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The Riverbay Board proposed Recommendation to Wells Fargo, HUD and DHCR
© Copyright 2015 Co-op City Times
Vol. 50 No. 40
Saturday, October 10, 2015
Riverbay submits management proposal to supervisory agencies BY ROZAAN BOONE
Board President Cleve Taylor has submitted to Riverbay’s oversight agencies the corporation’s management proposal to ensure the ongoing and future management of the development will not only be professional and independent, but will have substantive oversight and reporting requirements in place. The submission of the management proposal came on the heels of a longanticipated meeting among Riverbay and the lender and guarantors of the community’s $621M loan – Wells Fargo bank, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the New York State Division of Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), and New York City Housing
Development Corporation. “It was a very productive meeting,” said Board President Taylor. “We have some level of clarity now about what is expected and required of us and I’m hopeful that the bank, HUD, HCR and HDC, after meeting us face-to-face now understand our position and are willing to work with us going forward to make sure that Co-op City remains affordable housing which is operated in the most cost effective way by people who have a vested and long-standing interest in the welfare of the property. This is where we live.” The proposal submitted this week by Mr. Taylor supplements Riverbay’s
Open Shareholders’ Meeting on Wednesday (Continued on page 9)
Discuss future of management in Co-op City and implementation of financial controls
BY JIM ROBERTS
Board President Cleve Taylor has scheduled an Open Shareholders’ Meeting for Wednesday, October 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Dreiser Auditorium to discuss the future of management in Co-op City and to introduce shareholders to the newly hired Internal Auditor. All shareholders are urged to attend. As is traditionally the case, shareholders who would like to meet with individual department directors to address specific concerns may do so between 6:30-7:30 p.m. Promptly at 7:30 p.m., the Board
meeting will commence with a 15minute presentation of the management proposal that was submitted to the community’s supervisory agencies (see pages 1, 4 & 5), followed by introduction and remarks from Riverbay’s new Internal Auditor, Ms. Averil M. JamesBonnette. The Gallery Session, where shareholders may express their opinions and/or comment on issues facing the community, will begin at 8 p.m. The meeting will be televised live for Co-op City residents on Channel (Continued on page 2)
New boiler to be delivered this weekend No parking and street closures will be in effect on Co-op City Blvd., Oct. 11 - Oct. 12 BY ROZAAN BOONE
The planned delivery of Co-op City’s new, 150-ton boiler which has been berthed at the Port of Newark for the past couple of weeks, will be delivered to the Co-op City power plant during the overnight hours tomorrow, Sunday, October 11 into Monday, October 12. This delivery was scheduled to take place last weekend, but due to the impending arrival of Hurricane Joaquim to the northeast coast, the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT)
cancelled the delivery as a precautionary measure. In preparation for tomorrow’s delivery of the boiler to the Co-op City power plant, there will be no parking on Co-op City Boulevard from 8 a.m. on Sunday, October 10, until 8 a.m. on Monday, October 12, along the southbound lane from the rear of Building 13 to the rear of Building 12 (right hand side), and on the north-bound side (left) of Co-op City Boulevard at the back (Continued on page 2)
25¢
Dear fellow sharewith large property President’s Message holders: experience. The I would like to housing company express my gratitude has the financial President for your continuing capacity to hire the support of the efforts talent we need. It that this new Board of may be sound advice to Directors has made over continue with our tradithe past 1½ years. As I tional course of business. move around our beautiOur scale and the law of ful community, you have diminishing returns show it extended your thank you’s is often cheaper to buy a to me and that have given long-term product than to me the strength to continue rent (i.e. General Manager my full-time job of reprevs. Managing Agent). senting you. The results are now startThe Board of Directors is coming to pay off, not only on our mitted to finding new Executive talBalance Sheet, but in continued propent and I will be recommending to the Board that we continue to dilierty improvements. The turn-around gently and carefully continue our is visible and has resulted in morale being elevated to an all-time high. recruiting efforts on a dual-course These measureable deliverables for Executive Managers and qualiare quantifiable, through our current fied managing agents who bring to Riverbay Corporation management the table qualified individuals at the model. The economies to scale here correct pricing level. The companies at Riverbay are so great that they dicthat we have interviewed proposed tate a long-term solution to advance to give us 2 or 3 onsite personnel for the Corporate Goal of Sustainability. $1,600,000, in addition to a 6% conRiverbay has an annual payroll of struction project management fee. $75,000,000, has been in business for (Continued on page 5) 50 years, and has existing managers
Cleve Taylor
Riverbay President presents management proposal to HUD, HCR, HDC & Wells Fargo
(The following letter detailing Riverybay’s proposed management has been sent by Board President Cleve Taylor to the commuity’s supervisory agencies. The letter is printed below in its entirety.)
October 6, 2015
Jaime Rubin Mark S. Colon New York State Homes and Community Renewal 25 Beaver Street New York, New York
Holly M. Leicht Stacy Schrager United States Department of Housing and Urban Development 26 Federal Plaza New York, New York 10007 Alan Wiener Wells Fargo Multi Family Capital 150 East 42nd Street 36th Floor New York, NY 10017
(Continued on page 4)
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Co-op City Times / October 10, 2015
Open Board meeting
(Continued from page 1)
12 (MATV) and Channel 591 on Cablevision. In his proposal, Board President Taylor states: “We understand and respect the concerns of the Guarantors. It is our belief that the management solution we are suggesting is the best vehicle to provide the comfort you require. The proposal provides transparency, detailed reporting, verification of financial information, and accountability.” The self-management proposal is being presented to Riverbay’s lenders – HUD, HCR, Wells Fargo and the New York City HDC – for their review and approval following a meeting held in Manhattan last Friday, Oct. 2, between Riverbay and the lenders. Those lenders – Wells Fargo bank, the federal Housing and Urban Development agency (HUD) and the state Department of Housing and Community Renewal (HCR) – insist that terms of Co-op City’s $621 million, low-interest mortgage leave it solely up to the lenders to determine who can run Co-op City. Following a comprehensive, six-month search for an independent management firm, Board President Taylor and a majority of Board members have determined that Co-op City’s shareholders will be best served by continuing to self-manage Riverbay as it has
Boiler
entrance to the power plant on Co-op City Boulevard up to Bellamy Loop south. To ensure the entrance to the Power Plant is clear of vehicles on both sides, there will also be no parking within 50 feet on either the right and left side of the plant entrance in order to accommodate the huge 22 feet wide by 72 feet long trailer that will be transporting the boiler from the Department of Transportation (DOT) bulkhead behind the Peartree complex to the power plant on Co-op City Boulevard. Additionally, between the hours of 12 a.m. - 2 a.m. on Monday, October 12, Co-op City Blvd. will be closed from Peartree South to Bartow Avenue. For the convenience of those who will be displaced from their street parking from 8 a.m. on Sunday, October 11 to 8 a.m. on Monday, October 12, Riverbay’s Assistant General Manager Warren Mitchell said that courtesy parking will be provided in Garage 5. “Shareholders should be guided by the Public Safety officers who will be on the scene to help direct traffic and ensure safety,” said Mitchell. “We are aware of the parking situation in Co-op City and are doing our best to minimize inconvenience to our shareholders.” Power Plant officials have reported that over the last 15 days, the boiler and steam drum made their way from Louisiana by an ocean-going barge after leaving the manufacturer’s plant in Oklahoma in mid-August, then around the tip of Florida to the Port of Newark where the vessel is currently docked. It will be transferred to a river barge for its journey up the Hutchinson River to the DOT facility behind Peartree where it is expected to arrive around mid-morning on Saturday, October 10. Upon its arrival, the boiler and steam drum will be off-loaded by
been since last November when previous managing agent, Marion Scott Real Estate, Inc., was removed by an ad-hoc committee of the Board of Directors. The Riverbay Board and the mortgage holders have been wrestling with the issue of Co-op City’s management model for the past 5 months. Last Friday’s sitdown between Riverbay leadership and the agencies is seen as a positive step in the right direction. “It was a very productive meeting,” Taylor said this week. “We have some level of clarity now about what is expected and required of us and I’m hopeful that the bank, HUD, HCR and HDC, after meeting us face-to-face now understand our position and are willing to work with us going forward to make sure that Co-op City remains affordable housing which is operated in the most cost effective way by people who have a vested and long-standing interest in the welfare of the property...” Wells Fargo provided the $621 million mortgage refinancing in November, 2012 that reduced Co-op City’s mortgage interest payments by millions of dollars and provided funding to complete major repairs. HUD provided a guarantee of the mortgage, along with HCR and New York City’s Housing Preservation and Development (HPD).
Open Board Meeting next Wednesday, Oct. 14th AGENDA
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that an Open Shareholders Meeting of the Riverbay Corporation will take place on Wednesday, October 14th, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. in the Dreiser Community Center Auditorium. The agenda is as follows:
OPEN INFORMATION PORTION: Management Department Heads to meet with individual cooperators (6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.) Meeting to begin at 7:30 p.m. promptly Topics to be discussed: 1) Future direction of Management for the Riverbay Corporation (15 minute discussion) 2) Introduction of Director of Internal Audit (Ms. Averil James-Bonnette) including remarks regarding fiscal controls (15 minute discussion) 3) Gallery Session to begin at 8 p.m. sharp.
*Refreshments will be served *This meeting will be televised Ch. 12 - MATV & Ch. 591 Cablevision
(Continued from page 1)
Bay Crane unto a heavy transport trailer, Bill May, Riverbay’s power plant executive, has reported. At about midnight on Sunday, October 11, the trailer carrying the boiler and steam drum will begin its journey to the Co-op City power plant on Co-op City Boulevard, travelling at a rate of 2-3 miles per hour. Brian Reardon, Riverbay’s power plant Director, said the trailer will travel south on Co-op City Boulevard to Bellamy Loop where it will cross over the northbound side to make its turn into the power plant facility to be offloaded. “We want to thank Bill May, Rene Hamilton, Rikardo Jakaj, Brian Reardon and the rest of the power plant staff and the engineers we’ve contracted with for coming up with a plan that makes better sense than the one ill-conceived by our previous management which threatened to derail this project by us having to
spend a significant amount of money to open up the roof of the power plant to get this boiler into the plant,” said Noel Ellison, interim General Manager. “By us working together with our knowledgeable staff and with the expertise of our consultants, we’ve been able to get this project back on track and it shows what can be accomplished when we work as a team and respect the talents of everyone around the table.” This new, custom built, high pressure boiler, is one of the largest shop-built boilers ever produced by Victory Energy, its manufacturer. It replaces one of the power plant’s two original 40 year old boilers. While the life of Boiler #1 was extended and improved by engineers through upgrades that allow it to burn both ultra-low sulfur diesel and natural gas, Boiler #2 needed more extensive repairs and upgrades and was, therefore, demolished and removed from the power plant. Until the new boiler’s arrival, a
temporary boiler has been onsite at the plant serving as a back-up to Boiler #1. While the boiler and steam drum had to be shipped to Co-op City, another 2030 truckloads of parts and peripherials, piping and trim have already begun to arrive at the power plant facility during the week where they will be assembled in the coming weeks. Mr. May has reported that the new boiler should have an operating life of 40 years or more. He also pointed out that the new boiler is more efficient and reduces emissions significantly in compliance with tougher state regulations that were implemented in 2011 and 2012. “This project is important to Co-op City to replace antiquated equipment, to provide redundant source of thermal and electrical energy for the community and to improve our environmental footprint,” May told the Co-op City Times.
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Co-op City Times / October 10, 2015
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Combing Co-op City Find out what’s going on in Co-op City here...
Building 33 welcomes you to Football Sunday
The Building 33 Association welcomes the community to Football Sundays in the building association room. Come hang out, watch the game, discuss your favorite teams. Join them tomorrow, Sunday, Oct. 11th; doors open at 12:30 p.m.
Next CB 10 meeting Thursday in Co-op City
4th Annual Co-op City College, Career & Resource Fair featured presentations by PepsiCola and LinkedIn
Last Saturday, October 3, the 4th annual Co-op City College, Career & Resource Fair was held in the Dreiser Auditorium and scores of students, their parents and guardians attended to take advantage of the resources that were available. The annual fair, which is organized by Riverbay’s Second Vice President Evelyn Turner and sponsored by the Riverbay Fund, this year featured presentations by not only the Scholarship Lady, but also by PepsiCola and LinkedIn. In addition, a monetary donation from Bob’s Furniture was used to
raffle off ten $50 prizes to students to open up 529 College Savings Plans. Among the winners were Tristen Spencer, Kwadwo Appiah Poku, Jeffery Acqaah, Makayla Penn, Nana Gyamfi, Hammond Gyamfim Jared Penn, Amanda Byrd, Michael Oppona and Eric Chancey. The Williamsbridge Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Woman’s Club, Inc. (NANBPWC) also awarded two $50 donations to students, Janiah Lyons and Felicia White, to open a College Saving Account. There was a wealth of information
The next Community Board 10 meeting will be held this Thursday, October 15, 7:30 p.m. at the Dreiser Auditorium at 177 Dreiser Loop, Bronx, NY 10475. For more information, please call Community Board 10 at (718) 892-1161.
Annual Friends & Family Day
The Coalition of AfricanAmerican Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City, Inc. will host its 20th annual Friends and Family Day celebration on Sunday, October 18th, 2 p.m., 177 Dreiser Community Center, Auditorium A, (Co-op City), Bronx. This year’s Keynote Speaker will be Dr. Dena “Sunshine” Robins, President of the Association for the Study of African– American Life and History. There will be games with prizes for the children, entertainment, inspirational messages, vendors and much more, so come out and support the many organizations that make up the coalition. Admission is free and everyone is invited to attend.
Halloween Costume Party & Haunted House
The annual Riverbay Fund Halloween Costume Party/Movie will be held on Thursday, October 29, 5-8 p.m. in the Dreiser Auditorium. Get your costumes ready and plan to attend. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. The always-popular Riverbay Fund Haunted House will be held on Friday and Saturday, October 30 and 31, respectively, 4-8 p.m. in Room 28 in the Bartow Community Center. If you love a good scare, we’ll see you there!
FRONT PA G E
Photos by Garvin Reid
and resources available at the fair for students from Grade 3, all the way through high school, during the course of the day. “Thanks to all volunteers who were part of the team who made this a beneficial event for our vibrant Co-op City community,” said Director Evelyn Turner. “We also appreciate suggestions for next year. We want to continue to grow. It was an absolute pleasure seeing students and parents enjoying themselves and obtaining valuable resources.” Below are some of the highlights for the day’s activities.
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Board President’s Letter
Richard M. Froehlich NYC Housing Development Corporation 110 William Street l0th Floor New York, New York 10038
Co-op City Times / October 10, 2015 (Continued from page 1)
Dear M. Rubin, Colon, Leicht, Schrager, Wiener and Froehlich: Thank you for hosting a meeting with Riverbay's representatives on October 2nd, 2015. As a follow up to that meeting, I want to present you with the following proposal to ensure that the ongoing and future management of Riverbay will be both professional, independent, and subject to meaningful oversight controls and reporting requirements. I attach the proposed Management Plan previously submitted to you by our interim General Manger, Mr. Noel Ellision, as well as another copy of a Previous Participation Certificate and a HUD Form 9839-a in support of Riverbay's application to transition away from an Independent Fee Agent to either an Owner/Manager or Identity of Interest Management Agent. As a supplement to the information set forth in those submittals, Riverbay is proposing the following additional safeguards. IOI Management with Restricted Board Riverbay is proposing the creation of an Identity of Interest (IOI) Managing Agent Entity to manage the Property. The IOI would have a three (3) member governing board consisting of the Riverbay Board President, the Riverbay Board Treasurer, and an Independent Director jointly selected by the regulatory entities (HCR & HUD) and the Lender (Wells Fargo). No changes in the management team, including specifically the hiring or firing of certain key Riverbay employees such as the Executive Manager (a newly created position which is presently unfilled), the General Manager, the Director of Finance and the Director of Internal Audit, could be made without the prior approval of the Governing Board. Any such changes would require the consent of the Independent Director, providing the Regulatory Agencies and Lender with a veto over any hiring, firing, or change of management. In addition, Riverbay would enter into a written Management Agreement with the IOI management entity which would require compliance by the IOI with all existing rules and regulations of HUD and HCR, and all Program Obligations under the Loan Documents. Riverbay would recommend to the IOI Governing Board an individual or entity to fill the newly created position of Executive Manager. The Executive Manager would be at the top of the organizational chart and have final authority to make all decisions relating to the management and operation of the Riverbay complex. The General Manager, and all other management personnel, would report to this newly created position. The IOI Governing Board would meet at least quarterly. At each such meeting, the Executive Manager, the General Manager, the Director of Finance, the Director of Internal Audit and the outside General Counsel, would attend and report, in writing, to the Board. The IOI Governing Board would have the authority to direct audits of the financial, operational and legal affairs of the Riverbay Corporation by either Riverbay's Director of Internal Audit, or by Riverbay's outside independent accounting firm (presently O'Connor Davies), or by Riverbay's outside General Counsel (presently Smith, Buss & Jacobs, LLP). The expense of any such audits would be borne by Riverbay. Riverbay currently provides monthly reports to HUD, HCR and Wells Fargo, consisting of: • Aged Accounts Receivable; • Listing of Cash Balances; • Statement of Cash Flow; • Income Reports year to date; • Trial Balance; • Aged Accounts Payable; • Expense Distribution Report The IOI Governing Board would have the authority to order financial audits of the monthly reports by either the Director of Internal Audit, the outside independent Auditor, or by the staff of the applicable regulatory agency or lender. The IOI Governing Board, or the Independent Director acting individually, would also have the authority to require the preparation and submission of such other financial or operating reports that it deemed reasonable and necessary. This would allow the Regulatory Agencies and the Lender to verify that all financial figures and reports are accurate and arms-length. The existing Loan Documents require an updated Property Condition Assessment by November 2022. Riverbay would voluntarily undertake, and pay for, an updated Property Condition Assessment Report by November 2017. This report would verify not only the accuracy of the initial Property Condition Assessment but also IOI Management's ability to preserve and protect the collateral securing the Loan.
In order to grant appropriate authority to the IOI Governing Board, the Riverbay Board of Directors would amend Article X of Riverbay's ByLaws, entitled Special HUD Provisions, adopted on August 22, 2012, to restrict the authority of the Riverbay Board to hire or fire the Executive Manager, the General Manager, the Director of Finance and the Director of Internal Audit, or to interfere with the reporting and auditing requirements of the IOI Governing Board. These amendments would remain effective as long as the Corporation is subject to a mortgage loan insured, guaranteed or held by HUD, its successors or assigns. Riverbay would continue to pay down the loan principal in accordance with the present amortization structure which provides for approximately $1,000,000 in principal reduction per month. [As of the date of this proposal, the loan has been reduced from $621,500,000 to $584,000,000, a total of $37,500,000]. Presently Riverbay has approximately $60,000,000 in restricted reserves on deposit with Wells Fargo. In the event of a financial default, Wells Fargo has the legal right under the loan documents to immediately seize those funds and to apply them to the Loan. Additional Audit and Financial Protections As referenced at our meeting, Riverbay has added a Director of Internal Audit to its staff together with a Director of Procurement. Both individuals have impressive credentials and bring new perspectives, and professionalism, to Riverbay's existing 1,068 employee work force. Riverbay's August 31, 2015 financial report shows approximately $9M dollars in free operating cash. Riverbay is projecting a year end cash balance of $10M. Riverbay is current with all of its payables, has paid the full amount necessary to settle the employment related class action and the related re-classification audit, has reduced the principal balance of its outstanding mortgage by approximately $37.5M, and has increased its reserve account by over $5M. In addition, Riverbay presently has a 98.4% occupancy rate and a five (5) year waiting list of qualified applicants for new apartments. Upon Riverbay's failure to comply or cure any Declaration of Default by HUD under the Regulatory Agreement, or to cure any Monetary Default or a Covenant Event of Default under the Security Agreement, or under any other Loan Document, the IOI Management Agreement would require the IOI Management Entity to collect and pay over all rents, shareholder maintenance, and other income of the Corporation to the entity designated by the Guarantors. These funds would be used to cure any monetary default, and to pay Riverbay’s monetary obligations under the Note and Security Instrument, together with the necessary expenses of preserving and operating the Mortgaged Property. As additional financial security for the Loan, Riverbay would, if requested, place its payroll account (presently at Amalgamated Bank) and its operating account (presently at New York Community Bank) with Wells Fargo. This offer is conditioned upon Wells Fargo agreement to i) match the existing fees of said banking institutions; ii) print and mail monthly maintenance bills for the Corporation (a service currently provided by NYCB); and iii) provide an on-site branch for the cashing of payroll checks (a service currently provided by Amalgamated Bank for Riverbay's employees). In addition, Riverbay, and the IOI Managing Agent, will continue to provide Wells Fargo, and the Guarantors, with all required insurance and fidelity bonds. Under the Loan Agreement, Riverbay has consented to annual site inspections, as well as an annual Management Review by HUD. In the IOI Management Agreement between Riverbay and the IOI, Riverbay will incorporate language providing for an adjustment of the IOI management teams compensation to reflect the annual HUD Management Review. Further, Riverbay has provided, and will continue to provide training for its Board members. Currently, seven (7) Board members are RAM Certified and RAM courses are being offered to all remaining Board members. Counsel has also provided training to the Board on the fiduciary obligations of Board members, and on various topics such as the Fair Housing Act. In addition, 394 of Riverbay's employees have attained OSHA safety certification appropriate to their trade and job responsibility. Power Plant Management In accordance with the Loan Documents, Riverbay has maintained a Long Term Service Agreement [LTSA] to ensure proper maintenance of the existing power plant equipment. However, Riverbay has determined that the overall management and operation of the central heating and cooling plant, together with the 40 megawatt co-generation facility, requires management expertise which transcends traditional housing management capabilities. This need was confirmed during Riverbay' s interview of the various applicants for the position of managing agent. As such, Riverbay has drafted an RFP for an O & M Operator for the Power Plant. (Continued on next page)
Board President’s letter
(Continued from previous page)
It is Riverbay's intention, subject to the approval of the Regulatory Agencies, to bid for and contract with an Independent Fee Agent, with expertise in the operation of electric power plants, to provide the necessary operational and management controls for the safe and efficient operation of the existing Power Plant. Performance to Date Since the suspension of the managing agent in November of 2014, Riverbay's existing staff of 1,068 employees has successfully managed and resolved a series of extraordinary crises while improving its financial position. Those events included an outbreak of legionella, a multimillion dollar employment class action litigation, a re-classification audit, and the discovery of significant contracting and bidding errors relating to the power plant. Riverbay voluntarily imposed a maintenance increase on its shareholders, settled the class action litigation, re-classified its work force, retained the leading expert in the country on legionnella, implemented industry standard construction contracts, regained control over a dysfunctional multi-million dollar boiler replacement project, instituted a body camera program for its Public Safety Department, attained the lowest crime rate in the Bronx, and hired additional staff to provide necessary auditing and procurement controls. In addition, with regard to the four capital repair items set forth in your letter, please note that Riverbay has completed the installation of GFCI outlets and smoke detectors in 15,363 of its 15,372 units. The 9 units in which the required installations were not completed had refused access. Riverbay has commenced the process of obtaining Court orders to compel forced access to those units. With regard to the retail storefronts, Riverbay’s architects have completed a series of schematic drawings for the proposed work. I attach copies of the drawings to this letter since we did not have time to review them at our meeting. These schematics are scheduled to be reviewed by the Board at its October 9th, 2015 meeting. Third, with regard to the removal of the garage beams, an independent, outside engineering firm, O & S Associates, has performed a code review and a zoning review. The engineer has issued a written recommendation against the removal of these beams. The engineer recommended that the beams be repaired rather than replaced. The engineer's recommendation has been submitted to Wells, HUD and HCR as part of the routine loan reporting. A copy is also attached to this letter. Fourth, with regard to the accessibility of the lobby entrances, the process is underway. Riverbay initially renovated one lobby in Building 15A to comply with a Court order and to assess design feasibility and shareholder acceptance. Although the completed work resulted in compliance with the Court order, the finished project was unacceptable to all
President’s Report
That onsite cost to the shareholders would be $533,000 per person and there was no additional intellectual property that was assessed that was not already departmentalized at Riverbay. The days of 50% profit margin for managing agents are over. Recent Events As a result of a heavy work load to clean up the mess left behind by our former managing agent, and after an extensive interview process in our search for the correct fit for responsible management that the Board of Directors undertook, we reached out to our partners at Wells Fargo, HUD and DHCR over this very contentious issue. We have informed the agencies that after a diligent property-specific interview preparation and the subsequent interviews, we did not find the proposed onsite personnel from the companies we interviewed to be adequate to supervise our operations in Co-op City, despite the fact that they may be good managers at other properties, none of which are as large and as complex as Co-op City. The majority of our Board of Directors agrees that after reviewing the records, our recommendation is a viable proposed solution. Our General Manager, Mr. Noel Ellison, has an “onsite,” undisputable record of success during the past year
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Co-op City Times / October 10, 2015
(Continued from page 1)
and throughout his career. All we are asking for is one more to make it affirmed. He is currently carefully bringing on new staff as old staff retires, and as terminations are executed when necessary. We have significant redundant checks and balances already in place. The shortage of affordable housing in the City and the State of New York continues to climb; we have 3,000 on our waiting list. Clearly, there is the fear that Co-op City will not pay the mortgage balances—a mortgage ($534 million) that represents only a small portion of the overall appraised value ($3.5 Billion) and is secured with over $60,000,000 held at the bank originator. Riverbay could easily prepay some of its mortgage or add to reserve positions for capital repairs. I reaffirm that the residents of Co-op City are ready to meet their financial obligations, even if it means raising the carrying charges! The days of mismanagement and keeping people on our payroll so they can prosper has had a devastating effect on our community and balance sheet. We are ready to embrace our financial responsibilities and to implement stringent financial controls to ensure the viability of our property and our homes.
shareholders in the building. Shareholders noted significant problems with the intercom system, operational difficulties with the door opening motor, repeated failures of the mechanical locking device, and unsatisfactory performance of the access doors in various weather conditions. As a result, Riverbay engaged in a series of shareholder meetings, resulting in a number of design changes to address shareholder concerns. A different contractor, IJZ, started work on July 7, 2015 (Contract #2981). Simultaneously the lobby design architect, WASA, went bankrupt. A replacement architect, Architectural Preservation Studios (APS) started work on August 11, 2015 (Contract #3011). The new architect, APS, is presently reviewing shop drawings from IJZ. Upon final approval of the shop drawings, it is estimated that the work will be completed within 3 months. Assuming a satisfactory result, Riverbay will then implement this solution project wide. In the interim, Riverbay has established a committee of shareholders, composed of residents with various disabilities, to review and implement on going improvements in accessibility and in the provision of housing services. Summary Riverbay intends to fully comply with its obligations under the Loan Documents and to be a good partner with the Lender and Guarantors. Riverbay has no interest in taking any action which would jeopardize the existing Loan, or which would diminish the value of its property or decrease the level of services provided to its resident-owners. The property securing the loan is our home. As such, our primary motivation is the provision of safe, quality housing at an affordable price. We understand and respect the concerns of the Guarantors. It is our belief that the management solution we are suggesting is the best vehicle to provide the comfort you require. The proposal provides transparency, detailed reporting, verification of financial information, and accountability. In addition, Riverbay estimates that the above proposal for an IOI manager would generate net savings of approximately $1,000,000 per year. We look forward to a prompt and amicable resolution of this issue. In order to expedite this dialogue I have instructed and authorized our General Counsel to speak directly with you concerning this matter. Respectfully,
Cleve Taylor, President Riverbay Board of Directors Our Proposal Our proposal adds additional safeguards that I wish were in place when our former managing agent, Marion Scott Real Estate, Inc., was here. In my opinion, these safeguards go above and beyond what is necessary to insure a mortgage payment of $1,000,000 per month, when, on average, monthly income is approximately $18,200,000 and free operating cash after all bills are paid F/M/E August 31, 2015 is
$9,000,000. Please read and keep my letter in the Co-op City Times (see page 1) because most of all, if these safeguards are accepted, they will give additional assurance to the residents of Co-op City and the State of New York. *There will be an Open Shareholders’ meeting this Wednesday to discuss this matter. Please make every effort to attend.
No Parking & Co-op City Blvd. street closure Sunday, Oct. 11-Monday, Oct. 12 For new boiler delivery to power plant There will be no parking on Co-op City Blvd. from 8 a.m. on Sunday, October 11 to 8 a.m., on Monday, October 12. Vehicles that are not moved from the designated “No Parking” areas will be towed at owner’s expense. Impounded cars will be taken to Five J’s tow yard. Between 12 midnight on Sunday, October 11 and 2 a.m. on Monday October 12, Co-op City Blvd. will be closed to traffic from Peartree South to Bartow Avenue. Courtesy parking will be available in garage 5.
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Co-op City Times / October 10, 2015
Letters to the Editor To the Editor: Roseburg, Oregon now joins a growing list of mass shootings that includes Columbine H.S., Aurora Movie Theatre, Tuscon Shopping Mall, Wash-ington Navy Yard, Fort Hood, Emanuel AME Church and, of course, Sandy Hook Elementary School. 2015 has seen 294 mass shootings, 41 of them at various schools. The gun violence rise in our nation is skyrocketing, especially in low-income neighborhoods. In Chicago, days before Roseburg, dozens of shootings included that of an 11 month child whose mother and grandmother were killed; a 15 year old boy shot several times just sitting on a porch, and in Cleveland, where a 5 month baby girl sitting in the back seat of her mother’s car was shot and killed
Reform gun laws now! by a stray bullet. Media and national attention on gun violence in low-income communities, as far as I am concerned, ONLY receives constant daily coverage when it happens in a community like Roseburg. Our sanctuaries of everyday life – places of worship, elementary schools, colleges, shopping malls and movie theatres – are no longer guaranteed safe havens. Our elected officials of both parties have failed us because they either keep silent on the matter or come out publicly against ANY further gun control laws. This, even after 20 first graders were slaughtered, and one of their own members of Congress nearly died at the hands of a shooter. It seems even law-abiding and responsible gun owners favor greater gun control legis-
lation. To those who continue to block every effort to reform gun laws, lawmakers, NRA leaders, radical right wing media commentators and even candidates running for president, "blood of these victims is on your hands." Claims that further gun control measures threaten "their" second amendment rights or that their guns will physically be taken from them is one of the greatest pieces of fraud and fear mongering perpetuated on our society. I believe President Obama's anger and frustration is justified. More mass shootings, more images of grieving families, more hand wringing and more resigned conclusions that nothing will change, have become much, much too routine. –Mark P. Bruh
No mention of disabled issues
To the Editor: With more than a year to go before the Presidential election in 2016, I can never remember hearing or seeing – at this early stage of the election process – the cacophony of rhetoric by numerous candidates from both parties flying across the airwaves, the web and print media. But with this endless verbiage from at least 15 declared candidates of both parties, I have not heard one word about disabled issues or about what any of them plan to do on behalf of the disabled.
According to the latest census data, there are approximately 45 million Americans who have some form of significant disability. This number represents about one quarter of the entire American population who is of voting age and about one half of the number of people who will actually vote in the election – a sizable percentage of the nation’s voting public no matter how you look at it. But despite these overwhelming numbers, issues of direct concern to the disabled population are never part
of the national discussion. As voting blocs of all types and sizes are being wooed by every politician in the race, disabled voters are just waiting and hoping that someone even mentions their cause. This is an outrage that 45 million disabled Americans must put an end to. We have to show the politicians that we have the numbers that can significantly help determine who gets elected in November of 2016. We have to come together as one and vote as one. —John Rose
Amended Second Reading Resolution: #15-63
SUBMITTED BY: Junius Williams SECONDED BY: Bill Gordon BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING: October 7th, 2015
WHEREAS, On June 18, 2014 the Board passed Resolution #14-36 to lease the former Bingo Hall at 2081 Bartow Avenue to the Riverbay Fund to be used as a multi-use not-for-profit Youth/Young Adult/Adult Community Center at the rate of $100.00 per year for two years; and WHEREAS, On January 21, 2015 the Board passed Resolution #15-07 to extend the Bingo Hall lease until January 31, 2025 at the rate of $3.00 a square foot; and
WHEREAS, To date neither HUD nor HCR has approved the lease of the Bingo Hall to the Riverbay Fund and the space has been vacant and off-themarket with no rent paid to Riverbay since June 18, 2012 ;and WHEREAS, The Board accepts that if the HCR or HUD does not approve the lease of the Bingo Hall to the Riverbay Fund within 6 months, therefore Resolutions #14-36 and # 1507 should both be rescinded and the Bingo Hall space should be offered for rent at market rates. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That due to the need to protect Riverbay’s commercial rental income for the benefit of all share-
holders that Resolution #14-36 and Resolution #15-07 are both hereby rescinded effective after 6 months and the vacant space shall be offered for rent at market rates; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Management is directed to take all necessary steps to carry out this Resolution and the President is authorized to sign all related documents. YES: Berk, Cylich, Jenkins, Jones, Leslie, Peterson, Saunders, Taylor, Turner NO: Atkins, Gordon, Johnson, Williams ABSENT: Graham, Owens PASSED (See page 8 for more resolutions)
Important Notice to Shareholders of Adler and Broun Pl. Townhouses 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.
Adler Place Broun Place Townhouse
Current Lease Expiration Date
New 3 yr. Expiration Date
Oct. 31, 2015
Oct. 31, 2018
Adler Place Broun Place Townhouse
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
Bill Stuttig
Associate Editor
Jim Roberts
Business Manager
Jennifer Piovanetti Operations Manager
Ralph Henriquez
Production Manager
The Co-op City Times welcomes issue-oriented letters to the editor to be considered for publication. All letters, in prose, not poetry, must be addressed to the editor, not to third parties. All letters must be handsigned by the writers and include their addresses and phone numbers, which will be kept confidential, so that the editor can verify the authenticity of the authors. Writers will be limited to one letter per topic. Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Letters cannot exceed 350 words. Ideally, they should be typed. All letters must be in the Co-op City Times office in Room 21, Bartow Community Center, by 3 p.m. every Monday to be considered for publication in that week’s edition. Views and opinions expressed in letters and Directors’ Viewpoint are solely the writer’s, and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times or Riverbay Corp. Advertisements and classified advertisements in the Co-op City Times do not necessarily reflect an endorsement from Riverbay Corporation of goods and services, but present greater options to cooperators of products and services available. The Riverbay Corporation does not assume any responsibility nor is it a party to any contract or agreement between the cooperator and the vendor. All matter published herein is copyrighted by the Co-op City Times. Permission for reprints of advertising or editorial contents produced by the Co-op City Times must be obtained in writing from Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Ave., Bronx, New York 10475.
If the Co-op City Times Was Not Delivered: Call 347-439-5632 on Saturdays ONLY, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Public Safety Report
CCPD reminds cooperators to call Public Safety for DOG violations BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO The Co-op City Department of Public Safety reminds residents that your lease prohibits dogs. Exceptions to this rule are granted as an accommodation to disabled residents based on medical necessity. Applications for such accommodations may be picked up at any CSO office. You need not show ID to pick up an application. Cooperators are reminded that not all disabilities for residents requiring service animals are visible. Cooperators should not engage in conversations regarding the particular disability of a person who has an approved service dog. Service dogs may not be aggressive or bite or scratch. Service animals must be on a leash or carrier when outside of the apartment. Co-op City is a highrise, multi-family cooperative which houses approximately 65,000 residents. The Quality of Life of all residents must be respected at all times. Concerned residents who see or hear dogs within an apartment may call the Department of Public Safety (718)671-3050 or provide the information on our website www.ccpd.us. It is not necessary for persons to reveal their identity when calling. Callers may remain anonymous when calling. Please be sure to give all required information including the location of the suspected dog to the dispatcher prior to hanging up the phone. A caller’s identity is never revealed to offender even when information is provided. Due to a legal precedent, officers cannot question or detain a person on the property with a dog unless the dog: (1) Is off the leash (2) Is acting in an aggressive manner or has bitten a person or another animal. (3) Defecates and the owner does not clean up after the dog. Public Safety officers will be dispatched if either a dog is misbehaving or there is no dog approved for the particular apartment. Public Safety officers are not dispatched to a particular apartment if the apartment has an approved service dog and the dog is not misbehaving. In addition, Public Safety should be called for any dog misbehaving in public areas. Public Safety Officers are trained to support and respect residents with disabilities. Cooperators should not confront, question or make disparaging remarks to persons observed to be in possession of dogs. Call Public Safety immediately if the dog is misbehaving and allow us to take proper action. An unapproved dog within an apartment is subject to Community Complaint. The violation code for harboring an unapproved dog within an apartment is Code “Z” which states “Keeping or harboring dogs or any animals deemed potentially harmful to the health and safety of others.” Violations of Code “Z” carry a fine of One Hundred and Fifty Dollars. In the case of unapproved dogs within the apartments the Cooperator Service Office works with the Legal Department to insure that the offending dog is removed from the premises. Owners of service dogs must clean up after their dogs. This is a rule that must be strictly complied with to insure the health and safety of Co-op City’s residents. Service dog owners may receive a Community Complaint for noise if they permit excess barking (more than 30 minutes during the daytime or 10 (Continued on page 34)
Co-op City Times / October 10, 2015
OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY
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Tell your friends, relatives and employers about:
2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475 • 718-320-3300 Riverbay Corporation is an equal opportunity employer.
For information on CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES ONLY, please contact: Lenya Garcia at Lgarcia@riverbay corp.com; AND Barbara Penn at Bpenn@riverbaycorp.com. Please note that emails should be sent to both parties. Please DO NOT email resumes for EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES to the aforementioned emails. For EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, please see bottom of the employment listings for specific directions.
CONTRACT SUMMARY
Contract 3007 (REBID), Overhaul of Main Transformer (7X26): Disconnect 7X26 Transformer for rewinding and repairing. Bids Due: October 16, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Bonding is required. Insurance is required. Contract 3024, Architectural Services for Local Law 11-98 Cycle 8: Provide Architectural Services for inspections to the High-Rise building facades.
Pre-Bid: October 13, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Bids Due: October 29, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Bonding is not required. Insurance is required.
Contract 3027 Emergency Plumbing Repairs as needed: Provide emergency plumbing repairs on an as needed basis. Pre-Bid: October 8, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Bids Due: October 27, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Bonding is not required. Insurance is required.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Open to 32BJ Union Members from September 30, 2015 to October 6, 2015 Open to All applicants from October 7, 2015 to October 15, 2015 • Job Reference #: 15-53
Porter position Restoration Department Ideal employee will be responsible for the day-to-day responsibilities duties, including, but not limited to, numerous cleaning and restoration duties, such as washing, sweeping, mopping, waxing, buffing and stripping of VCT and wooden floors. Responsibilities include cleaning assigned apartments, compiling and depositing trash into compactor refuse. This individual will be lifting heavy items, performing overall cleaning and removing debris from apartments and other assigned areas. This employee will also need to respond to emergencies (floods, etc.) throughout the Co-op City complex, as well as the completion of other assignments from supervisor(s) as necessary. Job Description: Ideal candidate will: • Service and clean apartments and surrounding areas. Gather and empty trash. • Clean building floors by sweeping, mopping, or scrubbing. • Follow procedures for the use of chemical cleaners and power equipment to prevent damage to floors and fixtures. • Mix water and detergents in containers to prepare cleaning solutions, according to specifications. • Clean windows, glass partitions, or mirrors, using soapy water or other cleaners, sponges, or squeegees. • Notify managers concerning the need for major repairs or additions to building operating systems. • Requisition supplies or equipment needed for cleaning and maintenance duties. • Dust walls, machines, or equipment. • Strip, seal, finish, and polish floors. • Clean fixtures. • Move heavy furniture, equipment, or supplies, either manually or by using hand trucks. • Remove snow from sidewalks, driveways, or parking areas, using snowplows, snow blowers, or snow shovels, or spread snow melting chemicals. • Monitor building security and safety by performing tasks such as locking doors after operating hours or checking electrical appliance use to ensure that hazards are not created. • Perform other duties as assigned. Job Requirements: HS Diploma or equivalent is a plus; Candidate should have a working knowledge of janitorial equipment, tools, and material; Applicant must have ability to walk for long periods of time, twist, kneel, push, stoop, climb ladders; work in inclement weather, as well as lift and carry up to 80 pounds; Must be available for emergency work; Must be able to read and write in English; BiLingual is a plus. Testing Requirements: Drug Screening Test, Background check. How to Apply: Applications are given out at the below address from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Open to 32BJ Union Members from September 30, 2015 to October 6, 2015. Open to All applicants from October 7, 2015 to October 15, 2015 • Job Reference #: 15-54
Buildings Porter Buildings Department Ideal employee will be responsible for the day-to-day responsibilities, including, but not limited to, numerous cleaning and restoration duties such as washing, sweeping, mopping, waxing, buffing and stripping of VCT and terrazzo floors. Responsibilities include cleaning all assigned internal and external areas of the residential buildings and/or shopping centers. Seasonal duties, including leaf raking, snow removal and power washing of assigned
areas, will be required as necessary. If assigned to community centers, candidate will be responsible for set-up and breakdown of center rooms for various social functions. This employee will also need to respond to emergencies (floods, etc.) throughout the Co-op City complex, as well as the completion of other assignments from supervisor(s) as necessary. Job Description: Ideal candidate will: • Service, clean, or supply restrooms. Gather and empty trash. • Clean building floors by sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, or vacuuming. • Follow procedures for the use of chemical cleaners and power equipment to prevent damage to floors and fixtures. • Mix water and detergents or acids in containers to prepare cleaning solutions, according to specifications. • Clean windows, glass partitions, or mirrors, using soapy water or other cleaners, sponges, or squeegees. • Notify managers concerning the need for major repairs or additions to building operating systems. • Requisition supplies or equipment needed for cleaning and maintenance duties. • Dust furniture, walls, machines, or equipment. • Strip, seal, finish, and polish floors. Steam clean or shampoo carpets. • Clean and polish furniture and fixtures. • Move heavy furniture, equipment, or supplies, either manually or by using hand trucks. • Remove snow from sidewalks, driveways, or parking areas, using snowplows, snow blowers, or snow shovels, or spread snow melting chemicals. • Monitor building security and safety by performing tasks such as locking doors after operating hours or checking electrical appliance use to ensure that hazards are not created. • Set up, arrange, or remove decorations, tables, chairs, ladders, or scaffolding to prepare facilities for events, such as banquets or meetings. • Perform other duties as assigned. Job Requirements: HS Diploma or equivalent is a plus; Candidate should have a working knowledge of janitorial equipment, tools, and material; Applicant must have ability to walk for long periods of time, twist, kneel, push, stoop, climb ladders; work in inclement weather, as well as lift and carry up to 80 pounds; Must be available for emergency work; Must be able to read and write in English; BiLingual is a plus. Testing Requirements: Drug Screening Test, Background check. How to Apply: Applications are given out at the below address from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Open to 32BJ Union Members from September 28, 2015 to October 6, 2015. Open to All applicants from October 7, 2015 to October 15, 2015 • Job Reference #: 15 -52 Request for transfer/promotion must be received by the Human Resources department by October 2, 2015. Employees are responsible for submitting the transfer forms in person to the Human Resources Department. Employees who are promoted will receive the applicable rate scale for this position. Floor Mechanic Restoration Department Ideal employee will be knowledgeable in the layout and installation of parquet and commercial vinyl floors. The employee will be required to flash patch and level rough surfaces on floors when necessary. Job Description: Ideal candidate will: • Sweep, scrape and clean floor, including wood chips that may be stuck to floor. • Use the dash patch method to level floors when required. • Layout parquet floors to keep wastage to a
Applications are given out at the following address from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Riverbay Corporation Administration Office, 2049 Bartow Ave., Bronx, NY 10475; OR Resumes can be faxed to 718-320-3672 with the Job Title and Job Reference # on the TOP RIGHT CORNER of the resume. *Riverbay Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer* (Continued on page 34)
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Back to Business
Co-op City Times / October 10, 2015
The Riverbay Board of Directors is back very new Director of Internal in full swing. We have ended our summer Director’s Viewpoint Audit, something we have not break, that really wasn’t much of a break, had since 2007 when the and gone back to holding our committee Inspector General’s report meetings, in addition to regular Board busioutlined several improper First Vice President and inappropriate business ness meetings. We have new additions to practices going on here at the Board, Reverend Deborah Jenkins, Riverbay Corporation. We have established the Rod Saunders and Junius Williams. They all kinds of checks and balances that did not exist for bring a passion and vantage point to the the past fifteen years here at Co-op City. We have Board to enhance and improve our community. Personally, I am very excited to see that established departments, systems and structure to we have a very active Board. Now, we look protect this community, to allow the money we to you, to have a very active community! spend to benefit our community and not the line of vendors waiting to squeeze the life out of our We have been very ambitious in the past community. year and a half and look forward to accomOn Wednesday, October 15, the Board of Directors plishing many more improvements for our community. will hold an open shareholders’ meeting that is for the Some of the changes so far include new interim managepurpose of giving the community an opportunity to ment with over 50 years of institutional knowledge and a love for the community that includes a desire and need speak out and address their concerns. We have promised to protect and improve our way of life; a Procurement, to provide such meetings to ensure that we are an incluPurchasing and Inventory Director who has already put sive community, concerned about everyone. We are not into place systems and attitudes to allow Co-op City to foolish enough to believe we will satisfy all the people all of the time, but we do aim to bring this community take advantage of our economy of scale, as opposed to together and allow the majority of the community to being taken advantage of from outside vendors; and a
Linda Berk
make their impact felt. We also realize that with a community this large, it is difficult to be perfect at all we do. However, we will continue to aim for improved services and facilities. As I have said in the past, we know we have room for improvement. If you have an idea or suggestion that can make life better here at Co-op City, we ask you to speak up, do not hold back. If you see a problem, help us correct it. It’s easy to complain, but more rewarding to be part of change for the better. I will be chairing two committees, the Disability and Accommodation Committee (DAAC) and the IT Committee. Please feel free to join a committee, one of mine or one of the many the Board sponsors each year. Thank you to all the shareholders who have made their personal contributions to Co-op City either via committee, Open Board meetings, letters, phone calls and reading the Co-op City Times. Welcome back from your summer activities. Let’s hope and pray that this winter will be kinder to us than last winter! I continue to be interested in your thoughts and ideas. Please feel free to contact me at the Riverbay Board of Directors, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475 or Lberk@riverbayboard.com.
Second Reading: Resolution #15-59 SUBMITTED BY: Francine Reva Jones SECONDED BY: Pastor Deborah Jenkins BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING DATED: October 7th, 2015
WHEREAS, Many shareholders have expressed a desire, at their own expense, to upgrade and/ or modernize their sinks but Riverbay has not granted approval for such renovations due to lack of compatible parts to provide
maintenance service for such sinks; and WHEREAS, the high water pressure at Co-op City prevents the use of certain types sinks; and WHEREAS, Prior to the next Home Improvement Fair, the Board would like Management to research and provide brand and model numbers of a minimum of three sinks that shareholders may install and that Riverbay will maintain parts to service. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the
Board directs that management, prior to the next Home Improvement Fair, research and provide brand and model numbers of a minimum of three sinks that shareholders may install, at their own expense, and that Riverbay will maintain parts to service; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution will take effect sixty (60) days after approval by the Board. TABLED (See page 11 for more resolutions.)
Mgmt. proposal application to transition the development from an Independent Fee Agent (outside management) to a self-management entity either through an Owner/Manager or Identity of Interest (IOI) Management Agent model. Riverbay’s General Counsel explained that an Identity of Interest management company is one where the owner of the property and the management company have similar or common owners. The difference with the proposed Co-op City model is that the newly created entity will be controlled by Riverbay, but there will be an independent director, appointed by the regulatory agencies and the bank, who will have veto power over key decisions related to management and who also has the right to compel audits. In the 6½ pages of the management proposal, Board President Taylor also outlined additional safeguards which will hopefully provide some level of confidence to the supervisors of the sprawling Co-op City complex that the current management indeed has the required expertise to continue managing the property with additional safeguards, some of which have already been implemented, namely, the hiring of a Director of Procurement and an Internal Auditor to provide audit and financial protections. Further demonstrating the present interim management’s capability to continue self-managing the Co-op City
Co-op City Times / October 10, 2015
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(Continued from page 1)
development, Board President Taylor detailed the team’s performance to date, which include handling the outbreak of legionella last winter, a multi-million dollar employment class action litigation, a re-classification audit, and the discovery of significant contracting and bidding errors relating to the power plant. He pointed out that Riverbay has voluntarily imposed a maintenance increase, settled the class action lawsuit, re-classified its workforce, retained a renowned expert on legionella to help develop a water safety plan, implemented industry standard construction contracts, regained control over a dysfunctional multi-million dollar boiler replacement project, instituted a body camera program for the Public Safety Department and attained the lowest crime rate in the Bronx. The Board President also addressed four concerns that the agencies had previously brought to the corporation’s attention. He reported that the GFCI outlet and smoke detector installation project was 99.9% completed with only 9 apartments left to be addressed where access has not been granted and court orders are being sought. With regards to Riverbay’s retail storefronts, Board President Taylor informed the supervisory agencies that architects have completed schematics which now require Board review. As for the removal of the garage beams, the corporation has
retained an independent, outside engineering firm to perform code and zoning review and the engineer has recommended that the beams be repaired as opposed to being replaced. That recommendation has already been submitted to Wells Fargo bank, HUD and HCR as part of routine reporting on the $621 million loan. The fourth issue addressed by Board President Taylor in his letter is accessibility of the lobby entrances, which is underway. Changes have been made based on cooperators’ comments and concerns which were expressed after a test in Building 15A, and the new architect is reviewing shop drawings. Upon approval of the drawings, the work is estimated to be completed within 3 months. As long as the result is satisfactory, Riverbay will begin installation complex-wide in all lobbies. “In the interim, Riverbay has established a committee of shareholders, composed of residents with various disabilities, to review and implement ongoing improvements in accessibility and in the provision of housing services,” Mr. Taylor stated. In his summary, Board President Taylor said that Riverbay intends to comply fully with its obligation under the loan documents and to be a good partner with the lender and guarantors. “Riverbay has no interest in taking any action which
would jeopardize the existing loan, or which would diminish the value of its property or decrease the level of services provided to its residents-owners,” he wrote. “It is our belief that the management solution we are suggesting is the best vehicle to provide the comfort you require,” Mr. Taylor added. “The proposal provides transparency, detailed reporting, verification of financial information and accountability. In addition, Riverbay estimates that the above proposal for an IOI manager would generate net savings of approximately $1,000,000 per year.” This week, in addition to thanking the hosts of last week’s meeting, Board President Taylor also applauded the work of Riverbay’s General Counsel Jeff Buss and his firm, Smith, Buss & Jacobs, for their guidance of the Riverbay Board through this delicate transition period. “I’d like to thank the law firm of Smith, Buss & Jacobs for guiding us in navigating through our various management models and throughout our negotiations with Wells Fargo, HUD and HCR,” said Board President Taylor. “We are all greatly indebted to them for their service to this Board and the shareholders of Co-op City.” “It is such an honor to work with the residents of Co-op City and we look forward to reaching an amicable resolution with HCR, HUD and Wells Fargo,” said General Counsel Buss.
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Our Most Valuable National Resource Co-op City Times / October 10, 2015
Evelyn Turner
On October 3, dedicated, outstanding, Director’s Viewpoint conflict of schedule, but forremarkable volunteers and yours truly, warded the following to be “Lead Organizer,” created a valuable shared: Scholarship List opportunity for our most valuable national with 174 contacts for underSecond Vice President resource, “our students.” The 4th Annual graduate students – IntroCollege, Career and Resource Fair was duction to Financial Aid – indeed a success in spite of the weather. Books/Supplies – The Financial Aid Award Letter Thank you all. Those who worked day – The Student Bill – Choosing between Student or and night, thank you. Those who worked Parent Loans – Paying for College Resources (For for a day only, thank you! To the Riverbay parents of 9th – 12th graders).” Corporation staff, many behind the “The students asked really good questions.” scenes, thank you! A special thanks to our Next week, we will share and profile colleges Girl Scout leader for making signs for the and unique resources who attended. Of interest to event. many is Carolina Velasco from LinkedIn who has Working In Partnership shared links for students who are seeking student Our corporate sponsors that continue to support us were Pepsico and Bob’s Furniture. PepsiCo ensured that we had adequate refreshments for all visitors. Bob’s Furniture’s donation was used to distribute ten $50 money orders that will enable students to add to or open a 529 College Saving Plan. Congratulations to the winners: Tristen Spencer, Kwadwo Appiah Poku, Jeffery Acqaah, Makayla Penn, Nana Gyamfi, Hammond Gyamfim Jared Penn, Amanda Byrd, Michael Oppona and Eric Chancey. Three students will be adding funds to their accounts and the others will be opening up a new account. Professionals were on hand to assist families with opening up an account. Williamsbridge Club Our not-for-profit partner from the Williamsbridge Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Woman’s Club, Inc. (NANBPWC) awarded two $50 donations for the following students to open up a college savings account: Janiah Lyons and Felicia White. Thank you. A special thanks to member Dr. Berly Dorsett, Retired Deputy Superintendent, for obtaining the 2015 High School Directory. We also thank this organization for sharing information about an initiative by Rev. Que English & The Bronx Clergy Roundtable who are setting up a program for girls in grades 6 to 12 called “GIRLS WHO CODE.” Office Of The Bronx District Attorney Our College Fair is unique in that we invite elementary students in Grades 3 to 6. For the 4th consecutive year, District Attorney Robert T. Johnson has donated children’s coloring & activity books for distribution. We are thankful for this kind gesture. Attendance On behalf of the Riverbay Fund/Board and volunteers, we appreciate the students, parents and following schools that spent a most wonderful day with us. We hope to see you next year: ATTENDING: MS 180, (Pulse Workshop Students) PS 181, Holy Rosary, PS 178, PS 16, PS 153, PS 20, PS21, PS 178, MS 355, IS 125 and PS 160. HIGH SCHOOLS: Harry S. Truman High School (Very supportive - Open House on October 22, 5 to 8:00 p.m. & Saturday, November 14, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.!), Yonkers High School, Cardinal Hayes, Fordham H.S. for the Arts, Manhattan Hunter Science High School, Bronx High School of Science, Mt. St. Ursula, Equality Charter School, High School of Fashion Institute, Darview Prep, Sacred Heart, Cathedral High School, Pelham Prep, Magr. Scanlon High School, High School of Computer, Technology and Mathematics, Mt. Saint Michael, Immaculate Conception, Talent Unlimited High School and Mount Vernon High School (a partial list). Words from Our Families, Youth & Vendors “What a wonderful opportunity for students to attend this college fair.” “How many years have you been doing this?” “I enjoyed the college fair today; can you forward me the information of the contact lady from LinkedIn?” “I received some great information.” “I will assist you next year.” “Can you assist me at my church, this is great!” “Fisk University Alumni – Could not attend due to
internships/jobs and also information about Ten Elite Schools Where Middle–Class Kids Don’t Pay Tuition. Stay tuned! Again, thanks to all volunteers who were part of the TEAM who made this a beneficial event for our vibrant Co-op City community. We also appreciate suggestions for next year. We want to continue to grow. It was an absolute pleasure seeing students and parents enjoying themselves and obtaining valuable resources. We will be discussing how we can put the scholarship information on our Youth Committee website. Last, but not least, thank you, BronxNet, for covering the event. I may be reached at: Evelyn M. Turner, Riverbay Board of Directors, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475, eturner@riverbayboard.com – 917-324-1033.
IT Committee Report October 1st, 2015 The IT Committee’s mission statement was agreed to read: “The committee’s mission is to develop and maintain a comprehensive technology strategy to enhance the residential and business environment of Riverbay Corporation by improving: • “Cost and efficiency • “Internal business processes • “Internal and external communication • “Ease of services for the residents • “Productivity of staff • “Quality of life and security” The IT Committee will recommend ideas and vendors to the Riverbay Board of Directors to achieve these goals. The committee agreed to set goals and timeline to ensure that we have hard and fast results by the end of the fiscal year. We identified three immediate areas to work on this year, the Riverbay website, corporate software (Yardi or MRI) and digital distribution of information to the community. Mary Ahland, Director of Computer Services, gave the committee a brief overview of what her department does and has accomplished over the years. She shared with us the various projects around the campus she and her staff have developed from the cameras around the campus with live video streaming in Public Safety, software designed for small individual departments, such as Scheduling, to the customization of Yardi. The committee’s priority at this point is to get our website up and running as soon as possible. According to Ms. Ahland, a page design will be delivered on October 23rd, and a small committee will review the design. The new website should be up by November. The full complement of services will be rolled in over the span of months. Some of the features we have agreed are necessary will include online payments, maintenance scheduling and interactive sales information. A very big decision needs to be made regarding the software for property management. We have gone back and forth between the thought of Yardi (the largest software available) or MRI the second largest in use by property man-
agers. We will have guests to present to the committee to hear of various experiences and features to decide this year what software to recommend to the Board of Directors. This is not only a big decision, it is a decision that is long overdue! Riverbay has the money set aside to purchase it, we just have to make that decision. It will involve a year of trial and error to make the transition from what we have now to the new software. However, it is a change we desperately need. Currently, we are running Yardi, but it is such an old version, the company no longer provides technical support. The third topic, dear to my heart, is the digital distribution of information to our community. From elementary school aged children to grandparents, everyone is using Facebook, Instagram, Amazon.com, eBay, texting and emailing daily. When I look around me every day on the train and bus, everyone is on their smartphone sharing information, instantly! We are an instantaneous and visual society in 2015. Why are we taping two and three sheets of paper in our lobbies to distribute information? It is only because we haven’t taken the time to create a system. The committee will be recommending to the Board concepts and ideas that will not only be much more cost effective than our current method, but will have revenue potential. Right now, we spend so much money to copy hundreds of every notice, use staff to distribute them around the campus and then have building services staff stop their jobs to tape, “with blue masking tape,” the flyers throughout the building. We will recommend a cost efficient, visually enhanced and immediate distribution of information, including emergency information, to serve our community. This is your community, so if you have any ideas of what you believe is needed, particularly on the website, please contact me; the committee would really like to have your suggestions. I can be reached at Riverbay Board of Directors, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475 or Lberk@riverbayboard.com. —Director Linda Berk, Chair
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Co-op City intersection to be named for Co-op City Tennis Club founder Milton Alexander
Co-op City Times / October 10, 2015
things because of his disability, he never stopped doing for the kids.” Milton Alexander, the beloved late Lorraine said that many of the former founder of the Co-op City Tennis Club, tennis club members who benefitted from an organization through which literally Milton’s dedication to them over the thousands of Co-op City children learned years, will come back for the ceremony the game of tennis and – more importantly next Saturday and offer their memories – a little about the game of life – will be of Milton to the people gathered in his honored as the west intersection of Asch honor. Loop and Bartow Avenue is named for One of those expected returnees in him during ceremonies at 11 a.m. next Jerry Perez, who first came Saturday, October 17th. to the tennis club in 1985. The honor was arranged “At that time, there were a through the intervention lot of recreational players, of City Councilman Andy and only a few junior level King and with the support players,” he recalled to the of Mr. Alexander’s widow Co-op City Times several and current tennis club years ago. “One day, I asked director, Lorraine AlexUncle Milton, ‘How do you ander, and numerous colget to Wimbledon?’ and leagues who followed the from that point, he started example Milton set in 1982 taking the junior program when he stared the tennis more seriously. They creatclub, by founding other ed a formal junior tennis youth programs in the program and they then affilcommunity. iated themselves with the One of those leaders is New York Junior Tennis Winston Dinkins, the longLeague and the program time director of the very suc- Milton Alexander took off after that. They cessful Zodiac Track Club. hired a coach for me after that and invesThis week, Winston recalled the time tigated other programs to advance my when he first moved into Co-op City. He level of tennis.” was looking for an activity in the commuPerez went on to achieve a ranking in nity for his daughters to get involved with the National Junior Tennis program. and he recalled looking out the window “With that success, we eventually and seeing young people playing tennis became a feeder program for the New on the courts below. He said that he went York Junior Tennis League,” Perez said. down to the courts that day and at that But for Lorraine and Milton, it was point, met Milton, enrolled his daughters more than tennis. They always made in the free program and began what reading a requirement of the summer tenbecame a long-time friendship which nis program and many times gave out inspired Winston to follow in Milton’s more awards for reading books than playfootsteps and run his own successful ing tennis. youth sports program. And Loraine recalled, “Milton was “I was amazed and inspired by his also about teaching the children respect commitment to the youth,” said Dinkins. and civility, how to conduct themselves “Even when he lost part of his leg due to when dealing with other people anywhere diabetes, it would not stop him. He would in life, in school, on the job or on the not let anything stop him from helping the court.” kids.” Jermaine Allen, who joined the tennis Mr. Alexander’s widow, Lorraine, who club 25 years ago and credits the experihas kept the tennis club growing strong ence with helping him learn how to be since Milton’s unexpected passing in successful, recalled this about Milton 2009, said: “Milton loved Co-op City and when he passed away in 2009: “Lorraine was a tremendous inspiration to so many. and Milton were the closest people that I It is amazing how many people’s lives he had in my life. Milton was like a second touched. Under Milton’s leadership, the father to me. I credit them for the success Co-op City Tennis Club has and still does I had in my life because they created a go way beyond teaching the child about different path and instead of doing bad tennis. He also stressed education and the things, I was on the tennis courts from personal development of the child. morning until night. To this day, I play Thirty-five former members have gone tennis twice a week. I made so many on to earn either full or partial college business contacts through tennis.” scholarships. This is a wonderful honor to a truly deserving man. Despite the amputation, he continued to run the tennis pro(Continued on page 16) gram. Despite being told not to do certain BY BILL STUTTIG
Second Reading: Resolution #15-57 SUBMITTED BY: Cleve Taylor SECONDED BY: Evelyn Turner BOARD OF DIRECTORS, MEETING DATED: October 7th, 2015
WHEREAS, Riverbay has been purchasing floor tile from Patriot Hardwood Floor & Supply, Inc. as a sole source, due to the fact that we are buying direct from the manufacturer’s distribution; and WHEREAS, Riverbay has been using a new tile in vacant apartments and in occupied apartments where a whole floor needs to be replaced, though we are still
purchasing Hartco tiles for repairs only, when the damage is less than 50% of the whole floor; and WHEREAS, we will give Patriot a one year contract for the purchase of approximately five (5) truckloads (36,000 sq. ft./truckload) of Hartco tiles; and WHEREAS, the tiles will be at a cost of $2.20 per square foot of the Hartco (Patriot has not increased their price and will hold this price for one more year); and NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that Riverbay enter into Contract #P811with Patriot Hardwood Floor & Supply, Inc. for the purchase of Hartco wood floor tiles at a not to exceed cost of
$400,000 + tax be approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution 85-16 and as amended by Board of Directors Resolution 95-44 and the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract with Patriot Flooring Supply, Inc. and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective. YES: Atkins, Berk, Cylich, Gordon, Jenkins, Jones, Leslie, Peterson, Saunders, Taylor, Turner, Williams NO: Johnson ABSENT: Graham, Owens PASSED
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Co-op City Times / October 10, 2015
Nearly three years ago, Riverbay negotiated a highly favorable loan provided by Wells Fargo and guaranteed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The 35-year funding source freed Co-op City from a series of punishing loans from commercial lenders. Not only will it save Riverbay more than $300 million over the life of the loan, reducing our carrying charges, it also mandates that we remain in the Mitchell-Lama program. Both provisions will help keep our community affordable for present and future generations. Giving Credit Where It’s Due Much credit for achieving the loan goes to Alan Wiener, Group Head of the Wells Fargo Multifamily Capital Division. His initiative was instrumental in persuading Wells Fargo to offer the loan and HUD to guarantee it. The agreement marked the first time the federal agency had guaranteed such a loan to a multifamily cooperative. Alan Wiener grew up in the Amalgamated Housing Cooperative, just south of Van Cortland Park in the West Bronx. The cooperative, which opened in 1927, was the forerunner of many residential communities sponsored by unions. Its Board President, Abraham Kazan, would later serve as the first President of the Riverbay Board. Under Kazan’s direction, the Amalgamated complex was the first of its kind to be built with the aid of New York State tax abatement. The infusion of public money into the construction of middleincome housing paved the way for other projects, including Co-op City. Alan Wiener’s assistance in obtaining our Wells Fargo loan is, I believe, in the spirit of Kazan’s vision of affordable housing for working people. The funding helps assure that such housing need not be burdened by unmanageable mort-
Freed From Punishing Loans Bernard Cylich
Director’s Viewpoint Treasurer
gage debt. Kudos to Wiener! Moments When The Loan Could Have Tanked The HUD-guaranteed loan was not universally supported. City News railed against it continually because the terms of the loan would put an end to the weekly publication’s 13year drumbeat for the privatization of Co-op City. Then there were moments when the loan could have tanked. Environmental and other matters became unexpected obstacles. Then, there was Marion Scott’s Herb Freedman, who declared in the Co-op City Times (4/30/11) that the “HUD loan is presently dead.” Sixteen days earlier, on April 14, he had sent a communication to the head of the Wells Fargo underwriter division: “On February 22, 2010, the Riverbay Corporation deposited $215,000 with Wells Fargo to pay third party reports and expenses related to efforts at re-capitalization.” (an essential step authorizing Wells Fargo to pursue the loan). However, “At this time please arrange to assign third party reports and remit whatever funds remain from our original deposit.” This communication, which technically ended the loan pursuit by the bank, was never brought before the Board for its review and approval. Fortunately for
Our next “meet and greet” session will be October 17 at 11 a.m. at the St. Michael’s Church. ALL NEW AND EXISTING TRAVELERS SHOULD ATTEND. AIRFARE WILL BE DISCUSSED. Trip requires deposit of $500.
ALTOUR 1270 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020 TO CONTACT MONICA - PLEASE CALL 212-497-7674 or cell 646-515-8702 Joyce Hall - Group Coordinator - Tel: 914-736-3683
us, Wiener did not believe that the loan was dead. He apparently disregarded Freedman’s words, won over HUD, and on November 28, 2012, the loan was a done deal. Fast-forward to November, 2014. Wiener may have had some uneasy moments when he learned that Riverbay Board President Cleve Taylor suspended the Marion Scott Real Estate firm to protect Riverbay’s financial integrity, which was reportedly being seriously compromised by MSRE’s violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Perhaps Wiener was concerned that Riverbay would default on the loan. If so, his hope to replicate such loans for other financially stressed middle-income co-ops would collapse. The HUD officers who had placed trust in Riverbay may have experienced similar anxiety. Self-Management Is Working In Co-op City, the sudden, unexpected events brought a sense of hope. Cleve Taylor trusted the interim general managers, Noel Ellison and Peter Merola, whom he appointed to be a self-management team. The initiative worked. Ellison and Merola immediately convened a meeting of the 27 highly experienced department heads. Now, nearly a year later, we’ve been meeting all financial obligations, including mortgage payments, and have maintained cooperator services. On January 21, 2015, State Supreme Court Justice Paul Wooten dismissed an MSRE request for reinstatement at Co-op City. In his ruling, Wooten said that he found no evidence of irreparable harm to the Riverbay Corporation and the shareholders with the suspension of MSRE. In my opinion, our staff has demonstrated its ability to manage our community better than MSRE did, better than other outside management companies could.
Everything considered, the interim managers have proven their capability to run our community. Moreover, they have demonstrated that, if they are allowed to continue their work, they will outperform any third-party management. Wiener should know that self-management works. After all, the Amalgamated Housing complex where he grew up has been self-managed for 95 years. Except for Rochdale Village in Queens, in fact, all the co-ops that Abraham Kazan had been affiliated with continue to be self-managed. Searching For Management We Can Believe In After MSRE was suspended, the Board’s search committee examined management company candidates, performed field visits and eventually forwarded the names of three to the full Board for members’ consideration. Of the eight companies that had originally submitted bids, one managed the largest co-op, another was the largest property manager in the city, and the third managed the second-largest housing complex in the city (Co-op City is the largest). After hours of lengthy interviewing these candidates, the full Board determined that none demonstrated the ability, experience, and "level of expertise that is needed to manage a project of this size and scope." As I noted earlier here, our interim managers have proven their capability. If they are allowed to continue their work, they will outperform any thirdparty management. An Invitation I invite Alan Wiener to visit Co-op City and meet with our experienced, loyal staff. It would be an honor to host him. We believe that we can convince him that his trust in us has not been misplaced.
Co-op Insurance
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Co-op City Times / October 10, 2015
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Co-op City Times / October 10, 2015
This Cable Deal Might Not Connect With The Subscribers
Recently, the media covered the story about the sale of Cablevision to a company Director’s named Altice. However, a lot of the stories didn't state how this sale might affect Cablevision's rates and their services. The Purchase According to some published reports, Cablevision was purchased by Altice for about $17.7 billion. Then, other published reports put a slight twist on it and wrote that Altice purchased Cablevision for $9.7 billion and assumed $8 billion of Cablevision's debt. The founder of Altice is a French billionaire named Patrick Drahi, 52. Drahi has been very busy trying to acquire cable companies. In May, he spent $9.1 billion for a company named Suddenlink. Then, Drahi tried to buy Time Warner. But, another company named Charter Communications paid $78.7 billion for Time Warner. Thereafter, Cablevision was purchased by Drahi's company, Altice. Drahi then made some startling comments about the high salaries of some of the executives at Cablevision. According to published reports, Drahi allegedly said that more than 300 people are making more than $300,000 at Cablevision. So, that prompted him to comment: "I don’t like to pay big salaries." Thereafter, he said that he wants to cut around $1 billion out of Cablevision. Something Has to Give It's apparent with the purchases of Suddenlink and Cablevision that Altice is dealing with a tremendous amount of debt. Additionally, trying to cut costs by almost a billion dollars at Cablevision might be very troublesome for this businessman. And, the reality is that some of Cablevision's 15,000 employees might be affected by these cuts. If so, then, will there be cuts in their customer service department? Field technicians? Programming? Billing? Perhaps. But, the other big question is: Will there be large increases in Cablevision's rates? This is a very big issue
in this community because lots of cooperators have complained that they simply cannot afford to continue spending a lot of money on cable television services. "I spend $200 on my cable bill every month. Plus, I have my other monthly bills to pay. I simply cannot afford to go on this way," is a common complaint here. But, this complaint does not end at Co-op City. Therefore, subscribers across the country are pulling the plug on their cable television services. According to published reports, over 2 million subscribers cut their cable cords just from the first quarter of 2014 through the first quarter of 2015. And, many of them are streaming their services from their computers at far lower prices than cable television. Lastly, lots of people will be watching to see how this sale of Cablevision is going to work out. They're also going to be watching how nearly a billion dollars can be cut from Cablevision, without affecting their levels of services. The Riverbay Fund The bingo hall was shut down about three years ago. And, although our rents start out at about $50 a month, this bingo hall has not been rented out to a commercial tenant since that time. Nevertheless, the Riverbay Fund tried to rent this place out on a few occasions. Their goal was to create a youth center. The board then approved a resolution that called for an unrestricted donation of $50,000 to be given to this group. Thereafter, an architect was hired at a cost of $5,000 to create plans for this space. The elaborate plans called for $4.5 million to be spent on renovating this bingo hall. But, there was one big problem that everyone knew about way before this project began. The problem was that the Riverbay Fund and Riverbay didn't have $4.5 million to spend on this place. Regardless, the president of this Riverbay Fund wanted HUD to approve the use of this space for a youth center. But, on two separate occasions, HUD
rejected the applications to rent this place. However, that didn't stop the flow of money from being spent by the Riverbay Fund. In fact, present documents show that more than $30,000 of our money has been spent by this group. Nevertheless, attempts were made to get a space in building #1, for only 35 children. But, was there any money to pay the rent or for anything else? No. So, how did they plan to get money? Donations … from you. But, guess what? They still want the bingo hall. And, they still want that space in building #1. Does this make any sense? Of course not. And, that is why this board will hopefully vote on a resolution that will encourage management to rent out that bingo hall to a tenant that can afford to pay our rental rates. Large Gatherings of Youths Recently, there were reports that 150-200 youths had gathered near the Bartow Mall. Fearing trouble, police officers had to be called in to control these groups. So, as a precaution, please teach your children to avoid these types of situations. Thank you. Close It was unfortunately decided to withhold the details about the October 2 meeting with HCR, HUD, and Wells Fargo until the full board met for a discussion on Wednesday, October 7. However, this article had to be submitted for publishing by Monday, October 5. So, details about that special meeting could not be covered in this article. Thank you. Questions or comments? Please send a message to: Daryl Johnson, Riverbay Board Director, c/o Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. Or, please send a message to me at darylhjohnson @optonline.net (There are absolutely no problems with this email address. So, please double-check the spelling of this address if your message bounces back to you.) Also, please call me at 718-671-4544 if you don't receive a response from your message. You can also join me on Facebook by typing in: Daryl H. Johnson. Okay, that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful week. And, may God bless you and your family. Thank you.
all of our building/townhouse representatives in order to have our voices heard. Also discussed was our two-year fight for changes to our neighborhood in order to keep our neighbors safe, school signs and traffic flowing. More importantly, the section most impacted by Bartow traffic is Section 5. Per our Section 5 attendees, nothing has been done. Although Mr. Prince pointed out some improvements are in the works, many of us fell that is not enough and too slow. Also, on Bartow and Baychester, under construction, is a mini mall. Community Board 10 will hold its next
meeting October 15th, 7:30 p.m., Dreiser Auditorium. Come out and join in. Neighbors, get involved. Get up off of your couches and come out to your building/townhouse meetings. The fact that we do not attend meetings, vote in our Board Elections, or participate in our community’s activities has given rise to our being ignored. Other communities who do come out and let their voices be heard are not ignored. All of us together can make a difference. We can be reached at 718-379-7841 or MLSAH@aol.com. —Sonja Maxwell
Daryl Johnson Viewpoint
Cooperators United of Co-op City
Thanks to all for attending our meeting on Tuesday, September 29th. At our meeting was a presentation given by Martin Prince of Community Board 10 and Michael Stone, VP of Prestige Prosperities (Bay Plaza). Mr. Stone’s presentation centered on, although not as yet approved, proposed mall traffic and how it will impact us. The location of the proposed mall is the former golf course on the other side of I-95. Mr. Stone took questions from the attendees. Mr. Prince went into more detail about not only how the proposed new mall will impact us, but he urged us to sign the petition that has been emailed and mailed to
Building 18 Association
Hi, neighbors Our next general meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 27th in the meeting room at 7:00 p.m. Our guest speaker is Lt. Shelda Williams, Riverbay Training Officer. Please attend this very important meeting; all are invited including young adults and new move-ins. All meetings are planned with you in mind. There will be a 50/50 drawing and refreshments served. Foxwoods Casino/Tanger Shopping Trip, is sold out. Thank you to all participants. See you all on Saturday, October 24th. Laundry Room: Please do not put your dirty clothes in the laundry baskets to sort them. Please bring your dirty clothes down organized in YOUR laundry bags or YOUR baskets ready to put in the machines. This action is harmful to our health. Let us show respect to each other. Newsletters: Please continue to send your articles to our e-mail address: BLDG18newsletter@aol.com. We love hearing from you; you help to make our day.
Halloween: We will be decorating our lobby for the holidays and we need volunteers so if you see us, come on down and help. We will also have our Annual Costume Contest. Please watch the bulletin board for date and time. We will be giving out goodie bags following the contest. To our candy givers, please bring your candies to any member of the association committee at least a week before our holiday event so we can bag it. Thank you. IDNYC: Did you get your IDNYC card yet? Please call 3-1-1. They will tell you where to go and scheduled an appointment for you. The card has many uses, such as: use as a library card, for entertainment discounts, supermarket discounts (Food Bazaar) and many other uses. To all with that special day this month, enjoy! To the sick and homebound, we wish you a speedy recovery. may you be up and about very soon. To the bereaved families, we give our deepest sympathies. Stay Alert: If you see something, say something. —Gertie Brown
Buildings 30 A and B Association
We are collecting candy and money for our family Halloween Party. The association room will be open every Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m. where building members can make their donation for the party and for the association dues. Our Halloween Party is planned for October 31st. Besides donations, volunteers are needed. Our next series of planned events besides the Halloween party are as follows: General membership meeting Wednesday, Oct. 14th; Pokeno, Friday, Oct. 16th; and movie night, Friday, Oct. 30th. All events are in the buildings association room in the lobby of Building 30B. The door opens at 7 p.m. and events start at 7:30. For all who are celebrating birthday, anniversaries, and new additions, congratulations. Those who suffered a loss recently, our prayers are with you. Those under the weather, get well soon. —Linda Werner
Please Refrain From Littering in the Garages. There are Several Trash Cans on Every Level For Your Convenience. Keep Co-op City Clean! Thank you!
Co-op City Times / October 10, 2015
Rivers Run Community Garden
While in the garden this past weekend, I found that the rain and weather has left us plenty of treats! Just when we thought it was ending, I walked out of the garden with veggies and herbs in both hands. In addition, there are leftover seeds just in case any of you want to bring your gardening skills indoors for the winter. Sandra Service took home her lemon tree to nurture it thru the cold. Thank you, Lois Colon, for the composting workshop this past Tuesday. Your dedication to turning garbage into “gold” is very much appreciated. Today, Bronx Green Up will be at
the garden to show us how to put our beds to sleep for the winter from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. We’ve purchased garlic so if you are interested in planting it for harvesting in the spring, join us. Also, we will be purchasing winter rye seeds to use as a cover crop. On Friday, October 23, at 10 a.m., P.S. 153 will be partnering with us to plant daffodil bulbs that will lay dormant for the winter at Rivers Run and be the first flowers to bloom come spring. Join us for this momentous occasion. The garden will be cutting back on its hours of operation beginning in
October. RRCG is currently open on Tuesday (4 p.m. – dusk), Wednesday (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.), Friday (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.), Saturday (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and Sunday (2 p.m. to 5 p.m.), weather permitting. There are lots of opportunities for members and volunteers at the garden so stop by, grab a tool and get dirty, or just come by and take a stroll. If you’d like to reach out to us, please email us at Rivers_run@ yahoo.com or call Denise Shelley at 917-232-2982 or me at 718-671-3801. See you soon. —Gail Sharbaan
This membership meeting will be our last meeting before our Northeast Regional Leadership Conference on October 30 – November 1. This is the time for any last minute questions to be asked and confusion to be resolved. If you have not sent in your final payment, please do so. Remember that final payments were to be in by October 1. If you have just decided that you’d like to attend, send in the full registration fee to NYS Convener Team, c/o Johnnie Walker, P.O. Box 166, Baldwin, NY 11510. Get a registration form from Dorcas or Joyce. There will be an additional bus charge ($50-$55 round trip) if you prefer not to drive, but you must, let Dorcas know now. Co-op City Section is expecting that 12 of our members will be
traveling by bus and 7 will be driving. The conference will take place at the Crystal Springs Resort in Vernon, N.J. Vacation in Italy…Did you get your deposit in for our exciting trip to Italy? It’s not too late! Spend 8 glorious days in Italy visiting Rome, Florence and Venice, September 11-18, 2016. A perfect one week vacation seeing the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo’s David, private boat ride on the Venetian canals, St. Mark’s Square and Doges’ Palace and much more! To reserve your space, mail your deposit and trip insurance to: NCNW Co-op City Section, P.O. Box 93, Bronx, NY 10475. For more information, call 718-3202366, 718-655-9034 or 718-538-8606. —Joyce Howard
National Council of Negro Women
Membership Meeting…Tomorrow, Sunday, October 11, will be our next membership meeting at 3 p.m. in Room 11, Dreiser Community Center. I apologize for the mistake I made in last week’s article. Members who came to Room 11 on the 4th, I’m dreadfully sorry and hope that you will come again on the correct date, the 11th. As we begin our new fiscal year, this is the month to be sure to bring your $25 for local dues. Remember that those who pay their dues on time will be part of a raffle that will have a wonderful gift card for the lucky winner. We will also be discussing our fundraising activity of gift wrapping at Barnes & Noble during the holiday season. Regional Leadership Conference…
Building 12 Co-op Civic Association
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Hello. Thanks to all who attended our meeting Monday, September 28th. Our October agenda is as follows: Saturday, October 17th is our Halloween Party. Calling all kids and parents of Building 12 to come down to our Activity Room from 4 to 6 p.m. Wear your costume, have your picture taken, goodies and treats for all. Saturday, October 24th is our Building 12 Bingo Night from 5–8 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Come and join us. The upper floors concerns and other building issues have been forwarded. Our tentative guest speaker, at our next meeting on Monday, October 26th is Lois English, CSO. We want to hear from you. You are important to us. Share your ideas and suggestions with us. We are fast approaching the winter season. Make sure that you have supplies on hand in case of a blackout or the loss of heat and water. You should have on hand water, canned goods, batteries, and a battery-operated radio, also battery-operated candles. Make sure your telephone is charged at all times. Best wishes to all who are celebrating a special event this month. Our thoughts and prayers to all who are sick, shut-in and suffered a loss. To contact Maintenance or CSO, call 718-320-3300 and follow the prompts. To contact Public Safety, call 718-671-3050. If you see something, say something. We can be reached at 718-379-7841 and MLSAH@aol.com. —Sonja Maxwell
CO-OP CITY FOOT CARE CENTER SECTION 5 • BUILDING 29C 4240 HUTCHINSON RIVER PARKWAY EAST
(718) 671-2233 DR. LOUIS JACOBS, DIRECTOR ALL FOOT CONDITIONS TREATED The in-office surgical correction of BUNIONS • HAMMERTOES • INGROWN TOENAILS PAINFUL CORNS and CALLOUSES The treatment of traumatic foot injuries, heel spurs, bursitis and arthritis of the joints of the feet, toenail and skin infections, as well as other conditions.
Most Union and Insurance Plans Accepted. HIP CMO (Montefiore) Health Plan Accepted. We participate in Postal Workers, Mail Handlers, Letter Carriers, Verizon Workers, 1199, GHI, Blue Shield, Empire Plan, Medicare, Travelers, United Health Care and many other union and major medical plans. Se Habla Español MEDICARE ACCEPTED • HOUSE CALLS BY APPOINTMENT
Diabetic Patients with Medicare may be eligible for shoes.
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Alexander
Milton Alexander was born and raised in Jamaica, West Indies, and as a young man became an accomplished cricket player. He and his family migrated to America in the 1950s looking for a better life. He made his living working for Texaco for 35 years, but his first love was sports. He quickly became a standout player with the Brooklyn cricket club and remained so for more than a decade, but in the mid-1970’s, inspired by the sight of Arthur Ashe winning Wimbledon, he took up tennis and then devoted himself to teaching young people the game.
Co-op City Times / October 10, 2015 (Continued from page 11)
In 1983, he started the Co-op City Tennis Club which was responsible for helping 26 Co-op City children earn full college scholarships and many more earn partial scholarships. But more importantly, the program taught hundreds of children and adults the joy and discipline of sports and competition. None of Alexander’s players were ever lost to gangs or drugs or the overwhelming responsibilities of teenage pregnancy. Milton was a board member of the New York Junior Tennis League, board member of the Youth Activities Committee, a section leader for the U.S. Tennis Association Minority Participation
Board approves rescinding use of former bingo hall for youth/adult center if HUD and HCR do not approve within 6 months
BY ROZAAN BOONE The Riverbay Board of Directors approved amended resolution 15-63 at its meeting this week to rescind use of the former bingo hall as a youth and adult community center if the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the New York State Division of Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) do not approve the lease within 6 months. The resolution, which was submitted by Director Junius Williams and seconded by Director Bill Gordon, states that “due to the need to protect Riverbay’s commercial rental income for the benefit of all shareholders,” that both Resolution 14-36, which was passed by the Board on June 18, 2014, and Resolution 15-07, which was approved on January 21, 2015, should be rescinded. Resolution 14-36 approved leasing the former bingo hall, located at 2081 Bartow Avenue, to the Riverbay Fund at the rate of $100 per year for 2 years to be used as a multi-purpose, not-for-profit Youth/Young Adult/Adult Community Center, while resolution 15-07 extended the lease of the space until January 31, 2025 at the rate of $3 per square foot. Amended Second Reading of Resolution #15-63, approved at this Wednesday, October 7th Board meet-
ing, states: “Whereas, To date neither HUD nor HCR has approved the lease of the Bingo Hall to the Riverbay Fund and the space has been vacant and off-the-market with no rent paid to Riverbay since June 18, 2012; and “Whereas, The Board accepts that if the HCR or HUD does not approve the lease of the Bingo Hall to the Riverbay Fund within 6 months, therefore Resolutions #14-36 and # 15-07 should both be rescinded and the Bingo Hall space should be offered for rent at market rates; “Now, therefore, be it resolved, That due to the need to protect Riverbay’s commercial rental income for the benefit of all shareholders that Resolution #14-36 and Resolution #15-07 are both herby rescinded effective after 6 months and the vacant space shall be offered for rent at market rates…” First Vice President Linda Berk, Board Treasurer Bernard Cylich, Directors Rev. Deborah D. Jenkins, Andrea Leslie, Leslie Peterson, Board Assistant Secretary Rod Saunders, Board President Cleve Taylor and Second Vice President Evelyn Turner voted to approve amended resolution 15-63. Voting against the resolution were Directors Helen Atkins, Bill Gordon, Daryl Johnson and Junius Williams.
EMERGENCY Domestic hot & cold water Shutdown BUILDING 2A & 2B, & 3A & 3B
The domestic hot and cold water service will be shut down in your building to connect new domestic water pipes in the pump room. Heat and electricity will not be affected. DATE: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2015 TIME: 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. As soon as the work is completed, water service will be restored. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience in this matter. —CSO (Dreiser Loop)
Committee and a founding member of the North Bronx Sports Federation. He was a member of the New York State Assembly Scholarship Committee for the 82nd Assembly District. Under Milton’s leadership, the children of Co-op City Tennis Club were chosen several years in a row by the U.S. Open in Flushing, NY to represent the children of New York City. For several years under his leadership and excellent coaching skills, his tennis teams were top tennis competitors in New York City, winning numerous championships. City Councilman Andy King said: “Milton ‘Uncle Milty’ Alexander was a
pillar in our community and a strong father in the lives of many young people. I applaud his contributions to the Co-op City community, which included the founding of the Co-op City Tennis Club that brought opportunities to scores of youth.” The street renaming program begins at 11 a.m. next Saturday at Bartow Avenue and Asch Loop in front of the Apple Bank and will include the participation of many elected officials, family and friends, a performance by the Truman High School Band, and the unveiling of the new street sign naming that intersection “Milton Alexander Way.”
Riverbay open for business on Monday, Columbus Day Riverbay Corporation’s administrative offices will be open for business, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., on Monday, October 12, Columbus Day.
All Co-op City Times deadlines remain in effect. We wish our readers a happy and safe Columbus Day holiday weekend!
Co-op City Times / October 10, 2015
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It’s Happening in Co-op City Hispanic Heritage Celebration
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage in Co-op City…The Spanish American Community Club and the Riverbay Fund teamed up recently to sponsor the club’s Hispanic Heritage celebration in the Dreiser Auditorium. The audience enjoyed live performances by Danza y Fiesta, Garifuna, Nuestra Senora del Refugio, Pajarillo Pinta’o and Juan Ortega. There were raffles, refreshments, and warm company.
Bardekova Ensemble at Dreiser last weekend
The Bardekova Ensemble presented a free concert in the Dreiser Auditorium last Sunday, October 4, thanks to sponsorship by the Coalition to Save Affordable Housing and with funding provided by the Bronx Council of the Arts, the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs and the Greater NY Arts Development Fund, the Music Performance Trust Fund and the Bronx delegation of the NYC City Council. The ensemble is directed by founder Ellen Bardekoff, and features Darla Coolman (bass), Richard Paratley (flute) and Brian Thompson on violin. The Ensemble performed “The Music of 400 Years,” featuring the works of many classical composers.
Photos by Mary Ann Sowah
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Co-op City Times / October 10, 2015
Co-op City Times / October 10, 2015
The Pentecostal Tabernacle welcomes everyone to attend Worship Service at 100 Co-op City Blvd., Building 22A, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. Sunday School for all age group starts at 10:30 a.m. Mid-day Worship Service begins at 11:45 a.m. Wednesdays: Prayer and fasting service will be held at 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Bible study and prayer meeting will be held Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. Youth service for all the young people will be held every Friday evening starting at 7:30 p.m. Focus: Only One Gospel. There is only one gospel that can save us from sin—the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Galatians 1:8-11 - For though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach any other gospel unto you than which we have preach unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached
Building 25 Association
Hi, neighbors of Building 25. As stated in previous articles, I would like our weekly news articles to reflect safety, peace of mind for all of us and I pray I am on the right track to accomplish just that. This week’s discussion is on laundry room environment etiquette. Think of a washer and dryer located in a room in our apartment or home, nice right? We would treat that room the same as we treat any other room in our apartment or home, with pride and tidiness. In our case, we share a communal laundry room that accommodate 384 units in this building. It is open each day from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and with Riverbay Maintenance team assigned to present a clean laundry room environment assisting us in any way that they can throughout their work day. When we as neighbors walk into our laundry room, we expect to just do our laundry, but we find ourselves removing other neighbors’ clothes that have been left in machines after washer’s and dryers’ cycles have stopped, abandoned clothes left in laundry carts, soap powder clogged in the little trays where only liquid substance is supposed to be used, and fabric softener sheets left in the dryer or all over the laundry room floor. We may find that if we each do our part that the task of a cleaner, tidier and organized laundry room may not be a far reach. Washers and dryers have timers; if we must leave the laundry room, time ourselves when we need to return to retrieve our clothes. Abandoned clothes in laundry carts, that’s a tough one, but it limits the availability of laundry carts for others to use. Abandoned clothes are kept in the laundry room for a short period of time and then discarded. If we find that our soap powder is stuck in the tray, speak to laundry room maintenance personnel, they will help us. It is not fair to leave it for the next neighbor to deal with. Last, but not least, fabric softener sheets pose a trip hazard, especially for our elderly and disabled neighbors. We must remove our used fabric softener sheets from dryers after the cycle stops, pick them up from the floor and discard them in that big old garbage can at the end of the dryers. Our building association meets every third Tuesday of the month generally from September through June. Look for date postings near the elevators. If you cannot make it to meetings due to scheduling or other obstacles in your way, please log on to our building email address at building25ca@gmail.com and address to any or all members of Building 25 Association. I will close with the following quote: “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success." –Henry Ford. —Wanda Bailey
Pentecostal Tabernacle
of me is not after man. Paul’s reprimand of the Galatians was strong and clear: “But though we are an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that we have preach unto let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:8) In this statement, Paul even admitted that even he could possible slip from this wonderful gospel; but regardless, the Galatians should hold to the truth of the gospel. Not even “an angel from heaven” is excuses to preach any other gospel. People who choose to depart from the true gospel always give excuses as to why they do not live for God. Some may try to excuse themselves on the basis of the failure of a highly visible minister or another Christian who once was held on high esteem, but who fell prey to sin. But Paul did not even excuse himself to preach any other message. He admonished the Galatians that even if he were to “preach any other
21 gospel” they were not to believe it. What strength is given in these words! The church is God’s church and not man’s. We preach an everlasting gospel for an everlasting church. The surety of the next word, let him be accursed. Seals the certainty that God has given this gospel. Anathema is the Greek word translated “accursed.” Anyone who preaches any other message is Anathema, which means they are “excommunicated” or cut off from God. Paul reiterated the word Anathema in Galatians 1:9 add emphasis to the seriousness of the matter, not from anger. He wanted to leave no room for doubt or misunderstanding. Paul stated in verse 12 “For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” For further information, please call 718-324-0334 or 718-320-4218. —Rev. R. Sibblies
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Co-op City Times / October 10, 2015
Building 13 Association
Women Keeping It Real is back. It’s an inspiring, insightful, informative and often hilarious social gathering of women of all ages exchanging information, empowering each other and encouraging community awareness. A variety of issues are addressed along with mystery questions from the “Red Box.” We are always pleased to welcome new members. The next meeting is scheduled for Saturday, October 17, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the association room of Building 13 (100 Casals Place). Remember! You must be 18 and over to participate.
The Fantastical Side of Being series of workshop challenges you to go Beyond Fantastic. Using your own face, hand or foot, we will create an impression of you, then embellish beyond the ridiculous. All ages are welcome to these free workshops. The workshops will be featured in an original film. Dates: October 17 (Impressions), October 24 (Designing), October 25 (Designing). The workshops will be held between 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the association room located at Building 13, 100 Casals Place. These workshops are made possible with funds from the Bronx Council
on the Arts through the Department of Cultural Affairs. It’s a fun-filled, interesting activity. You’ll want to share with your friends. Rivers Run Community Garden Daffodil planting, Friday, October 23 at 10 a.m. Halloween - We are seeking volunteers to help package the Halloween treats. We could use more volunteers to assist distributing the treats on Halloween in the lobby. If you can help out, you can contact us at the number listed below. Our next Building meeting is sched-
uled for November 5, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Checks for Building 13 events should be made payable to Building 13 Assoc. Inc. and mailed to Building 13 Assoc., 100 Casals Place #32K, Bronx, NY 10475. For information, contact Gail Sharbaan, Treasurer, at 718-671-3801, or Leslie Peterson at 718-320-1370. Our website is http:// www.bldg13assoc.com or email us at building13assoc@yahoo.com. As always, thanks for making our team work. —Leslie Peterson
Greetings, everyone. What a wonderful turnout for our first meeting of the year on Sept. 29th. A big shout out to our guest speakers, Ms. Vanessa Aldea, area manager and Ms. Tanesha Farley, Asst. Manager of CSO 2. A lot of important topics were discussed and were actually
resolved at this meeting. The elevator breakdown in 620 Baychester was the most talked about issue and we were advised to call our Councilman Andy King with our concerns and complaints. Once again, please be considerate of your neighbors and keep the noise level
down especially at night. To all who are celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, congrats and enjoy your day. To our sick and shut-ins, especially Norma Jones (16B) we will pray for you. We will be decorating the lobbies for
the upcoming holidays; we need volunteers. We are open for suggestions. You can look us up on Facebook @bldg.16 united assoc. You can contact me at 347-931-4502. Thanks again, everyone. —Teri-Ann Garcia
The first general meeting was held on Tuesday, 9/29, since returning from our summer break. Unfortunately, our invited guest from the Board of Directors, President Cleve Taylor, was not available for our meeting and sent his apology. We went on to discuss current and future business. We have two volunteers for our children’s Halloween party and they are Nakio Garcia from the B-side and Ivonna Freeman from the A-side. If you wish to assist in any way, please contact them thru any association member listed on the bulletin board located in the lobby.
Our Vice President, Sharon Clark, shared the following information which is that there will be seminars held in Einstein Community Ctr., Room 50; dates are Oct. 13/20 and 27th at 10 a.m. regarding Health proxy, Insurance policy and important information needed to get your affairs in order. Another cooperator had an FYI which was that SSA has been changed to Federal Benefit program and if you want to know if that name change affects any benefits, her suggestion is for us to contact SSA to find out if that makes a difference due to that name change. She found out from a relative
who received a notice in the mail. Our knitting and crocheting group continues to meet on Monday evenings and if you’re interested, please join in. We have our game night every other Friday at 7:30 p.m. and it is growing. Join us in the fun. Watch for notices posted with dates. We all missed the Treasurer of the association, Loretta Paul, at our meeting and pray for her continued healing. If you know of anyone in our building who is sick, please contact our Sunshine Committee, Rosie, from the B-side. You can check the bulletin board in the lobby for her telephone number, so that a card
can be sent to uplift their spirit Thank you, Carmen, our cake lady, for providing your fabulous cake once again. The 50/50 was won by Alease Dixon and the door prize went to George Epps, both from the B-side. Please join us next time, maybe your will be the winner. Remember, if you see something, say something. Sharing a house is difficult so to make all of our lives better don’t forget to dispose of garbage correctly. Don’t remove the laundry baskets and if you drop something, please pick up after yourself. —Marilyn McDaniel
Building Association Dues: We have started collecting building dues; we will be in the lobby on Thursday and Friday evenings. So please make sure you stop and see us. EVERY UNIT that pays their building dues will be entered into raffle for a gift card. Building association dues are $8/yr. for each apartment. Just a reminder, the bulk of the money fundraised and collected by this association goes to men and women who help maintain this building – the porters, lobby attendant, and USPS mail carrier. The rest of money goes to chipping in with Section 5 Fun Day, replacement of lobby decorations, and it goes to helping with building parties that we host. In the past, this building used to award a scholarship, but we need more residents to participate and pay association dues in order to get those extra
things off the ground. Football Sunday – Week 5! Come on down and hang out, watch the game, tell us what you think about your favorite teams. Residents from other buildings are welcome. So, if you are reading this and would like to join us, come on by, we would love to have you. Sunday, Oct. 11th, doors open up at 12:30 p.m. in our association room. Upcoming meetings Building meeting on Tuesday, October 20th at 7 p.m. in association room. Bingo! On Thursday, Oct. 15th from 7 p.m.9 p.m. Come down and play some bingo and try your luck! All are welcome to play. So, come on and play, don't be shy. Bus Trip to Mohegan Sun We are putting the final details of a bus trip to Mohegan Sun together. We are planning it for Saturday, November
7th. Stay tune for more details to come. Thanksgiving Food Drive: First, I'd like to thank everyone who donated to the food drive last year. We were able to donate over 200 lbs. to P.O.T.S. in the Bronx. We will be starting up the food drive again this year within a week or so. Thoughts and prayers for any other
Building 16 Association
Building 31 Association
Building 33 Association
Please Refrain From Littering. Keep Co-op City Clean! Thank you!
of our sick and shut-in neighbors. Get well soon. We have a Facebook page: Building 33 Association. We also have a website: www.building33.org and you can email us at: bldg33Assoc@gmail.com, you can also call or text our Building 33 Hotline number 347-746-0608. —Tobias Garcia
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Co-op City Times / October 10, 2015
The Flu— an underappreciated virus Health News
A case for protecting our community by protecting ourselves
(Roy Michaelis, M.D. Medical Director at Montefiore Health System’s Co-op City/Dreiser Loop site, explains below why the flu shot is not only relevant, but essential.) Legionnaires, Ebola, the flu. All three are infectious diseases that have killed many thousands of people. All three have impacted entire communities and left their victims weak. But only one is airborne and only one is highly preventable through vaccination. The flu, unlike Ebola, which is only spread by direct contact of infected bodily fluids, can spread when an infected individual breathes on someone. In fact, a flu carrier needn’t be showing symptoms to spread the infection. Diseases with an environmental source are easier to identify and avoid. With the recent Legionnaires outbreak, health-
care workers knew when residents were in high-risk areas. The source of the flu is much trickier to spot. A healthyappearing individual could be shedding and spreading the virus without knowing it. Another important aspect of the flu is its unpredictability. Unlike other diseases that have not changed much over time, the flu adapts each year. While researchers are working on a universal flu vaccine, at this point, last year’s shot offers about as much protection as a sugar pill. Every year, researchers track the virus’ mutations in order to predict what strain is headed our way. Unlike Ebola, Flu has no protocol, and unlike Legionnaires, it does not discriminate who it impacts. Therefore, it is shortsighted not to use our best weapon again it: the vaccine.
While our newsfeeds may not be filled with flu talk, it is important to remember that the flu is dangerous— especially for the most vulnerable among us. It is even more important to remember that even if we do not worry about ourselves getting sick, that we think about those around us, the very young, the very old, the chronically ill and pregnant women, who could be put in grave danger if we expose them to this virus. When you show up at your doctor’s office or local pharmacy, you will likely be given a quadrivalent vaccine—the most comprehensive type of immunization. However, for people who are sensitive to this type of vaccine, there are other options, such as a nasal spray. For those worried that the flu vaccine might make them sick, they can
rest assured knowing this is mostly a fallacy. What some people experience post flu shot (cold-like symptoms and fatigue) is the immune system generating a response. This means your body is reacting and learning how to fight the flu—it is nowhere close to the severity of the actual flu and should not last more than a few days. Some important facts to keep in mind when planning your flu strategy is that the flu shot will offer you protection for six months, so the best time to get the flu shot is early October. It takes about 14 days for the flu shot to become active. While rare diseases may be more top of mind for the collective conscience, the common flu is a virus we can, and should, protect ourselves against.
Topping Broun Place news this week, as President of our townhouse association, I attended the Cooperators United meeting, chaired by Sonia Maxwell. Guests at this meeting were Martin A. Prince, head of Community Planning Board 10, and a Co-op City resident; and Michael Stone, representing Bay Plaza business entities. This meeting heard issues surrounding the traffic nightmare of Bay Plaza. One enters a war zone travelling on foot or in a car when we go to the mall. I find it particularly dangerous as we drive into the exiting lanes where the road from Pathmark meets the main road coming from the rest of Bay Plaza. How about you? Please advise us of your concerns so that we may bring them to the next meeting. Broun Place Townhouse Association needs your support and membership. Dues are in order for this new fiscal year. The dues are $12 per apartment. Dues are used to support all Broun Place activities and goals determined
by the members. A flyer with a tear-off and spaces for name, address, phone and email address will be distributed. You may also enter issues and suggest guests. Please deposit in the mail slot of any Board member. Our Treasurer will provide a receipt. Again this week, the Co-op City Times shed light on many important issues and events in Co-op City. We urge neighbors to read the Co-op City Times. It reports the truth and respects its mission and our neighbors by providing Co-op City’s current events, following guidelines that insure it is a newspaper and not a scandal sheet. The autumn winds mean we have to take special measures to secure our exterior items, for example, picnic umbrellas, chairs and tables. Sunday, October 4th, I walked around picking up broken umbrellas and blown around branches and trash. Please, if your picnic style umbrella is still open, close it and wrap it. If your rain umbrella turns inside out, don’t leave
it on the sidewalk. Almost every corner has a garbage can, use it for broken umbrellas and the branches, please just pick them up! As always, we ask, please follow garbage recycling rules. There are huge, conveniently placed dumpster bins and garbage cans throughout Co-op City. Regarding safety issues, if you see something, say something! Don’t place old appliances open in the dumpster site – put them in a bag, toward the back or in the green bin. Old bread belongs in the green
bin, not on the ground. If you witness community abuse call Public Safety, 718 -671-3050 or CSO; also, let your Broun Place President know. In addition, please do not give personal information over the phone. Join the “Do Not Call” program that blocks some calls. Enjoy New York’s season of apple picking as autumn is in full living color. Please share your tidings and Broun Place issues with Eva or a member of our board. —Eva Lazaar
We will be collecting donated candy for Halloween in the lobby very soon. Please donate candy to the building association so we will have a lot of candy to give out in the lobby so the kids don't run around the building ringing doorbells. A lot of the seniors get scared when the kids ring the door bells and bang on the doors for candy. We will be starting to have building meeting in the building associated room soon. We need to get people to be on our building board. We hope to see new people who move into our building and the people who have been here for a long time. We can’t do it alone. We will be having game night every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month once again. We will be collecting building due
of $5 to help us buy holiday stuff like Christmas tree, Christmas lights and holiday decorations, Christmas party all for the building. Again, we can’t do it alone. Our Lobby Attendant, Andy, is doing an awesome job for our building. Everyone loves to hearing “welcome home” from Andy when they come in the building. The kids love Andy, too. They wave to him and say hello. We are so lucky to have him in our lobby keeping us safe. Let’s make 2015 - 2016 a great time for all of us in the building. We hope our building vice president Joan Murrell and her son to get well soon and anyone else under the weather, please feel better. Let’s make our building better. —Jeffrey Schwartz
Broun Place Townhouse Association
Building 6 Association
Movie Review - SICARIO SICARIO was masterful filmmaking at its finest. Right from the first scene, the whole film was as tense as can be; had the feeling of knowing something bad was about to happen. It is really ingenious. Dennis Villanueve’s last film was PRISONERS and the tone of SICARIO was almost matched, if not exceeded. He is just a brilliant filmmaker. He gets the best from his actors. In PRISONERS, it was Hugh Jackman, and in SICARIO, it is Emily Blunt. Emily Blunt was incredible, a really great heroine role. She is becoming a top notch actress who can hold her own in gritty films. As good as Blunt was, Josh Brolin and Benicio Del Toro were even better. Benicio Del Toro stole the film. His character was phenomenal. He was extraordinary, this performance screams Oscar nomination from all angles for sure. The cinematography also stole the film for me. Roger Deakins is a master BY TOLIY BUDNITSKIY
craftsman to the highest extent. It is as if the cinematography was a separate character in the film. It was really tremendous. The score also was pulse pounding. It was really edge of your seat type stuff. The last film to depict such savagery of the war on drugs was TRAFFIC. This film depicted it in such gruesome fashion, it was shocking. The images were very graphic, and yes, folks, this is real. The imagery from the film to everyday life for us cannot be more transparent. SICARIO has to be seen to believe because there isn’t anything quite like it. Haven’t been that tense in a movie theater in a while… SiCario, 121 Minutes, Rated R Director – Denis Villeneuve Writer – Taylor Sheridan Emily Blunt – Kate Macer Josh Brolin – Matt Graver Benicio Del Toro - Alejandro (Anatoliy Budnitskiy is a resident of Building 15B.)
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Co-op City Times / October 10, 2015
Building 27 Association
Hello, neighbors. Our association met on September 29th at 7 p.m. Our guest speaker was Ms. Hayes, Site Manager of CSO III. The association and membership would like to thank Ms. Hayes for her time and for sharing important information with the cooperators. Ms. Hayes brought us SCRIE forms, emeregency contact forms, as well as ARE YOU OKAY forms. Major issues were raised about the laundry carts, the doggie park, the security cameras and quality of life. Ms. Hayes answered all issues and stated the carts are being taken from the laundry rooms and this is a problem in all of the buildings. The doggie park is on the table and a possible location will be near Building 31. The security cameras are on a trial basis in Building 35, and if all works well, the cameras will be installed in each building lobbies. Quality of life, smoking, urinating, loitering in hallways, please contact Public Safety at 718-671-3050. Thank you, shareholders, for a well-attended meeting.
Your presence and support are what reflects how we care about our home, building and community. COMMUNITY BOARD 10 - is where issues or concerns of entities entering into our community without our knowledge or approval can be discussed or protested. This meeting will be held on Thursday, October 15th at 7:30 p.m. at the Dreiser Auditorium. Please make every effort to attend. COMMITTEES - We thank the shareholders who volunteered to work on the Sunshine and Refreshments Committees. We need volunteers for the SCHOLARSHIP Committee which will focus on high school students who will be graduating and going on to college. New shareholders, young adults, WE NEED YOU. The association meets every other month, so the next meeting is scheduled for November. Now if one has any questions regarding the scholarship or any committees, email Hattie Overman at oaplew789@gmail.com. Lite refreshments are served and we have 50/50 raffle at each meetings.
Kudos to Paquita, who won the 50/50 raffle. JASA/NORC – A upcoming presentation by Montefiore on Why Get Vaccinated for the Flu. The dates will be posted or listed in the Co-op Times, so keep an eye out. Also, for those who need help to pay for food, rent and medicine, JASA will assist seniors to determine their benefits eligibility on various dates beginning this month; look for the posted flyers or in the Co-op Times. Happy birthday to those celebrating in the month of October. We wish all of our sick and shut in a speedy recovery. We extend our deepest sympathy to those who have lost a loved one. You may contact Lydia Rondon of the Sunshine Committee at 718-583-3040 regarding illness and bereavements. Please keep our Board members and management in prayer as they lead this great community and pray for this nation. —H. Overman
Please join us on the 2nd Thursday of every month at 8 p.m. Everyone is welcome! Our next general membership meeting is October 8th. On Sunday, September 27th, the Cultural Committee, in conjunction with the Riverbay Corporation, co-sponsored Hispanic Heritage Day in the Dreiser Loop Auditorium. We would like to thank our wonderful performers for helping us celebrate: Danza y Fiesta (Puerto Rico), Garifuna (Honduras), Nuestra Senora del Refugio (Mexico), Pajarillo Pinta’o (Columbia) and Juan Ortega. We are very grateful to all those who made donations towards this
great event, and truly appreciate everyone’s participation. Special thanks go to our generous sponsors: BJ's, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Costco, Stop & Shop and Corona. We will be hosting another 'Vegas Night' on Saturday, October 17th. Admission will be $2. We also have a Halloween Party scheduled for Saturday, October 24th, with free admission for members ($10 for non-members). Both events will start at 7:00 p.m. Save the Date: Our Christmas Party is scheduled for Saturday, December 12th. The Cultural and Social Committees are combining their efforts to
make this a very special evening. With performances by Johnny Ray 'Salsa Con Clase' and Charlie Donato y Son Ideal and music by DJ Salsero, tickets are $30 in advance. Please contact Alfonso Gonzalez at (347) 249-3403 for more information. Additional information for all of our upcoming club events, as well as details concerning the club in general, can be found on our website: http://span amcccc.synthasite.com. You may also contact the club at (718) 379-7017 or email us at Span AmCCCC@gmail.com. —Carmen Rodriguez
Welcome back, everyone from our summer recess! An expression of gratitude goes out to Sandy, Geri, Chris and Jeannie, who delivered a welcome message to newcomers and personal invitation to attend the September 30th to the 384 households in Building 14! Thank you to those cooperators attending for the first time or in a longtime. Please continue to attend. Meeting highlights Cooperator Participation: Several suggestions for increasing participation were discussed more collaboration among neighboring buildings (create a Section Two Association); posting Meeting Minutes on the bulletin board; “Meet and Greet” events in the lobby; alternating meeting day; daytime meetings; and conducting an Interest and Talents survey. Discussed at great length was revitalizing Floor Captains. Once, a strong seg-
ment of building associations, floor captains met as a body of the association and every floor was represented. Watch the bulletin board, flyers, and newspaper to learn about Floor Captain Duties and floor representation. Elections: Familiar situation - no one stepping forth to run for office. We will conduct procedures to re-elect officers that accept to continue in their position. Interested? Please email or contact an officer. Mark Your Calendar: Building Dues Collection, October 16-17, $7 per household; monthly Building Association Meeting, October 22nd (Thursday); Halloween Lobby Decorating, October 22-24; and Sweet Treats Giveaway¸
October 31st. Local News: Reports from Building & Grounds Committee and Cooperators United meetings regarding upgrades to high-rise elevators, speed controls around Carver Loop, Bay Plaza congestion and safety/; Call 3-1-1 Campaign;” planned developments at Bartow-Baychester intersection and the old batting range (near TGIF) will be posted. Best wishes to all celebrating birthdays, promotions, and other successes. Our condolences to those grieving the loss of a loved one. Questions? Comments? Reach your Association of Building 14 Cooperators at theab14c@hotmail.com or 917.612.1951. —JD Ferguson
Spanish-American Community Club
Association of Building 14 Cooperators
Building 10 Association
The Building 10 Association Board of Directors continues to plan important activities for Building 10 cooperators! Our second Foxwood Fundraising bus trip is well underway for Saturday, November 7. Seats are more than 50% sold out, so don’t miss this opportunity to join us for a fun-filled day. The next collection of bus fares will be on Friday, October 16, between 7 and 8 p.m. in the association room. The cost of the trip is $45. Our next General Membership meeting is scheduled for October 20th and Riverbay Board President Cleve Taylor has been invited as the special guest speaker for the night. On Saturday, October 31st, the association will have a Halloween Candy Giveaway in the association room for Building 10 children. We need candy donations from Building 10 cooperators. Bring your donation of candy to the association room on Friday, October 16th between 7 and 8 p.m. Please volunteer to organize the gift bags at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27th in the association room. An evening of fun and entertainment is planned for a Ladies & Gents Night on Friday, October 23rd. Come enjoy an evening with your Building 10 cooperators, hosted by Lisa Norman and Donald Fuller. Say hi to longtime friends and make new ones. Come out and support our events and meetings. You are our strength and inspiration! —Ron Campbell
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Co-op City Times / October 10, 2015
African-American Association
If you missed our last meeting on Thursday, you really did miss an amazing event. That’s right, we said, “event.” We celebrated October birthdays and want to congratulate all who celebrated with us this month. We won’t tell who ate the most cake; those of us who shared in the celebration will keep that a secret. We can’t keep apologizing for seating arrangements. We did warn you last week to come on time. Perhaps we need a larger room. Well, we can discuss that after the holidays. We would also like to thank all members who shared announcements and ideas for up and coming meetings. Our next meeting will bring so much more thanks to your exciting input. We launched our new benefits pro-
gram free to all members who are looking to purchase or lease a new vehicle. Through our strategic partnership, we will be able to save hundreds and in some cases thousands on purchases. That’s for just being a member of this organization. You can email us for more info. The association sponsors the following ongoing programs and encourages your participation. Children’s Programs – For information about the early morning school drop-off program and the after school programs, call 718-379-5555. Yoga & Pilates Mat Classes – Classes resume on Tuesday, 9/15, 7:15 p.m., Dreiser Center, Rm. 2. Lose weight, tone and strengthen your muscles with exercises that reduce
The coalition will be hosting its 20th annual Friends and Family Day event on Sunday, October 18th, 2 p.m., 177 Dreiser Community Center, Auditorium A, (Co-op City), Bronx, featuring Keynote Speaker Dr. Dena “Sunshine” Robins, President of the Association for the study of African – American Life and History; and Ms. Ebony Rae Lambright, MC. There will be games with prizes for the children, entertainment, inspirational messages, family reunions, and networking. There will be vendors which we hope that you will consider purchasing items from, and last but not least, refreshments will be served. So come out and support the many organizations that make up the coalition. Free admission. Please inform the coalition of any suggestions that you may have. Ms. Virginia Stewart is the President of the Coalition. Phone number, (718) 6714506. The coalition is a non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining and improving the quality of life of cooperators, while providing educational and culturally enriching programs for the community. We also act as one voice for all coalition members where there are
issues of common concern and human rights. We also sponsor Friends & Family Day celebrations, and Kwanzaa, free for the community. Members of the coalition include the following: AfricanAmerican Association; Co-op City Bap-tist Church; Retirees of Dreiser Loop; Harriet Tubman Independent Demo-cratic Club; NAACP, Co-op City Branch; St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church and Zodiacs Track Club. Please support our efforts by sending us a tax deductible contribution made payable to Coalition of African-American Churches and Community Organization of Co-op City, Inc., P.O. Box 619, Bronx, NY 10475. Churches and organizations that desire to join the coalition may apply for membership by either writing or calling (718) 671-4506 or (718) 671-5957 for a membership application, which should be returned with a letter on your church/organization’s letterhead and signed by the Minister/ President. Read the coalition’s weekly column for information about events and issues. Remember the coalition’s motto is, “Coming together is the Beginning, Keeping together is Progress and Working together is Success.” —Harman T. Leacock
Coalition of African American Churches & Community Organizations
Building 32 Association
Meeting Our first General Membership meeting of the new season is scheduled for Tuesday, October 20, at 7:30 p.m. Our association room is located in Building 32B, first floor rear. Our special guest will be Ms. Hayes, who is now the Director of the Section 5 Cooperator Services Office (CSO). There will be sufficient time to have your questions answered and this makes this meeting particularly important for our newer cooperators. Get the answers to your questions directly from a person who knows, not second-hand from a friend or neighbor. Bake Sale Our fundraiser Bake Sake is scheduled for Saturday, November 14, starting at 12 p.m. All donations are welcome; both home-baked goods if you enjoy baking or want to practice, and store baked goods are equally welcome. For suggestions or further information, please contact Ms. BrownClark at 718-671-1685. Reminders will be appearing in subsequent articles. Halloween We will be needing volunteers for decorating our lobbies. The tentative
date for Building 32B to decorate will be on Friday, October 16, starting at 9 a.m.; 32A will decorate on Saturday, October 17, also commencing at 9 a.m. All hands are needed and welcome. The more volunteers, the faster work goes. If you can spare 30 minutes, it will be appreciated. The candy giveaway will be on Saturday, October 31, which is officially Halloween. Complaints, etc. Our Cooperator Services Office (CSO) is in place for many reasons. When your toilet is stopped up, or your faucet is leaking, this is where you call. If someone on your floor is leaving the compactor room a mess by not disposing of their garbage properly, or leaving boxes, etc. in the room, this is the office you call. When anything other than security/safety is the problem, call (718) 320-3300, Ext. 3595. Make sure you annotate when you called and who you spoke to. Follow the same procedure when calling Public Safety. All employees are mandated to give their name, and in case a follow-up is needed, you have documented the information. —Lorna Smith
stress through breathing techniques. For more information, call 718-6718364. Belly Dance Classes – Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m., Dreiser Center, Room #2. For a nominal fee, you will have fun and stay in shape. For more information, call Xonia, 646-301-9438. Evening Line Dance Classes – Dance to Soul, Latin, and Gospel music on Thursdays, 7:00 p.m. in Dreiser Center, Room #2. Call Cynthia, 917903-7073. Music, Rhythm & Dance – Most Fridays 7:30 p.m., Dreiser Center, Rm. 15; most Saturdays, 10:00 a.m., Dreiser Center, Room #2. Call Keith, 917-561-6211. Adult Study Group – The Institute for Youth meets on the 2nd & 4th
Mondays, 7:00 p.m. The Book Study Group meets every 3rd Sunday, 1:00 p.m., Dreiser Center, Room 15. Please call to confirm, 718-379-5555. General Membership Meeting – The next meeting will be on Thursday, November 12. If you are unable to attend the meeting, please read our weekly column for updates. Also, if you wish to join or update your membership, please send a check or money order (DO NOT MAIL CASH) of $15 for a single membership or $25 for families to: African-American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475. Donations are welcomed. Like us on Facebook: Coopcity Afrianamericanassoc/ Email us at: aaaccpower@gmail.com. —Kevin Lambright
Welcome back from your summer vacations. Hope you had a good time. We are ready for the fall season. We are starting off our fall activities with Ray Fraticelli, CSO Manager for Buildings 1-14, as our speaker for our meeting on Tuesday, October 13th at 7:30 p.m. Bring all your questions and complaints. This is our home. We want to keep our quality of life up to its highest
potential. Our building association is also planning a block party for Section 1 in 2016. Come to the meeting and keep abreast of what is happening. Representatives of the building association will be in both lobbies during the coming weeks collecting $5 in dues for the coming year. We need your support. Wishing all of our neighbors and friends good health and happiness. —Carlyn Jones
Building 2 Association
If You See Something, SAY SOMETHING!!! Co-op City Public Safety 718-671-3050
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Co-op City Times / October 10, 2015
Next Defensive Driving class The next Black Forum defensive driving course will be Saturday, October 10, Room 1, Dreiser Community Center, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lower your liability insurance cost by 10% and remove up to 4 points from your driver’s license. Please make your check in the amount of $35, payable to “the Black Forum of Co-op City,” and mail to P.O. Box 563, Bronx, N.Y. 10475 at least 1½ weeks before the class, or you can walk in on the day of the class but you must have $35 in cash to pay for the course. Trip to Mohegan Sun We will be going to Mohegan Sun Casino in CT. on Saturday, November 14. Cost is $40, no refunds. Pick-ups at Dreiser Center, 8:30 a.m.; Asch Loop at 8:45, and Einstein at 9 a.m. Black Forum Aerobics and Zumba It’s time to get in shape, get healthy
Black Forum
and feel healthy. Aerobics classes are held Mondays and Wednesdays, Zumba on Thursday. Classes are in the Dreiser Aud., 7:30 p.m. To register, please call (718) 320-8035. Nominal fee for each class. Cooking classes coming soon If you enjoy cooking or would like to learn how to prepare healthy meals for yourself and your/or your family, please give contact us at (718) 320-8035. Sound Off, Co-op City, coming soon We will be starting Sound Off, Co-op City, for all cooperators to express themselves on the issues facing our community. Meetings will be held once or twice a month. More to follow. If interested, please call (718) 320-8035. Food distribution sites On Thursdays, residents of Buildings 27, 28, 29, 32 and 33 must pick up food at the New Vision Church, 115
Einstein Loop, 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Likewise, residents of Building 26, 30, 31, 34 and 35 must go to the Evangelical Church, 2350 Palmer Avenue, 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Thursdays to pick up food. For information, please call (718) 320-8035. Volunteers needed We are looking for female volunteers for Tuesdays and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. If you are a male 20 years of age and older or retired and live in the Dreiser Loop or DeKruif Place area preferably, and can volunteer with us on Tuesdays and Thursdays, also standby and on call, please call (718) 320-8035. Emergency Food Program We are open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., Room 20 in the Dreiser Center. Also, due to budget constraints
and shortage of available food, you must live within zip code 10475 to participate in this program. You must also have your card with you and bring two clean plastic shopping bags. Please also have your current photo ID, such as a non or driver’s license or any photo ID card with proof of address. You will then be issued a card in order to pick up food in the future. We Need You - Join Us Today Membership is $5 per year/person. Call (718) 320-8035 or write to Black Forum, P.O. Box 563, Bronx, NY 10475; email: coopcityblackforum@gmail.com or tonyshome10475 @gmail.com. Help us keep independent community organizations alive in Co-op City. Everyone is encouraged to join. Call or visit us, Room 20 in the Dreiser Community Center. —Tony Illis
Flowers, 718-320-0539, regarding illnesses and bereavements. Remember – A deposit, along with your name and telephone number, is required to reserve your trip &/or theatre seat. No deposit, no seat guarantee. Check/money order addressed to RETIREES OF DREISER LOOP. Committee members will be available in Dreiser clubroom 19 (718-379-0377) on Mondays and/or Thursdays, 2:30-5 p.m. Mark your calendars: The monthly General Membership Meetings are held on the FIRST WEDNESDAY. Hello October. “Listen! The wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves. We have had our summer evenings, now for October eves.” —Claudette Davis
Our first meeting for this season was well attended. We enjoyed light refreshments, plus our 50/50. Dues for the year 2015-2016 is $5 per apartment. Collection dates and time will be posted on bulletin board and printed in the Co-op City Times. Our bus trip to Foxwood Casino on October 24 is $35. Give back is $10. Free buffet plus shopping at Tangers
Outlets. Bus is filling up fast. For your seat, please call Betty Leak at 718-6710840, Katrina Minos Shepard at 718671-4953 and Joan June at 718-6717079. Bus leaves from library. Our next association meeting is October 26 at 7 p.m. in the association on the B-side. All are welcome. —Betty Leak
Retirees of Dreiser Loop
Theatre Committee: (price includes transportation): ● Fri., Nov. 20, 11 a.m. show. Price: $69. RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR. A few seats still available. Traveling by Lorants coach bus. Final payment due Thurs., Oct. 7. Come join the fun. Contact Ione Edwards, 718-3797756. ● Thurs., March 10, 2016, 7 p.m. show. Price: $117. COLOR PURPLE, Jacob Theatre. $50 deposit required. Bal-ance and final payment due Thurs., Oct. 15. Contact Eleanor Barlow, 718-324-7847. Good and Welfare Those of you still under the weather, know that you are thought of warmly and wished brighter days. Call Josephine
American Legion Post 1871 Home to all who served
Greetings to all of our Post members who are homebound and recovering from various medical operations. We wish you a speedy recovery. Happy birthday to all of our members who will be celebrating their birthday this month. Our Post is always looking for new members to join, so if you are a VETERAN from any branch of the military, stop by. Bring your DD214 with you. Post 1871 is located in Section #5 in the Community Center at 135 Einstein Loop, Room 41. Our office telephone number is (718) 3208165, and our email address is post1871@optimum.net. The next NYC Veterans Day parade that will take place on Nov. 11th. Legion family members are invited to march in the parade. This will include American Legion posts family members, Legion and Auxiliary members. This year, America's Parade will start at 11:15 a.m. at 5th Avenue and 26th Street. It will proceed up Fifth Avenue and 26th Street to 52nd street for a total distance of 1.3 miles. For information, email parade @americanlegion.com/parade.html. Our American Legion dues are very important. Like everyone else, we have bills to pay. Like you, our Post pays rent, cable and copy machine paper.
These must be paid in order to maintain our Post and keep the doors open for our veterans who will have a place to shoot pool and watch cable TV in our room. Our dues will also support the National American Legion to print out the magazine that you receive every month to keep you informed of national events and new items that will help you in the coming year. I'm asking all Post members to step up to the plate and write that check or money order, turn in that envelope with $50 in it for your dues for 2016. Our Post would like to have 100% of its members paid up for 2016. If you were born between October 23 and Nov. 21, you are a SCORPIO. Always look on the bright side. Money could be coming your way; perhaps not as you imagined, but coming nevertheless. Get ready for an emotional roller coaster ride to do with a situation involving a friend, which could also relate to finances. Two fish are in tank. One says to the other, “Can you drive this thing?” How do we know Indians were the first in North America? A: Because they had reservations. This information was provided to you by your Post information officer. —Richard I. Lawson, Jr.
Building 22A & B Association
Please do not slam your door when entering or exiting your apartment. Be considerate of your neighbors.
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Co-op City Times / October 10, 2015
Co-op City Sports
Truman Mustangs stay undefeated with fifth straight win; JV also undefeated
BY BILL STUTTIG AND BRIAN WILLIAMS The Truman Mustangs moved to the top of the Public School Athletic League’s football Bowl Conference this week following a convincing 47 to 0 win over Mott Haven Educational Campus. The game was played on Sunday afternoon at Truman’s athletic field in Co-op City.
over as the quarter was coming to an end. A pass from Justin Harris to Corey Hall moved the Mustangs to the ten and then Ramon Jefferson took it in from there and Trevor Carson scored the two-point conversion for a 16-0 lead. On the ensuing Mott Haven possession, the quarterback was sacked in the end zone for a safety, making the score 18 -0. On the punt after the safety, Truman punt returner, Imotep Cromer, ran the ball back to the Mott Haven 25. A quarterback option ran by Justin Harris again brought the Mustangs inside the ten yard line. Ramon Jefferson once again ran it in from there and Trevor Carson scored the two-point conversion giving the Mustangs a commanding
As with the four previous victories, the Truman defense was dominating in keeping Mott Haven off the scoreboard and holding them to just 84 yards of offense as opposed to 298 yards of offense for the Truman offense. Truman quarterback Justin Harris was perfect on the day, completing all four of his passes, the longest being a
25-yard completion to receiver Cory Hall who has also played quarterback this season. As usual, the rushing attack was balanced and formidable with star running back Ramon Jefferson gaining 54 yards on just seven carries, three of them that went for touchdowns. Damone Bailey scored another touchdown and gained a total of 38 yards on eight carries. Trevor Carson continued his excellent season scoring a touchdown while gaining 61 yards on just 8 carries. The other touchdown was scored by Kindu Green on his only carry of the day. Saturday’s victory was the third shutout in five games for the Mustangs. The stingy defense has given up only 18 points all year, while the improving offense has scored a total of 113 points in five games. The dominating defense affected the game right from the start as Mott Haven fumbled on the third play from scrimmage and the Truman defense recovered the ball. Quarterback Justin Harris led the team quickly down the field with handoffs to Ramon Jefferson and Trevor Carson and a pass to Corey Hall setting the Mustangs up on the ten yard line. Trevor Carson then scored the touchdown from the ten, taking a handoff and plowing through the Mott Haven defense. Tight end Milton Wilson then scored on a two-point conversion. As the first quarter was coming to an end, Mott Haven was having some success running the ball, but was stopped on a key fourth down and Truman took
Milton Wilson
(Continued on page 34)
The Williamsbridge Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. (NANBPWC) is an organization dedicated to community service in the areas of health, employment, education and economic development. The Adult Club meets at Dreiser Center on the second Friday of every month. Young women, 18-35, who are in or preparing for a business/professional career can become members of the Young Adult Club.
The Williamsbridge Club is moving forward with our partners in planning for our next event November 21 – Our annual Entrepreneurship, Technology Health and Leadership Workshop. Save the date – more information to follow. If you are interested in serving an internship or community service project, please contact the club at the address listed. We are looking for young people who want to increase their negotiating skills by assisting us.
The Williamsbridge Club’s “Gourmet Gents” at Dreiser Community Center scheduled for October 25, has been cancelled due to extenuating circumstances. The College Fair held on October 4, at Dreiser Loop Community Center was a success. We received several applications for our Youth Club. If you know of a youth, age 13 – 18, please forward the information to us. Please check this column for ongoing information.
Information concerning the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. (NANBPWC) may be found at www.nanbpwc.org or Facebook: ThewilliamsbridgeBPWC, or our mailing address: Williamsbridge Club, P.O. Box 6, Co-op City Station, Bronx, New York 10475. Our phone contacts are 718.328.2302, Joetta Brown; or 917.972.7732, Sandra Hall. —Joetta Brown
Damone Bailey
Dayvon Ford
26 to 0 lead. Mott Haven fumbled the ensuing kick-off, Truman recovered and three plays later, Ramon Jefferson scored again followed by the two-point conversion giving Truman a 34 to 0 halftime lead. As the third quarter began, Truman kept up the onslaught even with backup players. Imotop Cromer was given the chance to lead the team at quarterback and brought the team down the field behind the running of Ramier Williams. Damone Bailey scored the touchdown and then was given the rare chance to kick the extra point and he was successful making the score 41 to 0. Running back Kundi Green scored
Williamsbridge Club
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Co-op City Times / October 10, 2015
Evangelical Church of Co-op City – UMC Open Doors, Open Hearts and Open Minds
Come & Visit Us – We welcome you to God’s House – Your House – One Family in Christ. We are a congregation with spirit-filled worship, offering a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship and service to God and our community. We are a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and bilingual congregation and all are welcome. Services are at the church at 2350 Palmer Avenue, across the street from Building 30. Parking is available. Our phone number is (718) 320-3795; leave a message if there is no answer. Sunday Services – The first Sunday of the month is a bilingual service with communion at 11:30 a.m. Each Sunday, the English Service is at 11:30 a.m. and
St. Joseph's Episcopal Anglican Church
Fr. Taylor and the congregation of St. Joseph's cordially invite you to worship with us in Co-op City at 155 Dreiser Loop, lower level. All are welcome. Weekly Schedule: Sunday service with Holy Communion and Sunday School are both at 9 a.m. Every 4th Sunday, our children participate in the reading of the lessons and every 5th Sunday, our young adults assist in the service. Bible study is held each Wednesday at 7 p.m. Choir rehearsal is on Thursday at 7 p.m. The (ECW) Episcopal Church Women meet immediately after service on the 1st Sunday of each month. Membership is open to all women of the church and dues are $2 per month. The men hold their meeting after service on the 2nd Sunday of each month. We look forward to welcoming everyone to service at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 11, when we will celebrate the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost. Outreach Program: We continue to collect nonperishable food for the feeding program at Grace Episcopal Church in West Farms. Please remember to donate. For additional information on all of the above, please call the church at 718-320-0844, or visit our website: http://www.stjosephsepcbronx.org. “May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.” (Psalm 90:17) —M. Chambers
Drammeh Center
The Fabric of Complicity will be New York’s most important exhibit this year to show the cultural context that is generally unknown about images associated with American commerce. Artist John Jones’ painting series, Confederate Currency: “The Color of Money,” explores how perceptions of slavery were reinforced by images engraved on American currency. Throughout the exhibit’s month-long run at the Drammeh Center, discussions and film screenings will be held that examine social histories and the North’s involvement with the institution of slavery. Other scheduled activities include financial security and economic empowerment workshops, tips for entrepreneurs and investors, in addition to interactive activities for youth of all ages. To schedule school and group visits, contact drammehcenter@gmail.com. We are now looking for INTERNS and VOLUNTEERS for the Fabric of Complicity’s exhibit and programs. This will be an opportunity to acquire direct exposure to art and history, and is designed to give experience with social media, and organizational management and development. Internship assignments will vary in terms of experience and interests. Effort will be made to match the interests of each intern with the needs of the scheduled event. Please email us for details. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! www.facebook.com/ DrammehInstitute Follow our exhibition blog for updates: http://drammehcenter.tumblr.com/ For the latest in training programs and workshops, visit: https://drammehcenter.wordpress.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/drammehcenter/ —Elise Edwards
the Spanish Service is at 1:15 p.m. Children: Sunday School will be at 10 a.m. for all children ages 4 to 12 years. Bring your children so they may learn what the Bible says and have a good time with all the other activities. Prayer Night (English) & Prayer Morning (Spanish): The Lord said, “Whenever two or more are gathered in my name, I am in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20. Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday mornings at 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Come and bring your prayer needs so we can pray together. Remember that prayer brings many blessings, which God has promised to all his children that have a personal relationship with Him. Women’s Fellowship…is the first Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Men’s Fellowship…is the last Saturday of every
month from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Crescendo Christian Music School: Are you interested in learning how to play an instrument or sing? Come join the music school. Piano, guitar, drums, violin, voice and other instruments. Registration for the fall season is here and cost is very reasonable. Registration is free. Call Maestro Frank Colon, (917) 753-3644, to set up a time to come and register. Students range in age from 5 to 100 years. Trip to see Samson at Sight & Sound: We are going to Lancaster, Pa. to see the new show of Samson on Friday, June 3, 2016. Cost will be $146/person, children 12 & under are $106/child. Please get your $50 deposits in quickly since we expect to have seats go fast. Call Barbara at (347) 603-7473 to let her know that you are interested. —Barbara Penn
Pastor Anne L. Palmore and the congregation of the Church of the New Vision extend a warm and friendly invitation to everyone to worship with us every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. We are a church where inspirational messages from the Word of God, the Bible, are delivered every Sunday morning. The church is designed to meet the spiritual needs of our community by offering anointed singing and preaching, and a general atmosphere of Christian love and friendly hospitality. We also invite the youth of our community to attend our Sunday Morning services, which are designed to meet the spiritual needs of our young people. Parents, please send your children to learn of the Lord Jesus. Prayer Service takes place every Wednesday evening from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., followed by Bible Teaching from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Be with us to learn the truth from the Word of God. List of Events Church of the New Vision Women's Fellowship supports Breast Cancer Awareness. On November 2nd, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., St. Barnabas Hospital Mammography van will be stationed by the church for free mammograms. You may contact Sis. Loretta Scott at (718) 671-2623 or Kim Canty at
(718) 379-6116.
Church of the New Vision
Save The Date Please join us as we celebrate the Pastor’s birthday and anniversary on Sunday, October 18th during the 11 a.m. service. Lunch will be served immediately after the service. The Building Fund Banquet will be celebrated on Saturday, November 7 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Seashore Restaurant in City Island. Tickets are: adults $55, children 12 and under, $25. You could contact the church for tickets or Sadie James at 718652-8943 – Marquetta Walker - mquie@msn.com. Saturday, December 19th - Sight & Sound Theatre presenting The Miracle of Christmas. Saturday, April 9, Sight & Sound Theatre presenting Samson. Adults: $150 and youth 12 and under, $145. One-day package includes: round-trip transportation, all you can eat at Old Country Buffet, all taxes & gratuities, show and outlet shopping. For tickets, call church at 718-671-8746. The Church of the New Vision is located at 115 Einstein, Bronx, NY 10475; Telephone: (718) 6718746 or (718) 320-0409. Our mailing address is: P.O. Box 753037, Bronx, NY 10475. Please visit our website at www.churchofnew vision.com. —Carole Haque
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Serving all cultures & faiths
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Co-op City Times / October 10, 2015
Community Protestant Church
On behalf of our Pastor, Reverend Dr. Calvin E. Owens, and our church family, welcome to Community Protestant Church, a church of love and understanding, located at 1659 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, NY 10469; telephone, (718) 862-9172. Church Schedule Sunday School - 9:00 a.m. Worship Service - 11:00 a.m. Communion Service - Every first and third Sundays Prayer Meeting and Bible Study – Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. The following programs are at the Church’s Annex: 2053 Asch Loop North (Co-op City) Morning Prayer Services - Tuesday, 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.11:00 a.m. Neighborhood Bible Study - Thursday
at 10:00 a.m. Extension of Prayer and Worship Service – Every first, second and third Fridays at 7:00 p.m. 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) Children attending Sunday School are served breakfast after classes are over. We encourage you to bring
your child, children or grandchildren to Sunday School and we look forward to seeing you. Other Scheduled Events Today, Saturday, October 10th at 3:00 p.m., the Sepia Players Ministry presents the play, the Bingo Hall, written by Roosevelt Wright III, at the church. Donation: $20. For additional information and or tickets, contact (718) 5133308, (718) 671-5961 or (718) 671-8691. Saturday, October 17th, 9:00 p.m. 2:00 a.m. – Enjoy a great evening of entertainment at the South Carolina Committee’s Annual Black and White Affair in Dreiser Auditorium, 177 Dreiser Loop, Co-op City. Music by DJ Jimmy Pressley. Ticket: $25 in advance (no tickets sold at door) available by calling (718) 379-8514, (718) 671-5493 or (718) 671-0231.
The Women’s Guild invites you to join us on our Christmas/New Year Extravaganza, December 22, 2015 – January 3, 2016. A Fantastic 12-Night Southern Caribbean Cruise Aboard The Magnificent Queen Mary 2, departing from New York, Red Hook in Brooklyn. Ports of Call: St. Thomas, Charlotte Amalie; St. Kitts, Basseterre; St. Lucia, Castries; St. Maarten, Phillipsburg; Tortola, Road Town. To make a reservation or for additional information about the cruise, please call (718) 320-1435 or (718) 671-5961. 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
120 DeKruif Place (street level). Praise and Worship begins at 9:30 a.m. Church telephone: (347) 346-5790; email: fatwcc@aol.com. Weekly Worship Experiences: 6 p.m., Wednesday Prayer Service; 6:30 p.m., Wednesday Bible Study; Sunday Morning Worship, 9:30 a.m.; Teen Church, 10:00 a.m., 2nd Sundays; Children's Church, 3rd Sundays (K-3); Older Children's Church, 4th Sundays, (4th-7th). Church Motto: "We are Christ-centered, family-focused with power and authority." Church Mission: To empower, educate and motivate men, women, boys and girls to reach their full potential and live abundant lives through preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Come worship with us – where we honor tradition, but are not bound by it! All are welcome to join us any and every Sunday because our goal is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in LOVE, through teaching and preaching the Word of God from the Bible. Real Talk: Families are being destroyed because there's not enough attention being paid to the outside influences that are not only affecting marriages, but also children. Parents, I'm convinced that the music and television programs that our children are exposing themselves to is creating a subculture for which we, as parents, are not aware. Its influence over our children is powerful and the only answer is found in Jesus! The Bible says, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and
approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Rom 12:2) Canned Goods Drive: We are so pleased to offer Pantry Ministry to the community. Our pantry has been growing steadily. For the months of October and November, we are doing a canned goods drive. One can, two cans whatever you want to donate, we will accept. The church is open MondayFriday from 1:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. for drop off. Please support our ongoing efforts to help our neighbors. TOMORROW IS THE DAY!... 10th Church Anniversary: On Sunday, October 11th at 9:30 a.m., Rev. Dr. Carl Washington, Jr., Pastor of the New Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Harlem and Moderator of the United Missionary Baptist Association, will be our guest preacher. We are so excited with how God has used us in the community! This is our first celebration in 10 years because we wanted to actually do work on God's behalf and the community before celebrating. 2nd Worship Service: Early 2016, we will be adding an additional worship service!! Like our current worship service, this will be for everyone!!! If you love Jesus and for whatever reason have felt marginalized and kept from him, this is for you!! Prepare to join us!! If you are in between churches and want to take an active role in our preparation for this new move of God, please email Pastor Jenkins expressing your interest at fatwcc@aol.com. God will be praised!! Remember, it's never about us, but always about the goodness of the Lord. —Pastor Deborah D. Jenkins
“And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.” … 1Samuel 30:6 Spiritual Food For Thought: God speaks to many of you, His people, who feel exhausted. You will not be able to rectify this condition in the natural realm. Your refreshment will come from being in God’s presence. Much of what feels like being extremely tired comes from discouragement because of circumstances and natural conditions. Encourage yourself in God – in spiritual truth – and take the time to be rejuvenated. On behalf of Pastors Boyce and Carol Landrum and the Greater Love family, we welcome and invite you to fellowship with us. Greater Love is a teaching, preaching, tithing, faith and Bible way ministry. We believe that the blueprint for a church that pleases God is: Bible Study, Fellowship, and Prayer (Acts 2:42). These vital elements make up the function and life at Greater Love Church. We are conveniently located at 900 Co-op City Blvd. (Bldg. 2A), on the ground level, Bronx, N.Y. 10475; main entrance red button. Free parking is available in Garage #1 on Darrow Place. Save the Dates Tomorrow, Sunday, October 11th at 4:00 p.m.: Graduation Day for the students of the Greater Love Berry Bible Institute’s Class of 2015. The ceremony will take place at the
Cathedral United Baptist Church, 3425 Boston Road, Suite 2, Bronx, NY 10475. All are invited to attend. Congratulations to Walking Deacon Darrell Gilbert, Walking Deacon Richard States (Class President), Ronald Phoenix and Venecia WoodsMichie. Friday, October 16th at 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.: Family Night – all ages are invited for board games, movie, free hot dogs & popcorn. Saturday, October 17th, 12:00 p.m. – Deacon’s Meeting Saturday, October 24th at 3:00 p.m. – Greater Love Baptism Sunday, October 25th at 4:00 p.m.: Men’s Day Service. Theme: “Man Up for Christ” … Micah 6:8. Special guestpreacher to be announced. Weekly Schedule Church phone: 347-920-5607; Email: glcubc@optonline.net. Sunday Bible School, 10:00 a.m. (sharp) Sunday Morning Worship: 11 a.m. Holy Communion – First Sunday Adult Bible Study/Discipleship Class: Tuesday evenings, 7:00 p.m. Prayer Meeting: Wednesday afternoon, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Training for Service - A Survey of the Bible: class complete. Next class 2016/TBA Deacon Training: 2nd & 4th Saturday at 11:00 a.m. Family Movie Nite: Next: October 16th Friday Youth Night & Bible Study (Date: TBA) —Pastor Carol Landrum
Faith @ Work Christian Church
Studio Jewelers Bay Plaza Mall
Next to Modell’s
2240 Bartow Ave., Bronx • 718-320-0388
BUY SELL PAWN
GOLD
WE
Open 7 Days
$
Highest Price Paid
$
Repairs
We Sell $ We Buy $ Cash Loans
Buy and Get 24 Months Interest Free
Coins $ Silver $ Gold $ Diamonds $ Antiques $ Watches
Greater Love Baptist Church
Mon., Oct. 12
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Co-op City Times / October 10, 2015
Bartow,
Einstein,
Dreiser,
Activities in Room 31 unless otherwise noted
Activities in Room 49 unless otherwise noted Library 9:30am-1pm Dominoes 10am, Rm. 45 Line Dancing 10-11am,
Activities in Room 7 unless otherwise noted
Word Games 9:30-11am Bingo 12:30-2:00pm Arthritis Exercises 11am-noon Library 9:30am-1pm Tablet class 1st & 3rd, Cell Phone Class 2nd & 4th Monday Bartow Office 12:40-1:40pm
Rm. 45
Around The Lunch Table 11:30am Word Search
10am-12pm
Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session 9:30-10:30am
Stay Well Exercise
Diabetes Support Group
Bereavement Counseling
1:00-3:00pm, Rm .35
1:00pm – Last Monday of the month Gentle Yoga 1:15-2pm, Rm. 2
Room 25 – 2:00pm Card Games 2-4pm Dominoes 2:30 pm
Diabetes Support Group
Basic Cell Phone & iPad training 1:30-2:30pm Intermediate Yoga
2nd Monday - 1:00pm
2-3pm, Rm. 2
Word Games Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session
Tues., Oct. 13
9:30-11:30am
Current Events 10am Health Current Events Club
Dominoes 10am
Walking Club
Matinee Movie
10:30 – 11:30am, Aud. B
10:30-11:30am
10am-noon, Rm. 45
Mind Teasers
Pokeno 1-3pm, Rm. 35
12-1pm, Rm. 4 Zumba 1-2pm, Aud. A
Cultural Dance
Afternoon Movies
Card Games 2-4pm Dominoes 2:30pm
1:00-3:00pm w/popcorn
Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session
Blood Pressure 1st &
Wed., Oct. 14
10:30-11:30am
Tues
3rd Wednesday 9-10am
Word Games
Dominoes 10am, Rm. 45
9:30-10:30am
Sewing 9:30 -11:30am
9:30-11:30am
Stay Well Exercise 10-11am
Spelling Bee 10am Tai Chi Tai Chi Spanish Practice Class Computer Lab 10:30am
Line Dancing 11am-12pm
11am-12pm
Mind Teasers
Bingo
Zumba 11am-12pm, Rm.
12:30-2:00pm
Card Games 2-4pm Dominoes 2:30pm
45
12-1pm, Rm. 4
Art Class 1-3pm Yoga 2pm-3pm, Rm. 2
Thurs., Oct. 15
Library 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Word Games 9:3011:30 a.m. Chat Session 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Bingo 12:30- 2 p.m. Card Games 2-4 p.m. Dominoes 2:30 p.m.
Men’s Line Dancing
Fri., Oct. 16
9 -10am
Dominoes 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Stay Well Exercise 10-11 a.m., Rm. 45 Spelling Bee 11 a.m. Grandparent Connection 1st & 3rd Thurs. computer lab, 10:30 a.m. Arthritis Exercise Class 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 45 Word search 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Pokeno 1-3 p.m., Rm. 35
Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session 9:3010:30 a.m. Blood Pressure 1011:30 a.m., 1st & 3rd Thu., Rm. 8 Line Dancing 10-11 a.m., Aud. A Piano Sing Along 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Mind Teasers 12-1 p.m., Rm. 4 Drama Club 1:30–4 p.m.
Dominoes 10am, Rm. 45 Crochet & Knitting
Word Games
Art 10am, Rm. 45
9:30am-11:30am
Bingo 1pm
Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session
Card Games 2-4pm
9:30-10: 11am-12:00pm
Rm. 25
Blood Pressure 2nd & 4th Friday 10:00 -
Meditative Moments 11 a.m.–12 noon, Rm. 8 Mind Teasers 12pm-
Piano Sing-along
11:30am, Rm. 45
1:00pm, Rm. 4
Bingo 1-3pm, Rm. 35
Card Games, Dominoes
Women’s Line Dancing 10-11:30am
Chat Session 10am Bingo 12:30-2:30pm
11am-12pm
Card Games 2-4pm Dominoes 2:30pm
Wed., Oct. 14
Alert & Alive Tai Chi 11am, Rm. 45
Caregiver Support Group 1:00pm 1st & 3rd
Tues, Oct. 13
9:30-10:30am
10am Bartow office Bingo 12:30-2:00pm
10am-12:00pm
2-4:00pm
Pokeno 3-4pm, Rm. 35 (Schedule subject to change without notice)
Fee for lunch is $2.00 & $4.00 for guest *Menu subject to change without notice. Alternate Kosher Meals are also available
ALL meals served w/margarine and fresh milk Bartow Center (718) 320-2066, Ext. 2010 Dreiser Center (718) 320-1345 • Einstein Center (718) 671-5161
For information, please call: (718) 320-2066
New Payment Schedule - Payments for trips @ the Bartow office can be made Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Only) Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, The NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation.
Orange pineapple juice Beef hamburger Mauzone potato Mixed green salad
Meat sauce Ravioli Normandy blend
Hamburger bun plain Garlic breadstick Canned pears
Alt: Baked turkey breast
Mind Teasers 12-1pm, Rm. 4
3:00-4:00pm, Rm. 35
Mon., Oct. 12
10-11am, Rm. 2
Bingo
Soups, Breads and Desserts
Non-Kosher Alternate Kosher Meals are also available
Crochet & Knitting
11am-12pm
Pokeno
Date:
Kosher
Apple juice Baked breaded Shake & Bake chicken pork chops Egg barley Baked sweet potato w/mushrooms California blend Coleslaw vegetables Alt: Tuna fish salad Orange juice Salisbury steak Chicken cacciatore w/mushroom gravy Cuban style yellow rice Garlic mashed potatoes Kale garlic sauce Italian blend vegetables Alt: Veggie burger
Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit
Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit
Apple juice Tilapia Francaise Thurs., Beef & pepper pasta Fusilli pasta w/parsley Pasta Oct. Steamed peas & carrots Baby carrots w/parsley 15
Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit
Alt: Chicken salad
Fri., Oct. 16
Orange juice Baked chicken legs Green beans Potato kugel
Spanish style fish Baked brown rice pilaf Sautéed spinach
Upcoming Events/Trips
Challah bread Apple sauce unsweetened
Alt: Gefilte fish
There will be no refunds for all trips. All trips include roundtrip transportation. All trips must be paid in advance No exceptions. Trip registration policy: You can register for all trips starting the Monday after it has been published in the newspaper (FREE) LiveOn NY - SCRIE Application Assistance/SNAP (food stamps) Medicare Savings Program & Medicaid Friday, October 23rd. Bring documents that verify the following: Government issued ID, address/ affidavit, and total household income (such as 2015 Social Security award letter which will include monthly or yearly benefits, 2014 pension letter, 2014 income tax returns & maintenance/carrying charge receipt) 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. First come, first served! Weight Management sessions will resume in October, date TBA. 911 Museum Tour – Monday, October 12th, $20. Self-guided tour starts at 10:30 a.m. Wait List. Bartow – 8 a.m.; Einstein – 8:15 a.m. & Dreiser – 8:30 a.m. Derfner Judaica Museum-Hebrew Home, Riverdale – Tuesday, October 13th, $2 (box lunch included). Pickups: Bartow – 9 a.m., Einstein - 9:15 a.m. and Dreiser - 9:30 a.m. FLU Education Seminar – Tuesday, October 13th, 11 a.m., 135 Einstein Loop, Room 49; Tuesday, October 20th, 11 a.m. 2049 Bartow Avenue, Room 31. (FREE) - Mrs. Greens Natural & Organic Grocery - Hartsdale, NY. Wednesday, October 14th, Bartow, 10 a.m.; Einstein, 10:15 a.m. & Dreiser, 10:30 a.m. (Only 4 seats available). Aldi – Thursday, October 15th, $2. Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 10 a.m. Super Wal-Mart – Friday, October 16th, $15. Wait List. Bartow, 8:30 a.m.; Einstein, 8:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 9 a.m. Bartow-Pell Mansion Tour – Monday, October 19th, $8. Tour starts at 1:30 p.m. Pick-ups: 12:30 p.m., 12:45 p.m. and 1 p.m. Shoprite – Tuesday, October 20th, $3. Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 10 a.m. Kinky Boots Broadway Show – Wednesday, October 21st, $55. Show starts at 2 p.m. sharp! No elevator in the theater, only stairs. Pick-up times: Bartow – 12 p.m., Einstein - 12:15 p.m.
& Dreiser – 12:30 p.m. Please Note: As per the theater rules, tickets are sold as a group and are considered a final sale. There will be no refunds! (Waiting list only). Empire Casino – Thursday, October 22nd, $5. Bartow - 9:30 a.m., Einstein - 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser – 10 a.m. Wavehill Garden & Cultural Center – Friday, October 23rd, $6. Bartow – 9 a.m., Dreiser - 9:15 a.m. & Einstein - 9:30 a.m. 2½ hour self-guided tour. Tour time: 10:30 a.m. Palisades Mall – Monday, October 26th, $12. Pick-ups: Bartow - 9:30 a.m., Einstein - 9:45 & Dreiser Loop – 10 a.m. Celebrate with us OctoberFeast/ Dance - $5 in advance and $7 at door, Saturday, October 24th, 177 Dreiser Loop, Auditorium A, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Live entertainment by: Everything Covered. Menu: grilled chicken avocado salad, rotisserie chicken, pork shoulder (pernil), rice w/pigeon peas, dessert and juices. Pick-ups: Bartow, 9:30 a.m. and Einstein, 9:45 a.m. The last day to purchase tickets in advance is Friday, October 16th. Target @ the Throggsneck Mall – Monday, October 26th, $2. Bartow 9:30 a.m., Einstein - 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser – 10 a.m. Halloween Party @ the Dreiser Senior Ctr., 177 Dreiser Loop, Auditorium B, Tuesday, October 27th, $5, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Entertainment by DJ James. Costumes are encouraged, but not mandatory. Menu: Stuffed chicken breast w/gravy, mushrooms & wild rice, green beans & avocado salad, dessert: cake & cupcakes. Tickets are sold at all 3 senior centers. Super Wal-Mart – Tuesday, October 27th, $15. Bartow - 8:30 a.m., Einstein - 8:45 a.m. & Dreiser – 9 a.m. Monthly Birthday Party – Friday, October 30th, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Room 31. Tickets: $3. 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Menu Kosher: Baked meat and cheese lasagna, baked vegetables, Caesar salad, dinner rolls, juice and cake. Live entertainment by DJ Woody. Pick-ups: Einstein – 11 a.m. and Dreiser - 11:15 a.m. The Mills @ Jersey Gardens (originally Jersey Gardens Outlet Mall) – Thursday, October 29th, $15. Bartow - 8:30 a.m., Einstein - 8:45 a.m. & Dreiser – 9 a.m.
Co-op City Times / October 10, 2015
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
AARP Chapter #4997
FYI: Our General Meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 12, 1:00 p.m. in Dreiser Auditorium “A.” Please come and join us – help to make a difference in our community. FYI-2: We thank all who purchased a raffle for the Essex Clipper Dinner Train. The winner was Mr. M. Standford. A “BIG thank you!” to Blue Sky Travel for sponsoring this event. Heartfelt condolences to Eleanor Barlow and Ione Edwards on the loss of their sister, Doris Oxstead; to Elaine Jones on the loss of her “101” year old cousin, Josie Anderson. To our sick, on the mend and shut-in members, and those bereaved members, please know that you are in our prayers. Contact Frances Wilson, Good & Welfare Coordinator, 718- 671-5493. 2015 Tour Activities October 13 – Share Fall Foliage w/us at Mt. Airy Lodge – Musical group “The Marcels” will perform; all you can eat buffet at the casino, $75/person. Bus will leave from Asch Loop (in front of the library) at 9 a.m. SHARP. Contact Jean, 718-379-3742. October 30-November 13 – Autumn Repositioning 15-day Cruise on the Norwegian Dawn – WAITING LIST ONLY. Deluxe Motorcoach to Boston, MA to board the ship going to San Juan, PR; Bonaire Curacao and Aruba; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Georgetown in Cayman Islands; Cozumel, Mexico; returning to New Orleans, LA to fly back to New York. Contact Jean, 718-379-3742. December 5 – A Christmas Show at the Evangelical Cathedral – w/a visit
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to Maryland Live Casino and shopping; followed by supper at the Golden Coral. $150/person. SEATS AVAILABLE. Bus will leave from Asch Loop (in front of the library) at 9 a.m. SHARP. Contact Jean, 718-3793742. December 30 – January 1, 2016 – Royal New Year’s Eve Gala at the Desmond. Stopping at the Sands Casino w/shopping in Bethlehem, PA; then to the hotel w/dinner and a show; next day choice of sightseeing, shopping at King of Prussia Mall or activities at the hotel; New Year’s Eve cocktail party w/5 hour open bar; a show and a Surf & Turf dinner; midnight Royal Champaign Toast; before leaving next day, a Mimosa Brunch w/a show and dancing…$559/double; $669/ single and $549/triple. Trip insurance available. Contact Jean, 718-379-3742. 2016 Tour Activities March 28 - 29, 2016 – Sampson: the Strongest Man who ever lived at the Sight & Sound Theater, w/a stop at the Sands Casino. 2 days/1 night; $293/ double; $341/single; $277/triple. Contact Jean, 718-379-3742, for additional information. May 28 – June 8, 2016 – Alaska Cruise Tour (ISLAND PRINCESS)…11 days/10 nights; Air—Land—Rail—Sea from Anchorage (Alaska) through Denali National Park; sail 7 days; see Glacier Bay-Skagway; Juneau; Kelchikan; fly home from Vancouver, BC. Book before September 30 - $100/deposit required (price increase after that date). Contact Jean, 718-379-3742. —Delores Debnam
Einstein Cancer Fund
Baychester Library Events VISIT THE LIBRARY - A GREAT WEALTH OF INFORMATION CLOSED , MONDAY, OCTOBER 12th IN OBSERVANCE OF COLUMBUS DAY CLOSED, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13th - TECHNOLOGY UPGRADE UPCOMING EVENTS Teen Program - Mondays, 3:30 p.m. Knitting - Mondays, 5 p.m. (All Skill Levels) Toddler Time - Tuesdays, 11 a.m. Kids Program - Tuesday, Oct. 27, 11 a.m. (Halloween Pajama Party!) Teen Tech Time - Tuesdays, 3:30 p.m. Knitting - Wednesday, Oct. 14, 11 a.m. (All Skill Levels) Tech Connect - Wednesday, Oct. 21 & Oct. 28, 5-6:30, (Excel) Teen Program - Wednesday, Oct. 14, 3:30 p.m., (Fuji Instax Partner Portrait w/ICP); Oct. 21, (Play w/Clay); Oct. 28, (Tallest Tower Competition) Tech Connect - Thursday, Oct. 15, 10-12 (iPad Basics 2); Oct. 22, (How’d You Do That…iPad Settings); Oct. 29, (App Advice) Teen Program - Thursday, 3:30 p.m., Oct. 22, (Fortune Telling); Oct. 29, (Monster Mask Mania) Kids Program - Friday. 11 a.m., Oct. 23, (Crafts for Tots: Mr. Skeleton); 3:30 p.m., (JR Explorers: Candy Science), Oct. 30 (The Halloween Spook-tacular) Click on - Friday, 10:30 a.m., Oct. 16 (Email); Oct. 23 (MS Word), Film - Saturdays, 2 p.m., Oct. 17 (Darkness Falls); Oct. 24, (Dark Skies); Oct. 31 (Cursed)
The New York Public Library Baychester Branch • 2049 Asch Loop • Bronx, NY 10475 (Fully Wheelchair Accessible) HOURS: Monday & Wednesday, 10-7; Tuesday & Thursday, 10-6; Friday & Saturday, 10-5. Libros En Español (Books in Spanish). HORARIO DE LA BIBLIOTECA: Lunes 10-7, Martes 10-6, Miércoles 107, Jueves 10-6, Viernes 10-5, Sábado 10-5, Domingo Cerrado.
718.379.6700 FREE ADMISSION TO ALL
Reminder: Monday, October 12, Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut. Time of pick-up 8 a.m. starting at Einstein, followed by Asch Loop and Dreiser Loop. Please bring your photo I.D. and casino card. Tuesday, November 10th — We are going to Foxwoods Casino; $33 per person. You will receive at $10 slot play and at $10 food voucher. Time of pick-up is 8 a.m. at the usual three stops. Tuesday, May 10 and Wednesday, May 11, 2016: A 2-day trip to Sight & Sound theatre for the performance of Samson in Lancaster, Pa. Day one – Leave for Lancaster, lunch on our own at the Hershey Farm Restaurant. Sight and Sound Theater for the performance of Samson. Check
into the Hawthorne Inn. Dinner at Miller’s Smorgabord. Day two – After breakfast, depart to the Sands Casino and bonus of the day. Room rates per person: Double $245; triple $235; single, $287. Please send in your deposits for your reservations; balances can be paid off. All balances or full payments must be paid by March 20th, 2016. For all of the above trips, please call Loretta at 718-671-2958, Annie Eutsey at 718-320-1874 or Lydia at 718-671-3005. For memorial cards, please call Loretta. We wish everyone good health and healings, especially from Richard Brown, son of Joan Brown, recuperating from major surgery. —Lydia Ruas
Goose Island Seniors
Our trip to see the musical Showboat is on October 14. Please be at your pick-up spot by 9 a.m. Your tickets will be given to you at that time. Full lunch before showtime. On October 27th, we will be going to Mohegan Sun Casino. Snacks on bus, DVD shown on return trip. Pick-up
spots, as always, are Einstein Loop, Asch Loop and Dreiser Loop. Our club phone number is 718-3799613. We are at 135 Einstein Loop, Room 39 from Mon. – Thurs., 10 a.m. till 5 p.m. Our prayers for all under the weather for a quick recovery. —Ann Schlanger
Co-op City Department of Public Safety (718) 671-3050 • www.ccpd.us. If you SEE something, SAY something!
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Co-op City Times / October 10, 2015
Reflections by Rabbi Solomon I. Berl Spiritual Leader of Young Israel Synagogue
It is a relatively simple matter to conceive a child, but it takes years of commitment and dedication to become a parent. It is rather simple to start a business; all we need is a little capital. But it takes a large amount of effort and drive to make it successful. Enrolling in college today is rather automatic, but continuing on through class attendance, studying, term papers, and tests demand a great deal of concentration and discipline. This is the rule of life itself. A father was wishing his son well as he was about to begin a new venture, “Now, my son,” said the father as they parted, “remember the three bones, and you will be successful.”
A stranger who had overheard the remark asked about the three bones. “I’ll tell you,” explained the father. “They are the wishbone, the jawbone, the backbone. It’s the wishbone that keeps you going after things. It’s the jawbone that helps you find out how to go after them; and it’s the backbone that keeps you at it till you get there!” In life, we need goals; we need the means to obtain them and then we have to stay with them until we realize them. We all have dreams, hopes and goals. We all have good intentions and we begin on a high note. But those who succeed will be those who day-after-day put backbone into their ideas.
Young Israel of Co-op City
Young Israel of Co-op City (lower level of the Dreiser Loop Shopping Center) is a house of worship that opens its doors every morning from 6 until 7 a.m. Anyone who wishes to start the daily routine with prayers, during which our spiritual leader, Rabbi Solomon I. Berl, offers a brief Bible teaching is welcome. On Friday evening, Sabbath services begin at 10 minutes after the candlelighting time. Saturday morning serv-
ices start at 9 a.m. Rabbi Berl delivers his sermon at 10:30 a.m. The Rabbi’s class on the Torah reading at the week begins one hour before sunset every Saturday afternoon. For office hours or any information you may seek, feel free to call (718) 671-2300 and leave your name, phone number and a brief message on the synagogue’s answering machine, and your call will be returned as soon as possible.
REMINDER: Be careful
If you are having work done in your apartment, shareholders – especially those who are elderly and/or who live alone – are reminded that all personal items should be secured in a safe location. This is for your own peace of mind, as well as the protection of the Riverbay workers/contractors coming into your home. Riverbay employees wear identification badges and so do the various Riverbay-approved contractors seeking access to your home. Ask to see identification before allowing anyone to enter your apartment. If you are unsure, you should contact your local CSO at (718) 320-3300 (follow prompts), or Public Safety at (718) 671-3050.
Shalom Jewish Funeral Home, Inc. George Farr - Funeral Director
(718) 828-1700 / 914-654-1700 Keeping Tradition Under Rabbinical Supervision
1528 Castle Hill Avenue Bronx, NY 10462 www.shalomjewish.com Services from Our Chapel, Graveside or Synagogue Parking Facilities • Pre-Arrangements
Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City
Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City, Young Israel of Baychester, Section 5 at 120 Erdman Place (behind the lobby 27B), welcomes you to pray with them. Tel. for the Synagogue: 1718-379-6920. Note: Our office hours are on Thursday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. We’re offering a special incentive for you to join our synagogue’s membership. The cost for 1 year only is $75 in the hopes that you will remain with us. You don’t have to pay this out all at once. You can pay in installments. Candle Lighting on Friday, October 16 is at 5:55 p.m. Shabbat ends on today, Saturday, October 10, at 7:14 p.m. Coming Events Special thanks to the Chabad for joining with our synagogue for the Simchat Torah celebration. Bingo on Sunday, October 18 at 1 p.m. Cost is $3 per person. Refreshments will be served. On Sunday, November 8, we have scheduled a Chinese luncheon, starting
at 12 p.m. Admission is $25. The menu is as follows: egg rolls, chicken wings, chicken fried rice, chicken lo mein and chicken with mixed vegetables and last of all, pepper steak, coffee, tea, soda and fortune cookies. Seating is limited. Return the tear off at the bottom of the letter you received along with your payment as soon as possible. Hope to hear from you very soon. We hope that you will sign up to sponsor a Kiddish to take place after services on Saturdays. Dues are due for both the synagogue and Sisterhood. Please honor your Yiskor pledges. Good and Welfare Best wishes to all celebrating special occasions this month. We have tree certificates “in Honor of” or “in Memory of” a special occasion or a condolence. The cost is $15 per tree. If you are feeling under the weather, we wish you all a speedy recovery. Mimi Berlofsky welcomes all calls at 347-427-4526. We look forward to seeing you soon. —Miriam Berlofsky
Men’s Club Traditional Synagogue is running a trip to RESORTS CASINO in Atlantic City on Monday, November 2. Have a day of fun on the Boardwalk shopping and all the sight and sounds of Atlantic City. This will be our last trip for 2015. Our Synagogue will be having additional functions during the rest of 2015. For details, see the synagogue articles. We will resume our trips in the spring of 2016. The cost: $33 per person with a $25 slot. Player may use any machine or table. I would like to remind you that you need a Resorts Casino card or government photo ID card (such as a Driver or Non-Driver License) to get your bonus
slot play. Payment is due by October 26. Please send checks and make it out to the following: Men’s Club Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City, 120 Erdman Place, Building 27B, Bronx, NY 10475. We provide a drink, snack free and play Bingo going, and a 50/50 raffle and show a movie on the return trip. For reservations, call: Gary, (718) 671-8424, or Bruce, (718) 320-2234. PLEASE NOTE PICK-UP TIMES: Einstein Loop, 8:00 a.m. by the teen center; Asch Loop, 8:15 a.m. by the Library, and Dreiser Loop, 8:25 a.m. by the hardware store. Everyone is invited to all our functions. We hope you will join us. Shalom! —Bruce Gitelson
Men’s Club Traditional Synagogue
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Co-op City Times / October 10, 2015
Faith In God Church & Bible Institute
Rev. Dr. Gladys R. Little, Apostle, and Pastor & Evangelist Vernon Little greet everyone in the name of Jesus, that name which is above every name. We want you to know that you are welcome in this house of the Lord! It is His house by ownership: it is our house by stewardship: and it can be your house by membership; so come on in and join with us. May God bless you in this house! The love of our Father enables us to be patient and kind. In His Son, He has given us the ultimate example and
means of loving one another – forever. Let's look at Scripture to support this. Ephesians 4:29-5:2 says: 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful in building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander,
along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 5:1 Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Invitations Sweet Hour of Prayer is today at 3 p.m. Sunday School is tomorrow at 10 a.m. Our Sunday Morning Worship
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. We invite you to worship, study, and pray with us. The Co-op City Baptist Church is located at 135 Einstein Loop, Room 50. Our telephone number is 718-320-3774. Visit us on the web at www.coopcitybaptistchurch.org. Join us for a mid-week spiritual pick-up at our mid-week worship service on Wednesdays at 12:00 p.m.
Bible study is on Wednesdays at 1:00 and 7:30 p.m. Bible study will also be held on Wednesday, September 14 at 5 p.m. Prayer Service is held on Fridays at 12 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Today, Saturday, October 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the Nurses’ Ministry will host a Health Fair at 135 Einstein Loop, Room 50. Blood pressure screening will be done by Brightpoint Health Center van which will be parked in front of Einstein Center (135 Einstein Loop). Tomorrow, Sunday, October 11, the
Care and Concern Ministry will celebrate their 8th Anniversary at the 11:00 a.m. service. The theme is “Blessed are those that Mourn for They Shall Be Comforted,” Matthew 5:4. Our own Associate Minister, Rev. Grace Emanuel, will deliver the message. Please join us for this celebratory service. On Tuesday, October 13, the CCIOC will begin a workshop series on “Getting Your Affairs in Order.” The workshop will continue on October 20 and 27. Space is limited and you must RSVP for these workshops. To RSVP
Hey, Co-op City! At Newsong Church, one of our core values is to love other people the same way that God loves us! As a result of this core value, I'm excited to tell you about two new programs designed to help make a positive difference in our community. The first is called "Celebrate Recovery." This is a Christian based 12-step program designed to help people overcome life controlling issues. This program is for adults 18 and over, and is a safe environment to find hope and healing! Celebrate Recovery meets Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m. at 140 Alcott Pl., Building 19 (lower level). The second is called "Against The Flow." This is a Christian based program designed for teens ages 12-18. In "A.T.F.," teens are surrounded by a positive and encouraging staff, who come from all walks of life! Against The Flow
is designed to help students connect to God and other people through relevant discussions and fun activities. A.T.F. meets every Friday night at 7:00 p.m. at 2049 Bartow Ave., Room 28. Both of these programs are open to the public and free of charge. You do NOT have to be a member of Newsong Church to attend and participate! If you have any questions, please give us a call! If you're looking for a church that's relevant and real, we hope that you will join us this Sunday! We are located at 177 Dreiser Loop, Auditorium B. Parking is available in the parking garage. Deaf interpretation is available during our adult worship experience. If you have any questions, you can contact us: Church Office: 140 Alcott Place Bldg.19. Office Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Phone: 718-708-8385. —Pastor Mike Tolone
Co-op City Baptist Church
Newsong Church
Service is at 11 a.m. Every 3rd Sunday following the morning worship, we serve Holy Communion. If you’re into gospel rap/holy hiphop, go to www.soundcloud.com and download music from Vernon Little free of charge. He also has videos on YouTube. You will be blessed, encouraged, and inspired. We are located at 171 Dreiser Loop in Section 1. Our phone # is (347) 276-4925. Jesus loves you, and so do we. —Apostle Gladys R. Little
or for additional information, please call 718-671-8449. All workshops will be held at 135 Einstein Loop, Room 50 (lower level) at 10:00 a.m. The Co-op City Baptist Church exists to glorify God and to establish a living community of people who follow the teachings of Jesus the Christ through worship, prayer, Bible study and fellowship. We seek to meet the spiritual and physical needs of the church through ministry. —Hattie L. Lucas
If You See Something, SAY SOMETHING!!! Co-op City Public Safety - 718-671-3050
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Co-op City Times / October 10, 2015
Opportunities
The Human Resources Department must receive request for transfer/promotion by 10.22.15. Employees are responsible for submitting the transfer form and résumé in person to the Human Resources Dept. Employees who are promoted will receive the applicable rate scale for this position. Selected candidate will be responsible for coordinating the daily functions of the accounts receivable area as related to all matters pertaining to residential and commercial tenants. Candidate will be responsible for assisting the rent bookkeepers in resolving outstanding issues regarding cooperator inquiries and/or arrears. Candidate will be responsible for coordinating with rent bookkeepers in set-up of rotating monthly AR window coverage. Selected person will maintain residential receivable accounts by posting payments, and generating daily deposit tickets for direct payments in Yardi system. Applicant will maintain and update status of cooperators who are in arrears to determine when to begin legal action. Candidate will review information presented on 3 day demand notices to ensure that the information therein is valid. Selected person will respond to cooperator inquiries as it relates to their account status (i.e. balances, late fees, community complaints, parking fees, surcharges, deposits of daily bank receipts). Candidate will need to respond to inquiries from outside agencies (i.e. HRA) as it pertains to cooperator accounts. He/she will be responsible for answering departmental calls, taking of messages and responding to emails as necessary. Selected candidate must be detail oriented coupled with excellent customer service skills. Job Description: Ideal candidate will: • Operate office machines, such as photocopiers and scanners, facsimile
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minimum. • Prevent gaps from appearing on the floor and ensure all tight cuts are within tolerance. • Use floor expansion cork to caulk around perimeter of wooden floors. • Install base board and saddles. • Install a minimum of 250 sq. ft. wooden flooring per 8 hour day. • Remove wooden floors when required (20 sq. ft. & less). • Remove garbage to designated area. • Perform other duties as assigned by your supervisor. Job Requirements: HS Diploma or equivalent is a plus; Candidate should have 1 to 3 years of experience in flooring or as a floor mechanic; Candidate should have a working knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures; Applicant must have ability to walk for long periods of time, twist, kneel, push, stoop, climb ladders; work in inclement weather, as well as lift and carry up to 100 pounds; Must be available for emergency work; Must be able to read and write in English; Bi-Lingual is a plus. Testing Requirements: On-site Flooring Test will be administer, Drug Screening Test, Background check Days and Hours: Days and hours of operation will vary on a flexible schedule. How to Apply: All Applicants are advised to submit a resume along with the application. Applications are given out at the below address from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Open to: Open to 153 Union Members from October 9, 2015 to October 15, 2015 Open to All applicants from October 16, 2015 to October 22, 2015 • Job Reference #: 15-57 Accounts Receivable Senior Bookkeeper Finance Dept.
machines, voice mail systems, and personal computers. • Maintaining residential receivable accounts by posting payments, generating daily deposit tickets in Yardi system for direct payments. • Maintain and update status of Cooperators who are in arrears to determine when to begin legal action or to ensure adherence to court stipulated payment schedule. • Review information presented on 3 Day Demand Notice to ensure that the information therein is valid • Respond to cooperator inquiries as it relates to the status of their accounts (i.e. balances, late fees, community complaints, parking fees, surcharges, deposits of daily bank receipts). • Respond to outside agency requests pertaining to shareholder accounts. • General administrative support. • Other projects as assigned. Job Requirements: HS Diploma or equivalent is required. College degree is a plus; 3 – 5 years previous accounting/bookkeeping experience; Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, with strong Excel skills; Knowledge of Yardi system is a plus; Must be able to multitask in a fastpaced environment; Strong interpersonal and communication skills; Knowledge of basic accounting principles; Must be available for emergency work; Must be able to read and write in English; Bi-Lingual is a plus. Testing Requirements: Arithmetic Test, Problem Solving Test, Accounting Vocabulary Test, Bookkeeping Principles Test, Drug Screening Test, Background check. Days and Hours: Monday – Friday; hours will vary between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. How to Apply: Applications are given out at the below address from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All applicants are advised to submit a resume along with the application.
Applications are given out at the following address from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Riverbay Corporation Administration Office, 2049 Bartow Ave., Bronx, NY 10475; OR Resumes can be faxed to 718-320-3672 with the Job Title and Job Reference # on the TOP RIGHT CORNER of the resume. *Riverbay Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer*
Public Safety Report
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minutes during the night). The enforcement of these violations serves to insure that service dogs do not infringe on the Quality of Life of other residents. Here in Co-op City, all dogs which have Riverbay permits are also required to have updated New York City dog licenses. Proof of dog license, updated inoculations, veterinarian statement, as well as doctor’s statement must be provided. Auto safety is always worth mentioning year round. Be sure to obey traffic and safety rules while operating a motor vehicle. Share the road safely with bicycles, skaters and pedestrians. Bicyclists should give pedestrians the same level of courtesy they expect from motorists. As an automobile driver, you must use caution regarding cyclists. If you plan to
Truman football
consume alcoholic beverages, be sure not to operate a motor vehicle, designate a driver who will not drink or call a taxi. Also be sure to buckle your seatbelt, obey speed limits and avoid distractions when driving. Always remember, if you see something, say something. Call 9-1-1 and the Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050 or online at www.ccpd.us. Call Public Safety if you suspect one of your neighbors has an unauthorized dog within their apartment. Callers may remain anonymous when giving information. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety would like to thank all persons who have called in suspicious activity. It is by your actions that the crime rate remains low and a high quality of life is maintained.
Public Safety Blotter: Oct. 1-7, 2015
Oct. 1 - 900 Baychester Avenue One male was arrested for Possession of Marijuana. The male was issued a Universal Summons and a Community Complaint. Oct. 1 - 100 Elgar Place One male was arrested for Public Consumption. He was issued a Universal Summons. Oct. 7 - 100 Dreiser Loop One male was arrested for Public Consumption. A Warrant Check was conducted and the male had an active open warrant from Queens. He was issued a Universal Summons and a Community Complaint. The male was then transported for further processing.
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the final touchdown of the day in the fourth quarter for the 47 to 0 final. This Saturday, the Mustangs will travel to Staten Island to play undefeated McKee Tech High School in a game that could decide who will be the PSAL Bowl Conference regular season champion. Saturday, October 17th, will be Truman’s homecoming game against Columbus beginning at noon at the Truman Field in Co-op City. All residents are encouraged to come out and cheer on their local high school football team. Spectators will be asked to give a dollar or more to cancer research as part of Truman’s ongoing campaign against the dreaded disease. And if the performance of the young junior varsity in any indication, the Mustangs should continue to be good for the next few years. The junior varsity, made up of mostly freshman student athletes, is also undefeated, with two wins. On September 26th, they beat William Grady High School, 40 to 0, in Brooklyn in a game which saw them take control from the beginning scoring the game’s first touchdown in just three plays. Shortly after that, young defensive standout Derice Tew intercepted a pass and the young Mustangs quickly converted the turnover with a play action pass from quarterback Abel Tzewde to Jabari Anderson for a touchdown from 20 yards out. After Grady was stopped on their next possession, Kaisen Adderley returned the ensuing punt for a 45-yard touchdown. After the two-point conversion, the score was 24 to 0 at the end of the first quarter. The lead grew to 32-0 in the second quarter after an
interception by Abel Tzewde which was then followed by a 55-yard touchdown run by Kaisen Adderley, his second touchdown of the day. The second half began with a 65-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Jabara Anderson which gave the Mustangs a 40 to 0 lead. They coasted from there. On October 3rd at Truman’s Field in Co-op City, the JV Mustangs won again, this time 14 to 0, scoring touchdowns in the second and third quarters while holding their
opponent, Mott Haven Educational Campus, to no scores and just 136 yards of offense. JV quarterback Abel Tasfa Zewde threw for a touchdown to Jabari Anderson while running back Anfernee Dominguez ran the other touchdown. Aside from the success on the field, the Truman JV football team raised money for cancer research by requesting a dollar donation from each spectator at the game. Many, naturally, gave more.
Please be advised that specific sections of Garage # 1 are under construction and remain closed as of September 23rd, 2015. The locations are as follows: • The D side of the 2nd floor will be closed • The main ramp will be closed, including reserved spaces 64-102 • The main entrance will be open to INCOMING traffic only. All vehicles must EXIT through the REAR of the garage • The 1st floor rear ramp, 2nd floor B Side and the 2nd floor up ramp will accommodate two-way traffic • The 3rd floor down ramp will be a dead end Please ensure that your vehicle has been removed from the above mentioned location. If not, your vehicle may be towed at your expense. We ask that you please drive slowly, cautiously and adhere to the posted traffic signage. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you in advance for your attention and cooperation. —Parking Facilities Dept.
Please be advised that specific sections of Garage # 6 are under construction and remain closed as of Monday, September 21st, 2015. The locations are as follows: • The rear entrance will accommodate two-way traffic • Main entrance and the main ramp will be closed • ½ of the A & C sides and the entire D side of the 1st, 2nd & 3rd floor will be closed • The B sides of the 1st, 2nd & 3rd floor will accommodate two-way traffic • The 2nd floor up ramp will accommodate two-way traffic • The 3rd floor up ramp will be a dead end Please ensure that your vehicle has been removed from the above mentioned location. If not, your vehicle may be towed at your own expense. We ask that you please drive slowly, cautiously and adhere to the posted traffic signage. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you in advance for your cooperation. —Parking Facilities Dept.
**PARKING NOTICE GARAGE 1**
**PARKING NOTICE GARAGE 6**
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Co-op City Times / October 10, 2015
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Co-op City Times / October 10, 2015