Co-op City Times 10/06/18 by Co-op City Times

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RIVERBAY RIVERBAY OFFICES OFFICES WILL WILL BE BE OPEN OPEN FOR FOR BUSINESS BUSINESS ON ON COLUMBUS COLUMBUS DAY, DAY, MONDAY, MONDAY, OCT. OCT. 8th 8th

Vol. 53 No. 40

Shareholders, Bus Riders Urged To Attend Oct. 9 MTA Workshop In Co-op City A rare chance to have a direct impact on improving bus service is being offered to Co-op City residents on Oct. 9 when MTA officials will come to the community to hear what changes bus riders want to see. The MTA’s “Fast Network Redesign Workshop” will be held by the MTA in Co-op City on Tuesday, Oct. 9, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in room 31 of the Bartow Center. Similar workshops have been, and will continue

BY JIM ROBERTS

President’s Report

Saturday, October 6, 2018

to be held throughout the five boroughs to solicit input from local stakeholders who utilize the MTA’s bus service to improve service to riders. “The Bronx is changing and that means the needs of our customers are changing too,” said Darryl Irick, president of MTA Bus Company and senior vice president of NYC Transit’s Department of Buses. “In thinking about how to build a Bronx

Riverbay’s Legislative Committee Met With Shareholders For Pre-MTA Meeting

(Continued on page 4)

$1.25

President Berk’s Letter to HCR

(The following letter was sent by Riverbay Board President Linda Berk this week to Mr. Daniel Murphy, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Housing Preservation & Statewide Asset Management at NYS Homes & Community Renewal.)

Linda Berk

President’s Message President

October 4, 2018

Mr. Daniel E. Murphy Senior Vice President/Assistant Commissioner Statewide Asset Management New York State Homes & Community Renewal 641 Lexington Ave. - 3rd Floor New York, NY 10022

Re: Co-op City-Elevator Modernization Project Dear Mr. Murphy:

As you know, Co-op City has submitted a $37 million

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Riverbay To Begin Water Sampling For Lead On Monday

Riverbay Management met with Genesis Environmental Consultants, Inc., the community’s environmental compliance contractor, on Tuesday, October 2, to devise a sampling plan for lead in the water. Testing will begin Monday, October 8. This action was taken after a local news report last week on Channel 12 that there was high levels of lead in the water in Co-op City although the communications director for the city’s Independent Budget Office (IBO), which issued the report, told the Co-op City Times later in the week that there were very few tests conducted in the zip code that includes Co-op City (Continued on page 9) BY ROZAAN BOONE

The Legislative Committee met on Sept. 29. in Dreiser Center with shareholders who expressed their concerns and ideas about MTA bus lines that currently serve the Co-op City community. Photo by Toriea McCauseland

Riverbay’s Legislative Committee held an open meeting last Saturday, September 29, at Co-op City’s Dreiser Center, allowing shareholders to give suggestions to the plan that is being developed for presentation to the MTA at their “Fast Forward” Bronx Bus Network Redesign Workshop in Co-op City on October 9. Board Director Rod Saunders, chair of the Legislative (Continued on page 4) BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND

Garage 6 T-Beam Being Removed

City Council To Hold Meeting On Bartow Animal Shelter The New York City Council’s subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Siting and Maritime Uses will hold a meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 9, at 2 p.m. in City Hall to discuss several issues, including the proposal to build an animal shelter on cityowned land on Bartow Avenue across from Co-op City. City Council Member Andy King, Co-op City’s representative, called for the subcommittee to discuss the proposal prior to the entire Council’s vote on the matter. The City Planning Commission unanimously approved the project on Sept. 26. Riverbay is sponsoring bus transportation to the meeting. Buses will leave at 11 a.m. from the front of the former Bingo Hall on Bartow Avenue. To reserve a seat, contact Jessica Felice at 347-913-4224 or email JFelice@Riverbaycorp.com.

BY JIM ROBERTS

Work to remove the concrete T-beams in Garage 6 has started. This week, work crews dismantled the beams and removal began. All of the concrete is expected to be lifted off (Continued on page 5)

President’s Report

Co-op City Times / October 6, 2018

contract for the modernization of our 160 residential elevators and the upgrade of our 16 garage elevators to HCR for approval. The project is time sensitive and extremely important to the community. Many of our elevators are approaching the end of their useful life and we have experienced service failures. It would be an extraordinary hardship to the Community, and the City’s emergency response teams, if one or more of our 35 high-rise towers lost elevator service. Our residents, many of whom are elderly and, in some cases, disabled, are concerned for their safety when riding the elevators. They also question the ability of the City to evacuate and relocate hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals in the event of a catastrophic loss of service. The Board has been informed that HCR is withholding approval of the contract until we provide a performance bond for the entire contract amount. This requirement will delay the project and add an additional $380,000 to the cost. We believe the additional cost and the risks associated with further delay of this project outweigh the benefits that a performance bond might provide in this case. We understand that our managing agent has discussed this concern with you and been informed that HCR is not willing to grant our request for a waiver of this requirement. For the reasons below, we respectfully request reconsideration. The draft RFP for this project was submitted to and approved by HCR before it was issued for public bidding. There was no bonding requirement within the approved RFP by HCR. This term was not included in the bid and the proposals we received from the seven bidders did not price or consider this item. Adding this material requirement to the public bidding process after the fact could prove problematic and lead to additional delay and challenges. The contract was awarded to the lowest bidder and approved by the Board of Directors after an extensive, year long process of reviewing our elevators, creating the equipment specifications for their replacement, and bidding the project. Management and special legal counsel, with expertise in construction law, negotiated an extensive and thorough contract that protects the interests of the corporation, the lender, and the government agencies that insure our mortgage. Primary to that protection is the fact that 90% of the project cost will not be disbursed to the contractor until elevators have been modernized, inspected, approved by NYC DOB and placed into service. As those payments are made, 10% will be held as retainage so that the corporation will have $3 million at the end of the project to ensure satisfactory completion of the work and payment of any liquidated damages that may accrue during the execution of the work. If the contractor should default at any time during performance of the contract, we will have sufficient unpaid funds to hire another company to finish the project, without the delays that will assuredly occur with a bond while the bonding company reviews the causes of the default and selects a contractor to complete the work. In addition to these negotiated contract protections, there are additional factors that diminish the likelihood that the contractor, Champion Elevator, will default. Champion currently holds the contract to maintain our elevators and receives $2 million annually for that service. The owner and senior staff of the company all have over 20 years of experience in the elevator business. The owner of the company has performed satisfactory work at Co-op City in the past, when he owned a prior maintenance company, Veritech, which he sold to United Technologies. The additional cost for a performance bond may seem a small expense from (Continued from page 1)

HCR’s perspective. To us, it is money that can be used to fund other numerous and necessary projects that are critically needed to maintain our aging infrastructure. In order to meet those needs, while maintaining affordability, the Board has voluntarily implemented maintenance increases, developed a long-term capital plan, established an efficient internal auditing department, and demanded accountability from management and vendors. For the past two years, the Board and our management company have rebid numerous contracts, resulting in substantial savings to the corporation. We are piecing together the funds to pay for what is now a $115 million, fiveyear capital plan that we anticipate will increase as more projects are identified. In essence, every dollar counts to us. Our current management team has brought a new, professional approach that has not been seen at Co-op City in the past. The Board has developed a level of trust with the current management team that has been absent for many years. We are moving forward to address and cure the numerous deficiencies we inherited from the past, including this pressing need to prematurely replace our entire elevator fleet. During our joint meeting in January with our lender, you committed to assisting us to move our capital plan forward. This insistence on an unnecessary and expensive bond is not keeping with the spirit of that commitment. At our Board meeting of October 3rd, the Board weighed the risks and benefits of proceeding without a performance bond and determined that it was fiscally prudent to proceed without a performance bond. It was the unanimous sense of the Board that this project must proceed without further delay or additional cost. We are respectfully asking for HCR’s support, but if not, we are prepared to move ahead with this contract in the absence of HCR’s approval. The safety of our residents is paramount and we believe it would be imprudent to delay the commencement of this project. Sincerely,

Linda Berk President Board of Directors

cc: Hon Marc Colon Robert Klehammer Jeffrey D. Buss, Esq. Cathy Pharis-Wells Fargo

Co-op City Times / October 6, 2018

Front Page Rochdale Workers Suing MSI Win Court Ruling

Co-op City Times 2 n d C O M B IN G C O - O P C IT Y

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Horror Land Casting Call

Horrorland, presented by the Riverbay Fund, is holding an open casting on Monday, October 8, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The casting event will take place in Dreiser Center, room 1, and is open to those ages 16+. All who are interested are expected to be fun, exciting and enthusiastic. Please show up on time and dress your best!

SAFE Event, Oct. 6

The New York City Department of Sanitation will be holding a Solvents, Automotive, Flammable, Electronics (SAFE) Disposal Event today, Saturday, Oct. 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The disposal event will be held in the Orchard Beach parking lot located at the end of Park Drive. Residents are encouraged to drop off and get rid of harmful household products like auto fluids, batteries, electronics, strong cleaners, medications, and paint. For more information about the SAFE Disposal event, dial 3-1-1.

Free After School Tennis

The Co-op City tennis program of New York Junior Tennis and Learning offers free afterschool tennis instruction and play from 3 to 6 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, on the tennis courts behind MS 181. Registration is ongoing and open to all young people between 5 and 18 years old. Racquets and equipment are provided. The only requirement for players is a good pair of sneakers or tennis shoes.

NYC Disabilities Expo

On Sunday, October 14, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., the Co-op City Seventh-Day Adventist Church is hosting the NYC Disabilities Expo in the Einstein Community Center located at 135 Einstein Loop. The expo features exhibitors, a speaker series that will touch on mental health and disaster preparedness amongst other topics, clinics and workshops and interactive arts. For more information, contact the Co-op City Seventh-Day Adventist Church at sdacoopcity@gmail.com or disabilitiesministries@gnyc.org.

A federal lawsuit filed by workers in Rochdale Village against several defendants, including Marion Scott Real Estate, Inc., the former managing agent at Co-op City, will move forward following a ruling in favor of their class-action case. United States Magistrate Judge Sanket J. Bulsara recommended on Aug. 1 that the lawsuit can proceed as a class action and that nearly three hundred Rochdale workers are eligible to sue for unpaid back wages. On Sept. 26, Federal Judge Raymond Dearie adopted the recommendation. The allegations in the Rochdale Village lawsuit mirror those that cost Riverbay Corp. $6.25 million in a legal settlement with its workers in 2015. Marion Scott, Inc. was also the managing agent for Riverbay Corp. when the illegal labor practices in Co-op City occurred, leading to that settlement in the class action Ramirez vs. Riverbay lawsuit which potentially could have cost Riverbay $40 million had the case gone to trial. Attorneys for the Rochdale workers are suing defendants Rochdale Village, Inc.; Marion Scott Real Estate, Inc., Marion Scott and Herbert Freedman. The lawsuit claims the amount sought in this action will involve millions of dollars. The lawsuit alleges Rochdale Village workers were underpaid because their hours were rounded off to benefit the company and that they weren’t paid for work during their designated lunch hours. Rochdale Village also illegally offered comp time instead of paying overtime as required by federal law, according to the lawsuit. The Ramirez vs. Riverbay lawsuit involving Co-op City was originally filed by six employees who claimed they were given comp time in lieu of overtime, an illegal labor BY JIM ROBERTS

practice. The lawsuit then grew into a federal class action lawsuit against Riverbay involving approximately 1,700 current and former employees claiming they too were shorted on overtime and also not paid fully for the complete amount of hours for which they were clocked in and other matters, including miscalculations of night differential pay due to late night shift workers. The lawsuit claimed that all these transgressions against the workers were committed under the charge of Riverbay’s former managing agent, Marion Scott Real Estate, Inc., which was named as a co-defendant in the case and as such, bears some legal and financial responsibility, according to Riverbay attorneys. MSI has refused to accept any financial responsibility for any verdict or settlement, even threatening bankruptcy rather than taking on any of the onerous financial burden associated with this case, according to court papers. Riverbay attorneys are continuing their multi-year pursuit of MSI, Marion Scott and Herb Freeman in court, seeking damages to help defray some of the costs of the settlement in the case and to recover other damages alleged to have been caused to Co-op City by the defendants during their time as managing agent here. MSI managed Riverbay from 1999 until they were suspended by the Board and former President Cleve Taylor in November of 2014. Riverbay claims that its former managing agent, MSI, failed to properly manage numerous labor and construction issues resulting in millions of dollars of damages to shareholders. Riverbay’s claims would offset MSI’s judgment for nearly one million dollars in unpaid management fees between November of 2014 and May of 2015 that a judge awarded to (Continued on page 5)

Councilman Andy King Presents Check To PS 153x For Playground Renovation

The calls of a new playground space for the students of P.S.153x were finally heard this past Wednesday when City Councilmember Andy King presented Principal Meghan Kelly with a check for $768,000 for the renovation of the playground space. Discussions to update the playground have been on the agenda for quite some time. However, there had not been enough money allocated to P.S.153x to accommodate the renovations of the playground. When Councilman King addressed a class of first graders and asked them what they would like to see with their new playground, excited calls for new monkey-bars, swings and even a water slide were mentioned. While the students appeared content with their time outside, the prospect of having a brand new playground certainly excited many and provided something to look forward to going into next school year. “Understanding the best way to help human beings get it right is to tackle their education, their development,” Councilman King said. “We need to fuel them early and give them that foundation early.” The playground and recreational spaces were on the forefront of Principal Kelly’s list of concerns when meeting with Councilman King before the check presentation. Also on her list was an update of the technology in the school, since a lot of computers and even the smart boards are obsolete. The heating and cooling infrastructure in the school is extremely dated as well. “You can barely have kids eat in the cafeteria,” Principal Kelly said. “Come April, the cafeteria is 97 degrees.” Principal Kelly acknowledges a constant back and forth with the NYC Department of Education (DOE) to scrape together money to fix the school’s heating and cooling system, which, she says, will inevitably break for a few days at a time throughout the year. P.S.153x has been battling through budget cuts while at the same time providing the lone elementary level G&T BY BRANDON ORTIZ

Principal Meghan Kelly (left), and Parent Coordinator Ron Hartridge (right), are presented with the check of $768,000 by Councilman Andy King (center) to renovate the playgrounds. Photo by Brandon Ortiz

(Gifted and Talented) program in the school district. This makes P.S.153x even more important for the community because the G&T program offers a curriculum that challenges the best and brightest students. “It’s also exposing them to kids who think like them and have similar interests or have a diversity of interests,” Ms. Kelly said of the G&T program. “I go into a second grade G&T class and I’m blown away by the conversation. You would think these are a bunch of PhD students, it’s really brilliant.” Too often only the public schools in districts with higher property taxes and higher incomes are afforded the luxury of providing resources for advanced curriculum. On the flip side, for those public schools in lower income neighborhoods, they have to fight to stay open because the gifted students who should be enrolled and going to school locally are lost to private and charter schools.

Co-op City Times / October 6, 2018

Legislative Meeting

Committee, opened the discussion stating: “Before 2010, Co-op City had the best bus service in the city of New York. Our buses serviced every stop in the community, and they were timely. The next bus was minutes away. He continued: “Your (shareholders) comments are important because not everyone takes every bus, so everyone needs to understand what degrees of difficulty every shareholder faces. I want to make sure that we have one message as a group and a community to present during the presentation.” Shareholders who depend on public bus service provided by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), along with the committee, then shared their concerns and opinions on restructuring the main bus routes that currently serve the community. Both groups proposed and agreed to changes that affect the Bx26, Bx28, BxQ50, and BxM7 buses, as well as some other buses. In regards to the Bx26, Bx28, BxQ50 and BxM7 buses, shareholders expressed concerns that included having to use a third fare during their commute to Co-op

City, Sections 1 and Section 2 being left out on the routes, on-time performance, and the frequency of service, to name a few. More specifically, with the Bx26, shareholders who were also students of Lehman College expressed concerns of inconvenience, a limited bus schedule and long wait times. Eileen, a resident of Building 9A, expressed her concerns as a student. She revealed: “The travel home is over an hour long. The areas aren’t well lit and waiting at the bus stop late at night is dangerous. I didn’t have that issue back in 2010. It’s unfair to service only a portion of the community and to leave out four other sections. It’s a disservice!” The audience agreed unanimously that the Bx26, Bx28, and QBx50, formerly the QBx1, should all be rerouted to its original route before 2010, where buses would make all of the 25-26 stops here in Co-op City. Attendees also agreed on the need to improve bus frequency, with a wait time of no longer than five minutes between each bus. A 21-year Co-op City resident of Building 25, said: “I moved to my

MTA Workshop

shop will not include speakers or a Q&A session, according to the MTA. The MTA says that the results of the workshops will provide the agency with a lot of qualitative data on how Bronxites travel through and outside of the borough today and what their preferences are when it comes to bus service. According to the MTA, its “Fast Forward” bus redesign will feature customer-focused routes, faster and more reliable travel times and more comfortable and environmentally friendly buses. In addition to the new customerfocused routes, the new plan will incorporate enforced bus lanes to cut down on travel time; “Next bus” signs which are audio-capable signs; new bus command center for centralized control; and the infusion of more than 2,800 new electric buses within five years. “Fast Forward” is a 10-year plan of the MTA which was previously scheduled to take more than 40 years to accomplish. The highlights of the first five years are: state-of-the-art signal system on five (5) subway lines which include signals, modernized interlockings and additional power where needed; more than 50 new stations to be made accessible so riders are never more than two stops away from an accessible station; repair work at more than 150 stations; installation of more than 650 new subway cars; more than 1,200 (Communications-based train control) CBTC-modified cars; redesign of bus routes in all five borough; new fare payment system and 2,800 new buses. In the final five years, the work includes: a state-of-the-art signal system on six new lines; improved accessibility at more than 130 additional stations, with the remainder of all possible stations completed by 2034; state-of-goodrepair work at more than 150 stations, more than 3,000 new subway cars and 2,100 new buses. For more information, you may visit the Bronx Redesign subsite online at https://new.mta.info/BronxBusRedesign, and the Bronx Redesign online survey link, https://bronxbusredesign .questionpro.com/

bus network for the 21st century and beyond, it’s absolutely imperative that we work in close partnership with those who live and work in the borough’s neighborhoods each and every day. I am excited to work in tandem with residents, community leaders and our operators to make sure we are bringing world class service to the communities of the Bronx Failure to speak out now will hurt the cause of riders who have spoken out for years to restore the service cuts that happened to Co-op City routes in the past. “I am hoping that shareholders will take into consideration that ten years ago when the MTA was holding hearings about the changes in routing of our buses, that by not showing up and by not speaking up, it cost us dearly in the rerouting in three of our buses – the Bx26, Bx28 and the QBx1,” said Riverbay Board Director Rod Saunders, chair of the Legislative Committee. “The one thing that we do not want to do is to make that mistake again and not show up, and to not articulate what exactly we want from our bus lines.” In anticipation of the Oct. 9 MTA workshop, the Riverbay Board’s Legislative Committee held a meeting for all shareholders on Sept. 29 in Dreiser auditorium to help develop a cohesive plan to present to the MTA. (see story, page 1) At the Oct. 9th MTA workshop on Tuesday, participants will arrive, checkin and immediately be assigned to a workshop table. The public workshop will feature rolling starts, meaning that as a table of participants fills, the workshop exercises will begin. The workshop is very interactive and will give the MTA information from participants on where they live, where they work, how they get to/from home and work today and what their key priorities are when it comes to bus service. Participants will discuss several elements of bus service and asked to indicate which of the two they prefer more (i.e. simple, direct routes vs. complex, indirect routes). A table with iPads will be available so that participants can complete an MTA online survey. The work-

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building because I had access to every bus from my building. From Section One to Section Four is a long ride. Changing from bus-to-bus hasn’t been easy.” As for the BxM7, residents commented on their concerns that included buses not acknowledging senior fares, drivers incorrectly operating buses due to the air-brake system, and inconvenient bus stops that do not make any convenient transfer points. For example, the BxM7 stops at 121st Street and not 125th Street in Manhattan where riders can conveniently get alternate public transportation. Recommendations also included having new coaches service this area, along with being able to take $1 bills. It was proposed and agreed that the committee will suggest to the MTA that the BxM7 should have two lines of service; one route that continues to go to 23rd Street and another that goes to lower Manhattan, such as Wall Street. The committee will also propose that the express bus should recognize senior/reduced fare riders and adopt new coaches. Other suggestions throughout the meeting included placing signs for Access-A-Ride paratransit riders and installing a permanent MetroCard station in Co-op City. Rev. Dr. Robert Smith, a committee member, addressed his concerns with the MTA’s lack of bus shelters in the Co-op City area. He said: “I see bus shelters selectively placed. If I under-

stand anything about the weather, it rains on the just and the unjust. Wind, rain and snow are not selective. One of the things we’d like to address with the MTA is placing bus shelters at every place that MTA bus stops, and with a bench!” Linda Berk, president of the Riverbay Corporation, shared her experience in regards to riding the new Soundview ferry. She said: “There is no way to get to the ferry by bus. This community should have access through public transportation.” The MTA’s “Fast Forward” transit improvement plan to modernize the city’s buses, subways, and paratransit services, was announced in May by NYC Transit President Andy Byford. The October 9th MTA Bus Redesign Workshop being held in Co-op City is one of six such sessions being held in Bronx communities to interact with and solicit input from local stakeholders who utilize the MTA’s bus service to better service those riders. It will be from 6-8 p.m. in room 31 of the Bartow Center. According to Mr. Saunders, the committee will have a document that shareholders can refer to during the meeting. The report will include significant talking points so that everyone can be on the same page. He urged and encouraged that shareholders attend and speak up. He said: “We want to address the fact that we want our bus system to be one that we all recognize as the best in the city of New York.”

Co-op City Times / October 6, 2018

It’s

HAPPENING in Co-op City ! Garage 6

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the roof by next week and then repair work will begin to restore the roof, followed by the installation of lights. Simultaneously, the roof of Garage 7 was also shut down and work began to dismantle the beams. Next week, those concrete beams will be removed by crane from Garage 7 also, after which repairs and the installation of lights will take place. Mark Warren, Riverbay’s director of Construction expects the work to be completed in another 2½-3 weeks, weather permitting. Photos courtesy Riverbay Construction Dept. and Fiifi Frimpong

Rochdale

Underground pipe repairs — Riverbay personnel and contractors were on site quickly when a new leak appeared in the underground water pipes that service the Cooper Place townhouse area late on Thursday. Repairs were being made on Friday morning and, after the repaired pipes are welded, water should be restored to residents in the area. Photo by Toriea McCauseland

Power Surge Causes Black-Out in Buildings 4 A, B & C

Please Refrain From Littering. Keep Co-op City Clean! Thank You!

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MSI, but has not yet been paid. Riverbay’s attorneys are arguing that an initial judge’s decision to award judgment for management fees to MSI should be held in abeyance pending a trial of Riverbay’s counterclaims. When MSI was suspended in 2014, it went to court, seeking to be reinstated as managing agent, seeking payment of its management fee, and claiming money damages for defamation. Riverbay counterclaimed for money damages. The court denied MSI’s request to be reinstated, but ruled that under state Department of Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) regulations MSI could recover its management fee for the period of time between the date of its suspension and its termination or reinstatement by HCR. In response to Riverbay’s concern that it would be saddled with paying MSI management fees for the seven-month period between November of 2014 and May of 2015 when MSI performed no work, a second Court stated, “to the extent that MSI’s alleged misconduct resulted in damages to Riverbay, those damages can be recovered from MSI in the MSI action, thereby reducing or fully abating the management fees due to MSI through May 31, 2015.” The lawsuits between MSI and Riverbay have been tied up in legal disputes for several years. MSI attorneys are now asking a judge for extensive discovery, long past the origin of their lawsuit, of numerous witnesses, which could continue to delay Riverbay’s opportunity to have a court rule on its counterclaims against MSI. A ruling on the request for more witness interviews by MSI could be handed down soon.

At about 9 p.m. on Tuesday night, Oct. 2, one of the breakers in Building 4 failed and instead of tripping, it melted the panel that fed the laundry room and the hot water circulator pumps. It also knocked out electricity from the 2nd to the 9th floor in Buildings 4 A, B & C. According to Joe Downey, Electrical Supervisor at the Riverbay Power Plant, four of the Power Plant staff immediately responded: Greg Ulrich, Sean Traynor, George Grullion and Michael McQuad. While two were onsite at the time of the outage, two travelled back to Co-op City, one from Long Island and the other from the Bronx, to address the situation. “Luckily, we had the part we needed in stock in the Power Plant,” said Bob Klehammer, Riverbay’s executive general manager. “From discovery to Blown-out panel in the basement of Building 4. restoration of service, it took less than Photo by Jose Cruz two hours which was pretty quick considering what had to be done. We went through the building to make sure nobody loss any life-support equipment and I think most of the community wouldn’t know this occurred unless you live in the building or you were in a surrounding building and saw the darkness in some of the apartments. “I thought the response of the team to this unanticipated event from the Power Plant, Maintenance supervisor Jose Cruz who made the initial call and Sgt. Carl Wright of Public Safety who also was one of the first to arrive on the scene, Public Safety who went through the building making sure residents were alright, they all did a stellar job.” Mr. Downey explained that a breaker in the 13,200 volt substation had to be reset. “They had to isolate the fault in there and then we were able to get the apartments back on. They did a great job,” he said. “Within two hours, we were back up. These guys put everything aside and came back to work to get us back on and we are thankful for what they did to restore service to the shareholders as soon as possible.” —Rozaan Boone

Co-op City Times / October 6, 2018

Board of Directors’ Meeting - October 3, 2018 First Reading: Resolution #18-35 SUBMITTED BY: Jerome Rice SECONDED BY: Cheryl Jenkins and Leah Richardson BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: October 3, 2018

WHEREAS, CSC Service Works, f/k/a Coinmach Industries, Inc., is in contract under Contract #2697 (“Contract”) performing Laundry Room Renovations and Operations paying to Riverbay a monthly rent of $260,000.00 for a total annual rent of $3,120,000.00; WHEREAS, the above Contract is scheduled to expire on December 28, 2018; WHEREAS, Riverbay solicited bids for a new laundry room service contract under Bid #3272; WHEREAS, four (4) bids were received and it was determined that CSC Service Works provided the best proposal to Riverbay with a $750,000.00 signing bonus with a monthly rent of $302,250.00 for a total yearly rent of

$3,627,000.00; WHEREAS, the new eight (8) year contract with CSC Service Works contract will modernize the laundry rooms with new washers and dryers with an increase in revenue for Riverbay; and WHEREAS, prior to voting on this Resolution no Director has disclosed to the full Board any conflict of interest as required by NY Business Corporation Law Section 7.13. NOW THEREFORE: LET IT BE RESOLVED, that the Management is hereby authorized to award Contract #3272 to CSC Service Works and select Option 4 which provides a $750,000.00 signing bonus and monthly rent of $302,250.00 with a 50-cent increase to each wash be approved as recommended by Management in accordance with the Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and amended by Board of Directors Resolution #95-44 and the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.

First Reading: Resolution #18-36

SUBMITTED BY: Francine Reva Jones in suspected holdover cases leading to successful holdover SECONDED BY: Leslie Peterson and Cheryl Jenkins actions. BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that ManDATED: OCTOBER 3, 2018 agement is directed to expand its efforts to retain private investigative firms to conduct full investigations on susWHEREAS, the Mitchell-Lama developments were pected illegal sublet cases for holdover actions in housing designed to provide affordable housing to moderate to mid- court to be used in conjunction with the illegal holdover dle income households who were screened based on statuto- investigations to be performed by Public Safety and CSO as rily qualifying income, minimum credit score and criminal requested by the Legal Department; and background checks and placed into a state regulated AutoBE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Board directs that mated Waiting List until being offered an apartment; and the Executive General Manager include in the next budget WHEREAS, Co-op City at Riverbay is a Mitchell-Lama submitted to the Board a line item for the purpose of hiring development with 15,372 apartments which provide afford- private investigative firms as provided herein; and able housing to approximately 55,000 residents; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board directs WHEREAS, the Maker of the Resolution suspects that that within 90 days following approval of this resolution, more than a negligible number of illegal sublets have by- that Management provide the Board with the projected passed the Mitchell-Lama screening process and waiting annual cost for carrying out the investigations; and list to illegally occupy apartments at Co-op City; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Management use WHEREAS, illegal sublets by-pass the screening process private investigators as soon as possible, but not more than and waiting list and unfairly occupy apartments at Co-op City six (6) months following the approval of this resolution; and without paying the new equity paid by those applicants who BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board President were offered an apartment from the waiting list, thereby, shall take all steps necessary to make these actions effective. reducing the total equity stream collected by Riverbay; and (See page 25 for more Resolutions) WHEREAS, any illegal sublets residing at Co-op City not only threaten the spirit of the Mitchell-Lama program, but may also cause harm by depriving other deserving midCo-op City’s 50th Anniversary dle income families, who have been placed onto the waiting Banquet Tickets Available Online list for years, their fair chance to enjoy the benefits of Mitchell-Lama apartments; and Shareholders who would like to attend Co-op City’s WHEREAS, Riverbay Public Safety officers and CSO 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner Dance on December responding to apartments on various complaints have at 10th at Marina Del Rey can now order tickets online times found that apartments were occupied by individuals by logging onto www.co-opcitygala.eventbrite.com. other than the shareholder(s) of record and also not reported Tickets are $125 each with a limited number of dison the annual income affidavits and in such cases, Riverbay counts available to shareholders qualified under has commenced eviction actions; and SCRIE and DRIE. WHEREAS, the Maker of this Resolution seeks to Special prices for tables and journal ads are availexpand the investigative resources already available able for Riverbay’s official community organizations. through Public Safety by retaining private investigative For more information, call 347-913-4226. firms so that more detailed investigations can be conducted Article SIXTH of your Occupancy Agreement provides, in part, that your lease automatically renews for an additional three (3) year period. You need to do nothing if you want your lease to extend for another three (3) year period. If you will be moving out at the end of your lease, notify Riverbay, in writing, Attention: Sales Support Office, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475, ninety (90) days prior to lease expiration.

Important Notice to Shareholders of Building 16 Building 16

Current Lease Expiration Date

New 3 yr. Expiration Date

Building 16 600 & 620 Baychester Avenue

December 31, 2018

December 31, 2021

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

Rozaan Boone Editor-in-Chief

Jim Roberts Business Manager

Jennifer Piovanetti Operations Manager

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

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

Public Safety Report

Co-op City Department Of Public Safety Offers Burglary Prevention Tips For Residents Co-op City Times / October 6, 2018

BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO driving hazards. Never pass a stopped school bus with a STOP sign displayed or October has been recognized as Crime Prevenits red lights flashing. This means children are loading or unloading. Be aware of tion Month since 1984. In recognition of Crime Prepedestrians and bike riders when operating a motor vehicle. Bike riders must refrain from riding bicycles near buildings and shopping centers. Bicycle riders vention Month, the Public Safety Report will start off must give pedestrians the same level of respect that they expect from motor vehithe month of October with a crime prevention article. cles. Everyone needs to share the road safely. This week’s article will address the topic of burglary and Just a reminder, gas or electric powered bicycles or scooters are illegal to use other crimes against your home and your property. within the confines or New York City and are also in violation of Riverbay rules. McGruff the Crime Dog says, “Crime Bites Take a Bite With holiday shopping season around the corner, avoid the temptation to purout of Crime.” For more information about crime prevention, contact the National Crime Prevention Council at 1000 Conchase these items for your children, friends or family. In addition to being illegal, necticut Avenue, NW, 13th floor, Washington, DC 20036; (202) 466-6272, or on they are also very dangerous. Never operate a motor vehicle if you have consumed alcoholic beverages. their website, www.ncpc.org. There are McGruff the Crime Dog activities for Always buckle your seatbelt; it will save your life in a serious collision. Avoid kids and crime prevention ideas for adults. distractions and excess speed when driving; these are the two leading causes of Burglary is a crime that tends to occur in patterns from time to time. Advanced collisions within New York State. surveillance systems and improved technology have greatly reduced the occurrence of burglaries within Co-op City. It is still a good idea to be aware of steps Always remember, if you see something, say something. If you see suspicious that can be taken to further decrease your odds of being a burglary victim. The persons or hear suspicious noise coming from you neighbor’s apartment, a burglary could be taking place, notify the authorities. Call 9-1-1 and the Department Co-op City Department of Public Safety offers these tips to decrease your chance of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050 or online at www.ccpd.us. Callers may of being burglarized. remain anonymous when giving information. The Co-op City Department of Never welcome burglars by telephone. Burglars have been known to try to Public Safety would like to thank all persons who have called in suspicious find out if anyone is home by phoning. If you get a pattern of several suspicious wrong numbers or hang-up calls, notify 9-1-1 or the Co-op City Department of activity or sent information via our website. It is by your actions that the crime rate remains low and a high quality of life is maintained. Public Safety at 1 (718) 671-3050. Warn family members, children included, not to give out information by telephone. It is particularly important not to tell callers who is out or how long they are expected to be out. Also, do not put this information on your answering machine. A standard For information on CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES ONLY, please contact: greeting, “There is no one available to come to the Lenya Garcia at Lgarcia@riverbay corp.com; and Anatoliy Budnitskiy at abudnitskiy@riverbaycorp.com. phone right now, please leave a message” does not Please note that emails should be sent to both parties. divulge extended absences to potential burglars. Never open your door to anyone you do not Please DO NOT email resumes for EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES to the aforementioned emails. know. Ask repair persons or delivery persons to For EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, please see the end of the employment listings for specific directions. show identification. All Riverbay employees and CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES utility providers, such as Cablevision, are required to carry identification while on duty. Do not open your There are no contract opportunities to list this week. Please check back again next week. door until you are sure the person on the other side is legitimate. If you have any doubts, call 9-1-1 or the EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Department of Public Safety at 1 (718) 671-3050. Always make your home look and sound occupied. Consider purchasing a timer with a random setting to turn on a radio and lights at different times every day while on vacation. Lights that are left on for long periods of time can also signal that no one is home. Never advertise your vacation plans. Inform a trusted neighbor who can collect newspapers, mail or other deliveries. The postal service will suspend mail service for vacation periods. Notify the Public Safety Department if you are a member of the “Are you Okay?” program. Wait until you return home to post vacation pictures on social media sites, such as Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Install good pick-proof locks and use them every time you leave the house or go to sleep. Riverbay Corporation provides only bottom lock access. A good quality top lock with a safety plate is highly recommended. Always change your locks if you lose your keys. Never leave keys under the mat, on top of the door frame or in any other “hiding” spot. Always keep house keys separate from car keys when utilizing valet service. Never place identifying information on keys. Do not reward the burglar who does get in. If, despite your precautions, a burglar does get in, don’t reward them with a large sum of cash and jewelry. Never keep large sums of cash in your home. Keep jewelry not often worn in a safe deposit box. Consider purchasing a high quality personal safe for short term storage of certain valuables. Inventory valuables and keep receipts in a safe place in the event that you are the victim of a burglary. Never enter your apartment if you believe it has been burglarized. The burglar could still be in the apartment. You also do not want to ruin evidence, such as fingerprints, before they are collected by the police. Fall is a very active season, expect an increase in Please Visit The Bartow Administration Office To See All Jobs Posted. (Continued on page 24) vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Always be alert to

OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY

Co-op City Times / October 6, 2018

Director’s Viewpoint

Bernard Cylich First Vice President

In early 2000, our then-City Council member, Larry Seabrook, was able to obtain $7 million to fund a new community center and to expand the home of what was then the Gloria Wise Boys and Girls Club—on the very property that the New York City Planning Commission had recently approved for the construction of an animal shelter. Unfortunately, with the demise of the Boys and Girls Club, as well as of Seabrook himself (he was indicted), the proposal for a community center fell by the wayside. However, the need for the center, intended to serve 8,000 young people, as well as more than 19,000 seniors, never diminished. If anything, the need for such a facility has become even more evident. Our current Board leadership was hoping that the city would build, on that property, a state-of-the-art community center, like the Parks Department’s Chelsea Recreational Center, which includes a gymnasium, basketball court, swimming pool, fitness room, dance studio, game room, arts and crafts studio, computer resource center, and educational programs for children and adults. In the richest city in the nation, in the richest country in the world, the city government should be able to provide our community with a facility equal to the Chelsea Center. Cooperators are not opposed to building animal shelters. But we question why a property adjacent to our community and designated by the City Council for a community center is being repurposed as the site for an animal shelter. Above all, the action of the Planning Commission has provoked antagonism among neighbors, pitting animal-rights advocates against those who feel that children’s needs should have priority. Why would Mayor de Blasio, who takes pride in being a unifier and serving the interests of working people, tolerate such divisive action by the Planning Commission?

Mayor de Blasio Can Do Better Certainly, the mayor can propose a compromise to satisfy all. MTA Did It Again When United Housing Foundation (UHF) unveiled its plans for the development of Co-op City, in the mid-1960s, the UHF obtained a commitment from the MTA to provide contiguous bus service—from Sections 1 to 5—for our community. What the transit agency came up with: three bus routes, BX26, BX28, and QBX1. All three would make their way around Co-op City. BX26 would depart from Co-op, travel down Allerton Avenue, pass the Botanical Gardens, head to Lehman College, and end up at Bedford Park, near the D subway line. After leaving Co-op City, BX28 would go down Gun Hill Road, pass Evander Childs High School, proceed to Montefiore Medical Center, and end up at Norwood Avenue. QBX1 would exit from Section 5, continue on to Pelham Bay station, and from there, cross the Whitestone Bridge and end up at Main Street in Flushing. These three bus lines provided good service to cooperators and to Riverbay staff for over 25 years. Despite the success of the bus service, the MTA announced, in May 1994, that it intended to gut BX26 and BX28 service—fix what wasn’t broken—thus reneging on its pledge to the UHF. BX26 would bypass Sections 1 through 4, and BX28 would bypass Section 5. MTA’s proposal set off an unprecedented, united avalanche of opposition. And every one of our elected officials joined our movement. That opposition, led by the activist Co-op City umbrella group Coalition of Concerned Organizations (forerunner of the Coalition to Save Affordable Housing), organized rallies and demonstrations and collected more than 3,000 signatures. Subsequently, the MTA withdrew its proposals to downsize the bus routes that were a lifeline to, from, and within the community. In other words, our vigorous resistance prevailed.

Read and follow the Co-op City Times online at http://issuu.com/cctimes Issuu app now available for iOS and Android devices.

However, six years later, the MTA, facing serious financial problems, dusted off the 1994 failed proposals and reintroduced its bus service cuts. In the city overall, the MTA cut 36 bus routes, eliminated 570 bus stops, closing many token booths and scaled back three subway lines. What precipitated those enormous service cuts was then-Governor David Patterson and the State Legislature withdrawing $143 million from the dedicated transit funds even while MTA was in financial difficulties. Such has been the ugly history of the MTA .Whenever the state was short of cash, the agency’s dedicated moneys became a cash cow for any number of state and even city projects. Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, on one occasion, stated that the MTA’s budget was bloated. Even Governor Andrew Cuomo had, two years ago, diverted $5 million from the MTA treasury to fund a state-owned ski resort. Our community rose up to protest the bus service cuts—it held rallies and meetings (the latter attracted standing-room-only participation), picketed MTA offices, addressed MTA monthly meetings, and collected over 8,000 signatures. Two years later, when MTA enjoyed a half-billion-dollar surplus and an additional $147 million from the state, the MTA restored almost all bus services and even introduced new bus routes. However, instead of getting restored bus services, Co-op City’s bus routes got surveyed. And recently, the MTA announced that now we will get studied. Will bus services for Co-op City be restored? I don’t believe that is on the horizon. Is there a conspiracy to undermine our community? Sometimes I wonder.

DR. LEWIS WOLSTEIN Podiatrist — Foot Specialist NOW ACCEPTING GHI!! NOW ACCEPTING AETNA!!

• Practicing in Co-op City since 1975

Assemblyman Benedetto To Sponsor Team In Breast Cancer Walk

• Board Certified in Foot Surgery • ALL conditions of the foot treated

Looking for Volunteers to Join “Team Benedetto”

Once again this year, Assemblyman Michael R. Benedetto is calling for volunteers to join him in the American Cancer Society’s annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk scheduled for Sunday, October 21, at Orchard Beach beginning at 10 a.m. This is the assemblyman’s 12th year participating in this important event and the 11th time that he will be sponsoring a team. “Everyone joining together and giving a little will make a large impact and in the end the proceeds will be used towards much needed research, prevention, early detection and support programs,” said Assemblyman Benedetto. Anyone interested in signing up for “Team Benedetto” can do so by either calling his East Tremont Avenue office at (718) 892-2235, his Co-op City office at (718) 320-2220, or registering in person at either of these locations. You may also register online at makingstrideswalk.org/bronx, click on “Donate to a Team” and look for “Team Benedetto.” All “Team Benedetto” volunteer will be asked to donate $20 for a personalized “Team Benedetto” polo shirt.

• 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

Improving Customer Service Co-op City Times / October 6, 2018

We have heard increased complaints regarding cusTo address this and other service-related issues may Management Report tomer service and we are working gingerly to address require additional staff which is something we will be these issues. Cooperators have notified us about long discussing with the Board of Directors when Managewait times and disconnected calls when they contact ment presents its new two-year budget in the coming Riverbay service departments. This matter is important months. to us and we are working hard to improve communication channels with shareHowever, we are taking other concrete actions holders. I say it often, I know, but we are making progress though you will not see towards improving customer service. We entered into changes overnight. an agreement to install a new phone system for manHere is the situation we were confronted with over the last few months: agement. The current phone system is very old, and the During air conditioning season – which began in May, over the Memorial Day software is antiquated and no longer serviced by the weekend, and ended in September with the changeover to heating season – we vendor. From our own in-house investigation, we have found that sometimes experienced a significant spike in convector-related service calls to our Emer- when cooperators call a number and they hear a phone ringing, that phone may gency Maintenance Desk, primarily due to the extremely high temperatures and not, in fact, be ringing on that person’s desk. That’s how bad our current system humidity. and its architecture is. To add some perspective, there are 75,000 convectors in Co-op City apartWe are getting a brand new state-of-the-art system which will include funcments. In total this summer, there were 7,461 convector leaks. There are 35 Main- tions like the ability to track the number of calls that are received by individual tenance staff who are divided between a morning and nigh shift, and are respon- employees; recording of calls so that if we get complaints about unprofessional sible for not only addressing AC leaks, but plumbing and electrical jobs, and behavior we will be able to review that call. We will also be able to use the tapes other duties. Because of the high rate of demand for convector service this sum- for training exercises for our employees to help them become better customer mer, we had at least 12-13 staff on the 4 p.m.-12 a.m. shift to handle the volume service representatives. In addition, the new system includes a feature whereby if of calls that were being received. a cooperator is placed on hold, the system will advise them how long the wait is, For example, on the 4-12 shift on Saturday, August 4, a typical hot summer night and offer the option of leaving their name and call back number without losing when the temperature was in the 90’s and humidity was high, we generated 136 their place in the queue. work orders from the emergency desk, 67 of those were for AC leaks, 47 for plumbWe also anticipate that by mid-2019, we will have our centralized Customer ing and 22 were miscellaneous jobs. And there were 12 men on duty that night. Care Center up and running. Our goal at this point is to make this a sort of oneThese AC leaks were predominantly due to condensate back-ups which result stop service center where shareholders will have one number only to call for a when the drains are clogged. It’s important to note that convectors have to be wide variety of services, instead of the current system where they have to call difproperly maintained and cleaned like any other fixture within the residential ferent numbers for different services. For all intents and purposes, this system units. Cooperators should regularly clean the area around and under the convec- will be a Co-op City 3-1-1, both in terms of creating work orders and making tor and avoid placing plants and other items which can cause dirt and dust to fil- service appointments. ter into the convector system and block the drain which will result in spillage and In addition, with the upgrade in our property management software, Yardi, we flooding if the water cannot pass through freely. will also be able to have better ability to track work orders. Yardi will also have a They can also pour a teapot of water down the drain every once in a while and mobile function so we anticipate that all of our Maintenance staff will have watch to see if the water is backing up which would indicate that the drain is mobile devices and we will be able to track where they are at any one time. We clogged and must be cleaned. Riverbay has a YouTube video which demonstrates will also have someone in the new Call Center with authority to move staff how to open the front panel of the convector and to check for blockage. Elderly around if emergencies arise. For instance, if someone is given a number of work and disabled shareholders who need assistance can contact their CSO and sched- orders for one day and they get to their second or third appointment and realize ule an appointment to have this done. that it’s a bigger job than what is on the work order, and they don’t think they will Shareholders may not understand that even when the convector is off, the sys- be able to address the other work orders scheduled for that day, the Call Center tem has a continuous loop of chilled water that provides cool air, and is still pro- can then notify those shareholders with later appointments and apologize that we ducing condensate as the chilled water is still going through the convector. If the are not going to be able to get to them that day, or the supervisor will be able to drain gets clogged, it can still cause water to back-up onto your floor. see if another Maintenance staff member is available and can be reassigned to These back-ups result in damaged floors, which then increases the calls for the take over the remaining work tickets. Restorations department as well. As the heating season is beginning, these conThat is the concept at least for now, and as is usually the case, there will be vertor-caused floods diminish greatly and will allow the Maintenance and bumps along the way to get these systems up and running efficiently, but that’s Restorations staffs to respond faster to service calls. what we’re looking to implement in order to improve our customer service.

Bob Klehammer

Water testing

buildings, and of those most recent tests, which were done between 2006 and 2016, “no lead was found.” The spokesman could not confirm whether any of those tests were actually conducted in Co-op City buildings. “We ended up with a plan where we are going to do about 220-30 random samples,” said Riverbay’s Executive General Manager Bob Klehammer. “Two apartments in every building, along with the pump room will be tested. We are going to try to get as close to where the water comes in from the city line and take samples, and then we’ll do two apartments in every building, one mid-level and one on the upper floor.” Samples will also be taken from each townhouse cluster – one from where the water first comes into the cluster and then one townhouse unit mid-way through the cluster and the other from a unit at the end of the cluster, Mr. Klehammer explained. In totality, there will be five samples collected from each high-rise building – one from the pump room, followed by two samples each from a mid-level unit and two samples from an upper level unit. Each sample from a residential unit will consist of a first draw when the faucet is first turned on, and then the water will be allowed to run for approximately 6-7 minutes before a second sample is collected. Similarly, in the townhouses, one sample will be collected from the point where the water comes into the cluster from the city line, followed by two samples from a mid-way townhouse unit and two from a unit at the end of the cluster. “These tests are going to be random so if you hear a knock on your door and you’re home since it will be during business hours, please cooperate as we are trying to reassure the community that the water is safe,” Mr. Klehammer said. Mike Sanders, Riverbay’s Maintenance director, said that everyone involved in the testing will have their ID’s displayed. The testing group will also be accompanied by Riverbay staff. (Continued from page 1)

Deepest Condolences We extend our deepest condolences to Michael Munns, Riverbay’s senior attorney, on the passing of his father. Please keep Mike and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. The testing phase is expected to last about two weeks during which time the samples will be collected. “Sampling will begin probably at eight o’clock in the morning and they will finish around 1-2 in the afternoon since they have to get those samples to the lab because they have to be cold and there’s a procedure that has to be followed,” said Anthony Barzelatto, Riverbay’s Safety Director. “Genesis will have the chain of custody form and they will fill out all the necessary information as far as apartment, building, and all the other required details, as well as how many tests were done. They will sign an affidavit on that chain of custody saying that they’ve actually done the tests, and then the samples will be delivered to the lab and the lab signs that they have received them so there is no break in between. It goes from one to the other. “From a safety standpoint, it’s positive to be doing something proactively, rather than reactively,” said Mr. Barzelatto. “We are not anticipating we will have any problems because there’s never been a problem here in the past ever. We’ve never gotten a complaint so we’re just doing this based on the information that was received from this agency from New York. I give credit to Mr. Klehammer for wanting to go ahead and calm the waters.” Mr. Klehammer said that he expects a full report from Genesis will be ready by mid-November. “I am hoping the results are good and we will allay any fears about lead in the water among cooperators,” he said.

Co-op City Times / October 6, 2018

Cooperators Are Emphatic About Restoring Bus Service for All Director’s Viewpoint

Rod Saunders

Second Vice President

I want to open my viewpoint this week by thanking every shareholder and cooperator who took the time and opportunity to come out and participate in last Saturday’s pre-MTA public meeting. I cannot thank you all enough for coming forward to speak, and elaborating on the transportation concerns, as it relates to the current bus routes here in Co-op City. I purposely asked for the auditorium space for four hours, figuring that in doing so, it would allow all of you the opportunity to speak without any preset time limitations thus allowing everyone the chance to be as expressive as you needed to be. Many cooperators came to the microphone multiple times to express different views about each bus route discussed. That was fine with me! It has been no secret that the rerouting of the Bx26, Bx28, and Q50 (formerly QBx1) bus routes have created more negative realities, and solved fewer, if any, of our transportation needs. The 2010 rerouting of the bus lines here in Co-op City actually replaced a straightforward 3-bus route system that serviced every stop, in every section of Co-op City, with a system that now uses the Bx23, BX38, Bx29, and the Bx30 to complete. Cooperator after cooperator came forward to express their frustrations with the 2010 route changes. Without question, the impact on residents living in the middle, to northern-most sections of 1, 2, 3, 4, and in some cases, 5, are financial, because they are often forced to pay an additional fare to arrive home. The Bx23 bus service (added since 2010) makes the route of the former QBx1 bus, every half hour. The Q50 bus (which does not come into Dreiser Loop, or Asch Loop) is scheduled to run within the 15 minutes of the Bx23. Miss the Bx23 and wait one half hour for the next bus to the Pelham Bay train station, or walk out to one of the outer stops along Co-op City Blvd., or Baychester Ave. I guess the originators of the 2010 routing figured that everyone taking public transportation was absent of any physical impairment, and young enough, to just get out to the outer routes. The scheduling interval for the existing buses do not compare favorably with the scheduling previous

to the 2010 rerouting. Again, all-around unhappiness with the present last bus, to next bus timing, for the present Bx26, Bx28, Q50, and the Bx23. There were cooperators who felt that adult students who attend late classes at Lehman College could be better served by the Bx26 bus leaving the college at a later scheduled time. The other caveat though, is that at that time of night (possibly after midnight), some passengers are forced to disembark the bus for a transfer to the middle and northern end of Co-op City! Many cooperators in attendance felt that the Bx38’s record of on-time proficiency left little to be desired, and also wished that the last stop for the route should be a destination inside of Bay Plaza, and not its present location at Bartow Avenue, near Co-op City Blvd. Almost everyone who spoke expressed their dissatisfaction with the MTA’s assessment of “rush hour.” Most speakers, with the applause of the audience, wanted to see more buses, at closer intervals during the hours of 6 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., and again from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. BxM7 riders complained about buses leaving early, and that buses leaving from the 23rd Street starting point in Manhattan, are severely overcrowded by the time that the buses arrive at their mid-town stops. Older buses have been substituted into the routes to help make up for buses taken out of service. No matter the age of the bus, passengers feel that the buses should be kept much cleaner. One BxM7 frequent passenger commented the BxM7 makes 8 drop-off stops in traveling from Co-op City, down to 23rd Street in Manhattan, and that five of the eight stops are in locations where there were no transfer points to other means of public transportation, and that the East 122nd Street, rather than a 125th Street stop in Manhattan, is a completely useless location. Additionally, passengers would like to see the MTA give Co-op City back the service that our community once enjoyed. That service provided cooperators with express buses to the Chambers Street/Wall Street area. Currently, the Riverdale community enjoys

Debs Place Townhouse Association

The Debs Place Townhouse Association will hold its October meeting on Thursday, October 11, in room 1 of the Dreiser Community Center. We apologize for the confusion last month. We had been contacted by the Scheduling Office and we were asked to move our September meeting from our usual room 1 location to room 10 in order to accommodate another group that needed a larger room for a special presentation. However, that night was also Primary Night and, with the confusion of the use of rooms for voting, there was a mix-up. When we arrived for our meeting, we found room 10 already occupied by the other group and they were already in the midst of their meeting. We tried to meet in room 1 instead, but we found it locked and there was nobody to unlock it for us. In addition, with the auditorium being closed for renovations and primary voters trying to find their polling places, we were forced to cancel our meeting, or rather, we met in the hallway. We hope that such a state of affairs will not happen again. For the October meeting on October 11th, we expect to be back in our usual meeting site, room 1. Our guest speaker will be Lois English, director of the Dreiser CSO. Our business portion of the meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Our speaker has been invited to begin her remarks at 7:30. Ms. English will be prepared to answer any of your questions and to respond to your problems. At the meeting, you will have the opportunity to pay the $10 per family annual membership fee which our treasurer, Nadine Thompson, will be glad to collect, in cash. Those who are unable to attend the meeting are requested to drop off your membership fee at 18B. We look forward to seeing members and prospective members on October 11, in room 1 of the Dreiser Center, at 7 p.m. —Nels Grumer

having an express bus (BxM18) that continues down to the Broadway/ Battery Place area. Co-op City residents would be well served by having a BxM7 route that offers similar downtown service. What Cooperators Need to Accomplish on October 9th This coming Tuesday, October 9th, in room 31, Bartow Avenue Center (2049 Bartow Avenue), the MTA will bring its Fast Forward: Bronx Bus Network Redesign Workshop to Co-op City. The MTA’s stated priority: “Reimagining our bus network means customer focused routes, faster and more reliable travel times, and more comfortable and environmentally sustainable buses. When seamlessly integrated with subways and paratransit, our buses are the key to a fast, responsive system that serves every corner of the 5 boroughs.” There is no need to reimagine Co-op City’s bus network. I want to state it again, we had the best bus service in the Bronx, if not the city of New York. We had fast, reliable travel times. We had comfortable and reliable buses – Just give it back! This time – The MTA needs to listen to the community that they serve. It is here that cooperators will have the best opportunity in the last 10 years to tell the MTA the changes to our bus service that are best for Co-op City bus ridership. I’m confident that we can speak as one voice to articulate what we want. Three buses that make every stop in all five sections of Co-op City. We want to return to having the absolute best bus service here in Co-op City that was once the envy of the entire Bronx. Thank you for reading my viewpoint – rsaunders@riverbayboard.com.

Co-op City Times / October 6, 2018

Building 19 Association

Hello, Building 19 family. Can you believe that October is here already? As you know, this month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Each year, the association participates in the annual Breast Cancer Walk at Orchard Beach. We are asking both women and men to join us on Sunday, October 21, to represent our building for this important cause.Â The association will be doing its annual lobby decoration for Halloween on Saturday, October 13, at noon. This is a fun activity for both children and adults. Â The next General Election in New York City

will be on Tuesday, November 6th. For those who are not yet registered to vote, you must do so by Friday, October 12, in order to vote in next monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s election. Call the New York City Board of Electionsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Bronx office at 718-299-9017 for more information on how to register to vote. Â For those who want to sign up to be a part of the associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Breast Cancer walk team or to volunteer to help put up the Halloween lobby decorations this month, you can reach me at 917-4429526. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Leon Tulton

Today we have tips from gardener Brenda Joyner: I hope all gardeners had a bountiful harvest this year. October has arrived and many gardeners are preparing to put their beds to sleep. Here are some tips for preparing your bed for winter. First clean deep. Uproot vines and growth and turn the dirt bringing the bottom to the top. Next, every bed needs a blanket for the winter and your bed is no different. You can use various items, such as shredded leaves, newspaper, potato sac bags, or straw. Once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re done, you have all winter to think about and plan for the spring. Remember, â&#x20AC;&#x153;He who plants a garden plants happiness.â&#x20AC;? We are excited to welcome the Co-op City schools to Rivers Run. This year, cool-season vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, brussel sprouts, kale, and collard greens) have been planted for viewing at their various growth stages. We will have daffodils and lilies for our little visitors to plant (until they run out) along with our famous workshops and games. There are also various herbs for picking. If interested, please call the numbers below to set up a date in October for the visit.

We will be closing at the end of October for the season so hop on over for a personal tour and a cutting. Important dates (All are welcome): October 17th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; We welcome the 4th grade of PS 153, 9:00 a.m. October 20th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Members meeting, 1:00 p.m. at garden. Rivers Run is open: Tuesday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4:00 p.m. to dusk Wednesdays & Fridays â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4 p.m. 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 youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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. We are located on Co-op City Blvd. (between Bellamy Loop and Peartree Ave.), Bronx, NY 10475. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Gail Sharbaan

Rivers Run Community Garden

# $ %# !$ % % % # %# !$ % % % %" % % # $ % $ " %#!%# % " % "" % # % " !# ! %#!%# % " %! $ $%# $% !%# $ %$ # $ %" % #!% # % ! %! $% $# $%" % $ " % "" $ #!" % " $ " # ! % # % $# %!"%#% $ % $# $ % $! % " %!" $! $ %!"% # $% " " ! %#% $# $ % " ! %% ) ('%&$ # ! $ !

Benedetto, Bailey to Start 2018 Co-op City Lobby Visits

Assemblyman Michael Benedetto and State Senator Jamaal Bailey will be visiting the lobbies in Co-op City on the following dates: â&#x20AC;˘ Wednesday, October 10, 2420 Hunter Ave. (Building #26B) â&#x20AC;˘ Wednesday, October 17, 600 Baychester Ave. (Building #16B), and â&#x20AC;˘ Thursday, October 25, 100 Bellamy Loop (Building #21A). The lobby visits provide the folks of Co-op City an opportunity to discuss a broad range of topics with their elected officials in a special oneon-one setting just steps from their front door. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I always feel that an elected official has an obligation to keep in touch with those who elected him,â&#x20AC;? said Assemblyman Benedetto. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To this end, I do these visits and they have always proved to be a delight.â&#x20AC;? The assemblyman, along with State Senator Bailey, will be in the lobbies of the aforementioned buildings from 5:15 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. All are invited to come and discuss whatever is on their mind.

Building 22A & B Association

Our first meeting welcomed new shareholders to the buildings. Everyone enjoyed a wonderful summer. Ideas were introduced. Follow-up at next meeting on October 22. Proposed animal shelter on Bartow Avenue wins approval of planning commission. The next stage is New York City Council Committee meeting, on October 9, at City Hall, and then the mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office for his signature. The open meeting turnout for the bus service was well attended. Shareholders voiced all the reasons the buses should be returned to their original routes, which include the Bx26 to all 26 stops. Additional stops on the Bx38 ending at Applebeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Bx26 from Lehman College last bus ending at 11 p.m. or 11:30 p.m. Happy Birthday to all. Prayers to all who lost loved ones. Get well greetings to the sick and shut-in. If you â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Betty Leak see something, say something.

Building 30 A and B Association

October is the month that we start to collect our association dues. We will also collect candy for Halloween. Itinerary Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be collecting dues in the lobby of the A-side, Tuesday, Oct. 16, from 5 to 7 p.m. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be collecting dues in the lobby of the B-side, Thursday, Oct. 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. Our collection of Halloween candy and dues on the A-side will be Tuesday, Oct. 23, from 5 to 7 p.m. Our collection of Halloween candy and dues on the B-side will be Thursday, Oct. 25, from 5 to 7 p.m. We will have Crochet every Wednesday at 1 p.m. in the association room. Come join us for movie night on Friday, October 19, in the association room with the door opening at 7 p.m. and the movie starting at 7:30 p.m. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have fun at our Pokeno games on Friday, October 26, in the association room in the lobby of Building 30 B, with the door opening at 7 p.m. and the games starting at 7:30 p.m. Our association meeting will be on Wednesday, October 17, with the doors to the association room opening at 7 p.m. and the meeting starting 7:30 p.m. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget our great Halloween party will be Wednesday, October 31, as soon as the children come home from school. So come on down, new neighbors, and see what the association is all about. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Linda Werner

Co-op City Times / October 6, 2018

Director’s Viewpoint

Sonia Feliciano Treasurer

Dear Fellow Shareholders, We are heading into a significant election season with the general election on November 6, 2018. It is important that we make every vote count. The right to vote helps us make informed decisions on who to vote for, a right we have as citizens. You must be a registered voter to vote in the general election, but if you are not registered, you still have time to fill out an application to be received by the Board of Elections no later than October 12, 2018. Applications can be obtained by calling the Board of Elections. The primary elections held on September 13th held a lot of confusion for those like myself and many shareholders who had to vote at Truman High School. Except for one sign, there were no directional signs pointing voters to the voting location. During the day, a person was providing direction, but during

Make Every Vote Count

the evening when I went, there was no such thing. In fact, the area is extremely dark and if you are driving you can certainly miss the location. Many people did not vote and while the Board of Elections was contacted, there was no immediate response creating even more frustration from the poll workers and the voters. There should have been clear signs and/or reflectors for those individuals walking through the darkness to participate in this important process. I reached out to Antirson Ortiz of Scott Stringer’s Office who put me in contact with members of the Board of Elections. I am waiting on a response to get details on how they are going to manage this election for those who have to vote in Truman. We need clarity on how they are going to ensure that everyone who votes will know what measures are being put in place about giving direction and security, thereby ensuring that all our shareholders, and community residents get a chance to vote. We need to impress on our elected and government officials that we are important, our community is important and that our needs merit attention. Therefore, voter education, notification and dissemination is

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.

needed so that we can go to the polling station with no concerns. I will follow-up with a response. Back in the summer, I expressed concerns about the sprinkler parks water being left on all day and into the evening hours creating water waste. The goal was to have a mechanism in place to ensure that the sprinklers run on a timer when the water is pressed. Management hopes to start some of the work before it gets cold, with the expectation of all work being completed before the start of next summer. The work is extensive in that it requires electrical, plumbing, trenching and wiring. We have six sprinkler parks with two in Section Five and one each in Sections 1, 2, 3 and 4. Having a sprinkler on a timer helps conserve water during the high demand summer months ensuring that the timer is activated when being used. A thank you to the shareholder who wrote to me with the same concerns about the water waste. Caring about your community is an important part of loving where you live and being part of the solution. Thank you. Shareholders First – We Matter. You can write me @ 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY or you can call me on 917-992-7311.

Reminder — Co-op City College, Career & Resource Fair Is Today

The annual Co-op City College, Career & Resource Fair is taking place today, Saturday, October 6, at the College of New Rochelle, Co-op City Campus, 755 Co-op City Blvd., Bronx, NY 10475. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., students from 3rd – 6th Grade and their parents 10 a.m. – 2Train Robotics Team from Morris High School 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. – Grades 7-12 and adults 2:30 p.m. – Scholarships & Financial Aid Workshops This event is organized by Evelyn Turner and sponsored by the Riverbay Fund.

Building 10 Association

Co-op City Times / October 6, 2018

greetings, fellow cooperators. The following events are scheduled for the Building 10 association. New Cooperators – welcome, all new cooperators. we look forward to seeing you at the next general membership meeting on october 23, at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:45 p.m.). Medicare Updates Seminar – a seminar regarding Medicare will be held today, october 6, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Building 10 association room. This seminar will include information regarding the open enrollment period and extended care. light refreshments will be served. Halloween Candy Collection – we will be accepting candy donations for Halloween from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. in the Building 10 association room on the following dates: Tues., oct. 9 and Thurs., oct. 11; Tues., oct. 16, and Thurs., oct. 18; Tues., oct. 23 and Thurs., oct. 25. Halloween Candy Giveaway – The Halloween candy giveaway will be held on wednesday, october 31, from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. in the Building 10 association room. Mental Health Training – on october 27, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., a training session on Mental Health will be held in the Building 10 association room. This training will teach participants how to help adults experiencing anxiety, depression, psychosis, and substance use disorder. all participants must register prior to the training. Class size is limited. Participants will receive a certificate for completing the 8-hour course. light refreshments will be served. Please see the flyer in the lobby for more information. New Theatre Club – This is a social event for Building 10 cooperators. we have a limited amount of tickets to the alvin ailey american dance Theatre on dec. 22, at 2 p.m. The alvin ailey american dance Theatre is celebrating its 60th anniversary. The program will include the world’s most popular work of modern dance, Revelations. Tickets are $31.50 on a first come, first served basis. for more information, please call 718-320-2366. New Travel Group – on May 4, 2019, you are hereby invited to join us on the royal Caribbean Cruise ship – Anthem of the Seas. we will be cruising to the beautiful islands of Bermuda. The cost per person for a double occupancy, inside cabin is $948.92. The cost per person for a double occupancy, ocean view cabin is $1068.92. a deposit of $250.00 is due asaP. for more information, please call 718-320-2366. Have a great week. —Jewel Crawford-Duncan

Building 35 Association

The Building 35 association would like to welcome our members back from our summer vacation. The next meeting of the association is Monday, october 8, at 7 p.m. we are inviting all cooperators of Building 35, both members and nonmembers, to meet the new Chief of Co-op City Public safety department, Joseph riley. let’s have a good welcoming turnout for the new chief! –Bill Gordon

Drammeh Center

The Oral History Recording Project has officially launched for the community to share their experiences as original cooperators. The timeframe for this project begins with the scheduling of interviews during september – mid october, followed by audio recording by the end of october. The first target group to be interviewed will be the first families that moved in, after which, we will schedule recording sessions for the other years. If you would like to share their memories and be a part of this historic record, sign up now by sending an email to oralHistory10475@gmail.com or write to us regular post with your contacts and someone will contact you. You may also nominate individuals who you believe have experiences and perspectives to share. If you would like us to present a brief demonstrative talk with your organization about what to expect, and what types of memorabilia to bring to these recording sessions, we will be happy to do so and schedule people for interviews on site. each interviewee will be in full control of their narrative which could last anywhere from 15 minutes to one hour of sharing! The audio will be deposited at the Bronx Historical Society and submitted to the public library system for historical and genealogical research purposes, as well as other institutions. Be on the lookout for flyers in your lobbies about this once in a lifetime opportunity to define your history and add to the soundtrack of Co-op City! This activity is an initiative of the Riverbay Fund History Committee to commemorate Co-op City’s 50th Anniversary in 2019. Regular Post: drammeh Inst. & Center. P.o. Box 558, Co-op City station, Bronx, nY 10475. —Elise Edwards Throwing garbage/objects from apartment windows is unlawful, dangerous and could cause you to receive a community complaint and fine.

CO-OP CITY FOOT CARE CENTER SECTION 5 • BUILDING 29C

4240 HUTCHINSON RIVER PARKWAY EAST

(718) 671-2233 DR. LOUIS JACOBS, DIRECTOR ALL FOOT CONDITIONS TREATED

The in-office surgical correction of BUNIONS • HAMMERTOES • INGROWN TOENAILS PAINFUL CORNS and CALLOUSES

The treatment of traumatic foot injuries, heel spurs, bursitis and arthritis of the joints of the feet, toenail and skin infections, as well as other conditions.

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

Diabetic Patients with Medicare may be eligible for shoes.

Co-op City Times / October 6, 2018

Director’s Viewpoint

Mary Pearson Secretary

Water Lead-Level Scare Some Co-op citizens might have seen the September 25th News12 The Bronx segment that reported Co-op City has unhealthy lead levels in our drinking water. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) asserts that the city water supply is totally safe: “NYC has the best tap water in the nation – it is tested more than 600,000 times annually and is lead-free and meets or exceeds all health and safety regulations.” The news story goes on to say that though the source water may be fine, the connecting pipe may be the culprit, especially since privately owned homes and complexes cannot be forced to upgrade to safe pipes unless 10% of the units fail inspection. Our executive general manager Bob Klehammer jumped right on the case. His further investigation concluded that private homes in the immediate area – built before the lead pipe ban in 1961 – were the ones being repeatedly tested and found to be over the limit, not Co-op City buildings, built after the ban in 1966. I do believe Management will stay on top of this issue, but in case you want to check for yourself, the DEP offers free lead-testing kits. Google “NYC.gov lead test kit for drinking water” to be sent a kit within 10 days and results 30 days thereafter. I sent for mine on October first. Will the DEP keep to schedule? Garage Upgrade Wasn’t Director Leah Richardson’s garage viewpoint terrific? I can’t wait for the entire process to be up and running, including the universal “fob” entry into all garage doors. In the meantime, if you visit another garage before the entire system is complete, be careful. I parked in Garage 2 on Dreiser Loop recently. Its new longer-arm gate was in place. Since I didn’t have that garage door key, I had to follow

What’s New?

closely behind an entering car to scoot past the barrier fast enough to not be bopped by the closing arm. My choice was either that or limbo under it. I have since found out there’s a third choice: the garage attendant will open the front door for anyone wishing to go the safe route. Once the new door entry system is completed, visitors from the other garages will be able to choose the most convenient door to retrieve their vehicle, no longer needing to walk halfway around the building to do so. Progress! The Animal Shelter Saga Continues When we were first told, not consulted, that an animal shelter was to be built at 2050 Bartow Avenue, we organized. We were met with insults by supporters of the shelter during the first two Community Board 10 meetings; both the ad hoc meeting on May 24th and the June 18th general meeting. CB10 ruled in our no-shelter favor. Then it was on to Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. for his consideration. Once again, disrespectful commenters managed to insult and provoke us so sufficiently that we were asked to leave the proceedings. Thereafter, Mr. Diaz also sided with the Co-op City majority, voting “no” on the shelter placement. On to the NYC Planning Commission (CPC) hearing; we went. We argued the same points of increased traffic, noise and filth, and the potential of an added temptation for residents to break our no-pet rule. The Animal Care Center advocates guaranteed soundproofing would be installed, waste would be contained, two separate entrances would halve the increased traffic, and that they would not allow a person who lived in a no-pet policy building to adopt from them. Traffic-wise, a two-story building would add no more congestion than anything else built on that site, CPC pointed out. Noise-wise, a soundproofed animal shelter would cause no more sound disturbance than the long-promised youth center we preferred, they said. One commissioner wondered why we didn’t build our own youth center on our own land since we boast about having so much open space. The CPC insisted they deal solely with facts, not

emotions. Since their decision was emotion-free, we were ruled against. But emotions will rise again this Tuesday, October 9, at 2:00 p.m. when the matter moves on to the City Council for debate. I hear a bus of opposers will head to the location. We’ll have to hurry back though for the Tuesday evening MTA Fast Forward meeting. Bring Back Our Buses The MTA is reworking the bus lines. To make sure the new routes, intervals, and stops are actually improvements, riders are invited to participate in deciding those changes. Director Rod Saunders held a pre-meeting last Saturday so our community could get on the same page, suggestion–wise. The 2010 changes took away bus routes for residents in the northern areas of Co-op City causing them extra time and money. That decision has been unacceptable – and fought over – for eight years. The October 9th meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. in Bartow, room 31, gives us another chance to get those actions reversed and our lines restored. Many voices were heard at the pre-meeting regarding each of the bus lines: an Express stop on Baychester Ave. is needed, the 120th St. Express stop should be closer to 125th St., add a Soundview Ferry stop, add a midnight bus from Lehman College, put benches and shelters at every stop, they give us Staten Island’s retired buses! I, of course, added my usual call for an unrestricted Senior Fair Fare. Aside from individual tweaks, we’re in accord on the important issue: In the words of the Lil’ Abner ditty, “Bring ‘em back, the way they was.” Upcoming Excitement News: The 3rd Annual Women’s March on D.C. is scheduled for January 19th. But before that… if you know any youngsters who’ll be turning 18 by November 6th, tell them to make sure they register to vote by the Friday, October 12th deadline. And speaking of October, let’s start planning for Halloween. Make every lobby a trick-or-treat destination! mpearson@riverbayboard.com, 718-219-2211.

Building 13 Association

Co-op City Times / October 6, 2018

Thank you and kudos to our guest speaker at our recent building meeting. Sales Director McNeill did an awesome job and provided answers to cooperators’ questions regarding the move-in and move process, succession rights and transfer policy. What an awesome meeting of Women Keeping It Real last Saturday. It was interesting and insightful, especially discussing the current hearings and what we, as women, face and must do and teach our daughters/granddaughters. Thank you to CaSpanish for the delicious food. It provided a great welcome back celebration. We need every available person to represent the Co-op City community at the upcoming City Council Public Hearing on Tuesday, October 9, at 2:00 p.m. Riverbay is providing transportation. The bus will leave from Bartow Avenue near the old Bingo Hall (next to Sangria) at approximately 11:00 a.m. If you want to attend, please contact the management office at 347-913-4224 and ask to speak to Jessica Felice or Sharan White, or email, jfelice@riverbayboard.com. To be included, just leave your name, address and telephone number. The 7th Annual College, Career and Resource Fair is being held today, Saturday, October 6. It is being held at the College of New Rochelle, 755 Co-op City Blvd. (near MCU and in the area of National Wholesale Liquidators). Youth from 3rd to 6th grades from 9:30 to noon, will enjoy the ROBOTIC Team (10 a.m.). They will have robots they built that won them several awards. Grades 712, including adults, especially 21 and older, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., should attend. There is something for everyone, CUNY, SUNY and HBCU’s. The scholarship and Financial Aid workshops begin at 2:30 p.m. You call Maintenance when you have a problem in your home, but do you call when there is a problem in the building or do you assume someone else will call? Recently, upon exiting the elevator, getting ready to leave, I came upon a situation and was pleased to see several people on their phone. When I inquired, I was delighted to find they were reporting the issue. Take the time and do this outside of your unit; when you see something, call and say something. I will keep reminding you until we get it right!! New York City has a leash and curb your dog law and so does Co-op City. With that being said, we ask that you be considerate of your neighbors and curb and pick-up after your dog. Curb does not mean under the portico or in the grass, and remember, your dog should be on a leash at all times. Checks for Building 13 events should be made payable to Building 13 Assoc. Inc. and mailed to 100 Casals Place #32K, Bronx, NY 10475. Contacts: Gail Sharbaan, treasurer, at 718-671-3801, or Leslie Peterson at 718-320-1370 (daddpeterson@aol.com). Our website is http://www.bldg13assoc.com or email us atbthirteen.assoc@yahoo.com. Thanks for making our team work. —Leslie Peterson

Co-op City Barbershop and Hair Salon ALL STYLES Haircuts:

Professional Stylists for Men, Women and Children Shave European Caesar Cut Regular Cut Fade Wash & Set Color

Tape-Up Flat Top Crew Cut Afros Spike Mohawk

Cuts Highlights

Keratin Relaxer

Welcome to Maria’s Nails Manicure • Pedicure • Gel • Powder for Men & Women Eyebrow Threading

Watch and Battery Repairs No Appointment Necessary. OPEN: Monday - Saturday 8:45 a.m. - 6 p.m. 133A Dreiser Loop (Across from DAL Hardware)

718-671-9505 Se Habla Español

Co-op City Toastmasters Club

Greetings, friends, neighbors and members. The Co-op City Toastmasters is open for business and we welcome you to visit and join us as we help and promote one another in the quest to improve our speaking and leadership skills. Come out any 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the Bartow Center here in Co-op City. Our meetings this month are Oct. 4 and Oct. 18. Please mark your calendar and plan to come. Won’t you join us? Congrats to the Jones twin sisters – Dianne and Debra (pictured at right) – who were honored at the Williamsburg NAACP’s 60th Anniversary Freedom Fund Gala on Friday, September 28, at the Eastwood Manor. Over 15 years ago, these two young ladies, recognizing a need for a community-based organization such as Toastmasters International, banded together with eighteen other progressive and visionary individuals to charter the Co-op City Toastmasters Club. Today, they and our club are still going and going and going, helping Dianne and Debra Jones hundreds of everyday community folks. These sisters exemplify the benefits of belonging to Toastmasters: a program designed to help you succeed and exceed. We are very proud of them upon receiving this well-deserved Achievement Award. You too can put this program to your benefit at work, as well as play. Good communication is not an option and now, in this millennium, more than ever. Think, is there a particular aspect of your speaking in public skills or otherwise that you want to improve upon? C’mon out to a meeting and talk to us about it. We are here to help non-judgmentally. For more information, please go to Toastmasters46.org or Toastmasters.org. —L. Jaysura

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

Co-op City Times / October 6, 2018

Negotiating with MTA

Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan, Cesar Chavez, Desmond Tutu, Fidel Castro, Arundhati Roy and Nelson Mandela. Francine Reva Jones A quote from The New York Times states, The Assistant Secretary Riverside Church has been, “a stronghold of activism and political debate throughout its 75-year history ... influential on the nation’s religious and political Kudos to Director Rod Saunders and his Legisla- landscapes.” It has been a focal point of global and tive Committee for the community dialogue last Sat- national activism since its inception. My hero was urday regarding the restoration and improvement of the former Cuban President, Fidel Castro, due to his Co-op City’s bus routes. Many cooperators spoke of leadership in actively supporting the elimination of their concerns about the lack of timely bus service, the racist South African apartheid system. Thanks to transfers points, shelters, filthiness, and more. A former US President Barack Obama for normalizing meeting with representatives of the Metropolitan relations with the Cuban government. I trust that Transit Authority is scheduled Tuesday, October 9, at these relations will continue. 6:00-8:00 p.m. in Bartow Center, room 31. It is The UN Charter sets out four main purposes for important that you attend. the United Nations: (i) Maintaining worldwide peace Animal Shelter and security; Also on Tuesday, October 9, at 2:00 p.m., the City (ii) Developing relations among nations; (iii) FosCouncil will hold a Public Hearing of the Land Use tering cooperation between nations in order to solve Subcommittee where Councilman Andy King says economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian internahe will continue to support our community’s position. tional problems; and (iv) Providing a forum for That is, to reject the building of an animal shelter on bringing countries together to meet the UN’s purBartow Avenue. Cooperators need to be there in large numbers to reiterate and re-enforce our position. We need a youth center; not an animal shelter. We will meet at 11:00 a.m. at the former Bingo Hall on Bartow Avenue. Make your reservation ASAP by calling (347) 913-4224. College Fair Be sure to inform or take your children and grandchildren to the Co-op City College, Career & Resource Fair today, Saturday, October 6, 9:00 a.m.5:00 p.m. at the College of New Rochelle, Co-op City Campus, 755 Co-op City Blvd., Bronx, NY 10475. Children from third grade (9 a.m.-12 p.m.) through high school (12-5 p.m.) are welcome to attend. Disabilities And Accommodations Committee (DAAC) The DAAC and the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, in collaboration with Sen. Jamaal T. Bailey, will present the NYC Disabilities Expo on Sunday, October 14th, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., in Einstein Community Center, room 45. The theme: “Building Inclusionary Bridges Through the Arts.” There will be exhibitors displaying goods and services; information about our Speaker Series, including Alzheimer, Mental Health and Disaster Preparedness; Clinics & Workshops, including wheel chair and functional needs seminars; Interactive Arts, including performing and visual arts. So, please mark the date and plan to attend. Your Vote Counts The General Election will take place on November 6th, only a month away. Some voting sites have been changed for Co-op City residents, but I hope that during the recent primary elections on September 13th, all residents are aware of where your voting places are located. You may check your voting site at: www.vote.nyc.ny.us, or call the Bronx Board of Elections at 718-299-9017. On November 6th, you will be voting for candidates for the U.S. Senate, the House, the Governor, Attorney General of N.Y., Lieutenant Governor, N.Y. Senate District 36, N.Y. State Assembly District 82, and NYC Civil Court Judge. The candidates are listed at www.ballotpedia.org. NAACP Awards Event Congratulations to all the awardees at the 4th Annual Community Service Awards on September 22nd. I celebrated my birthday that evening and I thank all my guests for attending and for your gifts. Special thanks are extended to the NAACP executive board, including Jerome Rice, Bill Gordon, Brenda Brown and Diane Rodriguez for making it so fantastic. All residents are welcome to join the NAACP Co-op City Branch that meets on the third Sunday of the month at 3:00 p.m., Einstein Center, 2nd floor. For more information, call 718-320-3210. United Nations The 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly convened last week. There were several demonstrations at 47th Street & First Avenue by people raising their voices and advocating for the poorer nations of our world. Last year, I was honored to meet and greet then President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, who served as Prime Minister from 19801987 and as President from 1987 until 2018 when a presidential election was held on July 30, 2018. The newly elected leader is President H.E. Emmerson D. Mnangagwa. We wish him well and success with urging the US to lift the sanctions on Zimbabwe. Several cooperators also attended The Riverside Church on September 26th to greet Cuba’s new President, Miguel Díaz-Canel. It was a rewarding experience to see thousands of folks who gathered to welcome him. We were informed of other notable speakers over the years, including Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rev. Jesse Jackson, Bill Clinton,

Director’s Viewpoint

poses and goals. To be successful, I believe that there should be no wars and no walls. To be successful, citizens should not have to leave their home country to migrate elsewhere for a peaceful quality of life. The UN should help to stabilize these countries. Member nations need to do better. Board Meeting If you did not attend the September 12th Open Board meeting, you have an opportunity to view the broadcast on Sunday, October 7, at 4:00-10:00 p.m. on Channel 591 on Optimum or Channel 12 on MATV. A Documentary You may be interested in viewing Michael Moore’s “Fahrenheit 11/9.” Check your local movie listing. Building Associations Please attend your building association meetings. It is where you can meet and greet your neighbors, as well as obtain important information about your building and our community. Should you have concerns that you want to discuss, you may contact me at: fjones@riverbayboard.com or 718-671-5957.

Co-op City Times / October 6, 2018

Velocity Track Club New York

On Sunday, September 30, Velocity Track Club New York competed in the 2018 USATF New York Cross Country Series – Meet #2 at Van Cortland Park. There were approximately 568 athletes competing in this competitive event. The top 15 in each age division received medals (*15-16, 17-18, and open/masters was scored as one age division). In the Novice race, the top three received awards. Velocity Track Club had 18 athletes competing and we were blessed to receive six medals. This was a great accomplishment, but more important, we had eight athletes break their personal record. With continuous improvement, we will have more athletes earning medals. The following VTC athletes received a medal and/or broke their Personal Record: In the 8 & under age division, (Girls) Cameron Joseph took 7th place in her 1st 1.2-mile (2k) race. (Boys) Justice Wellington took 5th place. In the 9 & 10 age division, (Girls) Ryan Joseph took 11th in the 1.8 mile (3k) in a time of 13:54 minutes. She took 41 seconds off her previous best time. (Boys) Pierce Parker took 4th in the 1.8-mile race with time of 11:31, taking 25 seconds off his personal record. In the 13 & 14 age division (Girls) Patience Burgess took 13th and (Boys) Dontae Lindo took 4th in 4k (2.5 mile) race. Adeyemi Senior broke his PR (personal record) by 37 seconds. Shyenne Blake PR by 24 seconds, Hannah Deflorimonte PR by 8 seconds. Julain Caldwell PR by 30 seconds and Jada Clark PR by 11 seconds. Congratulations to all who competed.

Co-op City Sports

Building 25 Association

Our next meets will be on Saturday, October 6, at the 2018 USATF New York XC Series #3 (Borough/County Championship) and Sunday, October 7, the Rising New York Road Runners at Harry Murphy Cross Country meet. Come out to 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 towards helping our children. Help support our youth so that they can continue to do great things! For additional information, you can go to our website, Velocitytrack.org, or contact Coach Winston Dinkins at 914-441-6196 or via email, watclt@aol.com. —Winston Dinkins Velocity Track Club medalists from the 2018 USATF New York XC Meet #2.

Building 21 Association

We would like to follow up with the suggestion of possibly getting a bus that Never Underestimate Our Worth will take us to and from Marina Del Rey, on December 10, by obtaining a conIn the movie, The Imitation Game, there is a line that really stood out to us, sensus of the people interested. I will be in the lobby on Sunday, October 7, from which we discussed at one of our Think Tank sessions: Sometimes it’s the people 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a signature sheet. Please stop by or if you see a no one imagines anything of, who do the things that no one can imagine.” We building association member, let them know and your name will be added to the discussed it as a reminder of two things. sheet. One: We should never underestimate people. We should never pre-judge The neighbors in Building 25 approached Carol Eilets, our treasurer, to another person’s abilities. So often in life, it is those you might never expect that express their gratitude and thanks to Mr. Ray Kenny, the section Maintenance end up changing the world. Two: In addition to not discounting the worth of others, we all need to be caresupervisor, for following up with the neighbors who voiced their issues in their ful to never discount our own worth. Too often, we underestimate our own abilapartments in our first monthly meeting. During the days after our meeting, as ities. We assume things are too hard, or above our capacity to handle. We stop promised, Mr. Kenny visited every apartment he noted was problematic. Our next meeting has been rescheduled for October 23, at 7:30 p.m. If you ourselves from trying new things out of fear that we are not someone who could cannot make it to meetings due to scheduling or other obstacles in your way, accomplish it. We don’t give ourselves the credit that we may be, that we are, the people, the community, that can, do things that no one can imagine. please send an email to: building25ca@gmail.com and address your emails to THINK TANK at Building 21 is in session every Friday, 8:30-10 p.m., any or all members of Building 25 Association. Friendly reminder, our building except Christmas and New Year’s Day. This is where we develop each other’s annual dues are $5.00 per family. We would like to thank the residents who have ideas and never underestimate them. We meet in the gathering room in the rear paid their annual dues. Dues are collected at our monthly meetings by Carol of the B-Section. Eilets, treasurer, or Celeste Stukes, asst. treasurer. I will close with the following quote: Someone is sitting in the shade today The Section 4 Partnership of Co-op City is planning our 2nd Christmas because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” —Warren Buffett “Surprise” Extravaganza and activities for the remainder of 2018. The date is —Wanda Bailey Friday, December 14. The Section 4 Partnership meets every Friday, 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. in “The Gathering Room” in the rear lobby of Building 21B (120 Bellamy Loop). Floor Captains are an Absolute Necessity In Every Building — Thanks to Our first general membership meeting of the new season is scheduled for the cooperators of Building 21 who have stepped up to the plate and volunteered October 18. The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. and is held in our association room, to be Floor Captain for their floor. You are truly appreciated. We need more vollocated in Building 32B, first floor rear. Our special guest will be Ms. Mary Pearunteers. son, one of the newest Riverbay Board members. Ms. Pearson is articulate, All we ask of anyone kind enough to be a Floor Captain is as follows: 1. CONTACT NUMBERS (For your floor only). List all emergency contact proactive, and well-informed about Co-op City issues. There will be time for numbers and distribute to each neighbor questions and answers. You owe it to yourself to attend this meeting. There will 2. CO-OP CITY TIMES - Place them at each apartment door. (Delivered on be a fifty-fifty, door prizes, and light refreshments. Everyone is welcome; we Saturdays). look forward to welcoming our new cooperators. 3. ELEVATOR NOTICES - Read them and talk to your neighbors about The executive board of our building is in dire need of new members. The time them. commitments are minimal; one hour a month for the executive board meeting and less than two hours when a general membership meeting occurs. Please con4. PROMOTE: MEETINGS, CLUBS AND GATHERINGS tact our president, Ms. Bailey, at (718) 379-7754 for further information. 5. ENCOURAGE YOUR NEIGHBORS TO:VOTE – VOTE – VOTE! IN —Lorna Smith THE RIVERBAY ELECTION • MAKE CALLS TO THE RIVERBAY OFFICES: SECURITY 718-671-3050; CSO OFFICES 718-320-3300 Our next 21 Association gathering will be October 25…If you have questions regarding The 21 Association, EMAIL: 21association@gmail.com. No Standing/Parking CALL: 347.504.1821. ATTEND the monthly meetings held every 4th Thursday In Dumpster Pads in “The Gathering Room” in the rear of the B-section at 7 p.m. All monies collected (i.e., annual dues, etc.) are installed in the association’s bank account. Shareholders are reminded that there is no Don’t wait until something catastrophic happens or we are about to lose standing or parking in the dumpster pads. something before you get involved in this gem of a community. Come join us at These areas are strictly for the use of Riverbay Building 21 anytime. Each one of us, multiplied by all of us, equals A FORCE Corporation vehicles. All unauthorized vehicles FOR GOOD. will be towed at vehicle owners’ expense. See you around the neighborhood! Thank you for your cooperation. —Michelle Marbury

Building 32 Association

Co-op City Times / October 6, 2018

Be Prepared For That MTA Bus Meeting

On a possible good note, the MTA is going to: activists are doing across the country when they “Install modern bus shelters that include real-time march at their political events? They’re screaming: information and are fully accessible for customers “Wait till November. Wait till November. Wait till with disabilities. …” So, we need to ask them if those November.” So, they’re determined to get more peomodern bus shelters will be placed in Co-op City. ple to vote. And, they’re determined to vote out We’ve reached out to the MTA on many occasions everyone that they don’t like in November. The MTA placed an ad in our paper last week, about our bus service. But, the MTA has never Similarly, we need to get more of our residents to September 29, that stated: ‘Fast Forward: Bronx Bus offered to restore the prior routes of our buses. So, vote. Then, we need to hold politicians accountable Network Redesign Workshops.’ Now, some people should we get optimistic and assume that they’re when they go against the overall will of our community. might think that this workshop is going to improve going to improve our bus service throughout our Alleged Burglary our bus service here. But, as you’ll see, they could be community? A cooperator called me recently and alleged that in for a surprise. Some people might think that the answer is yes. her apartment was just burglarized. Thereafter, she What Improvements? However, they should keep in mind that the MTA has allegedly reported that burglary only to the NYPD. If you have last week’s paper, you’ll see that the claimed that their overall bus ridership has dropped So, the NYPD will pursue this matter. Previously, MTA only took out a ¼ page ad that stated: “Join us! over the past few years. So, they’ve lost a lot of some cooperators admitted that they didn’t lock their Your input will help redesign Bronx bus service for money on their buses. And, several articles reveal door when they went out for a short trip. But, that’s the 21st century.” That was good, right? Well, maybe. that their officials think that lots of people have sim- not the best way to protect your apartment. However, please go online and type in: ‘Fast For- ply stopped riding their buses. So, I want to encourage everyone to please lock ward: Bronx Bus Network Redesign Workshops’ so But, the real problem is that some riders are so dis- your door whenever you go to the lobby, the laundry that you can see a few things that were left out of that respectful that they refuse to pay their fare when they room, and anywhere else. Also, please call our Public small print advertisement. get on a bus. And, to avoid a senseless and possible Safety Department at 718-671-3050 if you see suspiOne point involves a redesign of the routes: “The violent encounter, lots of drivers will not confront cious activity in your building. Thank you. redesigns will include redrawing routes, considering these riders. Moreover, some district attorneys are Home Camera Catches Criminals new types of service, and rewriting schedules.” The refusing to prosecute some fare beating cases unless Two burglars went to a home that was supposedly routes for several of our buses were previously the accused person poses a threat to the public’s being ‘guarded’ by two large dogs. One dog was at redrawn. So, are you comfortable with their new safety. the front door barking and the other dog was on top statement? If yes, then, how did their previous “My office has made criminal justice reform and of a couch barking through the window. Then, as changes work out for us? reducing unnecessary incarceration among its high- soon as the front door opened, the dog that was near Another point to consider is that the MTA is going est priorities,” stated Manhattan DA Cy Vance. “The the door ran away. Unafraid, the burglars walked in to: “reduce travel times, including eliminating under- NYPD can and should continue to enforce these and both dogs followed them around while barking. utilized stops and consolidating closely-spaced bus offenses through its routine enforcement, and we are Then, out of complete fear, both of those large stops.” Now, did we ever lose a few stops before, like monitoring this closely to ensure that anyone who dogs turned around and jumped on the couch. And, on the bx26 or bx28 buses? And, based on that fact, poses a public safety threat will continue to be prose- that’s when the homeowner used her phone to comdo you think that we could possibly lose a few stops cuted.” municate with her camera. “Get out of my house,” in the future? Bottom line: We now have additional information she said. Scared, the burglars fled and were later As you can see, these issues were never disclosed about the MTA and the way that they have conducted arrested. in the small ¼ page advertisement that was placed in business with us. So, I believe that we can listen to their Close the Co-op City Times. So, we need to have a discus- presentation and then make accurate comments about The meeting with the MTA is on Tuesday, October sion with the MTA about these matters when we meet their upcoming plans. Thereafter, I hope that they will 9, 2018, at 6 p.m. in Bartow. with them on Tuesday, October 9, 2018. listen to our comments and then make some good deciThank you. sions about improving Questions or comments? Please send a letter to: our bus service. Daryl H. Johnson, Riverbay Board Director, c/o Animal Shelter Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, Can you believe that NY 10475. Special Guest Speaker - Save the Date this nonsense with this Also, please call me at 718-671-4544 if you would We met many interesting and exciting people throughout this campaign season, animal shelter is still on like to have a discussion with me. Okay, that’s it for from campaign managers to media personalities to candidates. One of those interthe table? Look, do you now. So, please have a wonderful week. And, may esting and exciting people was news anchor Ray Raimundi. We’ve invited Mr. know what energized God bless you and your family. Thank you. Raimundi to be our first speaker of the season to discuss his career and perhaps offer some tips on breaking into the biz. (Alert the kids with journalistic and media aspirations!) Mr. Raimundi did a masterful job moderating our Candidates’ Forums in June and again in August. He’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes stories and information at our October 23rd meeting. The Co-op City Working Families Mission As a political party, Working Families works to elect the most progressive candidates possible who Family Owned and Operated will stand in the way of all regressive legislation. • Large Chapel • Pre-need counseling As a civic action group, Co-op City Indivisible on premises (an aspiring Co-op City certified community organi• Out of town services zation) promotes progressive causes. • Ample Parking on premises As Co-op City WF/Indivisible members, we do A dignified funeral every family can afford. • Cremations both. We embrace progressive values by modeling • Casket Showroom inclusion, respect, and fairness in all of our actions; All areas are handicapped accessible on premises we work to make Co-op City a stronger community; and we insist our representatives serve as our voice Personalized & Professional Care • 52 Years Serving Our Community in Co-op City, in the Bronx, in Albany, and in WashWorldwide Shipping including Caribbean, Africa & South America ington, D.C. Get Involved! Remember, you don’t have to have a job or a family to join us, you can be single and retired and still join Working Families/Indivisible Co-op City. All progressives are welcome. Next Meeting Serving all Call Working Families meetings (except for Decemcultures 24 ber) will now be held on the fourth Tuesday of each NOW WEBCASTING TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS ABROAD & faiths Hours month. We want your presence and your ideas more than we want your dues. Come Tuesday, October 23, www.mccalls.net • director@mccalls.net to Section 5, Einstein Center, room 35, at 7 p.m. for 4035 Bronxwood Avenue, Bronx, N.Y. progressive camaraderie, Ray Raimundi, and cake. —Mary Pearson

Director’s Viewpoint

Daryl Johnson

Co-op City Working Families

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

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Co-op City Times / October 6, 2018

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Co-op City Times / October 6, 2018

City Council Public Hearing – GET ON THE BUS!

Director’s Viewpoint

Leslie Peterson

Animal Shelter – JOIN US AS WE GET ON THE BUS… and travel to City Hall. The City Council will be holding a Public Hearing on Tuesday, October 9, at 2:00 p.m. The bus will leave from Bartow Avenue near the old Bingo Hall (next to Sangria) at approximately 11:00 a.m. This will give us plenty of time to arrive, go through security and sign up to speak. Most important is the strength we show in numbers. There will be people from outside of our community voicing their opinions and we must voice ours. Each person filling out an appearance form at a public hearing required pursuant to section 1 97-d of the City Charter shall be given the opportunity to speak. The members of the Land Use Committee presiding at a public hearing of the Land Use Committee or a subcommittee may establish a time limit for all members of the public speaking at such hearing. If you want to attend, please contact the management office at 347-913-4224 or 718-320-3300 and ask to speak to Jessica Felice or Sharan White or email jfelice@riverbayboard.com. To be included, just leave your name, address and telephone number. This year, we have faced several challenges and as a community, we rallied together and have been successful. While we may not always prevail, at the end of the day we can say we did our best. We have appeared at each step of the process and as it nears the end, let’s stay vigilant! Collectively, we must make sure our voices are heard. Collectively, we must show we are a force to be reckoned with. Col-

lectively, we must show we will not be ignored. Council members throughout the city must hear what we have to say about our community. They need to see and understand our councilman is speaking for us and we appreciate his efforts. Thus far, our Community Board 10 has stood with us; the Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. has stood with us, our councilman has pledged to stand with us and now we need his fellow members to stand with him. After the City Council votes, the proposal will go to the Mayor’s office. A Mayor’s vote can be overturned by a 2/3 vote of the Council. Let’s hope that is not needed, but if so, a lasting impression on the Council at this hearing will be helpful if the proposal has to return to them. The hope is that the Mayor sees things our way. Customer Service – One of the most frustrating experiences is making a call for service and no one answers the phone. Then after waiting for an answer, being placed on hold for long periods of time, then afterwards being told you have to contact a different department for your service. By the time you speak to someone, $#!^#@! has set in. Discussions are underway for a call center. It is equally as frustrating to have to go through a series of prompts so it will be helpful for a human voice to be on the other end answering the call. How many times will I have to repeat my concern? If the call center workers are fully knowledgeable about all areas of sales and service, they should be able to refer your call and your concern should you have to be transferred. We will also have to monitor several areas of the calls received to make sure we are providing better and efficient customer service. Many companies give you the option of leaving a call-back number. If provided this option and we are promised a call back within an hour, we must make sure this option is adhered to or it will not be utilized. I am hopeful this

Broun Place Townhouse Association

Your vote counts. Election Day is November 6! This weekend, enjoy the Columbus Day commemoration. Check out the Bronx Zoo and the NYBG for special events. Join us November 7th for our next meeting. Bring your questions and issues and get to know your Broun Place neighbors. Last week, we spoke about our Public Safety problems: prohibited use of the private path from Broun Place down to Asch Loop/Adler Place; double parking; lawful oversight of Garage 6; occasional groups of teens threatening property through Broun Place; destruction of private property, dogs and renewal of foot patrols during busy hours especially. This week, I was happy to see Public Safety on foot in Broun Place. Thank you for this response. Clearly, newly appointed Chief Riley has begun to investigate our issues. Although down about 25 officers, some changes are visible. Again, congratulations, to the Public Safety Department and good luck to Chief Riley. Our annual association dues of $12 can be paid at a meeting or any time. Consensus to having a trip has been positive so we will investigate that further. Saturday, the 29th, I attended the MTA “open” meeting for getting your ideas, problems, and solutions heard. You could tell how important this issue is by the attendance. Thank you, Rod Saunders, for organizing the meeting and Board members for showing up. Some of the suggestions were really important. Hope to see you on the bus next Tuesday. In case you haven’t heard, Broun Place

Townhouse Association is announcing that thanks to our state assemblyperson, Michael Benedetto, a “work order” has been confirmed for the creation of the long awaited official NYS street signage identifying Broun Place and Bellamy Loop corners. When it is erected, it will be a great accomplishment and confirmation for Broun Place and Bellamy Loop. Broun Place will be able to identify the corner of Bellamy and Broun Place! Thanks to our Executive Board for their support in this pursuit. Neighbors, keep your eyes out for two red motor bikes using our Broun to Adler Pl. path as their thoroughfare. The bikes are illegally using this private path. Report it, if you witness them! Thank you to Building and Grounds for continuing overseeing “pond Broun Place.” This is an ongoing commitment here. The Grounds department is committed to keeping the area clear of water in the cul-de-sac. Again, congratulations, Director Michael Ambo for his confirmation as director of the Grounds department. Although we still have a touch of summer, autumn has begun, so get the sweaters, scarves and hats ready. Plus, it is time to get that Flu Shot. There are many places one can go, including some right here in our community. Best wishes and hope for those under the weather to get well. To gain information on Co-op City, read the Co-op City Times! Finally, Happy Birthday #5 to one of my loves, grandson Antonio. —Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

is the beginning of better customer service. College and Resource Fair – is being held today, October 6, at the College of New Rochelle, located at 755 Co-op City Boulevard. The information provided for you will be bountiful. Check your lobby bulletin board for special times. The Hispanic Heritage Month celebration held last Sunday on September 30th was very entertaining. It was a joy celebrating the diversity that is Co-op City. Kudos to the Spanish American Community Club for a job well done. Food Pantry – I am inspired and hopeful that progress will be made allowing us to resume the food pantry service that was disrupted during the diner fire in Dreiser. Thanksgiving is around the corner and many families can use the assistance the food pantry provides not only during holidays, but throughout the year. Tickets for the Co-op City 50th Anniversary Gala event on December 10, at the Marina del Rey are on sale. SCRIE and DRIE shareholder tickets will be discounted. Information will soon be available for those who would like to have their organization or building acknowledged in the Anniversary Journal. Please see your bulletin board for information regarding the gala tickets and journal information. What the country and we, as a Board, can embrace is the ability to fight vigorously for what we believe and still be comrades. We have so much more in common and should give each other the benefit of the presumption that we all love our home. “You must never be fearful about what you do when it’s right.” —Rosa Parks I am always interested in hearing your thoughts. I can be reached by mail at: Leslie Peterson, Riverbay Board Director, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bx, NY 10475, Tel. at 718-320-1370, or email at lpeterson@riverbayboard.com.

Building 9 Association

Greetings, Building 9 family. Our September Association meeting was informative. Our guest speakers were two of the NYPD Neighborhood Coordination Officers, P.O. Griesinger and P.O. Cassells, from the 45th Pct. They spoke with us about our concerns and their mission to be a presence, and make a difference, in our community. They distributed business cards to our members. You may contact them directly with your ongoing concerns and/or complaints. Remember, you have the right and the obligation to contact CCPD and NYPD with any concern, at any time. Please continue to contact CCPD for emergencies as they have a faster response time. Do not permit yourself to be intimidated by those who do wrong. Your safety and quality of life is at stake. Be vigilant. Game night: Canceled. Please accept my apology. Everything was ready. Then, the leak happened. The Animal Shelter Hearing at the City Council Chambers is scheduled for Tuesday, October 9, at 2 p.m. We have a bus to transport shareholders departing from Bartow Avenue. The MTA pre-meeting was well attended by Building 9 shareholders. Thank you. The MTA Planning meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 9. As I suggested at our meeting last week, please support both events. If not, pick the most convenient or most passionate issue. Attend. Speak. Support. Calling all residents born between 1920 and 1950. The Building 9 Association, in collaboration with, and with the

support of a Neighborhood Grant sponsored by the Citizens Committee of New York, will host our very first Senior Residents Engagement Project Oral History event on October 29. The project has as its core mission to include, involve, engage and to enrich the lives of our most senior residents, especially those who may feel isolated, lonely, depressed or those who just don’t get out to socialize like they used to. Stroll with us down your own personal memory lane as you share your life and times. We will present visual aids in the form of pictorial books featuring people, places and events from the 1920s through the 1950s, as well as vintage signs to stimulate your memory and assist you on your journey. You will be able to share stories that only you and a precious few others are still around to recall and that your children and grandchildren have long tired of hearing. You will hear the life stories of others, which are not very different from your own. Come out and get to know who your neighbors really are. You will find that we all have a lot more in common than we have differences. Please see our flyers and our articles. Be on the look-out for project flyers under your doors, and please answer as we go door-to-door to encourage you to participate. The second project event Show & Tell is to be held on Saturday, November 3. Please join us. “Invisible wounds are the hardest to heal. Their closure requires others, patience and, most of all, time.” —Jennifer Lee Worth —Linda Collins

Co-op City Times / October 6, 2018

Greetings, neighbors. It’s fall, kids are back in school and our association is back to business. The association thanks the Board’s First Vice President Bernie Cylich, our Guest Speaker at our General Association Meeting that was held Friday, September 28. The shareholders were quite engaged as Bernie provided a wealth of knowledge and history about Co-op City. Bernie assured the shareholders that the 160 elevators are to be upgraded; an EZ-Pass type gate system is being installed in Garages 2 & 3 with the other garages to follow; the Chevron lobbies pilot program in Bldg. 15A looks very nice, and 19 more Chevrons lobbies are to be upgraded. A muchneeded new system for the convectors has been looked at. Bernie, we appreciate you taking out time to share with the cooperators some promising good news. Many cooperators attended the pre-MTA meeting chaired by Board Director Rod Saunders on Saturday, September 29, at Dreiser. Mr. Saunders reminded the cooperators that Co-op City had the best bus service prior to 2010. The new director of MTA decided to rearrange the bus routes. The consensus is to return Bus Bx26, Bx28 and QBx1 buses to its original routes. A cooperator expressed that Sect. 1 and 2 is deprived of the bus services for over 5,000 cooperators. There were a few requests for the Bx26

Building 27 Association

hours to be extended to midnight to accommodate Lehman College students. There were many complaints and suggestions. MTA Fast Forward Redesign Workshops – are scheduled for six locations throughout the borough of the Bronx asking for the people’s input to help redesign Bronx bus service. October 9 – Mark your calendar. The MTA workshop will be here at Bartow, rm. 31, 6-8 p.m., so have your suggestions/solutions ready regarding Buses Bx 23, Bx26, Bx28, Bx30 and Express Bus M7. Notification – The City Council will hold a Public Hearing on the proposed animal shelter on Oct. 9, 2 p.m. at City Hall in Manhattan. A Riverbay-Supported Bus … will be available to take cooperators to the hearing. Please call 347913-4224 and leave your name and phone number for a seat.

We have to stand together as a community for what we need. Be sure to attend the Public Hearing at City Hall and the MTA Workshop. General Election – Nov. 6; you still can mail in your registration which must be postmarked no later than Oct. 12, and received by the Board of Elections by October 17, to be eligible to vote in this General Election. In person registration at local board of elections for the Bronx, 1780 Grand Concourse; 718299-9017. Pass The Word … to high school graduates and college students, etc. Try online registration. Please follow-up to make sure you are registered. Happy Birthday to those celebrating during this month, and the best of health to all. Contact Lydia Rondon at (718) 583-3040 to share news of any sickness or if a neighbor has deceased. —H. Overman

Safety News Alert

“Smoke Detector User Guide” Working Smoke Detectors Save Lives

1. Required to test your smoke detector once a month using the test button 2. Vacuum the smoke detector every 6 months. Do not clean smoke detector with any harsh chemicals. Keep cobwebs away. 3. Never paint smoke detectors or attach any

stickers or decorations. 4. Smoke detectors with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke detector. 5. Smoke detectors with any other type battery needs a new battery every six months. (Change clock–change batteries.) If that alarm chirps, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away. 6. Do not install smoke detector outside kitchen, bathroom or near HVAC supply or window. Follow manufacturer installation guidelines —Safety Department

CSO Contact Numbers

Cooperators who live in Buildings 1-14, may contact CSO 1 in Dreiser, Room 6, at (718) 320-3300, and follow the prompts.

CSO 2 covers Buildings 15-25 and is located in the Bartow Community Center, Room B. The office may be contacted by calling (718) 320-3300, and follow the prompts.

CSO 3 covers Buildings 26-35 and is located in Room 37 in the Einstein Center. The office can be reached by calling (718) 320-3300 and follow the prompts.

NOW OPEN

PRIMAR RY CARE / GYN Y & PHYSICAL THERAPPY JUST WALK WALK IN OR CALL FOR AN A PPOINTTMENT (347) 843 -7760 CO-OP CITY ~ 120 BENCHLEY PL, BRONX NY 10475 ~ BUILDING 24, GROUND FLOOR O MEDICARE / MEDICAID & MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED

O P E N 7 D AY S A W E E K

Co-op City Times / October 6, 2018

Director’s Viewpoint

Cheryl Jenkins

It is important to support Co-op City’s local community events. By taking part in community events in the areas in which we reside, we show our commitment to improving the quality of life of those around us. On Saturday, September 29, the Legislative Committee held an open forum for cooperators. This forum was an opportunity for residents to express

Opportunities

Support Means A Lot

their opinions, complaints and concerns regarding MTA issues in Co-op City. As we prepare for the upcoming MTA Redesign Workshop, this meeting was very important. Thank you to all the cooperators who took the time to come out and express their concerns. There was a consensus among attendees that all buses should travel within all five sections, cleaner and timelier buses are needed as well. Increase the frequency of buses. For example, the BX23 that traveled from Section 3 to Pelham Bay was very helpful during the morning rush hour. Too often during morning rush hour, the Q50 and the BX23 are overcrowded. By the time it reaches Bay-

chester and Donizetti down to Bartow and Edson, the buses are too crowded to get on. It is important that we show up in vast numbers and tell the MTA that we deserve the same level of service that is provided to people in Riverdale and in lower Manhattan. Again, thank you to all the cooperators who attended the forum. Let’s continue the support in the community. Come out and bring a neighbor to the MTA Redesign Workshop on Tuesday, October 9, in Bartow Center from 6 – 8 p.m. I can be reached at cjenkins@riverbayboard .com.

(Continued from page 7)

(Continued on page 34)

Co-op City Times / October 6, 2018

Resolutions

(Continued from page 6)

Second Reading – Resolution # 18-32 SUBMITTED BY: Leah Richardson SECONDED BY: Francine Jones BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: October 3rd, 2018

Second Reading - Resolution # 18-30 SUBMITTED BY: Junius Williams SECONDED BY: Kevin Lambright BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING: October 3rd, 2018

WHEREAS, on March 3, 2016 the Board passed Resolution #16-09B which imposed a $300.00 fine for smoking inside buildings and community centers but excluded fines for smoking inside apartments or outside on Riverbay grounds; and WHEREAS, effective July 30, 2018 the New York City Housing Authority went smoke free; and WHEREAS, smoking is the leading cause of preventable death which causes concerns for second-hand smoking impacting non-smoking residents with known cancer causing chemicals, especially on seniors and children who are the most vulnerable members of our community; and WHEREAS, the makers of this Resolution propose that Riverbay issue a SmokeFree Policy prohibiting smoking inside any apartment, inside any Riverbay facility and anywhere outside within Riverbay’s property line; and WHEREAS, for purposes of this policy smoking shall mean inhaling, exhaling, burning or carrying any lighted cigar, cigarette, electronic cigarette, vape device, pipe or other form of lighted object or device which contains tobacco, marijuana or any other material intended to produce smoke. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, Management is directed to prepare for the Board’s review and approval a Smoking Policy that prohibits smoking anywhere inside or outside Riverbay property consistent with this Resolution within sixty (60) days of the passage of this Resolution. YES: Johnson, Lambright, Rice, Williams NO: Berk, Cylich, Jenkins, Leslie, Pearson, Peterson, Saunders ABSTAIN: Feliciano, Jones, Richardson ABSENT: Sampson DEFEATED

WHEREAS, Riverbay sent out requests for proposals to eight qualified companies to perform Local 11 façade and balcony restoration work in Section 5 (Buildings 26 through 35); and WHEREAS, Riverbay received three (3) proposals which were reviewed in detail by the Project Engineer and the Project Manager; and WHEREAS, the Project Engineer and Project Manager reviewed all the bids and recommend Xinos Construction Corp. as the lowest responsible bidder (Recommendations attached); and WHEREAS, prior to voting on this Resolution no Director has disclosed to the full Board any conflict of interest as required by NY Business Corporation Law Section 713. NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that the proposed contract #3292 with Xinos Construction Corp, Inc. for a contract total of $10,174,810.00 plus 15% contingency ($1,526,221.50) be approved as recommended by Management in accordance with the Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and amended by Board of Directors Resolution #95-44 and the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective. YES: Berk, Johnson, Jones, Pearson, Peterson, Rice, Richardson, Saunders, Williams NO: Cylich, Feliciano, Jenkins, Second Reading - Resolution Lambright, Leslie ABSENT: Sampson SUBMITTED BY: Bernard Cylich PASSED SECONDED BY: Linda Berk BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: October 3rd, 2018 Second Reading –

Resolution # 18-34 SUBMITTED BY: Leslie Peterson SECONDED BY: Jerome Rice BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: October 3rd, 2018

WHEREAS, Sixty-five percent (65%) of Riverbay’s 117 vehicles are over 10 years old which is leading to increased maintenance, fuel costs and delays in work associated with out-of-service vehicles; and WHEREAS, replacing the old fleet of existing Riverbay vehicles with new vehicles would lead to savings in fuel costs with new fuel efficient vehicles, maintenance costs and the cost of out-of-service vehicles; and WHEREAS, Management recommends a leasing and maintenance agreement with Enterprise/Fleet Management for Riverbay to lease, in accordance with the Corporation’s approved budget, approximately 25 new vehicles per year with the goal of leasing all new vehicles within five (5) years in order to reduce maintenance and fuel costs, optimize reliability and performance for all Riverbay departments. See attached Recommendation memo. WHEREAS, prior to voting on this Resolution no Director has disclosed to the full Board any conflict of interest as required by NY Business Corporation Law Section 713. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: that the proposed leasing and maintenance agreement through Enterprise/Fleet Management for leasing and maintaining, in accordance with the Corporation’s approved budget, approximately 25 vehicles per year be approved as recommended by Management in accordance with Board of Directors’ Resolution #85-16 as amended by Board of Directors’ Resolution #95-44 and the President is hereby authorized to execute the agreements and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective YES: Berk, Cylich, Feliciano, Jenkins, Johnson, Jones, Lambright, Pearson, Peterson, Rice, Richardson, Saunders, Williams NO: Leslie ABSENT: Sampson PASSED

# 18-33

WHEREAS, Riverbay solicited three bids for Contract #3322 to complete the installation and commissioning of the Power Plant’s High Pressure Boiler #2 from Frank Lill & Sons, Inc., Victory Energy Inc. and Durr Mechanical Construction Inc.; and WHEREAS, the three (3) proposals were reviewed in detail by the Power Plant’s Asset Manager and power plant consultant Bill May and Management recommends that the Board approve Durr Mechanical Construction, Inc. as the lowest responsible bidder at a cost of $6,211,944 (Recommendations attached); and WHEREAS, prior to voting on this Resolution no

Director has disclosed to the full Board any conflict of interest as required by NY Business Corporation Law Section 713. NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that the proposed contract #3322 with Durr Mechanical Construction, Inc. for a contract total of $6,211,944 plus 15% contingency ($931,179) be approved as recommended by Management in accordance with Board of Directors’ Resolution #85-16 and amended by Board of Directors’ Resolution #95-44 and the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective. YES: Berk, Cylich, Feliciano, Jenkins, Johnson, Jones, Lambright, Leslie, Pearson, Peterson, Rice, Richardson, Saunders, Williams ABSENT: Sampson PASSED

Co-op City Times / October 6, 2018

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church

The congregation of St. Joseph’s cordially invites you and your family to worship with us in Co-op City at 155 Dreiser Loop, lower level. All are welcome. Weekly Schedule 1. Sunday service with Holy Communion and Sunday School are both at 9:00 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. We look forward to welcoming you to church service tomorrow, Sunday, October 7, at 9:00 a.m. when we will celebrate the twentieth Sunday after Pentecost. Our supply priest is Father Simeon O. Johnson who will be the preacher and celebrant. 2. Please join us on Wednesdays for an uplifting 15-minute midday service starting promptly at noon. 3. New: On Thursdays, Father Johnson will be available for telephone calls and visitations, interactive discussions on various topics in the bible (11 a.m. to noon), followed by a very short noonday service. 4. Choir rehearsal is on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m., and we are always looking for new members. Acolytes: The church is in need of Acolytes. If anyone is interested in becoming an Acolyte, please speak with Victoria after service. Group Activities: The (ECW) Episcopal Church Women meet immediately after service on the first Sunday of each month. Membership is open to all

women of the church. The men hold their meeting after service on the second Sunday of each month. Women’s Day: On Sunday, October 14, we will celebrate Women’s Day. Please come out and hear the message from our motivational guest speaker, Deaconess Browne. Just a reminder, the women are expected to wear black bottoms and white tops. Fundraising Events • Many thanks to everyone who supported the dinner sale last Saturday. The food was good and the event was a success. Good job! • Saturday, November 24, Atlantic City trip to The Resorts Casino. Deluxe motor coach leaving from Dreiser Loop in front of the rehab center at 9 a.m. $40 p.p. Please contact June Grimes at 347-457-8249. Outreach Program: Our church supports the feeding program at Grace Episcopal Church in West Farms. This program is in desperate need of food. At St. Joseph’s, we collect non-perishable food items on an ongoing basis. Please remember to donate. For additional information on all of the above, please call the church at 718-320-0844. You may also visit our website at www.stjosephsepcbronxorg for more information relating to St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church, Co-op City. “O Lord our Governor, how exalted is your name in all the word!” –Psalm 8:10 —Merville Chambers

563, Bronx, NY 10475 at least 1½ weeks before class. Include your name and phone number. Walkins are welcomed but will be limited because of the room size for this class. Only a $35 cash payment will be accepted the day of the class if you do a walkin – NO checks. Call for seating any time prior to noon on the Friday before class. Please bring your current driver’s license and a pen; (718) 320-8035. Harrah’s Casino, Chester, PA (Date change) Saturday, December 8. Cost: $45. Casino rebate: $15 slot play. We’re collecting monies now. No refunds. Final payment due by Friday, November 16. Guests receive their seat assignment when payments received. Call 718-320-0033 or 917-209-5334 for additional information. Kindly leave your name, telephone number and brief message. Contact (718) 320-8035 or coopcityblackforum@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you. —D. Illis

Black Forum

Food Pantry Update Black Forum has not given up on finding a viable location to restart the emergency food distribution program. Recent news appears promising, but we still need your support until we reopen the pantry for the Co-op City community. Please continue to speak up. Send notes of support to let Riverbay and elected officials know that the Black Forum food pantry needs a viable space to continue serving the community. The note can be as long or as short as you want. It can be a simple sentence that says, “I need the pantry open because I am on a fixed income.” Your submission can be anonymous, or you can share your name. Your messages can be mailed, emailed or dictated over our voicemail. Paper and pens for writing notes are available outside 177 Dreiser Loop, room 20. Please leave your note in the provided envelope. Thank you to all who have shared their moving messages. Defensive Driving Classes (Temporary room change; classes return to Dreiser on November 10). Next class is Saturday, October 13, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., 135 Einstein Loop, room 35. Space is limited for this class because of the temporary room change. It is best to call ahead to see if seating is still available. Please arrive 10-15 minutes early because class starts on time. Lower your liability insurance cost by 10% and remove up to four points from your driver’s license. Please make checks of $35, payable to ‘Black Forum of CO-OP City,’ and mail to P.O. Box

National Council Of Negro Women

October Membership Meeting – Remember that during our October membership meeting on Sunday, the 14th, we will be taking our group photo. Members, please remember to wear black and your NCNW stole. Also, get to the meeting on time so that you won’t miss the photo shoot. Lori has a few extra stoles for purchase at $25 if you don’t have one. Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are hoping to have a guest speaker. Wear your pink ribbon, button or scarf in awareness of this special month. Book Clubs – Calling all book lovers! We resumed our book club that used to meet in Barnes & Noble, on Saturday, September 29, in room 11, Dreiser Center. We had an excellent turn out of members and non-members who love to read. We enthusiastically discussed “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot. Our next book and meeting date will be announced in this space. Calling all teens! Hope you didn’t miss the book discussion yesterday, Friday, October 5, of “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas. The movie is going to hit the theaters soon. For more information, contact ncnwcoopcitysocial@gmail.com. NCNW 58th National Convention – The 58th National Council of Negro Women, Inc. National Convention will take place Friday, November 9, to Sunday, November 11, at the Grand Hyatt Washington, 1000 H Street, NW. Washington, DC 20001. The convention opens at 12 p.m., November 9. Online registration has already begun and will close once capacity is reached. This convention will focus on our “Four for the Future” programmatic priorities which are: health, education, entrepreneurship and public policy.” Members will convene to examine strategies which address the issues that most directly impact the quality of life for women throughout the diaspora; economic security, health, education and civic engagement. All members are strongly encouraged to register and attend the convention and gala. There will be opportunities for everyone to learn, share best practices, ideas and ideals, grow together and have a little fun. Social Media – Remember you can find us on Facebook: NCNWCoopcityBethune; Twitter: @NCNWCoopCity; Instagram: NCNWCo-op City and email: www.ncnwco.opcity@gmail.com. —Joyce Howard

Co-op City Times / October 6, 2018

Retirees Of Dreiser Loop Travel Events: (Price includes Lorant coach bus; located on Dreiser Loop, in front of H&R Block) • Oct. 10 (Wed.) RESORTS WORLD CATSKILS, Monticello, NY. SOLD OUT! Contacts: Serita Grayson, 347-564-5722/Barbara Williams, 718-320-0500. • Jan. 10 & 11, 2019 (Thurs. & Fri.); FOXWOOD & MOHEGAN SUN, CT. Price: double: $130/single: $175. Deposit: double: $65/single: $90. Balance due: Mon., Dec. 3. Contacts: Serita Grayson, 347-564-5722/Barbara Williams, 718320-0500. • March 21, 2019 (Thurs.), SANDS CASINO REPORT, PA. Price: $40. Contacts: Serita Grayson, 347-564-5722/Barbara Williams, 718-320-0500. • April 19, 2019 (Tues.), HUNTERDON HILLS PLAYHOUSE THEATRE. Price: $85. Deposit: $45. Balance: $40 due by Monday, March 18th. Contacts: Serita Grayson, 347-564-5722/Barbara Williams, 718-320-0500. Theatre Committee: (price includes van transport, from Dreiser Loop across from Rehab Center) • Oct. 24 (Wed.), “PHANTOM” play, “…a gripping story, richly drawn characters, and music that can break your heart with its beauty.” Showtime: 11 a.m. at the Westchester Broadway Theatre. SOLD OUT! Contact: Marie Green-Ryan, 718-671-4949. • Nov. 16 (Fri.), “CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR” at the Radio City Music Hall. Showtime: 2:00 p.m. Price: $78. Deposit, $35 ASAP/Balance: $43 due Thursday, Oct. 11. Contact: Eleanor Barlow, 718-324-7847.

American Legion Post 1871

Commander Toba presided over the executive committee meeting of the Post on Wednesday, October 3, where he highlighted several events that went on in the previous months and also used the occasion to inform the board about the planned bus ride to Washington, DC this month. He reminded the Legionnaires that Veterans Day is around the corner. Councilman King had reached out to the post that he will be celebrating the veterans. Oratorical Contest Commander Toba also addressed the board about the 2019 Oratorical Speech Contest that is coming up. The contest will begin from the borough. So, the competition will be held here in Co-op City on Monday, December 10, by 5 p.m. Eligible students are encouraged to participate by reaching out to the chairman (Toba LaCrown, 347-327-6288) and obtain the form or do so by going online. Students from grade 9th through 12th are eligible to participate in the 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. Any student who will be taking part in the contest will have to make their intention known on or before Friday, December 22. Speaking subjects must be on some aspects of the U.S. Constitution, with some emphasis on the amendments detailing 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

Remember – Your deposit (and final payment) in the form of a check/money order payable to Retirees of Dreiser Loop, along with your name and telephone number, is required to reserve your trip &/or theatre seat. NO cash accepted. Committee members will be available in the Dreiser clubroom 19 (718-3790377) on Mondays and/or Thursdays, 3:00-5:00 p.m. Good And Welfare Those of you still under the weather, know that you are thought of warmly and wished brighter days. Call Josephine Flowers, 718-320-0539, regarding illnesses and bereavements. Join us on our next Wednesday, October 24, Jazz Up Your Health With A Senior Spa Day. Call ASAP Claudette D, 718-379-4784 or Hattie L, 718-671-8449, if interested in joining us. Attention! The RETIREES need experienced part-time freelance drivers ASAP with a CDL license with passenger endorsement 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 C. Davis at 718-379-4784 and leave your name, telephone number and a brief message. “People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.” —Zig Ziglar —Claudette Davis

assigned topic also are part of the contest. If you have eligible students who can participate in this contest, call the American Legion Post closest to the area that you live, and if you are in Co-op City, call Post 1871 at 718-320-8165. American Legion Auxiliary The Auxiliary’s regularly scheduled monthly meeting for October will be on Friday, October 5, in Dreiser, room #0. At the same time, the Bronx Auxiliary County meeting will be the first Wednesday, October 10, at the Throgg’s Neck Post. During this meeting, officers of the Auxiliary will be sworn in. If any of the auxiliary members has any question, kindly call the president, Deloris Cornelius, at 718-320-1946. More so, members are encouraged to pay their dues The Bus Ride To National Museum Of African American History The campaign for our bus tour to Washington, DC, the nation’s capital, for a visit to the National Museum of African American History, will end on the 8th of this month. All monies for this trip must be paid fully by October 8th. Commander Toba announced that few spaces that became available on the bus due to previous potential travelers having one issue or the other will be filled up before the date. After the 8th, no more room regardless. Thus, Commander Toba wants to thank everyone who has been part of this plan since the idea was mentioned. Until then, see you on the morning of October 20th in front of the Post Office in Section Five. —Lsjc Adeyemi LaCrown Toba

Coalition To Save Affordable Housing

The Coalition meets the second Monday each month in Bartow, rm. 28, at 7:30 p.m. Our next meeting will be held on Monday, October 8. The Coalition’s goals are as follows: 1. To keep Co-op City affordable and livable within the MitchellLama Program. 2. To encourage fuller cooperative participation in the activities within Co-op City. 3. To enhance cooperative spirit and fulfill the aims and principles of the founders of the cooperative movement. All are invited to take part in discussions with Board directors, invited speakers and other shareholders on issues affecting all Co-op City shareholders. We also work to put together a slate of candidates each year for the Board of Directors, as well as sponsoring various cultural events most recently the Co-op Pop Up Jazz concert, two Candidates’ Forums with Democratic candidates for the upcoming NYS elections and The Bardekova Ensemble Free Concert coming October 28 at 3 p.m. in Bartow, rm. 31, performing the music of Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Haydn and others, plus our annual Mardi Gras Dance. Shareholders can take part in our effort to keep affordable housing alive and well by becoming a member of the Coalition to Save Affordable Housing. Membership dues are just $20/year for individuals and $30/year for families. Join us as we examine community issues and take part in affecting them. Interested and active cooperators provide the best hope of preserving the affordability of our Co-op City homes. —Bruce Silberman

VISION CARE SPECIALIST

CO-OP CITY BAPTIST CHURCH 135 EINSTEIN LOOP (Section 5) • Rooms 50-51 Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams, 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.

DR. DAVID HORN, O.D. FAAO • FELLOW, AMERICAN ACADEMY OF OPTOMETRY

• COMPLETE VISION CARE - EYE EXAMINATION

• OCULAR DISEASE TREATMENT

• EYEGLASSES

• GLAUCOMA TREATMENT

• CONTACT LENSES

High Fashion Frames on Premises. “Your Vision Health Is My Concern.” Much of Learning Is Done Through The Eyes. Insist on a Professional Eye Examination.

120 ALCOTT PLACE

(Bldg. 17 • Sect. 3) • Co-op City

718-379-8029 Medicare and many insurances accepted. DOCTOR’S HOURS: MONDAY: 1:30 - 7:00 PM • WEDNESDAY: 2:00 - 7:00 PM FRIDAY: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM • SATURDAY: 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT!

Co-op City Times / October 6, 2018

Community Protestant Church

On behalf of our pastor, Reverend Dr. Calvin E. Owens, and our church family, welcome to Community Protestant Church, a church of love and understanding, located at 1659 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, NY 10469; telephone (718) 862-9172. Regular Church Schedule Sunday School – 9:00 a.m. Worship Service – 11:00 a.m. Communion Service – Every first and third Sundays Noon Day Prayer – Hour of Power – Wednesday at noon Prayer Meeting and Bible Study – Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. The following program is at the Church’s Annex: 2053 Asch Loop North (Co-op City) Neighborhood Bible Study – Thursday at 10:00 a.m. Sunday School Is Now In Session Every Sunday At 9:00 a.m. Sunday School is really a part of our history, and because someone cared and was concerned enough, many of us benefitted and know its value. In Sunday School, in a nurturing Christian education environment, an opportunity is provided for children to learn about the Bible, to grow in grace, to show love and respect for one another and to live more abundant lives. Jesus came that we might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10). We encourage you to bring your child, children or grandchildren to Sunday School and we look forward to seeing you. Worship Service Begins At 11:00 a.m. Everyone is invited to come and be a

Pastors Kenneth Hodge and Deborah Hodge and the New Vision congregation invite you and your family to come and worship the Lord with us. Church of the New Vision is designed to meet the spiritual needs of God’s people. Serving the community for over 45 years, we offer a warm, friendly, spirit-filled atmosphere of Christian love. All are welcome! Order of Services Sunday Worship Service: 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Adult and Youth Sunday School: 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. Mid-day Bible Study: Tuesdays 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Wednesday Night Prayer and Bible Study: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Youth Ministry: Fridays 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Events Youth Ministry fish fry, Saturday, October 6, at 1:00 p.m. All dinners $10. Senior Ministry’s cake sale, Saturday, October 13, 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Youth Retreat, October 25 - 26. Calling all youths to join us on God’s mountain at the Blue Mountain Christian Retreat Center for a weekend full of faith, fellowship and fun! Adults (18+) $160 / teens (13-17) $140.00 / children (4-12) $110. All includes 2-nights, 5 meals, and transportation. If interested, please see our youth leaders, Rev. Deborah Hodge, Sis. Indria Drayton. • Save the Date: Saturday, November 3, is our annual Building Fund Banquet

part of this special moment set aside each Sunday morning to be in the presence of God. We will be delighted to blend our spirits with yours as we bend both body and soul before our Heavenly Father. We encourage you to spend time with God, and if it be His will, with us at Community Protestant. Other Scheduled Events On Wednesdays, at noon, you are cordially invited to NOON DAY PRAYER AT CPC, an hour of power, prayer, praise and testimony. Refreshments will be served. RSVP, (718) 862-9172. Saturday, October 13, 3:00 p.m. at the church – The Sepia Players Ministry presents a Religious Comedy, THE DEVIL ON TRIAL, CASE #666, written by Roosevelt Wright Jr. Donation: $20. For tickets and/or additional information, call (718) 513-3308, (718) 655-7241 or (718) 379-8643. Please Join Us In Celebrating Our Pastor Rev. Dr. Calvin E. Owens’ 42nd Pastoral Anniversary Opening Service – Sunday, November 4, 3:30 p.m. Guest Preacher: Rev. Hugh Farrish, pastor, Bowen Memorial Baptist Church, Mt. Vernon, NY. Closing Service – Sunday, November 11, 3:30 p.m. – Guest Preacher: Rev. Dr. Carl Bruce, pastor, Mt. Carmel Church, Yonkers, NY. All are welcome! 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

at Seashore Restaurant on City Island, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Donation: adults $75/youth under 12 yrs., $30. See Sis. Sadie James or any Pastor’s Aide member for tickets. • July 23-25, 2019 (Tuesday - Thursday), you are welcome to join us on a 3day trip to the National Museum of African American History & Culture with the Museum of the Bible. Double occupancy, $400 per person; single occupancy, $525; triple, quad and rates available upon request. Package Includes: — Transportation by motor coach — 2-night hotel stay — 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner buffet and 1 dinner at Phillips Seafood Restaurant — 2 day passes to museums — Discount shopping at Arundel Mills Outlet — Taxes and meal gratuities included $50 non-refundable deposit is due now/final payment is due by April 1, 2019. Church of the New Vision is located at 115 Einstein Loop, Bronx, NY 10475. Office: (718) 671-8746 or (203) 374-3020. Mailing address: P.O. Box 753037, Bronx, NY 10475. Visit our Facebook page: Church of the New Vision concerning upcoming events and trips or call the church. —Sis. Carol Haque

Church of New Vision

The Pentecostal Tabernacle welcomes everyone to attend worship service at 100 Co-op City Blvd., Building 22A, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. Phone: (718-3240334) or (718-320-4218). Sunday School for all age group starts at 10:30 a.m., mid-day worship service begins at 11:45 a.m. Wednesday: Prayer and fasting service will be held at 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Bible Study and prayer meeting will be held every Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. Friday: Youth service begins at 7:30 p.m. Focus: The giver’s great love Paul exclaimed, thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. (11 Corinthians 9:15) The Greek word translated as “unspeakable” in the King James version has also been translated as “indescribable,” or “too wonderful for words.” Such giving is humanly incomprehensible. Paul had been commending the Corinthians for their generosity in meeting the needs of others, but for the Apostle, nothing could compare with what God has given through his son. What could a Holy God share with sinful humanity? Ultimately, with those who obey the gospel, the Lord will share Heaven itself. Eventually, for the redeemed people of God there will be a great inheritance in His Kingdom (Romans 8:17). And if children, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if it so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. But before there could be a joyful experience and fellowship between God and his people, there first had to be a painful process of reconciliation. Something had to be done to bridge the gap between the two. God was determined to bridge the gap, to personally cross the great divide between himself and his creation. St. John 1:1, 14 In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God ... And the word was made flesh, and dwell among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the father full of grace and truth 11 Here was the divine plan in fulfillment, see Isaiah 9:6 He came to

live among his own creation as a human and gave Himself as a ransom for all because nothing greater could he give. He gave himself for our sins. 11 Corinthians 5:19 states To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and committed unto us the word of reconciliation. God could not overlook our sins; rather in His great love, He provided one great sacrifice to take away our sins forever. All the animal sacrifice of the Old Testament were insufficient, Hebrews 10: 4 states for it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. An overcoming believer who walks daily with the Lord can have a rock – solid assurance of salvation, and can also have a glorious walk in truth and light through the indwelling presence of Jesus Christ, He is the truth and He is the light. —Pastor Richard Sibblies

Pentecostal Tabernacle

Co-op City Times / October 6, 2018

Evangelical Church of Co-op City – UMC

Greater Love Refuge Ministries

Open Doors, Open Hearts and Open Minds

“Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret-it only causes harm.” Psalm 37:8 Word for the Week: Examine yourself to see if you are in the Spirit. When you get upset or annoyed, it is the operation of your carnal nature which is actually a position of being haughty. Now is the time to learn to rise above petty issues and walk in the Spirit. Stop contention before it causes division. The Greater Love family invite you, friends and family to worship with us on Sunday mornings at 11:30 a.m. We are conveniently located at 900 Co-op City Blvd. (Bldg. 2A), on the ground level, Bronx, N.Y. 10475; main entrance – red button. Parking is available for a nominal fee in Garage #1 on Darrow Place. Food Pantry: We are pleased to announce the reopening of our Two Fish and Five Loaves food pantry and Prayer Station on Saturday, October 20, from 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Please keep the donations coming! Majestic Men’s Fellowship: Will be held on Saturday, October 27, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Men 18+ are encouraged to come out and break bread with Greater Love’s Deacon Board and men of God. MOSAIC Women’s Fellowship: New Date: Saturday, November 3rd, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The theme is “The Martha Syndrome & the Mary Solution.” A light lunch will be served. All are welcome to join us for this important teaching. Bible Institute: Training for Service – A Survey of the Bible: Our next 18-month Bible course will begin on Tuesday evenings, October 23, from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. and weekly thereafter. Pre-registration is on October 9th and 16th at 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Registration continues on Tuesday, October 16th, at 7:00 p.m., along with an orientation. The course is open to all. However, if you attend another church, we ask that you receive clearance from your pastor. Discipleship Class/Bible Study – Power Hour: Resumes on Thursday evenings from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This is a biweekly class that will meet on October 11th & 25th. Weekly Schedule Church phone: 347-920-5607. Sunday Morning Prayer: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Morning Bible Study (Adult): 10:00 a.m. Children’s Sunday School: 10:00 a.m. Sunday Morning Continental Breakfast: 11:00 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship: 11:30 a.m. Children’s Church: 1st, 3rd & 5th Sunday: 11:30 a.m. Holy Communion – First Sunday Salvation Teaching (Combined Class): First Sunday, 10:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. Adult Bible Study/Discipleship Class: Thursday evening, 7:30 p.m., bi-weekly Mid-Week Prayer Line – Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. Evening Prayer Line: Thursday, 9:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. (Dial 712.770.4010 – Access code: 527976) Food Pantry: 3rd Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal: Friday, 7:30 p.m. —Pastor Carol Landrum

Come & Visit Us – We welcome you to God’s House – Your House – One Family in Christ. We are a congregation with spirit-filled worship, offering a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship and service to God and our community. We are a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and bilingual congregation and all are welcome. Services are at the church at 2350 Palmer Avenue, across from Building 30. Parking is available. Our pastor is Rev. Arnaldo Sanchez and our phone number is (718) 3203795. Leave a message, if no answer. Schedule for Sundays – Come and Receive a Blessing: We have the English service starting at 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. and the Spanish Service at 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. The bilingual services with communion will be on the first Sunday of each month will be at 10 a.m. -12 p.m. Children: Sunday School time will be at 9:45 a.m. Bring your children, they will have a great time while learning God’s word. Adult: Sunday Bible Study in English will be at 8:45 a.m. and in Spanish at 10 a.m. Prayer Night (English) & Prayer/Bible Study Afternoon (Spanish): The Lord said: “Whenever two or more are gathered in my name, I am in the midst of them.” —Matthew 18:20. Tuesday afternoon from noon to 1 p.m. is the Spanish Prayer & Bible Study. Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. is the English

Prayer Service. Come and bring your prayer needs so we can pray together. Remember that prayer brings many blessings, which God has promised to all his children who have a personal relationship with Him. Friday Night is Fun Night for the Youth (ages 13 – 21): This is a great time for the youth of our community to learn God’s word and enjoy each other’s company and make new friends. Start time is at 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. There will also be many activities. Exciting things are happening. Also, on Tuesday evenings, pastor will be teaching the youth who are interested in becoming leaders. Time will be 8 p.m. – 9 p.m. Women’s Fellowship: There will be a women’s fellowship on Saturday, October 6, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. in Einstein Community Center, room 43. Come and enjoy a great fellowship and have a great time. Cake Sale: On Sunday, October 7, there will be a cake sale at the church starting at 12 p.m. after the service. This is to raise funds to purchase items needed for the Children’s Sunday School activities. Join us in teaching our children the way they should go in life. Remember they are our future leaders. Please keep your eye on the paper for upcoming events. God bless. —Barbara Penn

Co-op City Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invite you to join us tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. for worship service. Sunday School for children and adults is held at 9:15 a.m. We invite you to worship, study, and pray with us. The Co-op City Baptist Church is located at 135 Einstein Loop, lower level, room 50. Our telephone number is 718-320-3774. Visit us on the web at www.coopcitybaptistchurch.org. On Sunday, October 7, we will celebrate Rev. Williams’ 25th Pastoral Anniversary at the 11:00 a.m. service. The guest speaker will be Rev. Dr. Johannes J. Christian, Pastor Emeritus of Adoration and Peace Baptist Church, Columbus, Ohio. All are invited to join us for this celebratory service. Join us for a midweek spiritual pick-up at our midweek worship service held on Wednesdays at noon. Bible Study classes are held on Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Bible Class will also be held on Wednesday, October 10, at 5:00 p.m. Prayer Service is held on Fridays at noon. Prayer Service is also held on Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to join us from the comfort of their home for an hour of prayer. Using available technology, prayer service is held using a conference call line. On Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m., you can call 563-999-2090; when asked for the PIN, enter 660065 and you will be connected. Come one, come all and have a ball. The Building Fund Ministry is proud to announce their Gospel Evening of Elegance on next Saturday, October 13. The event will be held at 135 Einstein Loop, room 45, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The evening will include dinner, entertainment by The Inspirational Gospel Singers of New Castle, Delaware, performance by CCBC Praise Dancers and a Fashion Show. Ticket prices until September 30th are adults (18 and over), $60; youth (13-17), $20; children (6-12), $5. After September 30th, tickets will be $65. For tickets or additional information, call 718-

515-6090, 646-418-7102, 718-862-9243 or 718-320-3774. The Scholarship Ministry invites you to mark the date to join them on their upcoming cruise to the Greek Isles and Italy on August 9, 2019. The cost for Inside Cabin/double occupancy is $3595.00. The cost for Ocean View Cabin/double occupancy is $3970 for this 11day cruise and includes port charges, taxes, transfers and airfare. A deposit of $600.00 is required on or before September 30th. Final payment is due on or before Sunday, April 7, 2019. No refund after Sunday, April 14, 2019. For additional information or reservations, call 718-379-0541, 718-320-3240, 718-671-1271, or the church at 718-379-3774. 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

COMMUNITY PROTESTANT CHURCH OF CO-OP CITY

1659 EAST GUN HILL ROAD BRONX, NY 10469 REV., DR. CALVIN E. OWENS, PASTOR

(718) 862-9172 OFFICE (718) 862-9179 CHURCH

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

Neighbors, please curb and leash your dog.

WEEKLY: CHURCH SCHOOL - SUNDAY, 9:00 a.m. WORSHIP SERVICE: SUNDAY, 11:00 a.m. NOON DAY PRAYER - HOUR OF POWER - WEDNESDAY, 12:00 NOON BIBLE CLASS & PRAYER MEETING - WEDNESDAY, 7:30 p.m.

MONTHLY: COMMUNION - 1ST AND 3RD SUNDAYS

ALL ARE WELCOME!

Fri., Oct. 12

Thu., Oct. 11

Wed., Oct. 10

Tues., Oct. 9

Mon., Oct. 8

Co-op City Times / October 6, 2018

Bartow

Einstein

Dreiser

Room 31 unless otherwise noted

Room 49 unless otherwise noted

Room 7 unless otherwise noted

Alternate Kosher Meals are also available

Word Games 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m. Library 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Health & Wellness Support Group

Library 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Dominoes 10 a.m., Rm, 45 Line Dancing 10-11 a.m., Rm. 45 Around The Lunch Table 11:30 a.m. Word Search 11 a.m. -12 p.m. Bingo 1-3 p.m., Rm. 35 Diabetes Support Group 2nd Monday

Crochet & Knitting 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session 9:30-

Bartow Center Room 31, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (New) YOGA w/Peggy Hill 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., JASA Main Office Arthritis Exercises 11 a.m.-noon Card Games 2-4 p.m. Dominoes 2:30 p.m.

- 1:00 p.m. Computer Class for Beg., Int. & Adv., 9:30 a.m., Rm. 34

Stay Well Exercise 10-11 a.m., Rm. 2 Color Your Stress Away 11 a.m., Rm. 4 Basic Cell Phone & iPad training 11:00 a.m.12:00 p.m., Rm. 7 Mind Teasers 12-1 p.m., Rm. 4 Diabetes Support Group 1:00 p.m. – Last Monday of the month Bereavement Counseling 1 p.m., Rm. 13 Gentle Yoga 1:15-2 p.m., Rm. 2 Intermediate Yoga 2-3 p.m.

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session Word Games 9:30-11:30am Walking Club 10:30 Bingo 11:45am – 2:00pm Caregiver Support Group 1:00pm 1st &

Dominoes 10am Matinee Movie 10am, Rm. 45 Health & Wellness Support Grp-

3rd Tues

Karaoke by Steven 1:00pm-2:00pm,

Card Games 2-4pm

Room 45

Blood Pressure Every 1st & 3rd Wed, 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. Games 9:30 a.m. -11 a.m. Stay Well Exercise 10 –11am Line Dancing 11 a.m. -12 p.m. Card Games 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Dominos 2:30 p.m. Smartphone Class Beginner – 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Intermediate 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Bartow Main office Library 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Word Games 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Crochet & Knitting 10 - 11 a.m. Spanish Class 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Bartow Main Office Session 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. (NEW)- Yoga w/Damion 9:45 a.m – 10:45 a.m. Card Games 2 p.m -4 p.m. Men’s Line Dancing 9 a.m.-10 a.m. Word Games 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Women’s Line Dancing 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Chat Session 10 a.m. Piano Sing-along 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Karaoke 12:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Card Games 2 p.m.-4 p.m.

10:00-11:00am

Kosher

Non-Kosher

Orange pineapple juice Turkey drumsticks Green beans Mashed sweet potatoes Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit Alt: Egg salad

Turkey w/Gravy Collard greens Garlic mashed potatoes

Orange juice Garlic chicken meatballs, Pasta Winter blend vegetables Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit Alt: Salmon salad

Baked breaded fish Homemade tomato sauce Pasta primavera Steamed broccoli & cauliflower

10:30 a.m.

9:30-10:30 a.m. Alert & Alive – 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., Rm 7 Computer Class – Rm. 13 Beginner 11:00 a.m.-12:00 a.m. Cultural Dance 10:30–11:30 a.m., Aud. B Mind Teasers 12-1 p.m., Rm. 4 Zumba 1-2 p.m., Aud. A Matinee Tues., 1:00 p.m., Rm. 7

Computer Class – Rm. 13 Orange pineapple Beginner 10 a.m. -11 a.m. Dominos 10 a.m., rm. 45 Intermediate 11 a.m. -12 p.m. juice Spelling Bee 10 a.m. Only 6 seats available Beef Moussaka Jerk chicken (New) Body in motion w/Ola Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session Garden salad Rice & beans 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Whole wheat bread Cabbage w/shredded Spanish Practice Class 10:30 a.m., Sewing 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Fresh fruit carrots Computer Lab Tai Chi 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Alt: Tuna Nicoise Zumba 11 a.m. -12 p.m., rm. 4 Art Class 1 p.m.-3 p.m. salad Yoga 2 p.m.-3 p.m., rm. 2 Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session Orange juice Dominoes 10 a.m., rm. 45 9:30 a.m. -10:30 a.m. Baked Salmon Grandparent Connection 1st Thurs., Blood Pressure 10 a.m. -11:30 a.m. 1st & Dill lemon sauce Oven baked rm. 35, 10:30 a.m. 3rd, rm. 8 Rice a Roni pork chops Line Dancing, 10 a.m. -11a.m., Aud. A Arthritis Exercise 11a.m., rm. 45 Red cabbage salad Green beans sautéed Piano Sing Along 11 a.m. -12 p.m. Spelling Bee 11 a.m. Sweet baked yams (New) Purple Life Trail Fitness w/Damion Whole Wheat Bread Word Search 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Fruit cocktail 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Section 1 - Greenway Karaoke by Steven 1 p.m., rm. 45 Drama Club Alt: Chicken salad Dominoes 10 a.m., rm. 45 Crochet & Knitting 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Apple juice, Art 10 a.m., rm. 45 Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session Honey Apricot glazed Chicken parmesan Bingo 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. 9:30 a.m.-10 a.m., 11 a.m.-12 p.m. chicken, Spinach Pokeno 2 p.m.-4 p.m., rm. 35 Penne Meditative Moments 11 a.m.-12 p.m., noodle pudding Blood Pressure 2nd & 4th Fri., Broccoli w/toasted rm. 8 Steamed broccoli 10 -11:30 a.m., rm. 45 garlic Challah bread, Fresh Free Oil Painting Classes rm. 38, Pokeno 3rd Fri., 1 p.m.- 2:30 p.m. Bingo 1 p.m.-3 p.m. fruit, Alt: Gefilte fish 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

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

(Schedule subject to change without notice) Payments for trips @ the Bartow office can be made Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., & 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. only Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, The NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation. JASA Welcomes everyone age 60 and older! Payments for trips can be made at all three centers. Trip registration policy: There will be no refunds for all trips. All trips include roundtrip transportation! All trips must be paid in advance. JASA will not accept checks under $5. (FREE) LiveOn NY - SCRIE/SNAP (Food Stamps) Assistance – Fridays, Oct. 12, Oct. 26; 9 a.m.-12 p.m., JASA Main Office, 2049 Bartow Ave. No appointments! Walk-ins! First come! First served! Please make copies of your documents before coming to the office. (New) Purple Life Trial Fitness w/Damion, 1-2 p.m. on Thurs., Section 1 Greenway. St. Mary’s Pool – $3. Mon., Oct. 15 & Oct 22. Pool aerobics for seniors, 10 a.m. –12 p.m.; Bartow, 8:30 a.m.; Einstein, 8:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 9 a.m. There is a $25 yearly fee to use the facility, which can be paid at the pool by check or money order. Six-week Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop – Tues., Oct. 9-Nov. 13; 177 Dreiser Loop, rm. 13; 1-2 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Please contact Julissa Reynoso, 646-946-1252. Empire – Tues., Oct. 9; $5. Bartow, 9 a.m.; Einstein, 9:15 a.m. & Dreiser, 9:30 a.m. Aldi – Tues., Oct. 9; $3. Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 10 a.m. Costco – Wed., Oct. 10; $5. Bartow, 9:30 a.m.;

Fee for lunch is $2.00 & $5.00 for guest

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

Einstein, 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 10 a.m. Central Ave – Wed., Oct. 10; $13. Bartow, 8:30 a.m.; Einstein, 8:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 9 a.m. Ridgehill – Thurs., Oct. 11; $7. Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 10 a.m. U.S. Citizenship Classes – Starting Thurs., Oct. 11, JASA Bartow main office, 1-2 p.m. The class will instruct you on how to obtain the proper documents and the requirements that are needed to become a U.S. citizen. Please call 718-320-2066 to register. Stew Leonard’s – Thurs., Oct. 11; $6. Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 10 a.m. Fairway/BJ’s – Fri., Oct. 12; $4. Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 10 a.m. Breast Cancer Awareness Day – Tues., Oct. 16; Einstein Sr. Ctr., 135 Einstein Loop, rm. 45; 11 a.m.2 p.m. Presentations from survivors and supporters. Free giveaways & light refreshments will be served. Empire – Tues., Oct. 16; $5. Bartow, 9 a.m.; Einstein, 9:15 a.m. & Dreiser, 9:30 a.m. Flu Shots Clinic Sponsored by Stop & Shop: Tues., Oct. 16, Einstein Loop Sr. Ctr., rm. 49, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Thurs., Oct. 18, Dreiser Loop Sr. Ctr., rm. 7, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.; Thurs., Oct. 25, Bartow Sr. Ctr., rm. 31, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Apple Picking, Harvard Moon Farm & Orchard – Apple picking, hayride, apple cider donuts & lunch. You don’t have to do the hayride if

Upcoming Events/Trips

you don’t want to the ride is very bumpy. Tues., Oct. 16, $25. Thirteen seats available. Pick-ups: Dreiser, 8:45 a.m.; Bartow, 9 a.m. & Einstein, 9:15 a.m. IKEA – Tues., Oct. 23; $15. Bartow, 9 a.m.; Einstein, 9:15 a.m. & Dreiser, 9:30 a.m. Target, Throggsneck Mall – Tues., Oct. 23; $3. Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m.; Dreiser, 10 a.m. Breast Cancer Walk – Tues., Oct. 23; 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Come join JASA and walk around the Greenway. Halloween Party – Sat., Oct. 27; $5; 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Einstein Sr. Ctr., rm. 45; 100 tickets will be sold in the Bartow main office starting Mon., Oct. 8th. Music by “DJ Woody.” Shoprite (New Rochelle) – Mon., Oct. 29; $4. Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m.; Dreiser, 10 a.m. Empire – Tues., Oct. 30; $5. Bartow, 9 a.m.; Einstein, 9:15 a.m. & Dreiser, 9:30 a.m. Dances for Seniors – Wed., Oct. 31, at 1:30 p.m., Bartow Senior Center, rm. 31. Join Naomi Goldberg Haas & dances for a variable population in sharing strong & creative movement among adults of all ages and abilities for fun & friendship. Foxwoods Casino – Sat., Nov. 3; $40. Bartow, 8 a.m.; Dreiser, 8:15 a.m. & Einstein Loop, 8:30 a.m. Bonus package is $10 slot play, $10 food voucher. Light breakfast on the buses; 2 coach buses, 50 people per bus. Payment due by Oct. 19.

Co-op City Times / October 6, 2018

AARP Chapter #4997

Scheduling Activities Calendar

Reminder-1: Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 8, 1 p.m., Dreiser Center, room 9. Please join us and bring a neighbor and/or friend. Reminder-2: Our Holiday Luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, December 5, at Marina Del Rey; $90/person, 12 p.m.-4 p.m. See Stella B. for tickets. Good & Welfare – Please contact our Good & Welfare coordinator, Frances Wilson, 718-6715493, if you have a family member who has passed or one of our members who is sick, in the hospital or in a nursing home. 2018 Tour Activities October 11 – Legends & Laughter at Resorts Casino (Atlantic City) – A musical journey with impressions of Rod Stewart, The Temptations, Tony Orlando, Prince and others starring Jimmy Mazz; $25 slot play; deluxe Motorcoach transportation; $79/person due ASAP. Meet at Asch Loop near the library at 8:00 a.m. for bus seating assignments, leaving at 8:30 a.m. SHARP. Contact Judith, 718379-3370. December 30 – January 1, 2019: CANCELLED. Lavish New Year’s Celebration at The Desmond. Two-night stay at the newly renovated Desmond; 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners; 3 shows. Day 1, dinner/show; New Year’s Eve Dinner and show; New Year’s Day Champagne & Mimosa Brunch w/show. Trip to Sands Casino ($30 slot play & $5 food voucher). Contact Judith, 718-379-3370, or Jeannie, 718 3793742. 2019 Tour Activities April 1-12, 2019: Panama Canal 11-night Cruise on the Norwegian Jade. Price includes roundtrip flight to Miami (FL). Ports of call include Cantagina, Columbia; Panama Canal/Gatein Lake; Puerto Limon; Roatan Bay Islands; Harvest Cape, Costa Maya, Mexico; 3 days at sea; valid passport is required. All meals on board the ship. Insurance available. SOLD OUT. Contact Judith, 718-3793370. Attention: When signing up for the above trips, please give your name, phone number and a deposit. Checks/money orders made payable to AARP Chapter 4997 with the name of the trip in the memo section of your check/money order. Room 0 (Dreiser Community Center) is opened Monday or Thursday, noon – 3 p.m. for checks to be dropped off (in an envelope w/Group/Trip Leader Name). They may be mailed to the Group/Trip Leader. —Delores Debnam

Goose Island Seniors

Foxwoods – Thursday, October 18, at 8:30 a.m. Price $35. Rebate: $10 for play, $10 toward food. Full payment due by October 1. Tickets are going fast. Few seats left. Christmas In the Air – Monday, November 5, at Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, NJ. Their most popular show of the year. Song, dance, comedy sketches, original songs with a live onstage orchestra. Price, $95 for table-served entree, dessert buffet and show. To pay for trip, you may drop off, mail or call for check pick-up. Payment due by October 19. Matinee Movie – Cancelled. There will be no more matinee movies on Tuesdays. Bingo – Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Time: 1:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. with Stephen in our club room 39. Members only. Admission, $5.00 for three cards, 12 games and Jackpot. Extra cards are 25¢ each. Refreshments available. Game Day – Tuesdays and Thursdays, our club room is set up for our members to play games, Mahjong, Dominoes, Kalooki, Wii Tennis, Bowling, and more from 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (members may bring a friend or two). $1 collected for refreshments. Wifi available. Karaoke – Also on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1 p.m. with Stephen in room 45. Come sing or listen to a free concert. All are welcome. To all members: Happy Birthday to all members that celebrate their day in the month of October: Joan Macafity, Miriam Lunenfeld, Marilyn Sherman, Bess Manger, Felicia (Phyllis) Curia, Norma Vigilance, Yolanda Osorio, Edward Delgado, Joan Rosa and Edith Rosado. Note: Call Ann or Stephen at Goose Island Seniors, 718-379-9613, or visit us at 135 Einstein Loop, room 39, (mornings) Mon. – Fri., 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.,

(evenings) Tues. & Thurs., 4 p.m.- 6 p.m., and Mon., Wed. & Fri., 6-8 p.m. Stephen’s cell phone number is 347-847-1941. Please leave a message. Good health to all. —Stephen Roberts, Sr.

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Co-op City Times / October 6, 2018 General Information: The Traditional Synagogue is located in Section 5, 120 Erdman Place in the rear lobby of 27B. It is on the ground floor of Building 27B. It is handicap accessible, no steps. Phone #: 718379-6920. Office hours are Thursday and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. Please call the office before you attempt to come over. If no one is in the office, please leave a message. The synagogue has services on Saturday morning starting at 9:00 a.m. After services, we always have a kiddush. The synagogue has a Facebook page, Traditional Synagogue. The synagogue needs donations. Whatever amount you can donate, big or small, would help the synagogue’s finances. The synagogue needs men to help make a minyan. There are a lot of Jewish men who live in Co-op City who don’t come to services. Please come by 9:30 a.m. so we can take out the Torah. The Traditional Synagogue is the only synagogue in Co-op City, and it’s air conditioned. Sabbath ends on Saturday, October 6, at 7:20 p.m. Candle Lighting for Friday, October 12, at 5:59 p.m. The SHMINI ATZERETH Yizkor service donation should be made payable to: The Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City. Mail Donation to: The Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City, 120 Erdman Place rear lobby, Bronx, NY 10475. P.S.: This is a requirement of the Post Office (“rear lobby” takes the place of an apartment number). Good & Welfare: We sell Tree Certificates in honor or memory of a loved one. The cost is only $15 per tree. Mazel tov to all having simchas. If you’re ill, wishing you good health. If you asked the rabbi to say prayers for a sick person, you should make your donation to the synagogue. Get well: Gary Schwartz is now at home recuperating and he continues to improve. September Birthdays: I have no list of September birthdays as of now. If your birthday is in September or October, please let me know. Fun And Games: After services and kiddush, some men and women play Rummy-cube. Your support of the Traditional Synagogue, is greatly appreciated. Wishing all our members and friends, peace and good health. —Gary Schwartz

Open Door Ministries

Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City

Beginning and Ending Well (Full Sermon at opendoorministries.net) “The pursuit of God is not a part-time, weekend exercise. If it is, chances are you will experience a part-time, weekend freedom. Abiding requires a kind of staying power. The pursuit is relentless. It hungers and thirsts. It pants as the deer after the mountain brook. It takes the kingdom by storm. The pursuit of God is a pursuit of passion. Indifference will not do. To abide in the word is to hang on tenaciously. A weak grip will soon slip away. Discipleship requires staying power. We sign up for duration. We do not graduate until heaven.” –R. C. Sproul Failure is the path of least persistence. Beginning well is easy but after a while we get tired and frustrated, our prayer life is non-existent. We pray on the run and take little time to simply be quiet before the Lord. The Christian life is one of patient endurance. We wait on God, then wait some more. The end product is not the most important thing, but the entire process changes our character. 2 Chronicles 16:8 Were not the Cushites and Libyans a mighty army with great numbers of chariots and horsemen? Yet when you relied on the LORD, he delivered them into your hand. 9 For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war. 10 Asa was angry with the seer because of this; he was so enraged that he put him in prison. At the same time Asa brutally oppressed some of the people.

12 In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was afflicted with a disease in his feet. Though his disease was severe, even in his illness he did not seek help from the LORD, but only from the physicians. The king began well but ended in failure. When we seek comfort, protection or love outside of God’s provision we set ourselves up for disaster. Even though Asa knew the full power of God he foolishly refused to seek God for healing. Wisdom and honor can be spoiled by a foolish act, word or encounter – check yourself. Ending well means keeping the momentum of seeking God even when tired. We persist in what we love. We need to examine the many loves in our lives and lose a few. Making important decisions without seeking God will inevitably lead to failure. In our hardest times, we must humble ourselves under God. He is merciful even in our sin. There is an appointed time for your needs and wants to be met, you must persist in asking. We must stop looking to the side and focus straight ahead on the upward call of Jesus. Sunday services are at 11 a.m. in Bartow Community Center, room 28. Contact Pastor Luis by text 917-334-4407 or email, opendoorministries.net. Blessings in Christ. —Pastor Luis Ramos

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Co-op City Times / October 6, 2018

Circle of Christ Church

Psalm 122:1 “I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” If you are looking for a place of worship in the local area that is aimed at teaching the transforming word of God, Circle of Christ Church invites you to fellowship with us. We are a non-denominational, multicultural, and loving church that accepts you just the way you are. Our Senior Pastor Elisamuel Colón and the body of Christ are committed to love people into a life changing-liberating relationship with God. We are located at 147 Dreiser Loop, patio level (located in the Dreiser Community Center). Our Sunday services are in Spanish at 9:30 a.m. and English at 11 a.m. We have an anointed worship team and Dance Ministry that minister regularly. The English service has Bible-centered children’s church and a nursery program where children are ministered to from the cradle to 12 years of age. The Youth Ministry, “Operation Grace,” meets on Fridays at 7:00 p.m. We have ministries for all ages. Follow us on Facebook and our website, circleofchristchurch.org. Circle of Christ Church responds to Isaiah 68:10: Feed the hungry and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. We have a food pantry that serves the community and we also offer individual and family counseling for those in need (every other Wednesday). Our phone number is 347-945-1992; feel free to leave a message. A church leader will be in touch with you. We look forward to seeing you. English Services Tuesday Prayer, 9:00-11:00 a.m. Thursday Prayer and Bible study, 9:30-11:00 a.m. Wednesday, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., Prayer/Bible Study Friday Operation Grace Youth Service, 7:00 p.m. Sunday Service, 11:00 a.m. Servicios en Español Domingo: Culto de Adoración de 9:30-10:30 a.m. Jueves, 12:00 p.m., Oración y Estudio Bíblico Special Event/Evento Especial You are invited to our Annual Concert: Explosion of Praise on Saturday, October 13, from 6-8 p.m. Le invitamos al Concierto Anual: Explosión de Alabanza, el sábado 13 de octubre de 6-8 p.m. —Pastor Sam Colon

Faith In God Church & Bible Institute

Newsong Church

This Sunday’s Schedule Location: 135 Einstein Loop (room 45), validated parking available in Einstein garage. Service time: 11 a.m. Kidsong available in rm. 49; Deaf interpretation available during adult service. For more information about Newsong Church, our beliefs, or our ministries, please go to our website, www.newsong churchnyc.org. Living Hope 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. —1 Peter 1:3-5 (NIV) Proverbs tells us that hope deferred makes the heart grow sick. In other words, when a person becomes hopeless, they feel as if they have nothing to live for. We live in a world where hope is uncertain. We say things like, “I hope things go well today.” We send “good vibes” hoping for a positive outcome. This isn’t the kind of hope that Peter is talking about. Peter tells us that because of the resurrection of Jesus, those who are born-again have a hope that’s alive! Often, when we think about the resurrection of Jesus, we think of it as a past histor-

Pastor and Evangelist Vernon Little greets everyone in the name of Jesus, that name which is above every name. We want you to know that you are welcome in this house of the Lord! It is His house by ownership: it is our house by stewardship: and it can be your house by membership; so come on in and join with us. May God bless you in this house! Prayer acknowledges that we are weak and totally dependent on God. We may not fully understand the circumstances of our life, but we can rest in the knowledge that God is in control. He gives us His peace. Let’s look at scripture to support this. 1st Peter 5:6-10 says: 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. Invitation: Sweet Hour of Prayer is today at 3 p.m. Sunday School is tomorrow at 10 a.m. Our Sunday Morning Worship Service is at 11 a.m. Every 3rd Sunday following the morning worship, we serve Holy Communion. Vernon Little just released a new EP titled ‘Double Minded’ on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, etc. It’s a fusion of Gospel, R&B, and Rap. He also has videos on YouTube. You will be blessed, encouraged, and inspired. We are located at 171 Dreiser Loop in Section 1. Our phone # is (347) 2764925. Jesus loves you, and so do we! —Evangelist Vernon Little

ical event. It’s cool, but what does it mean for me today? For followers of Jesus, the resurrection isn’t just a one-time event, it’s a truth that impacts our entire life! Consider the words of the Apostle Paul. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, —Ephesians 1:18-20 (NIV) (emphasis mine) Paul was praying that the church would know and understand how rich we are in Jesus. That we would come to know that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us! In other words, the resurrection of Jesus gives us a promise for tomorrow and power for today! When we understand this truth, and start to center our life around the living hope that we have, we realize that no earthly circumstance can rob me of my inheritance! This hope brings me joy during times of sadness, power when I’m feeling weak, and hope when things seem hopeless! Even in our darkest hour, the living hope we have in Jesus shines inside of us! What situation in your life seems hopeless? Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of the living hope you have in Jesus, and be filled with unspeakable joy! —Pastor Mike Tolone

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Co-op City Times / October 6, 2018 (Continued from page 24)

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Co-op City Times / October 6, 2018

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