Co-op City Times 12/10/2022

HCR Approves 7.5% Carrying Charge Increase Effective Jan. 1. 2023

BY ROZAAN BOONE

The NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal (HCR) has approved Riverbay’s application for a 7.5% increase in monthly carrying charges effective January 1, 2023.

The Commissioner’s Order, which is published at right, comes after a 30day comment period and a virtual carrying charge conference held last Thursday evening, December 1, 2022, which shareholders were able to join by video or phone to offer comments and ask questions of HCR representatives. Approximately 29 shareholders participated in the conference.

At the Dec. 1 carrying charge conference, Denise Snyder, HCR’s Homes & Community Manager, informed shareholders that HCR was reviewing Riverbay’s application dated October 13, 2022 for a carrying charge increase, taking into consideration comments submitted by shareholders and those collected attion on the application.

The HCR Commissioner’s Order of December 8, 2022, states that “on considering the entire record, from which it appears that owing to causes beyond the control of the applicant, there have been and will be substantial increases in the cost of operation of the development, including, but not limited to, the increased cost of maintenance and operating expenses; and that the present maxand to make other necessary and authorized expenditures,” ... “I, therefore, order and direct the said applicant to increase the maximum average monthly room utilities, effective January 1, 2023.” The Order states that the increase authorized is “not in excess of the minimum amount necessary to enable the housing company to make the payments required to be made by the provisions of the Private Housing Finance Law.” (Continued on page 2)

FDA Amends EUA To Include Updated Covid-19 Vaccine for Children Under 5

ORDER OF THE COMMISSIONER OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY RENEWAL HCLP-81

RIVERBAY CORPORATION, hereinafter referred to as the “applicant” -

visions of Article II of the Private Housing Finance Law, subject to the supervision of the Commissioner of the New York State Division of Housingvelopment known as Co-op City in the City of New York, County of Bronx, State of New York. -

that the present carrying charges be increased because the present carryingcient to enable it to meet the payments required to be made by the provisions of the Private Housing Finance Law.

Notice and application, together with the Division of Housing and Com-

charge increase could

(Continued on page 3)

NYC City Council Holds Initial Hearing on Fair Chance Housing Act

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

The Civil and Human Rights Committee of the New York City Council held an initial hearing on Thursday Dec. 8, to discuss the Fair Chance Housing Act.

The bill, if passed, would prevent landlords from denying an applicant hous“prohibit housing discrimination in rentals, sales, leases, subleases, or occupancy agreements in New York City, on the basis of arrest record or criminal history,” according to NYC City Council records.

“Landlords, owners, agents, employees, and real estate brokers would be prohibited from obtaining criminal record information at any stage in the process,” the bill’s summary goes on to say. Applicants would also be protected from any “adverse action” based on their past criminal history or arrest record. In other words, landlords could not unfairly alter their application process in order to bar a particular applicant from being accepted.

HPD Reps Answer Questions, Explain Process at SCRIE Workshop

Building owners and landlords can still inquire about applicants from the NY sex offender registry. However, the owner or landlord would be required to send a written notice about the inquiry to the respective applicant. Then, the applicant has three days to withdraw their application if they choose to do so.

The law would also make it illegal for any advertising, applications or publi-

Holiday Tree Lighting

On Saturday, December 3,

Sonia Feliciano, President of the Riverbay Board of Directors, who was on-hand to assist at the Dec. 3rd Workshop, said: “The SCRIE workshop was a successful event. Our residents were empowered by the information given by the SCRIE representatives. Residents came away with a greater understanding of the process and all the information needed to apply. It was a very successful workshop.”

During the session, HPD representatives gave detailed explanations of SCRIE eligibility, how the exemption is calculated, timelines and other pertinent information. Those with questions were able to ask them and receive responses.

First Vice President of the Riverbay Board of Directors and president of the Riverbay Fund, Claudia Sampson, also provided hands-on assistance at Saturday’s Workshop. “The HPD-SCRIE Workshop exceeded everyone’s expectations and underscored an important need that met the moment,” said Director Sampson.idents seeking help with understanding the daunting SCRIE process and completon or after January 1, 2023.”

Photos by P.M. Campbell

On Thursday December 8, Riverbay Corporation held their annual tree lighting. Set in front of the Bartow Mall, the program was made possible by Councilmember Kevin C. Riley and Senator Jamaal T. Bailey. Pastor Sam Colón of the Circle of Christ Church opened the celebration with a prayer saying, “[W]e celebrate this event… as a remembrance that this is the beginning of the season of giving…giving love, giving forgiveness, giving peace, giving everything that we lack in this world”.

Following Pastor Colón, Riverbay General Manager

more than 300 people attended the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) Workshop facilitated by the NYC Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), administrator of the program for Mitchell-Lama residents. This program was supported by the Riverbay Board of Directors and Riverbay Fund. The HPD SCRIE Workshop was held in Room 31 of the Bartow Center starting at 10 a.m. and although advertised to run until 2 p.m., was extended to 3 p.m. in order to accommodate everyone.

Commissioner’s Order ––– (Continued from page 1) be sent to the Commissioner not later than December 1, 2022. The purpose of such statements is to afford an opportunity for the cooperators or their representatives to refute, correct, supplement or otherwise modify the allegations and virtual meeting was scheduled for December 1, 2022, at which time the cooperators, their representatives, and representatives of the housing company had the opportunity to meet with DHCR staff. All comments and submissions were reviewed by DHCR staff prior to this determination.

NOW, on considering the entire record, from which it appears that owing to causes beyond the control of the applicant, there have been and will be substantial increases in the cost of operating the development, including, but not limited to, the increased cost of maintenance and operating expenses; and that the presin costs and to make other necessary and authorized expenditures,

I FIND AND DETERMINE that, owing to causes beyond the control of the reasonable limits, all necessary payments required to be made by the provisions of by reasonable economies in the management and operation of said development.

I FURTHER FIND AND DETERMINE that the minimum increase in the maximum average monthly room carrying charges necessary to enable the said (7.5%) per room per month, including utilities effective January 1, 2023. The increase authorized herein is not in excess of the minimum amount necessary to enable the housing company to make the payments required to be made by the provisions of the Private Housing Finance Law.

I, THEREFORE, ORDER AND DIRECT the said applicant to increase the (7.5%) per room per month including utilities, effective January 1, 2023.

A copy of this order shall be transmitted to each cooperator to be affected at prescribed by the Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law for the service of

––––––– (Continued from page 1)

Riverbay Executive General Manager Bob Klehammer explained at the Dec. 1st carrying charge conference and, prior to that, at the October 26, 2022 Open Board meeting held in the Dreiser Auditorium which was attended by about 300 more than $14M in the current operating budget, which was for the years 2021/22 and 2022/23. That budget was adopted in April of 2021 by the Riverbay Board, -

together with larger than anticipated increases in the corporation’s insurance product that the housing company purchases to service the community. He reiterated that none of the funds generated from the carrying charge increase will fund capital improvements, adding, “As I told the open board meeting attended by about 300 residents in October, … none of this increase is for a park. It’s all are all experiencing when we put gas in our cars and buy food for your own table. Co-op City is suffering the same thing right now but, because of our size, it is on a much greater scale.”

A summary of Mr. Klehammer’s presentation on the corporation’s budget and Oct. 26th Open Board meeting. (See schedule on page 6.)

Presently, the average carrying charge in Co-op City is $238.02 per room, and room, including utilities, as of January 2, 2023.

Publication of the HCR’s Commissioner’s Order in this week’s Co-op City Times Notice will also be posted in residential buildings and townhouse bulletin boards, and distributed under each shareholder door next week.

REMINDER – Roof Access Prohibited

Shareholders are reminded that the occupancy agreement prohibits shareholders from going onto the roofs of Co-op City residential buildings. Failure to adhere to this rule will

Braving the Weather!

Rain or Shine, the Co-op City Community Fridge and Pantry remain open! Despite heavy rain and winds, volunteers came out on Saturday, Dec. 3, for the Section 5 fridge and pantry food distribution.

Photos by Yolanda Ramirez and Linda Brown

Co-op City Times

COMBING

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

Bronx BP Gospel Concert/Senior Lunch

On Tuesday, Dec. 13, 1-4 p.m., Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, in partnership with State Senator Jamaal Bailey and City Councilman Kevin Riley, will sponsor a Gospel Concert/Senior Luncheon in Dreiser Auditorium. All are invited. Must have a ticket. Contact Larcenia Walton at lwalton@bronxbp.nyc.gov.

Baychester Library to Host Programs at Bay Plaza Mall

Baychester Library has partnered with Bay Plaza Mall to present several Adult (18+) and Chilof the mall in the back area of the served. The dates are as follows: Children’s Storytime and Arts/ Crafts: Dec. 13; and Jan. 10 and 17, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Adult Book Discussion: Jan. 12, Nicholas Sparks’ “The Wish,” 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

Adult Resource Tabling: Dec. 15; Jan. 12 & 19, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

The library is closed for renovations and is expected to reopen early next year. To locate other NYPL branches, visit: nypl.org/ locations.

Test & Treat Mobile Van in Co-op City

NYC Test & Treat Corps’ Mobile Test to Treat unit is available daily on a rotating schedule at the three shopping centers, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. as follows next week: Mon./Tues.: 135 Einstein Loop Wed./Thurs.: 2049 Bartow Ave. Fri./ Sat./Sun.: 177 Dreiser Loop. Locations are approximate depending on parking availability.

The mobile van does not offer PCR testing. Anyone who tests positive at the van can speak with an onsite clinician, and, if eligible, receive free Paxlovid anti-viral medication.

The mobile van now also offers

Appointments not required. Bring ID and insurance card, if available. Insurance is not necessary; service is open to everyone.

Lt. Apollo’s family moved to Co-op City from Brooklyn in May 1971. Her parents, Sylvia and Luiz Ruiz, are now deceased but the family were and continue to be active members of the community.

Pam attended PS 153 (now MS 180) and Bronx High School of Science before enrolling at SUNY Purchase College. In July 1985, she joined CCPD and to Lieutenant in 2007. In June 2018, she was tapped as CCPD’s Assistant

During her tenure with the department, Lt. Apollo worked all three tours in all three ranks. She received numerous awards and commendations for robberies, burglaries and attempted murders, among others. She was the gun custodian, Special Patrolman Coordinator and Cooperator Outreach Specialist.

Lt. Pam Apollo is married to Michael Apollo, also an original Co-op City shareholder, and now retired Riverbay employee. The couple have three children, Caitlin, Michael Jr. and Erin. They plan to travel the country to visit family and friends.

“Pam Apollo was an invaluable member of Co-op City Public Safety Department,” said Bob Klehammer, Riverbay’s Executive General Manager. “We appreciate her many years of dedicated service to the Riverbay Corporation and Co-op City community, particularly her informative columns published in the Co-op City Times We wish her the very best in her retirement.”

“Pam Apollo was a true convert to the idea of community policing. She loved interacting with the residents,” said Noel test the patience of most of us.

“I recall a few years ago when she played for the CCPD Basketball Team and they lost to a team from the Section 5 Teen Center. Her performance during the game, although somewhat comedic, and the appreciation demonstrated by the young Section 5 residents, clearly demonstrated her value to, and love from, this community.”

“Lt. Pam Apollo has been a pillar of the Department of Public Safety for three and a half decades,” said CCPD Chief Joseph Riley. “During her career, she continued to receive increased levels of responsibility and was promoted to sergeant and then lieutenant. Many shareholders will recognize her name as she has been the author of the CCPD weekly article seen in the Co-op City Timescurity of this community. As Pam moves into the next phase of her life, all members of Public Safety wish her well. I want to express my sincere thanks to Pam for her contributions to this community.”

Fair Chance Hearing –––– (Continued from page 1)

cations for homes handled by building owners or landlords to directly or indirectly include language that the respective housing is limited to only those without criminal records.

Notably, the bill would not be applicable in certain situations. The bill would not apply in instances where federal or state law requires landlords or building owners to consider an applicant’s criminal history. Additionally, homeowners who rent out individual rooms of their own home would be exempt from the law and still be allowed to inquire about a potential applicant’s criminal history.

Advocates for the legislation believe it can provide a fairer system that is less discriminatory.

“When we eliminate barriers to housing, we improve neighborhood safety for everyone. Using conviction records is not actually a useful way to determine a person’s trustworthiness or safety — and it only legitimizes and entrenches our problematic criminal legal system,” according to the Fair Chance for Housing advocacy group website.

Others who oppose the bill fear for the potential safety of tenants. Joseph Strasburg, president of the Rent Stabilization Association, expressed his concern for the bill in an AMNY op-ed piece published on Wednesday.

“Intro. 632 (the Fair Chance Housing Act) is a perfect example of lawmakers prioritizing political agendas over sound policy. Relevant parties have been willing to negotiate a workable version of this bill, but this current version is a legitimate threat to the safety of all New

Yorkers,” Strasburg wrote in the op-ed. “At a minimum, building owners must continue having the discretion of determining who can rent apartments in their buildings. This is not housing discrimination; this is an obligation that property owners have when it comes to protecting their tenants and providing safe and adequate housing.”

As for support, various news outlets reported this week that the bill has majority support with 30 of the 51 City Council members in favor of the measure.

If the legislation passes in the City Council, then it would go to Mayor Eric Adams for his decision.

Mayor Adams’ expressed his views on the potential legislation in a statement reported by ABC7 NYC on Thursday. “I’m always concerned about public safety, I want to be clear that if the bill reaches the exact desired results, no one should be denied housing based on their records,” he said.

“But I want to make sure residents in apartments, in buildings, in rentals, in small units, that they get the protection that they deserve. I’m a big supporter of having the lookback period, to allow a person to clean their record. There are some bills in Albany that are doing that now but I am just not a blanket supporter of it. I want to make sure that, particularly those who participated in violent crimes, we need to respect the safety of people who live in buildings. Sometimes we ignore that and I don’t believe that,” Mayor Adams went on to say in the statement.

Congratulations and best wishes to Lt. Pam Apollo of the Co-op City Public Safety Department (CCPD) who retired from Riverbay Corporation on Nov. 30, 2022 after 37 years and 5 months of service.

Photos by John Crow and CCPD

Congratulations on your Retirement, Lt. Pam Apollo!

Noel Ellison brought focus to the community’s triumphs, miracles, and things which bring us together. “Co-op City is a community of families, and we don’t do this job right unless we take time to say thank you for our blessings and, most of all, thank you for our children,” he said while discussing the miracles that move us into the future.

Riverbay Board President Sonia Feliciano encouraged the crowd to nurture the sense of family, reminding them that they “have neighbors [who] are by themselves” and to “reach out to them.”

Claudia Sampson, First Vice President of the Board, and president of the Riverbay Fund, discussed “small acts of kindness,” telling the crowd about CCPD’s holiday Toy Drive.in C. Riley maintained that this season is about love just as much as it is about giving.

The Circle of Christ Youth Choir, and Miracles Sing, each performed a variety of Christmas carols, while the audience enjoyed hot chocolate and giveaways. As the crowd, which was full of Santa hats and reindeer ears, counted down from 10, the Christmas tree brought light to all of those in attendance.

Photos by P.M. Campbell

FDA Amends EUA to Include Updated Covid-19 Vaccine for Children Under 5

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

The FDA announced this week that it updated its Emergency Use AuthoriCovid-19 vaccine for children under 5. guidance. Here is a quick rundown of what the FDA wants parents to know,

Children between six months and 5 years old who received the original Moderna Covid-19 vaccine are now eligible to get the updated bivalent Moderna Covid-19 vaccine as a single booster dose. Children will be eligible for the booster two months after their primary series, which consists of two doses. Children between six months and 4 years old who have not started their their three-dose primary series but have not yet received their third dose will get

Children between six months and 4 years old who have already completed updated booster “at this time.” However, the FDA highlighted that the agency expects to make a decision on whether this particular demographic needs the updated bivalent vaccine once it receives the necessary data in January. The updated bivalent booster provides increased protection against the omi-

Peter Marks, emphasized the importance of getting children vaccinated against

“Parents and caregivers can be assured that the FDA has taken a great deal of care in our review, and we encourage parents of children of any age who are eligible for primary vaccination or a bivalent Covid-19 vaccine booster dose to consider seeking vaccination now as it can potentially help protect them from Covid-19 during a time when cases are increasing,” Dr. Marks said in the statement.

The CDC is encouraging all individuals, especially those with underlying months.

“As we are all aware, nationally, we are seeing elevated levels of respiratory

they can lower the risk of infection in general, and especially lower the risk of

vaccines were formulated to protect against the viruses that are currently circulating right now. And recent data from CDC show updated Covid-19 vaccines help protect against Covid-19 illness, and Covid-19 associated deaths,” Dr.

Reported side effects of the updated Covid-19 vaccine were similar to previous doses, according to the FDA.

With Much Gratitude

an appointment for an at-home vaccination visit.

Let us know… If you have news you’d like to share with your neighbors, please email: cctimes@riverbaycorp.com

I want to thank Mr. Joshua Blake, director of our Janitorial department, for his prompt response to an inquiry, on a non-business day (Sunday). As a shareholder, the actions of Director Blake to not only respond, he was gracious in providing details, clearly reveals to me, he is aware of the issues and there is a plan to address the concerns, in addition to a back-up plan on the table as well. Our community is fortunate to have a department head who is responsive, thoughtful and professional. Thank you again, Director Blake, for all your efforts and that of the staff of the Janitorial department. You are greatly appreciated.

—Ruth Sharma

– • Letters to the Editor • –

Safety is “Key” Community Participation is Vital

Taking away the regular locks on the new doors is a bad idea, in my opinion. Opening the door with the key allows you to close the door quickly behind you. The key fob allows the door to open wider and stay open for a longer period of time. Unfortunately, safety has become a great concern for us here in Co-op City. The increase of crime is really troubling, especially for seniors. Not being able to close

ing able to use both the key and the key fob is more than likely the best solution to this problem, in my estimation. In addition, I believe the fact that we don’t have lobby attendants exacerbates the situation even further.

Do you want a safer, cleaner, and peaceful community? The path is simple, community participation. If you are Co-op City Times tend your building association meetings, volunteer, call to report anti-social behavior. This simple checklist will sig-

There is no excuse for any shareholder to avoid/ignore participation. There must be something on the list that you can do. If you feel you are too busy or uninterested, then living in a cooperative is not for you.

The decent shareholders are holding this community together but clearly, the few are doing whatever they want to move this community in the wrong direction.

We all live here, we should all have pride/respect for our community. This is all possible and achievable, when we work collectively.

What will you contribute? Can we count on you?

Co-op City Times

Co-op City Times

at 9:30 a.m., The original presenditorium. The presentation is also on the corporation’s YouTube channel,

CCTimes

Co-op City Times

Co-op City Times Co-op City Times Co-op City Times

Co-op City Times Co-op City Times

LETTERS TO

We welcome letters to the editor only from Co-op City shareholders at

Letters should address issues of interest to the Co-op City community. Comments should be fact-based and responsible. Letters should not personally attack others and must be written in a respectful manner.

Co-op City Times

Submissions must include the writer’s address and phone number – which ity and residency of the writer can be Thank you for your cooperation.

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, verify the authenticity of the authors. 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 in that week’s edition. Views and opinions expressed in letters are solely the writer’s and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times

Public Safety Report

CCPD Offers Holiday Robbery Prevention Tips

criminals

As shoppers are anxious to get their holiday shopping underway, criminals are out trying to shop for their next victim. These criminals take advantage of frenzied shoppers in a distracted state. By following these tips, you can avoid being a victim or minimize injury if you become a victim.

Pick pocketing is a crime that tends to increase during the holiday season. The pickpocket is a criminal who would like to have his crime go undetected. Pickpockets often practice their skills and take pride in their ability to remove your property unnoticed. Some of these skills may be practiced in prisons or with other pickpockets. Fortunately, the pickpocket is not a violent criminal. Pickpockets may work alone or can work in groups of two or more. One may serve as a look-out, while another serves as a decoy and a third grabs your property. While shopping in crowded stores, be alert to any person who jostles into you or enters your personal space comfort zone. Pickpocket teams can often include one or more women. Never let your guard down.

Be alert to any persons loitering near banks or cash machines. Be alert to persons who follow you from a bank or cash machine. Avoid using cash machines at night. If you must use a cash machine at night, choose a well-lit location, in an area you know. Also use caution when using a drive up cash machine, be sure your car doors are locked. Consider doing banking errands with a friend or family member. Try to avoid days such as the first or the fifteenth of the month when many people receive checks.

Always walk confidently and with a purpose. Wearing practical shoes or sneakers is a good idea when shopping or running errands which include banking or carrying of cash. Proper footwear makes it easier to speed up at the first sign of danger. Speaking on a cell phone, text messaging or wearing headphones with the volume turned up high makes it difficult for you to stay in touch with

Public Safety Blotter

November 27 – Decemeber 3, 2022

November 28 –

920 Baychester Avenue

A cooperator reported to CCPD a parked vehicle with all four tires and rims removed by an unknown person. A CCPD supervisor ran the license plate and found the vehicle was owned by Avis Rent-A-Car. Avis was unable to be contacted by CCPD due to the office being closed at the time.

100 Erskine Place

A cooperator reported an individual removing his Ring camera from his apartment door. The incident was captured on the Ring camera. The incident is under investigation.

November 29 –

700 Baychester Avenue

A cooperator reported the passenger side view mirror on his parked vehicle was removed by an unknown individual with no other damage or missing items from the vehicle.

November 30 –

140 Benchley Place

A non-resident was placed under arrest after approaching CCPD officers in a threatening manner. After being escorted out of the lobby, the perpetrator began consuming alcohol in front of the building. The perpetrator was taken to CCPD Command and issued a summons for drinking in public. Once at CCPD Command, the non-resident was issued Criminal Court Summons for Disorderly Conduct and Consumption of Alcohol in Public and also Trespass for refusing to vacate CCPD Command.

December 01 – 99 Dreiser Loop

A cooperator reported returning to

his parked vehicle and observing all four of the tires and rims removed by an unknown individual without authorization.

600 Baychester Avenue

A cooperator reported a confirmed delivered package by UPS was removed from in front of her apartment door by an unknown individual.

100 Bellamy Loop

FDNY performed a forced entry into the apartment for a strong gas odor. FDNY found the source and corrected the condition. CCPD secured the apartment and notified the shareholder.

4120 Hutchinson River Pkwy

CCPD issued a community complaint to a shareholder who was harboring an unauthorized dog.

December 02 –

120 Donizetti Place

A cooperator reported a confirmed delivered package by FedEx was removed from in front of her apartment door by an unknown individual.

December 03 –

2021 Bartow Avenue

CCPD observed a disorderly male in the Bartow Community Center who was escorted out of the area and a few minutes later identified as a suspect wanted by NYPD for Forcible Touching and Menacing. The suspect was observed in the vicinity of Apple Savings Bank by CCPD and after a struggle with the suspect, he was apprehended and transported by CCPD to the 45th Pct. Detective Squad.

BLOTTER BONUS: Shareholders, guests, and all drivers should refrain from parking in handicapped parking spots without a valid permit. Fines can be as much as $180.00 plus having your vehicle towed. Don’t be a Grinch, it takes a big toll on those who rely on those spots. So now that you’re in the know…Park responsibly and save some dough.

your surroundings.

Avoid placing packages in your vehicle, if possible. If you must place packages in your vehicle, place them in your trunk or covered if your trunk is unavailable. If feasible, move your vehicle to another spot after placing packages in the trunk. Always choose a well-lit, busy area to park your vehicle. Always be sure to lock your car and take your keys with you. Never leave your car running with the keys inside, no matter how short of a time you are stepping out the vehicle.

Before you enter your vehicle, be sure no one is in or under your vehicle. Also, be wary of anyone lurking around your building or the garage as you prepare to enter. If someone suspicious is observed, do not enter, call 9-1-1 and the Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050. Do not permit strangers to enter your building behind you. Not holding the door may seem rude but can keep a criminal from entering your building.

To minimize the impact of all crimes involving theft of property from your person, keep your keys, money, identification and cell phone in your front pocket, separate from your non-valuables. Also consider an inside-the-clothing, travel-type wallet for your personal items and valuables. A pocket with a zipper, button or Velcro is ideal for this purpose. If carrying valuables and personal documents in your purse, place them inside of a plastic or metal container such as a mint case, which does not look like a wallet. Keep less important items with a token amount of cash in your pocket; this way, the criminal will think he scored big.

Remember, property can always be replaced; your safety is the most important thing. If someone does try to rob you despite your precautions, do not resist, especially if the person is armed with a weapon of any type. Try to remember as many details of the crime as well as a description of the perpetrator. Notify police immediately if you have been the victim of a crime.

Online shopping can be a safer option to in-person shopping but it is not without risk of theft. There have been a significant increase in reports of stolen packages in Co-op City, New York City, and, in fact, it is an expanding national issue. Public Safety patrols the buildings but Co-op City is a large complex with many buildings with many floors and hallways. It is best if you can minimize the amount of time your package spends in the hallway. You can request delivery with a signature from certain delivery methods. Ask a trusted neighbor to be on the look-out for your packages and do the same for them. Try to order items to arrive at a time when someone will be home. Both Amazon and UPS have secure drop boxes in Co-op City and the surrounding areas. Amazon also allows its subscribers to select one day of the week to receive all of their deliveries on a selected day.

If you receive a phone call, email, or text message instructing you to purchase a prepaid gift/debit card, crypto-currency, or bank wire transfer or money order, DO NOT DO IT. For more information about crime prevention, contact the National Crime Prevention Council at 1000 Connecticut Avenue, NW, 13th floor, Washington, DC 20036; (202) 466-6267, or on their website, www.ncpc.org

School is open; drive carefully. Never pass a stopped school bus with a STOP sign displayed or its red lights flashing. This means children are loading or unloading. Be aware of pedestrians and bike riders when operating a motor vehicle. Bike riders must refrain from riding bicycles near buildings and

Director’s Viewpoint –Claudia Sampson, First Vice President

When It Rains, It Pours!

On Saturday, December 3, despite the inclement weather and anxiety over the proposed 7.5% carrying charge increase projected to take effect after January 1, 2023, more than 300 intrepid Co-op City residents (with a few curious non-residents) turned out for the HPD-SCRIE workshop. There was standing room only at one point, but after our staff jumped into quick action to provide seating accommodations for a larger than anticipated audience, we kicked off a very informative and lively event. Thanks to Sonia Feliciano, Board President, and Carol Williams, Building 35 Association president, for assisting us at the event. They truly stepped up when we needed their help.

tions and offering one-on-one assistance from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to anyone requiring detailed explanations, information on accessing, completing and returning the forms after the carrying charge increase takes effect after HCR green-lights it, there was a palpable sigh of relief from many attending the workshop.

First, let’s understand what exactly is SCRIE. The acronym stands for Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption. The SCRIE law provides exemptions from basic rent/carrying charge increases for low income senior citizens living in the following types of Dividend, Redevelopment, Housing Development Fund and 213 Cooperative Housing Companies.

You’re eligible for an exemption if you meet the following conditions on the effective date of the rent/carrying charge increase:

You (or your spouse) lived in the apartment;

• You (or your spouse) were the head of household;

• You (or your spouse) were 62 years of age or older;

• The total household income did not

exceed $50,000 for increases effective July 1, 2014 (Household Income for all persons living in the household;

• Your monthly basic rent/carrying charge was more than or equal to 1/3 (one-third) of your total annual household income. Any portion of your rent/ carrying charge that is for utility costs or other fees or charges, are not considered part of your base rent/ carrying charge;

• You are NOT on any other rent/carrying charge assist program (e.g., Sect 8, SCHE, DRIE, RAP)

If you believe you meet all of the above conditions, pick up an application from the Riverbay Finance

located at 2049 Bartow Avenue. You can also get a SCRIE application from JASA where you can ask for assistance completing the form. You should request the short, not the long form.

Here are a few important takeaways from the HPD-SCRIE Workshop:

• SCRIE applications should not be completed and submitted without required 2022 documents, e.g., Social Security Award Letter, 2022 Pension Letter, 1099s for 2022, or 2022 Income Tax Forms for ALL persons living in the household;

• Proof of age (government issued driver’s li-

• There’s a $13 per room deduction for utilities made from monthly carrying charges that’s added to the calculation used by HPD to determine income eligibility;

• Federal OR New York State tax return with ALL

the IRS for each occupant in the household;

• 1099-R form for all pension(s) held;

• Monthly charges such as garage parking,

Building 10 Association

Greetings, fellow cooperators.

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

We have begun accepting Holiday Shelter Gift donations for newborns to 18 years old. Donations will be accepted from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5 p.m.-8 p.m. in the Association room located in the rear of Building 10B every Wednesday until December 21. We will also accept donations on Saturday, December 17, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Please

Holiday Gift Collection for Building 10 Workers: The Holiday Gift Collection for the Building 10 workers will be held from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5 p.m.-8 p.m. in the Building 10 Association room located in the rear of Building 10B on Wednesday, December 14 and 21. We will also be collecting on Saturday, in your building lobby.

Laundry room etiquette: Please refrain from using the carts, benches and tables for dirty laundry. And please remove your laundry from the dryers and washers promptly at the completion of the cycle so others can use them.

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

For emergencies, call the Co-op City Public Safety Department at 718-671-3050 and NYPD at 911. For non-emergencies, call 311. You can also contact CCPD at their anonymous tips hotline: 718-879-6311.

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or in emotional distress, the number to call for help in NYC is 1-888-NYCWELL (1-888-692-9355). The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number is 988, you can call or text.

You can contact the Building 10 Association via email at Building10Assoc@gmail.com. We are also on Facebook of all the happenings in and around Building 10.

We would like to wish all who are born in December, an incredibly happy birthday.

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

To all who have lost a loved one recently, we offer our deepest condolences. Have a great week.

hall closet(s), etc., are also deducted from your carrying charge eligible for exemption

• Investments such as 401(k), 457, stocks, bonds (unless sold to generate income) are not treated as annual income;

• November and December bank statements to verify SSI and SSP

• Proof of public assistance or unemployment, if applicable;

• Retirement letter, if applicable.

Once you’re ready to submit your SCRIE application, you can mail it directly with ALL required documents (make copies of everything) to: SCRIE UNIT

New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development Division of Housing Preservation 100 Gold Street, 7th Floor New York, NY 10038

OR

Email applications with attached required documents directly to: SCRIE@hpd.nyc.gov

If you have ANY questions, please call (212) 8638494

igible for SCRIE. If you’re eligible for an exemption from the rent/carrying charge increase, you’ll receive a letter notifying you of the amount subsidized by the SCRIE program. N.B.: The effective date of a subsidy for applications received more than 120 days from the date of the increase, shall of receipt of the application.

Feel free to reach out to me should you have any questions. My email is: csampson@riverbayboard. com

Co-op City Toastmasters Club

Toastmasters Club wishes everyone a happy and blessed holiday season. We invite you to join us on any first or third Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Note: Third Thursday meetings are in-person, otherwise online. See details below.

Meetings: On Thursday, Dec. 15, at 7:30 p.m., the Holiday Party with special guest speaker, Mr. Kenneth Washington. Many authors and writers have crossed our door teps but this author is ‘Straight Outta Bedstuy.’ He’s been called “Brooklyn’s unsung hero.” Come, support and hear his inspiring story of how a Toastmaster’s Conference was instrumental to writing “Legendary Boxing Trainer: George Washington.” It is an inspiring tribute to his dad. Special note: At the Christmas Party, toys and unused children’s garments are also being collected. Please feel free to bring a toy, your family and friends or your favorite holiday treat to the Christmas meeting. We look forward to seeing you.

Congratulations: Debra Jones, DTM, was recently presented with “Toastmaster of the Year” plaque for 2021-2022 by Immediate Past District Director (IPDD) Jan-Paul Roodbol, DTM. Debra has been and continues to be a leader in her clubs and in her district for more than twenty years. She is also one of the charter members of CCTM and we are proud

Greetings, Building 9 family and friends. Happy holidays. We continue to feel thankful, grateful, and blessed.

Please feel free to contact Public Safety for ‘wellness checks’ on neighbors and friends if you have any concern. It is a kindness that has saved lives in the past.

As we enter the holiday season, please exercise due diligence and caution as you shop, dine, travel, and visit family and friends. Be aware of your surroundings and do not display your valuables.

It is cold and flu season. Please dress accordingly. Try to stay up-to-date with your immunizations. If you feel ill, please stay home. In this instance, sharing is not caring.

For any of you who experience feelings of isolation, loneliness, hopelessness or despair during this time of year, please reach out to family, friends, local organizations, or 311. There are people and resources available to assist you.

Mr. and Mrs. Khubba and I attended the funeral of our friend and neighbor, Elvin “Butch” Ford and

to count her as a friend and mentor. Congratulations also to Lauretta J. Jaysura, DTM, recently awarded “Certificate of Appreciation” for successfully chairing the District Hail and Farewell event of 2021-2022. We are, as well, proud of Toastmaster and club officer Jaysura for her diligence and commitment to CCTM. These members are proof of the many gains and benefits of being a Toastmaster. See if we are what you have been looking for in the areas of public speaking and leadership. It is our mission to help. Important: Zoom ID: 4787030148, Passcode: yuja1g; contact: VPPR- 347419-0570; or 3824.toastmastersclubs.org; or toastmasters46.org or toastmasters.org. In-person meetings are at Co-op City, 1249 Bartow Ave. (Bartow Mall), lower level, Rm. 28.

––Lauretta Jaysura

Building 9 Association

Sidney “Sonny” Rembert last week. Our heartfelt condolences to both families.

Our Building 9 Association general membership meeting was held on Thursday, December 1. At that time, we discussed canvassing volunteers for lobby decorating and related activities and for Building 9 staff holiday collection assignments. Building staff holiday collections are scheduled to begin on Monday, December 5. We thank our volunteers: Rosemary Bailey, Evelyn Mavins, Pam Small, Shirley McCann, Barbara Cloud, Shirley Johnson, Darlene Walker, Denita Cox, Janet Yarrell, Dinora Tirado, Gabriella Concepcion (and Camryn), and Linda Collins.

Lobby decorating assignments will be made for the week of December 12th. Please let us know if you would like to join us. Thank you to all our Building 9 Diamonds, past and present. The work does not get done without you.

Last week, another e-bike lithium-battery-related residential building fire in the Bronx left sev-

Public Safety ––––––– (Continued from page 7)

shopping centers. Bicycle riders must respect pedestrians. This includes the rental electric bicycles and scooters available in the community. Always park the rental scooters in a location that does not block walkways or streets.

If consuming alcoholic beverages is part of your seasonal activities, be sure to designate a driver who will not drink. Call a taxi, if necessary. Never operate a motor vehicle if you have consumed alcoholic beverages. The consequences of drunk driving are extremely severe. Always buckle your seatbelt; it will save your life in a serious collision. Avoid distractions and excess speed when driving; these are the two leading causes of collisions within New York State.

Always remember, if you see something, say something. If you see suspicious persons in the garage or lurking near parked vehicles on the street, an auto crime could be taking place, notify the authorities. Call 911 and the Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050. Callers may remain anonymous when giving information.

Thefts of catalytic convertors have been increasing nationwide. The Public Safety Department has taken reports of these thefts from vehicles most often when parked on the street and occasionally in the garages. Thieves must cut the device, which is part of the exhaust system, out from underneath the

car. If you observe this type of activity, call 9-1-1 and Public Safety immediately at (718) 671-3050. Please be vigilant and look out for your neighbors. Observant cooperators can help us to catch these criminals.

Enjoy a safe and healthy holiday season. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety would like to thank all persons who have called in suspicious activity. Observant cooperators are an important part of the crime fighting equation.

On September 15, 2022, Riverbay Corporation lifted the mask mandate throughout the community. It is still important to be proactive in preventing the spread of Covid-19, the flu and other contagious illnesses. Hand washing, the use of hand sanitizer and not touching your face are other strategies to help prevent the spread of a wide variety of illnesses. Please follow the latest guidance provided by the CDC and the New York City Department of Health regarding illness trends and recommended vaccinations. Also, remember that Co-op City has people with many different types of health conditions, spanning a large spectrum of age ranges. These people may continue to wear masks. Please respect their choice and do your best to maintain social distance, especially indoors. Do not forget to stay home if you are sick. Stay safe and stay healthy. Be a good cooperator and be Co-op City Strong.

Building 33 Association

Good day, neighbors.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year again! I hope all of you enjoyed your Thanksgiving. Soon, it will be 2023. You still have time to get those resolutions you promised yourself in before the year ends.

When you read this, the Christmas tree should be up in the lobby. I would like to thank the kind neighbor who left the ornaments. They will, for sure, be on the tree. If any neighbor has a special ornament and would like to put it on the tree, feel free to do so.

We also will be in the lobby collecting again. If you have it in your heart, please contribute. Remember, it’s not mandatory, but it will be appreciated.

I have not confirmed a guest for the building meeting yet, I will keep you posted. Keep looking at the bulletin board for updates.

Lastly, someone spilled juice in the lobby by the mailboxes. The porters had already left for the day. Who do you think should have cleaned the mess? You! We all have to live here and would like the building to be clean and look nice. It would not have taken you much time to get some paper towels to clean the mess you made. Please don’t do that again. You have been a bad neighbor!

Enjoy your week, and if you have any concerns, please contact the association at amayo14033@ gmail.com

—Andrea D. Mayo

eral families homeless. Please exercise caution when using open flame candles, holiday lights and other electric powered decorations. Please check all wires and plugs to ensure they are in good condition. Please, do not allow e-bike battery charging inside your home. If your cellphone or charging station feels hot to the touch while charging, unplug it from the charging station.

The Valerie and Darlene order deliveries were distributed on December 1st and 3rd. The delivery set up was well organized, pre-packaged, and accompanied by a color-coded list. We thank Valerie and Darlene for their dedication in support of the Building 9 Association.

“Life does not have to be perfect in order to be wonderful.” ––Unknown

––Linda Collins

Debra Jones, DTM & JanPaul Roodbol, DTM, IPDD Photo courtesy Calvin McCoy, Jr.

Director’s

Viewpoint – Daryl

Johnson Board Meeting Review, 11/30/2022

The board and management had a meeting on Wednesday, November 30, 2022. So, let’s review a few things that were discussed during this meeting.

Support Our Local Shopping Centers

We have three malls within our community. So, as cooperators, we should try to help our local stores so that they can make some money, employ some workers, pay their rent, and help our community with their goods and services.

In Dreiser, we had some spaces that had been vacant for several years. And, now, it seems like we’re

For instance, the board approved a new lease for a relatively large store at 105 Dreiser Loop, Dreiser Discount, Inc. This store will be located at the former pharmacy store, near the supermarket.

According to our discussion, this store will sell a variety of items. This space has been open since 2014. So, I had a huge discussion with management over their handling of their negotiations and the extreme length of time of this vacant space. From my perspective, we should have been able to rent this space a long time ago. And, of course, our management disagreed with me.

For instance, I believe that we have to market our

business owners. Now, have you looked at that space? To me, that space is great for a number of businesses and organizations. Plus, we have thousands of cooperators that can decide to shop at this place.

Price? We could have set the rental price in accordance to several factors. Thereafter, smart business owners could have studied the needs of our community. And then, they could have made an informed decision on what could work really well in that space. Now, based on this information, do you honestly think that it should have taken eight long years (8) years to rent out this space? Overwhelmingly, to me, the answer is no.

But, there are other spaces in Dreiser that have been vacant for an extremely long period of time. Why? What’s taking so long? Do you see a problem here? Therefore, can you see why I had to have a discussion with our management about their handling of these

vacant spaces? Lease negotiations? No! Look, I’m not going to even print that information in this newspaper.

Anyway, I previously mentioned in a past viewpoint that a Caribbean restaurant might take over the space of that former restaurant. So, let’s see what happens.

Avoid The Eviction Process

Can you believe that 54,208 cases for eviction were

about 500 shareholders that are somewhere along in the legal process of a possible eviction. Now, as you can expect, most of these cases in the entire system are for non-payment of their monthly rental charges. Then, in our community, a small percentage of our shareholders might be facing eviction for other issues.

For instance, legal charges were brought against some of our shareholders because they kept an apart-

the worst cases that I can recall is when a shareholder had a lot of cats and garbage in their apartment. So, the stench from that apartment could be smelled all the way into the staircase. Therefore, Riverbay had to take legal action against that shareholder.

In other cases, legal action had to be taken against some cooperators that violated the law and our regulations. For instance, what do you think about a cooperator that allegedly robbed someone in their own building? Then, with ease, the victim was able to point them out to the police. Think, why would anyone try to rob someone in their own building? Terrible!

There have been several cases with cooperators

because of a noise complaint. So, would you ever go downstairs into the staircase and wait for them to come home? Never! What about confronting them at their door or outside of your building? Never! So, please do not ever engage in this type of behavior.

Bottom line: We have a police force, CCPD, here for a reason. So, please call them at 718-6713050 when necessary. But, please be peaceable and kind when you’re dealing with your

Building 6 Association

I want to thank Building 6 supervisor Brandon and Building 6 porters Rodney and Kyle for putting up the Christmas lights in our building. I also want to thank Linda Robinson, Marvin Lowery, and Anna and Monica for helping with the Christmas porters collections. I would not have been able to get all that done without you all. Great job done to put us all in a festive and giving mood and seeing all the smiles and happy faces of the kids and cooperators in our building. I want to thank all the Building 6 cooperators who gave and will be giving to the Christmas porter collection. ––Jeffrey Schwartz

NAACP

Mission Statement: Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons. Known as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), it profoundly affected the struggle for civil rights and the course of 20th Century American History.

December General Meeting: Due to the upcoming holidays and various events, our regularly scheduled meeting usually held on the 4th Sunday of the month will be held virtually on Sunday, December 18, at 3 p.m. Please make sure to save the date on your calendar.

Notice of Branch Election – The Branch candidate slate was re-submitted

Co-op City Branch #2210 Branch Election was rescheduled for Tuesday, December 6, from 2:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

the Election Buddy System for members to cast their vote by e-mail or smart phone/text with internet connection. Each member received their own unique voting link/code, which cannot be shared/transferred to another. Ballots were sent by National to members in good standing.

Follow us on Facebook: Co-op City NAACP. Become a member or gift a membership: adults: $30, youths: $10, make checks/money orders payable to: NAACP Co-op City #2210, and mail to: N.A.A.C.P. Co-op City Einstein Station, P.O. Box 75-3111, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. ––Brenda Brown

neighbors. Thank you.

Think Before You Drink

made plans to not drink and act up. On the other hand, some people will drink heavily and then mess up— big time.

For instance, some people might get frisky after they get a few shots of whiskey. So, can you believe that a survey revealed that some extramarital affairs actually began -

ties are bad. It just means that some people might make some choices when they go to some parties. Thereafter, things might happen.

So, some people might drink and then make a choice to drive a vehicle. For instance, one allegedly drunk man in Florida was driving a vehicle at 92 miles per hour. Then, he allegedly caused a horrible crash that killed a 30-year-old man. In court, the judge gave him a sentence of 15 years in prison. So, please make some good and positive plans before you go to a party.

Bottom line: Terrible accident? Arrested? Convicted? Prison sentence? No! So, please don’t drink and drive.

Close

I hope that everyone will have a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

Thank you. Contact Information

Please send a letter to: Board Director Daryl Bronx, NY 10475. Or, you can send an email to me at: djohnson@riverbayboard.com

Also, please call me ONLY at 718-671-4544 if you would like to have a brief discussion with me. Okay, that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful week and a wonderful holiday season. And, may God bless you and your family. Thank you.

Building 29 Association Building 22A&B Association

On Thursday, December 1, the Building 29 Association held its second meeting, which was very well attended.

Cynthia Nelson was unanimously voted in as vice president, so now we have a full board. However, a Spanish-speaking “Second VP” would be welcome to help with any interpretation needs.

Our speakers for that night were Vivian Garcia (646-281-2324) and Robert Johns (347-661-1770), both licensed insurance brokers for Medicare. Their talk was not only very informative (for example, ways to obtain

Their numbers are provided above, for those who were unable to attend. Both

At the next meeting, we will have a rep from Allstate Insurance, with important ways to protect yourself with insurance.

Finally, our intrepid book club discussed an excellent book, “All the Lonely People,” by Mike Gayle. This book was a favorite with everyone (thanks, Kim

The next book, “The Kite Runner,” promises to promote many interesting observations and opinions. We will meet on Friday, Jan. 27. Do come join us, (contact Loretta at ljscott_2000@yahoo.com). All are welcome. vaccine.

Meanwhile, stay well and safe. Peace, and happy holidays to all.

––Katharine Wood

I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving holiday and back home safely. We wish everyone a happy holiday season and a happy New Year. Please read the Co-op City Times; everything you want to know is there, tree lighting, toy drives, holiday parties, etc.

Holiday collection for staff: The dates and times are posted on the bulletin board and on the lobby door and walls. We look forward to seeing you.

Key fobs: Make sure you have your key fob. If not, contact the Riverbay Parking and Leasing department. Once the cylinders are removed, the building will be accessible by fob only.

Association room: Work is ongoing, and we hope to have a meeting in the New Year.

Christmas decorations: We wish to thank all the volunteers for their holiday spirit.

Compactor rooms: Continue to follow instructions for recycling. Put all bottles and cans washed in plastic bags; large boxes go to basement, while smaller boxes are folded down and placed on the wooden ledge with newspapers.

Laundry room etiquette: Please remove your clothes on time, since this is a busy season.

dry faster.

Happy birthday to all celebrating this month. Our prayers to all who lost loved ones. Please check on the sick and shut-ins. If you see something, say something. Thank you.

––Betty Leak

Building 27 Association

Hello, neighbors. We hope all is well. We are now entering December, which is also a month full of holiday celebrations of being grateful and thankful. Many plans of celebration are in the works for the holidays. Enjoy, be careful and stay safe.

Key Fobs Co-op City Times. It should now be clear about the process and progress of the key fob program. Work is being done two buildings a week until all buildings have been addressed. Lock cylinders in the front and rear door locks are being removed.

However, upon removal of cylinders, shareholders who encounters technical/ operational issues should contact Parking & Leasing Department at 718-320-3300, option# 5, or go to Rm. 23 located at the Bartow Community Center. There are a list of questions and answers provided. I would suggest cutting this article out for future reference, and patience to keep waiting; it will get done.

Shareholders will still be able to use the old key to gain access to the stairway door in the lobby and the bathroom inside the laundry room.

Saving Energy off unnecessary lights, TVs, etc., in our apartments.

Grounds

leaves being done. Maintenance used to be seen picking up trash around our grounds and walkways, but this is no longer being done.

Collection For Our Porters was done. If you missed the days of collection and would love to give for our great porters, please contact the Association, the names and phone number are listed on the bulletin board in all three buildings. Cleanliness means a lot; these are

clean. There is so much they do daily. The shareholders show their appreciation by freely and happily giving as a token of appreciation to our porters. Thank you.

Happy birthday to those celebrating this month. We continue to offer our sincere sympathy and condolences to the families who have lost loved ones. We wish all the best of health and safety. Contact Lydia Rondon at 718-583-3040 and she will gladly acknowledge your birthday by sending you a card, as she is excellent in sharing goodwill. Also notify her of any illness, or if a neighbor has become deceased and if anyone is in a nursing home.

“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” –Coretta Scott King

––H. Overman

Building 13 Association

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day – December 7, 1941.

We are gearing up for our Holiday Party, our first event back in our Association room since the pandemic. For our Building 13 December Association Meeting we will be having our After and Before Celebration on Friday, December 30, at 7:00 p.m. We will not disturb your Xmas (it will be after) and will not change your plans for New Year’s (it will be before), but you will get to dance and enjoy some refreshments as we begin to celebrate the New Year 2023. Check out the signs posted in our bulletin board in the lobby.

Donations: Thank you to our vice president Wendell Mattison for organizing the Holiday donation collection to show appreciation for the work done throughout the year by staff. We know it has been challenging with losing staff through retirement and illness, and we are forever thankful. The collection dates were scheduled for December 5 through December 9 from 6-7:30 p.m. For those who missed the dates of collection, we may add an additional date so check the bulletin board for updates regarding the collection.

We also want to thank our volunteers, Lisa, Elena, Doris, Annice and Virginia, who helped decorate our lobby for the holidays and/or helped collect donations.

All new members to our Building 13 family are always welcome to join us and meet the members of our team. We are here to help you and assist you with your concerns. Check the lobby bulletin board for additional information.

If there is someone you feel we should invite to our meetings, feel free to contact Association members (numbers below) and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

FDNY mobile CPR Training Unit: On Saturday, January 21, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to noon, CPR classes will be held in the Bldg. 13 Association room. This a free course provided by the FDNY mobile CPR Training Unit. They will teach the skills required to act in the event of a cardiac arrest. The course generally takes approximately 45 minutes to one hour. It is staffed by certi-sion-only mannequins and “watch-while-practice” DVD instruction for the general public. Limited Spaces Available. To attend, RSVP: 917-515-0264 or send to an email to lisaarodriguez0411@gmail.com include your name, telephone

number, address and apartment number.

Reminders

• Please make sure your apartment entrance door is self-closing. If you have requested repair and have not heard from anyone, please let us know.

• Those who have not received their fob should contact the Parking Facilities and Commercial Leasing department.

Visit our Facebook Page at: Building 13 Association Inc.–Co-op City

Our website is http://www.bldg13assoc.com or e-mail us at building13assoc@ yahoo.com. Contacts: Leslie Peterson, president, at 718-320-1370; or Wendell Mattison, V.P., at 917-330-1380. Thank you for supporting our team.

––Leslie Peterson

On November 29th, I chaired the second meeting of the Legislative Committee. Our guest was Assemblyman Michael Benedetto. I requested Assemblyman Benedetto’s presence in order to review topics which the committee had discussed with him last year, as well as topics which are destined to impact Co-op City’s (and other Mitchell-Lama cooperatives’) ability to remain affordable.

The MTA’s Abysmal Bronx Bus Network Redesign Program in Co-op City

During the Committee’s October 25th meeting, former MTA Ad-Hoc Committee co-Chair Blossom Johns gave a scathing report on the abysmal roll-out of the Bronx Bus Network Redesign program. In her report to the Legislative Committee, Ms. Johns gave credible accounts of the bus service currently available to our bus commuters.

According to Ms. Johns:

The MTA’s 511 contact number is unresponsive and the app service is useless.

The MTA has reneged on the Riverbay Board’s MTA Ad-Hoc Committee’s agreement with former MTA President Andy Byford to substitute the creation of a new Express Bus Route (the BxM17) in exchange for a full time and weekend Q50 service.

The morning start times of the Bx26 & 23 are unacceptably late, and do not match up with the MTA’s posted schedules.

The Bx25’s morning schedule is inconsistent with the posted scheduling.

After hearing Ms. John’s report, and comments from committee members, Assemblyman Benedetto agreed to reach out to the MTA and arrange for a meeting here in Co-op City to see how remediation of our bus transportation issues can be reached. I will keep the community updated because information from our bus ridership addressing all aspects of Co-op City’s

NYC & NY State Climate ControlLegislation

As I have written about before, coming into compliance with NYC’s and NY State’s Climate Control Legislation is impractical and monetarily improbable. City’s buildings as required by legislation would: 1).

Cost billions of dollars; 2). Take years to complete; 3). Cost millions to purchase electric ranges; 4). Shut down our power plant costing shareholders $10’s of millions of dollars in having Co-op City purchase electricity from ConEd, or any other deliverer of electricity to our campus. We cannot, nor will most multiple dwellings currently out of compliance with the energy emissions standards, comply and remain affordable.

Willing Participants in the Fight for Climate Control

In understanding what we cannot do, I want to emphasize what we can do. We canapply for government grants to build one of the largest (if not the largest) solar panel arrays for any residential development in New York State, if not the entire United States. We can, should we develop our property battery storage sites on our campus, which could store vast amounts of energy collected from our solar panel arrays, or any other alternative energy source that we may choose to erect, to use as energy credits, and/or sell off as

expenses. Alongside of the battery storage units, we should erect electric vehicle chargers, which, in my opinion, should be free to shareholders, and sellable to the public

In my next viewpoint, I will further elaborate on our progression with how the corporation will respond to both pieces of legislation.

Before leaving the meeting, Assemblyman Benedetto addressed questions regarding Metro-North parking in Section 5, and the illegal parking of commercial vehicles on Tillotson Ave., north and south of Conner Street, and on the I-95 overpass. Additionally, he assured committee members that he would meet with the new Commander of the 45th regarding the parking of vans selling marijuana illegally on the streets in and around Co-op City, and that he would reach out to Councilman Riley as well.

NYC Council Bill 632 – Preventing the Performance of Criminal Background Checks

By the time you read this viewpoint, the NYC Council’s Committee on Human and Civil Rights would have held a hearing (December 8th) on eliminating criminal background checks, before voting on

passage of Bill Int. – 632 which will effectively eliminate all multiple dwelling properties from performing criminal background checks on prospective tenants. The Board, on behalf of all shareholders who have already expressed opposition to the Bill, sent out a letter which does not oppose passage of the Bill, however, we are asking that the Bill be amended “exclude” Mitchell-Lama cooperatives and condominiums, from compliance.

Averting a Tragedy – Surveillance a Key

During his customary Executive General Manager’s Report to the Board (November 30th Board Business meeting), Executive GM Bob Klehammer informed the Board of a near tragic incident. While working here, individuals witnessed a potentially life-threatening incident in progress. Actions taken by the witnesses, coupled with the placement of surveillance devices throughout our community, allowed

Over the years, Riverbay Corp. has steadily increased the number of these devices around our property. In addition to that, Assemblyman Benedetto, and former Board Director Junius Williams, worked to get NYPD cameras strategically placed in the streets around Co-op City.

Selective Increases to Shareholders

In closing, there have been a series of Letters to the Editor in the Co-op City Times suggesting that the Board consider raising the cost of parking in our garages and for our storage units, as the majority voted to do, during the pandemic back in April of 2021.

Bottom line – the projected net results from the combined 1.43% increase in garage and storage space fees was $1,288,000 towards the Corporation’s overall

impact on “selected” household wallets, especially families with more than one vehicle, and nowhere

overall 2-year budget, from my perspective. I believe the other probability is that further increases will force many current renters of parking spaces and storage units to give them up, unless that is the hidden agenda of this call for increases.

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

Good day, neighbors. Thank you, Co-op City Times staff, for your excellent and complete coverage of all the news and happenings in Co-op City. You cannot go wrong if you read our Co-op City Times. The DHCR Carrying Charge Conference detail is the historical happening of last week here. I personally found trying to get on the Zoom not user friendly. The old-fashioned way of reading the newspaper works.

We are still eating leftovers from Thanksgiving. Gravy and neckbones mixed with many varieties of canned soup, I used barley, plus fresh veggies simmered results in excellent soup. We recommend shopping locally. Our local options are offering great buys but extreme highs are shocking too. Prep and read the aisle signs. A local aisle sign read “2 for $6.00” of a particular soup, but the cash register did not have the sale price. Buyer beware.

Our annual grounds-person collection is underway. Thank you to the generous residents who have donated so far. Donations are received by Association president, Eva Lazaar, and gifted to our Groundsperson before the holiday.

Welcome home, Ann. We are so glad to learn you are back in Broun Place. Keep up your recovery and rehabilitation. We send you and all recovering from illness or surgery, a healthy, successful outcome.

We enjoyed participating in an interview focusing on aging in Co-op City. Did you know, live here and live longer? Yup, seniors in Co-op City can expect to live longer than in other neighborhoods. Could that be because we have walk to shopping, medical services, socialization opportunities and exercise options within throwing distance?

Association rooms are open again but the one we borrow in Building 21 is

A monthly newsletter for Broun Place residents is in the works. We wel-

Reviewing garbage procedures: the white bin is paper, while green and blue are for all other house garbage. Bag old mattresses. It is a cooperator offense not do not throw your masks on the street, instead use bins and pails. I continue to pick up gutter garbage littered by locals between Broun Place and Garage 6, do you? Clothes for recycling should be brought to Garage 6, front or rear. Brand

new blue bins are at the doors/gates of Garage 6.

bay “RUOK” emergency contact programs. This is critical

Building 20 Association

The Building 20 Association General Membership meeting will be held on Thursday, December 15, at 7:00 p.m. in the Building 20 Association meeting room in Section 20B. The agenda will include ratifying the changes in our by-

Looking forward to seeing you.

––Francine Jones

Building 19 Association

Hello, Building 19 family. I want to remind everyone of the following upcoming Association activities this month:

Donation Collection for Porters: We started the collection last Saturday in the lobby. For those who donated that day, I want to thank you on behalf of the porters. The Association will continue collecting donations until Saturday, December 17. We are asking for a suggested donation of $10. However, any amount that you can donate is greatly appreciated.

End-of-the-Year Party: In my article last week, I mentioned that the event would be held on Friday, December 16. However, due to a lack of interest, the party has been canceled for this year. We will discuss at a future committee meeting a possible alternative get-together event that the Association can host in 2023 (e.g., bus trip).

Holiday Lobby Decoration: I want to thank everyone who helped put up the decorations and the Christmas tree last Saturday (above). A very special thanks to Sandy, one of our porters, for helping us to put up the decorations on those high-to-reach places in the lobby.

––Leon Tulton

Bronx County Chorus

American Legion Post 1871

Mark your calendar to attend in-person the last general membership meeting of The American Legion Dispatch –

www.legion.org/dispatch

A tutorial on how to continue to access “Dispatch” content online will be provided in the January 2023 General Membership meeting. Camp Lejeune Justice Act –camplejeunelitigationteam.com/al or call 1-800Army-Navy Basketball Double Header –

If you are interested in attending the event, and for ticket information, please visit or call 1-877-TIX-ARMY.

Legionnaires Corner

Since our last Meet and Greet at our Post-Veterans Day event, here is a synAmerican Legion Basic Training Course –www.legion.org/ training Congratulations to December Birthdays –Farewell to Legionnaire Hairston –

National Council of Negro Women

Season’s Greetings, Retirees and Friends.

We wish to thank everyone who attended our annual holiday luncheon on December 8 at the beautiful Marina del Rey. A great time was had by all. Many thanks to our Entertainment Committee members: Daisy Young-Anderson, Beverly Waller, Jay McKenzie and Theodore Byrd. As always, they did a wonderful job planning and organizing this event.

Membership – Members who have not paid their dues for the 2022 calendar year can still do so. We are also currently collecting the dues for the 2023 calendar year. The annual dues are $25. Please make your check payable to the “Retirees of Dreiser Loop” and write “2022 and/or 2023 mem-

Goose Island Seniors

Holiday Party – This Wednesday, December 14. Members only, at 1 p.m. in our clubroom #39. First 60 members accepted. Call 718-379-9613 or text 347-847-1941. Cover-dish, bring something or pay $10 at door. No gifts; just enjoy each other’s presence.

Resort World Casino – Thursday, December 29, in Monticello NY. Price: $45, bonus: $25 slot play, plus $15 meal voucher. Seats going fast. Buses leaving our three usual bus stops. Pick-up: Einstein Loop, 8:15 a.m.; Asch Loop, 8:45 a.m., and Dreiser Loop, 9 a.m. Money due by Thursday, December 15. Proof of vaccination and mask required on bus and in casino.

Carnival Cruise 2023 – Departing from NY, July 5–13, 2023. For more information, call 646579-1701.

Notary – with Yvonne Menefee, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., every Tuesday.

Bingo – Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 1:15 p.m. Members only. Admission: $5 for 3 cards, 12 games and Jackpot. Extra cards are $0.25 each. Refreshments. Proof of vaccination. Temperature taken at entrance. There will be no more Sunday Bingo.

Game Day – Every Tuesday and Thursday at 1 p.m. Come play Dominoes, watch movies, read a book and socialize with other members. Members only.

To all members: Happy Birthday to our members who celebrate their birthday in the month of December: Nellie Rivera, Paquita Myke, Janie Williams, Barbara Hines, Jose Lopez, Brenda Brown, Janet Coles, Louise (Cookie) Hernandez, Mary (Pat) Randolph, Bobbi Chin, Barbara Owens and Gladys Baez. The birthday cake celebration will be at our Holiday party, this Wednesday, December 14. Sick and Shut-in – Zoraida Garcia and Maria Mendez, get well soon, we miss you. Ella Thorne misses everyone. She is in Workmen’s Circle. Mary Pilla (former Goose Island president), sends her love to all. You can call her at (718) 753-1816.

Our club is located at 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 39, Bronx, NY 10475 at Section 5 Center; phone number: (718) 379-9613. You may call (mornings) Mon. – Fri., 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (Evenings) Mon., Wed. and Fri., 6 p.m.-9 p.m.; Tue. & Thu., 1 p.m.-9 p.m., or call/text or Zelle Stephen, (347) 847-1941. Our email address is goose.island@optonline.net.

—Stephen Roberts, Sr.

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

bership dues” in the memo section of your check and mail it to: Retirees of Dreiser Loop, 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 19, Bronx, NY 10475. Questions may be addressed to Mary at 718-655-9170.

Members who are 80-plus years of age and have been members of the RoDL for 10 years and are in good standing with their membership dues (dues paid for the past two consecutive years) are eligible to apply for “honorary membership.” If you would like to apply, please submit your letter of request to Dorothy Chambers-Byrd, president of the RoDL Happy Birthday – Cheers to all our December birthday celebrants. We wish you an incredibly happy birthday and continued peace and happiness throughout the year.

Condolences – Please continue to keep those who have recently lost loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.

Good and Welfare – We extend get well wishes to those who are sick and shut-in. We pray that they will soon see brighter days ahead. Please contact Lorraine at 718-671-6403 or Gay at 718-320-0979 to notify them of members who are hospitalized, in nursing/rehabilitation facilities or recently deceased.

General Meeting – Our next general meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 14, at 1:00 p.m. in Room 19. We ask that everyone wear a face mask when we meet. Please save December 14 on your calendars and plan to attend this meeting.

––Georgianna Rodriguez

AARP Chapter #4997

Holiday festivities are well underway for the end of 2022. We have experienced a never-before-type of year and we have survived and become more resilient for the journey! We still have major medical issues affecting all Americans and people around the

that continue to plague us. We do have options; we should use them. There are vaccines for Covid-19 -

ric cases and all young children need to be monitored closely. All these issues are serious when not treated immediately.

As members of the AARP Chapter #4997, we attend many community meetings and gather information that we feel may be of interest to our community. Recently, there was a building association meeting attended by Executive Board President Sonia Feliciano. She shared quite a lot of interesting information, however, one topic struck us as noteworthy. There is a bill before the City Council and Mayor Adams has backed the passing of the bill. Bill #632 asks that “background checks be omitted for consideration regardless of past criminal history” when a person applies for a living space. While not holding your past against you is ideal, for a community like Co-op City, it would mean that if you have a good credit score you could be approved for occupancy. With safety issues like subletting apart-

ments, number of schools for all ages and the senior population, there should be some parameters put in place for our protection. We do not feel it should be all or nothing. Please contact our City Council representative and/or Mayor Adams and ask that they consider our point of view for safety in such a large community that we bought into.

During this holiday season, many of the community organizations are having special events. Our next General Membership meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 12, in Room 1 of 177 Dreiser Loop at 1 p.m. and we will be having our Holiday Celebration Luncheon and then begin our holiday break. We re-open on January 9, 2023, and that is the day of our January General Membership meeting. There will be food, drink, socializing and fun before we close for the holiday season.

We are still accepting reservations for our June 19-23, 2023 trip to Niagara Falls, USA. Contact Ms. Wright, 718-379-3370, or Ms. Brown, 718379-7962, for information. Ms. Baker, membership contact, can be reached at 718-379-2088 and Ms. Polite, nomination contacts, at 718-320-4278 to submit names for our election. From Mrs. Wilson, our Good and Welfare contact, at 718-671-5493, we hear that our friends and family are improving, and we send them all our prayers and blessings. To all, please take good care of yourself.

––Ann Purnell

BARTOW CENTER CLOSED ON MONDAYS ONLY

Walk w/Odessa, 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Meet: Asch Loop by Library

Blood Pressure w/Willa, 10 a.m.-11 a.m. (1st and 3rd Tues.)

Health and Wellness w/Ann, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Smartphone and Tablet Class w/Julesa, 2-3 p.m.

Dinner Hour, 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Stay Well Exercise w/Odessa, 10 a.m.-11:15 a.m.

Bereavement Hour w/Dorine, 1st & 3rd Wed., 12-1 p.m.

Line Dancing w/Cynthia, 12:30 a.m.-1:45 p.m.

Weight Mgt. Support Group w/ Gigi, 2nd Wed., in rear of JASA main office, 1 p.m.-2 p.m.

Dominoes w/José, 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

Dinner Hour, 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Arthritis Exercise w/Damion, 10 a.m.-11:15 a.m.

Arts w/Laura via Zoom 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Beginners Crochet and Knitting w/Lynne, 11:30 a.m.12:30 p.m.

Dinner Hour, 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Massage Therapy, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Manicure, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Line Dance with Cynthia, 12:30 p.m.-1:45 p.m.

Dinner Hour, 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Mindful Mornings Tai-Chi, 9 a.m.-10 a.m., Rm. 38

Health & Wellness 10 a.m.-11 a.m., Rm. 49

Always Grand Line Dancing, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 45 Books & Tea Book Club 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 49 Ageless Facials & Self Care 1 p.m.-3 p.m., Rm. 35

Never Too Old To Learn Spanish, 10-11 a.m., Rm. 35

Bridge To Care Arthritis Exercise, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Room 45

Creative Arts & Painting, 1-3 p.m., Room 35

Go Easy on us Computers 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m., Rm. 40

Spring in Your Step Stretch & Tone, 10-11 a.m., Rm. 45

Action Bodies In Motion, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Room 45

Prize Bingo & Board Games, 1-2 p.m.

Sultry Salsa Dancing, 10-11 a.m., Room 45

Smart Phones & Tablets 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 49

Indoor Walk Club 1 p.m.-2 p.m., Rm. 35 Go Easy On Us Computers, 2-3 p.m., Room 40

Open Mic Singing and Poetry, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Let’s Get It On Zumba, 1-2 p.m., Room 45

For information, please call: (718) 320-2066 (Schedule subject to change without notice) Payments for trips at the Bartow office can be made Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., & 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. only Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, The NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation.

Chair Yoga w/ Charles Tyler, 10-11 a.m. Zoom only for now. 1-646-8769923, Meeting ID: 995 6534 1173, Passcode: 855423 Stay Well Exercise w/Denise, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., Room 2 Piano Sing Along Class (In-person) 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Smartphone and tablet literacy w/ Julesa, In-person, 1:15 p.m.-2:15 p.m

Zumba w/Ola, 1-2 p.m., Room 2. Computer Learning w/Ralph, Zoom only: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Dial-in #: 347893-2966, Meeting ID: 936 8132 9040, Passcode: 259554.

Blood Pressure, 1st & 3rd Tues., 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 2 Art, In-person, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Tai-Chi, In-person, 2-3 p.m., Rm. 2

Game Time 10 a.m.-11 a.m.

Drama Class/Club, in person, 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Rm. 4

Arthritis Exercise, in person, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 2

Tablet Time – in person, 1 p.m.-2 p.m.

Self Defense Class, in person, 2 p.m., Rm. 2

Line Dancing w/Ellie, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Spanish Class, In-person, 1 p.m.-2 p.m.

Manicure, 2:00-3:30 p.m.

Alert and Alive, 10-11 a.m., Rm. 4 Knitting & Crochet, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Art Class w/Dmitry, Virtual, 1-3 p.m. Massage Therapy, 1st & 3rd Friday, 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m., In-person Bingo, 1:15-2:30 p.m., Rm. 4, In-person

MENU

Alternate Kosher Meals are available Kosher Non-Kosher

Vegetarian Stuffed Cabbage in Tomato Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Carrots, Whole Wheat Bread, Fresh Fruit and Juice

Grilled Chicken Breast BBQ Sauce Egg Barley w/ Mushrooms Grilled Vegetables Whole Wheat Bread, Fresh Fruit and Juice

Hamburgers

Plain Hamburger Bun

Roasted Potatoes Lettuce and Tomato Tomato and Cucumber Salad w/Dressing Fresh Fruit and Juice

Baked Salmon Moroccan Style Sauce Brown Rice Sauteed Green Beans Whole Wheat Bread, Fresh Fruit and Juice

Orange Chicken w/Rosemary Bowtie Pasta w/Kasha Steamed Red or Green Cabbage Challah Bread Fresh Fruit and Juice

Pernil (roasted pork shoulder) Steamed Peas Sweet Baked Yams

BBQ Chicken Yellow Rice Sauteed Green Beans

Cornmeal Crusted Fish Cooked Cabbage w/Shredded Carrots Home Fries w/Peppers and Onions

Vegetarian Chicken Brown Stew White Rice Steamed Spinach

Curry Chicken Mashed Potatoes Steamed carrots and Green Beans

Fee for lunch is $2.00 & $5.00 for guest ALL meals served w/margarine and fresh milk Menu subject to change without notice.

Bartow Center (929) 399-1394 Dreiser Center (718) 320-1345 Einstein Center (718) 671-5161

JASA Co-op City NORC Program Invites You for These In-Person & Virtual Activities

New York Common Pantry – NEW DATE: Tues., Dec. 20, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. in Room 31.

Distribution of masks, hand sanitizer and COVID-19 Home Test – Mon., Dec. 19, 10 a.m.-

Einstein OAC Upcoming Outings – Please call 718-671-5161 for information; -

Medicare Information w/Alex Wu from the Dept. of the Aging –

Aldi –Costco

Shoprite and BJ’s

-

Are you interested in learning (virtual) how to tailor your own clothes? -

Would you like to be part of a vocal program that will culminate in a concert for the community? -

Concerts in Motion –

Bereavement Support Group w/Dr. Smith –-

Painting Class w/Dmitriy

Crochet Class w/Sandra Ramirez – In rear of

Notary (Appointment ONLY) –JASA Bartow main office, Einstein Center, Room 34, Painting Classes – 9-11 a.m. Zoom

Meditation Class, GPC (Grandparents) – 11

Technology class w/Ralph Lucenti-

Line Dancing with Bartow Swingers – Mon.,

Bartow

Einstein Room 49 unless otherwise noted Dreiser Room 7 unless otherwise noted

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church

St. Joseph’s is located at 155 Dreiser Loop, lower level, Co-op City, Bronx, NY 10475.

Greetings! Due to the ongoing pandemic and related repairs to our space, St. Joseph’s Church has made some adjustment to our schedule of services until further notice. Please stay tuned for any information regarding in-person worship.

In the meantime, Father Simeon Johnson will continue to conduct worship services via teleconference on Sundays at 9 a.m. and prayers on weekdays at noon.

To participate by teleconference, please dial 1-425-436-6344, Access Code: 509 898, followed by the # sign.

Grace and Peace!

––M. Chambers

Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City

The day of our 26th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration is here. At 3:00 p.m. today, we look forward to seeing you at the Bartow Community Center, Room 31. This year, we will honor three elders from our community, Stuart Edwards, Virginia Stewart and Norman M. Thomas. Come out and support them.

Temple University. He has also authored many books. We are pleased to have Ms. Ebony Rae Lambright as our MC and Sister Michelle Marbury will perform the Libation Ceremony. The community children will recite the Kwanzaa Principles and light the Kwanzaa candles. Young brother Malcolm Nembhard will deliver a poem. In line with the Kwanzaa Principle of Ujamaa – Cooperative Economics – we encourage you to support the vendors.

Everyone looks forward to Karamu (feast) and a delicious cuisine has been prepared by a local restaurant. Guests will enjoy baked chicken, mac and cheese, string beans, candied yams and a tossed salad. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it was decided that a professional establishment should prepare the meal for us. We want everyone to be safe. Those who attend should bring an offering of a store purchased dessert, juice, water, etc. to share with others (no soda, please).

The Bokandeye African American Dance Theater is a professional group that has performed nationwide and will perform for us. Their previous entertainment at the Kwanzaa Celebration received tremendous accolades.

Traditional Synagogue

The Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City is planning a Chanukah Party on December 25 at 1 p.m. For additional information, call Marilyn at (347) 449-5005.

The synagogue would appreciate donations to keep our shul open. If you would like to help, go to www.Gofundme.com/Traditional-Synagogue-of-Co-op-City to donate.

The synagogue will be serving a hot Kiddush meal after Sabbath morning services. Saturday morning services will start at 10 a.m. The requirement for wearing a mask and social distancing will be strictly enforced during all synagogue services.

General Information

The Traditional Synagogue is located in Section 5, 120 Erdman Place in the -

The synagogue has a Facebook page: Traditional Synagogue.

The synagogue needs donations. Whatever amount you can donate, big or small, would help. The synagogue needs men to help make a minyan. There are a lot of Jewish men who live in Co-op City who do not come to services. Please come by 10 a.m., so we can take out the Torah.

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

Sabbath ends on Saturday, December 10, at 5:21 p.m.

Candle lighting for Friday, December 16, at 4:09 p.m.

Good and Welfare: one. The cost is only $15 per tree (if you want to buy a tree, call 347 449-5005). Mazel Tov, to all having simchas. If you are ill, we wish you good health. If you asked the Rabbi to say prayers for a sick person, you should make your donation to the synagogue.

To all Members: Happy birthday to all our members who will be celebrating their birthday or anniversary in December. Please send me your names and I will add them to the list.

––Francine Jones

The Coalition President, Adeyemi LaCrown Oloruntoba, looks forward to seeing you. The Coalition members include the African-American Association, Co-op City Baptist Church, Coalition to Save Affordable Housing, Faith at Work Christian Church, NAACP #2210, Retirees of Dreiser Loop, American Legion Post 1871, and Saint Joseph’s Episcopal Church. If you are a member of any of these churches or organizations, we expect to see you and to have a fantastic and meaningful event.

Co-op City Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invite you to join us for Worship Service tomorrow in-person at 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. We are located at 135 Einstein Loop, Room 50 (lower level). Masks are required. The 11:00 a.m. service is also available on Zoom at https://us04web. zoom.us/j/9623430102 or Zoom Telephone Conference Line: 646-568-7788, or Conference ID: 962 343 0102, Password: 788175#.

Rev. Williams asks everyone to call into the Sunday Worship service or Wednesday Bible class using Zoom through your computer or by dialing in using the Zoom information shown above.

The Missionary Ministry will celebrate its 50th Anniversary tomorrow, December 11, at the 11 a.m. Service. The guest speaker will be Bishop Mary Freeman. The theme is “Trust in the Lord” (Psalm 46:3). Everyone is invited.

The Scholarship Ministry invites all to join them on a trip on June 26, 2023the Smoky Mountain National Park and much more. The cost of the trip is $765 per person based on double occupancy. A $100 deposit is due by January 28, 2023. Final payment is due March 5, 2023. To make a reservation or for additional information, call Sis. Brenda Robinson at 718-671-1271, or Sister Claudette Cutler Day at 718-379-0541.

Adult Sunday School classes are held on Sundays at 9:15 a.m. in-person. Classes are also available on The Free Call Conference.com Line dial-in number: 857-357-0254, the Access Code is 660065#.

Young Teens Sunday School is held at 9:30 a.m., call-in number: 701-8025240, Access Code: 2528913. Teens Class is held at 9:30 a.m., call-in number: 702-843-2644, Access Code: 2676710 and Juniors Sunday School is held at 9:30 a.m. Call-in number: 737-774-8306, Access Code: Juniors.

Mid-Week Bible Study is held on Wednesday at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. using Zoom information shown above.

Prayer Warriors Prayer service is held on Thursdays at noon. Prayer Service is also held on Fridays at 10 a.m.

Friday Evening Prayer service is held at 7:30 p.m. Please note that it is not

All Prayer services can be joined using the Free Call Conference.com Line dial-in number, 857-357-0254, the Access Code is 660065#.

Please keep each other in prayer and be wise in your decisions. Please continue to mask-up, practice social distancing and stay safe!

“God will strengthen us as we continue to travel through this storm. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

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

Fun and Games: After services and Kiddush, members play games. Your support for the Traditional Synagogue is greatly appreciated. Wishing all our members and friends peace and good health.

––Bruce Gitelson

Circle of Christ Church - Iglesia Circulo De Cristo

147 Dreiser Loop, Bronx, NY 10475 (lower level). Come As You Are

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” –Psalm 122:1

If you are looking for a place of worship in the local area aimed at teaching the transforming word of God, Circle of Christ Church invites you to fellowship with us. We are a non-denominational, multicultural, and loving church that accepts you just the way you are. Our Senior Pastor Elisamuel Colón and the body of Christ are committed to loving people into a life-changing-liberating relationship with God. The English service has a Bible-centered children’s church for ages 5 to 12. We have a food pantry that serves the community; moreover, we offer family counseling based on need. If interested, please contact us at (347) 945-1992 or on Facebook @Circle of Christ Church. See the schedule below and follow us on Facebook, YouTube, and our website, circleofchristchurch.com.

Monday-Friday: Devotionals on Facebook Live at 11:00 a.m.

Tuesday: Bible Study on Facebook Live, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Thursday: Women Prayer Group (in-person) at 10:00-11:30 a.m. Spanish Bible Study on Facebook Live from 1:00-2:30 p.m.

Friday: Youth Service (Operation Grace), 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Saturday: Women’s Fellowship, every second Sat. of the month, 12 p.m.-2 p.m. Young Adults, every third Saturday of the month, 12-2 p.m. Men’s Fellowship, every other month

Couples Fellowship, every other month

Sunday Services: Spanish, 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m., & English Service, 11:15 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Please arrive 15 minutes earlier for screening at the door. To register for the English Services, call or text 929-599-5488.

Servicios en Español

Servicios: en persona, en YouTube y Facebook Live

Servicios dominicales: Español, 9:00-10:30 a.m., & Servicio en Inglés, 11:15 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Devocionales de lunes a Viernes: en inglés en Facebook Live a las 11:00 a.m.

Martes: Estudio Bíblico en Facebook Live, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Jueves: Grupo de oración de mujeres (en persona) de 10:00-11:30 a.m.

Jueves: Estudio Bíblico en Español en Facebook Live a la 1:00-2:30 p.m.

Viernes: Operation Grace Youth Service, 7:00-9:00 p.m. (en persona)

Cada primer sábado del mes: Ministerio de mujeres, 12:00-2:00 p.m.

Cada segundo sábado del mes: F.A.I.T.H. Alcance para las personas sin hogar.

Cada tercer sábado del mes: Adultos jóvenes, 12:00-2:00 p.m. (en persona). Para registrarse para los servicios en español, comuníquese al 347-773-2809.

Christmas Day Service and New Year’s Day Service

Christmas Day and New Year’s Day fall on a Sunday; these services will be bilingual, meaning the Spanish and English congregations will meet together on those two Sundays. Both Services will start at 10:30 a.m. We ask that you and your guest arrive at 10:00 a.m. to be cleared at the front desk. To register for both services, text or call 929-599-5488.

Pastor Elisamuel Colon

Church of the New Vision

Greetings, in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Church of the New Vision and Pastors Kenneth and Deborah Hodge welcome you to worship with us at 115 Einstein Loop, Bronx, NY 10475. Church phone: 718-671-8746 and pastor’s phone: 914-522-5039.

In this season of Thanksgiving, we take time to thank God and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for supplying all of our needs, and we, the Church of the New Vision, take time out to thank and bless you, the community of Co-op City, for your generosity and for supporting the endeavors of the Church of the New bless and strengthen us.

There is one service at 11:00 a.m. and Sunday School will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Masks are required and temperature will be taken. Services can also be viewed on YouTube after 1:00 p.m.

Our verse for 2022 is: (Isaiah 54:17) “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgement you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from, Me, say the Lord.”

Wednesday Night Prayer Service and Bible Study starts at 7:00 p.m. The Conference Line Number: 646-769-9900, Access Code: 3099388. Once prayer has begun, please mute your phone so all can hear with clarity.

Sunday, Dec. 4th Worship Service: “With Grateful Hearts We Give Thanks.”

Scripture: (1 Corinthians 11:23-26) “For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the New Testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.”

Your contributions, tithes and offerings can be mailed to: Church of New Vision, P.O. Box 75-3037, Einstein Station, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. Thank you.

––Brenda Brown

Church of God’s Children

Blessings to Co-op City residents and the surrounding neighbors. May the peace of our Lord be with you. We are located at 127 Dreiser Loop, patio level. Our pastors are Angelo and Nancy Rosario. We welcome you to join us or any of the Houses of Worship within the community. Be comfortable praising our Lord wherever you are.

We are a word-teaching church, come as you are and enjoy your day with the families who gather here. We offer in-person Sunday Service in English and Spanish at 10 a.m. Tuesday night Spiritual welfare classes on Zoom and Facebook Live at 7 p.m. Youth/young adult Bible studies via Zoom on Fridays at 8 p.m. Thursday night, Intercessory prayer group by phone at 7:30 p.m.

On Saturday, December 10, at 3 p.m., we will have our Christmas Jubilee at 159 Dreiser Loop-Fellowship Hall with food, music and karaoke. Christmas Eve Service on Saturday, December 24, at 7 p.m., followed by a delicious shrimp stew. Bring in the New Year 2023 at our Candlelight Service on Saturday, December 31, at 10 p.m., followed by appetizers and dessert.

Learned helplessness comes from repeated unsuccessful attempts to control the violence in our home. As victims, we eventually become depressed and helpless. Those feelings destroy our motivation to do something different. We must learn new methods of survival. Using God’s Word as our guide, we need to take all thoughts captive to Christ, cast down human reasoning, and replace false arguments with God’s promises to us. God does not transform us by removing our problems but by renewing our minds. By teaching us to depend on Him instead of those around us; by applying the Word of God to our life, we learn to change our inner thoughts to produce healthier thinking. The key to eliminating worry is to place our trust in something solid, predictable, and helpful for growth: the Word of God! A major step in changing destructive thoughts is to claim the promises of God by believing he is trustworthy. To change our thinking, we must understand the nature of faith. Faith is acting on knowledge. We must exercise our mind, choose to believe God is who He says He is, to believe He can deliver what He promises, and then to act on our faith. We must act on our new beliefs, our new thoughts. We must stop worrying and trust God.

Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Joyous Kwanzaa.

We saved a seat for you!

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs in to it and is safe.” ––(Proverbs 18:10)

Newsong Church Please curb your dog...It’s the LAW!

People seek security in all kinds of things: money, health, success, family, any moment they could be taken away from us.

Solomon drops some amazing truth for us in (Proverbs 18). The name of the Lord is a strong tower! When the walls of wealth come tumbling down, when sickness threatens our health, when our relationships start to crack and crumble around us, there is a tower that is able to withstand all of life’s uncertainties, and keep us safe from the destruction of death itself! This strong tower is a person and His name is Jesus!

Jesus paid the ultimate price for your salvation, something that your money, success, or friends could never do for you! Peter puts it this way… “knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.”–(1 Peter 1:18-19)

This weekend, you will be doing a lot of running. Your schedule is full, and you have got a lot going on, I totally get it. But I would like to encourage you to set aside two hours out of your Sunday and run into the house of God! Run into His presence, run into His love, run into His mercy and grace! So, what are you waiting for? Register you and your family today, and experience Jesus in a fresh way. We have saved a seat for you!

Here are some FAQ’s:

Where is Newsong Church located? 135 Einstein Loop (upstairs). Registration and face coverings required. You can pre-register on our website, www.newsongchurchnyc.org.

Where is Newsong Deaf Church? Our adult worship experience for the deaf and hearing impaired is located in room 38.

What time does everything start? 11 a.m.

What should I wear? Dress comfortably and casually.

What about the kids? We have an amazing children’s ministry called Kidsong, where your child will have fun and learn about Jesus! Kidsong is located in room 49.

How long is the service? About 90 minutes.

Can I attend if I’m ______________________?

Fill in the blank with whatever fear you have about not being accepted: divorced, a single parent, broke, an addict, a skeptic, etc. Everyone is welcome at Newsong!

So, what are you waiting for? There is a God in heaven who loves you and has a purpose and plan for your life! We want to help you get to Know God, Find Freedom, Discover Your Purpose, and Make a Difference in this life! Take your

Contact Us: Phone: 917-342-2559; Mailing Address: P.O. Box 100, BX, NY 10475; Email: CentralTeam@newsongchurchnyc.org; Website: www.newsongchurchnyc.org.

Social Media: Instagram : @newsongchurchbx; Facebook : @newsongchurchbx; Twitter: @newsongchurchbx; YouTube: Newsong Church NYC.

––Pastor Mike Tolone

––Nancy Rosario

Bronx County Chorus: