HAPPY ROSH HASHANAH 5777 TO OUR READERS Co-op City’s official newspaper serving the world’s largest cooperative community. © Copyright 2016 Co-op City Times
Vol. 51 No. 40
Saturday, October 1, 2016
Improved Finances and Changing Election Procedures Focus of Open Board Meeting BY BILL STUTTIG
An improved financial outlook for Co-op City was reflected in financial statements released to the shareholders this week and explained at the Open Board meeting by Ed O’Connor, a principal for the accounting firm charged with preparing Riverbay’s annual external audit. Mr. O’Connor was one of several guest speakers at the open Board meeting in Bartow Community Center Wednesday evening, Sept. 28th. He gave shareholders in attendance and hundreds more who will be watching replays of the meeting on television later this Edward O’Connor, a partner with the accounting week a quick review of the com- firm of PFK O’Connor Davies, LLP provides an of the recently completed 2016 prehensive financial report which overview Audited Financial Statements for Riverbay Corwas also mailed to each Co-op poration to shareholders attending Wednesday City home earlier this week. Each evening’s open Board meeting. Photo by Bill Stuttig
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Closing Statements on a Failed System and fall into decline because of unknowledgeable and, in at I would like to take least one instance, corthis opportunity to say rupt leadership. a wholehearted “thank President Each time this hapyou” for your support pened, it led to poor during my tenure on the decision making and cost Riverbay Board of Directors increases. In this current and my 40 years of residency business environment and in this cooperative commuwith a 49-year-old infrastrucnity. I have had the pleasure ture, the shareholders of of serving you as an elected Co-op City cannot afford to member to the corporation’s make these same manageBoard from 2004-2009 as ment mistakes again. Board director and treasurer. During my first tenure, I Then, after re-election to the was asked to help Co-op City Board in 2014, to present, as in 2004 by the Coalition To Riverbay Corporation’s president. I Save Affordable Housing and its thenwould like to share my opinions with president, Bernard Cylich. At that time, you on a number of issues relating to that experience. I’ve watched our community rise (Continued on page 2) Dear shareholders and Riverbay staff:
President’s Message
Cleve Taylor
(Continued on page 23)
Co-op City’s satellite dish safety rules BY ROZAAN BOONE
Co-op City satellite dish safety rules, which were adopted by the Riverbay Board of Directors on April 28, 2004 in compliance with the Federal Communication Commission (FCC)’s Telecommunications Act of 1996, ensure the safety of all Co-op City shareholders. Co-op City’s Occupany Agreement prior to the implementation of the new safety (Continued on page 6)
Foundation For New High Speed Boiler Nearing Completion BY BILL STUTTIG
A foundation for the Power Plant’s new 190- ton high pressure boiler moved a big step closer to completion this week as concrete was poured into the foundation that was recently reinforced with additional necessary pilings to support the massive piece of equipment. Anthony Ligato, Riverbay’s Director of Utility Services, who took over direct supervision of the long delayed, but essential project earlier this year, said that the completion of the foundation is actually ahead of schedule and the massive new boiler will likely be placed inside the power plant by the first week of November before the onset of winter weather. Workers perform the final preparations of the “Preparation for the placement recently reinforced foundation for the Power of the boiler and the accompanyPlant’s new 190-ton high pressure boiler just moments before numerous truckloads of coning economizer will be completed crete were poured into it earlier this week. It by the end of October,” Mr. Ligato will take 28 days for the concrete to cure sufficiently enough for the boiler to be permanently said this week. “We want to get the placed on the foundation.
Photo by Bill Stuttig
(Continued on page 6)
This weekend’s events… Today, Sat., Oct. 1, beginning at 9 a.m., the 5th Annual Co-op City College, Career & Resource Fair will be held in the Dreiser Auditorium. See page 5 Tomorrow, Sun., Oct. 2, the 2016 Disabilities Expo will be held in the Dreiser Auditorium, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wellness on the Go van on street level. See event schedule on page 4.
On Sunday, October 2, Parking is not permitted on Dreiser Loop from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. From 133 Dreiser Loop (Nail Salon) to the corner 149 Dreiser Loop (Capri Pizza) “No Parking” signs are posted.
Executive GM Gives Progress Updates to Community Violators will be summonsed and towed
Technology Upgrades His First Priority
BY BILL STUTTIG
agement, said: “Some of my early tasks Publicly addressing the shareholders and goals was to meet with department for the first time since coming to Co-op heads, starting to evaluate their business City in early July, Executive General (Continued on page 4) Manager Bob Klehammer told the more than 200 shareholders who came to an open Board meeting in Bartow Community Center Wednesday evening that he and Riverbay staff have been laying the groundwork for many improvements over the coming months and years and residents should begin noticing some results soon. Co-op City Executive General Manager Klehammer, who Riverbay’s Executive General Manager Bob also holds the title of vice presiKlehammer publicly addresses Co-op City residents for the first time at Wednesday’s open dent and managing director of Board meeting. Photo by Bill Stuttig Douglas Elliman Property Man-
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President’s Report
a cursory review of Riverbay’s financial statements made it quite clear that Co-op City was in trouble. As a former internal auditor and director of accounting, I started to get the feeling that something was wrong here and Co-op City was headed full speed into deep financial and capital structure problems. It was at that time that I decided to volunteer the next five years of my life to help turn things around in our community, and we were able to address: • The bolstering of contract amounts in the Restoration Department so that greater quantities of materials and supplies (than necessary) would be ordered and then not used in Co-op City, but disappear. • The steering of large flooring and tile contracts to little obscure companies that had nonexistent addresses. • Marion Scott Real Estate, Inc.’s (MSI) principal attempting to steer Co-op City’s $400 million loan to the company where his son worked, Lehman Bros. Please note, Lehman Brothers was one of the companies that was responsible for the collapse of the financial markets in 2007 through the use of credit default swaps. Lehman went bankrupt in 2008; imagine if Riverbay had followed MSI. • The rigging of Riverbay’s computer system by MSI to generate higher payments to a contractor for work not done. • Board-member-selected candidates for the Co-op City Public Safety Department with low scores were allowed to jump the list in front of higher scoring candidates with MSI’s involvement. • A $565 million balloon loan that wrecked Co-op City’s finances – $78 million in interest, penalties and fees with little reduction in principle. The arrest, indictment and felony conviction of former Riverbay President Iris Herkowitz Baez on bribery and kickback charges. My only regret during the 2004-2009 tenure was that a series of Board directors were elected by the residents who apparently were not, in my opinion, savvy enough to see that a balloon loan was the wrong type of loan for a housing company with a growth rate less than the interest rate. Despite my repeated written and oral efforts, they voted for the loan. Five years later, Co-op City had to refinance at a tremendous loss because of their actions. As a result of not negotiating from a relative positon of strength prior to the financial crisis, Riverbay has fallen under the iron hand of HUD and Wells Fargo Bank for the next 32 years. Please, fellow cooperators, do not allow a managing agent and Board of Directors to ever make similar business mistakes. I left the Board in 2009 because, in my opinion, Co-op City residents reelected the same ill-prepared directors who got us into that position and the Riverbay Corporation was heading over Niagara Falls, which we did (see chart above). Second Tenure In 2014, I was once again asked to help Co-op City by the Coalition To Save Affordable Housing and Board director Cylich. I decided once again to volunteer a few more years to this community and stop a corrupt managing agent, MSI. By June of 2014, Co-op City, for all intents and purposes, was broke. There was no free operating cash; things were so bad the Director of Finance was pulling checks ($400,000-$500,000) out of the mailroom after they were signed by the treasurer. Cash on the 2014 Balance Sheet was supposed to be negative in real terms. The “new Board of Directors,” under our transparent and honest leadership, took action by: • Eliminating “No Show” jobs with raises that the managing agent had been engaged in. • Separating job titles and salaries and delegating them to the proper individuals. • Suspending a managing agent who used a Riverbay employee over multiple years to negotiate sophisticated, complex, multi-million dollar insurance policies for Rochdale Village, Queens, N.Y.; 1199 1st Avenue, N.Y.; Earl Jimerson Houses, Brook-
Co-op City Times / October 1, 2016 (Continued from page 1)
lyn, N.Y. and Harry Silver Housing Corporation. All of these NYS Mitchell-Lama and NYC HPD properties’ policies were being handled by a Riverbay employee in the Bronx while “on the clock” in the Bartow administration office for the benefit of MSI. The residents of Co-op City were paying his salary. • NYS HCR Commissioner Jamie Ruben and President Mark Colon sat by idly and did nothing to prevent any of this abuse. They did not, as far as I am concerned, have the guts to act on this state-approved managing agent on the payroll of this community’s residents. Further, in my opinion, the employees at NYS Housing and Community Renewal are probably so complacent that they do not even realize the insurance policies for Mitchell-Lama properties and structures are missing from 1986-2015.
• Violation of the Federal Labor Standards Act: Ramirez vs. Riverbay Corporation once again! The managing agent refused to pay overtime to the employees and misclassified scores of employees, classifying laborers as management staff, in order to avoid paying the taxes and proper wages. • Eliminating Co-op City “No Show” jobs that our former managing agent had been engaged in cost the residents of New York State over $500,000. • Separating job titles and salaries and delegating them to the proper individuals. • Office. • The failure of the managing agent to submit annual multi-million dollar insurance policies (17 policies) to NYS HCR. I would hope that former State Senator Ruth Hassel-Thompson and now Special Assistant to Governor Cuomo on Housing and Community Renewal would look into HCR’s failure to properly review insurance policies for all M-L properties from 1986 to the present. I doubt they are even on full file in the NYS Office. I would hope that she would read the report, exhibits, documents, allegations and recommendations made by our General Counsel’s report and report back to the governor on behalf of the thousands of residents in the State of New York regarding this managing agent being allowed to work on government property. Riverbay Corporation had to do the investigation for the NYS HCR because their legal office refused to do it themselves. We presented them two years ago with 1,000 pages of exhibits. Guess what they did? Absolutely nothing! And… According to Public Records, a federal class action suit has been filed against another NYS MitchellLama property, Rochdale Village, Queens, NY (10,000 +units). Guess who the managing agent is? None other than Marion Scott Real Estate, Inc., once again…supervised by NYS HCR Commissioner Jamie Rubin and President Mark Colon, both of whom did nothing to help the shareholders of Co-op City.
Co-op City Times / October 1, 2016
Co-op City Times 2 n d
Front Pa ge
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Dads Take Your Child To School Day Combing Co-op City Find out what’s going on in Co-op City here...
Annual Friends & Family Day The Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City, Inc. will host its 21th annual Friends and Family Day celebration on Saturday, October 15, 1:00 p.m., 177 Dreiser Community Center, Auditorium B, (Co-op City) Bronx, New York. The Keynote Speaker will be Mr. Jerome Rice. Admission is free and all are invited to attend. There will be games with prizes for the children, entertainment, inspirational messages, family reunions and networking, as well as vendors. Please come out and support this event.
Next CB #10 Meeting to be held in Co-op City The next CB #10meeting will be held on Thursday, October 20 in the Dreiser Auditorium, 177 Dreiser Loop at 7:30 p.m. For further information, please contact CB 10 at (718) 892-1161.
Truman to host open house programs for eighth graders Harry S Truman High School will open its doors to prospective students on three separate dates in the Fall 2016 semester. The dates and times are: October 29, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; November 9, 5 to 8 p.m. and November 19, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, please visit http://www.facebook.com/trumanhs.
Happy Rosh Hashanah to all of our readers!
BY LAURETTA J. JAYSURA “Bronx Strong, Dads Rich!” That was the salvo heard throughout Helen Keller School P.S.153x on Tuesday, September 20, Co-op City’s ‘Dads Take Your Child To School Day.’ A celebration of “Men in Education” emphasizing the important role of “dads” in the education of their children, a constant parade of fathers, grandfathers, uncles and other male caregivers came to school that morning to be a vocal and visible part of this special rally. “This is not happenstance; to get two hundred men to come out shows these fathers are involved and we want them more involved. Our children know we support them and the school,” said Mr. Raleigh Lay, who spearheads the “Fathers of Helen Keller Program.” The 10th Annual Dads Take Your Child to School Day rally Fathers recite the Pledge of Allegiance at P.S. 153x Helen Keller School is a project of the NYS Office of Children and Family Service (OFCS) and the NYS Office of Mr. Scott Leach (DYCD) said, “This is just one site and one Temporary Disability Assistance (OTDA) and is New York opportunity to thank the teachers for what they do.” State’s response to the first “Million Father March” held in Principal of P.S 153x Megan Kelly, who read an excerpt Chicago and now held nationally. In 2009, NYC Administra- from the book, “I'm Not Too Busy,” said that she was honored tion for Children and Famito have her school host the lies (ACF) joined in this event and thanked everycollaboration. Last week’s one for coming, noting the event was sponsored by new Helen Keller School these agencies in addition App now available on the to NYC Department of Internet. Kelly also gave Youth & Community Dethe thought-provoking velopment (DYCD) and challenge "to not be too Modell’s Sporting Goods. busy for our children.” Mr. Ronald J. Hartridge, Events such as this go a P. S.153x Parent Coordinalong way to eradicate the prevalent notion found in tor and a Co-op City resithe minds of far too many dent, emceed the morning Principal Megan Kelly speaks to the fathers that “dads don't care” and program, saying quite pashighlight quite the opposite. sionately: “We have been here from the beginning and are proud of our ‘Fathers of Helen For example, several of the dads identified themselves happily Keller’ program which is now recognized citywide among as stay-at-home dads, including former N.Y. Knicks player John Wallace. Himself a dad of five, fatherhood initiatives. Parenting is the only Wallace said, “My dad was not around job none of us is qualified to do because there is no owner's manual. However, coming when I was a kid. When my son was through this school is the next borough presiborn, it changed my life.” And deterdent, the next Supreme Court justice... mined to break that cycle, being away much of the time as an athlete, he because we are preparing the next generamade the choice to retire at 31 years tion." old after getting calls in Italy (where he Hartridge also paid homage to Rev. Dr. was then playing), “that my son was Robert Smith, the Bronx Clergy Task Force headed for trouble. I came back home and Councilman Andy King for “being there” from Italy and believe this saved his since the beginning days. life. I was involved and took him to Following a light breakfast and networkPhotos by Lauretta Jaysura school everyday. I'm here for my kids ing, the program officially opened with Honor Guard prayer by Rev. Smith and the P.S.153 all-girl, unlike my dad.” Wallace says that he stellar and proud Honor Guard who presented the flag and was “headed to Cornell without basketball and was ‘Mr. Mom’ Pledge of Allegiance. for five years.” Addressing the standing-room only group was a bevy of It was an exciting morning of male bonding to inform, committed NYC public school officials, elected officials, edu(Continued on page 18) cators, community activists, resource vendors and the like.
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Executive Updates
Co-op City Times / October 1, 2016
practices and the staff that they have to accomplish what they need to do.” He continued, “Some of my initial reactions and the higher level goals that I have set for myself is to improve upon the technology that is not being used here at Riverbay. A lot of the processes and a lot of the work flows are pretty much the way things were done 20 or 30 years ago. I understand that the previous management company did not appreciate the value of technology not only for how it can improve your business practices and productivity, but also how it can obviously save you money and also how it can make you money.” Mr. Klehammer went on to tell the shareholders that progress has also been made in creating a succession plan for the staff at Riverbay. “A succession plan is something that most major corporations have in their business practices … You are literally a quarter-billion-dollar-a-year corporation,” he said. “That is a pretty significant business operation. So we looked at the staff we have and the initial question is if, God forbid, something catastrophic were to happen to one of our department heads, who could step in immediately and take that over. And through that process, not only have we identified people who can take over, but we have identified departments where we don’t have anybody. “So that leads to the next step in succession planning – identifying staff that we already have that we see some potential in and create training programs to bring them along so, as they progress through their career, they take on more and more responsibility and we promote from within. I am a big believer that in a business like Co-op City, institutional knowledge is very important because in meeting with department heads every day, I learn something new.” Mr. Klehammer also reported progress in tightening up budget forecasting and developing processes for adjusting forecasts based on unforeseen events and/or events that were expected to happen, but didn’t and then developing the needed ability to adjust department budgets accordingly. “By doing these periodic budget reforecasts – whether it be semiannual or annual – we can reallocate those funds and it also gives us the chance to gather the department heads and sit down to identify areas of need.” He also explained that he and his firm plan to work differently than the previous managing agent in that current in-house Riverbay staff are and will continue to play a bigger role with the assistant general managers leading the day-to-day operations along with the department heads, while he works with staff in moving the large legacy projects along – such as the boiler installation – and creating long-term plans for more efficient operations now and years into the future. “I keep meeting with department heads,” Mr. Klehammer said. “And I just want you to know that every department is being reviewed. No department will be untouched.” He added: “You have a lot of good people here. They just need a little direction. I told them the first time I met with them that I am going to be asking a lot of questions. Don’t take them as criticism. They are just questions. But the one answer that is unacceptable to me is ‘Because we have always done it that way’.” Riverbay President Cleve Taylor, in introducing Mr. Klehammer to the shareholders in attendance and the hundreds who will be watching a replay of the meeting this week, said that the community’s new Executive GM has been on the job for only 90 days, “but I must say I am impressed with Bob Klehammer. After the first ten or 20 days, he started to get some traction here … Bob has come on board and familiarized himself with the many different types of operations here in a quick and substantial manner in order to take some leadership of them. He has clearly exhibited himself as a leader from day one and we are mostly thankful for that. And over the last three or four weeks, I have really noticed that he has started to gain traction and is becoming aware of some of the complexities of our issues here which are huge.” President Taylor added: “He has done a pretty good job so far and he is going to come back to the Board at the end of October with his comprehensive view of Co-op City and we will be sharing that with you. He doesn’t look at thing in terms of just one year. He has already started talking to us about taking a five-year view of our operations here.” (Continued from page 1)
DR. LEWIS WOLSTEIN Podiatrist — Foot Specialist • Practicing in Co-op City since 1975 • Board Certified in Foot Surgery • ALL conditions of the foot treated
In Loving Memory
Ramon Hernandez, a former Co-op City resident of Building 23 and Riverbay employee, passed away on September 23 in Edison, NJ at the age of 89 due to complications from Alzheimer’s and diabetes. Mr. Hernandez was born in Vega Alta, Puerto Rico on November 15, 1926 and died 2 months shy of his 90th birthday. He was named after St. Raymond Penyafort, the Spanish saint who was the patron saint of first-time mothers. Ramon proudly served as a Merchant Marine for 22 years and also worked as a motorman for the MTA, operating the “A” train for 20 years. A firm believer that “to retire is to die,” Ramon then joined the workforce at Riverbay where he served as a lobby attendant. His engaging personality won him many friends among his neighbors and co-workers. Ramon married his beloved wife, Maria, on May 22, 1965, and their marriage spanned 43 years during which time, they raised a family of six children. Sadly, Maria passed on February 4, 2008. Ramon is survived by his children, Valerie (Ralph) Hernandez-Betancourt, Jesus Ramon Hernandez, Luis Albert Hernandez, Juan Carlos Hernandez, Lourdes Milagros Hernandez; and his grandchildren, Ralph, Luke and Richard Betancourt. Two days after he was laid to rest, his first granddaughter, Natalia Maria, was born. Ramon was also predeceased by a son, Richard. The late Ramon Hernandez was laid to rest at St. Raymond’s Cemetery, Bronx, NY. Anyone who would like to contact the family may do so by emailing Luis Hernandez at luis32789@aol.com.
• We
accept most health insurance plans
• Participating in the Medicare Diabetic Shoe Program • Evening and Saturday appointments
Dr. Lewis Wolstein
Call:
“Se Habla Español”
718.671.7226 100 DeKruif Place
Building 8 • Ground Floor Section 1 • Co-op City • Bronx, NY 10475
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Co-op City Times / October 1, 2016
Celebrating Hispanic HAPPENING in Heritage Day Co-op City! in Co-op City!
It’s
Fifth Annual College, Career & Resource Fair Today, Saturday, October 1, Dreiser Auditorium Grades 3-6 – 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Grades 7-12 – 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Adults interested in Continuing Education welcomed to attend.
Last Sunday, September 25th, more than 600 people attended the Hispanic Heritage Day Celebration sponsored by the Cultural Committee of the Spanish-American Community Club and the Riverbay Fund. The affair was held in the Dreiser Auditorium and there were performers from a number of Latin countries displaying their cultural traditions through a lively and colorful display of song and dance. These included Danza y Fiesta from Puerto Rico, Grupo Baile Folklórico from Mexico, along with Anissa (Celia Cruz imitator). The dancers were Dancers DreamZzz, Juarez Show (Juan Gabriel imitator) and Juan Ortega. This program was made possible through the dedicated efforts of numerous volunteers and several sponsors including BJ’s Wholesale Club, Coca-Cola, Corona, Costco, Payless Discount Liquor Store, Pepsi and Stop & Shop.
Health & Wealth Seminar — 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Talk with representatives of “Black Nurses Rock. Guest Speaker from NASA – 1 p.m. sharp Robotics demonstration from elementary school students Financial Aid Workshop schedule “FINDING FREE MONEY FOR COLLEGE” - Room 9, Dreiser 2:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. — Adrienne King, Chief Financial Aid Officer, Bank Street College 3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. — Paul Anthony Rivers, Sources For Students 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. — “The Scholarship Lady” - Pamela Johnson
CO-OP CITY FOOT CARE CENTER SECTION 5 • BUILDING 29C 4240 HUTCHINSON RIVER PARKWAY EAST
(718) 671-2233 DR. LOUIS JACOBS, DIRECTOR ALL FOOT CONDITIONS TREATED The in-office surgical correction of BUNIONS • HAMMERTOES • INGROWN TOENAILS PAINFUL CORNS and CALLOUSES The treatment of traumatic foot injuries, heel spurs, bursitis and arthritis of the joints of the feet, toenail and skin infections, as well as other conditions.
Most Union and Insurance Plans Accepted. HIP CMO (Montefiore) Health Plan Accepted. We participate in Postal Workers, Mail Handlers, Letter Carriers, Verizon Workers, 1199, GHI, Blue Shield, Empire Plan, Medicare, Travelers, United Health Care and many other union and major medical plans. Se Habla Español MEDICARE ACCEPTED • HOUSE CALLS BY APPOINTMENT
Diabetic Patients with Medicare may be eligible for shoes.
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Co-op City Times / October 1, 2016
Boiler
(Continued from page 1)
boiler into the building and in a heated space so we can continue to work on it and assemble the rest of the pieces during the winter season in preparation for the final commissioning of the boiler by early summer of 2017.” Mr. Ligato added that the concrete should be sufficiently cured within seven days to allow some pieces of equipment to be moved into place. It will be a full 28 days until the concrete platform is strong enough to begin the procedure for placement of the 190-ton boiler on its new foundation. The impetus to get the long-delayed project finally moving in the right direction came on August 17th when the Riverbay Board of Directors approved an amended emergency resolution to authorize the installation of the needed additional foundation piling inside the power plant and thus clear the way for the new 190-ton new high pressure boiler to be placed inside the Power Plant after more than a year of it being stored in shrink wrap on rented support structures on the exterior power plant grounds. Riverbay Board Second Vice President Bernie Cylich, who also chairs the Construction Committee, said: “Completing the foundation for the boiler in preparation for its installation is a major milestone in this process. Hopefully, we will not have any more hiccups along the way because this boiler will help facilitate the efficient operation of our steam generator and turbines and, in turn, increase income for the community which more than will make up for the cost of the installation.” The 190-ton boiler was delivered by barge to Co-op City in October of 2015. It has been waiting for the necessary work to be completed inside the plant to allow the huge boiler to be placed there safely, securely and permanently. According to the emergency resolution, passed by the Board in August, in order for that to be accomplished, new foundation piling were deemed necessary after the boiler arrived. Boilermatic, the firm contracted to complete the installation quoted Riverbay a price of $754,000 to install the new pilings and Riverbay’s management, according to the resolution,
Satellite dish
Co-op City Times
negotiated that price down to approximately $600,000. Riverbay’s executive general manager Bob Klehammer told the Board in August before the vote on the emergency resolution that it is important that the new boiler be placed inside the plant before the onset of cold winter weather in order for Riverbay not to incur more costs and more delays. While not personally blaming Mr. Klehammer, who had only been on the job for six weeks at that time, President Cleve Taylor and Director Daryl Johnson strongly objected to the additional costs especially in light of the many delays and oversights that the project has suffered through over the last few years. While Mr. Klehammer clearly understood the frustrations expressed by the directors, he also expressed that this project is one of the key legacy projects for which he and his firm—Douglas Elliman Property Management — have been hired to get moving. Mr. Klehammer further expressed his opinion that without the Board’s approval on the change-over, the boiler installation project, into which Riverbay has already committed $6 million, would not be able to move forward. Riverbay’s long-time Power Plant Director Brian Reardon explained to the Co-op City Times recently that the new high pressure boiler will replace a 45-year-old boiler that was already past its expected life span. The new boiler will be much more efficient, Reardon explained, resulting in better, but less costly delivery of heat and cooling to the residents and increasing Riverbay’s ability to export power and create additional revenue for the community and its shareholders. Reardon explained that the boiler is the last major uncompleted piece of the overhaul of the 50-year-old plant that began nearly 10 years ago. The Board approved the resolution authorizing the change order to the contract by a vote of 11 to 2. The change order gave Boilermatic an additional 300 days to complete the boiler’s installation and have the boiler operational. The deadline for completion of the installation of the boiler and all its components is now June of 2017.
(Continued from page 1)
rules in 2004, prohibited shareholders from installing any type in compliance with the manufacturer’s specifications and of antennas from their apartments or balconies. However, the Riverbay’s safety rules, and be portable and positioned so Telecommunications Act of 1996, in limited circumstances, as not to present a safety hazard. In addition, the dish must allows residents to install satellite dishes and at the same time, not rest on the balcony surface and it must be able to resist permits housing companies to issue legitimate safety rules. the forces of wind. “The rationale was that the FCC wanted to give more people • If the dish is removed, the cooperator must restore the the opportunity to receive diverse forms of television service,” premises to the condition it was prior to installation, said Michael Munns, Riverbay’s Senior Attorney. “However, except for normal wear and tear. to create a balance, the FCC also said that the owner of the • The cooperator is responsible for any damage caused building could implement reasonable safety rules to protect directly or indirectly by the dish, its installation or its the public and the integrity of the building. The FCC also removal. requires that satellite dishes only be installed in areas under a • In order to install and maintain a satellite dish, the resident’s exclusive control and prohibits residents from cooperator must receive Riverbay’s approval by submitdrilling through any part of the building or their terrace. For ting a completed Satellite Dish Safety Agreement to their Co-op City, this leaves a balcony, a townhouse yard, or the respective Cooperator Services Office (CSO) no later than interior of an apartment.” three business days after the installation, along with a nonWith passage of the resolution, the development’s managerefundable administrative fee of $25. ment reviewed the FCC satellite dish rules and prepared safety Shareholders who are found not to be in compliance with rules which were subsequently adopted by the Board in 2004. the community’s satellite dish safety rules are issued a comManagement then had 60 days to enact and enforce the rules, munity complaint and given 10 days to remedy the situation and prior to enforcement was directed to conduct an educawhich most likely will include either removal of the satellite tional campaign to inform cooperators about the FCC’s sateldish or having it installed in compliance with Riverbay’s lite dish rules, Co-op City’s satellite dish safety rules and gen- “Satellite Dish Safety Notice.” Failure to do so will result in eral satellite dish reception requirements. This notice was origRiverbay initiating legal action to terminate the shareholder’s inally published in the Co-op City Times on May 8, 2004 and tenancy and eviction. also posted in each building lobby and on each floor in the “There will be time for shareholders to remedy and comply high rise buildings. before we take any action,” added Munns. “In addition, coopAccording to the rules, during installation of a satellite dish, erators who do not get approval from Riverbay to install a there should be: satellite dish will be contacted and asked to fill out and submit • no drilling since this can cause water damage and a safety agreement within two business days.” structural problems; Shareholders who have questions regarding the installation • All equipment must be properly grounded; or maintenance of a satellite dish may contact their respective • The dish should be installed by a professional installer CSO office. (See CSO Directory on page 8)
Important Notice to Shareholders of Building 27 Article SIXTH of your Occupancy Agreement provides, in part, that your lease automatically renews for an additional three (3) year period. You need to do nothing if you want your lease to extend for another three (3) year period. If you will be moving out at the end of your lease, notify Riverbay, in writing, Attention: Sales Support Office, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475, ninety (90) days prior to lease expiration.
Building 27
Current Lease Expiration Date
New 3 yr. Expiration Date
Building 27 100, 120, 140 Erdman Place
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2019
Co-op City’s official newspaper serving the world’s largest cooperative community. (718) 320-3300, ext. 3375 cctimes@riverbaycorp.com
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Jennifer Piovanetti Operations Manager
Ralph Henriquez Production Manager
The Co-op City Times welcomes issue-oriented letters to the editor to be considered for publication. All letters, in prose, not poetry, must be addressed to the editor, not to third parties. All letters must be signed by the writers and include their addresses and phone numbers, which will be kept confidential, so that the editor can verify the authenticity of the authors. Writers will be limited to one letter per topic. Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Letters cannot exceed 350 words. Ideally, they should be typed. All letters must be in the Co-op City Times office in Room 21, Bartow Community Center, by 3 p.m. every Monday to be considered for publication in that week’s edition. Views and opinions expressed in letters and Directors’ Viewpoint are solely the writer’s, and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times or Riverbay Corp. Advertisements and classified advertisements in the Co-op City Times do not necessarily reflect an endorsement from Riverbay Corporation of goods and services, but present greater options to cooperators of products and services available. The Riverbay Corporation does not assume any responsibility nor is it a party to any contract or agreement between the cooperator and the vendor. All matter published herein is copyrighted by the Co-op City Times. Permission for reprints of advertising or editorial contents produced by the Co-op City Times must be obtained in writing from Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Ave., Bronx, New York 10475.
If the Co-op City Times Was Not Delivered: Call 347-439-5632 on Saturdays ONLY, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
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Co-op City Times / October 1, 2016
Public Safety Report
CCPD offers tips for safeguarding your auto
Co-op City has eight garages which offer parking for most residents who reside in the community. Most major garage construction projects have been completed, allowing residents the opportunity to park their vehicles in the Co-op City garages. Some residents may have been called from a waiting list while others are still waiting for their desired garage. For persons who are new to parking in the garages or those who would like to brush up on garage etiquette and safety, we provide these safety tips. Auto crimes are often crimes of opportunity. The criminal may observe packages or other valuables inside your vehicle and choose to break into your vehicle. Try to avoid leaving packages in your auto even when shopping. If this is unavoidable, place packages in the trunk and move your vehicle to another parking spot. Garage safety is important not only here in Co-op City, but in all areas you may travel to. Nationwide, thefts of handheld global positioning systems (G.P.S. devices) have been on the rise. If you own one of these devices, never leave it in your auto. Even under the seat or in the glove compartment are not safe options. Be sure to remove the windshield bracket from the window. Carry window cleaning wipes to remove the telltale circles from the windshield caused by the G.P.S. mounting bracket. Also remove any plugin adaptors from your auxiliary jack and close the jack cover when leaving your vehicle parked. It may just be a phone charger, but the criminal may think something more valuable is stashed in your vehicle. Aside from stealing your items, thieves will cause damage gaining entry to your vehicle. Parking in the garages offers residents a safer and more dependable option than street parking. Co-op City’s eight garages are patrolled 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year by the Public Safety Department. The Department of Public Safety offers these safety tips and requests the assistance of residents in keeping the garages as safe as possible. Co-op City’s eight garages have all exits locked with entry by key only for authorized persons who possess garage leases. The exits on all four corners, as well as front and rear doors require a key to gain access. It is most important that residents make certain they close and lock the doors behind themselves. Garage parkers should also try not to open the door for anyone they do not know. It may seem rude not to hold the door, but granting access to persons who are not authorized presents a hazard to authorized parkers and their property. It is essential that persons who park their vehicles in any of Co-op City’s parking facilities adhere to all traffic and safety rules. Speed limits must be obeyed at all times. Arrows and posted signs directing the flow of traffic must be followed at all times. Up and down ramps must only be utilized for their intended direction. Even a short distance down an up-ramp or up a down-ramp with a turn into oncoming traffic can have disastrous consequences. What may seem like a shortcut can easily become a head-on collision or worse. Use caution not to hit walls or other cars when parking or pulling out of your spot. Always leave your tires facing straight ahead so there are no surprises when exiting your spot. Use care and courtesy when opening your doors when parked next to other vehicles. Garage rules and regulation are enforced by the Co-op City Department of Public Safety, as well as the Parking Facilities Department 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Speed bumps have also been added to garages to slow traffic down. It is important to ensure that parkers do not park in
BY LT. PAM APOLLO
a reserved spot or a handicapped spot. Both garages #5 and #7 have reserved parking on the second floor in addition to the first floor and the ramps leading to the second floor. Illegal parking subjects the vehicle to the risk of being towed or having a Community Complaint issued. There are some additional handicapped spots being added to some of the garages. Please look on the ground for a reserved spot or a handicapped designation before parking in a spot. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety deploys uniformed officers in vehicles, in scooters, on bicycles and on foot to patrol garages. Garages patrols are conducted around the clock. Foot sweeps of garages allow officers to conduct thorough and methodical inspections. Detectives in plain clothes are also utilized to patrol the garages. Video surveillance is also in use within the garages. Upgrading and expansion of video surveillance is ongoing. If you are ever involved in a motor vehicle accident in the garage, be sure to notify NYPD and the Department of Public Safety immediately. Failure to do so can result in an arrest and/or suspension of garage parking privileges. Reports of suspicious persons or activities are investigated promptly. Any persons observed in the garage may be asked to provide identification, including vehicle registration for a vehicle parked in the garage. Persons observed within the garages without a valid reason can be placed under arrest and receive a Universal Summons for Trespass. Arrests can also be made for crimes, including Grand Larceny Auto, Burglary or Possession of Burglar’s Tools. If the arrested person is a Co-op City resident, a Co-op City Community Complaint, which carries a monetary fine, can also be issued in connection with the arrest. It is most important that garage parkers notify the Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050, 9-1-1 and the Garage Attendant if they observe any suspicious persons or activity in the garages. Suspicious activity near vehicles parked on the street should also be reported. Even if you see something that just does not seem right, it is best to call immediately. Your intuition that something is wrong usually is just that and is always worth
investigating. Residents whose windows face the roof of a garage have often called in suspicious activity around vehicles. Observations by residents have yielded many arrests over the years. When vigilant residents report suspicious activities to us patterns of auto crimes are readily identified and put to an end with the arrest of the person(s) responsible. Active involvement by residents allows auto crime rates within Co-op City to remain among the lowest in the city. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety would therefore like to thank all persons who have called in to report suspicious activity. On a related note, please be sure to buckle your seatbelt and avoid distractions when driving. Texting or speaking on a cell phone greatly increases your chance of being involved in a motor vehicle accident. If you plan to consume alcoholic beverages, be sure to designate a driver who will not drink or call a taxi. Always remember, if you see something, say something. Call 9-1-1 and the Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050 or online at www.ccpd.us. Callers may remain anonymous when giving information. 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. As Stevie Wonder said at the Grammys, “We need to make every single thing accessible to every person with a disability.” It is also important to remember that not all disabilities are visible. Someone who appears to be healthy may have a physical or developmental disability. October is awareness month for AIDS, Breast Cancer, Colon Cancer, Depression, Down Syndrome and Spina Bifida. October 1st is known as International Day of Older Persons and October 2 is known as World Cerebral Palsy Day. This is a good opportunity to learn about these diseases or others which may affect your friends, family members or neighbors. It is a good time to learn about your neighbors and celebrate your differences and similarities. Knowledge is power; the more you learn, the stronger you become.
OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY For information on CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES ONLY, please contact: Lenya Garcia at Lgarcia@riverbay corp.com; and Barbara Penn at Bpenn@riverbaycorp.com. Please note that emails should be sent to both parties. Please DO NOT email resumes for EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES to the aforementioned emails. For EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, please see bottom of the employment listings for specific directions. CONTRACT SUMMARY Contract 1000, Installation of Backflow Prevention Devices Bid Due: October 5, 2016 at 2 p.m. Insurance: Winning bidder must provide insurance.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES There are no employment opportunities to list this week. Please check back again next week.
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Co-op City Times / October 1, 2016
Where We Stand
Director’s Viewpoint
Linda Berk
First Vice President By now, all shareholders should have received their copy of the Riverbay Corporation Financial Statement as prepared and audited by the Certified Public Accounting firm of PKF O’Connor Davies LLP. This is the first time in our history that shareholders have received their own personal copy of Riverbay Corporation’s financial statement. This is your right and is far more acceptable than the copy printed in the Co-op City Times (which will still be printed in the paper again this year). The purpose of sending you a copy is to give you a durable copy that you can review with family, friends or your accountant. One significant change in the past two years is that we have chosen to use O’Connor and Davies LLP. Transparency is critical, but essentially required with the fiduciary responsibility assigned to the Board of Directors. There should never be any shadow of doubt when it comes to the accounting for the financial statement of any corporation. By the time this issue of the CC Times is printed, we would have already held the open Board meeting. If you were not able to attend the Board meeting, I encourage you to watch it when it is broadcasted. This Board continues to provide as much transparency as possible, the presentation by our accounting firm is definitely a subject I believe you should review. Another important topic on the Board business meeting agenda is Riverbay’s new voting methodology. The Board has chosen to use a mail-in and online voting option for our next Riverbay Board of Directors’ election. I seriously hope that this new option will allow and/or encourage more shareholders to participate in the election process. Last year, we had approximately 5,000 voters, one-third of the eligible voters and the minimum required for a quorum. The ability to mail-in or go
online to record your vote, we believe, will give you more options and allow you to process your vote when it is convenient for you based on your lifestyle. We also know for a fact that it will save Riverbay Corp. a lot of money. Last year’s election process cost us approximately $115,000! This new mail-in/online option will cost Riverbay $36,000, a savings of 70% of our usual expense. As this Board continues to move Riverbay Corp. into the 21st century, we will continue to find new technology to improve efficiency and cost. We will continue to be creative and responsible as we meet the needs of this complex housing development corporation. Disability EXPO, Sunday, October 2, 2016 On Sunday, October 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Co-op City will host the second annual Disability EXPO, the only disability expo in the City of New York. The expo is co-sponsored by the Co-op City Seventh Day Adventist Church, the Riverbay Fund and the Disability and Accommodation Committee (DAAC). One of the most important goals of DAAC is to be able to support and encourage the annual occurrence of the disability expo in an effort to ensure our community receives the most current and thorough information for services, technology and equipment to ease the challenges they face in their daily lives. We have over seventy vendors registered who will have a variety of information, resources and equipment that will meet the needs of those living with disabilities. There will be a calming room, a tranquil space to stop and calm down for a few minutes. The children’s activity room will provide an opportunity to stimulate and interest young children. The art exhibit is a place to enjoy and appreciate the art of local artisans. The highlight of the day will be the variety of speakers who will share information on various topics. Featured presenter: Dr. Alonzo Smith, 1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., Executive Secretary, GNYC, Certified Family Therapist & Counselor: Good Mental Health
and Wellness in the 21st Century. Day One, Johanna Burgos, 2:15 p.m. – 2:40 p.m., Teen dating abuse and Domestic Violence. And Marvet Nelson from 2:40 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Disaster Preparedness – How to make a “Go” bag for disasters. Shareholders are encouraged to bring old eyeglasses they are no longer using personally. The eyeglass collection will make it possible for those who cannot afford glasses to have a new look on life, aiding them in improving their vision! I encourage everyone to come out and participate in the expo. It is not only for the individual living with a disability, it is for the family, friends and caregivers. One of the important facts to remember is that the need for assistance exists for family and caregivers as well. I also encourage shareholders to remain compassionate and empathetic because not all disabilities are visible! College ad Career Fair I appeal to parents, young adults, elementary, middle, and high school students to get out on Saturday to attend the College and Career Fair in the Dreiser Auditorium. The program has activities and information for 3–6 graders from 9 a.m. – 12 noon, and for grades 7–12 from 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. As a former Director of Admissions at Pratt Institute, I cannot stress enough the importance of education and career development. Education is a single factor in your life that can make significant life-long, life altering changes. A special opportunity will be a guest speaker from NASA at 1 p.m. who will share the possibilities and opportunities in the field of space and exploration. For our elementary students, there will be a presentation by the Robotics team, which I know will be very exciting. The earlier you can prepare for your adult life, the more options you will have. This is an incredible advantage that you will never regret. Explore the possibilities and open your mind to the things you can accomplish in life. Remember education, training and development are some of the best tools in life.
Spanish-American Community Club Please join us on the 2nd Thursday of every month at 8:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome! Our next meeting will take place on October 13th in room 16 of the Dreiser Community Center. On Sunday, September 25th, the Cultural Committee and Riverbay Fund presented the annual ‘Hispanic Heritage Day’ celebration in the Dreiser Loop Auditorium. Folkloric groups from Puerto Rico (Danza y Fiesta) and Mexico (Grupo Baile Folklórico), along with Anissa (Celia Cruz imitator), Dancers DreamZzz, Juarez Show (Juan Gabriel imitator) and Juan Ortega, delighted us all with their talent and energy. We would like to extend a heartfelt ‘thank-you’ to all the selfless volunteers who worked hard to make this event such a success. We are also very grateful for the donations provided by our sponsors: BJ’s Wholesale Club, CocaCola, Corona, Costco, Payless Discount Liquor Store, Pepsi and Stop & Shop. The annual Halloween party will take place on October 22nd, from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., in room #4 of the Dreiser Community Center. Prizes will be handed out for the best costumes. Donations are gratefully accepted. Non-members will be admitted for $10; members are always free. Come join us! The club is co-sponsoring a dance on Saturday, November 5th in the Dreiser Auditorium, beginning at 8:00 p.m. Proceeds will benefit our Scholarship Fund. We are extremely pleased to announce that our main performer will be Charlie Aponte, former member of the legendary salsa band ‘El Gran Combo.’ Additional performers include meringue and bachata star Juancho and DJ Psycho. Tickets are $45 in advance, more at the door, and are available at Havana Café, 3151 East Tremont Avenue, or contact Al Gonzalez at 347-249-3403. Details can be found on the flyer on our website.
Building 32 Association Dinner Theatre We will be leaving from Building 32 at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 20. Please arrive in a timely manner so that we can leave at scheduled. There are no assigned seats on the bus. We will be departing from the Dinner Theatre at approximately 3:30 p.m. Garage It appears that some drivers think that the garage is a speedway. Hold on to your child's hand when exiting the elevator, as well as walking to the elevator as it can be dangerous. Drivers need to be more
careful, as an "I'm Sorry" will not help when someone gets hit by your car. Meeting Our meeting was canceled due to circumstances beyond our control. Please check the lobbies for postings pertaining to the rescheduled meeting, as well as this newspaper. Game Night Bored on Friday night? Come to game night and have a good time. Check for postings indicating when the next game night will take place. —Lorna Smith
‘Cantares Navideños’ and the Christmas Party will be combined into one festive event on Saturday, December 17th. Additional details will be available in the coming months. Membership renewal dues for the coming year are now being accepted. Dues are $30 per household. Additional information for all of our upcoming club events, as well as details concerning the club in general, can be found on our website: http://spanamcccc.synthasite.com. You may also contact the club at (718) 379-7017 or email us at SpanAm CCCC@gmail.com. —Carmen Rodriguez
CSO Directory CSO 1 – Buildings 1-14 – (718) 320-3300 Area Manager – Lois English, ext. 3458 Asst. Area Manager – Ray Fraticelli, ext. 3457 Secretary – Kelli Lewis, ext. 3459 For Maintenance services: (718) 320-3300, follow prompt #3 for the maintenance office & prompt #1 for your building • Buildings 1-7 & DeFoe Place Townhouse – Yvette Grant • Buildings 8-14, Cooper & Debs Place Townhouses – Pablo Merced
CSO 2 – Buildings 15-25 – (718) 320- 3300 Area Manager – Vanessa Aldea, ext. 3408 Asst. Area Manager – Tanysha Farley, ext. 3406 Secretary – Tashia Ephraim, ext. 3407 For Maintenance services: (718) 320-3300, follow prompt #3 for the maintenance office & prompt #2 for your building • Buildings 15-19 & Asch Loop Townhouse – Wilbur Valenzuela • Buildings 20-25 & Adler & Broun Place Townhouses – Tamira King
CSO 3 – Buildings 26-35 – (718) 320-3300 Area Manager – Valerie Hayes, ext. 2452 Asst. Area Manager – Margaret Echevarria, ext. 3596 Secretary – Evelyn Ward, ext. 3595 For Maintenance services: (718) 320-3300, follow prompt #3 for the maintenance office & prompt #3 for your building • Buildings 26, 27, 30, 31 & 33 & Earhart Townhouses – Kathy Bell • Buildings 28, 29, 32, 34 & 35 — Tony Jakaj
Section One 2016 Family Fun Day Fair Co-op City Times / October 1, 2016
It was really a nurturing and challenging experience putting together the team and festivities for our First Family Fun Day Fair last week, September 17. Watching everyone come together and networking as a team was priceless. More significantly, was that in our most demanding roles, it proved to be an enjoyable event for our thriving community. So it is with the deepest emotion that we send out our sincerest “thanks” to everyone who devoted their valuable time and monetary donations to make this event such a success. We believe that the Section 1 associations’ first event outreached to over 700 shareholders and other participants. We wish to thank the many volunteers, the entertainers, the vendors, the arts and crafts table, the D.J., CAPPYS’, Mister Softees’ Louie, CCPD, the 45 Precinct, FDNY, C.E.R.T, Chief Apollo, Jerome Rice, Keisha Rollins, Michelle Sajous, Frank, Xavier & Filo, Mike & Toma, Eddie (the sound master), Ray Cooper, Leslie Peterson, Claudia Sampson, Donovan Plumber, and all of the other grounds and security staff who helped to make this a most memorable affair. And a special thanks to Michael Benedetto (N.Y. State Assemblyman). We look forward to perfecting our associations’ efforts and hard work for a better annual Family Fun Day Fair in 2017. —Adelina Martinez, Fernando Garcia, Lee Rivers, Steve Paintner, Yvonne Burrus, Shirley Holliday, Joe Garnette, Yvette Livingston Brown, Diane Windley, Shahidah Shakoor, Joe Guzman, Jeffrey Schwartz, Sonia Soto, Ulysses Barnes and Winston Dinkins
Lorenz Dance Studio
Face painter Keisha Rollins was kept busy.
Nieves Dance Studio
Send us your photos! If you are attending a community event, send us your photos! Submissions can be sent to cctimes@riverbaycorp.com
Belly Dancers of Co-op City
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Co-op City Times / October 1, 2016
Management Coping With Challenges
Director’s Viewpoint
Bernard Cylich Second Vice President A major challenge since June 2015 has been the persistent leakage from the underground high-temp highpressure pipes near Cooper Townhouses. Over the past five years, 17 such leaks, sometime several leaks simultaneously, have occurred. Fourteen of them bubbled up in the same section of pipe. Our power plant staff, acting as a kind of fire brigade, has repaired one hemorrhage after another. One new leak was discovered on above-ground pipes just south of the cooling towers feeding Section 5. Twenty-Six Miles of Underground Pipes Twenty-six miles of underground, large-diameter water pipes, manufactured by Thermacore, emanates from our power plant. One system, a high temp hotwater (220 degrees Fahrenheit) in a closed-loop system, is connected to heat exchangers in every highrise and townhouse cluster. The heat exchangers heat a separate set of pipes with potable city water that provides water to our sinks and bathtubs below scalding temperature. Yet another dual-temperature water system – hot during heating season and chilled during the summer – emanating from our power plant, also a closed-loop, is pumped directly to our convectors. Finding – And Fixing – Power Leaks Once a power plant operating engineer observes water loss in one of the three closed-loop zones, he understands that a leak has sprung and sends a crew to locate it. Failing to locate it visually, they contact Admiral Conservation Services to perform a sound detection survey. Once a leak is located, power plant workers uncover that section of pipe with a back-hoe. A shutdown is scheduled. After the shutdown, water is drained. The outer plastic tube is cut open, the closed-cell foam insulation is removed, and the corroded steel pipe is patchwelded. The water valve is re-opened, the system is re-filled and the pumps to the zone are restarted. The insulation is replaced, the plastic tube is repaired, and the ground is restored.
In the leak near the Cooper Townhouses, the pipe was buried in sand. To protect our crew from potential cave-ins, a contractor was hired to shore up the ground around the affected pipe. Because the contract was over $37,000, it had to be approved by Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), a procedure that delayed the repair for several months. In a further twist, another leak was discovered in the section of pipe just after it had been fixed. After several weeks, the leak was determined to be encased in a concrete anchor together with the three other pipes. To avoid jack-hammering the concrete anchors to expose and repair the pipe which could damage other pipes, management decided to design and install a 500-foot bypass around it. A request for proposal for an engineering company to design the bypass was submitted to HCR. Several months later, after HCR approval, Riverbay solicited bids from engineers. Not until October 2015, however, was an acceptable bid received. But then, the bidder stalled and then refused to sign our standard contract. Riverbay had no recourse but to solicit new bidders. After an approved drawing was submitted by new engineers, a shoring contractor was engaged. But in April, the shoring contractor was terminated for failing proper safety practices. Management has since hired a reputable shoring company recommended by our site safety company and the new company began shoring-up the area. History of Leaky Underground Pipes Why are pipes leaking? This question has baffled us since the first leaks were discovered. In 1997, the original pipes were replaced in Sections 1–4; in Section 5, in 2001. The original pipes, manufactured by Ric-Will, began to leak and fail after only 6–7 years of operation, in the mid-1970s, during the rent strike. Because pipes would spring leaks next to previously repaired ones, management stopped covering the grounds once a leak was repaired. Our Greenway started to resemble a lunar landscape. While negotiating with the state Housing Finance Agency in 1975–76, the rent strike leadership brought to the HFA’s attention what they thought were a number of construction defects (CDs). HFA, the mortgagee and monitor of the building of
Co-op City, agreed to hire the engineering firm Perkins and Wills to identify (CDs). P&W presented a list of 50 CDs, including the Ric-Will system. HFA conceded responsibility for the faulty construction. But not until 1992—after an aggressive grassroots campaign, organized by the Co-op City Council, that included letter writing, demonstrations, picketing, and even threats of sitins—did HFA and the state Legislature agree to deposit $104 million into a superfund account to finance repair of the CDs (Riverbay deposited an additional $25 million). Under the supervision of Riverbay’s General Manager, new pipes replacing the Ric-Wil system were installed in record time and under budget – $85M. To our dismay, several years later, in 2000, some of the new pipes began to spring leaks as well. Because we had a warranty, the installing contractor replaced that section of pipe. A few months later, the new pipe too sprung leaks. Again, the company replaced the pipe at no cost to Riverbay. After investigating the problem, a forensic metallurgist engineering firm hired by Riverbay, Lucius Pinkins, concluded that pipes corroded and pitted from the outside in, producing leaks. Such corrosion has occurred mainly in the high-temp water feed. Fast Forward Management has engaged SilverLining, a company that offers a product to line defective pipes with an epoxy that has been proven by an independent testing lab to withstand very high heat, has superior impact strength, is abrasion resistant, withstands high pressure and withstands galvanic corrosion. SilverLining is scheduled to line a section of a leaky pipe above ground just south of our cooling tower. They had lined over a hundred foot section near the Cooper Townhouses several weeks ago. However, in-spite of employing a sound detective instrument, management failed to locate the precise leak location in the concrete anchor to enable SilverLining to line and stem the hemorrhaging which could avoid installing a 500’ by-pass. Management is working to locate that precise location and take necessary steps to stop the leak. To deal with the problems, the power plant director is in touch with a metallurgist to learn what preventive measures, if any, Riverbay can take to stop these leaks.
Board of Directors’ Meeting - September 28, 2016 Second Reading #16-56 SUBMITTED BY: Francine Reva Jones SECONDED BY: Andrea Leslie BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING DATED: September 28, 2016 WHEREAS, the Riverbay Corporation Board of Directors Presidents have worked diligently for the benefit of the Riverbay Corporation and its
shareholders; and WHEREAS, the Board Presidents have spent an enormous number of hours, weeks, months and years giving guidance and direction for the benefit of the Co-op City community; and WHEREAS, it is only fitting that the Board Presidents should be recognized in an honorary and lasting manner; and WHEREAS, in honor of all of the
Board Presidents, a photograph of each President should be framed and hung in a prominent location or locations in the Co-op City Community. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Management shall produce an 8.5x11” or 11x14” or whatever size is deemed suitable, framed photograph of each Board President; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that beneath the photograph, there
shall be a notation indicating the beginning and ending years that each President served; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Management shall designate a location or locations where the Presidents’ photographs shall be hung; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Management shall complete this task in six months following approval by the Board. TABLED
verdict; and WHEREAS, Management recommends that the Board approve both of these modifications. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that, notwithstanding any prior Resolution, the Board approves the following modifications and additions to Co-op City’s community complaint fines: (K) Anti-social behavior is defined as any act that results in an arrest by the police or Co-op City’s Department of Public Safety, subject to appeal in the event of dismissal or adjudication result-
ing in a ‘not-guilty’ verdict. Fine: $300 (FF) Poor housekeeping Fine: $125 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Management and the President are directed to take all necessary action to carry out this Resolution; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED That this Resolution shall take immediately. Yes: Berk, Jones, Peterson, Sampson, Saunders, Turner, Williams No: Jenkins, Johnson, Leslie Abstain: Cylich, Smith, Taylor Absent: Feliciano, Graham PASSED
Second Reading #16-58 SUBMITTED BY: Junius Williams SECONDED BY: Evelyn Turner and Claudia Sampson BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING DATED: September 28th, 2016 WHEREAS, On May 19, 2016 the Board passed Resolution #16-22 which increased fees, modified the scope of and added certain new community complaints; and WHEREAS, A typographical error
resulted in the new $250 fine for Poor Housekeeping/ Hoarding appearing in the “Whereas” clause but not in the Resolve clause; and WHEREAS, on June 20, 2016 DHCR approved the revisions contained in Resolution #16-22 with the exception that DHCR advised that the offense of Anti-Social behavior needed to be more narrowly defined so as to read: Any act that results in an arrest by the police or Co-op City’s Department of Public Safety, subject to appeal in the event of a dismissal or adjudication resulting in a ‘not guilty’
Co-op City Times / October 1, 2016
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Co-op City Times / October 1, 2016
Director’s Viewpoint
Francine Reva Jones Secretary I am so proud of the manner in which my current Board colleagues demonstrate the open and honest policy of transparency with information that concerns our community. Directors Linda Berk, Bernie Cylich and Claudia Sampson have made it abundantly clear regarding the explanations for the change order dealing with the power plant boiler and why, due to either mistakes, mismanagement made in the past, or changed circumstances, that this matter needs to be corrected. Cooperators need heat, hot water and the comfort of air conditioning. Therefore, we feel it is our obligation to inform you of what is happening and the need to fix the problems surrounding the issue so that cooperators may continue to be provided with these necessities and quality of life services. Resolution #16-51 for $600,000 is an enormous amount to pay to Boilermatic for Stantec Consulting Services to begin the process of mending the problem. However, is the alternative to do nothing? I think not. And that is why an overwhelming majority of Board directors voted to pass this resolution. Resolution #16-51 was an Amended Emergency Resolution and an emergency resolution cannot be published as a First Reading because they occur when situations arise between the last Board meeting and the present Board meeting and an emergency resolution must be drafted. Therefore, there is no time to have it published in the Co-op City Times as a First Reading. Normally, the First Reading is printed in the Co-op City Times so that cooperators may have an opportunity to review and comment. Cooperators can and have communicated with Board directors and management to ask questions or for other explanations on a resolution. Cooperators are always welcome to question and comment. You may also write your comments in a Letter to the Editor. Hispanic Heritage Month I regret being unable to attend the Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration on September 24th. Last year, it
Transparency in Practice was a tremendous success and I enjoyed it immensely. Salsa music is among my favorite and I have enjoyed salsa dancing all of my adult life. As a young adult, I studied how the western powers exploited Cuba and was so pleased when in July 2015, President Barack Obama restored diplomatic relations which had been severed in 1961 during the Cold War. The U.S., however, continues to maintain its commercial, economic, and financial embargo, which makes it illegal for U.S. corporations to do business with Cuba. Although President Obama has called for the ending of the embargo, U.S. law requires congressional approval to end the embargo. Congress should make this happen. National Museum of African-American History and Culture Several Co-op City residents departed via motorcoach transportation to Washington, D.C. for the Grand Opening of the National Museum of AfricanAmerican History and Culture (NMAAHC). The trip included a visit to the White House, the Kunta Kinte Festival and NMAAHC. Some of us dined at the historic Mulebone Restaurant, made famous by Zora Neal Hurston and known for its modern American cuisine with Southern accents. On Saturday, September 24th, President Barack Obama took part in the opening ceremony for the NMAAHC. However, my group visited on Sunday. The NMAAHC’s highly symbolic presence on the National Mall is matched by the symbolism of the building itself. Lead designer David Adjaye and lead architect Philip Freelon, together with their architectural team Freelon Adjaye Bond/SmithGroup, won the international competition in April 2009 to design and deliver the NMAAHC. Groundbreaking on the fiveacre site took place in February 2012. The NMAAHC is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of AfricanAmerican life, history, and culture. It was established by an Act of Congress in 2003, following decades of efforts to promote and highlight the contributions of African-Americans. To date, the NMAAHC has collected more than 36,000 artifacts. Nearly 100,000 individuals have become charter members of the NMAAHC. The NMAAHC is the 19th and newest museum of the Smithsonian Institution. The NMAAHC is a public institution open to all,
Building 2 Association Summer is over and fall begins. We start the season with cooler weather and shorter days. We hope all of our neighbors and friends are doing well. Firstly, we must thank all of those committee members and volunteers who helped make our first "Family Fun Day" on September 17th a success. A lot of hard work went into the preparation for this event. We wish to thank Riverbay Corp. for their support in furnishing all the tables and chairs needed. It truly was a fun day for all – young and old alike. The free refreshments were an added bonus. The committee is already planning
for next year's event. All of the various events throughout the community make Co-op City a more congenial place to live in. Without your support it cannot be done! Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, October 18th at 7 p.m. Ray Fraticelli, our Section Manager, will be the guest speaker. Come out and let us hear what is on your mind. The holidays are approaching and we will need all the help we can get. Notices of all upcoming events are posted in both lobbies. Come and be part of your community. —Carlyn Jones
Building 30 A & B Association I want to wish all my Jewish neighbors a good Rosh Hashanah. Our building itinerary for the month of October is as follows: Building meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 19th in the association room with the door opening at 7 p.m. with the meeting starting at 7:30 p.m. Our next Pokeno game will be on Friday night, Oct. 21st with the door to the association room opening at 7 p.m. and the games starting at 7:30. Our next movie night will be on Friday night, Oct. 28th, with the door opening at 7 p.m. and the movie starting at 7:30. Members of our association will be down in lobbies of Building 30A and B
on Thursday, Oct. 13th and Friday, Oct. 14th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. to collect association dues and candy to give out on Halloween. Buildings 30A and B dues are still only $5. The association will give out candy on Halloween, Oct. 31st. Don’t forget we have crochet class every Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. in our association room. Those who are celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and new additions to the family, congratulations. Those who are under the weather, get well soon. Those who lost a loved one recently, our prayers go out to you. —Linda Werner
where anyone is welcome to participate, collaborate, and learn more about African-American history and culture. Lonnie G. Bunch III, is the founding director. The NMAAHC provides an opportunity for those who are interested in African-American culture to explore and revel in this history through interactive exhibitions; it helps all Americans see how their stories, their histories, and their cultures are shaped and informed by global influences; it explores what it means to be an American and share how American values like resiliency, optimism, and spirituality are reflected in African-American history and culture; and it serves as a place of collaboration that reaches beyond Washington to engage new audiences and to collaborate with the myriad of NMAAHCs and educational institutions that have explored and preserved this important history well before this NMAAHC was created. The NMAAHC touched on the amazing African contributions with exhibitions of some of the Kings and Queens of Africa. There were artifacts and videos from the period of slavery, Jim Crow, Ku Klux Klan, athletes, entertainers and much, much more. We had only two hours for the NMAAHC tour and did not get to see it all. In order to see everything, you need three to five hours, or make a second trip. What a glorious experience! Register and Vote The General Election takes place on November 8th. Information about this Presidential Election is constantly in the news. Please exercise your right to vote and encourage your family and friends. The deadline to register is October 14th. The voter registration form must be postmarked by October 14th and received by Oct. 19th. An Absentee Ballot Request should be postmarked by November 1st and presented in person by November 7th. An Absentee Ballot Return must be postmarked by Nov. 7th and received by November 15, 2016. Contact Me If you would like to share your thoughts with me, I can be reached at 718-671-5957. Please try to attend the College Fair on Oct. 1st and the Disabilities Expo on Oct. 2nd. Don’t drink and drive. Don’t text and drive. Don’t waste water.
Debs Place Townhouse Association The Debs Place Townhouse Association will hold its October meeting on Thursday evening, October 13, at 7 p.m., in room 1 of the Dreiser Center. The speaker for the evening will be a representative of Co-op City’s Department of Public Safety. Members of the association will have the opportunity to express their concerns about safety and security and to learn more about how to help raise the level of our security. The meeting will begin with a business portion, including a financial report by our Treasurer, Nadine Thompson. Debs Place
Townhouse dwellers will have the opportunity to pay their $10 per family yearly dues (in cash). We will also get a chance to decide on some topics and speakers for future meetings. Our guest speaker will begin at 7:30 with a discussion of safety and security in our townhouse cluster and in the rest of our community. We hope to see a good turnout of our old members and for more new neighbors to join us. The Debs Place Townhouse Association meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month. —Nels Grumer
Donizetti Building Four Association Welcome back. Hope all had a great summer. Fun Day – To all who joined us on Section One’s first Family Fun Day Buildings 1 – 8, hope you enjoyed yourself. Meeting: Come join us at our building association general meeting to be held on October 13 at 7:30 p.m. in our meeting room 4B rear. We would like to welcome all our new cooperators from 100, 120 and 140 Donizetti Place. You are invited to join us at our monthly meetings. Our topic for discussion will be suggestion and ideas for activities for the
New Year 2016/2017. So stop down, voice your ideas. S.T.A.R. – it’s not early to get information and/or register for the STAR Program either Basic or Enhanced for information. Call 518-457-2036. Application deadline for this year is March 17, 2017. To the Section One Family Fun Day Committee and volunteers, “Good job,” you are the best. Congratulations to all those celebrating special event. Get well wishes to our sick and shut in. Remember, this is our home; “if you see something, say something.” —Yvonne Burrus
No Co-op City Times? Call 347-439-5632 on Saturday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Co-op City Times / October 1, 2016
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Co-op City Times / October 1, 2016
Director’s Viewpoint
Daryl Johnson A homemade bomb exploded on West 23rd Street in Chelsea about two weeks ago. Afterwards, published reports stated that about 29 people were injured as a result of that blast. Thereafter, some of our residents raised a few concerns about the safety of our community. Make That Call One thing that we can never do is to become complacent and ignore the slogan, 'If you see something, say something.' These words have been repeated over and over again to get us to take action when we see things that are suspicious. According to the Department of Homeland Security, "Public safety is everyone's responsibility. If you see suspicious activity, report it to local law enforcement or a person of authority." In the above-cited case, there were several bombs that were allegedly planted in NYC and NJ. After the first bomb went off, a second bomb was discovered a few blocks away. This second bomb was stored inside of a pressure cooker. Surveillance video at the scene showed that this second bomb was delivered in a suitcase, near a hotel. Then, the video showed that the bomb was removed from that suitcase and placed on the sidewalk. What happened next was shocking. At different times, two men kicked the pressure cooker, with the bomb inside of it. Next, a lady saw the pressure cooker and walked passed it. But, apparently, something was suspicious about that pressure cooker. So, amazingly, she turned around and called the police. After receiving her call, two state troopers showed up and snapped a photo of the pressure cooker and called for backup. The bomb squad arrived and the device was removed by a robot. If you take a bus or a subway, you'll see posters on the walls that encourage diverse groups of people to take
Terror blast hits NYC action when they see things that are suspicious. Therefore, everyone has to get involved if we want to protect our communities. Similarly, in Co-op City, we want to take action and call our Public Safety Department at 718-671-3050 if anything seems suspicious. And, when you call, please be assured that you can remain anonymous. So, your name and any details that are associated with you will not be divulged to anyone. Lastly, I hope that everyone that reads this article will really consider calling the authorities if anything seems suspicious on the buses, trains, the streets, or even in this community. Hanging Out Please call Public Safety if you see anyone hanging out on the roofs of our buildings. Thank you. Hold Them Accountable On rare occasions, there might be a need for a reasonable change order. For instance, a resolution for a project gets approved by the board. Thereafter, someone might come up with a brilliant idea to dramatically enhance that project. So, should the board automatically dismiss that change order and vote no? The answer is no. When someone has raised some good points about a project, then we should consider those ideas. Thereafter, a vote should be taken by the board. But, let's be very clear that managers should always do their best to make good plans for their projects. On the other hand, we have some managers that have come to the board with outright nonsense. Shenanigans. "We're going to need more money for this project." But, what should happen if the board can clearly see that the project is not working out? In my opinion, the board should work with management to hold people accountable for their projects. In other words, our board might need to send a strong message that we won't tolerate poor work or any type of game to be played here. Thereafter, we might have to ask management to take action to remedy this situation. Bottom line: It's not about voting no for everything. It's about working with good and smart people and voting yes for plans that are great for this community.
Vote There's a lot of political turmoil that's being broadcast all day long. And, lots of people are disgusted over a variety of things. So, they've thrown up their hands and said: "I'm not voting for anyone." On the flip side, we should remember that politicians do pay attention to communities that vote. So, please try to remember this point as we get closer to the upcoming election. Thank you. Disabilities Expo There will be a 'Disabilities Expo' on Sunday, October 2, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The flier for this program encourages people to: "Come and learn valuable info at the many excellent training sessions, connect with attendees, obtain resources, supplies, and advice from a wide variety of vendors." Zumba Fitness There will be an outdoor Zumba Fitness program on the section 1 greenway on Monday, October 3, at 7 p.m. If it rains, then, this program will be held in room 31 at Bartow. There's a lot of dancing and aerobic exercises in a typical Zumba class. Close Unfortunately, some individuals have evil intentions to harm and kill other people. So, please remember to check out your surroundings when you go on a bus, a train, or anywhere. And, please remember to call the authorities if you see anything, like an unattended package or a bag, that might seem to be suspicious. Thank you. Questions or comments? Please send a letter to: Daryl Johnson, Riverbay Board Director, c/o Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. Or, please send a message to me at darylhjohnson@optonline.net (There are absolutely no problems with this email address. So, please double-check the spelling of this address if your message bounces back to you.) Also, please call me at 718-671-4544 if you don't receive a response from your message. You can also join me on Facebook by typing in: Daryl H. Johnson. Okay, that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful week. And, may God bless you and your family. Thank you.
Building 27 Association
Building 9 Association
Greetings, neighbors. Welcome to the fall. The days are getting shorter, so stay aware and alert of your surroundings. The 5th Annual College Career & Resource Fair – will be held October 1, at Dreiser Loop Auditorium, beginning at 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. These resources and opportunities will be for elementary 3rd to 6th grade, and middle and high school students. This event has been presented to our community for 5 years already, what an accomplishment and service to our community. Our General Meeting – will be Thursday, September 29, at 7 p.m. in Building 27c rear lobby. The association is looking forward to seeing our committed cooperators, who has hung in there with the association. Remember, the association exists only because of you and you. We also encourage our new cooperators to become involved, election of officers will also be discussed at this meeting. We will have different problems in life, but what choice do we have, be not a part of the problem, but be a part of the solution. So on that note: there is lots of volunteer work to be done, will you help? We do not have a commitment of a speaker at this writing, but if so, a confirmation of a speaker will be posted via the bulletin board. Youth Committee – We so desperately need, please come willing to chair and serve on this committee for the children and youths of our building, for they are our future and could continue this association well into the future. The function of the building association is to keep our cooperators informed of what is happening in their building, as well as the community. Happy birthday to all in this month. Please share with the Sunshine Committee, Ms. Lydia Rondon, by calling her at (718) 583-3040. If a neighbor in our building is ill, homebound, celebrating birthdays, or experiencing bereavement, Ms. Rondon will respond on behalf of the association. Please keep our Board of Directors in prayer that they will be granted wisdom and harmony to continue moving forward and to make the right decisions. Please pray for all leaders for PEACE, for there is unrest everywhere. —H. Overman
Greetings: Welcome back all. Fall is descending upon us. The foliage is entering its time of splendor. Time to hit the re-set button. We had our first post-summer-hiatus building association meeting on Thursday, September 22. Thank you to all who attended, especially Linda Berk, who attended on short notice. Our building association meeting minutes have been posted on the lobby bulletin boards for your perusal. The association membership has been brought current on all financial, administrative and social matters. New business included plans for our upcoming 2016 MEMBERS ONLY year-end celebration. Our goal is to create a 'Touch of Sophistication' for the association membership. Last week's article in the City News regarding possible loss of garage attendant services was discussed with the members. Our guest speaker this month was building resident, Board director and building association member Linda Berk. We were brought current on the status and progress of several corporation and Board projects and operations. Any RBC staffing changes would be assessed by Douglas Elliman management, brought before the Board for review, then discussed with the shareholders. Please be reminded to follow the prescribed and preferred RBC complaint format for use by shareholders. Affected shareholders should contact CSO 1 with any complaints relative to their apartment or building first. If you have quality of life complaints, please contact Public Safety with as many details in support of your complaint as possible. The ADA-compliant lobby entrance pilot project has been completed in Building 15A. Other Chevron building lobbies are expected to undergo construction next spring. We are in the planning stages of future building association monthly social events. Movie Day is today, October 1st. Children: 2:00-4:30 p.m., movie: “The Jungle Book.” Adults: 7:00-9:00 p.m., movie: TBD. Another Game Night and another Paint Party are in the planning stages. StatCare, the Bartow Center Urgent Care facility, will make a presentation at our October association meeting. Please be aware of, and participate in, the College and Career Fair at Dreiser Auditorium today, October 1st, and the Disabilities Expo for all ages at Dreiser Auditorium tomorrow, October 2nd. Your building association Executive Team is working hard on your behalf. Please support us as we strive to provide meaningful meetings and social experiences for you and your children. United, we stand. Until next time, be well and live in peace. —Linda Collins
Be respectful of your neighbors Please be aware that not all disabilities are visible, so be considerate and respectful of all members of the community.
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Co-op City Times / October 1, 2016
Building 31 Association
Building 10 Association
Hello, we’re back to take on the fall of 2016 thru July of 2017. Hopefully, you all enjoyed your summer. Your association’s intentions are to keep our goals in focus by monitoring the safety, cleanliness throughout our building, ensuring also that we are cohesive in programs for anyone interested in what is available in our building. It takes all of us working together for this to work. We held the first meeting on Monday, September 19th where our president, Robert Hedgepeth, reminded us of the rules set forth from the bylaws written over 10 years ago. It states that officers for our association must be voted on every 2 years and this is the year. We need to have an election committee set up to coordinate this and he was asking for volunteers from those in attendance. We must have an election so that we can have a cabinet willing to take on the task of leading this organization. We currently have a president and secretary willing to continue in those positions the other positions such as treasurer and vice president, sergeant of arms is open and need to be filled by January 2017. We are also seeking floor captains for each building. This is a very important position and crucial to the well-being of our building. Need more information regarding floor captains at our next month meeting or ask any current cabinet member listed in the lobby bulletin board. Current financial report given and names of next guest invited to our monthly meetings. We encourage you to suggest guest speakers and events you would like to see the association become involved with. We have game night and knitting and crochet groups, please free to join in with them. Fundraising for our college scholarships awarded annually and ideas are needed. Our 50/50 won by Audrey Lazaar, A-side and B-side; Eva Velasquez won the door prize, congratulations to both. Notice: Sightings of neighbors seen throwing food from window and/or terraces feeding birds. Please report this to our police as this is in violation of our lease and feeding the birds has attracted more skunks around the building. —Marilyn McDaniel
The fun returns for Building 10 Association members and friends! Please join us for the next Building 10 Association bus trip. We are going to the Mohegan Sun Casino on Saturday, November 5. The cost of the trip is $45. Here’s what you will receive for your $45 fare. You will receive round-trip transportation. You will also get $10 in slot play and $15 in food. For more information, please call 718.671.5485 or 646.334.3739. Different casino with the same Building 10 Association fun times. We will post fare collection days/evenings in building 10 lobbies. Halloween is a little more than a month away. We will have our annual candy give away. Please make this a successful event again this year by donating candy. You can bring your donation to the Building 10 Association room on October 14th or October 21st between 7 and 8:30 p.m. It’s election time for the 2016/2017 Executive Board. The election committee is in formation and if you are interested in running, please submit your interest by placing a note under the association room door. To run, you must meet minimum membership criterion contained in the association by-laws. A special election meeting will be posted in the lobby and is tentatively scheduled for October 11. Our next General Membership meeting is scheduled for Tues., Oct.18, at 7 p.m. To everyone, remember our challenge to you, if you have attended one of our events your challenge is to attend this next one and bring a neighbor with you. We believe each individual is the strength of our Association. So join us at our next meeting on September 20th! —Ron Campbell
Pentecostal Tabernacle The Pentecostal Tabernacle invites everyone to Worship Service every Sunday morning at 100 Co-op City Blvd., Building 22A, Bronx, N.Y. 10475 Services for this week are as follow: Sunday School for all age groups begins at 10:30 a.m. Mid-day Service begins at 11:45 a.m. Prayer and fasting service will be held every Wednesday morning at 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Bible study and prayer meeting will also be held every Wednesday evening starting at 7:30 p.m. Youth service every Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. Focus: The End Time, we are moving toward a grand finale. Therefore, be ye also ready: for in an hour as ye think not the son of man cometh. (Matthew 24: 44) Then shall the kingdom of heaven be like unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, give us of your oil, for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, not so; lest there be not enough for us and you, but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us but he answered and said, verily I say unto you I know you not Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the son of man cometh. (Matthew 25:1-13). The son of man will soon return in an hour that we think not. We must give ourselves to prayer and fasting, continually studying of the word of God, and be prepared for His return. Let us not be like the five foolish virgins who did not take enough oil in their vessels, and oil in their lamp. Titus 2:13 states: Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ. Noah had spent many years building the ark, and he knew that the season for divine judgment was near, but he did not know the exact day. The same applies to us in this time, we have seen signs and wonders, strange things are happening all around us, but we do not know the day and time of Christ return. Therefore, let us maintain a sweet fellowship with God and prepared for the coming of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. For further information, call (718) 324-0334 or (718) 320-4218. —Rev. R. Sibblies
Certified Co-op City clubs & organizations, feel free to post your upcoming events.
Building 16 United Association Greetings, my fellow cooperators. Hope that you all had a great summer vacation. Let’s talk about it at our next meeting on Friday, Oct. 14 at 7:00 p.m. Let’s be on time as we will have a guest speaker at 7:30 p.m. We will discuss what we have been doing and with your help what you would like to do in the coming year. All the best to those who celebrated birthdays and other events during the summer. To our confined neighbors, we will be praying for your speedy recovery. Remember, if you see something, say something. Who knows, you may save a life or two. Hope to see you at the meeting. —TeriAnn Garcia
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Co-op City Times / October 1, 2016
Co-op City Times / October 1, 2016
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Co-op City Times / October 1, 2016
Co-op City’s 5th Annual College, Career & Resource Fair TODAY Director’s Viewpoint
Evelyn Turner The community is invited to this awesome event as we have something for all age groups! In Dreiser, room 9 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., you may attend a “Health & Wealth” seminar and talk with “Black Nurses Rock.” Also, a panel of top notch medical doctors will share how we can be healthy as we age. This seminar is ideal for parents, while the elementary students are enjoying the robotic demonstration with real ROBOTS! Do you have a young adult or high school student who is looking for a trade? We have unions for the first time. Learn where to go for technical training in construction and building skills, auto body repair,
Dads
electrical and advanced electrical, air conditioning, refrigeration, appliance/controls, plumbing and pipe fitting, combination welding technology, etc. Are you interested in a FREE AFTERSCHOOL STEM BOOTCAMP that is open to NYC 11th & 12th graders? Students will: • Learn how to create databases for website and portal development. • Visit a premier technology company. • Pitch a project/idea to see if it can be utilized in the market-place. • Have first-hand access to internship opportunities. NASA INTERNSHIPS, FELLOWSHIPS AND SCHOLARSHIPS information to leverage NASA’s unique missions and programs to enhance and increase the capability, diversity and size of the nation’s future STEM workforce. We have colleges and career opportunities available for students from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Scholarship workshops will run from 2:30 to 5
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p.m. Please join us and bring a youth with you! Visit To The New African American Museum Along with Director Francine Reva Jones and several cooperators, we had the most awesome experience celebrating a weekend of American culture and the opening of the museum. Some of the most shocking and brutal events of slavery, Jim Crow and other periods are at the museum for all to see and learn from. The weekend included a tour of the White House and attending the Kunta Kinte Festival in Annapolis, Maryland, the site of the slave ship’s landing that brought the African Kunta Kinte to America. The courage and creativity of Black people is also captured at the museum. A 2017 bus trip is being planned for youth and their parents who should call and make a reservation if interested. Hope to see you today! Your director: Evelyn M. Turner, LCSW, 917-3241033 or evelyntinez@aol.com.
Building 33 Association
recruit and empower these Bronx dads to To all cooperators of Building 33, we try hard to come up with things jump on board and be a part of the discussion we think you would be interested in doing. Ms. Roach & Ms. Phyllis on their children's education. Research came up with bingo & pokeno game nights. They set their dates and ask shows literacy and behavior patterns improve you to come down and enjoy a relaxing evening of cards. They fix a litwith this kind of involvement. tle refreshments for your enjoyment, now I think it is only fair to them to "We are demanding more of ourselves," have your presence. The games are about 2 hours long, so can you take a said Lay. little time out of your day and support them on game night? Thank you. "Raise their minds and their pants will Bingo night will be on Thursday night, Oct. 6, 7 p.m. follow," Councilman Andy King said. The building meeting will be Tuesday night, Oct. 18, 7 p.m., in the Keynote speaker Jesse Mojica, Executive meeting room in back of the building. The speaker will be Mr. Cooper, Director supervisor of the porters. Please come down with your questions for him. of Parent Mr. Omari Gay, PA President, PS 153x There seems to be a problem with the way you put your large items Leaderdown in the basement; can you be a little courteous in the way you leave ship, Chancellor's office, described how he and his young them by placing them neatly in the area that is provided for them? You son couldn't communicate anymore as his son became a teenager and his wife told him that they had to be more don't have to throw this garbage all over the place. Building dues are in collection now. Please give. There is a little disinvolved and do whatever it takes to "get our son back." count for those who decide to pay now. During the month of October, the Mojica’s son, Adam, is autistic, which has its own chaldues will be $5 each apartment, after that we go back to $8. Please cooplenges, but he said that he learned in life you learn through erate and give. Thank you. challenges; we learn that it’s really important to serve, Get well wishes to all of the sick and the shut-in's. Feel better soon. rather than take. He said that although his son has lost the —Patricia Bonaparte ability to speak, he smiles because he knows he is loved. Mojica added that nothing is ever Mr. Jesse Mojica encourages fathers to stay involved and impossible. “You advocate for their children are your child's advocate and the results are amazing,” he said. Getting more involved in his son's education made Mojica Family Owned and Operated more aware of the • Large Chapel • Pre-need counseling many more ways availon premises able to help his son – a • Out of town services take-away message for • Ample Parking on premises all. A dignified funeral every family can afford. • Cremations Dr. Meisha Ross• Casket Showroom All areas are handicapped accessible Porter, District 11 Superon premises intendent, extended a Ms. Felicia Wilson, Learning Personalized & Professional Care • 50 Years Serving Our Community big “thank you” to the Leaders Photos by Lauretta Jaysura organizers and all those Worldwide Shipping including Caribbean, Africa & South America who made the sacrifice to be there to encourage the young people. State Senator-elect Jamaal Bailey offered that he was excited to be the next district senator adding that it is important to continue talking to each other and more so to our children. "We must watch what we do in front of our children Serving all Call and put our best foot forward," Bailey said. cultures 24
718-231-7647 Fax: 718-231-7665
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Shareholders, not tenants! Join your building association today!
NOW WEBCASTING TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS ABROAD
www.mccalls.net • director@mccalls.net 4035 Bronxwood Avenue, Bronx, N.Y.
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Co-op City Times / October 1, 2016
Broun Place Townhouse Association From Broun Place Townhouse Association: Last Thursday, our first meeting of this season was held, September 22, in rm. 31, Bartow Community Center. It was an opening of the year, “Hot Topic” party. Thank you to the great group of neighbors who attended. We talked about the summer, positives and negatives. Some neighbors think the grounds are prepared well and others not so much. It was important to hear the views. We learned that the flood incidence from convector leaks has been high this year causing a huge delay in appointments and the temporary flooring not lasting to the repair dates. Our October meeting will have a CSO representative and the agenda is ready. Dues are in order and they are $12 per year. Communication between neighbors, Riverbay departments and to have conversations about Co-op City and what is ahead, “down the pike” is vital. Forums provide opportunities to speak directly with those in charge, for example, the recent, “Coffee with a Cop.” You know, the national election is coming up. The percent of turnout for the primary was low. Get out there for the national election. We encourage all eligible citizens to register to vote. This is your responsibility as a U.S. citizen. Your vote counts. Be ready to vote in the November election. This coming week, we will be attending the Construction/Building and Grounds Committee and reporting next week. We appreciate the prepublished agenda from Board director Cylich. If you have an issue, write it and submit to me. Reminder, making a purchase from CSO? Bring a blank check! Riverbay does not accept cash for items purchased from CSO. A neighbor was told, if your new towel rack is longer than the towel space, bring it to Dreiser C.C. for cutting to specification. To me, this should all be done in one center. Buy it at Dreiser and get it cut there. Is this possible? Regarding garbage in the streets, please do not litter and if you can, pick up what is there. With all the street garbage, we end up not looking like the beautiful development we are. Congratulations to Mr. Adam Tanaka on completing his film project. We look forward to a Co-op City screening. Regarding “Service Animals,” Public Safety intervenes when the animal is unleashed, shown to be aggressive, or not cleaned up behind. This week, I saw folks letting their dogs run unleashed. Next time, I will click and forward. Keep your “Service Animal” leashed! Remember, “If you see something, contact Public Safety.” Get on the “Do Not Call Registry” by phoning “1-888-382-1222.” Call from a phone that you want to register. This includes cell or house phones. Ask a neighbor to pick-up newspapers and flyers if you are going away. Report road issues to 3-1-1 and Bronx Community Planning Board 10, located 3165 E.Tremont Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461; Phone: 718-892-1161, Email: bx10@cb.nyc.gov. Hope you attended the meeting. —Eva Lazaar
Building 8 Association Cooperators, it’s time for us to shift out of our summer gear and reverse back into the fall. On Wednesday, October 5 at 7:30 p.m., there will be a building association General Meeting. A sign will be posted on the bulletin board and in between the lobby elevators. Please make every effort to attend this meeting. Cooperators, there's still time to pay 2016 association dues. Dues are $5, and payment of dues can be made during any association meeting or event. On September 17th, Section One held its First Family Fun Day. The event turned out quite well, considering it was our first. Myself, along with six other building presidents, and a host of other cooperators, came together to plan out this day of fun for the entire family. I'd like to give a standing ovation to Adelina Martinez, president of the Family Fun Day Committee. Like a captain of a ship, she made sure everything ran smoothly. Great job, Adelina! To all the volunteers of Family Fun Day, I say, "Thank you, thank you … and thank you." It was your help and support that made the delivery of Fun Day effortless. A big group hug to all! A big thanks to Oscar Vasquez, our building lobby attendant. Outside of doing an excellent job in the building, Mr. Vasquez kept the cooperators informed, and directed them to the Family Fun Day event. Thanks, Oscar, you're the best. I applaud all the building cooperators who came out to enjoy Family Fun Day. It was your presence at the event that made me feel that all those stressful meetings I attended during the summer were well worthwhile. Thank you, Riverbay Board of Director member Claudia Sampson, for acknowledging Section One Family Fun Day in your director's viewpoint. Yes, there were some minor flaws, but remember, this was our first Family Fun Day event. Currently, we're back at the drawing board, planning for the 2017 Section One’s second Family Fun Day. Next year, with the participation from all the buildings in section one, Family Fun Day can and will be bigger and better than this year's. Do you know? There are three (3) big ways that you can protect your Co-op City investment. 1) Attend Riverbay Board meetings 2) Attend your building association meetings 3) Read the Co-op City Times (The official newspaper of Co-op City) “Knowledge is Power, and Power is Knowledge.” —Lee Rivers
If You See Something, SAY SOMETHING!!! Co-op City Public Safety 718-671-3050
Building 21 Association See you at the Disabilities Expo tomorrow This promises to be an event where you can learn about tools and services for persons with disabilities. There will be an Exhibit Hall, Art Gallery, Children’s Activity Center and a Calming Room, sponsored by the Riverbay Fund and held in the Dreiser Loop Auditorium from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. National Hispanic Heritage Month Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988. The day of September 15 is significant because it is the
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anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period. The Building 21 Association salutes our brothers, sisters, friends and neighbors of Hispanic descent. “THINK TANK at Building 21” is in session every Friday, 8:30 -10 p.m. except Christmas and New Year’s Day. We are located in the rear of 21B and YOU are always welcomed. This is where the self-development and empowerment of each CO-Operator is our intention. Your ideas are not only welcomed, but needed, for the progression of this important neighborhood project. Each one of us divided by all of us equals a force for good. See you around the neighborhood! —Michelle Marbury
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Co-op City Times / October 1, 2016
Recognizing the achievements of our Latin neighbors
Director’s Viewpoint
Sonia Feliciano Last Sunday’s Hispanic Heritage Month afternoon event at the Dreiser Center celebrated the achievements of the Latino community. The festivities included musical entertainment of Latin music genre, such as, jibaro music (a term used to refer to mountain people who lived in-land in the heart of the island of Puerto Rico), merengue, folkloric, bachata, salsa, Mexican, singing by impersonators of our dearly departed Juan Gabriel, Celia Cruz and so much more. There was lots of dancing which allowed everyone in attendance to dance to the different beats and partake in some tasty traditional Spanish appetizers and refreshments. Many of us got to meet and speak with Jamaal Bailey, the democratic candidate for State Senator in the 36th District; Andy King, Council Member for District 12 and Noel Ellison, General Manager of the Riverbay Corporation. As a society, we recognize that culture is what shapes us. It shapes our identity and influences our way of life. It is a way of being, our beliefs, values and norms. Alphonso Gonzalez, Chairman of the Spanish American Club, said it best, “We are all as one.” We recognize the diversity of cultures, we celebrate, rather than tolerate, the differences that brings about diversity, and we value, encourage and recognize the
strength of cultural expressions while respecting everyone’s differences. A welcome to Riverbay Board directors Leslie Peterson, Junius Williams and Bernard Cylich who came to share this day with the community. A special thanks to the Riverbay Fund – Michelle Sajous, in partnership with the Spanish American Community Club President Lourdes Suarez, chairpersons Ada and Alphonso Gonzalez and the many volunteers who gave of their time to make this a successful event. We look forward to next year. Sangria Cafe on Bartow Avenue As a member of the Executive board of the 45th Precinct Council, our Deputy Inspector takes very seriously allegations of conduct unbecoming of a commercial establishment or illegal activities outside of it. It is the responsibility of establishment owners and managers to ensure that patrons enjoy their dining as safely as possible. There are precautions that help create a positive relationship with their neighbors and help ensure that the establishment is free from illegal activity. While there is this perception that raises an alarm, we can’t predict the outcome. We certainly understand that if this were the case in Co-op City, as a community, we would be prepared to take action. I have asked Riverbay management to reach out to the local business owners and create some dialogue that will dispel any concerns the community may have. We want our commercial tenants to succeed, we want
anyone who patronizes to feel safe. Scholarship We congratulate Brianna Marrero, a shareholder and recipient of a $2,500 scholarship award from the Hispanic Support Organization, an Employee Resource Group at Verizon. Ms. Marrero is attending Iona College. We are proud that she was selected from our own home of Co-op City and we wish her the very best in her college life. Announcements Join us at the Disabilities Expo being held on Sunday, October 2, at the Dreiser Auditorium from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is an amazing opportunity to have fun, learn about services, resources and products. The Bardekova Ensemble will be performing once again on Sunday, October 9, at the Dreiser auditorium A from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. They are a nonprofit organization funded through the Bronx Council of the Arts, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs and the Greater NY Arts Development bringing classical music to Co-op City. The best part of this wonderful performance is that it is free to all our residents, family and friends. Look for the flyers posted throughout your building bulletin boards. Any concerns that you wish to share with me, you can write me, email me or call me at: 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475; SFeliciano@riverbaycorp.com or 917-992-7311. Shareholders First! – We matter!
Building 13 Association Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, October 6, at 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. and our guest speaker will be the Director of the Parking Facility Department. Have questions, concerns, suggestions, compliments, this is the time to let us know. Get accurate information. See you there! Interested in a fundraising paint party for your building? Contact us at the numbers below. One of our goals is to have 100% of our neighbors enrolled in STAR (School Tax Relief). If you are under 65 and household income is less than $500,000, you qualify. If over 65 and your your household income is not more than $86,000, you qualify for Enhanced STAR. Both are available to you because Co-op City is your primary residence. For more information about the STAR credit, call 518-457-2036 or https://www.tax.ny.gov/star. Women Keeping It Real - Returns Saturday, October 22, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at 100 Casals Place (Bldg. 13) 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. We welcome new participants. Remember! You must be 18 and over to participate. Arts and Crafts Workshops – Children of all ages are invited to join our workshops (under 5 must be accompanied by an adult) on the following Sundays, October 16, November 20, and December 18, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. Please check the bulletin board for dates and times of upcoming workshops you can enjoy with neighbors and friends in your own backyard! No need to go far. If you have a trip or event you would like to recommend, please let us know. Checks for Building 13 events should be made payable to Building 13 Assoc. Inc. and mailed to Building 13 Assoc., 100 Casals Place #32K, Bronx, NY 10475. For information, contact Gail Sharbaan, Treasurer, at 718-671-3801 or Leslie Peterson at 718-320-1370. Our website is www.bldg13assoc .com or e-mail us at bthirteen. assoc@yahoo.com. As always, thanks for making our team work. —Leslie Peterson
Coalition of African American Churches & Community Organizations The Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City, Inc.’s general membership meeting will be on Tuesday, October 4, at 12 p.m., 177 Dreiser Community Center, room 15. Two representatives should be sent from each organization to attend all coalition meetings. The coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City, Inc. will be hosting its 21st annual Friends and Family Day event on Saturday, October 15, 1 p.m., 177 Dreiser Community Center, Auditorium B, (Co-op City) Bronx, New York, featuring Keynote Speaker Mr. Jerome Rice and Ebony Rae Lambright, MC. There will be games with prizes for the children, entertainment, inspirational messages, family reunions and networking. There will be vendors which we hope that you will consider purchasing items from and last, but not least, refreshments will be served, so come out and support the many organizations that make up the coalition. Free admissions. Please inform the coalition of any suggestions that you may have. Ms. Virginia Stewart is the president of the coalition. Phone number, (718) 671-4506. The coalition is a non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining and improving the quality of life of cooperators while providing educational and culturally enriching programs for the community. We also act as one voice for all coalition members where there are issues of common concern and human rights. We also sponsor Friends & Family Day and Kwanzaa Celebrations free for the community. Members of the Coalition include the following: African-American Association; Co-op City Baptist Church; Retirees of Dreiser Loop; Harriet Tubman Independent Democratic Club; NAACP, Co-op City Branch; St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church and Zodiacs Track Club. Please support our efforts by sending us a tax deductible contribution made payable to Coalition of African-American Churches and Community Organization of Co-op City, Inc., P.O. Box 619, Bronx, NY 10475. Churches and organizations that desire to join the coalition may apply for membership by either writing or calling
(718) 671-4506 or (718) 671-5957 for a membership application, which should be returned with a letter on your church/organization’s letterhead and signed by the minister/president. Read the coalition’s weekly column for information about events and issues. Remember the coalition’s motto is, “Coming together is the Beginning, Keeping together is Progress and Working together is Success.” —Harman T. Leacock
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Co-op City Times / October 1, 2016
Co-op City Sports
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Velocity Track Club New York Velocity Track Club New York (VTC) is truly blessed to be based in the Co-op City area. Co-op City has some lovely, generous people would love to help our children and wish the best for our community. Plus, they truly believe that famous quote, “It Takes a Village to Raise a Family” and with a unified village, we can have the best for our children. Plus, they reinforce to me that the work that I’m doing is not going unnoticed and I
truly appreciate that. On Sunday, September 25, Velocity Track Club competed in the USATF New York XC (Cross Country) series #1 meet Van Cortland Park, Bronx, NY. It was a packed house with most of the top teams from throughout the tri-state area. There were a novice 1 mile race for athletes new to cross country, plus the 2K, 3K, 4K and 5K races. Awards were given to the top 15 athletes in each age/gender division in the 2K - 5k events. The top 3 athletes in the novice race received medals. In the Novice race, Brianna Burrell finished 2nd in her age division and Miniya Fraser finished in 6th place. In the boys’ 8 & under division, Pierce Parker took 3rd and Dillon Hampton took 4th. In girls’ 9 & 10 age division, Aysya Brown took 5th place. In the boys’ 11 & 12 age division, Dontae Lindo took 8th place and Jordan
Black Forum Defensive Driving returns September 24 The Black Forum defensive driving course will return on Sat., October 8, 8:50 a.m. – 3 p.m., Dreiser Center, rm. 1. Lower your liability insurance cost by 10% and remove up to 4 points from your driver’s license. Please make your check in the amount of $35, payable to “the Black Forum of Co-op City,” and mail to P.O. Box 563, Bronx, N.Y. 10475 at least 1½ weeks before the class, or you can walk in on the day of the class, but you must have $35 in cash to pay for the course. Please also bring your current driver’s license and a pen. Call (718) 320-8035. Black Forum Aerobics and Zumba It’s time to get in shape, get healthy and feel healthy. Body by Andrea’s aerobics classes are held Mondays and Wednesdays, and Zumba on Thursday. Classes are in the Dreiser Aud., 7:30 p.m. To register, please call (718) 320-8035. Nominal fee for each class. Volunteers needed We need male and female volunteers, 2 hours a day, preferably Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m. -12:45 p.m., flexibly. Especially need men who live in close proximity. Food distribution sites On Thursdays, residents of Buildings 27, 28, 29, 32 and 33 must pick up food at the New Vision Church, 115 Einstein Loop, 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Likewise, residents of Building 26, 30, 31, 34 and 35 must go to the Evangelical Church, 2350 Palmer Avenue, 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Thursdays to pick up food. For information, please call (718) 320-8035. Emergency Food Program We are open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., rm. 20 in Dreiser Center. Also, due to budget constraints and shortage of available food, you must live within zip code 10475 to participate in this program. You must also have your card with you and bring two clean plastic shopping bags. Please also have your current photo ID, such as a non- or driver’s license or any photo ID card with proof of address. You will then be issued a card in order to pick up food in the future. We Need You - Join Us Today Membership is $5 per year/person. Call (718) 320-8035 or write to Black Forum, P.O. Box 563, Bronx, NY 10475; email: coopcityblackforum@gmail.com or tonyshome10475@gmail.com. Help us keep independent community organizations alive in Co-op City. Everyone is encouraged to join. Call or visit us, room 20 in the Dreiser Community Center. —Tony Illis
Medals winners from the Section 1 Fun Day Races.
Ingram took 15th. In the boys’ 17 – 18 age division, Darius Gordon took 1st and had one of the 5th fastest time for a 17 & 18 boys’ 5K in a USATF New York meet. Great job to all who participated! The races at the Section 1 Fun Day were great! It was my 3rd Fun Day event in Co-op City this past summer. With volunteers, we were able to put down a temporary 100 meter track at the basketball courts in Section 1. There were approximately 50 children competing for a chance to earn a lovely medal and title of the fastest athlete in Co-op City. We had races for children 4 years old & under, (5 & 6) years old, (7 & 8), (9 & 10), (11 & 12), (13 & 14) and (15 & 16) years old divisions. The top 3 in each age division /gender won medals. Plus, the basketball clinic prior to the races was great too. Great job, Section 1 Fun Day Committee! Our next meet will be on Sunday, October 2nd, the NYRR Youth Run at Harry Murphy in Van Cortland Park, Bronx NY. Come out and see your future Olympians. Velocity Track Club New York is a 501(C)3 not-for-profit. One hundred percent of your donation will go to help our children. For additional information, you can go to our website, Velocitytrack.org, or contact me, Coach Winston Dinkins, at 914441-6196 or via email at watclt@aol.com. —Winston Dinkins
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Co-op City Times / October 1, 2016
Retirees of Dreiser Loop Attention! Members and friends, we are looking forward to seeing you at our first Autumn/FALL General meeting on Wednesday, October 5th at 1:30 p.m. in the Dreiser Loop auditorium. Don’t forget to mark your calendar, AND bring a friend. Our doors are always open. Travel Events: (price includes trans-portation/Coach bus, Dreiser Loop, opposite H&R Block) • Jan. 11&12, 2017 (Wed. &Thurs.) to FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO, CT. Price: double/$130 (deposit, $65) & single/$175 (deposit, $90). Full payment/balance ($65 & $85) due no later than Monday, December 5. Contacts: Serita G., 347-564-5722/Barbara W., 718-320-0500. • Tues., March 14, 2017 to Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, NJ. Enjoy luncheon cuisine, full service cocktail bar, onsite lobby bake shop and gift boutique. Price: $75 (deposit $35/Full payment/balance, $40. Due Mon., Feb. 6, 2017). Contacts: Serita G., 347564-5722/Barbara W., 718-320-0500. Theatre Committee: (price includes transportation via 20 passenger van):
Sat., Oct. 29th. Showtime: 3:00 p.m., “PARAMOUR,” a Cirque du Soleil musical, Lyric Theatre. Price: $75. Contact: Eleanor B., 718-324-7847. Thurs., Nov. 17th. Showtime: 3:00 p.m. RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SHOW. Price: $70. Contact: Ione E., 718-379-7756. Sat., Dec. 10th. Showtime: 2:00 p.m. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. Performances are: OPEN DOOR, THE WINTER IN LISBON (new), and REVELATIONS. Price: $52.50. Contact: Eleanor B., 718324-7847. Members and friends, we do require a deposit/payment along with your name and telephone number when signing up for trips and/or shows. First paid, confirmed seating on 20 seater van. Committee members in Dreiser clubroom 19 (718-379-0377) on Mondays and/or Thursdays, 2:30-5:00 p.m. Good And Welfare: With regret, Mattie Murrell, a warm and compassionate long time member, had a heart attack and is currently on life support at Jacobi Hospital. To members at home recuperating, “As you rest and heal, know that you are thought of warmly and wished a
quick recovery.” Call Josephine Flowers, 718-320-0539, regarding illnesses and bereavements. As a group, we are returning to the SPA on Wednesday, Oct. 12th. However, we regret to inform you that our maximum number, 10 participants, signed up at our September 7th General Meeting. Consider joining us at the SPA next time – in two or three months, date to be determined. Call 718 379-4784 – leave your name and phone number to be placed on the wait list. Attention! The RETIREES need ASAP experienced part-time freelance drivers with a CDL license with at least 3 years’ experience and a clean driving record. This volunteer position requires transporting members and friends safely to and from special events within the Bronx, as well as to outer boroughs. Stipend can be expected for each trip. Please call the RETIREES office, 718-379-0377, and leave your name and telephone number. “Our Lives are Before us, our Pasts are Behind us, But our Memories are Forever with us.” —Author Unknown —Claudette Davis
African-American Association We had a wonderful time at the African-American Parade in Harlem. Special thanks go to Cynthia Dixon and her line dancers. Co-op City was represented and recognized by the Harlem community. We were met with cheers and recognition by HOT97 and 103.9. We were joined by organizer Ebony Rae of www.ebonyraespeaks.com and Riverbay Board member Francine Reva Jones. We would also like to thank Stuart Richards of CTSAH for marching with us. Great news!!!! Our meetings are moving to Tuesdays in order to accommodate those of you who have had challenges on Thursdays. We think it is only fair to make it more convenient for our members mutually, so it was voted on and accepted by the attendees of our last meeting. We are missing a key element, one that is crucial to the propulsion of our success and that is you. Be sure to join us at our next official African-American Association meeting on Tuesday, October 11th at 7 p.m. Become a member and be part of our progressively growing community. The association sponsors the following ongoing programs and encourages your participation: Acting Classes – Children’s and Adult classes are available. Contact: Meca Talent for more information: 646-373-4122. Belly Dance Classes – Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m., Dreiser Center, room #2. For a
nominal fee, you will have fun and stay in shape. For more information, call Xonia, 646-301-9438. Children’s Programs – For information about the early morning school drop-off program and the after school programs, call 718-379-5555. Evening Line Dance Classes – Dance to Soul, Latin, and Gospel music on Thursdays, 7:00 p.m. in Dreiser Center, room #2. Call Cynthia, 917-903-7073. Music, Rhythm & Dance – Most Fridays, 7:30 p.m., Dreiser Center, rm. 15; most Saturdays, 10:00 a.m., Dreiser Center, room #2. Call Keith, 917-561-6211. Yoga & Pilates Mat Classes – Classes on Tuesday, 7:15 p.m., Dreiser Center, rm. 2. Lose weight, tone and strengthen your muscles with exercises that reduce stress through breathing techniques. For more information, call 718-671-8364. General Membership Meeting – The next meeting will be Tuesday, October 11, at 7:00 pm in Dreiser Community Center, room #15. If you are unable to attend the meeting, please read our weekly column for updates. Also, if you wish to join or update your membership, please send a check or money order (DO NOT MAIL CASH) of $15 for a single membership or $25 for families to: African-American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475. Donations are welcomed. Like us on Facebook: CoopcityAfricanamericanassoc/ Email us at: aaaccpower@gmail.com. —Kevin Lambright
Rivers Run Community Garden
Open Door Ministries
We’d like to thank Tony Rasulo and Donovan Plumber, along with Riverbay’s Construction and Grounds Departments for erecting the children’s fence and helping to maintain the garden. More and more folks are coming by to sit and enjoy the peace and good folks at our garden. October is a busy time for us. We will announce workdays for anyone willing to swing a hammer as we will be building fences for the individual beds. In addition, we will be putting up autumn decorations in anticipation of our guests on October 29th. Important dates (All are welcome): • Sept. 27th – Bronx Green Up – Question and Answer Day • Oct. 15th& 23rd — Garden Decorating – Beginning at noon • Oct. 19th — PS 153 Visiting – 9 a.m. – Noon Half of 4th • Oct. 20th – PS 153 visiting at 9 a.m. – noon; other half of 4th • Oct. 20th — Members Meeting, 7 p.m., Dreiser, rm. 4 • Oct. 29th — Trolley Day • Nov. 17th — Members Meeting, 7 p.m., Dreiser Rm 4 • Dec. 15th – Holiday Party – 7 p.m., Dreiser, rm. 4 Rivers Run is open: • Tuesdays 4:00 p.m. – until dusk • Saturdays – 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. • Sundays – 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. To schedule your volunteer hours for October, please email jam239@aol.com and rivers_run@yahoo.com. If you’d like to take advantage of the opportunities to get your hands dirty and make your heart happy, there is always something that needs doing. Membership requirements: $20 per year fee and 20 hours of work. There is a waiting list for beds. Members who are actively fulfilling the 20 hours of volunteer work requirement are moved up on the waiting list. Volunteers are welcome If you’d like to reach out to us, please email us at Rivers_run@yahoo.com or call Denise Shelley at 917-232-2982 or me at 718-671-3801. —Gail Sharbaan
“Do we need another church in Co-op City?” The question came from an inquisitive resident as Open Door Ministries founder, Pastor Luis Ramos, was in the beginnings of renting a space in the community. Open Door Ministries began as a small group – Pastor Luis and his family meeting in the living room of their home. Songs would be sung and Pastor Luis would share some words based on the Bible. However, as the family welcomed others to share in the time of worship, they felt that they should take steps to become an established congregation. Open Door Ministries functioned for more than a year in the Ramos’ home before they decided it was time to move the growing congregation into a new venue. Although there are plenty of churches in Co-op City, Open Door Ministries hopes that it can benefit the community not only through sharing the gospel, but also by providing free counseling services to the area’s young people. On October 3, the church will have an information session about its mentoring program through which licensed counselors, including Pastor Luis, a licensed clinical social worker, will become available to meet the needs of children and youth. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in the Dreiser Loop Community Center, room 9. The community is also welcome to attend Open Door’s Inauguration Celebration on October 9, held at 11 a.m. in the Bartow Community Center, room 28 (the same time and place as regular Sunday services). Bible studies will also be held on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Dreiser Loop Community Center, room 9. You can contact Pastor Luis through opendoorministries.net or call him at 917-334-4407. —Pastor Luis Ramos
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Co-op City Times / October 1, 2016
Open Board meeting shareholder attending the meeting was also handed a copy of the detailed financial statement prior to the presentation. As pointed out by Mr. O’Connor during his remarks and by Riverbay President Cleve Taylor in a prepared message accompanying the distributed and mailed reports, Riverbay Corporation saw a 338% increase in its cash reserves this past fiscal year from $5.3 million at the end of the fiscal year in 2015 to nearly $18 million at the end of the fiscal year in March of 2016. President Taylor went on to state in his prepared message that cash balances have continued to improve since the audit’s time frame with the community’s cash balances at close to $20 million by the end of this recently passed July. Mr. O’Connor took shareholders through a brief review of the report, pointing to an increase in overall revenues by nearly $8 million all while expenses were decreased by more than $11 million thanks largely to a huge decrease in the community’s utility costs. President Taylor pointed out that the current financial status of the community is greatly improved since the time the previous managing agent was present in late 2014 when Riverbay cash reserves were just approximately $900,000 at best case estimate. Though the cash position of the community has improved greatly over the last two years, President Taylor and others were quick to point out that future expenses loom. “We have a 49-year-old infrastructure here and many capital projects are going to be coming due soon,” he said. The Board President pointed to the recently begun government mandated Local Law 11 inspection and brick repair work which is estimated to likely cost between $10 and $20 million and possibly more. He also referenced the needed changeover of defective elevators in the near future which could be an estimated $40 million expenditure. “We cannot go to the bank and beg them for more money,” Mr. Taylor explained. “We have to do it ourselves.” With future expenditures looming in the years ahead, the Board and management have been looking at ways that waste can be cut and recently the Board voted to change the annual election
(Continued from page 1)
method from Board of Elections voting machines which cost roughly $125,000 each year to rent and staff the operation. The Board recently voted to approve the use of an online or mail-in system — depending on voter preference – administered through Election America which reduces the cost of administering the annual Board election to approximately $40,000, a savings to the community of approximately $80,000. “An election where roughly 5,000 people vote was costing us $125,000, a cost
from Cablevision alone signifying that the vast majority of the community’s households have computers or smart phones with service from Cablevision or another provider. But in the case of the few who do not have access to personal internet service or prefer not to use it for this purpose, a mail-in option is available and – as explained to the shareholders in attendance – easy to use. One shareholder asked if scanning devices and/or drop off boxes could be
Riverbay Corporation saw a 338% increase in its cash reserves this past fiscal year from $5.3 million at the end of the fiscal year in 2015 to nearly $18 million at the end of the fiscal year in March of 2016. of $25 a vote, Mr. Taylor explained. “In this age of modern technology and corporate governance, we decided to follow the ways of most successful corporations.” A spokesperson for Election America gave a brief slide explanation of the voting process that can be accomplished through a home computer or a smart phone or through a ballot mailed to the home of each shareholder along with an explanation and comprehensive instructions on how to vote online. The decision of which method to use will be up to each household, but only one ballot will count and each household will be given a registered code which will lock out any other votes once one ballot is recorded as entered for that household – similar to the way barcode technology locks out duplicate tickets to events or transportation. When given the chance to express their concerns, shareholders said that online voting might not be appropriate for this community given the high percentage of senior residents. President Taylor said that Cablevision has reported to him that approximately two-thirds of all Co-op City services receive internet service
placed in the community centers as another option. While not rejecting the idea outright, Board directors indicated that that would represent an additional expense of having an election monitor secure those sites throughout the voting period, which, in this case, is going to last over several weeks this spring. The Election America representative assured the shareholders that all votes will be secure and totally anonymous and that multiple voting by one shareholder will not be possible due to technical safeguards. President Taylor told the Co-op City Times after the meeting that an education campaign will be prepared and launched this winter to make sure that all shareholders are familiar and comfortable with the new voting procedure. The hope is for the new procedure to increase shareholder participation in the upcoming election - which was only slightly beyond the required quorum last year of 1/3 voter participation – while saving the corporation more than $80,000 in expenses related to renting the voting machines and hiring temporary election
monitors to supervise the election. The resolution recently passed by the Board to hire Election America to conduct the election was sponsored by Board Secretary Francine Reva Jones who served as the Election Committee Chairperson last year. Also at the Open Board meeting, President Taylor briefly touched on a water conservation program for the near future declaring that Co-op City residents use – according to New York City records – a whopping 1,000 gallons of water each per week – far above the average usage of most other communities. He said that it is his intention to have dishwashers installed after turnover in each newly restored Co-op City home and also create a program where existing residents can buy dishwashers for their homes at a reasonable cost. He cited statistics that indicated that dishwashers use less than 10% of the water that is used when washing dishes by hand and they are far more sanitary than hand washing, he maintained. Mr. Taylor said that since Co-op City was recently enrolled in the city’s Water Conservation Program, it pays a fixed rate for its water usage so the decision to add dishwashers is not a financial decision, but rather, a socially responsible movement to prevent the community from wasting more than its share of the increasingly valuable natural resource of clean water.
Broadcast of Wednesday’s Open Board Meeting The Wednesday, September 28th open Board meeting will be televised today, Saturday, October 1 at 1 p.m. and on Tuesday, October 4, at 7 p.m. Tune in to channel 591 on Optimum or channel 12 on MATV.
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Co-op City Times / October 1, 2016
Community Protestant Church On behalf of our Pastor, Reverend Dr. Calvin E. Owens, and our church family, welcome to Community Protestant Church, a church of love and understanding, located at 1659 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, NY 10469; telephone: (718) 862-9172. Church Schedule Sunday School - 9:00 a.m. (begins Sunday, September 18th. Registration on September 11th.) Worship Service - 11:00 a.m. Communion Service - Every first and third Sundays Prayer Meeting and Bible Study – Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. The following programs are at the Church’s Annex: 2053 Asch Loop North (Co-op City) Morning Prayer Services - Tuesday, 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Neighborhood Bible Study - Thursday at 10:00 a.m. Extension of Prayer and Worship Service – Every
first, second and third Fridays at 7:00 p.m. Other Scheduled Events Celebrating And Thanking God For 50 Years of Preaching and 40 Years of Faithful and Spiritual Pastoral Leadership Sunday, October 2, 3:30 p.m., please join us for a Pre-Pastoral Anniversary Service for our Pastor, Rev. Dr. Calvin E. Owens. Our guest church will be New Mt. Zion Christian Baptist Church, Mt. Vernon, NY. Pastoral Anniversary Gala In observance of his 40th Pastoral Anniversary, Community Protestant Church most cordially invites the community to join us at a Celebratory Banquet in honor of our Pastor, Reverend Dr. Calvin E. Owens, on Saturday, October 15, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Marina Del Rey, Bronx, NY. Donation:$150/adults;$50/children (under 15 years of age). For tickets and/or additional information,
please call the church at (718) 862-9172. Saturday, October 8 – The Sepia Players Ministry presents the play “EVERYBODY TALKING ‘BOUT HEAVEN AIN’T GOING THERE,” written by James Plummer, at the church. Donation: $20. For tickets and/or additional information, call (718) 513-3308, (718) 671-5961, (718) 671-8691 or the church at (718) 862-9172. Save the Date: September 12–15, 2017 – The Missionary Ministry sponsors a trip to The Holy Land Experience in Orlando, Florida. (More information to come.) The doors of Community Protestant Church are open to all to worship and fellowship with Christian believers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You are cordially invited to come in, join in and receive your blessing. —Evan G. Mitchell
Co-op City Seventh-Day Adventist Church Disabilities EXPO The Co-op City SDA Church is committed to the needs of our members and neighbors. By the grace of God, we have been led to offer services to promote a healthier lifestyle for all and to meet the needs of persons living with disabilities. Join us for the 2016 Disabilities Expo sponsored by the Riverbay Fund and the Disabilities and Accommodation Committee (DAAC) of Riverbay Corporation on Sunday, October 2, in Dreiser Auditorium. Features of the EXPO include an Exhibition of Goods And Services, Main Hall A, B, C; a Children’s Activity Center in room 9; art exhibit with AHRC of NY in room 4; a calming space with sofa and recliners in room 8. Listed below are the featured seminars and a partial list of vendors: Dr. Nathan Lovemore, 10:40 a.m. -11 a.m., Counselor, Clinical Psychologist and Pastor, Communities and Mental Health. Edward Padilla, 11 a.m. – 11: 20 a.m., Office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman, Center for the Independence of the Disabled, NY. Caregiver’s Perspective & Advocacy A Lunchtime Concert, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Featured presenter: Dr. Alonzo Smith, 1:15 p.m. – 2 p.m., Executive Secretary, GNYC, Certified Family Therapist & Counselor: Good Mental Health and Wellness in the 21st Century Day One, Johanna Burgos, 2:15 p.m. – 2:40 p.m., Teen dating abuse and domestic violence. Marvet Nelson, 2:40 p.m. – 3 p.m., Disaster Preparedness – How to make a go bag for disasters. Vendors (register at the time of submission) 45th Precinct; Adult Day Services/AHRC New York City; Adventist Community Services (Health Van at street level); Adventist Recovery Ministries Addiction Recovery food, drugs, etc.; Angels Unaware, Inc., Kelly Fuentes; Angels Unaware, Inc., Stephany ThenFlores; Angels Unaware, Inc. Xiomara Ortiz; Bayanihan (Filipino) Seventh-Day Adventist Church; Bedford Park SDA Church; Better Living Being; Bronx Clergy Task Force - Boro Pres. Office of Faith-Based Initiatives; Bronx Family Support Advisory Council; Center for Independence of the Disabled, NY; Christian Record Services for the Blind; Co-op City Chiropractic; Co-op City Department of Public Safety; Co-op City Seventh-Day Adventist Church; Day One Teen dating abuse and domestic violence; Disaster Preparedness – How to make a “Go” bag; Dreiser
Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation PC; Gateway Counseling Center; Genesis Lifestyle Educator; Hands-Free, Inc.; Heidi’s Health Kitchen; HRA/ Office of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; Independence Care System; JASA – Mental Health Services, JASA Michael Sanchez, M.S.W; John A. Rose; Lighthouse Guild; Mercy Drive, Inc.; Montefiore CERC; Motives Beauty Advisor; NAHN-NY ACA; New York Public Library Baychester Branch – Talking books; New York State Institute on Disability, Inc. (NYSID); NY Foundling; NYC Department of Finance; NYC Language Access; Rain International; Riverbay Disabilities And Accommodations Committee (DAAC); Riverbay Corporation CSO; SanareLife, Inc.; Southeast Bronx Neighborhood Centers(SEBNC), Debra Mitchell-Tirado; Southeast Bronx Neighborhood Centers, Inc., Ethel Perez; Southern Asian SDA Church; Special Needs Family Planning; Sprout by Design; The Axis Project; Victory SDA Church; VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired; Visiting Nurse Service of New York Annmarie Franco; Visiting Nurse Service of New York Jacqueline Torres; Vivian Feliciano; Walgreen Company; Wheels of Progress, and Wildwood Lifestyle Center. —Cheryl Silvera
Baychester Visual Arts Association Our new season will begin on September 10 and we hope your creative juices are yearning for release. As people have seen in the past, you will derive much pleasure from your artwork. Our 2013-2014 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, September 10 in room 5, Dreiser Community Center. You can choose from the 2 class schedules which are 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. or
3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. The fees are as follows: Annual membership is $35 a year and a session of 10 classes is $60. This is the best bargain in the Bronx – maybe even the city – given the quality of instruction offered. Mr. Moses Groves, BVA’s own art instructor, will be the artistic guide for these classes. Mr. Groves is an accomplished artist who has studied at the Art Students League and NYU. He has exhibited work in the New York and New Jersey area and has won awards for his artwork. You can register by mail by indicating the class time
CO-OP CITY BAPTIST CHURCH 135 EINSTEIN LOOP (Section 5) • Rooms 50-51 Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams, Pastor
desired. Tuition can be sent to Baychester Visual Arts, P.O. Box 678, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475. BVA is a non-profit, self-supporting organization that needs your support to continue offering high level art instruction at these bargain prices. So come join BVA on this fabulous artistic trek, take a class, make a tax deductible donation, and feel the satisfaction of being a creator and/or patron of the arts. All checks should be made out as indicated above. Science is for the body and art is for the soul. —Sylvia Lochansky
COMMUNITY PROTESTANT CHURCH OF CO-OP CITY
1659 EAST GUN HILL ROAD BRONX, NY 10469 REV., DR. CALVIN E. OWENS, PASTOR
(718) 320-3774 • Sunday School – 9:15 a.m. • Sunday Worship Services – 8:00 & 11:00 a.m. • Midweek Worship – Wednesday @ 12 Noon • Bible Class – Wednesday @ 1:00 & 7:30 p.m. • Prayer Service – Friday @ Noon & 7:30 p.m. COMMUNION SERVICE EVERY FIRST SUNDAY. YOUTH DAY EVERY FOURTH SUNDAY. ALL ARE WELCOME TO WORSHIP WITH US.
CHURCH
(718) 862-9172 OFFICE (718) 862-9179
An interdenominational Church of love and understanding, consisting of people of many faiths, races and cultural backgrounds, seeking to live the spirit of Christ with relevance. CHURCH SCHEDULE WEEKLY: CHURCH SCHOOL - SUNDAY, 9:00 a.m. WORSHIP SERVICE: SUNDAY, 11:00 a.m. BIBLE CLASS & PRAYER MEETING - WEDNESDAY, 7:30 p.m.
MONTHLY: COMMUNION - 1ST AND 3RD SUNDAYS
ALL ARE WELCOME!
Co-op City Times / October 1, 2016
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Church of the New Vision Pastor Kenneth Hodge and the congregation of the Church of the New Vision extend a warm and friendly invitation to everyone to worship with us every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. We are a church where inspirational messages from the Word of God, the Bible, are delivered every Sunday morning. The church is designed to meet the spiritual needs of our community by offering anointed singing and preaching and a general atmosphere of Christian love
Greater Love Baptist Church Spiritual Food for Thought: There are attitudes and motivations that you have held firmly to in the past that must be given up before you can move into the position God has prepared for you. There can be no trace of stubbornness in your heart that would prevent your perfect obedience to the moving of the Holy Spirit. Do not be afraid to let go. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. 1 Samuel 15:23a Senior Pastor Boyce Landrum and Pastor Carol Landrum and the Greater Love family welcome you to fellowship with us on Sunday mornings at 11:30 a.m. Worship at Greater Love Baptist Church means gathering with people of all ages and cultures to express our love for God our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ our Savior. Greater Love is conveniently located at 900 Co-op City Blvd. (Bldg. 2A), on the ground level, Bronx, N.Y., 10475; main entrance—red button. Free parking is available in Garage #1 on Darrow Place – parking passes will be validated at the church. Church telephone: 347-920-5607. MOSAIC Women’s Fellowship: The next Women’s Fellowship at Greater Love will be on Saturday, October 8th at 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The topic for discussion will be the “Fruit of the Spirit,” Scripture reference: Galatians 5:22-23. Not only will we define the fruit, but we identify personal struggles that stunt the growth of sweet fruit. Come out and let’s reason and pray together. Also, we are creating a mural that will capture the essence of MOSAIC women created perfectly in God’s image. Please bring a small photograph that captures your unique essence; we want to add it to the MOSAIC masterpiece! Lunch will be served. Youth Movement: Our goal is to build a dynamic youth ministry. We seek young people with a desire to learn and use their God-given gifts and talents in a way that glorifies God; the Lord has need of you! Our team is recruiting young adults, as well as younger children in the Co-op City community. Please call the church for more information and someone will get back to you. Five Loaves & Two Fish Food Pantry: If you would like to donate items, please call the church office or bring them directly (see schedule below). The pantry will reopen on Saturday, October 22nd. Greater Love will host a Thanksgiving dinner for the individual/families who visit the pantry. RSVP will be required. Details to follow in the upcoming weeks. Weekly Schedule Church phone: 347-920-5607 Sunday Morning Prayer & Meditation: 9:30 a.m. Adult Sunday Bible School: 10:00 a.m. Children Sunday School & Mime: 10:00 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship: 11:30 a.m. Holy Communion – First Sunday Adult Bible Study/Discipleship Class: Tuesday evenings: 7:00 p.m. Prayer Meeting: New schedule: TBA Deacon Training: Alternate Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. Food Pantry: 4th Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Mosaic Women’s Ministry: Meets on the 2nd Saturday Family Movie/Game Nite: 3rd Friday, 7 p.m. —Pastor Carol Landrum
and friendly hospitality. We also invite the youth of our community to attend our Sunday Morning services, which are designed to meet the special needs of our young people. Parents, please send your children to learn of the Lord Jesus. Prayer Service takes place every Wednesday evening, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., followed by Bible Teaching from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Be with us to learn the truth from the Word of God. Upcoming Events Please come out for a discussion of the book, “Unmasking the Jezebel Spirit,” by John Paul Jackson on Saturday, October 15, at 11 a.m. Books can be ordered through Amazon, Christian Books or downloaded through your e-reader. We look forward to an
enjoyable afternoon with an enlightening discussion and Christian fellowship. Kindly contact Sis. L Scott at 718-671-2623 for further information. Our Annual Building Fund Banquet will be celebrated on Saturday, November 5th, from 1 to 5:00 p.m. at the Seashore Restaurant on City Island. Tickets are: adults, $60; children 12 and under, $25. For tickets, you may contact the church at 718-671-8746. Church of the New Vision is located at 115 Einstein Loop, Bronx, NY 10475; telephone: 718-6718746 or 203-374-3020. Our mailing address is Church of New Vision, P.O. Box 753037, Bronx, NY 10475. Please visit our website at www.churchofnew vision.com. —Carole Haque
Tues., Oct. 4
Mon., Oct. 3
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Co-op City Times / October 1, 2016
Bartow
Einstein
Dreiser
Activities in Room 31 unless otherwise noted
Activities in Room 49 unless otherwise noted
Activities in Room 7 unless otherwise noted
JASA CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF ROSH HASHANAH
JASA CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF ROSH HASHANAH
JASA CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF ROSH HASHANAH
JASA CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF ROSH HASHANAH
JASA CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF ROSH HASHANAH
Dominoes 10 a.m., Rm. 45
Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Wed., Oct. 5
Blood Pressure 9-10 a.m., 1st & 3rd Wed. Word Games 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Stay well Excercise 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Walking Club 10:3011:30 a.m. Line Dancing 11 a.m. -12 p.m. Bingo 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. Card Games 2-4 p.m. Dominoes 2:30 p.m.
Smartphone Class Beginner 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Intermediate 1:30 – 2:30 p.m., Bartow Main office
Spelling Bee 10 a.m. Spanish Practice Class 10:30 a.m., Computer Lab
Zumba 11 a.m.-12 p.m.,
Thurs., Oct. 6
Sewing 9:30 -11:30 a.m.
Mind Teasers 12-1 p.m., Rm. 4 African Brazilian Dance Room 2, 1 p.m.
Walk Group 9:30-a.m.,
Art Class 1-3 p.m.
Rm. 40
Yoga 2-3 p.m., Rm. 2 Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session 9:30-10:30
Grandparent Connection
a.m.
Word Games 9:30 a.m.-
1st Thursday, Rm 35, 10:30
Blood Pressure 10 -11:30
11:30 a.m.
Arthritis Exercise
Line Dancing 10-11
Chat Session 9:30 a.m.-
11 a.m., Rm. 45
a.m., Aud. A
Spelling Bee 11 a.m.
Piano Sing Along 11 a.m.
Word search 11 a.m.-12
Mind Teasers 12-1 p.m.,
1 p.m.
a.m. 1st & 3rd Thurs., Rm. 8
Bingo 12:30- 2:00 p.m. Card Games 2-4 p.m. Dominoes 2:30 p.m.
Men’s Line Dancing
-12 p.m. Rm. 4
p.m. 1:00 p.m., Rm. 45
Drama Club 1:30 - 4 p.m. Purple Life Trail Fitness Instruction 1-2 p.m. Crochet & Knitting
Dominoes 10am, Rm. 45
10am-12:00pm
Art 10am, Rm. 45
Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session 9:30-10
Bingo 1pm – 2pm
a.m.; 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Karaoke by Steven
9-10am
Fri., Oct. 7
Word Games 9:30am-11:30am
Women’s Line Dancing 10-11:30am
Meditative Moments
Chat Session 10am Bingo
Card Games 2-4pm
11 am-12 p.m., Rm. 8
12:30-2:30pm, Rm. 25
Pokeno 2-4pm, Rm. 35
Mind Teasers 12pm-1:00pm, Rm. 4
Piano Sing-along 11am-12pm
Card Games 2-4pm Dominoes 2:30 p.m.
Non-Kosher
Kosher
Alternate Kosher Meals are also available
Mon., Oct. 3
JASA CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF ROSH HASHANAH
JASA CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF ROSH HASHANAH
Tues, Oct. 4
JASA CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF ROSH HASHANAH
JASA CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF ROSH HASHANAH
Wed., Oct. 5
Orange pineapple juice Beef Moussaka, Beet & onion salad, Garden salad, Roasted eggplant, Whole wheat bread & fresh fruit Alt: Veggie burger patty
Baked ziti w/beef Mixed vegetables Steamed green beans
Orange juice, Salmon cakes, Zucchini rice pilaf, Winter blend Thurs., vegetables, Whole wheat bread, Oct. Healthy strawberry & 6 applesauce Alt: Curry chicken salad Fri., Oct. 7
Apple juice, Baked oregano chicken, Barley, Steamed carrots, Fresh fruit and Challah bread Alt: Gefilte fish
Grilled chicken breast Rice vegetables Tossed salad w/dressing
Baked Flounder Classic macaroni salad Cucumber tomato salad
Tai Chi 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Rm. 45
Dominoes 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Library 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
JASA CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF ROSH HASHANAH
Date:
Blood Pressure 2nd & 4th Friday 10:00 - 11:30am,
Bingo 1-3 p.m., Rm. 7
Rm. 45
Card Games, Dominoes 2-4 p.m.
(Schedule subject to change without notice)
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
For information, please call: (718) 320-2066
Bartow Center (718) 320-2066, Ext. 2010 Dreiser Center (718) 320-1345 • Einstein Center (718) 671-5161 New Payment Schedule - Payments for trips @ the Bartow office can be made
Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Only) Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging,
The NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation.
Upcoming Events/Trips JASA WELCOMES EVERYONE AGE 60 AND OLDER! Trip registration policy: No refunds for all trips. All trips include roundtrip transportation! All trips must be paid in advance – No exceptions! Payments for trips can be made at all 3 centers. You can register for all trips starting the Monday after it has been published in the newspaper: JASA will not accept checks under $5. (FREE) LiveOn NY-SCRIE Application Assistance/SNAP (Food Stamps) – Fri., Oct. 14th, 28th, Nov. 11th & 25th, Dec. 9th & 23rd, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. First come, first served! JASA Main Office, 2049 Bartow Ave. Circle of Care Lounge – Please join a FREE six-week support group series meeting once a week for caregivers caring for an older adult. Refreshments will be served. Topics include: Managing Caregiver Stress, Living Your Vision, Connecting with other Caregivers, gifts and much more! Fridays: 10/7 and 10/14, 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., 135 Einstein Loop, room 40, in partnership with PSS. To register, please call or email Diana King at 718-585-1640 or dking@pssusa.org. NY Common Pantry is partnering w/JASA NORC to do a six-month long Live Healthy! Workshop. The workshop will focus on learning the difference between healthy & unhealthy choices. How to read nutrition labels and small steps you can take to create a lasting, healthy lifestyle, 135 Einstein Loop, rm. 49, Mondays, Oct. 10th, Nov. 14th, Dec. 12th, 177 Dreiser Loop, rm. 7; Oct. 31st, Nov. 28th, Dec. 19th, tentative. Call 718-320-2066 to sign up. Please sign up for one location only. Aldi – Thurs., Sept. 29th, $2. Bartow - 9:30 a.m.; Einstein - 9:45 & Dreiser – 10 a.m. Wait list. JASA closed – Mon., Oct. 3rd and Tues., Oct. 4th in observance of Rosh Hashanah.
Wal-Mart – Thurs., Oct. 6th, $15. Bartow - 8:30 a.m.; Einstein - 8:45 a.m. & Dreiser – 9 a.m. Empire – Fri., Oct. 7th, $5. Bartow 9:30 a.m., Einstein - 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser – 10 a.m. Farmers Market – 168th Street, Manhattan, Tues., Oct. 11th, $2. Pickups: Bartow – 9:40 a.m.; Einstein - 9:45 and Dreiser – 10 a.m. Influenza Vaccine Clinic – In Collaboration w/ Stop N Shop, Tues., Oct. 11th, 135 Einstein Loop, rm. 40, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Tues., Oct. 18th, 2049 Bartow Avenue, rm. 31, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Thurs., Oct. 27th, 177 Dreiser Loop, rm. 7, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Woodbury Commons – Thurs., Oct. 13th, $15. Bartow - 8:30 a.m., Einstein - 8:45 & Dreiser – 9 a.m. Empire Casino – Mon., Oct. 24th, $5. Bartow - 9:30 a.m., Einstein - 9:45 & Dreiser – 10 a.m. Empire Casino – Wed., Oct. 26th, $5. Bartow - 9:30 a.m., Einstein - 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser – 10 a.m. Wal-Mart – Thurs., Oct. 27th, $15. Bartow - 8:30 a.m., Einstein - 8:45 a.m. & Dreiser – 9 a.m. Ridgehill – Fri., Oct. 28th, $7. Bartow - 9:30 a.m., Einstein - 9:45 & Dreiser – 10 a.m. Central Avenue – Mon., Oct. 31st, $13. Bartow - 9:30 a.m., Einstein - 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser – 10 a.m. 2 hrs. Xmas Tree Store, 1 hr. Trader Joe’s & 2 hrs. Amazing Savings. Frick Museum – Wed., Nov. 9th, $20. The Frick Collection is known for distinguished Old Master paintings & outstanding examples of European sculpture & decorative arts, Bartow – 9 a.m.; Einstein – 9:15 a.m. & Dreiser – 9:30 a.m. (17 seats available). September 11th Memorial & Museum – New Date: Thurs., Nov. 10th, $20. Self-guided tour starts at 11:45 a.m. for 2 hours; Bartow – 9 a.m., Einstein – 9:15 & Dreiser – 9:30 a.m. Wait list.
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Co-op City Times / October 1, 2016
Scheduling Activities Calendar
AARP Chapter #4997 FYI: Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 10th, 1:00 p.m. in Dreiser Auditorium “A.” Please join us and bring a friend and/or neighbor. FYI-2: We’re having a Party!!...A Christmas Party is scheduled for Monday, December 12th, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. in Dreiser Auditorium “A,” $45/person. Contact Jean, (718) 379-3742 or the office, (718) 379-1946. Get well wishes to Mattie Murrell. Please contact our Good & Welfare Coordinator, Frances Wilson, 718-671-5493, about any of our members we have not heard from or seen in a few months. We want them to know that they are in our thoughts and prayers. Also, if you have a family member who has passed, please contact Frances. 2016 Tour Activities November 15 (Tuesday): Ace in the Hole @ the Royal Manor: A Tribute to the Temptations w/a family-style luncheon and shopping. Cost: $96. Contact Judith, 718-379-3370. Friday, December 30 – January 1, 2017 – New Year’s Weekend Celebration at the Desmond Hotel; dinner/show the evening we arrive; breakfast buffet; Valley Forge Tour or casino excursion or shopping at the King of Prussia Mall; New Year’s Eve Party and New Year’s Day Brunch and show before leaving for home. Contact Jean, 718-379-3742. 2017 Tour Activities March 17 – 24, 2017: 7-night Cruise to Cuba. Fly to Montego Bay, Jamaica; board Celestyal Cruise Ship to Santiago de Cuba; Havana, Mariola Gorde, Cienfuigo...roundtrip airfare, tours, food, drinks, taxes and port fees all included; please pay your deposit A.S.A.P. as prices will go up if we lose cabins assigned to our group. Contact Judith, 718-379-3370. —Delores Debnam
Einstein Cancer Fund
Goose Island Seniors Thank you, everyone, for coming with us to Mohegan Sun Casino. We had a great time. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. Last Sunday’s bingo was fun. We had a good time together. Congratulations to all the winners. Bingo – Wednesday, October 5th at 1:30 p.m., with Stephen Roberts, Sr., in our club room, #39. Members only. Admission is $1.25 for 3 cards and .25¢ each game. Win up to $7 each game and the full card is $15 or more. Refreshments and snacks will be served. Come early to get your lucky seat. Trips for 2017 “Mama Mia”— Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at Westchester Broadway Dinner Theatre, Elmsford, NY. Come and have a great day with us. Price is $79, includes dinner, show and transportation. We only have 40 seats. Only a few seats left. First come, first served. A small deposit will hold your seat at the theatre. See Ann or Mary. “Come Blow Your Horn” – Thursday, October 12, 2017 at the Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, NJ. Come dine with us and enjoy a play; Neil Simon’s hilarious com-
edy. Price is $79 for dinner, show, and transportation. See Ann or Mary for reservations. Our Lounge – Come sit and relax, read a book from our library, play cards every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., members only. Join our club for $15 per year. Special for 2016, $5 from now to the end of December. Happy birthday and happy anniversary to all members who celebrate their day in the month of October: Clydine Hope, Lenore Wittenberg, Miriam Lunenfeld, Lydia Ruas, Marilyn Sherman, Betty Ruiz, Bess Manger, Phyllis Curia, Norma Vigilance, Alberta Green, Joan Rosa, Wilhelmina Thomas, Lucy Rosado, Brenda Johnson and Joyce Stanley. To our Jewish members, happy Rosh Hashanah. Note: For information, call Goose Island Seniors at 718-379-9613 or visit us Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.4:30 p.m., at 135 Einstein Loop, rm. 39. You can also call Mary at 718-379-4899 and she will return your call. Leave a message and your phone number. Good health to all. —Mary Pilla
Thursday, Oct. 13th – Sands Casino, $35 per person. Casino bonus $20 slot play and $5 buffet voucher. Time of pick-up is 8:30 a.m. at Einstein Loop, followed by Asch Loop and Dreiser Loop. Please bring your casino card. Thursday, October 27th – Crab Shanty members’ luncheon. Members can bring their friends. Members cost is $28 and friends will pay $5 more. ($33). You will have a menu choice of lobster with 2 clams & shrimp, shrimp scampi, shrimp (broiled or fried), BBQ chicken & ribs, chicken parmesan, snow crab legs or broiled filet of Tilapia. Time of luncheon at 1:30 p.m., room 38. New members are welcomed. Refreshments will be served. “Born Yesterday” at Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, April 26, 2017. Cost per person is $79, which can be paid off by April 1st, 2017. A small deposit of $5 or more will hold your reservation. You will be issued receipts for your deposits. “Born Yesterday” was a huge comedy hit on film which featured Judy Holiday. You will enjoy this show and for those who saw the movies. For the above trips, please call Lydia at 718-6713005 or Annie Eutsey at 718-320-1874 for dues and donations. As always, remember to give a call to the homelands and in nursing homes. Your calls will cheer them up and they will know they are always in your thoughts and prayers. Good health and healings are wished to all. —Lydia Ruas
Please remember to curb your dog!
28
Co-op City Times / October 1, 2016
Reflections by Rabbi Solomon I. Berl Spiritual Leader of Young Israel Synagogue To the Jew, the High Holy Days signify a time of spiritual renewal and rededication. It is a time for introspection and reevaluation directed to repentance for one’s transgressions against G-d and his fellow man. Through penitence, prayer and charity, the individual can morally strengthen himself and avert the evil decree. Yet in ushering in the Jewish Year 5777, the Jew must think not only of himself, but must pray for peace for all mankind. In a world torn with terrorism, strife and oppression, a lasting peace can only be achieved through the unity of a worldwide human family. Let this new year herald the continuation of major efforts aimed at securing harmony and accord between the nations of the world and between man and his fellow man, so that the prophecy of Isaiah may soon become a reality. “And they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.� With special thoughts, prayers and best wishes for a year filled with peace, good health and much happiness.
Young Israel of Co-op City High Holiday Prayer Schedule Rabbi Solomon I. Berl will officiate and deliver the Holy Day sermons. Slichos – Penitential Service – Saturday evening, September 24 – 7:45 p.m. Rosh Hashonah Eve – Sunday, October 2 – 6:20 p.m. 1st Day Rosh Hashonah – Monday, October 3rd Morning Service – 7:30 a.m. Mincha – 4 p.m., followed by Tashlech – Maariv – 7:00 p.m. (We meet at the synagogue at 4:30 p.m.) 2nd Day Rosh Hashonah – Tuesday, October 4th Morning Service – 7:30 a.m. Mincha – 6:15 p.m., followed by Maariv Evening Service – 7:15 p.m. Sabbath of Repentance As an integral part of this Holy Day period, attendance at the Sabbath of
Repentance Service is most important. Service begin Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. and end at 11:30 a.m. Don’t miss this service! Mincha – 6:10 p.m. Maariv – 7:10 p.m. Yom Kippur – Tues., October 11th Mincha – 3:00 p.m. Kol Nidre – 6:10 p.m. Yom Kippur Day – Wed., October 12 Morning Service – 8:00 a.m. Public Yizkor – 11:00 a.m. Fast Ends – 7:05 p.m. Rabbi Berl and the officers of Young Israel wish all Co-op City residents a happy new year of good health, good tidings, contentment and fulfillment in the year to come. May peace and harmony throughout the world become a reality in the coming year.
Chavurah Temple Beth El of Co-op City Bring in the New Year - Hear the sound of the SHOFAR. Bring in the new year 5777 The High Holidays - Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur are just around the corner and you are invited to worship with Chavurah Temple Beth El of Co-op City. Services are as follows: (Continued on page 30)
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Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City The Traditional Synagogue is located in Section 5, 120 Erdman Place in the rear lobby of Building 27B. Phone #: 718-379-6920. Note: Office hours are Thursday and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. If no one is in the office, leave a message and we will get back as soon as possible. Shabbat ends today October 1, at 7:23 p.m. Candle Lighting for Friday, October 7, is 6:09 p.m. The Synagogue has Services Friday night at sundown, Saturday morning at 9 a.m. After Services, we always have a kiddish. We need all Jewish men, if you can give 2 hours Saturday between 10 a.m. and noon, we need your help to make a Minyan. On Saturday, October 1, Rabbi Daniel Kronengold will conduct the Services. Jewish Holiday Schedule October 2, Rosh Hashanah – Evening Service, 6:20 p.m. Candle Lighting – 6:16 p.m. October 3, 1st Day – Morning Service, 8 a.m.; Shofar at 10:45 a.m.; Tashlich, 5:30 p.m. (near the water); Shul Evening Service, 6 p.m.; Candle Lighting, 7:15 p.m. October 4, 2nd Day – Morning Service, 8 a.m.; Shofar at 10:45 a.m.; Holiday end at 7:15 p.m. October 11th, Yom Kippur-Kol Nidre Service at 6:10 p.m.; Candle Lighting, 6:02 p.m. October 12th, Yom Kippur Day – Morning Service, 8:30 a.m. Yiskor – 11:15 a.m. Shofar will sound after the evening service., Fast ends, 7 p.m.; next year in Jerusalem. October 17th and 18th – Sukkot Holiday, Morning Service both days at 9 a.m. Oct. 24th, Shimini Atzeret – Morning Service, 9 a.m. Yiskor, 10:45 a.m.; candle light, 6:43 pm. Oct. 25th, Simchat Torah – Morning Service, 9 a.m. Holiday ends at 6:42 p.m. Good And Welfare: We sell tree certificates in honor or memory of a loved one. The cost is only $15 per Tree. Mazol Tov to all having Simchas. If you’re ill, we wish you a speedy recovery. Wishing Marilyn Sherman a very special birthday and many more. Your support of the Traditional Synagogue is greatly appreciated. Wishing all our members and friends a very special and sweet New Year. —Gary Schwartz
Men’s Club Traditional Synagogue Try your luck with the Men’s Club. The Men’s Club wants to thank all who went with us to the Resorts Casino in Atlantic City this past Sunday, September 25th. The weather was a perfect Fall day. Everyone had a good time. Special thanks to Debbie, Edie, and Karla for their help with the games and refreshments. We won’t have any trips in October to observe all the Jewish holidays. But wait, in November, we have a special. We are going to the Tropicana Casino Holiday Show on Monday, November 21st. This show compares to the Radio City Holiday Show. The cost of the trip is $35 per person. You will receive $15 slot play and a complimentary ticket worth $25. This is a $40 value. I saw the show last year; it’s very enjoyable. The show is about one hour long. This trip will sell out fast, so make an early reservation. Everyone in the community can attend our trips. You need a Tropicana Casino Card, or government picture ID, passport, non- or driver’s license to receive the bonus. On the bus, we provide a drink, snack, play bingo, and a 50/50 raffle. On the way home, we show a movie. We keep you entertained, and the ride goes fast. The bus stops and returns to all 3 shopping centers. We leave Einstein Loop at 8:00 a.m. by the supermarket, Asch Loop by the back of the library at 8:15 a.m., and Dreiser Loop at 8:25 a.m. by the hardware store. We will return to Co-op City around 8:30 p.m. depending on the traffic. For reservations, call Gary at 718-671-8424 or Bruce, 718-320-2234. Please make out check or money order to Men’s Club Traditional Synagogue, 120 Erdman Place, Lobby, Building 27B, Bronx, New York 10475. If you are requesting a special seat on the bus, please make a reservation early. Hope to see you on the trip. Wishing everyone good health, and peaceful year. To all our Jewish friends of the Men’s Club, a happy and healthy New Year. —Gary Schwartz
29
Co-op City Times / October 1, 2016
Newsong Church
St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church
We’re asking one question this month, “What If?” At Newsong Church, we believe that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV) What if what happened to the people we read about in the scriptures happened to us today? What if we stopped looking at the Bible as a “history book” filled with stories about what God did in the past and started looking at it as a “destiny book” full of “what if” possibilities for our future? How would that change us? How would that impact our homes, our schools, and our city? Join us this Sunday as we continue our teaching series, “What if?” Newsong Church is a multi-cultural church that believes God has a purpose and a plan for your life. We exist to reach people who are far away from God and teach them how to follow Jesus step-by-step. That’s why you will find our Sunday Worship Experience to be so warm and friendly, we genuinely care about you! We’re not concerned about where you’ve been, but where you’re going. You see we’ve all got a past, we’ve all made mistakes, and we still do. When you step into our worship experience you won’t find a bunch of “Holier-than-thou” people pretending to have it all together. Instead, you’ll find that we’re all broken people, but we’re allowing God to put us back together. We’re not perfect, but God is! As God puts us back together, we’re realizing that although our past has shaped us, it does not define us! We’re finding out that not only does God love us with a radical and unconditional love, but that He loves us just as we are! At Newsong Church, we believe that the Bible is the greatest book ever written, containing the greatest story ever told, and that each of us are part of His-story! In fact, we have a saying at our church: “If you’re not dead, God’s not done with you!” We don’t just believe this for the adults, but for our children as well! At Newsong Church, we’re so passionate about our children learning about Jesus, that we created a church just for them called “Kidsong!” At Kidsong, our children learn about Jesus in a safe, fun, age-appropriate learning environment! We also have a fully staffed nursery! We hope that you will join us this Sunday, as we conclude our teaching series “What if?” Please Note: On 10/2, our Worship Experience will be temporarily relocated to 2049 Bartow Ave., rm. 31. Our service starts at 11 a.m. Deaf interpretation is available during our adult worship experience. If you have any questions, you can contact us: Church office: 140 Alcott Place, Bldg.19. Office hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Phone: 718-708-8385. For more information, check out our website: www.newsongchurchnyc.org; Email: info@newsongchurchnyc.org You can also interact with us on social media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/newsongchurchbx Twitter: @newsongchurchBX Instagram: @newsongchurchBX. Our Newsong family is here for you, stop by this Sunday and experience the difference! God bless you! —Pastor Mike Tolone
The congregation of St. Joseph’s cordially invites you and your family to worship in Co-op City at 155 Dreiser Loop, lower level. All are welcome. Weekly Schedule: Sunday service with Holy Communion and Sunday School are both at 9 a.m. Every 4th Sunday, our children participate in the reading of the lessons and every 5th Sunday, our young adults assist in the service. Choir rehearsal is on Thursdays at 7 p.m. The (ECW) Episcopal Church Women meet immediately after service on the 1st Sunday of each month. Membership is open to all women of the church and dues are $2 per month. The men hold their meeting after service on the 2nd Sunday of each month. We look forward to welcoming everyone to service at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 2, when we will celebrate the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost. Our Supply Priest, Father Simeon Johnson, will be the preacher and celebrant. Fundraising Event: Our Annual Homestyle Dinner Sale last Saturday was very successful. Many thanks to all those who participated/supported the event. Reminder: The ECW Group Fellowship Dinner takes place after service on Sunday, October 2, at Don Coqui in City Island. Women’s Day: The Women’s Day Service will be on Sunday, October 16. Outreach Program: We continue to collect non-perishable food for the feeding program at Grace Episcopal Church in West Farms. Please remember to donate. For additional information on all of the above, please call the church at 718-3200844, or visit our website: http://www.stjosephsepcbronx.org. “Put your trust in the Lord and do good; * dwell in the land and feed on its riches.” —Psalm 37:3 —M. Chambers
Co-op City Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church invite you to join us tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. for worship service. Sunday School for children and adults is held at 9:15 a.m. We invite you to worship, study, and pray with us. The Co-op City Baptist Church is located at 135 Einstein Loop, room 50. Our telephone number is 718-320-3774. Tomorrow, October 2, we will be celebrating Rev. Dr. Williams’ 24th Pastoral Anniversary at the 11:00 a.m. service. The guest speaker will be Rev. Dr. Johannes J. Christian, Interim Pastor of Oakley Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio. We invite all to come out and celebrate with Rev. Williams. Join us for a mid-week spiritual pick-up at our mid-week worship service which is held on Wednesdays at 12 p.m. Bible study is held on Wednesdays at 1:00 and 7:30 p.m. Bible study will also be held on Wednesday, October 12 at 5:00 p.m. Prayer Service is held on Fridays at noon and 7:30 p.m. The Building Fund Ministry is sponsoring a Gospel Explosion featuring the Ecstatistics and other entertainment on Saturday, October 8 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at 177 Dreiser Loop, Auditorium B. Donation: adults, $50; children, $25, ages 6-17. Dinner is included in the donation. For tickets or additional information, call 646418-7102, 347-290-3081 or the church at 718-320-3774. Co-op City Intergenerational Outreach Center is pleased to announce that their Second Community Awards Ceremony will be held on Friday, October 21, at 6:30 p.m. at the Eastwood Manor. Tickets are $75. The distinguished honorees are Colville Ivor Bascomb, President of the North Bronx Youth Sports Association; Rev. Dr. Calvin E. Owens, Pastor of Community Protestant Church; Milagrina, Educator, Co-op City Daycare Center (now closed); Dr. Anderson Torres, CEO of R.A.I.N., Inc. and a representative from the legal field. For tickets or additional information, call 917-734-5935, 917-620-2859 or the church at 718-320-3774. Save the Date!!! On March 12 to 20, 2018, the church will be going to the Holy Land Pilgrimage (Israel). Join us and worship sailing on the Sea of Galilee, be baptized in the Jordan River; share in communion in the Garden Tomb, all where Jesus walked!! For additional information, call the church at 718-320-3774. 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
Laundry Room Etiquette & Safety Cooperators, please pick up your discarded fabric softener sheets and plastic shopping bags from the floor in the laundry rooms, for your safety and that of your fellow neighbors.
30
Co-op City Times / October 1, 2016
American Legion Post 1871 American Legion Sponsors Constitutional Speech Contest Every year, for the past 78 years, the American Legion had sponsored the Constitutional Oratorical Speech Contest across the nation, and thereby uses the occasion to award college scholarships to high school students under the age of 20. Students from grade 9 through 12 are eligible to participate in this contest. Over $138,000 in college scholarships can be awarded each year. The overall national contest winner gets an $18,000 scholarship. Second place takes home $16,000, and third gets $14,000. The competition always begins at the post level like Post 1871 here in Co-op City and advances to a state competition until the state champion emerges to represent the state at the National Contest in Indianapolis. The contest caps off with a final round that decides the three top finishers for the topmost college scholarship prizes. Besides, at the post level where students are certified to represent the county, they are given certificates of recognition. Once the contest reaches the district level, the reward of participation for successful winners is monetary value. The American Legion Oratorical Contest exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution
Temple Beth-El
among high school students. Since 1938, the program has presented participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship. The program has featured numerous politicians and prominent contestants over the years, including former presidential candidate Alan Keyes and CNN anchor Lou Dobbs. Speaking subjects must be on some aspects of the U.S. Constitution with some emphasis on the duties and obligations of citizens to our government. Speeches are only eight (8) to ten (10) minutes long; three- to five-minute speeches on an assigned topic also are part of the contest. This is a worthwhile, rewarding experience for any student to be part of. Thus, I am using this opportunity to appeal to Legionnaires, parents and families to encourage their wards to participate in this year’s contest. For more information, call the Post office at 718-320-8165 or keep watch on this column. Note: In the last week’s article, the District Vice Commander was reported as Henry Payne instead of Henry Pang. The commander wishes to make that correction. —Lsjc Adeyemi LaCrown O'toba, MSA
Elevator Inspection Schedule Elevator Category 1 inspections which will take place in the following locations according to the schedule below. Please note that each inspection takes approximately 90 minutes each. Times shown are approximate. These are required re-tests and will conclu DATE Wednesday, October 5
Thursday, October 6
BUILDING
CAR
INSPECTION
TIME
Garage 2 4C 30A
1 6 1
Cat. 1 Cat. 1 Cat. 1
8:00 A.M. 10:00 A.M. 12:00 P.M.
27B 27A
4 1
Cat 1 Cat 1
8:00 A.M. 10:00 A.M.
(Continued from page 28)
Rosh Hashanah Evening, Sunday, October 2 – 8:00 p.m., Dreiser, room 9 Morning, Monday, October 3, 10:30 a.m., Dreiser, room 9 Yom Kippur Kol Nidre, Tuesday evening, October 11, 7:30 p.m., Dreiser, room 9 Yom Kippur Day, Wednesday, October 12 Morning Service – 10 a.m., Dreiser, room 9 Public Yiskor – 1 p.m., Dreiser, room 9 Public Yiskor – 2:30 p.m., Dreiser, room 9 Mincha & Neliah – 4 p.m., Dreiser, room 9 All services are to be held in Dreiser, room 9. There is no charge for tickets for all services. Just come!!!! Tickets are being mailed out to all our members, along with the form for names to be read or added on our yartzeit list. If you have names you wish to have read, please fill out the form and mail it back. Please come and worship with us, as many of you have done in the past. On Yom Kippur, we will read the list of the departed loved ones who are dear to your hearts, and are on our Temple yartzeit list, and the names of those that have also been given to us. For further information, please email Rabbi Dennis Tobin at RabbiDennis Tobin@aol.com, or call him at 973-769-3915. We look forward to beginning the year of 5777 with you and your families. —Rabbi Dennis Tobin
DOT’s milling and resurfacing schedule The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT), Roadway Repair and Maintenance Division, will dispatch two crews for night repairs in Co-op City from Thursday, October 5 through Friday, October 7. Work will be done on Bartow Avenue from Edson Avenue to Einstein Loop during the nighttime hours. Please drive carefully.
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Co-op City Times / October 1, 2016
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10/29
10/29
On this day in 1890, an act of Congress creates Yosemite National Park Environmental trailblazer John Muir (1838-1914) and his colleagues campaigned for the congressional action, which was signed into law by President Benjamin Harrison and paved the way for generations of hikers, campers and nature lovers, along with “Don’t Feed the Bears” signs. Native Americans were the main residents of the Yosemite Valley, located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range, until the 1849 gold rush brought thousands of non-Indian miners and settlers to the region. Tourists and damage to Yosemite Valley’s ecosystem followed. In 1864, to ward off further commercial exploitation, conservationists convinced President Abraham Lincoln to declare Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias a public trust of California. This marked the first time the U.S. government protected land for public enjoyment and it laid the foundation for the establishment of the national and state park systems. Yellowstone became America’s first national park in 1872. In 1889, John Muir discovered that the vast meadows surrounding Yosemite Valley, which lacked government protection, were being overrun and destroyed by domestic sheep grazing. Muir and Robert Underwood Johnson, a fellow environmentalist and influential magazine editor, lobbied for national park status for the large wilderness area around Yosemite Valley. On October 1 of the following year, Congress set aside over 1,500 square miles of land (about the size of Rhode Island) for what would become Yosemite National Park, America’s third national park. In 1906, the state-controlled Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove came under federal jurisdiction with the rest of the park. Today, over 3 million people get back to nature annually at Yosemite and check out such stunning landmarks as the 2,425-foot-high Yosemite Falls, one of the world’s tallest waterfalls; rock formations Half Dome and El Capitan, the largest granite monolith in the U.S.; and the three groves of giant sequoias, the world’s biggest trees. www.history.com
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Co-op City Times / October 1, 2016