage – somewhere between 20 and 30 percent – of women in positions of

power that suddenly make women’s voices heard, suddenly allows women to have impact and make change. It’s slipped a bit since, but in 2005, the CCRB was 23% female. In 2019 women make up 23.7% of Congress. And women make up 34.5% of the highly respected and followed City & State New York online magazine’s 2019 Bronx Power 100. And you-know-who made the list! Congratulations, President Linda Berk! Let’s Put on a Show! No, not a play, an art show. The incredibly talented Section 5 pioneer, Ersilia Crawford’s showing at the Mott Haven El Fogon Gallery finishes up today. What a pity more of her friends and neighbors won’t have the opportunity to enjoy her work. Well, why not put on an even bigger show in Section 5’s own backyard? Right now, the southern-most buildings of the section are imprisoned by Local Law 11 handiwork so why not put one or two of those fences to work as a pop-up art space. All we’d need is Co-op City artists, a bunch of hooks, and a fair weather Sunday. And permission. We’re thinking Sunday, Oct. 13 with an Oct. 20 rain date. Watch this space! And as for the indoor artistic crowd, catch the last day of Ms. Crawford’s show at El Fogon Center for the Arts at 989 Home Street, Bronx, NY 10459, (917) 353-6273, tonight from 5-7 p.m. It’s a wonderful space, owned and altruistically operated as a gift to the Bronx, Bronx artists, and Bronx art lovers. Calling all visual artists! Let’s Put on a Show! Voice or text: 718-219-2211. Email: mpearson@riverbayboard.com.

Removal of bus schedules

MTA commuters may have noticed that bus schedules posted at local bus stops have been removed. MTA reports: “Bus schedules have been removed at all bus stops throughout the system (all 5 boroughs) as part of a MTA cost-cutting measure. Customers are advised to use the MYMTA App for bus schedule information. Bus customers can also call 511 to request a printed schedule to be mailed to them.”

Co-op City Times / September 28, 2019 (Resolution 19-38 printed in the Sept. 21, 2019, issue of the Co-op City Times contained mistakes. Below is the corrected version of the resolution.)

SECOND READING RESOLUTION # 19-38 SUBMITTED BY: Linda Berk, Claudia Sampson SECONDED BY: Francine Reva Jones, Michelle Marbury BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING: September 18, 2019

WHEREAS, Co-op City is committed to a leadership role in fighting climate change and improving public health; and WHEREAS, Electric vehicles can reduce omissions that contribute to climate change and help reduce ecological damage; and WHEREAS, Co-op City Garages provides 10,676 parking spaces and surveys have found there are presently 70 plug–in electric/hybrid vehicles using Co-op City garages. WHEREAS, Installing electric car charging equipment in Co-op City garages would increase the convenience and affordability for those residents who drive electric vehicles; and WHEREAS, Management should evaluate and report to the Board on the feasibility and costs of installing and managing electric car charging stations, including but not limited to, charging equipment choices, equipment purchase & leasing options, cost recovery options, recommended number of stations per garage, usage guidelines, benefits to the Co-op City community and grant funding opportunities. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That Management is directed to evaluate and submit a report to Board within 60 days of the approval of this resolution on the feasibility and costs of installing and managing electric car charging stations, including but not limited to charging equipment choices, equipment purchase & leasing options, cost recovery options, recommended number of stations per garage, usage guidelines, benefits to the Co-op City community and grant funding opportunities. YES: Berk, Cylich, Feliciano, Jenkins, Johnson, Jones, Lambright, Marbury, Pearson, Rice, Richardson, Rosario, Sampson, Saunders ABSENT: Leslie PASSED

Co-op City Working Families Party

Last Meeting At our last meeting, we decided if we would back the national WFP picked democratic nominee or go rogue, if we were ready to seriously promote Rank Choice Voting, a November ballot proposal, how involved we would like to be in the upcoming one-more-time 2019 Public Advocate race, and if we wanted to sponsor a Section 5 Outdoor Art Show. We decided: maybe, yes, very, and yes indeed! Watch this space for more detailed answers to these queries and more. And look for teasers, below, regarding the upcoming October 15 meeting. 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. Who Ya Gonna Call? Want to reach out to an elected official? Locally, that would be: NYC District 12 Council Member Andy L. King; Andy.King@ council.nyc.gov; 135 Einstein Loop, room 44, Bronx, NY 10475; (718) 684-5509. At the state level: Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, benedettom@nyassembly.gov;177 Dreiser Loop, rm. 12 Bronx, NY 10475; (718) 320-2220, 718 892-2235, 518 455-5296. State Sen. Jamaal Bailey, bailey@nysenate.gov; 959 East 233rd St., Bronx, NY 104663207; (718) 547-8854. And for federal level issues: Congressman Eliot Engel, engel.house.gov/contact-me; 177 Dreiser Loop, rm. 3, Bronx, NY 10475;(718) 320-2314. Next Meeting Join us next month on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. We usually meet monthly on third Tuesdays, from September to June. The October third-Tuesday will be usual, but the meeting plan and place might not be! The meeting will be held in the Einstein Community Center. The room? Maybe room 35…maybe not. We might be moving to a bigger room because we might be having a special guest and we might be needing a bit more elbow room. Details soon, but in the meantime: remember, you don’t have to have a family or a job to join, you can be single or retired and still join the Co-op City Working Families/Indivisible group. All progressives are welcome. Text 718-219-2211 or email mpjazz@optonline.net. —Mary Pearson

Co-op City Times / September 28, 2019

Community Service Awards

explores the history of racial inequality in our country. Civic Engagement: It was reported that there will Francine Reva Jones be early voting in the November 5, 2019 NYC elections, i.e., Oct. 26 â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Nov. 3, 6 a.m.-7 p.m. The general Assistant Secretary election is on Nov. 5 at regular voting sites. Call 866868-3692 for more information. Be counted in the U.S. The Einstein Community Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s room 45 was Census. It means money for our schools, medical cenbeautifully decorated in preparation for the Fifth ters, and public transportation. Annual Community Service Dance event of the Criminal Justice/Public Safety: It was reported NAACP Co-op City Branch. I was proud to be one that efforts are being made to shorten the five-year of the honorees, along with my Board colleague, Leah sentencing rule. It was legal for the sentencing process Richardson, and my Coalition of African-American to take five years in the Eric Garner case for the rulChurches & Community Organizations colleague, ing on Daniel Pantaleo. Virginia Stewart. NAACP Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Report The president discussed the many bills sponsored The gracious NAACP MC, Errol Olton, also honored Lori Melton, president of the National Council by Sen. Jamaal Bailey: Bill #1190 on prosecutional of Negro Women in Co-op City, and Ronald Hartridge, conduct for commissioners to go after attorneys who president of the P.S. 153 Parents Association. NAACP hold back information. #1868 exempts parties liable president, Jerome Rice, selected Carlton â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chuckâ&#x20AC;? for failure to obey or enforce certain child protective, Berkley for the Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Award. The Youth Awards domestic relations, or domestic violence orders of prowent to Stephen Ogunbiyi, Jean-Pierre Santiago and tection or temporary orders of protection from limited Ricki-Lee Riley. Stephen Ogunbiyi was a winner of liability provisions pertaining to non-economic loss the African-American Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Co-op City and providing for limitation of joint liability. #2161B Spelling Bee for 4th to 8th graders. He now attends relates to the establishment of a program for the use of Bronx H.S. of Science. Thanks to the NAACP for rec- medication assisted treatment for inmates in both state ognizing us for our service to the community. and county correctional facilities; reporting requireAll the honorees received an NAACP plaque and a ments; substance use disorder treatment and transition citation from NYC Council member Andy King, who services implemented in jails. #2201 allows a U.S. citwas present at the event. Citations were presented by izen, who is seventeen years of age, to vote in a prirepresentatives from NY State Assembly Speaker Carl mary election, including presidential, if he or she will E. Heastie, NY State Assembly member Michael turn eighteen by the date of the corresponding general Benedetto, NY State Senator Jamaal Bailey. Congress- election. #6209A prohibits race discrimination based man Eliot Engel was also in attendance, as well as Board on natural hair or hairstyles; defines â&#x20AC;&#x153;raceâ&#x20AC;? for certain members Mary Pearson and Bishop Rosario. specific purposes to include, but not be limited to, ancesNAACP Meeting Report try, color, ethnic group identification, and ethnic backTopics of interest were discussed at the September ground, and to include traits historically associated with 15 NAACP meeting. September is National Sickle Cell race, including but not limited to, hair texture and proAnemia Awareness Month and the Health Committee tective hairstyles; and defines â&#x20AC;&#x153;protective hairstylesâ&#x20AC;? to chair reported on an event at a Montefiore site. Related include, but not be limited to, such hairstyles as braids, to this topic, I recently learned of someone who was locks, and twists. More bills are in process. cured of SCA by way of a stem cell transplant. As a result of Hurricane Dorian, the NAACP is colEducation: A movie night is being planned to show lecting donations to send to the Bahamas. Take items the documentary â&#x20AC;&#x153;13thâ&#x20AC;? by filmmaker Ava DuVernay. It to Einstein Center, room 36. Call 718-320-3210.

Directorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Viewpoint

Building 30 A and B Association

To all our Jewish neighbors, Shanah Tova. Building dues for the association has gone up from $5 to $10. This was voted on at our last association meeting. We will continue to collect association dues every time the association door is open. Our next building association meeting will be Wednesday, Oct. 16, in the building association room in 30B. Door opens at 7 p.m. with the meeting starting at 7:30 p.m. We will start collecting for Halloween candy at this association meeting. The next Pokeno game will be Friday, Oct. 18, in the association room with the door opening at 7 p.m. Those who are celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and birthdays congratulations. Those who recently suffered a loss our condolences. Those under the weather, get well soon. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Linda Werner

Open Board Meeting, 9/18/19 Gallery Session: A cooperator raised the issue regarding the elimination of the overnight garage attendants (10 p.m. to 6 a.m.) and that shareholders should be included in the decision on such an important topic. The cooperator stated that the garage is safer when knowing an attendant is on duty. However, Management explained that there would be a savings of $800,000 and that there is a false sense of safety since the garage attendants cannot protect them and that there hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been many calls for help in the garages. Also, that more cameras could be added and it was suggested that panic alarms could be considered. This decision could be reversed. But, it will remain for now. A cooperator raised her concern on the issue of the Memorandum of Donation made with the City of NY that we would donate the land to NYC and they would development the park. This MOD should be rescinded. Although the Board president stated that she is no longer interested in donating the land, the MOD is still out there and could possibly be an issue in the future. My position is that Riverbay should be on record for rescinding the MOD. I believe a simple letter would suffice. I agree with this cooperator and stated as much at a previous Board meeting. There were objections regarding the expense for Board members to hold their weekend Board development sessions at hotels. It is estimated that the cost was $.65 per unit and is considered a minimal amount when the Board makes decisions regarding a one-quarter billion dollar corporation. Congratulations Congratulations to Board President Linda Berk on being recognized as one of the 2019 Bronx Power 100. She is an intelligent, responsible and diligent woman whose leadership has successfully served our community. Climate Change On Sept. 20, over 150 countries stepped up to support young climate strikers and demand an end to the age of fossil fuels. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to take all of us to end the age of fossil fuels and solve the climate crisis. Please Google and read more.

Co-op City Times / September 28, 2019

Co-op City Democratic Club

Ad Astra

BY ANATOLIY BUDNITSKIY

Ad Astra was one of my most anticipated films all year. Ever since the first trailer completely enthralled me, I just couldn’t wait for its release. And man oh man, did it exceed every one of my expectations and then some. Films like these do not come often. Space odysseys such as Ad Astra are a dying breed for sure. When masterpieces like Gravity or Interstellar are released, you can hope others like them will come shortly thereafter. Ad Astra, in my opinion, is the next in that line. Simply put, it is a gorgeous, beautiful, at times therapeutic; just astounding every step of the way. Yes, it is a slow burn but I didn’t feel it drag even a little bit. It is one man’s journey to redeem himself and get to his father any way he can. Family is important to everyone. The script is tightly written. The pieces of the puzzle come together little by little until the payoff at the end. Brad Pitt is tremendous in this. He was incredible, more than couple of his scenes are Oscar worthy I think. His sad eyes are insane. This was his film throughout and he carried it. I absolutely loved the voiceover, it was jarring but also so unique and deep. Really made you think about everything in front of you on screen. Also, Liv Tyler said nothing in the film

but also said everything with her eyes and emotion on her face. That was brilliant. And yeah, Tommy Lee freaking Jones; man, I missed him. So doggone good and mesmerizing to watch. People who said this film was without action clearly saw the wrong film. First, this film had amazing action scenes that were very intense and breathtaking that we didn’t see coming. Second, this wasn’t an action film. I can never understand when people say a film is stupid, bad or boring because there is no action in it. But I mean, it is what it is. You can’t please everyone. Ad Astra is for sure a masterpiece and would benefit from repeated viewings. I can’t wait to see it again re review all the interactions that put the film in motion. The music was breathtaking too. Max Richter again delivered such a beautiful and moving score. Just close your eyes and listen away. Ad Astra is one of the best films of the year, and I will probably think about this one for a while. 10/10 AD ASTRA, PG-13, 123 MINUTES, 2019 James Gray – Director/Writer Ethan Gross – Writer Cinematrography – Hoyte Van Hoytema Music – Max Richter Brad Pitt – Roy McBride Tommy Lee Jones – H. Clifford McBride Ruth Negga – Helen Lantos Donald Sutherland – Thomas Pruitt Liv Tyler - Eve

LAW OFFICE

The next meeting of the CCDC will be Oct. 8, 2019, in the Bartow Avenue Community Center, room 28, at 6 p.m. We want to thank our guest speakers for giving us an informative evening. Judge Wilma Guzman, Judge Bahaati Pitt and Judge John Higgitt spoke to their resumes and their passions. They discussed various issues and what backgrounds they bring to the bench. They will be on our petitions. Early voting – Our location for early voting is Truman High School, 750 Baychester Ave. The following will be the days, dates and time: Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28, 2019, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2019, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, 2019, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, 201, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thank you, Congressman Eliot Engel, for your participation in the walk concerning climate change and what are we going to do to save the next generations. Many thanks to all who joined us on our fundraiser to the Nordic Lodge and Mohegan Sun. We ate till we almost popped and laughed and drank. We had a good time. Then on to Mohegan Sun, where some of us departed with heavy pockets and congratulations to all the winners. —Shirley J. Saunders

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Co-op City Times / September 28, 2019

Resolutions from our 9/18/2019 Board Meeting Director’s Viewpoint

Daryl Johnson We discussed some controversial resolutions during our board meeting on Wednesday, September 28, 2019. So, let’s review a few of them. Agree To Disagree The first controversial resolution, 19-40, that we discussed was about removing directors, for “cause” from the board for a period of three years. “Any person removed from the Riverbay Board of Directors for cause, in compliance with Article III, Section 3 of the Riverbay Corporation Bylaws, be barred from being a candidate for election to the Riverbay Board of Directors for three years after their removal from the board.” Now, on the surface, this resolution might seem to be good for our community. But, during our meeting on September 18, 2019, a few board directors and I disagreed with just one word in this resolution. And, that one word is “cause.” What is cause? Can a board director that’s not “in” with other directors be removed for cause? Well, let’s look at our bylaws and see how a director can be removed. Article III, Section 3, of the Riverbay Corporation Bylaws has a very long section entitled, ‘Removal of Directors.’ Then, section M states: The removal of a director for cause by the Board of Directors may be initiated at an Executive Session of a regular meeting of the Board of Directors by motion made at the meeting. The director moving for removal shall provide information to the board for review, upon which the board shall make a determination, by a majority vote, of whether to formally request the accused board member to respond to the allegation that he/she has violated his/her fiduciary and/or administrative duties to the Corporation. Additionally, other portions of this section state how directors can be removed: 1. When he is found to be of unsound mind by a court of competent jurisdiction. 2. When he is convicted of a felony. 3. When he is

convicted of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude. 4. If he does not accept the office in writing or by attending a meeting. … 5. When he has been absent from three (3) consecutive, regularly scheduled, meetings of the Board of Directors. … 6. When he is found to no longer be a resident. … Now, here are just a few categories that some legal dictionaries list as crimes involving moral turpitude: arson, bribery, domestic violence, fraud, murder, perjury, prostitution, rape, thefts, etc. So, these types of crimes are generally listed as: depraved, vile, shocking, grossly immoral, etc. Therefore, directors must be removed from our board if they violate these latter sections of our bylaws and if they are convicted of these crimes. But, apart from these violations and crimes, what do you think can happen to a director that will not blindly follow other directors by voting yes on questionable resolutions? Do you think that it’s possible that bogus allegations can be brought against a director during an executive session meeting? Thereafter, can that director be removed from our board? If yes, then should that director be barred from serving for three years? Now, from my perspective, the answer should be no. And, that’s why I voted against this resolution. Bottom line: Directors should not be forced or brainwashed to follow anyone. Therefore, they should be able to vote without having to worry about repercussions from anyone. However, looking at the abovecited material, can a board use our bylaws to bring charges against a director for a variety of reasons that don’t involve moral turpitude? My answer is yes. Therefore, that is why I said that directors that think they’re being brought up on unjustifiable charges should resign from the board just before they’re voted out of office. Thereafter, they will not be subjected to this resolution. Wood Floor Tiles Resolution 19-42 was for Riverbay to purchase wood floor tiles at a “not to exceed cost of $300,000 + tax for two (2) years and a one (1) year extension option for $100,000. …” If your previous floor tiles were damaged due to a water condition, then why

Broun Place Townhouse Association

Happy Indian summer to all. Is the shutting down of air conditioning a bit premature? Not that we can do anything about it, but what do you think? By today, we will have had our 2019-2021 Broun Place Board election meeting. Next week, we will announce the board for the next two years. Thank you to the residents who attended our meeting. I hope you came and I hope you renewed or joined. We use dues to support meetings, acknowledge personal tragedies or loss to our residents and for occasional participation in community events. The next meeting will be mid-November. Dues are $12 per year. The year is September to September, dues are not pro-rated. Please let us know whom you wish us to invite and if there are things you want the board to consider or attempt to do something about. Public attendance for this week’s open Riverbay Board meeting was good. We urge you to read the Co-op City Times, especially resolutions, director’s viewpoints and main issues. Read the Co-op City Times and you’ll be able to answer your own or a neighbor’s questions. Last week, we learned of more planned grooming for grounds. We hope at least two more trained workers will be assigned to the grounds team. This can’t be a one-time assignment. Grounds issues have been brought to the attention of the grounds department. We will have some answers. Now regarding the open board meeting. As a Broun Place representative observer, clearly the program needs to be arranged differently and enforced timewise more diligently. The subjects the gallery

attendees brought up included construction project issues, commercial leasing, the park off Co-op City Boulevard issues, garage attendants’ overnight staff and the offsite retreat seminar for Board members. Welcome to new cooperators in 30A and 4A. New residents, please follow Co-op City rules, especially regarding BBQ. Only electric grills are allowed. Also, please take your newspapers in from your front door. Uncovered mattresses were dumped in our dumpster pad. Mattresses must be wrapped to be discarded properly. Any information on the doers, submit a note to 31B. Please bring your garbage to the main dumpster sites and follow the recycling color chart. Please take in flyers and newspapers from your door. Lids need to remain on pedestrian garbage cans. A few weeks ago, a disgusting bag of garbage was dumped on the grounds next to the flyer posting window box. Disposing of house garbage, dumping it on the grounds, is disgusting. If anyone saw the person leaving the bag between the pedestrian garbage bin and posting box, let a committee member know. Please respect the hours of using hammers and such equipment, after 9 p.m. and before 8 a.m. is not allowed. Broun Place sends prayers to all those recovering from illness and those suffering loss in general. Please send us your tidings. Keep dancing and we guarantee happy days ahead! —Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

should Riverbay replace those damaged tiles with the same kind of tiles? Will you get another flood because of bad pipes, bad convectors, or an accident? So, in my opinion, this practice of using cheap tiles is a waste of time and money. A better option would be to remove those floor tiles and replace them with tiles that can sustain a water condition. Think, the water can be removed. Riverbay doesn’t have to replace those tiles. And, we can save a lot of money. Garage Safety Issues During our board meeting, a lot of controversy erupted about safety issues in our garages. Cooperators: “I don’t feel safe at night without a garage attendant.” Some directors and management stated that some garage attendants might be asleep at that time of night. And, that they’re not equipped to render emergency assistance anyway. Therefore, my suggestion is that we solve both issues by letting rotating Public Safety officers monitor our garages for safety issues. No one has any time to fall asleep and everyone can get a sense of safety in our garages. Ring Doorbell Management stated that we’re getting very close to getting the Ring doorbell system. Speed Cameras Speed cameras are now on Baychester Avenue near the schools and at 920 Co-op City Boulevard. So, I want to encourage everyone to please slow down and follow the law. Thank you. Close You can hurt a lot of people if you hit or kill someone, especially a child. Thereafter, you can get arrested. So, please make sure that you drive your vehicle in a safe manner. 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.

Baychester Visual Arts Association

Our new season began on Sept. 10, 2019. We hope your creative juices are yearning for release and would like quality art lessons, which you can have with BVA. As people have seen in the past, you will derive much pleasure from your artwork. Our 2019-2020 season portends to be one of the most exciting in our history with art classes, art shows, lecture/demonstrations and workshops, free and open to the public. BVA’s classes begin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, in room 5, Dreiser Community Center. You can choose from the two class schedules, which are 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The fees are as follows: Annual membership is $35 a year and a session of 10 classes is $60. This is the best bargain in the Bronx – maybe even the city – given the quality of instruction offered. Come and join us. Mr. Moses Groves, BVA’s art instructor, will be the artistic guide for these classes. Mr. Groves is an accomplished artist who has studied at the Art Students League and NYU. He has exhibited work in the New York and New Jersey area and has won awards for his artwork. You can call M. Groves at 201-862-0847 or S. Lochansky at 718-379-1049 for more information. You can register by mail by indicating the class time desired. Tuition can be sent to Baychester Visual Arts, P.O. Box 678, Co-op City Station, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. BVA is a non-profit, self-supporting organization that needs your support to continue offering high level art instruction at these bargain prices. So come join BVA on this fabulous artistic trek, take a class, make a tax deductible donation and feel the satisfaction of being a creator and/or patron of the arts. All checks should be made out as indicated above. Science is for the body and art is for the soul. —Sylvia Lochansky

Co-op City Times / September 28, 2019

Building 35 Association

The executive board would like to thank all the cooperators who showed up for our initial meeting of the 2019-2020 year. The names and contact information of our new executive board will be posted on the bulletin board after our first executive board meeting in October. We would especially like to thank the cooperators who volunteered to be floor captains and we welcome any other cooperators who would be interested in the position. The next meeting of the Building 35 Association will be Oct. 15th at 7 p.m. We will be accepting dues and we expect those in attendance to have suggestions on future speakers and activities for the association. The dues for the year is $10. —Bill Gordon

Building 13 Association

Last week, the open forum was held at Bartow and was well attended by shareholders. The financial report was discussed but the conversation became more about the elimination of the night shift garage attendants and the cost savings. Additionally the Ring video door camera was mentioned. Dreiser renovation has begun and is expected to take approximately eight months. New elevators, new lobby entrance doors and new laundry machines are in our future. Please do your part to preserve the beauty and integrity of the new equipment. You, the shareholder, are paying for these improvements, so take care of your investment. Please attend the association meetings so you can inquire and be provided with accurate information. Recently, a group of us from the Building 13 Association and friends attended The MAAFA Suite, an original theatrical commemoration that tells the story — through drama, song, rhythm, and dance — about the voyage of Africans to America and the complex circumstances under which enslaved Africans were oppressed. The term MAAFA, pronounced Mah- AHfah, is a Kiswahili word that gives definition to the catastrophic event experienced by millions of African people during the middle passage journey. It is presented once a year for one week. We hope to take a group next year. Soundview Ferry One of the items we requested in the MTA Ad Hoc Committee proposal was an express bus Wall Street stop and/or a shuttle to the Soundview Ferry. The Soundview Ferry is operated by Hornblower. The ride to Manhattan is about 46 minutes. Several communities have received free shuttle service to their ferry location sponsored by Hornblower. Please Google “Contact Us – NYC Ferry by Hornblower” and request Co-op City, a community of more than 55,000 residents, be provided free shuttle service to the Soundview Ferry. Our recent interaction with the MTA as a community allowed us to make significant progress but there is more work to be done. Women Keeping It Real Returns Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, at 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the association room. Women Keeping It Real is an inspiring, insightful and informative social gathering of women of all ages exchanging information, empowering and encouraging each other. Join us. The atmosphere is fun, the refreshments delectable and the topics varied. We welcome new guests but you must be 18 or over to participate. Something on your mind? Let’s talk. Rivers Run Community Garden The garden will host the NCNW Book Club Saturday, Oct. 12, at 4 p.m. The club is currently reading “The Sun Does Shine” by Anthony Ray Hinton. Send event information to: Building 13 Assoc. Inc., 100 Casals Place #32K, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. Contacts: Gail Sharbaan, treasurer, at 718-671-3801 or Leslie Peterson, president, at 718-320-1370 or daddpeterson@aol.com. Our website is bldg13assoc.com or email us at bthirteen.assoc@yahoo.com. Thanks for making our team work. —Leslie Peterson

Building 10 Association

Greetings fellow cooperators. Welcome all new cooperators. We look forward to seeing you at the next general membership meeting. Participation On Sept. 18, 2019, I attended the open board meeting held in the Bartow Center. I was disheartened because there are more than 40,000 people who live in Co-op City, but less than 1 percent of shareholders were in attendance. I hear a lot of complaints about issues here in Co-op City; however, when we are given a chance to voice our concerns, very few people come out to the meetings. Before the open board meeting, the directors of every department were available to listen to your concerns. Again, very few people were in attendance. If we want to see change, we must come to these meetings. 50,000 voices cannot be ignored. We must also come to our building association meetings. We have more than 450 apartments in Building 10. Less than 50 people attend our building association meetings. We are a community. Participation is key. Let your voice be heard. Collection of non-perishable items The NAACP Co-op City Branch #2210, in conjunction with NYCDOC Disaster Relief Association and the Association of Caribbean Americans in Correction, is currently collecting non-perishable items

to help assist the people of the Bahamas impacted by Hurricane Dorian. The deadline for drop-offs will be Oct. 31, 2019. For more information, please call 718320-3210. Suicide prevention If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or is in emotional distress, the number to call for help in New York City is 1-888-NYC-WELL (1-888692-9355). The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number is 1-800-273-8255. If you see something, say something For emergencies, call CCPD at 718-671-3050 and NYPD at 911. For non-emergencies, call 311. Association dues Collection of building association dues has begun for the year 2019. Building association dues are $10 per apartment. If you missed the dues collections in your building, you can bring payment to the association meeting or please see any executive board member. We would like to wish all September 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

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

Building 25 Association

We would like to thank all who attended our first meeting of the year, especially our new neighbors and neighbors who have come back. It is important to attend your building meetings to be informed, voice your complaints or comments. Our building president, Denise Gerrald, spoke about a few topics during our meeting including the following: Emergency relief donations for the people of the Bahamas affected by Hurricane Dorian are being collected by the office of the NAACP, of which Board Director Jerome Rice is president. Drop-offs are from now until Oct. 31, 2019. Call 718-320-3210 or 917-671-7862 for more information should you decide to donate. The Soundview route of NYC Ferry by Hornblower shuttle connects communities in the Bronx and the Upper East Side to lower Manhattan. We as a community may want to inquire about the Hornblower shuttle to find out if we can get service here in Co-op City. CCPD Chief Joseph Riley has been invited to attend our October meeting. Please see posting near elevators for confirmation and/or changes. We wish all neighbors born in September a happy

birthday. And for those who have been under the weather, we hope you get better soon. Our building association meets every third Tuesday of the month generally from September through June. Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 15, at 7:30 p.m., please keep an eye out for postings outside your elevators. If you cannot make it to meetings due to scheduling or other obstacles in your way, please log onto our building email address at building25ca @gmail.com and address your concerns or comments to any or all members of Building 25 Association. Friendly reminder, our building annual dues are $5 per family. We would like to thank the residents who have paid their annual dues. Dues are collected at our monthly meetings by Carol Eilets, treasurer, or Celeste Stukes, assistant treasurer. “Home is where children find safety and security, where we find our identities, where citizenship starts. It usually starts with believing that you’re part of a community and that is essential to having a stable home.” -Matthew Desmond —Wanda Bailey

We are shareholders, not tenants! Join your building association!

Spanish-American Community Club

No more tickets are available for tomorrow’s Hispanic Heritage celebration being held in room 31 of the Bartow Center. On Sunday, Sept. 29, the club and the Riverbay Fund will co-host the free Hispanic Heritage Day celebration beginning at 1 p.m. in room 31 of the Bartow Community Center. Performers include Danza Fiesta from Puerto Rico; Garifuna from Honduras; Mariachi Citlalli from Mexico; Juan Ortega’s musical stylings and Dancers DreamZzz. The club will also be raffling off a TV. Since room 31 can only hold 200 people, there were limited tickets available and we are completely sold out. We apologize for any inconvenience and remain hopeful that we will be able to return to the Dreiser auditorium in time for next year’s celebration. Please join us on the second Thursday of every

month at 8 p.m. Our next general membership meeting is scheduled for Oct. 10. Everyone is welcome. Halloween party The annual Halloween get-together for adults will be held Saturday, Oct. 19. Please see the flyer on the website for more details. October’s Social Friday is scheduled for Saturday, the 26th at 7 p.m. Members Renewal dues for the coming year are now being accepted. Dues are $30 per household. Additional information for our upcoming club events, as well as details concerning the club in general, can be found on our website: spanamcccc.synthasite.com. You may also email the club at SpanAmCCCC@gmail.com or find us on Facebook. Search for “spanamcccc.” —Carmen Rodriguez

Co-op City Times / September 28, 2019

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Co-op City Times / September 28, 2019

No more donations for Bahamas president to speak, no one has the authority to speak out of turn or address someone else’s comments or statements. The attention is to the person who has the floor. However, that director chose to speak out of turn and not raise their hand throughout the entire meeting. Due to the overwhelming response, no more donaBring it to the chairs tions will be accepted at the NAACP Co-op City Branch. If you have a complaint that needs solving, whether The branch thanks everyone for both their contribu- you are a director or shareholder, the best solution is to first bring it to that chair of that specific area. Why? tions and efforts. Because you want everyone to be on one accord. Please Board development training If you do your research, you will find that board allow the process to work. So, I am encouraging everydevelopment training is a requirement with various one to run all your concerns by the chair of that comcorporations. Board directors are governed to oversee mittee for a quicker resolution. Exculsion resolution the daily activities of Management. I actually believe the cost is minimal. The outcome outweighs the income. One of the reasons why I voted against Resolution My only concern is that training should address the #1940 is because I believe this is nothing more than a issues we are currently having problems with such as: witch hunt. I believe this resolution is designed to preethical behavior, budget, duties of a director and par- vent a director removed for cause from being a candidate for three years. This resolution is because of a liamentary procedures. Speaking of parliamentary procedures, did you see failed attempt to get a director off the Board while he the exchange between me and another director at the was running. Uncommon valor last open board meeting? Robert’s Rule of Order clearly I find it to be disrespectful that Riverbay made a tells you when a person is acknowledged by the board

Director’s Viewpoint

Jerome L. Rice

Black Forum

Emergency food pantry: Hours have changed 920 Baychester Ave., Building 1A. The pantry faces the yellow schoolhouse and basketball court at the back of the building. Hours of operation change beginning Tuesday, Oct. 1. They are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 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 IDs are the ID NYC card or a non- or driver’s license. Your ID must show a 10475 address. Bring three clean, doubled shopping bags and a shopping cart. Guests will be issued a card that must be shown at every visit in order to pick up anything, even non-food items.

decision to place a Freedomland plaque in an area adjacent to Veterans Park. I believe if this was anywhere else there would have been outrage. I am the only veteran on the Board and was not consulted about this action. I don’t believe Riverbay understands the sensitivity of such an act and from my perspective, the plaque should be relocated. Important voting information Oct. 11: Mail Registration for General: Last day to postmark application for general election; last day for it to be received by the Board of Elections is by Oct. 16. In person registration for General: Last day application must be received by the Board of Elections to be eligible to vote in general election. Change of Party Enrollment: Last day to accept a change of enrollment. If honorably discharged from the military or have become a naturalized citizen since Oct. 12, you may register in person at the Board of Elections up until Oct. 26. Oct. 26 to Nov. 3 – Early Voting Nov. 5 – General Election

Canned food pick-up occurs on a 30-to-31-day rotation once a month. Senior farmer’s market coupons Black Forum will distribute coupons Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the pantry. Recipients must be 60 years of age or older and have a monthly income at or below $1,926/month for a 1-person household; $2,607/month for a two-person household or $3,289/month for a three-person household. Please bring proof of age I.D. — ID NYC card or a non- or driver’s license — and income. Recipients who picked up coupons from another location this year cannot receive additional coupons. Records will be cross checked. Defensive driving Next class is Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; 177 Dreiser Loop, second floor, room 4. $35 per person. Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Lower your liability insurance cost by 10 percent and remove up to four points from your driver’s license. Checks and money orders can be made payable to Black Forum of Co-op City and mailed to 920 Baychester Ave., Bronx, N.Y. 10475 at least one and a half weeks before class. Please include your name and phone number. Walkins are welcome but only a $35 cash payment will be accepted the day of the class, no checks. Please bring your current driver’s license and a pen. Call by noon the Friday before to register for seating priority. Leave a message at 718-320-8035. Kindly leave your name, phone number and brief message. Harrah’s Casino trip Join us Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, for a trip to Harrah’s Casino in Chester, Pennsylvania. The cost is $45; rebate: $30. No refunds. Money is past due. Money can be brought to the pantry during hours of operation listed above. Boarding times are as follows: 920 Baychester Ave., 9 a.m.; Asch Loop, 9:15 a.m. and Section 5, 9:30 a.m. Kindly be on time and remember your seat number. Call 917-209-5334 or 718-320-0033 if you have questions. We look forward to hearing from you at coopcityblackforum@gmail.com. —D. Illis

Co-op City Times / September 28, 2019

Building 20 Association

There will be a meeting of the Building 20 Association Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019, at 7:30 p.m. in the Building 20 association room located in the rear of Building 20B. The agenda will include nominations for the election of new officers. Please inform your neighbors and encourage them to attend. I look forward to seeing all Building 20 residents. —William Craft

Building 27 Association

Hello neighbors, summer is about over, the kids are back to school. We wish them all a safe and educational environment and all will do well. School zone The speed-zone sign of 20 miles per hour speed limit is now in place on the Hutchinson Parkway in the vicinity of P.S. 160 in Section 5. It will be photo enforced. Please drive with caution through Section 5 and throughout the community. The general meeting was held Thursday, Sept. 19. We were pleasantly engaged with two guest speakers. The first speaker, Riverbay General Manager Mr. Noel Ellison, introduced himself and went on to talk about the need to study data and information in order to address many issues in the community. He explained how the advancements of three generations can arrive with the same answers, however with a different approach. Mr. Ellison expressed a profound statement: Smart managers hire smart people. Q & A sessions Steve of Building 27B brought up the cracks in the pavement of the driveway circle and how they are expanding. Mr. Ellison promised to look into it. Steve also mentioned handicap signs are needed for parking and should be in place in the circle. Mr. Ellison explained the lifespan of the elevators should be 30 to 40 years, and the elevators we have are only good for 12 years. The completion of installations of the elevator will not meet the deadline of Jan. 2020. The city and state are assisting with the elevators situations. The doorbell systems have some issues to work out and study. Assist General Manager of Construction for Riverbay, Mr. Mark Warren, spoke next, and introduced himself as being three years here in Co-op City as well as an architect. He explained how Local Law 11 came about in the 80’s, providing guidelines for buildings six floors and more. The safety of the bricks, balconies and walls are safe. An engineer is hired to analyze the building safety and to determine if the building will be safe with repairs. Local Law 11 is required every five years to inspect high rises above the sixth floor. Building 27 is expected to be finished June 2020, weather permitting. The shareholders were engaged with many questions. We thank Mr. Noel Ellison and Mr. Mark Warren for the abundance of information, their patience and time spent in the Q&A sessions. Ad hoc committee We had another guest, our neighbor from 27A, Aaron Carnegie. He is co-chairman of this committee. He said the committee is still working on a couple of items. He is asking for the help and support in requesting a free shuttle to the ferry, etc. Good work, it appears there will not be major changes to the bus routes. Thank those on the committee for the hard work being done. With 10 buses provided by MTA to serve the mall — the Bx5, Bx12, Bx23, Bx26, Bx28, Bx29, Bx30, Bx38, BxM7and the Q50 — surely MTA can also provide proper bus service for this community. 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 death 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

Be careful and ask to see Employee ID

If you are having work done in your apartment, shareholders – especially those who are elderly and/or who live alone – are reminded that all personal items should be secured in a safe location. This is for your own peace of mind, as well as the protection of the Riverbay workers/ contractors coming into your home. Riverbay employees wear identification badges and so do the various Riverbay-approved contractors seeking access to your home. Ask to see identification before allowing anyone to enter your apartment. If you are unsure, you should contact your local CSO at (718) 320-3300 (follow prompts), or Public Safety at (718) 671-3050.

Building 29 Association

On Friday, Sept. 20, at 7 p.m., the Building 29 Association held its first meeting after a summer break. It was announced Valerie McNeill, the treasurer, is leaving the board. Many thanks to her for excellent service during these past few years. However, we now are in search of a new treasurer. An accounting background is a plus, but not necessary, as the work is quite straightforward and uncomplicated. We could also use more board members in general, especially building and floor captains. James Estwick also retired as Building 29A captain. Thanks, James. These board positions are important and do not require many hours but, without participation from our cooperators, we are in danger of losing our association. Some of the benefits of an association are participation in Section 5 planning and activities, representation of our voices and needs to Riverbay and the main Board. Without a voice, we are powerless to get things done. The Building 29 Association has also sponsored a game night — hopefully to be expanded to include more games — a senior exercise class — changed to every Friday at 10 a.m. sharp — a book club — this past Friday, Sept. 27, our chosen book was “Kabul Beauty School.” We also host holiday decoration of the lobbies and a holiday party. The meeting began with questions and concerns from the audience, including Optimum service, dog related problems and bus service cuts. Marie Smith, our vice president, gave a round up on the open board meeting held on Wednesday, stating cooperators were up in arms about the elimination of overnight garage attendants. Also, she handed out fliers on the eighth annual Co-op City College Fair at PS 180 Middle School, 700 Baychester Ave. on Oct 5, from noon to 5 p.m. as well as and The NYC Disabilities Expo to be held in the Einstein Community Center, Oct. 13. Everyone was encouraged to sign petitions asking to keep as much of our bus service as possible and drop them in the CSO office survey box. This is important, as there is power in numbers. If we don’t stand up for our services, we risk losing them. Cooperators next were asked for input regarding who they would like to have come as speakers. Also, suggestions for activities were requested — either email the association, address on bulletin board, or drop a note in the suggestion box outside the association meeting room in 29B. Congratulations to all those celebrating birthdays and anniversaries — Novella, 54 years, and Marie Smith, 42 years, among them. Let us know if you have a special occasion. Welcome back longtime cooperators and newcomers. Our next meeting will be Friday, Oct. 18. Hope to see you there. —Katharine Wood

Building 6 Association

Since no one came forward to help with the Halloween preparations this year, we regretfully will not be able to keep up with our traditional Halloween candy giveaway. Last year, the building association gave out more than 100 candy bags. Unfortunately, this year, the building association will not be able to provide any candy giveaway because of the lack of support in our building. If we are not able to gain support for our building association before the holiday season approaches, our holiday display will also suffer as we will not be able to purchase decorations or hold our annual Christmas party. We have 385 apartments in our building, and we all have to work together to make our building look good for the holiday season. Many people in the building are complaining about the floors being dirty and bugs in the halls near the apartments. Many people are also complaining about the ramp in the laundry room and the need for rails near the new ramp, etc. Without your support, we can’t get anything done. The building association had a bake sale a few weeks ago and I asked for people to donate baked goods. We only had two people donate cakes out of 384 apartments. Once again, without your support, we can’t get anything done. People have been leaving trays of food in the compactor room, that’s where the bugs have been coming from; the maintenance workers inform me that’s what’s been happening. We all have to clean up after ourselves if we don’t want to see bugs and mice in our building. I want to thank maintenance supervisor Freedo and maintenance worker Rodney for doing an outstanding job for our building, We are all are very happy to have our first new elevator on the express side done. They will be starting to work on the two new elevators in our building soon. If you didn’t get your new laundry card, you can pick your new card in the CSO office. Please clean up after your dog. I am doing my best to make where we all live better and safe and enjoyable. I don’t get paid for it. There are still people who live in our building who think I get paid to be building president. That is untrue. I am volunteering my time. We need your support, and we need to work together to make this building cleaner and safer and to have holiday events in our building. —Jeffrey Schwartz

Co-op City Times / September 28, 2019

Building 9 Association

Local Law 11 façade work is scheduled to begin in Greetings, Building 9 family. Free St. Barnabas HosSection 2 in 2020. pital Mammogram Van Screening today. Most insurances The elevator motor replacement and cab rehab project accepted, free for uninsured persons, Saturday Sept. 28, is ongoing complex-wide. The projected completion of 40, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., at Bartow Mall, 2049 Bartow of our total 160, elevators per year appears to be on track. Ave. in front of the New York Public Library. Please conKeep in mind each elevator will be out of service for tact Sheila Richburg, RN, NCNW Health Committee, at approximately three months. Once our building is sched917-319-6758. uled into the rotation, strategic planning and cooperation The Legislative Lobby Visit photos were posted on both bulletin boards for your perusal. Again, I thank those will be required on all our parts. As part of the strategy to preserve our new elevators, furniture deliveries, move-ins who took the time to participate. and move outs must be scheduled so the elevators can be The overnight shift has been eliminated in all eight garages. padded in order to protect our $40 million investment. The manned attendant shift hours remain: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. A new printing contract has been selected for the Coand 2 p.m. to 10 pm, seven days per week. As previously From right, Linda, Yaz and Toni at MAAFA 2019. op City Times. For shareholder purposes, a separate condiscussed in this column, in 2017/2018, while I served on the Garage and Leasing Committee, the automation technology reduces the need for tract covers delivery services. At the time of the re-bidding of that contract, Rivermanned kiosks in the garages. The new system is fully interactive via closed circuit bay Corporation will address delivery times, proper placement of the papers, stacks camera, elevator emergency button and point-of-service call buttons at the gates with of newspapers left in our lobbies, papers left out in inclement weather, etc. The Building 9 Association Executive Board convened Monday, Sept. 16, to direct links to supervisors should a need arise. Riverbay Corporation has justified this loss of service by stating a projected an annual cost savings of $800,000. The affected begin planning for the year ahead. At the time of this writing, our general membership meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 26. This is the first meeting of garage attendant staff has been absorbed into other Riverbay Departments. I have addressed the issue of dirty terrazzo baseboards with Management. It is our new year after hiatus. We expect to continue to support healthy lifestyle choices. We attended the MAAFA again this year. It was awesome. our expectation the baseboards will be cleaned in the not-too-distant future. Do not react to toxic people. Not giving them the reaction they so desperately We attended the most recent open board meeting. Please find below, some seek is far more powerful. topics covered, in addition to corporate financials. —Linda Collins New speed trap located in the vicinity of 900-920 Co-op City Blvd. Slow down. Newsong Church is located at 135 Einstein Loop in room 45. Discounted parking is available in parking garage 7 & 8. While you’re enjoying our worship experience, your children will be enjoying “Kidsong.” At Kidsong, children from nursery to 6th grade will learn about Jesus in fun interactive ways! We also have a youth ministry called Against the Flow. At “ATF,” teens from 12 to 18 years old enjoy Christ-centered discussion groups, café nights, and other outings. ATF meets every Friday night at 7 p.m. at 2049 Bartow Ave., room 28! If you have any questions, you can contact us: Church Office: 718-708-8385 Website: newsongchurchnyc.org Facebook: 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

Newsong Church

Wisdom from Above 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. –James 3:14-17 (NIV) There’s a difference between the wisdom of the world, and wisdom that comes from God. Worldly “wisdom” will masquerade as truth, but it will soon show itself for what it truly is. We live in a world that no longer believes in absolute truth. Truth has become relative, and based on perception and feelings. Jesus’little brother James pulls no punches, calling worldly wisdom unspiritual and demonic! The question for each of us, is how do we know if we’re following worldly wisdom or Jesus’ wisdom? The answer is found in verse 16… Is your pursuit for what you consider to be “success” full of envy and selfish ambition? Is your life in disorder? Is your relationship with your spouse, your children, your co-workers, your classmates, or your boyfriend/girlfriend, honoring to God, or is it full of every evil practice? As followers of Jesus, we should be seeing His wisdom at work in our lives. Jesus’ wisdom is the total opposite of worldly wisdom (see verse 17) and it’s something we can only obtain with a personal relationship with Him. We must decide that we’re going to live our life God’s way, living a life that’s pure. Not pure in perfection, because none of us will ever be perfect, but pure in integrity. Integrity means “whole.” As followers of Jesus, it means that we bought into the whole truth of God’s word, and we’re going to live our life according to it! Truthfully we’re not going to have a perfect life, marriage or relationships in this life, however living with integrity means that we can have an honest life, an honest marriage, and honest relationships! Following Jesus’ wisdom will help you live an honest life before God! Join us this Sunday!

Co-op City Times / September 28, 2019

Goose Island Seniors

Happy Rosh Hashanah to all our Jewish members and friends. The bingo last Sunday was very nice. It was good to see some of our friends who are not members. Congratulations to all the winners. Wind Creek Casino Thursday, Oct. 17, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Price: $40. The rebate is $30 for play. Buses will be leaving from our usual bus stops. Time: 8:30 a.m. from Einstein Loop; 8:40 a.m. from Asch Loop; 8:50 a.m. from Dreiser Loop. Waiting list only. All money due by Oct. 9. Bingo Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Time: 1:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Members only in our club room 39. Admission, $5 for three cards, 12 games and jackpot. Extra cards are 25 cents each. Sunday bingo will be the fourth Sunday, Oct. 27. 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. Our lounge Come sit and relax, read a book from our library, play cards every Tuesday and Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Members only. To all members Happy birthday to our members celebrating their birthday in the month of September: Mary Smith, Patri-

cia Harris, Alma Alequin, Veratta Rhames, Bettie Ward, Joyce Wilson and Beryl Hines. Our sick and shut-ins Please say a prayer for Mary Pilla, who is going through neck therapy upstate with family; Milton Schlanger in Montefiore Hospital, and Miriam Lunenfeld. We miss you. We are happy to announce Allen Usher, Regina’s husband, is back home after undergoing surgery. We thank God for his blessings. Note The dues for the Senior Citizen’s Social Club of Goose Island, Inc., will be raised from $15 to $20. We have not had a raise in many years and we are servicing more members now than the past few years. You may pay your 2020 dues any time between now and Dec. 31. Those members who have a birthday in January must pay their dues before Dec. 28 for your name to appear in the Co-op City Times Goose Island Senior’s article. Call Ann or Stephen of Goose Island Seniors, 718379-9613, 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.

National Council of Negro Women

Miracle of Christmas Join Co-op City Section NCNW on 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 of $50 was 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 917399-2643. Health fair Today, Sept. 28, 2019, 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 on diabetes, stroke, cancer, asthma, obesity and depression. There will also be fire safety information, blood pressure screening, dental screening, vegan food demonstration, nutritional counseling, ear acupuncture, prizes, raffles and snacks! Also zumba, yoga and qigong exercises are scheduled at 2:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Come on out and join us. Book club Our book discussions will resume Oct. 12 at 4 p.m. at Rivers Run Community Garden. We are all reading “The Sun Does Shine” by Anthony Ray Hinton, an Oprah’s Book Club selection. 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, New

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York. We will be discussing 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. NAACP Awards Two members of Co-op City Section NCNW were honored Saturday, Sept. 21 by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Co-op City Branch. Our president, Lori Melton, and member Leah Richardson were both awarded Community Service Awards at the NAACP’s fifth annual Community Service Dance event. This gala event recognized the service of youth and adults in various ways to our Bronx community. —Joyce Howard

Section 4 Partnership

It’s fundraising time Have you seen the 50th anniversary T-shirts with the Section 4 Partnership logo on the back? These limited edition collector’s items are beautiful and on sale now. The Section 4 Partnership is raising funds for its third annual Christmas caroling event. Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019, we will have our Christmas parade and hopefully you will come along with us. 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 calling 347-915-4939. All are welcomed to participate. Everyone’s input is necessary for a positive impact 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, Gospel on The Greenway, Wicked Wednesdays, Tunes on Tuesday, July 3 fireworks, Hoops and Beats, the ice cream socials, the grand opening of the Section 4 basketball courts and other notable events, meetings and gatherings. 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 — Building 20, Asch Loop; Building 21, Bellamy Loop; Building 22, Co-op City Boulevard; buildings 23, 24 and 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: 347915-4939 Help us continue this positive effort Help us reap the benefits of a united community. 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 / September 28, 2019

Velocity Track Club

On Saturday, Sept. 21, Velocity Track Club New York had its 2019 annual banquet and it was awesome. Every year, we celebrate all athletes who completed a year — three seasons — of training and competed at meets with Velocity Track Club. Plus, we give trophies for the Most Valuable Athlete, Most Improve Athlete, Best Newcomer/Promising Athlete, and six girls and boys academics awards. We also honor individuals who support us during the year and the volunteer who goes beyond the core duties of their responsibility. We were also blessed with the presence of city Councilman Andy King and Congressman Eliot Engel. Velocity’s staff — Tanya Ingram, Ranee Parker, Devora Joseph, Celeste Reynolds, Serena Jackson and Tanesha Blake — along with parents did an excellent job arranging the event with decorations, great food and music. Crown Trophy, located at 2554 E. Tremont Ave, Bronx, N.Y. 10461, designed the lovely acrylic awards and trophies. Thank you, Mr. Perry, for your support. Councilman King energized the audience with his spirit and his pledge to allocate funds for

Co-op City Sports

Velocity’s athletes and guests at our annual banquet.

our program. Thank you, Councilman King. Congressman Engel made a generous donation to our program. Thank you, Congressman Engel. We honored Mrs. Neva Shillingford-King, Mr. James T. Estwick and Eugene Hawkins. They supported our program, and we are truly appreciative. Mr. Hawkins, from the Family Fitness Center, is in the Co-op City Community Center’s basement of Section 5. Medalists at the USATF New York Meet 1. Our special winners were: Most Valuable Athlete: Tiarra Jackson and Pierce Parker. Most Improve Athlete: Cameron Joseph and Adeyemi Senior. Best Newcomer/Promising Athlete: Talia Dixon and Justyce Moore. Academics awards: Ryann Joseph, Saggi Hemmings, Adonijah Washington, Sachin Ramharak, Pierce Parker and Julian Caldwell. Our Volunteer of the Year winner was Tanya Ingram. Congratulations to Velocity Track Club for one of the best years we’ve had. After celebrating, the next day we competed in our first cross-country meet, the USATF New York Series 1 meet at Van Cortland Park. The competition was good, and our children may have been a little tired from dancing the night before. But that didn’t stop Bryce Hickman and Justyce Moore in the 2000 meters or Sachin Ramharak and Adeyemi Senior in the 3000 meters to muscle out medals. Congratulations to all who competed. Velocity Track Club New York is a 501C3 not-forprofit. One hundred percent of your donation will go toward helping our children. Support our youth, so they can continue to do great things. For additional information, you can go to our website, Velocitytrack.org, or contact me, Coach Winston Dinkins, at 914-441-6196 or email watclt@aol.com. —Coach Winston Dinkins

Matthew Miller continues to dominate

Saturday, Sept. 21, Co-op City’s Matthew Miller competed at the Major Leon Wallace Annual Championship Karate Tournament. Matthew, representing Martial Way Kung Fu Center here in Co-op City, took first place in the Black Belt Weapons Division and went on to win the Grand Championship in both the Weapons and Kata (forms) divisions. Matthew also placed third in the Sparring Division, going up against some tough, experienced fighters and nearly winning his first fight. The tournament was a comeback of sorts for Matthew, who suffered an injury last month while competing in Maryland and was told by his ER doctor to take off about six weeks. He did and came back strong after a nearly two-month break. Matthew’s next tournament will be in October in Miami, Florida, at the Panamerican Nationals. November will see his induction into the International Black Belt Hall Matthew Miller with Grand of Fame as Best Kata Competitor, followed Master Sam Magee, host of the by the Karate Tournament of Champions in Major Leon Wallace Annual Matthew Miller Karate Championships. Queens that weekend. Matthew will close out 2019 in December at the Toronto Tournament of Champions in Canada.

Co-op City Times / September 28, 2019

Coalition of African American Churches and Community Organizations

Toastmasters Club

Co-op City Toastmasters Club welcomes all who have a fear of public speaking. Our mission is to provide a supportive and positive learning environment in which Greetings to our Coalition members and friends, we hope you are enjoying the every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills. summer. Come out to a meeting and see if we are what you have been looking for. We meet The Coalition of African American Churches and Community Organizations the first and third Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. sharp. of Co-op Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next general membership meeting will be held Tuesday, Oct. 1, Events 2019, at noon in the Dreiser Community Center, room 15. We are requesting all Congratulations to members to please attend. Please watch this column for further information. It is club officers for recently should be sent from each organization to attend all appearing on the local important two representatives Coalition meetings. Bronxnet cable show Please inform the Coalition of any suggestions you may have. Ms. Virginia â&#x20AC;&#x153;OPEN: Co-op City ToastStewart is the president of the Coalition. Phone number: 718-671-4506. masters.â&#x20AC;? The Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to maintaining and improvMeetings ing the quality of life of cooperators while providing educational and culturally Oct. 3, Bartow Center, enriching programs for the community. We also act as one voice for all Coalition room 28; Oct. 17, Dreiser members where there are issues of common concern and human rights. We also Center, room. 13. Note sponsor the Friends & Family Day Celebration and the annual Kwanzaa Celechange in meeting lobration events, both of which are free for the community. cation. Members of the Coalition include the following: African-American AssociaInformation tion; Co-op City Baptist Church; Retirees of Dreiser Loop; Harriet Tubman IndeToastmasters46.org; pendent Democratic Club; NAACP, Co-op City Branch and St. Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s EpiscoToastmasters.org or call pal Church. We also welcome our two new members, American Legion Post 1871 718-379-8435. and Faith at Work Christian Church. We hope to see you Co-op City Toastmasters at Bronxnet Studio, Lehman Churches and organizations that desire to join the Coalition may apply for soon. College; from left, Joyce Wright, Lauretta Jaysura, Jacqueline McCain, Andrea Haye and Debra Jones. membership by calling 718-671-4506 or 718-671-9610 for a membership appliâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;J. Wright church/organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lettercation, which should returned with a letter on your head and signed by the minister/president. Read the Coalitionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s weekly column for information about events and issues. Remember the Coalitionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s motto is, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Coming together is the beginning, keep # $ %# !$ % % % # %# !$ % % % %" ing together is progress and working together is success.â&#x20AC;? % # $ % $ % " %#!%# % " % "" % # % " â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Harman T. Leacock !# ! %#!%# % " %! $ $%# $% !%#% $ %$ # $ %" % #! # % ! %! $% $# $%" % $ " % "" $ #!" % " $% " # ! % # % $# %!"%#% $ % $# $ % $! % " %!" $! $ %!"% # $ ) ('%&$ # ! $ !

" " % ! %#% $# $ % " ! %% Commander Toba welcomes the veterans back from summer American Legion of Co-op City started its activity for a new session after summer with community engagement. At this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Section 5 Fair, comrades gathered together with several community organizations in the neighborhood to celis Protecting the Legacy. He allayed the fear that, if things were not done differebrate the summer closeout in Co-op City. This singular show of service is a tesently from the old order, Post 1871 will suffer. Thus, he encouraged members to tament to what veterans are known for â&#x20AC;&#x201D; selfless services. Commander Toba be more committed than the few people who are always showing up for functions appreciated all the volunteers who came out with the message of patriotism to the every time. He echoed the same slogan to the attendees at the first general meetcommunity. ing that was held Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, at 1100 hours at the post. Toba appealed to the members present to preserve the baton passed to the attendees by comrades At the first executive board meeting, Commander Toba welcomed comrades before. It needs to be preserved and passed on to future generation, he said. to the meeting, which was postponed several times. Usually, the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s In an attempt to see things differently this year, the commander enjoined the executive board meeting comes up at the first Saturday of the month by noon members to show deep interest in the affairs of the legion at local level. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We need promptly. In his first unofficial meeting, the commander shared his experiences to try everything possible to be part of this community and recruit more memfrom attending both the July department convention in Buffalo and the August bers in our midst, especially the younger generations who are just leaving the national convention in Indianapolis during the summer. He appealed to the comrades for the need to attend these events for crossbreeding of ideas by attendees. service,â&#x20AC;? he said. Toba promised to serve the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best interest for the Toba submitted he was elected as the first chairman of the New York State next nine months before rounding off his tenure in June 2020. American Legion College Committee based on the resolution to convert the preToba submitted the legion has adopted the nationwide approach of allowvious Alumni Association into a committee under the Department of New York ing veterans with honorable discharge to join the American Legion. More so, American Legion. He was also voted in as the vice president of the New York there is a clause to membership of the Legion Auxiliary, as it is no more a State American Legion Press Association. womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s organization. The word women has now been replaced by spouse for inclusion. With these two state functions, Commander Toba appreciates the involvement of the post in the Legion function. He therefore declared his theme for the year â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Lsjc Adeyemi LaCrown Toba

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Co-op City Times / September 28, 2019

Travel event Price includes coach bus, located on Dreiser Loop, front of H&R Block Oct. 14, Monday, MGM Casino, Springfield, Massachusetts. Sold out; wait list. Contact Serita Grayson, 347-564-5722, or Barbara Williams, 718-320-0500. Theatre Committee Price includes van transport from Dreiser Loop, front of rehab center Nov. 15, Friday, Radio City Christmas Spectacular; showtime, 2 p.m. Price: $80. Down payment, $40 ASAP. Balance $40, due Wednesday, Oct. 2. Contact AARP New York will conduct a free educational Medicare workshop that explains the parts of Medicare, your coverage options and when to enroll. Date: Saturday, Oct. 12, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Einstein Community Center, 135 Einstein Loop, Bronx, N.Y. Reminder, Ellie Minor will be conducting an AARP driver safety class Friday, Oct. 25 and Saturday, Oct. 26, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Classes will be held in the American Legion, room 41, 135 Einstein Loop, Bronx, N.Y. Cost, $20 for AARP members, $25 for non-members. Check or money order only, no cash. To register, call

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

Eleanor Barlow, 917-952-0861. Dec. 10, Tuesday, The Edwards 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 Dreiser club room 19, 718-379-0377, on Mondays and/or Thursdays, 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Good and Welfare To our members and friends on the mend, we hope

each new day brings you renewed strength and a little sunshine to brighten your day. Call Josephine Flowers, 718-320-0539, regarding illnesses and bereavements. Mark your calendar, our next Jazz Up Your Health With a Senior Spa Day will be in October, date to be determined. Call Claudette D., 718-379-4784, or Hattie L., 718-671-8449, if interested in joining us. “Always end the day with a positive thought. No matter how hard things were, tomorrow’s a fresh opportunity to make it better.” –Unknown author —Claudette Davis

AARP Chapter #4997

718-379-4429. Heartfelt condolence to Hannah Brown on the loss of her cousin. Please contact our good and welfare coordinator, Frances Wilson, 718-671-5493, if you have a family member who has passed or one of our members who is sick, in the hospital or in a nursing home. 2019 tour activity 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. Con-

tact Hannah, 718-379-7962, or Judith, 718 379-3370. When signing up for the above trip, please give your name, phone number and a deposit. Checks/money orders made payable to AARP Chapter 4997 with the name of the trip in the memo section of your check/money order. Room 0 in the Dreiser Community Center is open 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

Evangelical UM Church 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 multi-ethnic, 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 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, 10 a.m. to noon. Children 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 and 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. 2 p.m.; Tuesday English prayer service: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Young adults Bible study: Tuesday, 8 p.m. to 9

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

Open doors, open hearts and open minds p.m. Come let’s pray together! “Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day.” 1 Kings 8:28b Friday night is Fun Night for youth ages 13 to 21, 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. This is a great time for the youth of our community to learn God’s word, enjoy each other’s company and make new friends. There will also be many activities. Exciting things are happening. Food pantry Food pantry distribution center at our church serves Buildings 26A, B and C; 30A and B; 31A and B, 34, 35 and the Earhart Townhouses. We are registering and distributing food on Thursdays, 11 a.m. 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 or older can register. Only one participant per household may register. Health education workshop Join us for a health education workshop about cancer, Tuesday, Oct. 1, at the church from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Flea market The flea market held Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, was a blessing. We are grateful to all the vendors and community members for their support. We look forward to seeing you at the next flea market, scheduled for May 2020. “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” –Romans 15:7 —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

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

Personalized & Professional Care • 52 Years Serving Our Community Worldwide Shipping including Caribbean, Africa & South America

718-231-7647 Call 24 Hours

Fax: 718-231-7665 www.mccalls.net • director@mccalls.net 4035 Bronxwood Avenue, Bronx, N.Y.

NOW WEBCASTING TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS ABROAD

Serving all cultures & faiths

Co-op City Times / September 28, 2019

Traditional Synagogue

Community Protestant Church

General information On behalf of our pastor, Reverend Dr. Calvin E. The Traditional Synagogue is located in Section 5, 120 Owens, and our church family, welcome to ComErdman Place in the rear lobby of 27B. It is on the ground munity Protestant Church, a church of love and understanding located at 1659 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, floor and handicap accessible, no steps. Phone: 718-379N.Y. 10469. Telephone: 718- 862-9172 6920. Office hours are Thursday and Sunday from noon to Regular church schedule 2 p.m. Please call the office before you attempt to come Sunday school, 9 a.m. over. If no one is in the office, please leave a message. The 5780 High Holidays Worship service, 11 a.m. This year, Rabbi Daniel Kronengold and Cantor Joseph Communion service every first and third Sundays Ringel will conduct our High Holy Day Services. Noon day prayer, Hour of Power, Wed. at noon For information about holiday tickets, please call our Prayer meeting and Bible study, Wed. at 7 p.m. office at 718-379-6920 and leave your name and phone The following program is at the church’s annex, number and we will get back to you. 2053 Asch Loop north The following is the schedule for candle lighting and Neighborhood Bible study, Thursday at 10 a.m. Sunday school is now in session every services. Sunday at 9 a.m. Erev Rosh Hashanah - Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019. In Sunday school, a nurturing Christian education Candle Lighting at 6:23 p.m. Mincha service at 6:30 p.m. environment, an opportunity is provided for children Rosh Hashanah - Monday, Sept. 30, 2019 to learn about the Bible, to grow in grace, to show Services at 8:30 a.m. love and respect for one another and to live more Shofar at 10:45 a.m. abundant lives. Tashlich at 5:45 p.m. at the water Worship service begins at 11 a.m. Everyone is Mincha at 6:25 p.m. invited to come and be a part of this special moment; Candle lighting, not before 7:20 p.m. set aside each Sunday morning to be in the presence of God. We will be delighted to blend our spirits Rosh Hashanah - Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2019 with yours as we bend both body and soul before Services at 8:30 a.m. our heavenly father. We encourage you to spend Shofar at 10:45 a.m. time with God, and if it be His will, with us at ComSermon by Cantor Ringel munity Protestant. Rosh Hashanah ends at 7:19 p.m. Other scheduled events Shabbat Shuva - Saturday, Oct, 5, 2019 Beautiful 50th anniversary commemorative TService at 9 a.m. Erev Yom Kippur - Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2019 shirts in celebration of Community Protestant’s half Candle Lighting at 6:08 p.m. century anniversary are being sold by the Missionary Nidre Services at 6:15 p.m. Yom Kippur - Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019 Services at 9 a.m. Pastor & Evangelist Vernon Little greets everyone Yizkor at noon in the name of Jesus, that name which is above Mincha at 4 p.m. every name. We want you to know that you are welNeila - Closing of the gates at 5:15 p.m. come in this house of the Lord! It is His house by Maariv at 6:50 p.m. ownership: it is our house by stewardship: and it Shofar Blown fast ends at 7:06 p.m. can be your house by membership; so come on in Please come on time so our prayers will not be rushed and join with us. May God bless you in this house! and we will not be forced to fast until later than required. We need to follow God when we face challenges Saying Yizkor for a loved one requires a pledge of Tzedaka, charity. Please support our Shul. in life, and when we’re enjoying good times as The synagogue has services on Saturday morning starting well. Let’s look at scripture to support this. at 9 a.m. After services, we always have a kiddush. Hebrews 6:9-12 says: The synagogue has a Facebook page: Traditional Syn9 Dear friends, even though we are talking this agogue. way, we really don’t believe it applies to you. We are confident that you are meant for better things, The synagogue needs donations. Whatever amount you things that come with salvation. can donate, big or small, would help the synagogue’s 10 For God is not unjust. He will not forget how finances. hard you have worked for him and how you have The synagogue needs men to help make a minyan. Please come by 9 a.m., so we can take out the Torah. shown your love to him by caring for other believers, The Traditional Synagogue is the only synagogue in Co[a] as you still do. op City. 11 Our great desire is that you will keep on loving Sabbath ends on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, at 7:34 p.m. others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain Candle lighting for Friday, Sept. 27, 2019, 6:24 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 all good health. If you asked the Rabbi to say prayers for a sick person, you should make your donation to the synagogue. 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

Ministry. Sizes range from small to 2xx. Donation: $20 each. To place an order for T-shirts, please contact Sister Julia Nicholson at 917-836-9701. Sunday, Oct. 6, at 11 a.m., observance of All Clubs Day, honoring some of the organizations of our church. On these special occasions, 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 at noon until 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 Community Protestant Church at 9 a.m. and CPC Annex in Co-op City at 9:15 a.m. sharp. Donation: $94 — $50 deposit due immediately; $44 balance was due by Sept. 15. For additional information contact Julia Nicholson at 917-836-9701 or Sarita Tidball at the church, 718-862-9172. Saturday, Oct. 19, 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 enjoy fellowship with Christian believers of the gospel of Jesus Christ. You are cordially invited to come in, join in and receive your blessing. —Evan G. Mitchell

Faith In God Church & Bible Institute

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.

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 pm. 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 3rd 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 # is (347) 276-4925. Jesus loves you, and so do we! —Evangelist Vernon Little

Fri., Oct. 4

Thu., Oct. 3

Wed., Oct. 2

Tues., Oct. 1

Mon., Sept. 30

Co-op City Times / September 28, 2019

Bartow

Einstein

Dreiser

Room 31 unless otherwise noted

Room 49 unless otherwise noted

Room 7 unless otherwise noted

Alternate Kosher Meals are also available

JASA Closed in Observance of Rosh Hashanah Day 1

JASA Closed in Observance of Rosh Hashanah Day 2

Blood Pressure Every 1st & 3rd Wed., 9 – 10 a.m. Games 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. Stay Well Exercise 10 - 11 a.m. Line Dancing 11a.m. - 12 p.m. 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 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.

JASA Closed in Observance of Rosh Hashanah Day 1

JASA Closed in Observance of Rosh Hashanah Day 2

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.

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 3 centers. Trip registration policy: There will be no refunds for all trips. All trips include roundtrip transportation– JASA will not accept checks under $5. All trips must be paid in advance. Drivers will no longer accept money for trips on the bus! 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 or at any of the three senior centers. FREE LiveOn NY - SCRIE/SNAP (Food Stamps) Assistance – Fri., Oct. 11 & 25, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 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. Dreiser Sr. Ctr Walk w/Ease – Six weeks starting Fri., Sept. 20 to Fri., Oct. 25, 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Meet in room 7. Walking the greenway weather permitting, rainy day option will be in the Dreiser Loop Community Center hallway. Mary’s Pool – $3, Fri., Oct. 4, 11, 17 & Mon., Oct. 21. Pool aerobics for seniors, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Bartow - 8:30; Einstein - 8:45; Dreiser - 9 a.m. JASA closed – Mon., Sept. 30 & Tues., Oct. 1, in observance of Rosh Hashanah Day 1 & 2. Aldi – Wed., Oct. 2, $3. Bartow - 9:30; Einstein 9:45; Dreiser - 10 a.m. Stew Leonard’s – Wed., Oct. 2, $6. Bartow - 9:30; Einstein - 9:45; Dreiser - 10 a.m. Walmart –Thurs., Oct. 3, $15. Bartow - 8:30; Ein-

Kosher

Non-Kosher

JASA Closed in Observance of Rosh Hashanah Day 1

JASA Closed in Observance of Rosh Hashanah Day 2

Juice Pepper steak White rice Garden salad Whole wheat bread Fresh Fruit Alt: Baked breaded fish

Teriyaki chicken thighs White rice Baby carrots w/parsley

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Sewing 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (New) Tai Chi 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., rm. 10, until Aug. 28 Art Class 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Yoga 2 p.m. - 3 p.m., rm. 2

Juice Baked salmon w/dill sauce Baked sweet potato Roasted zucchini Whole Wheat bread Fresh Fruit Alt: Chicken salad Crochet & Knitting 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Juice Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session Rosemary chicken 9:30 a.m. - 10 a.m., 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Kasha Varnishkas Meditative Moments 11 a.m.-12 p.m. rm 8 Steamed cabbage Purple Life Trail Fitness 11 a.m. Greenway Whole Wheat bread 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. Blood Pressure 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., 1st & 3rd, rm. 8 Line Dancing, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m., Aud. A Piano Sing Along 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Drama Club 1:30 – 4 p.m.

BBQ pork chops Baked sweet potato Collards

Baked whiting fish fillets Corn Winter blend vegetables

Fee for lunch is $2.00 & $5.00 for guest

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

Upcoming Events/Trips

stein - 8:45; Dreiser - 9 a.m. Paint & Sip – Thurs., Oct. 3 & 31, $5, JASA main office, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Space is limited; only 12 participants. Join us for this painting class, have fun while you paint on canvas. No experience necessary. Juice will be served. To register, call 718-320-2066. Fairway/BJ’s – Fri., Oct. 4, $4. Bartow - 9:30; Einstein - 9:45; Dreiser - 10 a.m. Yoga cancelled – Class that is held at 177 Dreiser Loop will be cancelled on Fri., Oct. 4. Shoprite New Rochelle – Mon., Oct. 7, $4. Bartow - 9:30; Einstein - 9:45; Dreiser - 10 a.m. Target, Throggsneck Mall – Mon., Oct. 7, $3. Bartow - 9:30; Einstein - 9:45; Dreiser - 10 a.m. JASA office will close at 3 p.m. on Tues., Oct. 8, for Yom Kippur. Roundtable with Voncile in the Bartow center, room 31, Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29 & Nov. 5, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. JASA office and senior centers will be closed on Wed., Oct. 9, in observance of Yom Kippur. Costco – Thurs., Oct. 10, $5. Bartow - 9:30; Einstein - 9:45; Dreiser - 10 a.m. Shoprite New Rochelle – Mon., Oct. 14, $4. Bartow - 9:30; Einstein - 9:45; Dreiser - 10 a.m. FREE Diabetes Self-Management 7-week Program – Tues., Oct. 8, 15, 22 & 29; Nov. 5, 12 & 19, 10 a.m. to noon with free lunch in the senior center lunchroom, 135 Einstein Loop, room 45. Certificates for the completion of the program will be distributed at the Diabetes Event on Thurs., Nov. 14. Call the Bartow main office to register, 718-320-2066.

Living Beyond Breast Cancer - JASA Bartow and Einstein Senior Centers recognize October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Tue., Oct. 15, join us in celebrating “A Survivors Story,” Einstein Senior Center, room 45, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., $4. Tickets available at Bartow and Einstein Senior Centers. Breast Cancer Awareness Month Presentation – Wed., Oct. 23, 12:30 to 1 p.m. 177 Dreiser Loop, room 2. Call Dreiser Senior Center, 718-320-1345, to sign up for lunch. Halloween Party – Wed., Oct. 30, $7, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Einstein Senior Center, room 45. Only 100 tickets available. Music by “DJ Woody.” Tickets will be sold in all three senior centers. Menu: TBD! FREE Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Dementia 4-week Program – Mon., Nov. 4, 11, 18 & 25, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., 177 Dreiser Loop, room 7. Participants will receive a free giveaway at the last session. Call the Bartow main office to register, 718-320-2066. Only 12 seats available. JASA Bartow and Einstein Senior Centers Present “Hope for a Cure” Alzheimer’s Awareness Month – Sat., Nov. 9, Einstein Senior Center, room 38,11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please call JASA main office to register for lunch, $2. Please sign up at Bartow or Einstein Senior Center for lunch. Only 50 seats available. Sight & Sound Theatre – Thurs., Dec. 5, $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; Einstein - 9:30 a.m. Deluxe motor coach bus. Depart destination 5:30 p.m. Payment deadline, Fri., Nov. 8. No refunds! Waiting list.

Co-op City Times / September 28, 2019

Chavurah Temple Beth El

Rosh Hashanah is Sunday night. Come to hear the Shofar. Chavurah Temple Beth El of Co-op City is having services for the High Holidays this year in Dreiser room 1. You were here with us in the past and we look forward to seeing you again this year. 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. There is no cost for tickets. Just come. See your Co-op friends. Services are as follows: Rosh Hashanah Evening Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, 8 p.m. Morning Monday, Sept. 30, 2019, 10:30 a.m. Yom Kippur Kol Nidre Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2019, 7:30 p.m. Yom Kippur Day Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019 Morning Service, 10 a.m. Public Yiskor, 1 p.m. Public Yiskor, 2:30 p.m. Mincha and Neliah, 4 p.m. All services are to be held in Dreiser, room 1. There is no charge for tickets for all services. Just come. Tickets have been 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. We have books for you to use. 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 been given to us. Chavurah Temple Beth El is dedicated to serving our Jewish community and we are doing this for you and your families. A safe atmosphere to be with friends and worship. 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 5780 with you and your families. —Rabbi Dennis Tobin

Greater Love Refuge Ministries

“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:2-4 Word for the week Go deep within your spirit to make a solid connection with God. Skimming the surface of religious life will no longer do. It is time for you to deepen your commitment to know and be one with Him. God’s promises are for those who have given themselves wholly and belong to Him. Senior Pastor and 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 multi-generational, teaching, preaching faith and Bible way church with an old school flavor and a new school feel. We are conveniently located at 900 Co-op City Blvd., Building 2A on the ground level, Bronx, N.Y. 10475, main entrance, red button. Parking vouchers are available at the church. Our telephone number is 347-920-5607. Interactive Bible school for children and adults is held on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Two Fish and Five Loaves Food Panty and Prayer Station opens today, Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Our neighborhood food drive is ongoing and we gratefully accept donations from our community, family and friends. We appreciate your continued support. Christian prayer line All are invited to join our weekly prayer line on 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# We are excited to announce the launch of our Seasoned Saints Ministry on Wednesday Oct. 16, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Our invited guest speakers are Rev. Dr. Robert A. Smith Jr. — who will share insights from his most recent book release, “Thank You Mama;” Elizabeth Madison, a registered dietician, national speaker and author offering a faith based approach to weight loss transformation, who will provide an educational workshop on nutrition, diabetes management and emotional eating. We will also be blessed with an inspirational minister’s message on the topic, “Weathering the Unexpected Storms of Life.” Refreshments will be provided. RSVP required. Call the church. The purpose for the Seasoned Saints ministry is to meet the needs of men and women age 55 and older who are growing older in God’s family. It is designed to reach the psychological, social, spiritual, emotional and financial needs that are seen and unforeseen. God’s plan is for us to utilize the collective strengths, seasonings, testimonies and experiences of our Seasoned Saints to guide our walk through life’s journey. —Pastor Carol Landrum

Scheduling Activities Calendar

Co-op City Times / September 28, 2019

Co-op City Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invite you to join us tomorrow at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. for worship service. Sunday school for children and adults is held at 9:15 a.m. We invite you to worship, study and pray with us. The Co-op City Baptist Church is located at 135 Einstein Loop, lower level, room 50. Our telephone number is 718-320-3774. Visit us on the web at coopcitybaptistchurch.org. You are invited to join us for a mid-week spiritual pick-up at our worship service held Wednesdays at noon. Bible study is held Wednesdays at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Prayer service is held on Fridays at noon. Prayer service is also held Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to join us from the comfort of their home for an hour of prayer. Using available technology, prayer service is held using a conference call line. On Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m., you can call 563999-2090. When asked for the PIN, enter 660065 and you will be connected. Prayer service is not held on the first Friday of the month. Today, Saturday, Sept. 28, from 9:30 a.m. to noon, the last leadership class for 2019 is being held. The presenter will be Minister Yolanda Richard, faith based engagement and outreach coordinator for the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies. CCBC ministry officers, members and friends are invited to join us as Minister Richard introduces attendees to FPWA and how to assist CCBC members and our community at large to access FPWA services. You are invited to join the scholarship ministry on a trip to Mount Rushmore, the Badlands and Black Hills of South Dakota July 17, 2020. The trip includes motor coach transportation, 10 nights lodging, 18 meals, visits to the spectacular Badlands National Park and the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, and much more. The cost for double occupancy is $1,145. A $100 nonrefundable deposit is due by Oct. 27, 2019. For additional information, call 718-379-0541, 718-671-1271, 718-6711918 or 917-612-1245. 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

If you SEE something, SAY SOMETHING!!! 718-671-3050 • Co-op City Public Safety

Open Door Ministries “Mind Your Business”

Full sermon on the Open Door Ministries YouTube Channel

Luke 19:11 While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once. 12 He said: “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. 13 So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas (three month’s pay). ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back’ (Occupy until I come). 14 “But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We don’t want this man to be our king.’ 15 “He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it. Occupy till I come. Or, as it might much better be translated, Trade till I come, Be busy. So, the word properly signifies. “You are sent forth to preach the gospel, to set up a church for Christ in the world, to bring the nations to the obedience of faith, and to build them up in it. You shall receive power to do this, for you shall be filled with the Holy Ghost,” Acts 1:8. Make use of it till I come. Do business [with this] until I return. Buy and sell with these while I go and then return. Use this to earn more money until I get back. Trade while I am coming. Invest this money until I come back. Operate with this until I return. Invest this for me while I am gone. Invest it and put the money to work until I return. 1 The people wanted an immediate kingdom, they expected freedom from Roman rule. 2 Jesus is speaking about himself; he came and was leaving but would return as king. 3 He left the work to be done in the hands of his servants, they were to invest their money. 4 There was and will be opposition to the work of God, but we will overcome. 5 The day of judgement will come where we will finally receive our just reward according to our faithfulness in the work. Sunday services are at 11 a.m. in Bartow Community Center room 28. Contact Pastor Luis by text, 917-334-4407, or email, opendoorministries.net. —Pastor Luis Ramos

Co-op City Times / September 28, 2019

Church of God’s Children

Church of God’s Children, located at 127 Dreiser Loop, patio level, and Bishops Angelo and 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. Email: msmelindasgarden@gmail.com or call 718-671-7265. COGC schedule Sunday: Worship in Spanish 9:30 a.m. Worship in English 1:15 p.m. Monday: Bible study and prayer 9:30 a.m. with Min. Steve Monday, Sept. 30, 2019: Bible study 6:30 p.m. with Bishop Angelo Rosario Wednesday: Prayer in sanctuary at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, 1:30 p.m.: Travis Thomas from Faith Based Cancer Patient Navigation will be the guest speaker. Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019: Women’s Fellowship, noon at 159 Dreiser Loop. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Saturday, Oct. 26: Spanish “Retiro for Damas,” 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Community Bronx Clergy Task Force Network Meeting: Wednesday, Oct. 9, 177 Dreiser Loop, room 2, 11:30 a.m. Guest speakers and community information. Saturday, Oct. 12: Medicare workshop at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. in room 45, Einstein Loop. Make your stop here for Medicare related information. Light breakfast in a.m. session. Light lunch in p.m. session. Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019: HIV101

workshop at 1460 Teller Ave., 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Lunch will be served after workshop. Volunteers appreciated. Today’s thought The work of the Holy Spirit leads into truth “...But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth [full and complete truth]. For He will not speak on His own initiative, but He will speak whatever He hears [from the Father—the message regarding the Son], and He will disclose to you what is to come [in the future]...” - John 16:13-15 The work of the Holy Spirit is to teach us God’s truth and to lead us into truth. He illuminates the scriptures and gives us understanding of the truths in God’s word. We cannot possibly understand the scriptures with a carnal mind — that is, a worldly and unspiritual mind. We need the indwelling Holy Spirit to reveal God’s truth to us. God wants us to have an intimate understanding of what His word is saying because He doesn’t want us confused and living in the dark concerning His word, but He wants us to have a clear understanding that penetrates the heart and very center of our being so that we can live in the light of His truth. We need to be teachable and pliable in God’s hands and allow the Holy Spirit to fill us, teach us and guide us. If we don’t allow the Holy Spirit to teach us, we may end up believing error instead of truth. And this is why it is so important to interpret scripture correctly — and we can only do this by allowing the Holy Spirit to show us the truth in God’s word. God bless you. Peace to our nation. Email cogcministries@aol.com or call 718-790-9120. —Bishop Nancy Rosario

Church of the New Vision

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church

Pastors Kenneth Hodge and Deborah Hodge and the New Vision congregation invite you and your family to come and worship the Lord with us. Church of the New Vision is designed to meet the spiritual needs of God’s people. Serving the community for more than 45 years, we offer a warm, friendly, spirit-filled atmosphere of Christian love. All are welcome. Order of services Sunday worship service, 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Adult and youth Sunday school, 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Mid-day Bible study is canceled until further notice Wednesday night prayer and Bible study, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Youth ministry, Fridays, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Upcoming events/programs Sunday, Sept. 29, the youth ministry will sponsor a breakfast sale after the 8 a.m. service. Reserve your space now. Church of the New Vision’s women’s retreat is scheduled for October 17 to 19, 2019, at Eddy’s Farm in Sparrow Bush, N.Y. This two-night, three-day event’s theme is “Just a Closer Walk with Thee.” Double occupancy, $400 per person; single occupancy, $550. Includes meals, transportation, workshops and retreat material. Entire balance is now due. We ask each person bring one person. See Sis. Loretta Scott, Sis. Sadie James or Sis. Hermena Smith for additional information or call the church. There’s going to be a revival Oct. 23 here at New Vision Church as we fellowship with Co-op City Baptist Church, Rev. Dr. Sheldon Williams, pastor, and Newsong Church, Rev. Mike Tolone, pastor. On Oct. 24 and 25, we will fellowship with Jubilee Baptist Church, pastors Johnny and Diane Simmons. All services will begin at 7:30 p.m. Youth retreat October 25 to 27, 2019. Calling all youth to join us on God’s mountain at the Blue Mountain Christian Retreat Center for a weekend full of faith, fellowship and fun. Adults 18 and older, $166; teens 13 to 17, $146 and children 4 to 12, $118. Includes two nights, five meals and transportation. If interested, please see our youth leaders, Rev. Deborah Hodge, Sis. Indria Drayton or Sis. Dominique Hodge. Save the Date: Church annual banquet, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Seashore Restaurant on City Island. Donation, Adults $75, Xi Youth 12 and under $30. Notice We are seeking a minister of music who is familiar with hymns and songs of the Baptist Church. Feel free to contact the church or the pastor. Church of the New Vision is located at 115 Einstein Loop, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. Office: 718-671-8746 or 203-374-3020. Mailing address: P.O. Box 753037, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. Visit our Facebook page, Church of the New Vision, concerning upcoming events and trips, email us at info.churchnewvisionbx@gmail.com or call the church office. —Sis. Carol Haque

The congregation of St. Joseph’s cordially invites you and your family to worship with us in Co-op City at 155 Dreiser Loop, lower level. All are welcome. Weekly schedule 1. Sunday service with Holy Communion and Sunday school are both at 9 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, Sept. 29, at 9 a.m. when we will celebrate the 16th Sunday after Pentecost. Father Simeon Johnson, our supply priest, will be the preacher and celebrant. 2. Please join us Wednesdays for an uplifting midday service starting promptly at noon. 3. On Thursdays, Father Johnson will be available 11 a.m. to noon for telephone calls and visitations as well as interactive discussions on various topics in the Bible, followed by a short noon-day service. 4. Choir rehearsal is Thursdays at 7 p.m., and we are always looking for new members. Group activities The Episcopal Church Women meet immediately after service on the first Sunday of each month. All women in the church are invited to attend and participate in planning the activities of the church. The men hold their meeting after service on the second Sunday of each month. Fundraising events Our next fundraiser will be the annual dinner sale at the church Saturday, Sept. 28, from noon until sold out. Do not cook! Tell your friends. Come out and enjoy home-style dinners. Saturday, Nov. 30, will be the annual Atlantic City trip to Bally’s Casino. Deluxe motorcoach will leave from Dreiser Loop in front of the rehab center at 8:45 a.m. $40 per person. Please contact June Grimes at 347-457-8249. General information To those celebrating birthdays during the month of September, 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 nonperishable food items on an ongoing basis. Please remember to donate. For additional information on all of the above, please call the church at 718320-0844. You may also visit our website, st.josephsepcbronx.org, for more information relating to St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church, Co-op City, Bronx, New York. “The Lord shall reign forever, your God, O Zion throughout all generations. Hallelujah.” -Psalm 146:9 —Merville Chambers

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

Non-Emergency: 718-320-3330 @CCPDnyc

Co-op City Times / September 28, 2019

Apartment downsizing pilot for seniors & DRIE-eligible shareholders began in Co-op City July 1 The first ever apartment downsizing program approved by the state Division of Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) for a Mitchell-Lama development was implemented in Co-op City in July 2019 and eligible shareholders who are 62 years of age and older, and those who are eligible for DRIE, can now submit an application to downsize their current residential unit. The downsizing program was pursued by Riverbay Management at the request of the Board of Directors to free up larger apartments and allow seniors who no longer require large residential space the opportunity to downsize without having to pay the current equity for the new apartment and three months carrying charges for the old unit as required by HCR regulations, which, for many living on fixed incomes, is cost prohibitive. Transferring shareholders will, however, be required to pay for any damages to the old unit beyond normal wear and tear, as well as, incidental charges associated with the application process to secure the new unit. This is a one year pilot program which ends June 30, 2020. Only shareholders who are 62 years or older at the time of application, and those who qualify for the New York City Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE), are eligible for the waiver as long as their annual household income as reported on their income affidavit does not exceed $59,000 and they are not currently paying a surcharge, or in arrears on their carrying charges, and they apply by June 30, 2020. Eligible shareholders who wish to transfer to a smaller apartment must submit a completed Transfer application (Form HM-80T) to the Riverbay Sales Department. All household members on the application must be documented as living in the current unit. Individuals being added as co-owners of the new unit must have a FICO score of at least 650. All persons 18 and older must submit their most recent tax returns. Anyone 18 years and older being added to the transfer application who was not listed on the applicant’s original application must undergo a criminal background check and Home Visit. Co-op City shareholders under 62 years of age applying for the downsizing pilot must provide documentation of their handicap that would qualify them for eligibility purposes under the city’s DRIE program. In other words, the shareholder must provide proof of award of federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or US Department of Veterans Affairs disability pension or compensation, or Disabilityrelated Medicaid if the shareholders received either SSI or SSDI in the past. BY ROZAAN BOONE

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).

Applicants adding a co-owner to the new unit who was not on their original application will be responsible for paying the criminal invention fee of $117.58, plus a Home Visit fee of $84.92. At closing for the new apartment, the applicant must pay the first month’s carrying charge for the new unit in advance. They will then be billed the pro-rated amount based on their scheduled move-in date for the new apartment. There is also a non-refundable administrative fee of $75 which must be paid to Riverbay Corporation by certified or bank check or money order — personal checks and cash payments are not accepted. Upon closing on the new unit, the total equity built up on the old apartment will be transferred to the new apartment. Riverbay does not warrant or represent that shareholders who downsize their apartments will continue to be eligible for the same Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) or DRIE benefits after their transfer. It is advised that shareholders interested in downsizing their apartment should therefore confirm their continued eligibility for these respective programs with SCRIE and/or DRIE.

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