Co-op City Times 12/17/16 by Co-op City Times

Vol. 51 No. 51

Saturday, December 17, 2016

Councilman King Teaches M.S. 181 Students The Value Of Community Participation

day morning before the entire student body and staff. The event entitled, “People Pay Attention to People Who Participate,” was designed to recognize the participating young students, but perhaps more importantly, demonstrate to the student body the rewards of giving of yourself and volunteering for the benefit of the entire community and beyond. To help bring home that point, Councilman King invited two guest speakers to the event: Bruno Iciano, a Community Affairs Liaison with the city’s Sanitation Department; and New York City School Superintendent Meisha Ross-Porter. Referring to Councilman King’s Operation Clean-up through which community volunteers help clean key sectors of the community, Sanitation’s Mr. Iciano told the students: “It is very important that from your age on, maybe even younger, that you get involved in these types of programs because we Twenty-five 6th, 7th, and 8th graders from Co-op City’s M.S. 181 accepted awards all like to live in a nice community from Councilman Andy King for their volunteer efforts towards the councilman’s and what makes that happen is for community betterment activities. M.S. 181 Principal Christopher Warnock accepted

To thank and honor the students, teachers and administrators from Co-op City’s M.S. 181 who helped City Councilman Andy King and his staff organize and successfully hold a community clean-up event along Co-op City’s Baychester Avenue earlier this year, the councilman personally recognized and honored each of the 6th, 7th and 8th grade students who volunteered for the clean-up during a special assembly program MonBY BILL STUTTIG

a plaque from the councilman on behalf of the entire school.

Photo by Bill Stuttig

(Continued on page 2)

UPS Access Point Lockers To Begin Operations In Co-op City This Week 25¢

With by far the busiest package delivery week of the year at hand, United Parcel Service (UPS), perhaps by as early as Monday, will begin using three access point locker facilities in Co-op City – BY BILL STUTTIG

(Continued on page 4)

A worker installs a new UPS Access Point Locker in Dreiser Shopping Center on Thursday. Photo by Kim Umstead

Register Today For Renaissance Disabilities Committee Speaker Series Youth Center’s Music 4 All Program Brings Valuable Information To Co-op

Final registration will be held today, Saturday, Dec. 17, in room 18 of the Dreiser Center, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., for the Renaissance Youth Center’s Music 4 All program in Co-op City which offers significantly discounted music lessons to young people who are shareholders of Co-op City. The program, sponsored by the Riverbay Fund, provides 8 weeks of music lessons for only $25 per child, a discount of more than 50% off the regular cost. “We are so happy to welcome Renaissance Music 4 All to Co-op City!” said Director Deborah Jenkins, president of the Riverbay Fund and Riverbay Board treasurer. “Mr. Bervin Harris’ reputation as a musician, teacher and mentor to young people is well-known throughout NYC. “As the leader of the Riverbay Fund, I feel that it’s very important for us to develop BY ROZAAN BOONE

(Continued on page 10)

City Shareholders and Employees The Riverbay Board’s Disabilities & Accommodations Committee (DAAC) has initiated a bimonthly speaker series, which will highlight a variety of topics presented by knowledgeable guest speakers, beginning this Wednesday, Dec. 21 with a seminar on “Combating the Holiday Blues.” DAAC, which is chaired by Board director Andrea Leslie, announced that Wednesday’s program will be held from 1-3 p.m. in room 28 of the Bartow Community Center, and an invitation is extended to not only Co-op City shareholders, but employees as well. “I am thrilled to see the speaker series established through the Disabilities Committee,” said Board President Berk, former chair of DAAC. “One of the ways we can assist those in the community is to bring professionals to the community to share their expertise. The first speaker, on the holiday blues, is so important because of how many people experience the blues around the holidays.” This month’s guest speaker BY ROZAAN BOONE

(Continued on page 2)

Be On The Look-Out...

Beginning in January 2017, shareholders will be receiving the notice above, which is being posted in your building lobbies this coming week for informational purposes. The January mailing will include the fire safety plan and the annual window guard form which has to be filled out following the directions, which will be included in the mailing, and returned to Riverbay management. You will receive more information as we approach the date of the mailing, however, for now, please familiarize yourself with the notice by reading the poster in your building lobby.

DAAC

Co-op City Times / December 17, 2016

will be Dr. Nathan Lovemore, a clinical psychologist who addressed the availability of mental health treatments at DAAC’s second annual disabilities expo held in Co-op City in October. Dr. Lovemore’s presentation will begin promptly at 1:30 p.m. and will be followed by a question and answer session. DAAC’s current chair, Director Leslie, stated that many people experience depression during the holidays and suffer in silence instead of reaching out for support and assistance, hence the importance of this series which brings speakers, literature and resources into the community. “I’m very happy to see this program materialize because it is so essential to the cooperators,” said Director Leslie. “The speaker series is open to everyone in the community and everybody should take full advantage of what it offers. It is my hope that it will be beneficial in terms of helping those who need the information and resources that will be made available, as well as heighten awareness among others about the types of challenges their neighbors and co-workers may be facing.” At Wednesday’s seminar, tips will be provided on mental wellness, feeling alone, suicide prevention, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and holiday safety tips from the Co-op City Public Safety Department. Cheryl Silvera, a member of DAACS and the Co-op City Seventh-Day Adventist Church, is one of the organizers of the speaker series, and has studied and written extensively on “winter blues” and SAD. “We will be kicking off the series with combatting the holiday blues because traditionally because of the seasonal changes, depression steps in, and we thought it was a good idea to help those who are experiencing this at this time of the year,” said Ms. Silvera, pointing out that mortality rate increases to 32% at this time of the year. “Seasonal Affective Disorder starts in late fall, and goes all the way until the beginning of summer so people’s moods are affected and it has to do with the sleep cycle,” said Ms. Silvera. “This is something that affects not only those who are at home, but those who work, since it’s dark when we leave for work in the morning and dark when we are returning home so our sense of well-being is eroded.” Ms. Silvera notes that senior citizens, many of whom live alone, and those in selfimposed isolation, are especially vulnerable to depression and SAD, especially during late fall and heading into the winter months. Children also should be watched for signs of SAD. These signs can include hopelessness, increased appetite with weight gain, increased sleep, less energy and ability to focus and concentrate, loss of interest in work and other normal activities, sluggishness, social withdrawal, unhappiness, irritability and suicidal thoughts and conversations. She added that diet also plays a role. “Carb craving is a big deal also,” said Ms. Silvera. “Carbohydrates are well known as belonging to a category referred to as ‘comfort food.’ No big stretch in imagining the disastrous effects on your waistline, carbs temporarily lifts the mood, but then brings you crashing down – fast! Not good for moods.” As a result, it is very important to eat balanced meals and avoid junk food. Equally important is to set as normal a sleep cycle as possible, opening up blinds and drapes to let sunlight in during the day, and removing clutter from your space, both at home and at work, since clutter creates stress and depression. These, and more, valuable tips will be shared by Ms. Silvera at the Dec. 21st seminar on combatting the holiday blues. “Riverbay will be rebroadcasting the presentation so that those who cannot make the live presentation will still be able to benefit from what the speakers will share with us,” said Board President Berk. Registration is not required to attend the speaker series which will continue throughout the new year. Ms. Silvera said that the programs will be interactive, and include Power Point presentations and graphics to highlight the importance of the conversations being undertaken. On January 26, 2017, DAAC will address Alzheimer’s awareness. In March, developmental disability awareness will be the topic of discussion and mental health will be the focus during May, which is recognized nationally as National Mental Health Month. General disabilities awareness will be discussed in July; Disaster preparedness for persons with disabilities and care animals in September and chronic illnesses and disabilities in November. (Continued from page 1)

King awards

the community to work as a team. There are a lot of ways you can get involved even if it is just by picking up a telephone and telling us what needs to be done in your community.” School District Superintendent Ross-Porter told the students, “You can either be part of the problem or participate in the solution and that is what today is about, being part of the solution.” “Councilman King spoke about participating in street clean-ups and participating in community activities or in your school and I agree with everything he said. You have an obligation to participate in the activity of learning in your school so I expect that when I come back here, I will see all of you participating actively in learning and asking questions. There is no excuse for not participating.” Councilman King added that the reason why the students being honored were chosen for their awards is “because when someone asked them to step up, they found reasons to do so rather than excuses for why not to.” “I am saying to all of you today,” he added, “that when you get the call to participate in something that is bigger than you, find your reason for showing up. My father taught me that there is no such phrase as ‘I can’t.’ He taught me to take that out of my vocabulary and I am asking you to do the same — take ‘I can’t’ out of your vocabulary.” The Councilman then proceeded to call each of the M.S. 181 students to the stage who told him “I can,” rather than “I can’t,” when he asked for help in cleaning up the community. The students who received the special recognition from the councilman were: Amarachi Akabogu, Gabriel Allen, Isyss Arkofor, Janelle Bailey, Nathaniel Brown, Brianna Caban, Dejanae Carter-Monique, Esmeralda Cuautle, Allyah Davenport, Onajah Ebanks, Precious Egwuogu, Marvin Harris, Faith Howell, Sajjad Khan, Amaya McIntyre, Nephertiti Moirs, Joseph Molina, Michelle Oliver, Shanely Perez, Michael Phoenix, Ibrahim Rauf, Elijah Richards, Kallani Torres and Alexis Williams. The program concluded with a special presentation of a portrait honoring the students’ and the school’s activities on behalf of the community presented by Councilman King to School Superintendent Meisha Ross-Porter. Deputy Superintendent Jeremy Kavanagh, M.S. 181 Principal Christopher Warnock and Assistant Principal Nelson Medina and the entire student body cheered the good works of the school and their classmates. (Continued from page 1)

Co-op City Times / December 17, 2016

Co-op City Times 2 n d

Front Pa ge

20th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration

Combing Co-op City

The Coalition of African American Churches & Community Organizations hosted its 20th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration last Sunday, December 11, in room 31 of the Bartow Center.

tural/Political Leadership Award to Ms. Lori Melton, president of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), Co-op City Section. Ms. Melton was unable to attend, but she was

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

Christmas Eve Prayer Gathering on Greenway

Faith @ Work Christian Church and Pastor Deborah Jenkins invite the community to meet on the Section 1 Greenway at 2 p.m. Christmas Eve for the “Gift of Prayer” Gathering. In this season of giving and honoring the birth of Jesus, we will gather for one hour to pray and give thanks. All are welcome!

NCNW Holiday Drive for Youth

The NCNW is having its 12th annual Holiday Drive to support youth who are in need at Phipps Neighborhood Residence Home, which is a shelter located near the Co-op City community. The organization is collecting new, unwrapped: toys (no weapons), books, hats, scarves, gloves and socks for the age of newborns to those 18 years of age in high school. They will also be collecting Pampers and pullups for infants and toddlers. The final dropoff date is today, Saturday, December 17th, from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Dreiser Community Center, room 14. For further information, please call (917)399-2643 or contact the NCNW on Facebook at NCNW Co-op.

Francine Jones assists children in lighting candles for the Kwanzaa Ceremony.

The featured speaker was Dr. Daniel Black, professor at Clark Atlanta University and author of “The Coming” and “They tell me of a Home.” The Welcome Address was delivered by Director Francine Reva Jones, who is also secretary of the Coalition of African American Churches & Community Organizations. The Mistress of Ceremony, Ebony Rae Lambright, then introduced Deborah Nelson who led the Libation prayer, followed by the

Dr. Daniel Black recites excerpt from his book, "The Coming."

Lori Melton

Sandra Mitchell accepts the 2016 Cultural Leadership Award for her sister, Lori Melton, President of NCNW, Co-op City Section.

singing of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” The attendees also enjoyed entertainment by the Kuumba dancers and drummers, a Kwanzaa Candle Lighting Ceremony which was led by Director Jones, a kids’ quiz and presentation of gifts, African dancing and a Karamu Feast. There were also vendors, games and refreshments. During the program, the organization presented its Cul-

represented by her sister, Ms. Sandra Mitchell, who accepted the award on her behalf. Lori Melton grew up in Co-op City. She is a graduate of M.S. 180 and Truman High School. Lori went on to further her education and graduate from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. She is the wife of John Melton and mother of Troi Melton. Lori’s faith taught her that she is not here to be served, but to serve. She is a faithful member of the

"Lift Every Voice and Sing."

Photos by Iman Drammeh

Parish of St. Charles Borromeo, Resurrection and All Saints Church where she has been teaching Religious Education for 18 years and currently serves as the Parish Coordinator of the Religious Education Program. In addition to serving as president of the NCNW Co-op City Section, Lori is also a member of the North Manhattan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. where she serves on (Continued on page 10)

Bereavement group resumes Jan. 9, 2017

The Monday JASA bereavement support group, facilitated by Rev. Dr. Robert A. Smith, Jr., which meets in room 13 of the Dreiser Center, will not be meeting on Monday, Dec. 26 and again on Monday, January 2, 2017. Meetings will resume on Monday, January 9, 2017. If there is a need, you may contact Dr. Smith at (917) 734-4058. Francine Jones gives welcome address.

Kuumba dancers.

MC Ebony Lambright (L) and Francine Jones.

UPS Lockers

Co-op City Times / December 17, 2016

one in each community center. Access Point Lockers are a service recently made available by UPS in select communities whereby drivers who fail to deliver a package to a home on the first try now have the option of placing that package in a secure locker and notifying the resident of its location with specific instructions about how they, and only they, can retrieve the package from the locker unit. The locker units, which contain several lockers of various sizes all under 24-hour surveillance by the private parcel delivery service, were installed in the community centers beginning on Thursday with Dreiser Center, yesterday at Einstein Center and Bartow Center expected to be addressed over the weekend. All three new units are in central exterior locations in each center and each has been placed under an overhang to protect the units and their users from the rain, said Riverbay’s Commercial Leasing Director Kim Umstead. In order for a driver to make the determination to leave a package in an Access Point Locker, a UPS representative explained that the locker must be less than a half of a mile from the home of the customer who missed the delivery. In the case of Co-op City, every home is within a half mile of a community center. Awosanya Olufemi, who has been the point person for UPS in arranging for the locker units to be placed in Co-op City and setting them up, explained that a driver failing at an attempt to make a first delivery of a package will leave a UPS info notice at the home notifying the resident of the missed delivery and how to retrieve the package from the nearby locker. The resident can then go to the locker unit and scan the barcode on the notice on the unit barcode scanner on the top right hand corner of the unit. (See diagram at right). The person retrieving the package can also enter the tracking number using the touch screen in the center of the unit. To ensure that the intended recipient is the one retrieving the package, a government ID belonging to that person must also be scanned by the unit in order for the locker to be opened. UPS customers with cell or iPhones can also use their phones to release the package by entering their registered cell number. A PIN will be sent to the phone which will then release the package when the number is entered and a matching signature is entered into the unit’s touch screen. Each unit also provides around-theclock customer service easily activated at each unit or by calling a customer service

helpline number—1-866-790-8450. Sonja Maxwell, Co-op City long time president of Cooperators United, said this week that she has major concerns with the plan as it’s being presented. Some of those concerns are specifically about elderly or disabled residents or others who cannot easily access a locker in a central location or who might have high priority items being sent to them, such as prescription medications, which can result in a medical emergency if delivery is delayed by placement in a secondary location, such as a locker. Ms. Maxwell also expressed concern about the security of the units and the safety of residents retrieving packages from the lockers, particularly at times when the community centers are typically desolate – such as overnight hours. Matthew O’Connor, a Public Relations Manager for UPS’s corporate headquarters, explained that drivers are trained to recognize any suspicious behavior as they use the access point lockers and also the locker units are under constant instantly retrievable video surveillance. Mr. O’Connor and the New Yorkbased Mr. Olufemi both stressed that having packages placed in a locker and retrieved by the customer is an option strictly up to the customer. Customers who missed the first delivery attempt can also request that the driver return and retrieve the package from the locker for a second or third delivery attempt. Mr. O’Connor recommended that UPS customers – especially those receiving regular high priority deliveries such as prescription medicine go to the UPS website and sign up for the free My Choice program which provides UPS customers regular updates sent to a home computer or mobile phone on the status of each package and when exactly delivery can be expected so the customer can make sure they are home or they can designate where they would like the package delivered to if they can’t be home to accept delivery – either with a neighbor, relative, in a locker or to another access point location in the area. The UPS spokesman explained that the Access Point Locker program only began in June nationwide and is being rolled out in segments. He said the lockers are an off-shoot of the Access Point Location program which used local business as nearby drop off points for missed deliveries. Mr. O’Connor explained that one of the problems with using local businesses – particularly in high density communities, such as Co-op City – is that these businesses often get overwhelmed with the volume of packages. (Continued from page 1)

Deepest Sympathy

It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of Edwin Lugo, a utility person in the Riverbay Maintenance Department. Please keep Mr. Lugo’s family in your thoughts and prayers as they mourn the loss of their loved one.

He said that a community such as Co-op City fits well with the locker program because all the homes are no more than just a few blocks or less from the locker units. “In other areas where we have introduced this,” Mr. O’Connor said, “once people try it, they like it.” He added that the locker units are of different sizes and modular so the vast majority of packages delivered by UPS can fit into them. Mr. Olufemi said that the lockers are a much better alternative to travelling over to the UPS facility near the Whitestone Bridge to pickup their packages. He added that Co-op City will be one of the first communities in New York City to have the new locker units and the first high-rise community in the entire city. He said that the idea to bring the locker units to Co-op City grew out of a request from Riverbay management to UPS for the parcel delivery service to

try to do something to improve the system currently in place in the community after hearing frequent complaints from residents. Assistant General Manager Warren Mitchell gave a brief overview of the proposal to residents attending an open board meeting in September, but at that time, many of the details were not ironed out yet. Riverbay will receive a licensing fee of $250 per month per unit for the placement of the units in the shopping centers. UPS has full responsibility for the maintenance of the units and all necessary repairs over time. Mr. Mitchell acknowledged that the licensing fees do not add up to much money for the community, but the hope is that aside from improving the parcel delivery service system in the community, the placement of the locker systems in the shopping centers will increase foot traffic to the centers, benefitting local merchants.

Co-op City Times / December 17, 2016

It’s

JASA’s Christmas Party

HAPPENING in Co-op City!

The JASA Senior Services program in Co-op City held its annual Christmas Party last Friday, Dec. 9, at the Dreiser auditorium and a grand time was had by all. The menu included pastelitos, chicken soup, chicken apple walnut salad, roasted pork shoulder (pernil), wild rice and brown rice w/vegetables, chicken piccata, virgin pina colada and dessert, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. There was music for dancing by DJ Woody and the fabulous Honey Taps entertained the crowd with their fancy footwork reminiscent of the uber-talented Radio City Rockets.

Building Halls And Lobbies Get Festive Makeovers! Luis Rivera of Building 17 spends two weeks each year beautifully decorating the 15th floor of Building 17 to the delight of his neighbors.

CO-OP CITY FOOT CARE CENTER SECTION 5 • BUILDING 29C 4240 HUTCHINSON RIVER PARKWAY EAST

(718) 671-2233 James Payne, Barbara Johnson and Betty Thomas stand beside the beautiful decorations that they assemble each holiday season in the building’s lobby to bring joy to all Building 17 residents.

Dorothea Castle, President of the Building 15A Association decks out her building’s lobby each year with lights garland, and adornments celebrating Christmas, Chanukah and, Kwanzaa. Helping her decorate this year were Frankie Alexander, Debbie Williams and Gwen Peterson with assistance by Carmen Molina and Christine Sousa. Photos by Bill Stuttig

DR. LOUIS JACOBS, DIRECTOR ALL FOOT CONDITIONS TREATED The in-office surgical correction of BUNIONS • HAMMERTOES • INGROWN TOENAILS PAINFUL CORNS and CALLOUSES The treatment of traumatic foot injuries, heel spurs, bursitis and arthritis of the joints of the feet, toenail and skin infections, as well as other conditions.

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

Diabetic Patients with Medicare may be eligible for shoes.

Co-op City Times / December 17, 2016

Letters to the Editor

Use of Corporate Funds Questioned

To the Editor: While I applaud the Board’s response to the Trump election by encouraging cooperators to get out and demonstrate, joining the Washington, DC or NYC marches on January 21st, I most vehemently oppose the use of corporate funds to subsidize what is unquestionably a political activity. Riverbay is a housing company, not a social service agency or a lobbying group or a political action committee. Our maintenance dollars MUST go for direct Riverbay-related needs, not one cent to any other activity regardless how laudable. I am not even sure if (1) the president of the

Board has the authority to spend such dollars for this activity, (2) whether it would be an approved corporate expenditure pursuant to HCR regulations, or (3) a violation of our non-profit status. There are countless Co-op City organizations which could undertake sponsorship of those buses. There are political groups who certainly could handle this. There is no need to involve the corporation; it sets an incredibly bad precedent for future Boards. Imagine a Board majority which voted to subsidize political activities that support causes or groups to which this Board is opposed, let alone a large number of cooperators. I cannot recall one

such instance in 45 years that I have lived here that a Board has done such a thing. This doesn’t reflect badly on the progressive nature of past Boards, only their adherence to the housing nature of our cooperative and fiscal prudence. I wholeheartedly support the January 21st DC and NYC marches for Women’s Rights. I will be there, as will my entire family; I encourage everyone to get involved, we face terrible days ahead. Riverbay’s Board can give moral support and encouragement if that’s their position, but they have no right to use our rent money. —Charles Rosen

Board President Responds To Mr. Rosen

Dear Mr. Rosen: I am delighted to know that you understand the relevance and significance of this community speaking out and being heard around issues fundamental to their lives. I am also glad to know that you and your family will be marching with us and tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of Americans who are concerned about the policies of the next administration. However, I am quite troubled that you have made your vehement opposition without considering the facts. The March on Washington is NOT a political activity! Donald Trump has been elected President and we are NOT endorsing or protesting against him or any other political candidate. This community is going to Washington to speak up and stand out to let Washington, and yes, Donald Trump, know that we are concerned about the policies that have been espoused by the President-elect; policies that will

severely and negatively affect the members of our community. As the largest NORC in the country, we have lots to be concerned about personally that is in NO way political. It is personal and it is for OUR survival, not a political candidate or organization. Second, Riverbay is NOT and NEVER has been a non-profit organization. We are a limited profit corporation, which I’m sure you know. Our participation in the March on Washington does have precedent. In 1975, Riverbay supplemented the cost to send fifty buses to Albany to “lobby” for legislation that would have a positive impact on the community. Co-op City is not just brick and mortar, we are a city within a city, by design. We are not a social service agency, but we are a community that is isolated and, therefore, has historically met the needs of the shareholders. Riverbay has always supplemented community and faith-based organizations, and you are very much aware of this from your tenure as director

of the Yellow School House, which Riverbay supported at levels we cannot afford to today. Third, I have NOT and NEVER would spend money outside of my authority, nor have I broken any HCR regulation. What we have done in supporting this event is support the consciousness of the community. We are giving this community a chance to be heard, I would think you would understand the need to fight for one’s rights. I was overwhelmed at how many organizations have responded to the call for action. It is my hope this is just the beginning of community engagement on the next level for Co-op City. My mother always said people in glass houses should never throw stones! Please do not ever make an accusation against my integrity with false statements. I give of my time, resources and ideas to help make us a better community. —Linda Berk, President Riverbay Board of Directors

Support For Director’s Views On Fidel Castro

To the Editor: I join Director Francine Reva Jones in her viewpoint (12/10/16) comments on Fidel Castro. She writes of the hundreds of thousands of Cubans who lined the highways to say farewell as his funeral cortège passed. Mixed with the tears were shouts of “I am Fidel!” The Cuban people had reason to love Castro. When the rebellion he led in the 1950s, supported by workers' and students' strikes, overthrew the Batista dictatorship, hotels owned by American crime syndicates were confiscated, agrarian reform was instituted, and land owned by U.S. companies was distributed to farmers. When American-owned companies refused to refine the farmers' sugar, the new government nationalized them. When U.S. companies refused to deliver oil, the government contracted for deliveries from the Soviet Union. And finally, when Amer-

Article SIXTH of your Occupancy Agreement provides, in part, that your lease automatically renews for an additional three (3) year period. You need to do nothing if you want your lease to extend for another three (3) year period. If you will be moving out at the end of your lease, notify Riverbay, in writing, Attention: Sales Support Office, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475, ninety (90) days prior to lease expiration.

ican-owned companies refused to refine Soviet oil, the government nationalized them too. In 1959, President Eisenhower ordered a complete embargo against the Cuban nation. Six decades later, that embargo still punishes a nation that never harmed ours. Despite the embargo, the Cuban people enjoy the highest living standard in Latin America. Their infant mortality rate is lower than ours, while their life expectancy and literacy rates are higher. Free universal health care, and free education from preschool through university, are available. The ratio of doctorsto-patients is higher in Cuba than in the United States, and the island's physicians are internationally famous for exporting medical care. When Haiti was hit by an earthquake in 2010, Cuban doctors were the first ones to go to the devastated country—just as these

doctors were the first to travel to Africa during the Ebola epidemic there. When, in 1988, newly independent Angola appealed for help against invasion by South Africa, Cuba, and not the United States, responded. Cuba sent 36,000 volunteer soldiers, who defeated the crack apartheid army. No wonder that, after he was elected the first post-apartheid president of South Africa, in the mid-1990s, Mandela made Cuba the first stop on his international trip and thanked the Cuban people for their help in defeating the apartheid regime. President Obama has acknowledged that our embargo of Cuba has been a failure, isolating the United States from Latin America and the world. Congress and the incoming administration should act rationally and end the embargo. —Bernard Cylich (See page 28 for more letters)

Important Notice to Shareholders of Building 30 Building 30

Current Lease Expiration Date

New 3 yr. Expiration Date

Building 30 4120 & 4100 Hutchinson River Parkway E

March 31, 2017

March 31, 2020

Co-op City Times

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

Rozaan Boone Editor-in-Chief

Bill Stuttig

Associate Editor

Jim Roberts

Business Manager

Jennifer Piovanetti Operations Manager

Ralph Henriquez

Production Manager

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

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

Public Safety Report

Co-op City Times / December 17, 2016

CCPD Offers Tips For Safeguarding Your Auto

During the holiday season, it is important to be alert in regards to safeguarding your automobile in Co-op City and anywhere you may travel. Being vigilant of your surroundings will help keep you and your vehicle safe during the holiday season and all year long. Co-op City has eight garages available for resident and visitors parking. The garages serve to provide protection against the elements, as well as reducing the opportunity for crime to occur. The holiday season is a good opportunity to brush up on garage etiquette and safety. The Department of Public Safety provides these safety tips. Auto crimes are often crimes of opportunity. The criminal may observe packages or other valuables inside your vehicle and choose to break into your vehicle. Try to avoid leaving packages in your auto even when shopping. If this is unavoidable, place packages in the trunk and move your vehicle to another parking spot. Always check to make sure no one is lurking around your vehicle before placing packages in your vehicle. Nationwide thefts of handheld global positioning systems (G.P.S. devices) have been on the rise. If you own one of these devices, never leave it in your auto. Even under the seat or in the glove compartment are not safe options. Be sure to remove the windshield bracket from the window. Carry window cleaning wipes to remove the telltale circles from the windshield caused by the G.P.S. mounting bracket. Parking in the garages offers residents a safer and more convenient option than street parking. Co-op City’s eight garages are patrolled 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year by the Public Safety Department. The Department of Public Safety offers these safety tips and requests the assistance of residents in keeping the garages as safe as possible. Co-op City’s eight garages have all exits locked with entry by key only for authorized persons who possess garage leases. The exits on all four corners, as well as front and rear doors require a key to gain access. It is most important that residents make certain doors lock behind themselves. Garage parkers should also make certain not to open the door for anyone they do not know. It may seem rude not to hold the door, but granting access to persons who are not authorized presents a hazard to authorized parkers and their property. It is essential that persons who park their vehicles in any of Co-op City’s parking facilities adhere to all traffic and safety rules. Speed limits must be obeyed at all times. Speed bumps are in place on the lower floors to reduce speeding. Arrows directing the flow of traffic must be followed at all times. Up and down ramps must only be utilized for their intended direction. What may seem like a shortcut can easily become a head-on collision. Garage rules and regulations are enforced by the Co-op City Department of Public Safety, as well as the Parking Facilities Department. Community Complaints can be issued for violations of garage rules. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety utilizes uniformed officers in vehicles, in scooters, on bicycles and on foot to patrol garages. Garage patrols are conducted around the clock. Foot sweeps of garages allow officers to conduct thorough and methodical inspections. Detectives in plain clothes are also utilized to patrol the garages. Video surveillance is also in use within the garages. Upgrading and expansion of video surveillance is ongoing. Reports of suspicious persons or activities are investigated promptly. Any persons observed in the garage may be asked to provide identification, including vehicle registration for vehicle parked in the garage. Persons observed within the garages without a valid reason can be placed under arrest and receive a Universal Summons for Trespass. Arrests can also be made for crimes, including Grand Larceny Auto, Burglary or Possession of Burglars Tools. If the arrested person is a Co-op City resident, a Co-op City Community Complaint which carries a monetary fine can also be issued in connection with the arrest. This year, the Co-op City Department of Public Safety

has again joined City Harvest in its crusade to provide food to the hungry. Collection bins have been set up in all 3 community centers by Public Safety’s Sgt. Nat Diaz. The collection boxes can be found next to the elevators on the lower level of the Dreiser and Einstein community centers. There are boxes at the Public Safety base next to the Administration Offices at Bartow Avenue. There is 24 hour access to the last location. Please donate nonperishable items which are not expired. While picking up your holiday items select a few items for those less fortu-

BY LT. PAM APOLLO

nate. City Harvest picks up the donations and delivers them to those in need. Collection bins will be in place until January 13, 2017. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety is happy to be teaming up with City Harvest, an organization which helps to keep one million at risk New Yorkers from going hungry. If donating cash is easier or you would like more information, contact City Harvest. Call 1-800-77HARVEST or visit www.cityharvest.org/dnrc. In addi(Continued on page 30)

OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY

For information on CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES ONLY, please contact: Lenya Garcia at Lgarcia@riverbay corp.com; and Barbara Penn at Bpenn@riverbaycorp.com. Please note that emails should be sent to both parties. Please DO NOT email resumes for EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES to the aforementioned emails. For EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, please see bottom of the employment listings for specific directions. CONTRACT SUMMARY

Contract 3092, Preventive maintenance of Sanitary and Storm Sewers

Bids Due: Wednesday, December 28, 2016. Insurance: Winning bidder must provide insurance.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

(More Opportunities on page 30)

Co-op City Times / December 17, 2016

Cooperators To Participate In DC Demo

Director’s Viewpoint

Bernard Cylich First Vice President

Community leaders responded with overwhelming support to Board President Linda Berk’s invitation, a week after the November elections, to organize Co-op City's participation at a mass rally to be held in Washington, to bring a message to President-elect Trump the day after his inauguration. Over a dozen leaders from major community and faith-based organizations attended the meeting called by Berk. The rally in the nation's capital will be on Saturday, January 21, 2017, and our group will march under the banner “Forever Forward, Backward Never.” We have reserved 5 buses, which we expect to fill. The community leaders understood that all the gains we had achieved, with our blood, sweat, and tears, on picket lines, at rallies and demonstrations over the last 50 years, would be on the incoming administration's chopping block: ending Jim Crow and protecting women’s reproductive rights, civil liberties, labor rights, Obamacare and Social Security, in particular. Even our hope of obtaining relief from HUD for our projected $40 million to replace 130 faulty elevator motors is likely to evaporate. Bus tickets are $25 and may be purchased by email (bronxfoxx@yahoo.com), or by calling 646-522-5498. You can also call 347-913-4225, at the Bartow Center administration office, and ask for Sharan White. What’s With Dreiser Center Repair? The Dreiser Center restoration work appears to be at a standstill. Why? In May of this year, after Riverbay terminated a contract with TCS for unsatisfactory exterior renovations of Shopping Centers 1 & 2, the Board adopted two resolutions awarding a contract to Anjac Enterprises to go ahead with the work. (I voted no because Anjac is a non-union contractor.) Although, as of now, the HCR has not approved the contract, management had signed the contract with Anjac and directed the firm to proceed. Anjac has completed a good deal of the work on sidewalks and asbestos abatement in the Dreiser Center. The firm was preparing for the next phase, waterproofing the sections that had been uncovered. However, the waterproofing vendor is waiting for a permit from the fire department to operate its asphalt kettle. Despite this delay, Anjac is contractually required to complete Dreiser Shopping Center renovation by March 2017, and has promised to do so. Update On Balconies The balconies in Building 10 are being opened, and scaffolds and the bridging are being removed. At the same time, however, the new engineer/architect, which replaced ALSA, drafted a scope requiring extra work for Buildings 20 and 26 balconies. That work, as

reported before, will begin early next year. After doing soil tests that the previous architect had failed to perform, the new engineer/architect for the basketball court behind Garage 5 discovered that further drainage and piling bedrock were needed in order to support the foundation. The additional work will, of course, add unanticipated cost and delays. The Power Plant On December 9, just as gas generator #2 was being reconnected after an overhaul, gas generator #1 failed. Although our third generator, the steam generator, was and is continuing to function, however, we need at least two generators to produce enough power for our needs. With only one generator functioning, Riverbay had to import additional, and costly, power from Con Edison. Thank goodness, at least, for redundancy.

Our power plant directors anticipate that the newly overhauled gas generator #2 will go online by next week, saving us from importing expensive electricity from Con Edison. Fortunately, our plant directors assure us that the longterm gas generator maintenance agreement with Siemens requires the company to repair the failed generator at its expense. The directors claim that the failure results from a faulty ball bearing in the power turbine, which is among Siemens' responsibilities. However, the maintenance contract with Siemens does not include consequential damage — coverage that cannot be obtained at any price — and we are, therefore, not allowed to claim reimbursement for the additional Con Edison cost. Who said life is a crystal stairway? Neither is operating a massive housing community.

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Co-op City Times / December 17, 2016

Working Families Party Co-op City Chapter

The Co-op City Chapter of the Working Families Party (WFP) is holding its next meeting on Tuesday, December 20th and all progressives – from students to retirees – are invited to attend. The newly reactivated chapter meets in room 35 of the Section 5 Community Center at 7:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month. Established in 1999, the Working Families Party is a growing progressive political organization that fights for an economy that works for all of us, and a democracy in which every voice matters. WFP’s goal is to renew the American Dream by electing progressive leaders and then holding those elected officials accountable. This is the grassroots group Co-op City residents should join to resist the policies of the coming Trump administration. In his post-election statement, WFP NYS Director Bill Lipton stresses the importance of standing up for progressive policies, both social and economic. Together, we can stand against Trump’s bigoted plans by protecting immigrants, minorities, unions, the Affordable Care Act, and Roe v. Wade and by fighting voter suppression, unfair tax policies, unequal justice, and environmentally and economically harmful deregulation. First, we resist. Next, we recruit, support, and elect future candidates for city, state and national offices. The December 20th agenda includes the upcoming bus trip to the National Mall on the day after Inauguration Day. This trip is being co-sponsored by Riverbay and many of the community’s secular and faith-based organizations and clubs, including the WFP’s Co-op City chapter, will add their numbers to the 2017

Women’s March on Washington, www.facebook.com/events/2169332969958991/ The idea for the march was ignited the day after Election Day by a Hawaiian grandmother’s Facebook post that went viral. So far, nearly 400,000 Facebook followers have expressed interest in joining the demonstration. The march’s aim: to remind the incoming president that “women’s rights are human rights.” This remains a prime focus for all Progressives. Five busloads of Co-op City residents plan to join the Women's March on Washington on January 21, 2017, to send the new administration a variety of progressive messages championing a variety of progressive goals and causes. Co-op City’s chosen theme will be ”Forward ever, backward never” paying homage to the fallen African activist Patrice Lumumba. Come to the December 20th meeting ready to brain-storm specific WFP slogans. Later, the more artistic among us can turn those slogans into signs at the pre-march rally and poster party in the Dreiser auditorium scheduled for January 18th, the Wednesday before the march. Now more than ever, we need to stand together to resist the incoming administration’s plans to undo decades of progress. We must organize, unite our voices, and work together to protect our fellow citizens and ourselves by continuing the crusade for racial, social, economic, and environmental justice. Come and join your neighbors at the Working Families Party meeting on Tuesday, December 20th, at 7:30 p.m., room 35 in the Community Center, 135 Einstein Loop South, Section Five. —Mary Pearson

Happy Anniversary!

Rev. Dr. James Johnson and his wife, Amaala Johnson, have been residents of Co-op City for 32 years. On December 7th, they celebrated 42 years of marriage. The Johnsons raised four children here in Co-op City. Rev. Johnson holds a Masters degree in Religious Counseling. Both Dr. James and Amaala are chaplains and have dedicated their lives to helping others. They send their love and blessings to all of their friends and neighbors.

Congratulations, Monique!

Monique Troupe, an administrative assistant with the Riverbay Office Services Department, received her Associate’s degree earlier this year from Monroe College where she was studying criminal law. Monique graduated magna cum laude with a 3.67 GPA. She will now pursue her bachelor’s degree and hopes to ultimately study law. We wish Monique much success in all of her future endeavors.

Co-op City Times / December 17, 2016

Director’s Viewpoint

Francine Reva Jones Secretary

Pre-Kwanzaa – Thanks to everyone who attended the Kwanzaa Celebration sponsored by the Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City, Inc., including Board director, Junius Williams, and Riverbay general manager, Noel Ellison. Congratulations to Ms. Lori Melton, president of the NCNW, Co-op City Section, for earning the 2016 Cultural Leadership Award. Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped make the event so successful. The following topics were discussed at the 11/15/16 Community Relations Committee meeting, Francine R. Jones, chairperson: Haiti Emergency Relief Effort – Ms. Jones reported that the ten-day Hurricane Matthew Haitian Relief Effort, sponsored by the African-American Association of Co-op City, Riverbay Fund, Inc. and Riverbay Corp., went very well. Approximately 75 people volunteered to assist in the collection process at the former bingo hall. Five truckloads of food, clothing and supplies were donated and delivered to Walker Memorial Baptist Church for transport to Haiti. Co-op City residents donated $215. It was decided that funds be donated to So Send I You for the cost to transport the goods to Haiti. Cooperators’ Money-Saving Award Program Update – Ms. Jones reviewed the five ideas under consideration. After discussions with designated Riverbay staff and committee members, three suggestions were eliminated and one added. We are in the process of evaluating and the results will be forthcoming in due time. We thank you for your patience. Community Relations Department Update – The Community Relations Director reported: Town Hall meeting with Mayor Bill de Blasio, 11/21/16, at Academy for Scholarship and Entrepreneurship. • Double Dutch Holiday Classic 2016, 12/4, at the Apollo Theater; two free tickets per household. • Tree Lighting Ceremony, 12/7. • Parents may register their children for the

Music 4 All

programs and outreach to our youth and community with great deliberation. To this end, we presented to the Fund’s Board (also the corporate Board) a plan to underwrite a portion of the instruction cost so that as many Co-op City youth as possible can take lessons without the cost being prohibitive to parents. The Board gave overwhelming approval and as a result, for 8 weeks of instruction, the cost to parents is only $25!” In-person registration will take place in room 18 of the Dreiser Center. Registration can also be completed online by visiting the Renaissance Youth Center’s website, renaissanceyouth.org. Bervin Harris, co-founder of the Renaissance Youth Center along with Darren Quinlan, said that he hopes to start the program off in Co-op City with

Kwanzaa

Board Committee Report

Renaissance Youth Center on 12/10 and 12/17, 10 a.m.1 p.m., 177 Dreiser Loop, room 18, for the 8-week music program @ $25. RenaissanceYouth.org; 718-450-3466; info@RenaissanceYouthorg. • A recognition ceremony for Haiti volunteers on 1/18/17. Applicants to become a Co-op City Organization – The Community Relations Director reported: On 11/29 at 7 p.m. in room 28, there will be a special meeting of four youth groups that applied. • A revised application form is being developed and should be ready in January. Sports Facility Relocation Update – We discussed this topic with coaches Ivor Bascom, Winston Dinkins and Ron Hartridge of North Bronx Youth Sports Organization regarding switching Section 1 and Section 5 baseball fields. There was ambiguity as to what the Board approved in May 2016 and more clarity was needed. Town Hall Meeting with Councilman Andy King – 10/19, 6 p.m., Dreiser Center. Ms. Jones presented highlights of the meeting: Health First rep. re: obtain health insurance thru Affordable Care Act. • There is a Career and Technical Edu (CTE) School in the Bronx. • Barnes & Noble is leaving Bay Plaza, Dec. 2016. They were offered the former bingo hall, but had already accepted a different location. • Minimum wage will increase to $15 per hour in NYC effective 12/31/16. Community Board #10 Meeting – 10/20, Dreiser Center. Ms. Jones discussed that the angle parking lines at the new Asch Loop bus stop should be removed; the need for an Express Bus shelter in Section 5; and the Haiti Support Effort in Co-op City. • At tonight’s meeting, Martin Prince, Community Board #10 Chairman, responded that there are no more bus shelters, but that we could apply for benches. The Community Relations director offered to request benches. • There was a request for more lighting on the bike path leading to Section 5, to which Mr. Prince responded that he was working on it. A wider path was discussed. Mr. Prince stated that Prestige should accommodate the Co-op City community with more lighting, but it spends very little money here. • The next meeting will be held 11/17, 7:30 p.m. at the Greek School on Bruckner Blvd. Status of HCR response to Downsizing/Transferring Apartments – There has been no word from

at least 100-150 young people. “What’s amazing is the price,” said Mr. Harris. “Eight weeks for $25. I have been teaching music at a high level and coaching for about thirty years and this is a bargain.” Mr. Harris said the Music 4 All program is also open to adults since Renaissance’s goal is to meet the needs of the community as a whole. However, it should be stressed that the discounted price does not extend to adults. In addition, registration applications will be matched against income affidavits to ensure the youngsters signing up for the discounted program are indeed Co-op City shareholders. “We teach what we call recreational music, and to us, that means music made to be enjoyed…we give the youth the basics they need so they can make (Continued from page 1)

HCR on Resolution #14-07 regarding the downsizing or transferring of apartments. We were informed that some Board directors are exploring how to obtain a waiver. As chair of the Commercial Leasing & Sales Committee, we will examine these further. Speak Up for a Better Bronx – Representatives from Speak Up for a Better Bronx and Prestige discussed the Baychester Square site for the second time. They stated that, if it becomes a commercial area, it could possibly bring 9,000 more cars into the community. That is too much traffic. The Board was urged to protest with them to encourage the owner of Baychester Square to create something different, such as a senior housing development, etc. Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration – 12/11, 3 p.m., Bartow Center, rm. 31. All were invited to the Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration, sponsored by the Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City, Inc. Other – There is a need to assist the seniors in our community. A Social Service/Referral Ad Hoc Committee was approved and a chairperson appointed. It was suggested that the chairperson speaks with the legal department before beginning this service. End of report. March on Washington – The community is concerned that the administration of the President-elect will reverse the gains that were made in the past. A Women’s March on Washington is being planned for Saturday, 1/21/17. If you’d like to “get on the bus,” contact me. Holiday Safety – Upon entering my building late one evening, just as the door shut behind me, a young man tapped on the glass and asked me to open the door for him. He said that his key did not work. I did not recognize him as a resident in my building, so I told him that I did not know him and that I would not open the door for someone I didn’t know; and proceeded to the elevator. Please note that the Public Safety Department regularly advises us to refrain from allowing people entrance who we don’t recognize as living in our building. You might feel sorry for them, but we must be smart enough not to be scammed – and regret it later. Contact Me: I can be reached at 718-671-5957.

music right away,” said Mr. Harris. Mr. Harris said that after the registration period for Music 4 All in Co-op City has expired, he will assess the applications to see where interests lie and then a program will be designed for the Co-op City community based on those results. Riverbay board president Linda Berk said she is very excited that Co-op City families will now have access to a quality music program right here in the development without having to travel miles away for their children to learn and develop an appreciation for music. “Personally I am very excited about Renaissance bringing a music program here for our youth. Music is an incredible learning experience that we are losing in our schools,” Board President Berk stated. “So to be able to offer this

the Social Action Committee. Lori first joined NCNW as a youth and was a Junior Council member. She worked with the leadership within NCNW and established a Youth Committee and has taken the lead over the last 16 years to chair NCNW events and programs in the Co-op City community, such as Career Day, Fun and Games Day, various collection drives for school supplies, winter accessories, toys and canned foods, in addition to chairing the Black History Youth Celebration. Recently, Lori volunteered to assist with the drive in the Co-op City community for the people of Haiti, and remains grateful for the opportunity to work with the various organizations that she is a part of and will continue to serve in her community for the betterment of others, especially our youth. The Coalition of African-American Churches and Community Organizations thanks everyone who attended and worked hard to ensure the success of this year’s celebration. (Continued from page 3)

Kuumba drummers.

enriching opportunity to the youth of this community is wonderful! I am encouraged to know that through Renaissance, Co-op City can begin to provide additional stimulating and educational programs to enhance the development and growth of our youth. Renaissance is a welcomed addition to this community that we have worked hard and long to bring to Co-op City.” Director Leslie Peterson, who was delegated to organize the program for the Riverbay Fund, said that it took a long time, but the effort to bring a quality music instruction program to the community is finally a reality. “…With the help of our law firm Smith, Buss & Jacobs, a MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) was drawn up, amended, reviewed, discussed with the full board, and ultimately approved.”

Co-op City Times / December 17, 2016

Director’s Viewpoint

Kevin Lambright I would like to thank Board Director Francine Reva Jones not just for her kind support, but for her courage to do the right thing and not be afraid to stand up for what is right. She is not alone. I have had other Board members come to me in shock to some of the findings being revealed. I am proud to be part of a community and a leadership that recognizes when it’s time to make right some of the wrongs of our past. These are things that linger and slowly hinder our forward progress. I also want to thank those employees/residents and loyal whistle blowers who will continue to point out where the bodies are buried. I believe the only way to be rid of the negative anchors that weigh us down is to clear away the sandy mist. We know they are there, but pinpointing their exact locations will prove to be rewarding to our entire community. If you have information that may be vital to progress and positive development of our community, please contact me at my contact information below. Together, we can pave the way for our newly revitalized

We Rise Above Board to make this community one you can be proud of. The Circus There has been much talk about our Board voting to bring UniverSoul Circus to Co-op City. Let me first say that I have been a fan of this global entertainment spectacular for the past 10 years, not just for my children, but for myself. I believe that our community will welcome this global entertainment spectacular to our property for many more years to come. If you have never liked the circus (like me in the past), you will see that this is a different kind of circus. Every show is different so you will want to go more than once. The well tamed and trained animals are more talented than some of the amazing human acts. I want to thank Rod Saunders for being a positive Board director. Even though he voted against having the circus here, he came up with a positive solution to the problem he anticipated. That is what a Board director does. We come up with solutions and roadmaps to counter problems. If all we did was point out problems that shareholders already know exists without remedy that would make us just as bad as the problem. Clean-up Recently, it came to my attention that there may be

Board of Directors’ Meeting - December 14, 2016 First Reading - Resolution #16-75 SUBMITTED BY: Linda Berk SECONDED BY: Claudia Sampson BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: December 14th, 2016 WHEREAS, the Contracts Administration Department sent out 13 bid packages for Bid P998 to Purchase Network Hardware for Storage & Transmission of VMWare Images; and WHEREAS, Contract Administration received 4 bids for this purchase; and WHEREAS, the four bids were sent to the Project

Manager for review and the Project Manager and their group reviewed the bids, which they decided that the bid from ePlus Technology, Inc. was the most qualified bidder, see the attached memo, 11/29/16. NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that the proposed Contract P998 with ePlus Technology, Inc. in the amount of $404,637.80 be approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution 85-16 and amended by Resolution 95-44 and the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.

First Reading - Resolution #16-76 SUBMITTED BY: Evelyn Turner SECONDED BY: Sonia Feliciano BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: December 14th, 2016 WHEREAS, Contracts Administration sent out eight bids for Bid P1008, Purchase of Henry 660 Floor Adhesive; and WHEREAS, three bids were received and evaluated, which Home Depot was the low bidder; and WHEREAS, Home Depot’s price was $87/4 gallon

pail and we buy approximately 2,304 pail throughout the year, with the capability to order more or less according to the needs of the Flooring Department. NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that the proposed Contract P1008 with Home Depot in the amount of $210,000.00 + tax be approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution 85-16 and amended by Resolution 95-44 and the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.

entities here in Co-op City that are not paying their fair share like the rest of us here. We cannot and will not continue to camouflage rent-free businesses as community safe havens (if that be the case). The Commercial Leasing Committee will be surveying every nook and cranny that is considered commercial space for rental and verify its occupants. We will also check the income generated by those spaces. There will also be conversations with management to implement systems that properly track these locations so there is automatic notification whenever there is a change. Remember, when good systems are in place, accountability is never a question. When good systems are in place, affordability is inevitability. Be Safe The holidays are here. These are times when we need to keep an eye on our family, friends and neighbors. There are people who want what we have and look for opportunities to take it. We must protect and defend one another and our property. Remember, this all belongs to us. If you see something that seems suspicious, do not hesitate to call Public Safety. I look forward to your correspondence and feedback. I can be reached at klambright@riverbayboard.com or by phone/text at 646-721-8185.

First Reading - Res. #16-78 SUBMITTED BY: Rod Saunders SECONDED BY: Junius Williams BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING DATED: December 14th, 2016 WHEREAS, Approximately 1664 move-in/move-out permits are issued annually by the Sales Department; and WHEREAS, ongoing refurbishing of lobbys and elevator upgrades require constant vigilance to avoid expensive problems and unhappy shareholders; and WHEREAS, The Board directs that Management requires that anyone moving in or out of a building use a licensed and insured mover and that a moving permit only be issued upon proof that the moving company is registered with the New York State Department of Transportation or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and provides a certificate of insurance satisfactory to Riverbay. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That all shareholders moving in or out must use a licensed and insured mover and not a U-Haul or other type of rental van/truck and that moves are to occur Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. unless special permission is given by Riverbay. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Sales Department must modify its Move-In/Move-Out Policy to require the use of licensed and insured moving companies. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Resolution shall take effect 30 days after Board approval and that Management shall take all necessary action to comply with this resolution.

Second Reading - Resolution #16-73 SUBMITTED BY: Linda Berk SECONDED BY: Evelyn Turner BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING DATED: December 14th, 2016 WHEREAS, It is the Board’s duty to ensure that Co-op City procures sufficient insurance coverages at the most competitive prices; and WHEREAS, Insurance policy quotes are often negotiated up until the week of the insurance deadline which can produce significant premium savings for Co-op City; and WHEREAS, the Board has previously prepared

emergency resolutions to approve new insurance policies; and WHEREAS, Risk Management has now been tasked with providing the Board with an annual calendar of insurance policy deadlines for insurance policy renewals, as well as written periodic updates on upcoming individual insurance renewals; and WHEREAS, insurance approval resolutions should be voted on at the time of the first reading. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that notwithstanding any prior resolutions that the Board shall vote on insurance approval resolutions at the time of the first reading; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Risk Management shall provide the Board with an annual calendar of insurance policy deadlines for insurance policy renewals as well as written periodic updates on upcoming individual insurance renewals; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this Resolution shall take effect immediately. YES: Berk, Cylich, Feliciano, Jenkins, Johnson, Jones, Lambright, Leslie, Peterson, Sampson, Smith, Saunders, Turner, Williams ABSENT: Graham PASSED (See page 21 for more Resolutions)

Co-op City Times / December 17, 2016

Riverbay: Your next repair appointment is in April of 2017 Director’s Viewpoint

Daryl Johnson Some of our cooperators had floods in their apartments. Thereafter, our Maintenance Department went to their apartments and cleaned up the water. But, the real problem came when they were given a date to repair their apartments. We Must Make Some Changes Here Having a flood in an apartment can be disastrous. All of the floors might be damaged. Carpet? You might have to throw your carpet away. Additionally, the walls might be dirty and smelly. So, it's important that Riverbay gets to that apartment fast and starts making the needed repairs. But, unfortunately, some cooperators recently learned that they have to wait until April of 2017 to get certain repairs done. This is not good because their apartment might be in a state of disarray for a very long time. Now, some managers did state that they want to bring in more contractors to help out. But, unfortunately, it seems like we have additional problems whenever we bring contractors here. And, one of the biggest problems is that their work gets dragged out for extended periods of time. So, management should consider training more of our 1,000-plus workers to do apartment repairs like flooring, plastering, and painting. This way, we will be able to complete these repairs at a faster rate. May I See Your ID? There is a growing concern that some people are conducting business here without an identification card from Riverbay. This is a big problem because things can happen. So, shortly, the board is going to deal with this issue. Phish and Chips Scams Watch those emails! Hackers have stepped up their

Co-op City Sports

Velocity Track Club New York is truly blessed! Thanks to the generous donations and some fundraising, we were able to purchase sweat suits for the entire team, without any cost to our parents. This is something I prayed for and it was an awesome feeling to see our children wearing their Royal Blue Velocity sweat suits at the CT Hawks Youth Developmental Meet. The last time we purchased sweat suits was in 2013 and the parents had to purchase their child’s suits. So this is extra special to the parents, they can use their funds to pay for the meets and other things associated with track & field. We (Velocity TC) say, “thank you!” Wearing the new sweat suits must have brought additional pride to our children because they performed extremely well on Sunday, December 11th at the CT Hawks Youth Developmental in New Haven, CT. This was an excellent meet

game to steal your personal information. One popular method is called phishing. Phishing involves sending out bogus emails and other data to get you to respond and divulge your personal information. And, in many cases, the emails have caught lots of people off-guard. For instance, several bank employees received a bogus phishing email and instantly fell for it. Thereafter, they amazingly followed the instructions in the email and typed in their usernames and passwords. Then, using that information, the hackers were able to easily break in and steal lots of client data from that bank. Looking back, this case demonstrates that the strongest chain is only as good as the weakest link. Now, while phishing schemes might be convenient for some hackers, other hackers prefer to go after your debit and credit cards. Yes, some of these cards might have been implanted with a chip to verify transactions. However, hackers have found ways to steal personal information from these chip cards. Without touching you, some hackers can simply walk around with a gym bag equipped with a scanner and a laptop and instantly capture the information on your debit and credit cards. Then, they can easily make a copy of those cards. Thereafter, you will be shocked to see their purchases on your bank statement. Additionally, other cases have revealed that a merchant, a store clerk, or even a waiter or waitress can swipe your card into a legitimate credit card machine for your bill. Then, they can swipe your card into their crooked scanning machine. So, you will get a receipt for your order. Then, at a later time, you will wonder how bogus charges were placed on your debit or credit card. Bottom line: People will generally review their credit card statements. But, have you recently checked the activity on your debit card statement? If not, then, how do you know if someone has hacked your account? What will you do if you see some extra activity on your account? Look, you're going to be very upset if you see that someone has surreptitiously stole the information from your credit or debit card. Therefore, I want to encourage you to please review your statements as soon as

possible. Don't Drink and Drive A few years ago, a young mother stayed home with her baby son. Then, when the father came home, they decided to drive to an appointment. While on the road, a vehicle that was allegedly driven by a drunk driver crossed over a divider and smashed into their car. The alleged drunk driver died at the scene. Thereafter, the entire family was flown to a hospital. Later on, the father and the baby died. This young mother was so devastated by the sudden loss of her 15-month-old son and her husband that she now does everything to encourage people to not drink and drive. If you're going to a party, please be responsible and make good plans so that you will not drive under the influence of alcohol. Part of your plans can include using public transportation, a taxi service, or a designated driver to get home. I hope that all of our readers will consider this information and then make a strong and responsible decision to never drink and drive. Additionally, I hope that everyone will have a wonderful holiday season that's filled with love, joy, peace, and happiness. Thank you. Close Some thieves are doing everything possible to steal your money. So, please be careful where you use your debit and credit cards. Also, please stop and think before you click on an email link. Thank you. Questions or comments? Please send a letter to: Daryl Johnson, Riverbay Board Director, c/o Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. Or, please send a message to me at darylhjohnson@optonline.net (There are absolutely no problems with this email address. So, please double-check the spelling of this address if your message bounces back to you.) Also, please call me at 718-671-4544 if you don't receive a response from your message. You can also join me on Facebook by typing in: Daryl H. Johnson. Okay, that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful week. And, may God bless you and your family. Thank you.

Velocity Track Club New York with most of the top teams from Conn. The meet was held at the Lovely Floyd Little Athletic Center. Plus, they only charged $10 per athlete to compete in 3 events. That is truly a blessing, since some meets cost $8 for one event. The following events contested were: 1500M Race Walk, 55 meter hurdles for all ages, 1500 meters race, 400 meters, 55 meters dash, 800 meters, 200 meters and 3000 meters, in addition to the long jump, high jump, shot put and pole vault. The following VTC athletes finished in the top 3: In our boy’s 5 & 6 years old division: Our grandson, Justyce Moore, took 2nd in the 55 meter hurdles. In the 55 meters dash, Justice Wellington took 1st in the 400 meters, 2nd in the 200 meters and 3rd in the 200 meters dash. In the 7 & 8 girls and boys division: Kassir Gayle took 1st in the shot put and 2nd in the 55 meter dash. Pierce Parker took 1st in the 800 meters and 3rd in the 400 meter race. Dillon Hampton took 2nd in the 800 and 400 meters dash. In the 9 & 10 years old division: Dakota Hickman took 2nd in the High Jump, Tiarra Jackson took 1st in the 1500 meters Race Walk and Adonijah Washington took 2nd. Aysya Brown took 3rd in the 1500 meter race and Matthiaus Anderson took 2nd in the Shot Put. In the 11 & 12 years old division: Hannah Gadpalle showed off and

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VTC Athletes at the CT Hawks Meet wearing their Royal Blue Velocity sweat suits.

showed out! She won the 55 meters, 200 meters and 400 meters race, plus she broke the meet record in all 3 events! Not to be denied his 3 in a row 1st place finish was Dontae Lindo, who won the 3,000 meters, 1500 meters and 800 meters race. He also broke the meet record in the 1500 meters race. Jordon Ingram ran his personal best in the 3,000 meters for a 2nd place finish and 3rd in the 1500 meter race. Julian Caldwell took 3rd in a hard 800 meters race and Kabir Gaybarik took 3rd in the 400 meter race. All athletes performed, especially our 7 & 8 girls Shyenne Blake and Miniya Fraser performing

long jump for the 1st time. Great job!! Our next meet will be the Colgate Women’s Games starting on Friday, December 16th, 17th & 18th. Our Boys will compete in the Armory Youth Meet on Sunday, December 18th. Velocity Track Club New York is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit. One hundred percent of your donation will go to help our children. For additional information, you can go to our website, Velocitytrack.org, or contact me, Coach Winston Dinkins at 914-441-6196 or via email at watclt @aol.com. —Winston Dinkins

Call 718.320.3300, Ext. 3384 for our affordable rates.

Co-op City Times / December 17, 2016

NAACP Co-op City Branch #2210

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Mailing Address: P.O. Box 75-3111, Einstein Station, Bronx, NY 10475 President: Jerome Rice Office telephone: (718) 320-3210 Address: 135 Einstein Community Center, rm. 36 Office hours: Monday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Wednesday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Friday, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Theme: Our Lives Matter â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Our Votes Count. Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities. NAACP Statement on President-elect Trump selections for top advisors by Cornell William Brooks, president and CEO of the NAACP, can be accessed online: http://www.naacp.org/latest/naacp-statement-president-elect-trump-selections-topadvisors/. Note: HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE is scheduled for Saturday, December 17th, Einstein, rm. 49 from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. ALL ARE WELCOMED. This will replace the end of year membership meeting and celebration previously scheduled for Sunday, December 18th. Bring a dish, beverage, or dessert. If not sure what to bring, just call the office. Membership Campaign: Lifeblood of the association. Your membership dollars help lead the fight for freedom, justice and equality. The community at-large is invited to join the Co-op City Branch #2210. Become a new member, renew, recruit, gift or sponsor an annual membership for self or another. Adult regular membership is $30 and youth membership is $10. We have some exciting and challenging projects planned and we need your help. We look forward to working with you to go forward and meet the mandates of the NAACP. VOTER REGISTRATION IS AN ONGOING ACTIVITYâ&#x20AC;ŚRegistration forms available in office. Be prepared to VOTE! If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t vote, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t complain. Note: On Saturday, January 21, 2017 our branch will participate in Co-op Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s March on Washington. We will be travelling by charter bus and the cost is $25 per person. Seats are limited. If you are interested in going, call the office for more details. Save the Date: December 17 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Holiday Open House December 18 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; End of year Membership Meeting & Celebration/CANCELLED January 21, 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s March on Washington (Co-op City participation) January 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Jubilee (work in progress) February 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Black History Month Essay Contest (P.S. 160 work in progress) â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Jerome L. Rice

Building 17 Association Fighting for Quality of Life

Hello neighbors and friends. Do you have the holiday spiritâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;some of your neighbors do. Take a tour of your building starting with the lobby and see the warmth, love and beauty which was poured into it. Spearheaded by Barbara Johnson and a small group of volunteers, Ms. Betty Thomas, Ms. Elizabeth Roach and Ms. Sophie Brown, we all thank you for your hard work and dedication. Also, I would like to take my hat off to the family on the 15th floor whose imagination and spirit brought midtown to uptown in our building. Kudos to everyone who put their masterful and personal touch to it. Last, but not least, the 18th floor who added their love and personal touch. Hats off to everyone for your spirit and love. The last day for food and toy collection is the 19th of December. For late comers, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still time, thank you. Remember, when celebrating with family and friends, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget about safety. Lots of love and prayers for the sick and shut-ins. Get well soon and have a safe holiday. Remember, if everyone did a little, no one has to do alot! â&#x20AC;&#x201D;James Payne

Building 22A &B Association

To show your appreciation for the lobby attendant and Maintenance staff, we will be in the lobby two additional days, December 15 & 16 at 6:30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8:30 p.m., 22B side. Collection dates are December 17, 21, 22, 23 at 5-7 p.m. Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and Happy Kwanzaa. 2017 agenda â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Pokeno night, January 14, 2017 in the association room on the B side at 6:30 p.m. Our trip to Foxwoods Casino on March 11, 2017. $35 per person. (Rebate to be announced). Tanger Outlets. Bus departs at 9 a.m. from Asch Loop next to library. To purchase tickets, call Joan June, 718-671-7079, or Katrina Minus-Shepard, 718-6714453. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for association dues for the year. The time and dates will be posted. Happy birthday to all in December. Our prayers to the sick and shut-ins. Sympathies to all the families who have lost a loved one. Be safe. If you see something, say something. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Betty Leak

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Baychester Visual Arts Association

Our 2016-2017 season portends to be one of the most exciting in our history â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with art classes, art shows, lecture/demonstrations and workshops, free and open to the public. BVAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current class sessions meets in Room 5, Dreiser Community Center. You can choose from the 2 class schedules which are 1:00 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3:00 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5:30 p.m. The fees are as follows: Annual membership is $35 a year and a session of 10 classes is $60. The next session of classes continues to Jan. 31st. This is the best bargain in the Bronx â&#x20AC;&#x201C; maybe even the city â&#x20AC;&#x201C; given the quality of instruction offered. Mr. Moses Groves, BVAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own art instructor, will be the artistic guide for these classes. Mr. Groves is an accomplished artist who has studied at the Art Students League and NYU. He has exhibited work in the New York and New Jersey area and has won awards for his artwork. You can call M. Groves at 201-862-0847 or S. Lochansky at 718-379-1049 for more information. You can register in room 5 on Tuesdays at the Dreiser Community Center or by mail indicating the class time desired. Tuition can be sent to Baychester Visual Arts, P. O. Box 678, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475. Our winter show will be at the Baychester Library in the Bartow shopping mall. We will have our artwork on display for the month of December. Stop by and see some beautiful paintings done by the students of BVA. BVA is a non-profit, self-supporting organization that needs your support to continue offering high level art instruction at these bargain prices. So come join BVA on this fabulous artistic trek, take a class, make a tax deductible donation, and feel the satisfaction of being a creator and/or patron of the arts. All checks should be made out as indicated above. Science is for the body and art is for the soul. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Sylvia Lochansky

JASA Saturday Program Cancelled Today

JASA Co-opÂ City has canceled the program for Saturday, December 17, at Dreiser, room 4, due to unpredictable weather.Â Please stay indoors if you do not have to be out.

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Co-op City Times / December 17, 2016

Director’s Viewpoint

Evelyn Turner While America celebrates the life of NASA’s Astronaut John Glenn, and rightfully so, America’s girls and boys read nothing in the praises about the role of another key person. That person was his NASA colleague, a Black woman, named KATHERINE JOHNSON. She was also known at NASA as the “human computer,” a renowned mathematician who desegregated West Virginia graduate school and calculated the trajectory for Alan Shepard’s first trip into space in 1961. It is reported that she ran on a February afternoon in 1962 to Mission Control when John Glen refused to take off on his orbit around the Earth until Johnson, and only Johnson, double checked his launch calculations. It’s interesting to note that Ms. Johnson had to use the “colored bathroom” at Virginia’s Langley Research Center. Black women mathematicians were not considered for jobs performing calculations and plotting data in NASA’s research division until the early 1940’s several years behind White women. Katherine Johnson, now 98 years old, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015 for her crucial calculations. Our girls of all ethnic backgrounds need to know about Katherine Johnson and other women mathematicians. That said,we should applaud the Greater Bronx Chapter of THE LINKS Incorporated, NSBEJr & NYC Department of Youth & Community Development for sponsoring “THE BRONX FAB LAB” for ninth (9th) grade girls! The call is for “all fabulous ninth (9th) grade girls!” Girls are needed to emulate Katherine Johnson, now 98 years old. These organizations want girls to explore the beauty industry and prepare for STE (A) M careers in Science - Technology – Engineering - Arts &Mathematics. Applications are available now, until December 23, 2016, at the Evander Campus Beacon, 800 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, NY 10467, room 160, West Gym Office. Parents can also call cooperator Nicole Graham-McCathem at 718-637-3799. Other contact information: mdoyle@

Hidden History mmcc.org & tbrown@mmcc.org. Another request is for parents, faith-based organizations, the Riverbay Fund, community organizations, and building association presidents to gather up all the little and big girls and take them to see the story, “Hidden Figures,” about the historic American woman mathematician, Katherine Johnson. As we get ready for a “new day” in our country’s leadership/politics, our girls especially need to see and know that there are women who did not hug their chains, but challenged circumstances and limitations in breaking through doubt, loneliness and ridicule. We can all draw strength from their struggles and victories under the leadership of our new President come 2017. Good News After months of this directors’ suggestion and current management, UPS and Riverbay have reached an agreement to have UPS install its smart lockers in Co-op City. Installations will take place this week and the sites under consideration are: 121 Dreiser Loop & 123 Einstein Loop. A personal note was received from Femi Awosanya, U.S. UPS Access Point Network Supervisor, who knew how many times this director was denied getting the item on the Riverbay Board agenda. This will be a great convenience for cooperators who receive packages. Bad News This director has been asked to advocate for senior citizens in Co-op City who receive “Meals on Wheels.” Reportedly, the meals are loaded with SUGAR and are, therefore, considered very unhealthy for most, if not all. This smart senior did some calculations based on an article written about how to measure the number of teaspoons of sugar we are dumping in our blood daily. It’s no way anyone can control their blood-sugar when they disrespect their body temple in such a way (up to 8 teaspoons of sugar a day?). In my opinion, it just means more money for the doctor and pharmaceutical billion dollar business. A letter is being prepared to JASA. It is amazing that the same advocacy is needed for seniors as was needed for our children receiving school lunches (loaded with sugar & salt). Thank You To parents and volunteers for a successful Autism Family Fun Night! A special thanks to the chair of the

Disability Committee, Andrea Leslie, and Public Safety officers. Hidden Riverbay Board Women’s History History will note that it was a female leader, Helen G. Atkins, former Riverbay Board president, who signed the historic HUD loan agreement allowing Co-op City to remain affordable. However, a majority of Board members would not vote to allow her picture along with other female former Board presidents to be displayed on a wall. The reason being a former board president was convicted of a crime. Therefore, like Katherine Johnson, in the years to come little girls in Co-op City would have to read about Helen G. Atkins in a book. The only Board president’s picture on the wall in the board room for now is that of our former Board member Cleve Taylor. No Second Chance Women especially who have committed crimes and completed their time are not getting second chances at the rate they should be. It’s sad to see homeless women especially cry after being “rejected” so many times for just attempting to make a better life after making a mistake. Many, including Board members, have an “unforgiving” spirit when it comes to second chances after incarceration. However, each day those who have served their time are being released and society has to address their needs for housing, food, mental health services (especially) and employment. Domestic Violence This director attended the wake for the horrendous recent domestic violence murder in Co-op City. According to a social work intern who works the DV Hotline, calls are coming in daily from women being beaten, locked in basements, treated like an animal, emotionally abused, etc. We have a problem and young girls, especially, need workshops on how to protect themselves and reach out for help. Please continue to pray for Sabrina Lamb’s mother who now has “a hole in her heart” as her daughter did not survive DV. Barnes & Noble In speaking with an employee, her last day of employment is December 31, 2016. Sad! Thanks for your support: I may be reached at: evelyntinez@aol.com.

DR. LEWIS WOLSTEIN Podiatrist — Foot Specialist • Practicing in Co-op City since 1975 • Board Certified in Foot Surgery • ALL conditions of the foot treated • We

accept most health insurance plans

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

Co-op City Times / December 17, 2016

Building 9 Association Happy holiday season! Our Building 9 Association of shareholders hosted its first annual members-only year-end celebration on Saturday, December 10, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Homage was paid to four prominent cultural groups using four distinct tablescapes, each exhibiting a specific element of the particular cultural celebration. Christmas (tree), Kwanzaa (Unity Cup), Chanukah (Gelt), 3-Kings Day (Crowns). Brief presentations explained the rudimentary principles of the cultural component of the celebration. Dinner The association room was transformed into an elegant dining room. Our 'wall of lights' was a big hit. Every seat at every table was occupied. We enjoyed a sit-down dinner, with a professionally prepared meal and food service by our resident Chef Collin Peynado and his Sous Chef, Taylor Key. The menu consisted of stuffed Sea Bass, portabello chicken, Spanish rice, steamed vegetables, pasta primavera, sweet potatoes with cranberries, (potato salad by Shirley Wells), as well as a two-layer sheet cake inscribed for the occasion. Our honored guests: Eloise Coleman, Daisy McCoy, Mitzi Cleare, Wanda Randall, Mary Walker, Helen Blakes, Rosemary Masucci, Ellen Wilkins, "Queen

Jackie,” Valerie Walker, Ventia Lawson, Theresa "T" Gordon, Sherine Pryce, Shirley Johnson, Neil Offen, Jerome & Shirley Wells, Jacqueline Williams, Robert & Janice Rosario, Gwen Anderson, Barbara Cloud, Jimmie, Harriet, Collin Peynado and Taylor Key. It is our hope that all who attended appreciated and enjoyed the ambiance, the music, the food and the social aspect of our 1st Annual Year-end Celebration. The door prize raffle was won by Rosemary Masucci. Volunteer Appreciation It was my great pleasure to award Certificates of Appreciation to our 2016 volunteers: Shirley Wells, Gwen Anderson, Daisy McCoy, Shirley Johnson, Angel Mangual, Robert and Janice Rosario, Ana Nieves, Eloise Coleman, Mary Walker, Catherine Lemon, Barbara Cloud, Wanda Randall, Michael Collins, Mitzi Cleare, Neil Offen, Collin Peynado, David George, Aida Chireno and Taylor Key. If you were unable to attend, please see me for your Certificate of Appreciation. Thank you all for your service. I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Linda Cowan of Building 9B who supports every association endeavor and event without hesitation. Building Staff Appreciation Special thank you to our Building 9 staff holiday

fund solicitors: Shirley Wells, Gwen Anderson, Daisy McCoy, Wanda Randall, Mitzi Cleare, Shirley Johnson, Eloise Coleman and Catherine Lemon. Donors To our fellow Building 9 shareholders who generously donated to our building staff holiday appreciation fund, thank you for supporting those who keep our building safe and clean. Let us always strive to leave more than we take. Be healthy. Be happy. Be well. —Linda Collins

Many thanks to our holiday volunteers…From left to right, seated front, are Mitzi Cleare and Gwen Anderson. Second row (L-R) Taylor Key, Chef Collin Peynado; and third row, Linda Collins, Shirley Wells, Daisy McCoy and Eloise Coleman.

Building 32 Association Trip – African-American Museum in Washington, D.C.—Date: Saturday, March 18, 2017. Price of $110 (children under 12, $90) includes round-trip transportation, all-you-can eat luncheon buffet at the Golden Corral with taxes and meal gratuities included, and, of course, guaranteed admission to the museum. We will be picking up at all three shopping centers, and making the same stops on the return. Payment plan available: first payment of $30 due no later than December 15. All monies are non-refundable after December 15. Second payment of $40 is due by January 5, 2017 with the final payment of $40 due no later than February 10. Checks and money orders, made payable to Building 32 Association can be sent to: Ms. Dolores Rankin,

4160 Hutchinson River Pkwy., Apt. 10E, Bronx, NY 10475. Tel. # 718-379-0910. Holiday Season Many buildings do a separate collection for gratuities for their building staff consisting of porters and lobby attendants. Our building uses monies collected from building dues and our fundraisers. Also, we have never included our letter carriers, Eric and Josie; other buildings add their Postal employees to their gratuity disbursement. Take time to think about how hard our porters work to keep our building clean. Our lobby attendants try to keep us safe, despite cooperators

Building 30 A&B Association Don’t forget today is the day of our fabulous holiday party. The party starts at 7 p.m. going to 10 p.m. in our association room. This is our last event for the rest of the year. Except for crochet, we will not be opening the door till February. Look for announcements then. It is sad to announce that our good neighbor, Jerry Berlofsky, passed away recently. Those celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and new additions congratulations. Those who suffered a recent loss, our condolences. Those under the weather, get well soon. —Linda Werner

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letting people they don't know into the building. Think about how annoyed we get when we don't get our mail in a timely fashion, or our neighbors get our mail. Take time to remember all the above folks and reach into your pocket or purse. You might not realize how fortunate we are to have these great men and women in our lives: You don't miss a good thing 'till it's gone. —Lorna Smith

Co-op City Times / December 17, 2016

Building 13 Association

Building 27 Association

Have a letter for Santa? Drop your letter off in Santa’s mailbox. Where? Building 13 -13th floor. Step off the elevator and enter Santa’s workshop. Have you been naughty or nice? Let’s see what Santa thinks. Season Festivities will begin with our youth at the Holiday Party scheduled for Sunday, December 18, from 2-5:00 p.m. in the association room. The Adult Holiday Party will be held on Friday, December 30, beginning at 7:00 p.m. We are anxious to taste food from the fantastic cooks we have in our building, so please contact us and let us know what you will be donating. Join us and party with DJ Val. Rivers Run Community Garden – Meet, Greet and Celebrate Party was held on December 15, in the Dreiser Center, room 4. The dishes were great, the music was awesome, but the fellowship with friends was superb. Happy Holiday! TODAY: The Renaissance Youth Group “Music 4 ALL” will be recruiting members for classes here in Co-op City. If you’re interested in joining, you can sign up on the 17th in the Dreiser Community Center from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Do you know any youth who likes to write music/poetry, sing or interested in playing an instrument, don’t miss this opportunity. The program will begin in January 2017 at the Dreiser Center. Checks for Building 13 events should be made payable to Building 13 Assoc. Inc. and mailed to 100 Casals Place #32K, Bronx, NY 10475. For information, contact Gail Sharbaan, Treasurer, at 718-671-3801 or Leslie Peterson at 718-320-1370. Our website is http://www.bldg13assoc.com or e-mail us at bthirteen.assoc@yahoo.com. As always, thanks for making our team work. —Leslie Peterson

Greetings, neighbors. It gets dark at 5 p.m. Please stay aware and alert of your surroundings. Quality of Life Issues – If one sees anything out of the ordinary, by all means, contact your (CSO) Cooperator Service Office by calling 718-320-3300, follow the prompts. Do not just complain, do something. The Building 27 Association…thanks all cooperators for their monetary donations during the annual collections held on December 8th and the 9th, from 4 to 8 p.m. both days. If you missed the dates and want to give, contact the phone number listed on the bulletin board. We thank the volunteers who decorated all three lobbies of Building 27. A special thanks to a child of building B who rushed down to help. We again thank each cooperator who gives so willingly year after year. Thank you. We really appreciate you because most of the cooperators are working and do not make the association meetings, but generously give. We believe the shareholders also appreciate the work that our porters, lobby attendants and postal clerks do on a daily basis. Most of all, we do see and greet each other on a daily basis. We Are Having A Party — Our annual party will be a (WELCOME TO THE NEW YEAR) meet and greet with our neighbors on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 7 p.m. Building 27 Association is open for nomination of officers – president, vice president, secretary, assist. secretary, correspondence secretary, treasurer, assist. treasurer, sergeant-at-arms. Election of officers will take place January 2017. Happy birthday to all in this month. Please share with the Sunshine Committee, Ms. Lydia Rondon, by calling her at (718) 583-3040. If a neighbor in our building is ill, homebound, celebrating birthdays, or experiencing bereavement, Ms. Rondon will respond on behalf of the association. Please keep our board of directors in prayer that they will be granted wisdom and harmony to continue moving forward, to make the right decisions in protecting our interest and keeping our homes affordable. Please pray for all leaders for peace, for there is unrest everywhere. —H. Overman

Broun Place Townhouse Association From Broun Place Townhouse Association: It is beginning to look like the winter holiday has taken over Broun Place. Perhaps an award will be delivered to the neighbor with the most beautiful decorations, according to the Executive Committee. Again though, a warning, please be alert for scammers and shopping deals that are false! Cooperators are known for their compassion, but there are storytellers. Listen carefully and confirm information before you donate or make a purchase. Next week, we will include the “goings-on” from our association meeting that is being held Thursday, December 15. The agenda will share information our vice president and I learned in a meeting with the Lock Shop Supervisor. We have also heard the neighbors are having problems with sustaining and having hot water. We are following up on that too. Thank you to those who have joined the association. Please understand the benefits include supporting Broun Place group functions and being part of the neighborhood association in terms of acknowledging Broun Place events. Now, we are collecting for our groundskeeper. Your donation is appreciated and as we have done annually, will be given to our on-the-job groundskeeper, Martine. Please keep in touch with your Executive Committee and discuss and/or refer your problems regarding sustaining Broun Place and Co-op City. Be on the lookout for people who are breaking our community rules, but please don’t “YOU” intervene. Report your observations to Public Safety, 718-379-3050, or drop a note to an executive committee member. Give specifics in your report and get the name of the person you are speaking with. Prepare your patios and terraces for fall winds and winter weather. Cover tables, chairs and grills. Every corner of our neighborhood has a garbage can, use them for broken umbrellas, branches, and loose papers. Pick up litter and follow garbage recycling rules. For our use, there are huge, conveniently placed dumpster bins and garbage cans throughout Co-op City. Discarded appliances belong in closed bags; place them in back of the dumpster pad or in the green bin. We have asked for a signage repair at the northern dumpster pad. In memoriam, let’s remember long term friend and Building 22 neighbor, Nancy Cosgrove, who passed a year ago and was a friend to many cooperators. We send our prayers and hopes for healing to Gwen Roberts and Carolyn Nathaniel. It was a pleasure to attend the conversation and community event at the Baychester Library hosting former editor of the Co-op City Times, John Roche. There are wonderful events and classes held there. Mr. Roche is renowned for interesting dialogue and magneting well-known local, very talented specialists like Jazz singer/teacher, Mary Pearson, who used to emcee Sunday afternoon music recitals. Thank you especially to vice president, Vivian Burrus, for attending events and writing exceptional press releases while I have been recuperating. Thanks to our treasurer, Lillian Richardson, and secretary, Grace Emanuel, for their support and kindnesses. —Eva Lazaar

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Co-op City Times / December 17, 2016

Second Reading - Resolution #16-72

Second Reading - Resolution #16-77

SUBMITTED BY: Linda Berk SECONDED BY: Leslie Peterson BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: December 14th, 2016

WHEREAS, Contracts Administration was asked to bid for a new garage access system & revenue controls for all eight garages, and WHEREAS, Nine bids packages were sent to vendors that sell and provide support for this type project; and WHEREAS, Five bids were received and sent to the project manager for review; and WHEREAS, the project manager reviewed all the bids and selected Amano McGann (Amano) as the most responsible bid as described in the attached memorandums dated October 28, 2016 and November 17, 2016. NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that the proposed Contract P978 with Amano McGann in the amount of $633,656 be approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution 85-16 and amended by Resolution 95-44 and the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective. YES: Berk, Cylich, Feliciano, Jenkins, Johnson, Jones, Lambright, Peterson, Sampson, Smith, Saunders, Turner and Williams ABSTAIN: Leslie ABSENT: Graham PASSED

Second Reading Resolution #16-74 SUBMITTED BY: Rod Saunders SECONDED BY: Andrea Leslie & Francine Reva Jones BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING DATED: December 14th, 2016

WHEREAS, Co-op City, like all other organizations, must continually assess changing premise security requirements; and WHEREAS, Co-op City’s 340 acre campus with 15,372 apartments, three shopping centers, a power plant and eight garages brings multiple contractors, vendors, repair technicians and commercial visitors to the site on a daily basis; and WHEREAS, The Board believes that a uniform Commercial Visitor photo ID program where commercial visitors and contractors sign in and out when entering and leaving the property, would enable Co-op City to enhance premises security, as well as monitor contractors personnel while on property. NOW THERFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED, That Management is directed to prepare and implement a Commercial Visitor Photo ID Program that includes, but is not limited to: 1) A central 24/7 location(s) for commercial visitors, contractors and vendors to sign in when entering the property and sign out when leaving the property. 2) Requirements in contracts and purchase orders for contractors and vendors to sign in when entering the property and sign out when leaving the property and to wear a Riverbay issued photo ID at all times when on the property. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Executive General Manager shall report to the Board at executive session within forty-five (45) days after the passage of this Resolution on all steps taken to comply with this Resolution. YES: Berk, Cylich, Feliciano, Jenkins, Johnson, Jones, Lambright, Leslie, Peterson, Sampson, Smith, Saunders, Turner, Williams ABSENT: Graham PASSED

Be respectful of your neighbors Please be aware that not all disabilities are visible, so be considerate and respectful of all members of the community.

SUBMITTED BY: Linda Berk SECONDED BY: Claudia Sampson; Evelyn Turner BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING: December 14, 2016

WHEREAS, Riverbay’s Workers’ Compensation Policy, presently with the New York State Insurance Fund (NYSF) at an expiring annual premium of $3,210,701.00 for the policy period 1/1/16 to 1/1/17; and WHEREAS, the Director of Risk Management, through Christopher Durnan of The Durnan Group, Riverbay’s Workers’ Compensation insurance broker, now recommends renewing the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Policy with The New York State Insurance Fund (NYSIF) for an annual renewal premium of $2,756,898 for the policy period 1/1/17 to 1/1/18. See attached booklet for details. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board approves placing the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Policy with the New York State Insurance Fund (NYSIF) for an annual renewal premium of $2,756,898 for the policy period 1/1/17 to 1/1/18. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately. YES: Berk, Cylich, Feliciano, Jenkins, Johnson, Jones, Lambright, Leslie, Sampson, Smith, Saunders, Turner and Williams ABSENT FOR VOTE: Peterson ABSENT: Graham PASSED

Emergency Resolution #16-80 SUBMITTED BY: Leslie Peterson SECONDED BY: Kevin Lambright; Evelyn Turner BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING: December 14, 2016

WHEREAS, New York State requires employers to provide short term disability benefits (STD/DBL) covering all employees and Riverbay’s policy must be renewed prior to January 1, 2017; and WHEREAS, Riverbay requested AON, short term disability broker to solicit renewal quote from Arch insurance, the incumbent short term disability (STD) carrier. WHEREAS, Arch sent Riverbay a flat renewal for Arch Short Term Disabilty Insurance at no increase of the 2014 rates. AON brokers were asked to go back to incumbent carrier, Arch, to obtain more competitive rates, whereby AON negotiated rates that were 15%

below the current short term disability rates; and WHEREAS, ARCH provides a two-year locked-in rate; and. WHEREAS, Management recommends Riverbay accept this quote from Arch with the two-year lockedin rate which would be effective from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2018 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board, after considering the STD quote, agrees to Arch’s proposal with the two-year locked-in rate for the period January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2018 and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately. YES: Berk, Cylich, Feliciano, Jenkins, Johnson, Jones, Lambright, Leslie, Peterson, Sampson, Smith, Saunders, Turner and Williams ABSENT: Graham PASSED

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Co-op City Times / December 17, 2016

Retirees of Dreiser Loop Travel Events: (Price includes transportation/Coach Bus, Dreiser Loop, opposite H&R Block) • Jan. 11&12, 2017 (Wed. & Thurs.) to Foxwoods Resort Casino. CT. Price: double/$130 (deposit $65) & single/$175 (deposit $90). Full payment/balance ($65 & $85) due NOW. Contact: Serita G., 347-564-5722. • Tues, March 14, 2017 to Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, NJ. Enjoy luncheon cuisine, full service cocktail bar, on-site lobby bake shop and gift boutique. Price: $75 (deposit $35/full payment/balance, $40 due Mon., Feb. 6, 2017). Contacts: Serita G., 347-564-5722/Barbara W., 718-320-0500. • Sept. 9-16, 2017 (8 day/7 night) Canada & New England cruise on the beautiful Carnival “Sunshine.” $250 deposit per person due immediately to hold reservation. NYC departure/return. NOTE: Preferred cabin/category selection goes to earliest bookings. Cabin/category prices

from $929 to $1,399 which include your cabin, meals, port charges and taxes. Final payment due by May 19, 2017. Travel insurance (additional cost) encouraged. Contact: Serita G., 347-564-5722. Theatre Committee: (Price includes transportation via 20 passenger van). Show announcements pending. Members and friends, we do require your deposit along with your name and telephone number when signing up for trips and/or shows. First fully paid, confirmed seating. Committee members in Dreiser clubroom #19 (718-379-0377) on Mondays and/or Thursdays, 2:30 - 5:00 p.m. Good and Welfare: “To members and friends, as you rest and heal, know that you are thought of warmly and wished a quick recovery.” Call Josephine Flowers, 718-320-0539, regarding illnesses and bereavements.” Consider joining us at the next March 2017 SPA Day

– Date to be determined. Call 718-379-4784 – leave your name and phone number to be placed on wait list. ATTENTION! The RETIREES need experienced part-time freelance drivers with a CDL license with at least 3 years’ experience and a clean driving record ASAP. This volunteer position requires transporting members and friends safely to and from special events within the Bronx, as well as to outer boroughs. Stipend can be expected for each trip. Please call the RETIREES office, 718-379-0377, and leave your name and telephone number. “Today, I will do something just for the fun of it. I will find something to do that’s just for me, and I won’t worry about what I should be doing. I will learn how to make myself feel good and enjoy life to the fullest.” —Author unknown. —Claudette Davis

Building 21 Association Happy Holiday Season! Please be informed of the following dates: TODAY, Saturday, December 17th (9 a.m. until we are done) Decorating Day!!! – Decorating Day!!! Pay Your Annual “21 Association dues” – $5 since 1971 Bring a tasty goodie for the refreshment table. Come, lend a hand and have some fun. Think Tank – Fridays, 8:30 p.m. (gathering room) Friday, December 23rd – Closed for Christmas Friday, December 30th – CLOSED Friday, January 6th – CLOSED Holiday Decorations will be left up to enjoy through: Friday, January 6th (The Epiphany/Little Christmas) Decorations come down: Saturday, January 7th, 1

p.m. Toast to the New Year! 21 Association General Session Meeting: (Note: 4th Wednesday – EACH month) Wednesday, January 25th, 7 p.m. FYI, all monies collected are turned in to our treasurer and installed in the association’s bank account. Monies collected for the association are used expressly for the 21 Association gatherings. Holiday gift collections (i.e., porters, lobby attendants, etc.) are the responsibility of each floor individually and should be handled by the floor captains. The Race for the $300 Prize still going “21 Strong” Those 21 Association members who wish to earn valuable points and a chance to win $300 have many ways to do so. Note: A member is ANY shareholder who has paid their annual $5 dues to the Building 21 Associ-

ation. Prize monies are made and saved for that purpose, from activities (i.e., the Ice-Cream Social, 50/50 raffles, etc.). Refer back to the following issue of the CO-OP City Times for complete rules of the 21 Association Rewards Points Program, (Saturday, November 26th). If you have questions regarding the 21 Association, you have 3 ways of gaining information. Email your building association at 21association@gmail.com. Call your association at 347.504.1821. Attend the monthly meetings in the gathering room, in the rear of the B-section at 7 p.m. Everyone from all buildings plan to come and join us at Building 21 sometime. Bring a friend. Each one of us, multiplied by all of us, equals A FORCE FOR GOOD. See you around the neighborhood! —Michelle Marbury

Building 11 Civic Association Season Greetings, my fellow shareholders. We would like to thank everyone who helped to decorate our building lobbies and their floors. We would also like to thank all who contributed towards our holiday service worker collection and those who wanted to contribute but could not. Please watch your bulletin boards for details on the collection. Ralph Ellison wrote a book many years ago entitled, “The Invisible Man.” Oh, how on point he was. Did our presence in the lobbies render us invisible? We were

Happy Holidays from Building 11…From left are Deborah D. Henry, John Gale and Carmen LaBoy, Bldg. 11B.

really taken by the people who entered and/or exited our buildings without acknowledging our presence not even responding to our greetings of “good evening.” We should show one another respect. We should become more cordial towards one another. My fellow shareholders, we reside in a cooperative, which involves working together so that we may continue to enjoy the benefits of this beautiful community. Many of you may be aware that Riverbay Corporation, in conjunction with community organizations and building associations are co-sponsoring buses to Washington, DC on Saturday, January 21, 2017 as part of a national movement to make a statement that we will not tolerate new policies that will turn back the hands of time on many issues that impact on all of us. We are hoping to have five buses. We will be asking $25 per ticket. Please see me ASAP if you are interested in attending.

I would like to thank Toni Thomas for conducting our 2017 - 2018 Building Association Executive Committee election. The election results were as follows: Deborah D Henry, president; Magdalen Lewis, vice president; Hattie Robinson, treasurer; Jean Mickens, secretary; Shelia Richburg and Toni Thomas, co-secretaries. We would like to wish everyone a safe, healthy and

happy holiday season. We will be having a post holiday celebration in January. Read our articles in the Coop City Times and check your lobby bulletin boards for more information. Please reach out to someone who might be sick or unable to get out, let them know that they are remembered. —Deborah D. Henry

Co-op City Times / December 17, 2016

African-American Association Our next General meeting will be Tuesday, January 10, at 7 p.m., room #15 in Dreiser Center. The association sponsors the following ongoing programs and encourages your participation. Acting Classes – Children’s and Adult classes are available. Contact: Meca Talent; for more information, call us at: 646-373-4122. Belly Dance Classes – Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m., Dreiser Center, room #2. For a nominal fee, you will have fun and stay in shape. For more information, call Xonia, 646-301-9438. Children’s Programs – For information about the early morning school drop-off program and the after

school programs, call 718-379-5555. Evening Line Dance Classes – Dance to Soul, Latin, and Gospel music on Thursdays, 7:00 p.m. in Dreiser Center, room #2. Call Cynthia, 917-903-7073. Music, Rhythm & Dance – Most Fridays, 7:30 p.m., Dreiser Center, rm. 15; most Saturdays, 10 a.m., Dreiser Center, room #2. Call Keith, 917-561-6211. Yoga & Pilates Mat Classes – Classes on Tuesday, 7:15 p.m., Dreiser Center, rm. 2. Lose weight, tone and strengthen your muscles with exercises that reduce stress through breathing techniques. For more information, call 718-671-8364. Zumba and Yoga – Classes on Saturday start at

9:30 a.m. in Dreiser Center, room #2. General Membership Meeting – The next meeting will be Tuesday, January 10, at 7:00 p.m. in Dreiser Community Center, room #15. If you are unable to attend the meeting, please read our weekly column for updates. Also, if you wish to join or update your membership, please send a check or money order (DO NOT MAIL CASH) of $15 for a single membership or $25 for families to: African-American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475. Donations are welcomed. Like us on Facebook: CoopcityAfricanamericanassoc/email us at: aaacc power@gmail.com. —Kevin Lambright

National Council of Negro Women The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. is open to all women and men who share a commitment to empowering women of African descent, their families and communities. NCNW’s unique “organization of organizations” structure assures our ability to collectively use our strength to generate power and the potential to improve our own quality of life, help African American communities flourish and aid our sisters in Africa. NCNW represents over 25,000 members and contributors, and a connection to nearly 3 million women through our affiliate organizations at the national, state and local levels; speaking out on issues of concern to our members including education, health, entrepreneurship and value. Benefits of membership include our SISTERS Newsletter, members-only area of the website, and networking with like-minded persons in more than 200 community-based sections in 32 states. The greatest benefit of membership is knowing that you belong to an organization that is advocating on behalf of African American women, their families and communities. Change comes not at the direction of a nation, but at the insistence of its

people. The unity of membership drives that power. Join with us and give us your strength, your courage, and your determination to help African American women achieve our full and impressive potential. If you have been looking for a place to explore opportunities, a place where you can realize your potential with the help of a positive, supportive network of sisters, NCNW is the organization for you. It is our turn to define how our nation values and respects African American women and the contributions we make to our families, our communities, and our society. Through national programs and through the work of over 240 sections and 37 national affiliate organizations, NCNW helps women of African descent enhance their health, knowledge, and personal satisfaction and work to improve their communities. NCNW is only as strong as our members. We need your support. Your membership helps NCNW… Promote and recognize leadership among women of color. Champion women’s rights and civil rights.

Reduce health disparities among African Americans. Increase the educational attainment of African Americans. Work toward the economic empowerment of all African American women. Celebrate and strengthen the African American family. Reach out to women in need in Africa and around the world. Support our sisterhood and African Americans as a whole – join us today! Give a gift membership Give the gift of membership to a friend, colleague or family member today. Through the gift of membership, you will be helping a woman enhance her health, knowledge, and personal satisfaction and work to improve her community. Give a woman a place to explore opportunities, a place to realize her potential and a positive, supportive network of sisters. Support our sisterhood and African Americans as a whole – join us today! —Joyce Howard

Building 10 Association Our Building 10 Association General Membership meeting on Tuesday, December 6, was full of great information. Ms. Lois English, Manager of the Dreiser CSO office, was the guest speaker. She provided updates on construction projects and shared information that will give cooperators greater access to Riverbay that will be of great utility to all. Thank you for joining us for this very informative meeting. We are sorry you missed a great opportunity to have your burning questions answered. Our annual Christmas Toy collection for children living in a Bronx shelter has been a big success. One last chance to donate a toy for a child to bring a smile to a young face during this holiday season. Bring your toy to the association room today between noon and 1 p.m. We are planning a Pot Luck Dinner again to ring in

Please Refrain From Littering in the Garages. There are Several Trash Cans on Every Level For Your Convenience. Keep Co-op City Clean! Thank you!

the New Year! Join your Building 10 family and friends on Saturday, January 21, 2017. What’s your favorite dish? We look forward to partaking in your famous dish. Please let us know if you can volunteer to help make this event a success? Always check the CO-OP Times for information

on our upcoming events and plans. Thank you for your continued support! We wish all of you a safe and happy holiday season! We believe each individual Building 10 Association member is the strength of our association. So, join us at our next meeting! —Ron Campbell

Co-op City Times / December 17, 2016

Newsong Church "And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child. And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. That night, there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven— praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them." –Luke 2:4-18 NLT Bethlehem’s shepherds were known for taking care of the sheep that belonged to the temple. These sheep were then used for special sacrifices to God. These sacrifices were to atone for the sin of the people. Every time a person sinned a lamb needed to be sacrificed, because sin separates us from God. Jesus is “The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29) Jesus is the permanent sacrifice for sin! We find forgiveness at the cross, however, the good news doesn’t end at the cross! Three days later, Jesus rose from the dead, breaking the power of sin and death forever! The Angels shared this good news about Jesus with the shepherds who in turn shared it with their community! Jesus is our Savior... born to die, so that we might live! Join us Sunday as we continue our teaching series “Come to Worship!” Our Worship Experience is at 177 Dreiser Loop, Auditorium B. Service starts at 11 a.m. Deaf interpretation available during our adult worship experience. We have a well-staffed nursery and a children's church called "Kidsong." God bless you! —Pastor Mike Tolone

Co-op City Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church invite you to join us tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. for worship service. Sunday School for children and adults is held at 9:15 a.m. We invite you to worship, study, and pray with us. The Co-op City Baptist Church is located at 135 Einstein Loop, rm. 50. Our telephone number is 718-320-3774. Join us for a mid-week spiritual pick-up at our midweek worship service which is held on Wednesdays at 12 p.m. Bible study is held on Wednesdays at 1:00 and 7:30 p.m. Bible study will also be held on Wednesday, December 28 at 5:00 p.m. Prayer Service is held on Fridays at noon and 7:30 p.m. The Sunday School Annual Christmas Program will be held next Saturday, December 24 at 10 a.m. All are invited to join the Sunday School for this occasion. Christmas Worship service will be held on Sunday, December 25 at 10:00 a.m. There will be one service. All are invited to join us as we keep the Christ in Christmas. Watch Night Service will be held on Saturday, December 31 at 10:30 p.m. All are invited to join us as we bring the New Year in with the house of the Lord. New Year’s Worship Service will be held on Sunday, January 1, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. There will be one service. Join us as we begin the New Year in Christ. Save the Date!!! On March 12 to 20, 2018, the church will be going to the Holy Land Pilgrimage (Israel). Join us and worship sailing on the Sea of Galilee, be baptized in the Jordan River; share in communion in the Garden Tomb – all where Jesus walked!! For additional information, call the church at 718-320-3774. The Co-op City Baptist Church exists to glorify God and to establish a living community of people who follow the teachings of Jesus the Christ through worship, prayer, Bible study and fellowship. We seek to meet the spiritual and physical needs of the church through ministry. —Hattie L. Lucas

Black Forum Next Defensive Driving Class The Black Forum defensive driving course will be on Sat., January 14, 2017, 8:50 a.m.–3 p.m., Dreiser Center, rm. 1. Lower your liability insurance cost by 10% and remove up to 4 points from your driver’s license. Please make your check in the amount of $35, payable to “the Black Forum of Co-op City,” and mail to P.O. Box 563, Bronx, N.Y. 10475 at least 1½ weeks before the class, or you can walk in on the day of the class, but you must have $35 in cash to pay for the course. Please also bring your current driver’s license and a pen. Call (718) 320-8035. Unemployed Youth Work Opportunity If you are an unemployed Co-op City youth, 16-24 years old, and currently out of school, sign up for a (Neighborhood Development Area) NDA-Opportunity Program sponsored by the NYC Dept. of Youth & Community Development. The program includes work-readiness training, counseling, referrals for resources, retention and paid work experience. Involves 10 hours per week paid work experience at various worksites. You must commit to a minimum of 5 hours per week of unpaid workshops. Transportation will be provided for the first two weeks, upon request. To register, please call the Black Forum at (718) 320-8035. Monthly meetings We will be holding monthly meetings. Come and express your opinions and concerns on issues pertinent to the community. Stay tuned for the dates. Black Forum Aerobics and Zumba It’s time to get in shape, get healthy and feel healthy. Body by Andrea’s aerobics classes are held Mondays and Wednesdays, and Zumba on Thursday. Classes are in the Dreiser Aud., 7:30 p.m. To register, please call (718) 320-8035. Nominal fee for each class. Food distribution sites On Thursdays, residents of Buildings 27, 28, 29, 32 and 33 must pick up food at the New Vision Church, 115 Einstein Loop, 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Likewise, residents of Building 26, 30, 31, 34 and 35 must go to the Evangelical Church, 2350 Palmer Avenue, 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Thursdays to pick up food. For information, please call (718) 320-8035. Emergency Food Program We are open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., rm. 20 in Dreiser Center. Also, due to budget constraints and shortage of available food, you must live within zip code 10475 to participate in this program. You must also have your card with you and bring two clean plastic shopping bags. Please also have your current photo ID, such as a non- or driver’s license or any photo ID card with proof of address. You will then be issued a card in order to pick up food in the future. We Need You - Join Us Today Membership is $5 per year/person. Call (718) 320-8035 or write to Black Forum, P.O. Box 563, Bronx, NY 10475; email: coopcityblackforum@gmail.com or tonyshome10475@gmail.com. Help us keep independent community organizations alive in Co-op City. Everyone is encouraged to join. Call or visit us, room 20 in the Dreiser Community Center. —Tony Illis

Co-op City Times / December 17, 2016

Faith @ Work Christian Church 120 DeKruif Place (street level). Praise and Worship begins at 9:30 a.m. Church telephone: (347) 346-5790; email: fatwcc@aol.com. Weekly Worship Experiences: Tuesday Prayer Service, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study, 6:30 p.m. Sunday Morning Worship, 9:30 a.m. Teen Church, 10:00 a.m., 2nd Sundays; Children’s Church, 3rd Sundays (K-3); Older Children’s Church, 4th Sundays (4th-7th). Church Motto: “We are Christ-centered, familyfocused with power and authority.” Church Mission: To empower, educate and motivate men, women, boys and girls to reach their full potential and live abundant lives through preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Come wor-

ship with us where we honor tradition, but are not bound by it! All are welcome to join us any and every Sunday because our goal is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in LOVE, through teaching and preaching the Word of God from the Bible. Bible Study is underway and we’re excited! Join us for a Mid-Day Study 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., as well as our regular 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Night Bible Study. Please join us as we journey through the book of Revelation. Christmas Eve Prayer Gathering: Join Faith @ Work Christian Church and other faith-leaders for a 1hour prayer on the Section 1 Greenway at 2 p.m. Nothing would be better than to celebrate the birth of our Savior in Prayer. If I can get 50 co-organizers to

join with me, I would really appreciate it and there is a blessing in it for each of you. Please call Pastor Jenkins at (718) 644-0951 if you’d like to be a coorganizer. Christmas Day Worship will take place at 10 a.m. and will be a Litany Service as Christmas is on Sunday this year. New Year’s Eve Worship and Praise Service: Please join us for our annual New Year’s Eve worship at 9 p.m. where we praise, pray and believe God for the new year to come. New Year’s Day Worship will take place at 10 a.m. Remember, it’s never about us, but always about the goodness of the Lord. —Pastor Deborah D. Jenkins

Greater Love Baptist Church Senior Pastor Boyce Landrum and Pastor Carol Landrum and the Greater Love family welcome you to fellowship with us on Sunday mornings at 11:30 a.m. – Morning prayer and meditation begins at 9:30 and Sunday Bible Study/School at 10 a.m. Worship at Greater Love Baptist Church means gathering with people of all ages and cultures to express our love for God, our Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ, our Savior. All things considered, the Holy Spirit reserves the right to have His way in our worship. Greater Love is conveniently located at 900 Co-op City Blvd. (Bldg. 2A), on the ground level, Bronx, N.Y. 10475; main entrance – red button. Free parking is available in Garage #1 on Darrow Place – parking passes will be validated at the church. Church telephone: 347-9205607. SWAG (Spiritual Guidance and Wisdom) Youth Ministry, under the direction of Elder Crystal Jones, will conduct our Morning Worship Service

and Christmas production, “No Room at the Inn Today” on Sunday, December 18th, at 11:30 a.m. Elder Jones will preach a Christmas message. Following service, we will have a “Pot Luck” holiday luncheon. All are encouraged to come out to show love and support our youth. You are more than welcome to bring a favorite dish to the Pot Luck and fellowship with us as we celebrate the reason for the season, Jesus Christ! Bible Study and Discipleship Meetings: Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. to 8:30. The last class for December is Tuesday, December 20th. Class resumes on Jan. 10th – All welcome. Christmas Service, Sunday, December 25th. The schedule for Christmas Day is Prayer and Meditation beginning at 10:30 and Morning Worship at 11:30 a.m. Cake, cookies, hot beverages, warm apple cider & Egg Nog will be provided following worship. We look forward to seeing you.

Food Pantry: Will reopen on Saturday, January 28th. In the interim, we invite our friends who meet us at the pantry to join us for Morning Worship on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. Donations are still needed and gladly accepted. Weekly Schedule Sunday Morning Prayer & Meditation: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Bible School: 10:00 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship: 11:30 a.m. Holy Communion: First Sunday Adult Bible Study/Discipleship Class: Tuesday evenings: 7:00 p.m. Deacon Training: Alternate Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. Food Pantry: 4th Saturday, 10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Mosaic: Women’s Ministry Mighty Men of God: Men’s Ministry Youth Ministry: Friday evenings at 7 p.m. —Pastor Carol Landrum

Church of New Vision Pastor Kenneth Hodge and the congregation of Church of the New Vision extend a warm and friendly invitation to join us for worship service every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. and/or 11:00 a.m. We are a church where inspirational messages from the Word of God, the Bible, is delivered. The church is designed to meet the spiritual need of our community by offering anointed singing and preaching in an atmosphere of Christian love and friendly hospitality. All are welcome. We also invite our community’s youths on Sunday morning for Youth Church and Sunday School which is designed to meet the special needs of our young people. Parents, please send your children to learn of the Lord Jesus Christ. Prayer service takes place on Wednesday evening,

7:00-8:00 p.m., followed by Bible teachings, 8:009:00 p.m. Join us to learn from the Word of God. Mid-day Bible study is held every Tuesday at 12:00 p.m. Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, there will be one service at 10:00 a.m. Join us for Watch Night service on December 31 at 10:00 p.m. Upcoming Events Save the Date!! Please join us on our trip to Orlando, Florida July 17, 2017 to July 20, 2017, going to The Holyland Experience and Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom via non-stop Delta flight and 3 night accommodations at the Holiday Inn Resort, Lake Buena Vista. Prices for adults range from $740-$855 per person depending on your package choice. Youths stay free at the resort through age 19 with double adult

occupancy. Youths, $400-$500, prices include air and park ticket, payment plan is available. For additional information, please contact the church at (718) 6718746, Sis. Sadie James at (718) 652-8943 or Sis. Hermena Smith, travel agent at (718) 708-5035. **For those who are planning to go on the trip to Florida, please turn in your deposit for each person in your party including children age 2 and over. Rooms and airline seats are filling quickly. Church of the New Vision is located at 115 Einstein Loop, Bronx, NY 10475. Telephone (718) 671-8746 or (203) 374-3020. Mailing address: P.O. Box 753037, Bronx, NY 10475. Visit our Facebook page: Church of the New Vision concerning upcoming events and trips, or call the church. —Sis. Carole Haque

Mon., Dec. 19

Co-op City Times / December 17, 2016

Bartow

Einstein

Dreiser

Activities in Room 31 unless otherwise noted

Activities in Room 49 unless otherwise noted

Activities in Room 7 unless otherwise noted

Word Games 9:30-11 a.m.

Library 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Dominoes 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Line Dancing

Crochet & Knitting 10 a.m.12 p.m. Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session 9:30-10:30 a.m. Stay Well Exercise (On Vac. until Jan. 9, 2017) Adult Coloring Book 11 a.m., Rm. 4 Mind Teasers 12-1 p.m., Rm. 4 Diabetes Support Group 1:00 p.m. – Last Monday of the month Bereavement Counseling Rm. 13, 1:00 p.m. Gentle Yoga (On Vac. until Jan. 9, 2017) Basic Cell Phone & iPad training 12:30-1:30 p.m., Rm. 7 Intermediate Yoga 2-3 p.m.

Library 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Weight Management Bartow Center – 10 a.m.

10-11 a.m., Rm. 45

Around The Lunch Table 11:30 a.m.

Arthritis Exercises

Word Search

11 a.m.-noon

11 a.m. -12 p.m. Bingo 1-3 p.m., Rm. 35

Bingo 1-2 p.m.

Diabetes Support Group

Card Games 2-4 p.m. Dominoes 2:30 p.m.

2nd Monday - 1:00 p.m. Pokeno 3:00-4:00 p.m.. Rm.3

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session

Word Games

Tues., Dec. 20

9:30-11:30am

9:30-10:30am

Walking Club

Dominoes 10am

10:30-11:30am

Tai Chi 11am, Rm. 45

(On Vac. until Jan. 3, 2017)

Alert & Alive

Bingo 12:30-2:00pm

Matinee Movie

Cultural Dance

Caregiver Support Group 1:00pm, 1st & 3rd

10am, Rm. 45

Tues.

Karaoke by Steven

10:30 – 11:30am, Aud. B Mind Teasers 12-1pm, Rm. 4 Zumba 1-2pm, Aud. A

1:00pm-2:00pm, Rm. 45

Card Games 2-4pm

Afternoon Movie Dominoes 2:30pm

Alternate Kosher Meals are also available

Date:

Kosher

Mon., Dec. 19

Apple juice, turkey burger, green beans, roasted potatoes, whole wheat bread & fresh fruit Alt: Tuna salad

Beef & broccoli White rice Cauliflower w/carrots & parsley

Tues, Dec. 20

Orange juice, chicken francaise barley, California blend vegetables, whole wheat bread andfresh fruit Alt: Egg salad

Turkey burger w/cheese Plain hamburger bun Toasted sweet potato fries Tossed salad w/dressing

Wed., Dec. 21

Orange pineapple juice, beef & vegetable stew, yellow rice, zucchini w/onions & peppers, whole wheat bread and fresh fruit Alt: Grilled Caribbean chicken breast

Oven fried fish Italian blend vegetables Roasted potatoes

Thurs., Dec. 22

Orange juice, baked Sole of fillet, Moroccan fish sauce, cous cous, mixed vegetables, whole wheat bread and apple sauce Alt: Turkey salad

Arroz con pollo (Chicken w/rice) Steamed kale

Fri., Dec. 23

Apple juice, Spanish style roast chicken, brown rice w/beans, broccoli soufflé, challah bread and fresh fruit Alt: Gefilte fish

Vegetable lasagna Baby spinach salad

1:00 w/popcorn

Wed., Dec. 21

Games 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Walk Group 9:30 a.m.,

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session

Stay Well Exercise

Rm. 40

9:30-10:30 a.m.

Dominoes 10 a.m., Rm. 45

2017)

10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Line Dancing 11am-12pm Spelling Bee 10 a.m.

Card Games 2-4 p.m.

Spanish Practice Class

Rm. 4

Dominoes 2:30 p.m.

10:30 a.m., Computer Lab

African Brazilian Dance

Zumba 11 a.m.-12 p.m.,

1:00, Rm. 2 Art Class 1-3 p.m. Yoga 2 p.m.-3 p.m., Rm. 2

Smartphone Class

Rm. 45

Dominoes 10 a.m., Rm. 45

Thurs., Dec. 22

Tai Chi 11 a.m.- 12 p.m. Mind Teasers 12-1 p.m.,

Bingo 1 p.m.-2 p.m.

Beginner – 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Intermediate – 1:30–2:30 p.m. Bartow Main office

Library 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Word Games 9:30 a.m - 11:30 a.m. Chat Session 9:30 a.m. -1 p.m. Bingo 1 - 2 p.m. Card Games 2-4 p.m. Dominoes 2:30 p.m.

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Grandparent Connection

Blood Pressure

1st Thursday, Rm. 35, 10:30 a.m.

10-11:30 a.m., 1st & 3rd Rm. 8 Line Dancing 10-11 a.m., Aud. A Piano Sing Along 11 a.m. 12 p.m. Mind Teasers 12 - 1 p.m., Rm. 4 Drama Club 1:30 - 4:00 p.m.

Arthritis Exercise 11 a.m., Rm. 45 Spelling Bee 11 a.m. Word search 11 a.m. 12 p.m.

Karaoke by Steven 1:00 p.m., Rm. 45

Fri., Dec. 23

Sewing (On Vac. until Jan. 25,

Purple Life Trail Fitness Instruction 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Crochet & Knitting

Men’s Line Dancing

Dominoes 10 a.m.,

9 - 10 a.m.

10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Rm. 45

9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Art 10 a.m., Rm. 45

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session

Women’s Line Dancing

Bingo 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

9:30-10 a.m., 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Chat Session 10 a.m. Bingo 1 - 2 p.m. Piano Sing-along

Card Games 2 - 4 p.m.

Meditative Moments

Pokeno 2-4 p.m., Rm. 35

Mind Teasers 12 - 1

11 a.m. -12 p.m. Card Games 2 - 4 p.m. Dominoes 2:30 p.m.

Blood Pressure 2nd & 4th Friday 10 a.m. -11:30

Bingo – Rm. 7, 1-3 p.m.

a.m., Rm. 45

Card Games, Dominoes 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Word Games

10 - 11:30 a.m.

(On Vac. until Dec. 30)

p.m., Rm. 4

(Schedule subject to change without notice)

Fee for lunch is $2.00 & $5.00 for guest

ALL meals served w/margarine and fresh milk *Menu subject to change without notice. Alternate Kosher Meals are also available

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

Bartow Center (718) 320-2066, Ext. 2010 Dreiser Center (718) 320-1345 • Einstein Center (718) 671-5161 New Payment Schedule - Payments for trips @ the Bartow office can be made

Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Only) Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging,

The NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation.

Non-Kosher

Upcoming Events/Trips JASA WELCOMES EVERYONE AGE 60 AND OLDER! Trip registration policy: No refunds for all trips. All trips include roundtrip transportation! All trips must be paid in advance – No exceptions! Payments for trips can be made at all 3 centers. You can register for all trips starting the Monday after it has been published in the newspaper: JASA will not accept checks under $5. (FREE) LiveOn NY - SCRIE Application Assistance SNAP (Food Stamps) – Fri., Dec. 23rd, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. First come, first served! JASA Main Office, 2049 Bartow Avev JASA Coat Drive – Nov. 28th – Jan. 2nd. Dreiser Senior Center, 177 Dreiser Loop, rm. 7, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Bartow Senior Center, 2049 Bartow Ave., rm. 31, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and Einstein Senior Center, 135 Einstein Loop, rm. 49, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday thru Friday. NOTE: Alvin Ailey, Dec. 21st. Pickup times have been changed. Bartow 10:30 a.m., Einstein - 10:45 a.m. & Dreiser – 11 a.m. (wait list). Jersey Gardens Mall - $15, Tues., Dec. 20th. Bartow - 8:30 a.m., Dreiser 8:45 a.m. and Einstein – 9 a.m. (wait list). JASA CLOSED – Mon., Dec. 26th. Empire Casino – Wed., Dec 28th, $5. Bartow - 9:30 a.m., Einstein - 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser – 10 a.m. (wait list). Central Avenue – Thurs., Dec. 29th, $13. 2-hours Christmas Tree Store, 1 hour Amazing Savings, 2 hours Burlington Coat Factory; Bartow - 9:30 a.m., Einstein - 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser – 10 a.m. St. Mary’s Recreation Center Pool – Wed., Jan. 4, $3. Pool aerobics for seniors, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Pick-ups: Bar-

tow - 8:30 a.m., Einstein - 8:45 a.m. & Dreiser – 9 a.m. (14 seats). Mon., Jan. 2nd, JASA CLOSED – NEW YEAR’S DAY HOLIDAY. Empire Casino – Fri., Jan. 6th, $5. Bartow - 9:30 a.m., Einstein - 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser – 10 a.m. Target – Throggsneck – Fri., Jan. 6th, $2. Bartow - 9:30 a.m., Einstein 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser – 10 a.m. Wal-Mart – Tues., Jan. 10th, $15. Bartow - 8:30 a.m., Einstein - 8:45 a.m. and Dreiser -9 a.m. Mon., Jan. 16th – JASA Closed in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Madame Tussaud’s Museum – Tues., Jan. 17th, $25. Bartow – 10 a.m., Einstein – 10:15 a.m. & Dreiser -10:30 a.m. Fairway/BJ’s – $3, Wed., Jan. 18th – Bartow - 9:30 a.m., Einstein - 9:45 a.m. and Dreiser – 10 a.m. Stew Leonard’s – Fri., Jan. 20th, $5. Bartow - 9:30 a.m., Einstein - 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser – 10 a.m. Shoprite – Fri., Jan. 20th, $3. Bartow - 9:30 a.m., Einstein - 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser – 10 a.m. American Museum of Natural History – $23; Mon., Jan. 23rd, Bartow – 9 a.m., Einstein - 9:15 a.m. & Dreiser - 9:30 a.m. Empire Casino – Mon., Jan. 23rd, $5. Bartow - 9:30 a.m., Einstein - 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser – 10 a.m. Transit Museum –Tues., Jan. 24th. Details to be announced. St. Mary’s Recreation Center Pool – Wed., Jan. 25th, $3. Pool aerobics for seniors, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Bartow - 8:30 a.m., Einstein - 8:45 a.m. & Dreiser – 9 a.m. (14 seats).

Co-op City Times / December 17, 2016

Scheduling Activities Calendar

AARP Chapter #4997 FYI: If you are reading this article, please note there are only eight days ’til Christmas and one week after that ’til 2017. This year moved so quickly. It seems like just yesterday we were waiting to ring-in 2016 and here we are waiting for 2017. Here’s wishing all a happy and blessed Christmas and many, many more. Get-well wishes to Doris Rowe. Please contact our Good & Welfare Coordinator, Frances Wilson, 718-671-5493, about any of our members we have not heard from or seen in a few months. We want them to know that they are in our thoughts and prayers. Also, if you have a family member who has passed, please contact Frances. 2016 Tour Activities Friday, December 30 – January 1, 2017 – New Year’s Weekend Celebration at the Desmond Hotel; dinner/show the evening we arrive; breakfast buffet; Valley Forge Tour or Casino Excursion or shopping at the King of Prussia Mall; New Year’s Eve Party and New Year’s Day Brunch and show before leaving for home. Leaving from Asch Loop (in front of the library) at 8:45 a.m. Please arrive at 8:15 a.m. to receive seating assignments and luggage tags. Contact Jean, 718-379-3742. 2017 Tour Activities March 17 – 24, 2017: 7-night Cruise to Cuba… SOLD OUT (wait-list available). Fly to Montego Bay, Jamaica; board Celestyal Cruise Ship to Santiago de Cuba; Havana, Mariola Gorde, Cienfuigo; roundtrip airfare, tours, food, drinks, taxes and port fees all included. Contact Judith, 718-379-3370. —Delores Debnam

Einstein Cancer Fund We will be going to Mohegan Sun on Tuesday, January 10th, 2017. Cost per person is $35 and receive the casino bonus of the day – $15 slot play and a $15 food voucher. Time of pick-up is 8 a.m., starting at Einstein Loop, followed by Asch Loop and Dreiser Loop. Don’t forget your casino card and a valid photo I.D. We hope that everyone will have a joyous happy Christmas and a happy Chanukah holiday and a happy and healthy New Year. Arrangements have been made at the Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, April 26, 2017 for the luncheon show of the hilarious comedy of “Born Yesterday” which was a huge hit of a film starring Judy Holiday. The cost per person is $79 which can be paid off by April 1st, 2017. A small deposit of $5 or more will hold your reservation. You will be issued receipts for your deposits. For all of the above trips, please call Lydia at 718671-3005 or Annie Eutsey at 718-320-1874 for dues and a memorial card. As always, remember to give a call to the homebounds and those in nursing homes. Your calls will cheer them up and they will know they are always in your thoughts and prayers. Good health and healings are wished to all. —Lydia Ruas

Goose Island Seniors Bingo—Wednesday, December 21st at 1:30 p.m. with Jeanne in our club room 39. Members only. Admission is $1.25 for 3 cards and .25¢ each game. Twelve games will be played. Win $3 to $7 each game and the full card is even more. Refreshments and snacks will be served. There will be no Sunday bingo in December because of the holidays. Happy birthday and happy anniversary to all our members who celebrate their day in the month of December: Clarese Roberts, Jerry Rubin, Shirley Sisco, Beatrice Wilson, Adele Lawrence, Janet Coles, Harriet Williams, Josephine Ganuza, Gwen Anderson and Barbara Owens. We still have items from our Garage Sale for a very good price. Come and browse around. We are open

Monday - Thursday from 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. To all members: soon, it will be time to pay our yearly dues, $15 per year. See Ann or Mary. Our Lounge—Come sit and relax, read or rent a book from our large library, play cards every Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Play bingo every Wednesday and last Sunday of each month for only $15 per year. Also, come with us on wonderful trips. Trips for 2017 “Mama Mia”—Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at Westchester Broadway Theatre, Elmsford, NY. Come and enjoy a day with a delicious lunch and a terrific show. You will have a wonderful time. Price is $79, includes a show, luncheon, and transportation with Craig a very safe driver. A small deposit will hold your seat at the

theatre. You can pay a little at a time, so by June you’ll be all paid up. See Ann, or Mary. “Come Blow Your Horn”—Thursday, October 12, 2017 at the Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, N.J. It’s a very funny play by Neil Simon. Also, you will enjoy a scrumptious lunch and all the desserts you can eat; they are de-licious. Price is $79 for show, lunch and transportation. Movie will be shown on the bus on the way home. A deposit will hold your reservation. See Ann, or Mary. Note: To contact us, call Goose Island Seniors at 718-379-9613 or visit us Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at 135 Einstein Loop, rm. 39. You can also call Mary at 718-379-4899 and she will return your call. Leave a message and your phone number. Good health to all. —Mary Pilla

Co-op City Times / December 17, 2016

Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City

Reflections by Rabbi Solomon I. Berl Spiritual Leader of Young Israel Synagogue Money and power do not really bring you happiness. Happiness does not depend on things, but on attitudes. No one is born happy, but all of us are born with the ability to create happiness. A laugh expresses the joy of living and costs nothing, and the person who laughs is a delight to be with. But more important, is enjoying life. Someone once questioned a clergyman, â&#x20AC;&#x153;How do you account for so much evil in the world?â&#x20AC;? The clergyman responded by asking, â&#x20AC;&#x153;How do you account for so much goodness in the world?â&#x20AC;? There is evil in the world, but there is also goodness in the world. We see what we choose to see. If we have the right perspective, we can see the beauty, the joy, the wonder of life all about us, and most important, in us.

Pentecostal Tabernacle

The Co-op City Pentecostal Tabernacle invites everyone to attend worship service at 100 Co-op City Blvd., Building 22A, Bronx N.Y. 10475. Sundays: Sunday School for all age groups begins at 10:30 a.m. Midday Worship Service starts at 11:45 a.m. Wednesdays: Prayer and fasting service every Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Bible study and prayer meeting will also be held Wednesday evening starting at 7:30 p.m. Effective Fervent Prayers change things. Come and experience the power of Biblical prayer. Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s power is released through His Word. Come and study the word of God; it can change your life. Friday: Youth service will start at 7:30 p.m. FOCUS: THE MIRACLE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STORM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Jesus walks on the things that cause us to fear. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, it is a spirit; and they cried out for fear: But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer, it is I, be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried saying, Lord save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worship him saying, of a truth thou art the Son of God. Matt 14:26-33 Life is much like the ocean in that it is seldom calm, as quickly as the winds of one

Online payment of monthly carrying charges

Shareholders can now pay their carrying charges online by logging onto the Riverbay website at www.riverbaycorp.com, and clicking on the â&#x20AC;&#x153;PayLeaseâ&#x20AC;? icon on the home page, or by signing in directly at the PayLease website at www.paylease.com. Go green, go paperless! Register today.

Shalom Jewish Funeral Home, Inc. George Farr - Funeral Director

(718) 828-1700 / 914-654-1700

1528 Castle Hill Avenue Bronx, NY 10462 www.shalomjewish.com Services from Our Chapel, Graveside or Synagogue Parking Facilities â&#x20AC;˘ Pre-Arrangements We honor pre-plan arrangements from other funeral homes.

Letters

The Traditional Synagogue is located in Section 5, 120 Erdman Place in the rear lobby of Building 27B. Phone # 718-379-6920 Note: Office hours are Thursday and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. If no one is in the office, leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Shabbat ends today, December 17th at 5:21 p.m. Candle lighting for Friday, December 23 at 4:15 p.m. The synagogue has Services Saturday morning at 9 a.m. After services, we always have a kiddush. We need a few Jewish men, if you can give 2 hours on Saturday between 10 a.m. and noon, we need your help to make a minyan. Sometimes, we are short one or two men. Saturday, December 17th, Cantor Daniel Sayani will conduct the services. Good And Welfare: We sell Tree Certificates in honor or memory of a loved one. The cost is only $15 per tree. Mazol tov to all having Simchas. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re ill, wishing all a speedy recovery. The synagogue lost a long-time member last week, Mr. Jerry Berlofsky. He had a beautiful service at the cemetery with a Military Color Guard playing â&#x20AC;&#x153;Taps,â&#x20AC;? and an American flag to his son, Rodger. Happy December birthdays to Gary Schwartz, Robert Linder, and Sheila Linder. Chanukah Party: The Jewish Community Council of Pelham Parkway is planning a Chanukah Party and Concert starring Yoel Sharabi on Sunday, January 1st at 2:00 p.m. This will be at the Young Israel of Pelham Parkway Jewish Center, 900 Pelham Parkway South. This is a free event, go enjoy. For further information, please call 718-792-4744. Your support of the Traditional Synagogue and Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club is greatly appreciated. Wishing all our members and friends peace, good health and enjoyable holiday season. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Gary Schwartz storm subside, the horizon dances with the clouds of another one approaching. Just as Jesus was the key to the disciples, security on the sea that faithful night, He is our miracle in the storm of our lives. The storm that arose frightened the disciples, and when they saw Jesus walking on the water, they thought they were seeing a ghost. They cried out in fear, and Jesus revealed Himself to them We should always keep our eyes on Jesus and not on the storms of life There are many storms of life that can make us become afraid. We have seen tornadoes, hurricane, earthquakes, fire burning buildings out of control, snow storms where many people have lost their lives. However, we must learn to trust in God believing in Him that He is able to take us through all the storms of life. When Peter saw the wind boisterous he was afraid and began to sink, therefore, our duty is to keep our eyes on Jesus. He is able to speak to the wind and said Peace, be still. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;St. Mark 4:39 For further information, call 718-324-0334 or 718-320-4218. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Rev. R. Sibblies (Continued from page 6)

Castro was a dictator

To the Editor: One of our director's published a short article extolling the late Cuban communist leader Fidel Castro. A little background is useful for your readers: Castro was a dictator and a tyrant. He was responsible for the murder of thousands of Cuban patriots, and the incarceration of thousands of other 'political prisoners.' The Cuban prisons operated under sub-human conditions. There has been no freedom of speech or freedom of the press under Fidel. He was an 'equal opportunity tyrant', because he killed and tortured without regard to race, creed or color. He cared only about promoting communism, and consolidating power over the Cuban people. Also mentioned is a salute to Fidel from Robert Mugabe, President of the African country of Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe, under its socialist government, has had one of the worst economies of any modern nation. As the New York Times reported in May, 2006: "for untold numbers of Zimbabweans, toilet paperâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and bread, margarine, meat, even (a) cup of teaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;have become unimaginable luxuries." This was caused by the hyperinflation of the Zimbabwe currency. While the situation has improved somewhat, the national economy of Zimbabwe is still considered decrepit. Mugabe is also a dictator. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;David Hammer

Security During The Holidays

To the Editor:

Many people here are not aware that the new postal boxes do not open. Put the mail through the slot. Unfortunately, small packages will not fit. The police said thieves were stealing mail using mousetraps on a string and other methods. On another note, during the holidays, people tend to cab it. Be careful using Uber AND hailing a cab. Most of these cabs have no commercial insurance and if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re involved in an accident, their private insurance will not cover you! Uber does not require their drivers to get commercial insurance. Happy holidays. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Nick Liberati

Co-op City Times / December 17, 2016

Open Door Ministries Four Detours on the Path to Wisdom (Sermon excerpt from an article by John Ortberg) How does a person move from being sensitive toward God to living a life of radical disobedience? If you asked him early in his life, “Solomon, do you think you will stray from the path of wisdom and end up living like a fool?” he would have been shocked that you even asked. We can identify four distinct detours Solomon took that led him on this downward spiral. Allowing a Little Wiggle Room: The first step in Solomon’s downward spiral was to leave a little wiggle room in his commitment. In 1 Kings 3:3 we read, “Solomon showed his love for the Lord by walking according to the statutes of his father David, except that he offered sacrifices and burned incense on the high places.” The word “except,” is a clear indicator that Solomon has decided to leave some wiggle room in his devotion. He will try to love God and be devoted, except for a few areas. Assuming We Are the Exception to the Rule: At this point in the spiral, we don’t dispute God’s rules or disagree with them. In fact, we agree that they’re fine for most people. But we just think that we’re a little more mature and a little more sophisticated than others. The problem with anything less than total obedience is that we’re the ones who get to choose what we will submit to and what “really doesn’t matter.” When this happens, we become our own king, our own god. This becomes a form of idolatry. Failing to Deal with Predisposed Weaknesses: We all have them, but if we refuse to look at them and resist turning away, we are headed for trouble. Even when God gave clear commands he kept right on marrying women who were forbidden. Solomon had been exposed to sexual struggles his whole life. Reading through the Old Testament, we discover that David’s family had one of the most dysfunctional households around. Likely, Solomon’s problems stretched all the way to his father’s bedroom. The sins and weaknesses of his parents infected him and impacted him for a lifetime! Ignoring Correction: The final step on the downward spiral — and a sure sign of looming disaster — is to ignore or to silence wise and loving correction. As Solomon grew older, he wandered further and further from God. God continued to call Solomon to a place of repentance, but Solomon continued to do things his own way.

Community Protestant Church On behalf of our Pastor, Reverend Dr. Calvin E. Owens, and our church family, welcome to Community Protestant Church, a church of love and understanding, located at 1659 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, NY 10469; telephone: (718) 862-9172. Regular Church Schedule Sunday School — 9:00 a.m. Worship Service — 11:00 a.m. Communion Service — Every first and third Sundays Prayer Meeting and Bible Study – Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. The following programs are at the Church’s Annex: 2053 Asch Loop North (Co-op City) Morning Prayer Services — Tuesday, 6 a.m. – 8 a.m., and 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Neighborhood Bible Study — Thursday at 10 a.m. Extension of Prayer and Worship Service — Every first, second and third Fridays at 7 p.m. Please Note Special Services At Community Protestant Sunday, December 25 – Christmas Day service will begin at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, December 31 – Year’s End Service will begin at 6:00 p.m. In this glorious season of the year, Community Protestant bids a warm welcome to all to worship with us as we await the celebration of our Savior’s birth on Christmas and welcome the New Year 2017. Other Scheduled Events The Willing Workers Annual Holiday Pecan Sale will be held after service. Stop by their table and pick up a great holiday gift of pecans and pecan clusters. Tomorrow, Sunday, December 18th at the 11:00 a.m. Service, the Sunday School will present its Christmas Program. It is a Christmas skit entitled “Across the Road.” Please come out and support our children and enjoy a wonderful holiday program. September 12–15, 2017 – The Missionary Ministry sponsors a trip to THE HOLY LAND EXPERIENCE IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA, the only entertainment park that celebrates the Biblical Word of the Christian Faith. Package includes: round trip airfare; round trip airport transportation from Bartow Ave. (Co-op City, Bronx); 4 days/3 nights hotel accommodation; 3 buffet breakfasts; 1 group dinner, 2 day admissions to the Holy Land Experience; Lunch-To-Go at the Holy Land Experience; transportation from the hotel to the Holy Land and travel insurance. $1,013.00 per person double occupancy; $961 per person triple; $1,253 single. $113 deposit due December 3 (non-refundable after 5/17/17). For reservation and/or additional information, call (718) 671-0425 or (718) 379-8514. The doors of Community Protestant Church are open to all to worship and fellowship with Christian believers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You are cordially invited to come in, join in and receive your blessing. —Evan G. Mitchell

Where might you see yourself heading down the path toward folly? Open Door Ministries’ Therapeutic Mentoring/Counseling Program meets every Monday at 6:30 p.m. in Dreiser Loop, room 9. Our regular Sunday services are at 11 a.m. in the Bartow Community Center, room 28. Please join us this coming Sunday for our Christmas Service at 11 a.m. for a time of fellowship and music. You can contact Pastor Luis through opendoorministries.net or text 917-334-4407. Blessings in Christ, —Pastor Luis Ramos

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church The congregation of St. Joseph’s cordially invites you and your family to worship in Co-op City at 155 Dreiser Loop, lower level. All are welcome. Weekly Schedule: Sunday service with Holy Communion and Sunday School are both at 9:00 a.m. Every 4th Sunday, our children participate in the reading of the lessons and every 5th Sunday, our young adults assist in the service. Choir rehearsal is on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. The (ECW) Episcopal Church Women meet immediately after service on the 1st Sunday of each month. Membership is open to all women of the church. The men hold their meeting after service on the 2nd Sunday of each month. We look forward to welcoming everyone to service at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 18, when we will celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent. The service will also include the Baptism of Baby Aaliyah Dixon and a Memorial Service for the Retirees of Dreiser Loop. Our Supply Priest, Father Simeon Johnson, will be the Preacher and Celebrant. Outreach Program: We continue to collect non-perishable food for the feeding program at Grace Episcopal Church in West Farms. Please remember to donate. For additional information on all of the above, please call the church at 718-3200844, or visit our website: http://www.stjosephsepcbronx.org. “Restore us, O God of hosts; * show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.” –Psalm: 80:3 —P. Lawrence

Co-op City Times / December 17, 2016

CCPD

In addition to this food drive, City Har- you learn the stronger you become. vest also rescues unused food from stores and restaurants and delivers it to those in Public Safety Blotter need. Donations are needed year-round for this excellent program. December 5 – 100 Darrow Place Always remember, if you see someOne female was arrested by CCPD thing, say something. Call 9-1-1 and the for trespassing after being found loiterDepartment of Public Safety at (718) 671ing in a stairway during a check of the 3050 or online at www.ccpd.us. Callers building. She was issued a summons may remain anonymous when giving for trespass and transported to court information. for an open a warrant. Enjoy a safe and healthy holiday season. December 5 – 99 Bellamy Loop For those of you traveling, have a safe trip. A cooperator reported that a motorThe Co-op City Department of Public cycle was taken from the garage withSafety would like to thank all persons who out permission or authority. have called in suspicious activity or sent December 6 – Co-op City Blvd. information via our website. It is by your & Rombouts Avenue actions that the crime rate remains low and CCPD was flagged down by a cab driver who informed officers that his a high quality of life is maintained. passenger paid their fare, but refused Co-op City is a diverse community to exit the car. Upon investigation, with people of all ages, abilities and charofficers were able to get the man to acteristics. All persons should remember exit, but then had him taken by EMS to to respect each other and embrace their difa hospital after it was determined he ferences. Co-op City strives to accommowas too intoxicated to be left on his date all persons. It is also important to own. remember that not all disabilities are visiDecember 6 – 120 Elgar Place ble. Someone who appears to be healthy CCPD officers arrested a male after may have a physical or developmental disa witness stated the male attacked a ability. family member. He was arrested and December is known as AIDS Awarecharged with domestic assault. ness Month. This is a good opportunity to December 6 & December 8 – learn about disabilities or conditions that 99 Darrow Place may affect your friends, family members Reports were taken for criminal or neighbors. It is also a good opportunity mischief and larceny after separate to schedule a full physical examination complainants found their vehicles with screening tests recommended by your with smashed windows and property physician. Knowledge is power, the more (Continued from page 7)

Co-op City Times / December 17, 2016

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Co-op City Times / December 17, 2016