Co-op City Times 12/23/17 by Co-op City Times

Have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Vol. 52 No. 51

Saturday, December 23, 2017

Governor Cuomo Vetoes Transfer Bill On MTA MetroCards

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Improvements Keep Coming As many of us as shareholders President’s Message The biggest change Manageknow, there are many areas we ment is implementing is putting would like to see improvements more work into creating a better here at Co-op City. I believe my list of prospective bidders before President role as a Board director is to work sending the RFP out for bid. As I to aid Management in improving condihave seen from the resolutions submitted to the Board, past practice was to go tions at Riverbay. To that end, it is imporout to twenty or more bidders and get 2 tant to identify where and how Manageor 3 submissions and usually the winner ment is turning things around for our has been the incumbent company. For betterment. several bids Management has recently The RFP Process completed, they created smaller, tarThere was a question recently about geted lists of firms with good reputawhy Riverbay does not receive more tions in the field from speaking with responses to our RFPs than they do. There is the assumption that there is other contacts or from past experience something wrong with our process. There has with Douglas Elliman, Bob Klehammer, Cary Smith and other staff (for example, Anthony Ligbeen, but I am happy to report that Management ato’s knowledge of qualified firms in the energy has reported to the Board their strategy and efforts to reverse the negative trend. (Continued on page 2)

Linda Berk

BY BILL STUTTIG

A New York State legislative bill which called for a second free MTA MetroCard transfer for commuters was vetoed by Governor Andrew Cuomo Monday evening. The Assembly bill – A3439 – sponsored by Bronx Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz and co-sponsored by Co-op City’s Assembly representative Mike Benedetto, would have eased some of the financial burden placed on commuters living in outlying regions of the city, especially Co-op City. When the MTA made significant cuts to the bus lines in 2010, Co-op City was particularly hit hard, and due to some cuts and changes, many commuting residents had extra time added to their daily commutes to work or appointments and also – in many (Continued on page 4)

Discounted Parking Available In Co-op City For Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year’s Eve (See page 3) Holiday Spirit Alive In Building 26 Many thanks to all the volunteers who lent their creativity and energy to decorate the lobbies of Buildings 26A, B & C, especially Nancy, Lloyd and Pat. The Building Association hopes shareholders enjoyed their Hanukkah celebrations and look forward to a very Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa and a productive New Year. Photo by Yuvonne Lewis

Benedetto-Sponsored Bill For Blood Tests At Fatal Accident Scenes Signed by Governor BY BILL STUTTIG

One of the most significant achievements in the long legislative career of Co-op City‘s Assembly representative Mike Benedetto became a reality earlier this week. A Benedetto-sponsored Assembly bill, which passed through the State Assembly unanimously this past June, and signed into law by the governor on Monday, will make it mandatory for law enforcement officers responding to the scene of a fatal auto accident to require a blood or urine test for the drivers involved. The bill also provides legal immunity to health care workers charged with administering the required exams at the behest of responding investigators. Benedetto explained last week that the bill had its origins in requests made to him by constituents who lost loved ones in fatal car accidents who felt that the state of intoxication of the involved driver or drivers were never adequately revealed because blood or urine tests were not administered at the scene. The assemblyman explained that while breathalyzers are required at such tragic accident scenes, blood tests or urine tests are not mandatory. He said that while breathalyzers accurately determine the blood-alcohol level of drivers, they cannot determine the presence of other substances – illegal or otherwise such a marijuana, cocaine, or pain killers (Continued on page 2)

Building 15A Lobby Decorations

RIVERBAY HOLIDAY SCHEDULE All Riverbay Offices will be closing at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, December 29th in celebration of the New Year (Rent Bookkeeping will remain open until 5:00 p.m.). Riverbay offices will be closed on Monday, January 1st. Emergency service will be available throughout the weekend.

Public Safety: 718-671-3050 Maintenance: 718-320-3300, Option 3

Building 15A President Dorothea Castle and a handful of young resident volunteers once again beautifully decked out the building lobby this holiday season in tribute to Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanzaa. Photo by Bill Stuttig

President’s Report

Co-op City Times / December 23, 2017 (Continued from page 1)

management business). Then someone from Management contacts the firms to let them know that an RFP will be coming out, get a name of an individual within the firm we can send it to and then encourage them to bid. So, for instance, with the elevator modernization contract, Management created a list of seven companies with good reputations that they felt could handle a job this large. They had a mandatory pre-bid conference attended by six of the companies and all six submitted proposals. Management is now vetting the proposals and will request best and final pricing before recommending a contractor for the Board’s approval. This was already done for contracts the Board approved for the energy management company (which we believe will save us over $500,000 annually), the portico replacement project, the T-beam removal in the garages, and the Local Law 11 engineering services contract. Finally, a few firms have shared with Management that the construction business is so strong that they have enough work and could not handle our job or that their experience with other HCR-supervised properties was so unsatisfactory that they avoid bidding on those projects because of the additional regulatory compliance required. However, Management believes those are the exceptions. Many firms just don’t know that we are actively looking to expand our potential list of vendors and contractors. So Management has looked to market Co-op City as a place to do business. Procurement sent staff to a business development event held earlier this year and Management is looking for opportunities to attend other events, as well as planning to hold a bidder’s event at Co-op City next year. Happy Holidays! As we come to the close of another calendar year, I want to send everyone in our community my sincere blessings. Happy Hanukkah for the past week, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa and Three Kings Day in the next year. I hope everyone has a safe and peaceful holiday season. This is the best time to enjoy our families, appreciate the blessings we have received, find peace and joy in our lives and be an affable member of our community. I feel the happiness this year as I see more and more windows and terraces decorated in the holiday spirit. The joy and cheerfulness are contagious and necessary. This time of year is not always happy for all, it is a peak time for people to experience depression. We must not forget those who may struggle with it and do what we can for our neighbors and friends to ensure we help everyone in this community be included and remembered. Let’s be sensitive to the people in our community. Take the time to say “hello,” wish people goodwill and see if there is anything you can do to assist. Together, we can make a difference for all. I want to thank everyone who has lent their hand and heart in support of the work your Board continues to do to make our community better. We represent each of you and do our best to make Co-op City the best place to live. For those of you who have reached out to me personally, thank you! I continue to be interested in your thoughts and ideas. I may be reached at 347-913-4224, Riverbay Board, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475 or Lberk@riverbayboard.com.

Blood Tests

–which can impair a person’s ability to drive. With the Governor’s signing of the bill, the requirement of blood or urine tests at the scene of a fatal or near fatal accident will become law within 30 days. The Governor’s approval gave great satisfaction to the entire New York State Legislature which almost never unanimously agrees on anything, but in the case of this bill, they did. Both Houses of the Legislature unanimously passed the bill earlier

this summer. The Assembly version sponsored by Assemblyman Benedetto – A7572 – passed the Assembly by a vote of 140 to 0. The identical Senate version – S05562 – sponsored by State Senator Pamela Helming – passed the State Senate by a vote of 63- 0. Assemblyman Benedetto described the process of preparing and clearing legal hurdles to get the bill to passage as taking a few years, but he added, now that it has become law, it was more than worth the wait.

Be On The Look-Out… Shareholders, beginning in January 2018, you will be receiving the notice depicted below which is being posted in your building lobby 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 or phoned in, faxed or emailed as per directions included in your package. You will receive more information as the date of the mailing approaches, however, for now, please familiarize yourself with the notice by reading the poster in your building lobby.

(Continued from page 1)

CORRECTION

In the Saturday, December 16, 2017 issue of the Co-op City Times, the Male District Leader of the 82nd District which includes Co-op City was misidentified in the report on the Annual Pre-Kwanzaa celebration. The Male District Leader of the 82nd Assembly District is, in fact, Mr. George Clarke. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused as a result of the error.

Do Not Drink & Drive! NYC Speed Limit — 25 mph

FREE UPK Pre-registration Ongoing At 100 Erskine Place

Co-op City parents, if you still need placement for Pre-K for January 2018, Sprinkle Stars Twinkle, located on the ground floor of Building 31A, 100 Erskine Place, still has 20 Free UPK seats available. Call today or visit at their location. Applicants must have never enrolled in NYC Public School to qualify. This program is for 3 & 4 year olds only. Three-year old classroom subsidies accepted (call or apply in person); before and after school programs are available, as well as a summer program. Children will receive instructional experiences in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics through the program’s creative curriculum. For additional information, you may contact Sprinkle Stars Twinkle at (347) 346-9366 or (914) 413-1041.

Co-op City Times / December 23, 2017

Co-op City Times 2 n d

Front Pa ge

Discounted Parking Available In Co-op City Parking Garages For Christmas And New Year’s Eve

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

Community Events At Drammeh Center Bldg. 6 Today, Saturday, December 23, 1-3 p.m., the Drammeh Center, located on the ground floor of Building 6, 140 DeKruif Place, will hold a book signing and thoughtful discussion with Co-op City shareholder Rev. Dr. Robert A. Smith, author of “Walking Through the Raindrops.” Dr. Smith will examine his thesis about the negative impact of words on a person’s self-worth. Copies of “Walking Through the Raindrops” will be available for purchase. Refreshments will be served. Then, on Saturday, December 30, the Drammeh Center will present an Open House on Kwanzaa’s 9th day of Nia, which means “purpose.” Come share your ideas and show support for the Drammeh center’s exciting mission in the coming year. Listen to soulful old-school music, delight your eyes and senses with unique jewelry by TalismaniX and meditation. This is a day of music, refreshments and networking with a purpose. Join us from 1-6 p.m. at the Drammeh Center, 140 DrKruif Place, ground floor. Admission is free; refreshments will be served.

BY ROZAAN BOONE

Discounted transient parking will once again be available for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve in all Co-op City parking facilities. On these three days – Sunday, December 24; Monday, December 25 and Sunday, December 31 – transient parking will be significantly discounted to only $8 between the hours of 12 p.m. to 6 a.m. Since the holiday parking discount will only be in effect from 12 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Dec. 24, 25 and 31, vehicles parked in the garages prior to 12 p.m. and after 6 a.m. are required to pay regular parking rates – $8 for up to 3 hours, $15 for up to 6 hours; $23 for up to 12 hours and $40 for up to 24 hours. In 2011, the Riverbay Board approved offering discounted transient parking to visitors of Co-op City shareholders on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve to make it easier for visitors to park and be able to enjoy the holidays with relatives and friends living in Co-op City. In 2013, the Board added Thanksgiving to the list of eligible holidays. Visitors taking advantage of the reduced parking rate will pay the garage attendants in cash and receive the stub of a two-part, numbered transient parking ticket with the time, make, model and license plate number of their vehicle recorded. The ticket will be marked with a sticker, and in the event the visitor

Discounted Holiday parking rates will be in effect from 12 p.m. – 6 a.m. on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Photo by Bill Stuttitg

loses their parking ticket and cannot produce it upon departure, the attendant will be able to trace their vehicle by the license plate number. Visitors will be directed to park on the roof of the garage. “The holidays are a time for family and friends to come together and the concerns of parking should not be a factor,” said Danielle O’Connor, director of the Riverbay Parking & Leasing Department. “Providing affordable parking at locations throughout the community allows for a convenient and hasslefree experience for visiting guests. “On behalf of the Parking & Leasing Department staff, I would like to wish everyone happy holidays.” Riverbay’s assistant general manager, Warren Mitchell, who oversees the

Parking & Leasing Department, added that while most parking garages exploit the fact that it’s the holidays and an opportunity to make money, here in Co-op City, “shareholders benefit because hopefully, this is an opportunity for their relatives and friends to visit during the holidays without having to spend an exorbitant amount of money for parking.” Mr. Mitchell reiterated that transient parking will be facilitated on the roof of the garages which is especially important in Section 5 where garages are already overwhelmed with cooperator parking. “However, as long as the weather is good, we will have more than enough available parking on the roof in each of our garages,” said Mr. Mitchell.

Happy Retirement!

Kindergarten Open House At PS 153 PS 153 The Helen Keller School will be holding an Open House for Kindergarten students in Co-op City’s Sections 3 & 4 on January 4, 2018. Two time slots will be available: 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. This is an informational session. Come prepared with your questions. For additional information, please contact the school at (718) 904-5550.

We wish our readers Happy Holidays

Public Safety’s Willie Pagan (second row, center) was feted by his colleagues on Thursday afternoon upon retiring after more than 29 years of service to Co-op City. Chief Frank Apollo said that Detective Pagan was instrumental in many key arrests over the decades. He is particularly skilled at reviewing surveillance from buildings where a crime had occurred and spotting clues as to the comings and goings of potential suspects, a painstaking process that takes patience and a keen eye for detail. The Chief and Lieutenant Anthony Warner both expressed that Detective Pagan will be sorely missed by the department and the community. The entire department wished him well as he goes off to spend more time with his children and grandchildren. Photo by Steve Grosvenor

MTA

Co-op City Times / December 23, 2017 (Continued from page 1)

cases, extra costly transfers became necessary as a result of the cuts. This bill would have increased the number of free transfers allowed in a two-hour period from one to two. The Governor, by vetoing the bill, nixed that possibility – at least for now. In a signed, posted statement explaining the reasoning behind his veto, the Governor said, “…the bill is not drafted in a way to achieve its stated goal and is affected by significant fiscal, policy, and technical flaws. I engaged with the Legislature to modify the bill to address these concerns, but unfortunately, the Legislature could not reach an agreement, constraining me to veto this legislation.” Governor Cuomo continues in his statement: “However, recognizing the value of increasing access for riders, I have requested that the MTA take immediate steps to advance a series of recommendations to the MTA Board to expand the MTA Free Transfer policy. The recommended changes will ensure the customers of MTA who have paid for a trip with a MetroCard can complete their trips without paying an additional fare during major reductions in service – whether these changes are planned or unplanned.” In his statement, the Governor explains some of the situations where extra free transfers will be allowed under his proposal, including getting around planned work-related disruptions in service or unplanned service disruptions on both buses and subways. He concludes his statement by saying: “These policy changes will achieve the intended goal of the legislation without the concerns of the underlying bill.” Many in this community and throughout the Tri-State area disagree. Riverbay Board Director Rod Saunders, the Board’s Legislative Committee chairman, was pushing for residents of Co-op City to register their opinions with the Governor’s Office in advance of him either signing or vetoing the bill. Now, Mr. Saunders said, the next step may involve a community-wide petition drive to let the Governor’s Office know that the voting community of Co-op City is not happy with his decision in light of the fact that many residents here are forced to pay an additional fare to reach their homes or else walk long distances to reach their buildings once in the general vicinity, especially in the northern sections of the community. Director Saunders said the morning after the veto became public knowledge: “For the second time in two years (November 2015), Governor Andrew Cuomo has vetoed a Bill (A-3439) that would have given cooperators, and all New Yorkers, two free MetroCard transfers. The vetoing of the bill by the Governor, is unfortunate, because it is not in the best financial interest of many New Yorkers, or to those of us living in Co-op City, in particular. “While I would surmise that there could be tens of thousands of New Yorkers who could have benefitted from the allowance of a second free transfer from their MetroCard, I am certain that a large segment of Co-op City’s commuting population would have, specifically those cooperators who cannot make the lengthy walk of an undetermined distance to arrive at their buildings, in lieu of paying an additional fare. “I suspect that Governor Cuomo will assert that a second free transfer would cost the MTA too much in revenue? Answer — reverse then-Governor Pataki’s repeal of the Commuter Tax (back in 1999, coming in from Long Island, Westchester, Upstate NY) to supplement the funds that would allow NYC residents to have our second transfers free. “Clearly, this is a moment in time where Co-op City residents have to organize, and let our needs be articulated, regarding the transportation fiasco that Co-op City has been unfairly straddled with for the past seven years. Governor Cuomo will be seeking his third term in office in 2018. In the last gubernatorial election, the margin of victory came from the downstate voters, not upstate. “Co-op City’s 38,000 democratic votes are a lot in any part of NY State, but only if we are sophisticated enough to use our voices, and those 38,000 votes effectively. Beginning with our signatures on petitions, and backed by our State representatives, we need to let Albany know that either the Governor revisits the additional free transfer proposal, or give Co-op City back our original bus routes, which would all but solve everything. The Governor needs to hear that Co-op City is tired of waiting for a resolution to our transportation issues, tired of paying more for less, and tired of an elected official who’s always blaming the victims for the crime.” The bill’s co-sponsor, Assemblyman Benedetto, said last week that the bill, if passed, would have provided some small financial relief for the thousands of residents of Co-op City and in other outlying parts of his district who were forced to endure a second transfer when commuting due to the cuts. “The bill can’t do anything about the extra time it now takes to reach your job, school, or appoint-

No Standing/Parking In Dumpster Pads Shareholders are reminded that there is no standing or parking in the dumpster pads. These areas are strictly for the use of Riverbay Corporation vehicles. All unauthorized vehicles will be towed at vehicle owners’ expense. Thank you for your cooperation.

Happy 100th Birthday, Ms. Bolling! Happy 100th Birthday to Virginia Bolling, resident of 100 Bellamy Loop since January, 1971. May God continue to bless you. Love, —Your Family

ments, but at least it will make the commute a little less expensive by making that second transfer free,” the Assemblyman said. The final State Senate version of the bill passed through the Senate in June by a resounding margin of 59-1, before being passed onto the Governor for his consideration. Earlier this month, the Daily News quoted Danny Pearlstein, policy and communications director for the Riders Alliance, as saying, “The lowest income New Yorkers, the people at the furthest reaches of New York City are the ones who would benefit the most from this (a second free transfer).” The newspaper also said that the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, Straphangers Campaign, and Transportation Alternatives, are also proponents of the bill and urged the Governor to sign it prior to his veto this week.

Paying For School Literature on paying for school and flash drives with scholarship information disseminated at the 2017 Annual Co-op City College & Career Fair organized by Board Director Evelyn Turner are available for pick-up at the Bartow Administrative Office and at the Co-op City Times, room 21, Bartow Center.

Co-op City Times / December 23, 2017

It’s

HAPPENING in Co-op City!

Senator Bailey Recognizes Co-op City Residents For Contributions To Improve Quality of Life

Riverbay administrative offices will be closed on Monday, December 25 for Christmas. Because of the holiday-shortened work week, all material, including Directors’ viewpoints, submitted for publication in the upcoming Saturday, December 30th issue of the Co-op City Times must be submitted before 9 a.m. on Tuesday, December 26. The same deadline will be in effect for the following week when Riverbay offices will again be closed on Monday, January 1, 2018 for New Year’s Day. These editorial deadlines will be strictly enforced to ensure the paper meets its production deadline. As a result, material received after this time will not be considered for publication in the Saturday, December 30th issue of the Co-op City Times. Material may be emailed to cctimes@riverbaycorp.com; faxed to (718) 320-2595 or slipped under the office door at 2049 Bartow Avenue, rm. 21. We wish everyone a joyous Christmas holiday, Happy Kwanzaa and Three Kings Day, and a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.

State Senator Jamaal Bailey (second, left, above) came to Co-op City on Thursday to recognize the work and contributions of three shareholders – Bishop Nancy Rosario (second right, above) who recently retired after 33 years of service to the Riverbay Corporation and the shareholders of Co-op City; Ms. Virginia Stewart, (at right, bottom) president of the Coalition of African American Churches & Community Organizations and a long-time volunteer in several community groups in the development; and Rev. Deborah Jenkins, (at right, top) also a member of the Riverbay Board of Directors, who the senator acknowledged for her contributions to criminal justice reform. Photos by Brandon Ortiz and Jason Laidley

Fraud Alert!

It has been reported that an inordinate number of Co-op City shareholders are receiving phone calls allegedly from the IRS telling them that their tax accounts are in arrears and they may face tax evasion charges. They are then advised to call a given phone number and speak to an attorney. Shareholders, this is a scam. Do not return these phone calls. They are most likely an attempt by unscrupulous individuals to gather your personal information. No government agency, including the IRS, will contact you by phone. If you must, contact the IRS directly. Do not use the number provided in these unsolicited phone calls. Be smart; be safe!

Holiday Closing & Co-op City Times Deadline Notice

DR. LEWIS WOLSTEIN NOW ACCEPTING AETNA!!

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

• Participating in the Medicare Diabetic Shoe Program • Evening and Saturday appointments

Dr. Lewis Wolstein

Call:

“Se Habla Español”

718.671.7226 100 DeKruif Place

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

Co-op City Times / December 23, 2017

Letters to the Editor

Regarding the Loud Minority… To the Editor: A few Co-op City residents insist on justifying their loyalty to our sitting President whose only goal evidently is to enrich himself and boost his fragile ego. For the record, only 9.6% of Bronx ballots were cast for Trump on Election Day, 2016, and his latest job approval number is 34%, according to Gallup.

Trump supporters are in the minority across the nation and practically infinitesimal in Co-op City. How unhappy these individuals must be to live in our beautiful, diverse community. How I wish they would stop spreading their fact-free, right-wing propaganda. P.S. Trump read a speech at the “Mississippi Civil Rights Museum” – not the “Negro Museum.” —Mary Pearson

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

Defending The Rights Of The Unborn To the Editor: To defend the rights of the unborn is not only a responsibility of those who respect God’s law, “you shall not kill,” but of all human beings. We were all at one time in our life “the unborn child in the womb.” We have all been blessed with human life and no one had the right to terminate the life God had given to us. God is the author of life and death, we are not. God’s law “you shall not kill” extends to protect the smallest and most vulnerable members of our human family – the unborn. The Supreme Court cannot change what God has made law. In cases of unwanted pregnancies, I believe you can never do an evil to accomplish a greater good. Adoption is available as is to leave the child in the hospital. It is unknown to us what plans God has for that child for God can take a hopeless situation and bring good out of it. In the past 44 years, over 57 million babies have been denied human life, murdered in abortion clinics. Dr. Mon-

Operations Manager

ica Miller in her book “Abandoned” reveals this inhumane treatment of human life. Abbey Johnson, head of the organization “And Then There Were None,” as head of a Planned Parenthood Center in Texas upon assisting a doctor in an abortion saw the baby fighting for its life. She quit her job with Planned Parenthood starting the organization she now heads whose goal is to remove workers who did not realize they were working for an organization which exists for the murder of human life paid for by our tax dollars, $525 million yearly. Her organization finds new jobs for them. Jobs where human life is no longer murdered. On January 19th, 2018 those who stand up for human life will go to Washington, D.C. for the “March for Life.” In my opinion, no segment of our society has the right to determine life or death over another segment of our society; that right belongs to God alone. Cherish life “Born + Unborn.” —Michael Kaplan

Proper Mattress Disposal The City of New York requires residents to fully cover all mattresses or box springs in a sealed plastic bag for garbage disposal and collection. This rule was intended to prevent the spread of bed bug activity. Please note that mattresses that are infested by bed bugs must first be exterminated prior to bagging for disposal. You may contact your respective CSO for an appointment with the exterminator. This is a free service provided by Riverbay Corporation. Under the rule, failure to place a mattress or box spring in a proper bag will result in a $100 fine imposed by the city. In addition, Co-op City residents who violate this rule may be subject to a Community Complaint with related fines and legal fees. (The City of New York and Riverbay do not provide mattress or box spring bags or covers.) Plastic bags to cover mattresses and box springs are available at department stores, home improvement centers and large moving companies. They can also be purchased online. The covered mattress or box spring must then be brought to the basement Ash Cart room where they will be picked up for proper trash collection. Thank you for your attention and cooperation in this matter. —CSO

Important Notice to Shareholders of Building 7 Article SIXTH of your Occupancy Agreement provides, in part, that your lease automatically renews for an additional three (3) year period. You need to do nothing if you want your lease to extend for another three (3) year period. If you will be moving out at the end of your lease, notify Riverbay, in writing, Attention: Sales Support Office, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475, ninety (90) days prior to lease expiration.

Building 7

Current Lease Expiration Date

New 3 yr. Expiration Date

Building 7 120 DeKruif Place

March 31, 2018

March 31, 2021

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.

Co-op City Times / December 23, 2017

Public Safety Report

CCPD Wishes Everyone A Happy, Healthy And Safe Holiday Season BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO

The Co-op City Department of Public Safety would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our readers a Happy, Healthy and Safe Holiday season. Whether you celebrated Chanukah, will celebrate Christmas, Kwanza or another winter holiday, we would like to wish you happiness and joy this season. Holidays are a busy time, but be sure to relax and enjoy yourself. Frazzled last minute holiday shoppers present a variety of opportunities for unscrupulous thieves. Auto crimes are heightened this time of the year. The criminal may observe packages or other valuables inside your vehicle and choose to break in. 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, if possible. Avoid the temptation of using your automobile as a location to store gifts you are hiding from family members. 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, 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. 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. It is most important that garage parkers notify the Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050 and 9-1-1 if they observe any suspicious persons or activity in the garages. Suspicious activity near vehicles parked on the street should also be reported. If you see something that just does not seem right, be sure to call immediately. Your intuition that something is wrong usually is just that and is always worth investigating. Observations by residents have yielded many arrests over the years. Patterns of auto crimes are readily identified and put to an end with the arrest of the person(s) responsible. Active involvement by residents allows auto crime rates within Co-op City to remain among the lowest in the city. Distracted shoppers also present an opportunity for thieves. As you bustle around to complete that holiday shopping be sure to be alert to your surroundings. Extra crowds provide an excellent opportunity for criminals, such as pickpockets. Shop with a friend and consider giving gift cards or cash for

your remaining gifts. It’s always the thought that counts. Don’t forget, the Department of Public Safety has a lost and found for keys and eyeglasses located at our office at 2049 Bartow Avenue, lower level. Just this week, three cooperators were reunited with their property. If you find keys or eyeglasses, bring them

to Public Safety. Be sure to check here if you are missing these items as well. Don’t forget to use up any money you have left in Flexible Spending Accounts for 2017. Schedule any end of the year medical appointments for the coming week, if necessary. (Continued on page 26)

OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY For information on CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES ONLY, please contact: Lenya Garcia at Lgarcia@riverbay corp.com; and Anatoliy Budnitskiy at abudnitskiy@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 OPPORTUNITIES

There are no contract opportunities to list this week. Please check back again next week.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

(Continued on page 26)

Co-op City Times / December 23, 2017

Director’s Viewpoint

Claudia Sampson Second Vice President Dear cooperators, As we all prepare to celebrate the holidays with our family and friends, I'd just like to remind everyone that this time of year can be very challenging for countless number of people who are either living alone or away from their homes due to illness or other unforeseen circumstances. For that reason, we should commit some portion of our day to calling and checking up on those who we know are unable to get out or fend for themselves. Here are some simple acts of kindness we can practice which don't cost anything: 1. Put down your cell phones, unplug your electronic devices and gadgets when you're eating with your family and friends over the holidays. 2. Send a get well or greeting card to someone with whom you've lost contact to see how they're doing. 3. Sign up for a new library card for your young children or grand kids. They'll just love it! 4. Buy a homeless person a cup of tea or coffee and

Simple Acts Of Kindness don't forget to speak to them. They are truly no different than you and I. They've just fallen on hard times. Remember: no one chooses to be homeless or poor! 5. Turn down the volume on your ear plugs or Bluetooth when outside or riding on the bus or subway. No one wants to listen to the tunes you're groovin' to, not at the decibels you're blasting. 6. Pay attention to the people walking on the streets. I know it's considered impolite to stare. But, when you're aware of your surroundings, you're less likely to be caught off guard. 7. If you must talk on your phone from the time you get on the bus or train until you arrive at your destination, please be mindful that no one else really cares to know your business as much as you'd like to believe they do. TMI (Too much information) can be a liability, especially if the person within earshot of your conversation might be your future employer or co-worker. 8. Clean out your closets and donate to the Salvation Army or Goodwill. 9. Speaking of Salvation Army, please donate to the Red Kettle Drive currently underway. It's a great cause, and every penny, nickle, dime, quarter, and dollar counts! 10. Count your blessings if you've lived to see

another glorious day because many have not made it through the year. Kudos to everyone who had a hand in planning the Annual Holiday Party. I’m sure it will be a most delightful way to spend an evening with Riverbay employees, including senior management, supervisors from all departments, as well as Board directors and other invited guests. This is a wonderful way to celebrate a year of signature achievements and enjoy the company of people making a difference in our community. Granted, everything wasn't perfect this year, but for one night we put aside our petty differences and come together to have a good time! Finally, as we close out the year, I'd like to also thank our Board under the direction of President Linda Berk and the support by an astute Executive Committee, of which I am a member, for helping us manage the daunting tasks and standards needed to run this multi-million dollar enterprise. For that and many other accomplishments, I raise my glass. Have a most blessed, safe and peaceful holiday all. Please feel free to contact me via email at: CSampson@riverbayboard.com. In the spirit of solidarity and cooperation, I look forward to your input and involvement this coming new year.

Elevator Emergencies On Christmas Day Star Wars: The Last Jedi BY ANATOLIY BUDNITSKIY

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI is quite possibly the most complete and honestly the most uniquely made film in the whole saga. I absolutely loved the story in this film. Other Star Wars films were great, but I felt like most of the time it got bogged down in its mythology and action and just stopped being what it needed to be. THE LAST JEDI was incredible in its storytelling. This is the biggest kudos to Rian Johnson, incredible filmmaker of almost biblical proportions. He made a Star Wars film honest and storyoriented; took a risk and it paid off tenfold or even more. Also, in this film, it included some of the most eye opening and mesmerizing space opera action of all time. The last hour was all-out war. I am quite baffled and shocked at people complaining about the lack of action in this film, but I guess someone always has to nitpick at something even if it is as asinine as that. The cast was incredible. Everyone had something to do in this film, while other characters had, of course, the bulk of the story. Everyone had an impact. The story with Kylo Ren and Rey is probably my favorite this year in any film. I thought it was compelling, thrilling and also intense at times. This story is what drives the new trilogy. It is incredible. Mark Hamill is back! And probably as great as ever! As much as I admit I wasn’t a huge fan of STAR WARS in my lifetime, I always knew it is an iconic film and Luke Skywalker is an iconic character in cinema. Hamill brought it and then some. I loved him in this. Funny, intense and thought-provoking. Awesomely written for him for the film. Carrie Fisher, man oh man, for a minute there I completely forgot she passed away. :-/ so sad. This was a beautiful tribute to her. It was a very immaculate role for her in the film, every bit as important as it needed to be. Oscar Isaac, as cool as ever. Poe is probably in his most fun role. Love him in these films. John Boyega,

I mean Denzel Washington, I mean John Boyega, was awesome again. Finn is a very deep role as well because, yeah, he was for the dark side before. Awesome what he has become, a hero. The new girl Rose, Kelly Marie Tran, was so good. A great companion to Finn in his adventure in the film. Benicio Del Toro was good, too, and Doomhnall Gleeson again hamming it up hilariously. If I may add, he was so awesome and funny. To me, the best thing about the film was the dynamic chemistry between Adam Driver and Daisy Ridley. Daisy Ridley’s REY is probably in the top list of heroines for me, she is just mesmerizing to look at. She is gorgeous and just a fantastic actress. It really elevates her. In THE LAST JEDI she is super iconic. It is a defining role for her for sure. Adam Driver was phenomenal in this. Stole scenes for sure. THE LAST JEDI exceeded expectations for me 100%. It is a joy to see a blockbuster and something so huge and important as STAR WARS taken seriously. Yes, of course, there were jokes in here and comedic lines but it was in every film in the saga. THE LAST JEDI was more serious in tone without a doubt and it was done expertly. I applaud Rian Johnson for this. THE LAST JEDI was a darn good film. Spiritual, beautiful, intense and immensely thoughtprovoking. BRING ON THE FINALE! STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI, 2017, 152 MINUTES, Rated PG-13 Rian Johnson – Director and Writer Daisy Ridley – Rey Adam Driver – Kylo Ren Mark Hamill – Luke Skywalker Carrie Fisher – Leia John Boyega – Finn Oscar Isaac – Poe Domhnall Gleeson – General Hux

Monday, December 25, 2017 On Christmas Day, Monday, December 25, UNITEC mechanics will be on stand-by call back which means they will respond within one hour of a call. They will only respond to true elevator emergencies, such as entrapment, no elevators service in a building, elevator stuck with door open, burning smell, scraping sounds, excessive vibrations and water flooding in elevator car or pit. Emergency calls will be dispatched by the Riverbay emergency desk. For key or other retrieval on Christmas Day, the holiday rate of $325 will be in effect. If you can wait until after the holiday, the charge will be a nominal $25 fee. —Riverbay Management

Elevator Shutdown Building # 11B, Car # 3 On Wednesday morning, Dec. 20, we encountered an unforeseen mechanical breakdown to elevator # 3 which required that the car be taken out of service. The necessary repairs require a permit from the city which will take several days to process. We expect the elevator to be out of service for the next two weeks. Our hope is to have service restored by January 10, 2018. We will be replacing the elevator’s sheave and hoist ropes during this shutdown. Every attempt will be made to restore the elevator back to service as soon as possible. We sincerely apologize for any inconveniences caused, and thank you for your patience and understanding. Rest assured that your safety is our first and primary concern. —Riverbay Management

Co-op City Times / December 23, 2017

Building 2 Association

Building 26 Association

Greetings and best wishes to all for a Happy Holiday Season! Thank you to everyone who contributed to the holiday collection for our porters and lobby attendants. Your participation and generosity are greatly appreciated. Our annual holiday party will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2018 in the association room. Please mark your calendars and plan to join in the fun. Come out and eat, drink and be merry and meet your neighbors. Flyers will be posted in the building lobbies with the details and time of the event. Cheers! to all celebrating a birthday or other celebratory event in January. We extend our sincere condolences to those who have suffered a loss. Our next general meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at 7 p.m. in our meeting room at the rear of Building 2B. Please come out and join us. —Georgianna Rodriguez

A very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, and a Happy Kwanza to all of our Co-op City families, friends, merchants, and especially our new residents. Enjoy your holidays, but please remember to drink responsibly and designate a non-drinker to drive. If you use candles with your decorations, please be careful around children and pets. Remember to regularly water live Christmas trees daily and discard them as soon as the tree branches dry out and are brittle. Best wishes to all of you celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, new births, and other celebrated events during the month of December. Well wishes for a speedy recovery to the sick, hospitalized, and home-bound persons. Sincere condolences to those families who have experienced the loss of a loved one. May God bless you with continued strength during your difficult time of bereavement. Please properly discard live Christmas trees/ wreaths, large boxes, larges bags of garbage, furniture, and other large unwanted items in the basement – not the compactor room. If you see something, please say something by calling 9-1-1 for emergency calls and 3-1-1 for nonemergencies. The life you save, could be your own. —YuVonne Lewis

Building 15A Shareholder’s Association Another holiday miracle has visited 100 Aldrich Street. Against all odds, thanks to Ms. Danielle O’Connor and Ms. Renee Gaynor of the Storage Unit Department for granting our building a reprieve making a much-needed workspace available to continue the decades-old tradition of creating the cheerful, multi-holiday atmosphere on its usual grand scale. Lucky us! An opportunity once again to share with our neighbors and the multitude of visitors the true spirit of this time of year. A huge note of appreciation is extended to two young men who answered the call to volunteer their much-needed high ladder talent, namely: Dexter Brackett and Frankie Alexander—both of whose contribution of time and effort was invaluable. Mr. Brackett’s commitment to perfection was an extra special gift for Dorothea Castle (organizer/designer) who would also like to thank Christian Sousa and Deborah Williams for pitching in and helping to accomplish another outstanding, amazing display at Building 15A. This small, elite group with their selfless gesture again personified the spirit and heart of this special time of year at its very best. Thereby, extending a “warm welcome” to everyone whether you live here or not. Job well done! Mention must be made of the many cooperators who took the time this year to decorate their individual public hallways. Thank you for extending the holiday magic throughout the high rise. Thanks to the association officers for making time to collect for the holiday gift fund in order to show appreciation to the staff. Too bad not even 50% of the residents participated. A great big “thank you” to Mr. Ray Fraticelli of CSO I, who, when covering for the managers of CSO II for one day, fixed a three-month long bothersome and perhaps dangerous situation which affected the building’s A and J lines. It was beginning to look hopeless. Boy, what a difference a day makes! A sincere welcome to the new residents of Building 15A. Once you have settled in, it is hoped by your neighbors that you will take some time to get involved in helping to maintain clean, safe and cohesive surroundings. It is extremely important to remember our responsibility as shareholders extends outside of our apartments to the hallways, compactor rooms, elevators, lobby and grounds. Join us at an association meeting to learn what we are all about. Watch for the flyer announcing date, time and location. Reminder: Please keep in mind you are required to dispose of large unwanted items (bulk garbage) at the designated area in the basement of the building, and not in your compactor room, including items or furniture, large boxes (broken down), appliances and the like. It is not only highly unfair to the janitorial staff, but also your neighbors as well. Please be considerate and cooperate. Finally, a belated Happy Chanukah, along with the Merriest Christmas and Happy Kwanzaa. But most of all, Happy, Healthy Prosperous and Blessed New Year is wished to everyone. It is truly hoped the year 2018 brings good things to one and all including our troops stationed all over the world. —Dorothea Castle

Building 17 Association Quality Of Life Is Our Goal For Everyone As the Holidays are fast approaching, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude to our friends and neighbors who have so generously contributed to our food and toy donation barrels located in our lobby. If there is anyone who still wishes to contribute, please note that the barrels will remain in place until Wednesday, December 20th. On Friday, December 22nd, the donated food and toys will be delivered to St. Joseph’s Church in Dreiser Loop for distribution to those most in need. Our annual collection for our truly hard-working building porters, Maintenance personnel, lobby attendant, etc. is ongoing. These folks work to keep our building neat, clean and in good working order throughout the year and all contributions will be greatly appreciated. If you did not get a chance to come across our collection tables, please feel free to contact either our building association president, Mr. James Payne, or our vice president, Ms. Barbara Johnson. Their contact information can be found on our Bulletin Board located in the building lobby to the right of the lower floor elevators. As you read this, our lobby is being decorated for the Holidays by our very talented volunteers. We urge you to stop by and take a peek at the amazing job they do. It is spectacular! Together, we can make 2018 our best year yet. We urge everyone to get involved. Please come down to our meetings which are held on the 2nd Monday of each month at 7:30 sharp. Our meeting room can be found by exiting the building from the rear door, making a right turn and you will find the door labelled “Association Room.” Hope to see you there We wish all of our neighbors and fellow cooperators a very Happy, Healthy and Peaceful Holiday Season and New Year. If everyone did a little, no one would have to do a lot. —Lisa Proto

Co-op City Seventh-day Adventist Church Tripped Up By The Small Things In 1975, two United States Air Force pilots set transatlantic speed record in the SR-71 Blackbird spy plane. So far so good! But later, when Major Jim Sullivan, the pilot, and Mayor Neil Widdiefield, were in their way from London to the Farnborough Air Show, their car ran out of gas. They had to be rescued by a passing motorist. It’s the little things that get us, isn’t it? Little things like not getting a gift, or card, or even a visit for the holidays. Or on the other side of the coin, the many bows to tie, the last-minute shopping and cooking ... little things that are “big” at this time. How we recover from these “little things” is the key to maintaining joy and peace in our hearts. Maintain Your Joy In A Season Of Stress In all our bustle to honor each other with gifts and tokens of our affection in the Christmas season, we create situations of stress for each other. We are reminded in Romans to let love flow regardless of the irritants. Paul writes, “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” (Romans 12:9, 10) But what if you are not on the receiving end of the gifts and affections? “Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people.” (Romans 12:16). The Greek word used for ‘proud’ is in references to people in esteem. So often we give, and look to, bosses, pastors, and those who can help advance us. The letdown we feel at not being acknowledged by them is sometimes crushing. Consider and share will all to find peace. Don’t Forget To Offer Hospitality Practice giving the good gift of your time and affection this season. It’s not about the pristine homes and fine table-spread, it’s about connecting with each other this season. “Always be eager to practice hospitality” (Romans 12:13) What about picking up on the positive in Paul’s message in Romans 12:3 where he asks us not to think too highly of ourselves and to be honest in our evaluation of ourselves. First off, we have value! Why? Because we were made by God. Period. That alone says it all. A good, healthy self-esteem should be had by all, which will help us in being confident to reach across to say hello and give greetings for the holidays. We Are Here And Eager To Serve You Wednesdays — Midafternoon Prayer Service, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday — Food Pantry every 1st and 3rd, 4:30 – 6 p.m. Wednesday — night Prayer meeting, 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Saturday — Sabbath School, 9:15 a.m. Saturday — Divine Worship, 11:00 a.m. Saturday — Adventist Youth Program, 2:30 p.m. The Co-op City Seventh-day Adventist Church is located at 1010 Baychester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475; http://coopcity22.adventistchurchconnect.org/ —Cheryl C. Silvera

Co-op City Times / December 23, 2017

Director’s Viewpoint

Francine Reva Jones Assistant Secretary In an attempt to re-establish the bus routes in our community, Director Rod Saunders asked Board members to spread the word in order to urge Gov. Andrew Cuomo to sign Bill #A-3439, which would allow for a three-way transfer. The Bill was proposed by NY State Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz and NY State Senator Martin J. Golden and was expected to be signed on December 18, 2017. Co-op City opened in 1968 as a two-fare zone. The cooperators fought to get a transfer and we were successful. Everything was fine until the MTA changed the bus routes. Presently, some of the cooperators who transfer must pay an additional fare to transfer a second time. This community has appealed to the MTA to restore our former bus routes. Our requests were denied. In my message to Gov. Cuomo, I also stated that the signing of Bill #A-3439 would mean a great deal to those residents who must use public transportation to get to work, doctors' appointments, etc. I reminded him that Co-op City is one of the State’s largest Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORC) and many cooperators are struggling to make ends meet. I asked that he please be fair to us and sign the Bill ASAP. Director Saunders and I will follow-up to confirm that the Governor signs this Bill. Excellence at P.S. 160 On December 14th, The Walt Disney principal, Ms. Lori Baker, held an Open House to show the community their success in achieving the status of a Magnet STEAM School. She explained that the STEAM Program would be a project-based school from Kindergarten through 5th grade. The vision is to provide a nurturing academic environment that creates life-long learners who will meet the challenges of the 21st century. All the teachers were present and were introduced. They informed us of the various projects for each grade, from Kindergarten through 5th grade. We

MTA Transfers were invited to visit the classrooms, which were very impressive. The five-year federal magnet grant has allowed them to hire additional teachers for the STEAM Program. Also, there will be dual languages of English and Spanish. Prior to visiting the classrooms, the president, treasurer and secretary of the Student Government were introduced. These 5th graders greeted us like professionals. This was followed with entertainment by the school chorus that sang two lovely selections. I also learned that the children will learn how to play musical instruments. The other good news is that NYC Councilman Andy King has arranged for PS 160 to get a new gymnasium and the schoolyard will be renovated. Also, the NAACP Co-op City Branch supports PS 160 and a representative of the Adult Education Program was present at their meeting last Sunday. He advised us that the Equality Charter School offers free adult programs, including GED, computer classes, defensive driving, and a young men’s mentoring group. This Education Park School has much to be proud of. Active Shooter Workshop Also last Thursday, approximately 50 cooperators attended the Active Shooter Workshop in Einstein Center presented by Anthony Barzelatto, Riverbay’s director of safety. This workshop presented to teach cooperators what to do in the event of an active shooter occurrence. The three basic principles of survival are: “RUN,” “HIDE,” and “FIGHT.” RUN, to get out of the building or area of the shooter as quickly as possible. HIDE, and stay out of view; cover and conceal yourself; be quiet and calm; close and barricade the door; stay in hiding until police comes to get you. FIGHT, if you cannot run and hide. Use objects to throw at the shooter. We should also be aware of “Exit” signs in Co-op City buildings and in any other buildings that you enter. Exits will always lead you to a public pathway. In this climate of foreign and domestic terrorism, this workshop provided lots of information about which all cooperators should be mindful. If you missed it, please attend if it is offered again. Mr. Barzelatto informed us that he is available to make this presen-

Coalition To Save Affordable Housing Objectives • To keep Co-op City affordable and livable within the Mitchell-Lama program. • To encourage fuller cooperator participation in activities within Co-op City. • To enhance cooperative spirit and fulfill the aims and principles of the founders of the cooperative movement. Thanks to all who attended and enjoyed our annual Holiday Potluck Meeting. The food and music were great and the conversation was lively as we recalled our accomplishments and honored two of our beloved members, Mitch Berkowitz and Delores Rankin, who recently passed on and will be greatly missed. 2017-18 Coalition to Save Affordable Housing Officers Chairperson: Bruce Silberman Co-Chairperson: Linda Berk Secretary: Mary Pearson Asst. Secretary: John Gale Treasurer: Judy Camacho-Zydek Asst. Treasurer: Janice Brown Membership Director: Andrea Leslie Members at Large: Stuart Edwards, Yolanda Canales-Schumann, Angel Mangual, Roy Lester, Yvette Vernon and Bernie Cylich. Two upcoming CTSAH events we want to mention are the DC Historical, Cultural & Entertainment Getaway featuring Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture. This 2-day/1-night trip includes roundtrip transportation & overnight hotel accommodation, a dinner buffet, a Comedy Show and a DJ Dance Party. Please contact Andrea Leslie for ticket information. She can be reached at 917.821.2419. Plans are also underway for our annual Mardi Gras dance to be held on Saturday, March 3rd. Due to the renovation work being done in the Dreiser Community Center, this year’s dance will be held in the Bartow Community Center, rm. 31. The dance will feature DJ Dr. Rock and include a 50/50 raffle and a best mask contest. More information regarding ticket purchase will be posted soon. We want to wish all Co-op City cooperators a Happy Holidays and a Happy and Healthy New Year. Our meetings take place on the second Monday every month in Bartow, rm. 28 at 7:30 p.m. Our next meeting will be on Jan. 8th, 2018. Join us as we examine community issues and take part in affecting them. —Bruce Silberman

tation at your church, organization, office, etc. Book Signing Ms. Ellen Boone, a member of the African-American Association, recently sponsored a book signing event by Mrs. Gwen Ragsdale for her book entitled, “Peculiar Relationships.” It is a fictional and semiautobiographical novel based on the evolving relationships and interactions between Black women and White women from slavery, to current day. Mrs. Ragsdale and her husband, Justin Ragsdale, also established, “Lest We Forget Slavery Museum,” the only Philadelphia-area museum with actual slavery artifacts that reveal the history of how different coming to America was for enslaved Africans. The reading was very impactful and Africans living in America should never forget their history. Thanks again to Ms. Boone for sharing with us the significant works of the Ragsdales. Happy Holidays Thanks to the Community Relations Department for an entertaining Tree Lighting event. The children from The Garvey School played violins and the children from the Renaissance EMS sang several delightful songs. There will be holiday gatherings and celebrations during this season and we should refrain from drinking and driving, or smoking and driving. If you are celebrating as a couple or with a group, select a designated driver who will not drink. If this is not possible, take a cab home. Also, as a pedestrian, watch out for uncontrollable vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings when walking in familiar and unfamiliar areas. Always try to walk in well-lighted areas at night. Be sure to hold your young child’s hand while walking and crossing streets. In light of the dangers of human trafficking, be certain you know where your child is at all times. Be careful when taking out your wallet, money, credit cards, etc. in public. Be a blessing to someone and share with those who have less than you. Contact You may write to: Riverbay Board of Directors, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475 or email: fjones@riverbayboard.com. Be safe and enjoy this Holiday Season.

Holiday Safety Alert Thousands of deaths are caused by fires, burns and other fire-related injuries every year, and 12% of home candle fires occur in December, the National Fire Protection Association reports. Increased use of candles and fireplaces, combined with an increase in the amount of combustible, seasonal decorations present in many homes means more risk for fire. •Keep candles out of reach of children. •Make sure candles are on stable surfaces. •Don't burn candles near trees, curtains or any other flammable items. •Don't burn trees, wreaths or wrapping paper in the fireplace. •Check and clean the chimney and fireplace area at least once a year. •Water live Christmas trees daily, keep trees away from heat sources and check lights for excessive wear. •Make sure artificial trees are labeled "fire resistant." •Use LED candles. •Use no more than three lights sets per extension cord. •NEVER leave a burning candle unattended (This includes falling asleep! Blow that candle out if you're getting sleepy). •NEVER leave the house or go to sleep with the Christmas tree lights on. •Poinsettias are poisonous to man and beast; keep them far from children and pets. —SAFETY DEPARTMENT

Co-op City Times / December 23, 2017

Director’s Viewpoint

Is Resolution the Solution?

The Right to Know Act is not an anti-police bill. We are aware, and commend those officers who carry out the mandate of their job on a daily basis without Assistant Treasurer violating citizens’ rights. However, there remains a dangerous ten percent who carry out their job with a During my short time on the Board as a director, I wanton disregard and abuse of citizen’s rights. INTRO 182: Requires police officers to identify have passed so many resolutions only to find that there was a similar resolution already in place. So themselves and to provide the reason for stopping citwhat is the purpose of a resolution if we are not izens on the street. The concept of requiring police adhering to what is already in place? In other words, officers to identify themselves is not a new concept of why do you need a resolution to tell you what you policing and dates back to the first police department were supposed to know or do? Let’s eliminate the created in 1829 when Sir Robert Peele introduced the political band aide and force those to do their JOB. metropolitan police to London, England, which A crime such as Public Urination already calls for an required identification badges for every police officer arrest and fine. Public Safety should immediately for the expressed purpose of accountability to the citarrest those who commit such crimes. izens. Consistent with long-standing police accountability requirements, the Right To Know Act simply About “The Right To Know Act” requires the police officer to identify him or herself to (Intro 182 and 541) The New York City Council is considering the the person he or she is interacting with and to provide Right to Know Act comprised of Intro 182 which the reason for such interaction. The identification requires police officers to identify themselves and practice will allow citizens to identify and hold provide reasoning for stopping citizens on the street, accountable those officers engaged in unlawful police and Intro 541 which requires police officers to tell behavior. It will not in any way interfere with those citizens of their right to refuse a search when there is officers who are lawfully carrying out their duties. Such identification or explanation will not lead to an no legal justification for a search.

Jerome L. Rice

increase in crime or disrespect of police officers. INTRO 541: Requires police officers to tell citizens that they have a right to refuse a search where there is no legal justification for a search. This will not prevent or interfere with a police officer’s ability or lawful authority to engage in legal searches, such as those backed by a search warrant, hot pursuit, probable cause car searches, or citizens in distress. This bill will protect citizens from unconstitutional searches and seizures. Coming Soon: Storage Boxes Many in the past have complained about the main Post Office services and your packages. During the month of January 2018 certain lobbies will be equipped with storage boxes to secure your packages while you are either at work or simply unavailable. The selected lobbies will be based on Post Office data that indicate which building receives the most packages. I find this to be a step in the right direction. By the way, the boxes are at no cost to the shareholders. Happy Holidays I want to take this opportunity to wish all the shareholders a Happy & Safe Holiday. As you celebrate with your family, continue to pray for those who are not as fortunate.

Building 24 Association Thanks to everyone who contributed to our year-end collection for our porters, mailman, lobby attendant and maintenance man. We were able to reach our goal and will be able to show our appreciation for the work they do throughout the year that contributes so much to our building’s quality of life. I also want to offer thanks to all the people who created the lovely holiday decorations for their floors. For Halloween, Thanksgiving and now Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanza, you have helped us all celebrate the holidays that mean so much to us. I want to thank Nidia for her beautiful signs announcing our building collection and Andromeda for decorating our lobby with another beautiful holiday scene. I also want to thank the officers of the building association for their dedication throughout the year and also thank Judy, Ruth, Charlotte, Shirley and Javier for helping with the collection. We had our last meeting of the year and celebrated the holidays with a pizza party and donuts and coffee. We wish all Building 24 cooperators a happy holidays

Building 32 Association Let us take a few moments to think about this past year. Recently, all we seem to hear is bad news. As individuals, we can all try to be kinder and nicer. Enjoy our beautiful lobbies, which were decorated by a few hard-working fellow cooperators. Take a moment to look at the terraces and windows with their colorful sparkling lights. Think about how fortunate we were that no one was injured or killed when a lone terrorist struck last week. We need to take a moment out of our busy days and stop to count our blessings. We have a lot to be grateful for. —Lorna Smith

Building 33 Association The Building 33 Association thanks everyone who participated in the building dues, which allowed us to give our custodian and lobby attendant a little Christmas gift. We had quite a few cooperators who gave above and beyond the original dues of $8. What a blessing it was, and because of your generosity, we did not need a special collection. We gave out the gifts to our five porters on Tuesday, Dec. 19, at 3 p.m. We had Santa Clause in the lobby also on Tuesday, December 19, 5-7 p.m. for the kids to see and take pictures with him. We also had goody bags for the children. Starting the new year, we will be inviting guest speakers to the building meetings. There are a few people I think you might be interested in hearing from. When we have these building meetings, I would like for all the new cooperators to come down and get to know your neighbors. I want to wish those celebrating a Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, and Happy New Year, and also wishing everyone a joyous, blessed, safe, and Happy Holidays. Get well wishes to all who are sick and shut-in. —Patricia Bonaparte

and a very happy and healthy NewYear. We hope you’ll come to our meetings with your suggestions and help us keep the cooperative spirit alive and well here. Our next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 18th. Thank you all. —Bruce Silberman

Broun Place Townhouse Association

Co-op City Times / December 23, 2017

From Broun Place Townhouse Association: Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and the community is lit to celebrate, happy holiday 2017. Our association has not been that successful in collecting a gift for our grounds person. I wonder why that is and would appreciate knowing? For those that have donated, thank you very much. We sing praises to the Kwanzaa celebrants, the holiday carolers who sung with Section 4 Partnership and everyone who took part in creating that event. Broun Place has turned on the festivities and designs in decorations of the season. How lovely it all looked after the snow. Don’t miss events like the Bronx Botanical Gardens Train Show. We thoroughly enjoyed our Co-op City’s tree lighting ceremony evening event. The dancers, singers and violinists were truly fun to watch. The highlight soloist was Brandon, the 10-year-old drummer, a star is born for sure. Our Santa was portrayed perfectly. Thank you to Michele Sajous, Leandra Peters, Santa and the volunteers for making life brighter here. As promised, here is a brief report on the Ad Hoc planning board meeting that had encouraged building association chair people to attend: Nancy Rosario was appointed chair of the committee. January 8, 2018 is the next meeting, but the emphasis will be with houses of worship. A list of requests for repaving will be submitted and considered. A section of Broun Place is included. Although we attempted to get the full list, it wasn’t found. Our board secretary asked that a STOP sign at the corner of Bellamy and Broun be considered. Other issues included: the timing of crosswalk signals to be extended, problems with 3-1-1, new signage on Bartow and Baychester, etc. Sincere thanks to Executive Committee members Vivian Burrus, Grace Emanuel and Lillian Richardson for attending. Neighbors, please get your garbage into the proper bins. The signs are up. Throwing the bag over the back fence doesn’t make it. If you are reported disposing of your garbage incorrectly you may receive a “Community Complaint.” If you see a bottle or newspaper, etc. pick it up and dispose of it in the correct bin. We need patio lights on, especially facing the cul de sac. Please replace them or call Maintenance or Cooperator Services to do it. Phone scam #1: Caller’s ID is Marie Gonzales the recording says, “Hi my name is Liz and I am calling because you stayed at one of our resorts… You have won…” Scam #2: Early morning caller, “We think your computer was hit overnight!” We are on the “Do Not Call” registry but calls do get through. Another: “You qualify for a reduction in your credit card interest rate, press #2 to speak to a rep.” Don’t do it! The next meeting will be in January; the date and place will be properly announced. Have a tiding or announcement, please submit it. “Season’s Greetings and Peace and Good Will to all.” —Eva Lazaar

Building 11 Carver Loop Civic Association

Happy Holidays to all of our friends and neighbors. We would like to thank all of our shareholders who were able to support our Annual Holiday Worker Collection, as well as those that wanted to give but were unable. We would like to extend a very special thank you to the following shareholders who gave of their time and expertise to our association: Building 11A: Dolly, Felicia, Maria, Marsha, Nicholas, Sasha and her children. Building 11B: Mattie, Carmen and John. Building 11C: Jeanie and Mr. & Mrs. R. Marco. Please be on the alert for phone call scams that advise you that you have won a trip, your computer is malfunctioning and credit card interest rate reductions. You should immediately hang up the phone without following any instructions the automated caller gives you. You should register your phone number, including your cell phone number, with the National Do Not Call Registry at 1-888382-1222. This will assist in avoiding some of these calls. Thank you, Scholarship Committee: Kandi, Shelia, Fran, Jeanie and Toni for your hard and committed work. We have submitted our Grant Application to the Citizens Committee for New York City. As previously noted, we applied for the grant to help support our Annual Graduating HS Senior Scholarship project. The Citizens Committee awards grants up to $3,000 to community and school projects carried out by resident-led groups. We will be notified of their decision by late April. Again, I must ask that you properly dispose of your garbage and trash. Large boxes, furniture and other large items/bags should be taken to the Ash Cart Room located in our basement close to Building A area. Also please be considerate of your fellow shareholders and remove your clothes from the washers and dryers immediately after the machine stops. Please keep our sick, hospitalized and home-bound neighbors in your prayers. We offer condolences to those who may have lost a loved one and we congratulate those celebrating a joyful occasions. We look forward to seeing all of you at our next meeting, which will be on January 9, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. New shareholders are always welcome. Watch your bulletin board for association announcements. Be safe and enjoy this Holiday Season. —Deborah D. Henry

Building 25 Association

There are a lot of deliveries during this time of year and some may use this opportunity to pose as delivery persons. Please be careful opening your doors for deliveries; make sure that you clearly hear the delivery person’s company name and use your peep holes to identify the carriers. If someone approaches your door with ill intentions in mind, please call Public Safety (718-671-3050) immediately. Remember, “See Something, Say Something.” Building 25 Association would like to invite all cooperators of Building 25 to our “2017 Annual Holiday Gathering,” Saturday, December 30, in our meeting room, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Please come out and enjoy yourself, bring a dish if you like, prepared at home or store bought. Our next scheduled meeting is Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. If you cannot make it to meetings due to scheduling or other obstacles in your way, please log onto our building email address at building25ca@gmail.com and address your emails to any or all members of Building 25 Association. Friendly Reminder: Our building annual dues are $5 per family. We would like to thank the residents who have paid their annual dues. Dues are collected at our monthly meetings by Carol Eilets, treasurer, or Celeste Stukes, asst. treasurer. We would like to wish all of our neighbors a Merry Christmas. I will close with a special inspirational quote: “Don’t save something for a special occasion, every day of your life is a special occasion.” –Thomas S. Monson —Wanda Bailey

Building 22 A&B Association We wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Kwanzaa celebration. We thanks the cooperators of the “A” side for their generous gift contribution to the staff and lobby attendant. The total will be posted on the bulletin board. Please take large boxes to the basement, other boxes flatten and put on wooden shelf with other papers. Wash out all bottles and containers before putting in the plastic bag. Prayers to all the sick and shut-ins. If you see something, say something. —Betty Leak

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

4240 HUTCHINSON RIVER PARKWAY EAST

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

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Diabetic Patients with Medicare may be eligible for shoes.

Co-op City Times / December 23, 2017

Deck the Halls in Co-op City Building 26

Building 15A

Building 4

Building 8

It’s Holiday Time in Building 4…The lobby is beautifully decorated with a Holiday Tree and trimmings adding to the excitement already in the air.

Photos by Diane Windley

“Christmas Adventure” In Building 8... Kudos to Mr. Lee Rivers, Ms. Azalea McDavid, Hilda Sanchez, Maida Ramirez, Rosa Pacheco, Cheryl Martin and Elsie, Walden for the wonderful job they did decorating the Building 8 lobby. The theme of their effort this year is “The Christmas Adventure.” If you’re in the neighborhood, check it out! Photos by Lee Rivers

Co-op City Times / December 23, 2017

Building 32

Building 15B

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Building 26

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Let us know… If you have news you’d like to share with your neighbors, please give us a call at (718) 320-3300, Ext. 3375/6; email: cctimes@ riverbaycorp.com or fax (718) 320-2595.

Co-op City Times / December 23, 2017

Director’s Viewpoint

Lots of New Developments For 2018

replacing all of the elevators. Bingo Hall Talks are being held with potential tenants for the former bingo hall. Previously, a beauty supply company showed some interest. Then, a popular store that sells school uniforms was interested. But, at this We're just days away from the end of 2017. There- point, we need for documents to get signed and for a after, a lot of new projects will be happening in Co-op tenant to rent this space. City. Some people might think that this bingo hall is U.S.P.S. Offers More Convenient Mail Service small. But, with 10,310 square feet, this place is huge. The postal service wants to place a cabinet that Ten Foot Tall Roof Antenna For Building 13— contains 8 parcel lockers for our packages into our Voted Down lobbies. Each off-white cabinet will be approxiA start-up company named Citizen.com wanted a mately 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide. How will this new lease to place a 10-foot tall antenna on the roof of service work? To start, mail carriers will make an building 13, and for an electrical closet space. Buildattempt to reach our residents. If no one answers, ing 13 was chosen because they felt that it is at the then their packages can be placed into a parcel locker. northern tip of Co-op City. Thereafter, keys for the lockers will be placed into According to board resolution 17-84, the antenna the mailboxes for those residents. was to be used for the purpose of "monitoring public Once the resident opens up the parcel locker door communication channels to provide their subscribers and retrieves their package, the key will simply stay with real time alerts as they are reported to 911." locked in the locker door. Thereafter, the resident will After a review of everything on Wednesday, close the door and move on. The next day, the mail December 13, 2017, the board decided to vote this carrier will use another key to remove the key that resolution down. Personally, I felt that there could be was left in the locker door. a lot of problems with their antenna, the roof, the This system can be great for businesses, our con- electrical closet, and a few other matters. So, I couldn't venience, and for the postal service. With the dimin- vote yes for this resolution. ished problems that are associated with package Land Appraisal deliveries, people might feel better about ordering far There has been a lot of back-and-forth over the more items than before. Thereafter, they can have the waterfront land that is under consideration to be convenience of getting their package in a locked box donated to the city. So, now, a resolution was recently when they arrive home. Also, the postal service can approved so that we can finally get an appraised save a lot of time, effort, and money with this system value of the 2.28 acres of land that is situated across in place. the street from building 24. New Elevators Personally, I feel that we should not donate that Previously, a huge legal battle erupted when it was land to the city. Why not? Well, other than for builddiscovered that the motors in the tower buildings ing a park, the city does not need this land—at all. were not big enough for a 33-story building. So, the But, think, we can build a better park or develop that elevators would shake when they were traveling at area into something else. Regardless, the main point rapid speeds. Solution: They reduced the speed of the that I want to convey is that our land is very valuable. elevators. There were other problems with the eleva- So, we should never give our land away. tors in our other buildings. So, at a cost of about $40 Snow Removal million, management is talking with vendors about I must give credit to our workers for doing a good

Daryl Johnson

Building 27 Association Greetings, neighbors, winter and the holidays are upon us. Dress accordingly. We were treated with a little snow. Merry Christmas And Happy Holidays…from the association and the cooperators of Building 27. We wish all a wonderful and safe celebration. Remember to designate a driver if you are going to drink. After all, this is the season to be jolly and enjoy family and friends, so be careful and stay safe. Also, remember the reason for this season. The Association…thanks the representatives, the decorators for their time and the cooperators for their generous donations for the staffing of our building porters, lobby attendant and postal carrier. You give gladly each year, those who promise to come back to give, always do. Thank you once again, one and all. A special thank you to our new cooperators. Meet And Greet Party – The association will have our annual holiday party to greet our neighbors in the New Year on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 7 p.m. Meet us in the association room in Building 27C rear lobby. Flyers will be posted. So mark your calendar and see you there. Happy birthday to all celebrating during this month. Remember those who are in bereavement. Contact Lydia Rondon at (718) 583-3030 to share any sickness or if a neighbor is deceased. Please continue to pray for our Board members to make the best decisions for our homes and community. Pray for peace amongst the nation’s leaders. —H. Overman

Co-op City Toastmasters Club Seasons Greetings to all of our members, friends and neighbors. Toastmasters of Co-op City wishes each one a healthy and prosperous New Year in 2018. Thank you for your support and be assured we remain ready and willing to assist you in the new year if you desire to be a better public speaker or leader at home, the office, or wherever you are. Communication is not an option and Toastmasters is "Where Leaders Are Made." We hope you will allow us to be a part of the "New You" in 2018. Mark your new year's calendar to join us at one of our meetings held in the Bartow Center on the first and third Thursday of the month, unless otherwise announced. Our meetings start promptly at 7:30 p.m. Happy New Year to all and hope to see you January 4, 2018. You may visit www.3824.toastmastersclubs.org or call 718-344-6719 for more information. —L. Jaysura

job with the snow removal work with the recent snowstorms. If these two recent snowstorms are an indication of what we're going get over the next few months, then we might have to deal with back-toback snowstorms. Regardless, we need to understand the needs of everyone when we get hit with tremendous snowstorms. For instance: Can a disabled person that is walking or in a wheelchair reasonably travel throughout Co-op City without confronting a mountain of snow? Can they reasonably get to a bus stop without having to climb over a ton of snow? How do you think people feel when there are mountains of snow all over and they can't go to a store? Bottom line: We have a lot of snow removing equipment here. Plus, I know that we have a lot of good workers that care about this community. So, we need to provide good leadership to make sure that our passageways are reasonably clean so everyone can get to a bus station and that they can travel throughout Co-op City. Please Make Some Good Plans Before Partying Lots of people will be hanging out and drinking heavily this week. And, then, they will attempt to drive home. Big mistake! So, please make some good plans today to get home so that you will not have to drive a vehicle. Thank you. Close How does it make you feel to know that your nice holiday lights, light shows, building decorations, smiles, greetings, and other items have made this community and this holiday season so much better? Look, please smile because we could not have done it without you. Thank you. Questions or comments? Please send a letter to: Daryl H. Johnson, Riverbay Board Director, c/o Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. Also, please call me at 718-671-4544 if you would like to have a discussion with me. Okay, that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful week. And, may God bless you and your family. Thank you.

Church of New Vision Pastors Kenneth Hodge and Deborah Hodge and the New Vision congregation invite you and your family to come and worship the Lord with us. Church of the New Vision is designed to meet the spiritual needs of God’s people. Serving the community for over 45 years, we offer a warm, friendly, spirit-filled atmosphere of Christian love. All are welcome. Order of Services Sunday Worship Service: 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Adult and Youth Sunday School: 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. Mid-day Bible Study: Tuesdays, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Wednesday Night Prayer and Bible Study: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Youth Ministry: Fridays, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Upcoming Events Wednesday evening Bible Study is canceled through December, will resume January 10, 2018. Women’s Bible Study: held on the second Saturday of each month at 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., November and December (canceled). Next scheduled date is January 13, 2018. Sunday, December 24th, there will be one service at 10:00 a.m. Sunday, December 31st, there will be one service at 10:00 a.m. Watch Night Service, December 31st at 10:00 p.m., doors open at 9:30 p.m. Cruise with us in 2018, July 20th to July 27th on the Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Sea. Going to Port Canaveral, Fl., Cococay, Bahamas, and Nassau, Bahamas. Interior $1,025 - Ocean View $1,175 - Balcony $1,320. Please note that $100 deposit due November 19, additional $150 on double occupancy or $500 for all state rooms is due January 21, 2018. Balance due by April 1, 2018 (price Includes taxes, fees, port charges and transportation to/from cruise ship in NJ). Gratuities not included, can be charged to your stateroom upon check-in. No refunds after January 21, 2018. For additional information, please contact Sadie James at 718-652-8943 or Hermena Smith at 917-974-9282 Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Hanukkah and Blessed New Year! 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 75303, Bronx, NY 10475. Visit our Facebook page: Church of the New Vision concerning upcoming events and trips, or call the church. —Sis. Carol Haque

National Council of Negro Women

Co-op City Times / December 23, 2017

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 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. May the blessings of this most Holy Season be with you and those you love! —Joyce Howard

Building 13 Association

Building 13 wishes everyone a Happy Holiday Season and Joyous Kwanzaa. Holiday Fun – Celebrate with us as we prepare to say goodbye to 2017. December 30th from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (adults) in the association room. Please bring your favorite dish, eat, dance and be merry. Use the contact information below to let us know what you will be bringing or for suggestions. We are collecting donations, so please check the bulletin board for exact dates and times. Our next building meeting will be held on Thursday, January 4, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. Assemblyman Benedetto is scheduled to be our special guest, so save the date and attend. Hungry for some lobster, shrimp, chicken, ribs, and all types of deliciousness? Then join us Saturday, July 14, 2018 for our 2nd All-You-Can-Eat bonanza LOBSTERFEAST at the NORDIC LODGE, and 4-hour casino stay at Foxwoods with outlet shopping at Tangers. We will leave from 100 Casals Place at 7:30 a.m., depart our destination for home at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $165 per person (includes taxes and gratuities). The deposit of $55 is due by December 31, 2nd payment of $55 is due on February 28, 2018 and final payment of $55 due April 30, 2018. Please be prompt with your deposit or pay in full. If you would like to volunteer or have suggestions for Summer Fun Day, please feel free to use the contact information printed below. To place an order for “Straight Outta Co-op City” shirts, please contact Deborah Henry at 718379-6312. Checks for Building 13 events should be made payable to Building 13 Assoc. Inc. and mailed to 100 Casals Place #32K, Bronx, NY 10475. Contacts: Sherrie Hernandez at 914-837-5970; Gail Sharbaan, treasurer, at 718-671-3801 or Leslie Peterson at 718-320-1370 (daddpeterson@aol.com). Our website is http://www.bldg13assoc.com or email us at bthirteen.assoc@yahoo.com. Again, thanks for making our team work. —Leslie Peterson

If you SEE something, SAY SOMETHING!!!

718-671-3050 • Co-op City Public Safety

Ghanaian Association

Free End of Year Party: This year’s end of year party is scheduled for Saturday, December 30th, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Bartow Community Center, room 31. Invite your family and friends to join us as we celebrate the successes of this year! December General Meeting: There is no general meeting in December. We will have the end-of-year party on Saturday, December 30th, at the Bartow Community Center, room 31 from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Yearly Registration: As agreed to by the general members last year, there will be a yearly registration of all association members to enable up-to-date membership records. Please make sure to fill your registration form! Call 347773-3499 if you have any question. 2018 Program Outline: Planning for 2018 programs of activities is underway. Please continue to share your wonderful ideas either through phone calls or on WhatsApp. Be engaged and get involved to make another wonderful and successful year. As always, let us hear from you with questions, feedback, and comments. About Us: The Ghanaian Association of Co-op City (GACC) is a not-forprofit organization with the purpose of promoting the general welfare of the Ghanaian community in Co-op City. The objectives of the association include providing educational programs to members, building a capacity for greater involvement in the activities of the community, and providing a platform to address issues of common concern to members and the Co-op City community. Dues: Members are reminded to pay your dues. You can now pay your dues using a credit card or debit card. T-Shirts: If you don’t have the association t-shirt yet, please get yours for only $15! You may get additional t-shirts for family and friends. Please Join Us: We need your support. Please join us. We invite you to come to our next general meeting. Call 347-773-3499. UNITY IS STRENGTH! JOIN US TODAY! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! Coop Ghanama OR http:/www.facebook.com/gacc2013. —Seth Osei-Fosu Throwing garbage/objects from apartment windows is UNLAWFUL, DANGEROUS and could cause you to receive a community complaint and fine.

Co-op City Times / December 23, 2017

Joy To The World And Peace To All On Earth!

Director’s Viewpoint

Leah Richardson Dear fellow shareholders, It’s hard to believe that Christmas is almost here already – where did this year go?! Each year that passes seems to have its own character – there are always challenges, and maybe a low point here and there, but more often than not, they are liberally sprinkled with many highlights which bring joy and gladness. As I look back over these past seven months, I know that it has been about as full a year as I can remember. In this busy time of year, I encourage you to take a few minutes to count your blessings. We all have so much to be thankful for. Being a relative newcomer to the Board of Directors, I’m still pinching myself at how lucky I am to live and be a part of this great community. I am particularly aware that the success of the Board rests upon the valuable support and hard work that we do. I challenge my fellow shareholders to become more engaged in the community in the next year.

There is a direct correlation to the effectiveness of both the Board and your community, and how involved you are in the activities and opportunities that are provided to you. In addition, there will be other networking opportunities, seminars and workshops organized throughout the year. We are always pleased to have your suggestions for events, especially if this is backed by a willingness to help make it happen! Please contact me or any of the Board directors to discuss your ideas and any other issues you would like to bring to our attention. The Board looks forward to your continuing support and encourages your active participation in our 2018 activities. Let us continue to remember those who are in need because Christmas is a time for giving. Giving and sharing, however, does not always mean giving money or material things. Sometimes taking time to help and give comfort to someone in need is worth as much or more. As individuals, let us find time in our busy schedules to give a word of encouragement to another individual with a broken spirit, a neighbor, a relative, a friend going through a particularly difficult time. Let us give of ourselves, not as an obligation, but as a desire. We can all

agree that times are harder now than they have ever been. The youth are not respecting their elders and there is no other time than now for us to be our brothers’ keepers. The world is suffering from high oil and commodity prices, and our community is not immune to these economic influences. Therefore, we are left to find creative solutions to provide a comfortable life for ourselves and for those who are dependent on us – family, employees and the community. As we reflect on the year that has passed and approach a new year, ponder what we can do as a community and to continue to make a difference. As Gandhi said, “You must be the change you want to see in this world.” What changes do you personally plan to make to see changes in our community? Let us remind ourselves once again why Jesus came into this world and I would say it seems important to pray now more than ever, “let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.” This holiday season, as we celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and Three Kings’ Day, I pray that you will have a peaceful, enjoyable and safe celebration. May you and your families enjoy peace, love, happiness and prosperity this New Year.

Co-op City Working Families Party

Building 21 Association

Election Day – 12/12/17 Results Yay! Alabamians did NOT choose a gun toting, anti-gay, anti-Muslim, anti-immigrant, white supremacist-supported, court defying, twice fired judge and accused child molester as their new senator over Democrat Doug Jones. The Co-op City Working Families Mission As a political party, Working Families works to elect the most progressive candidates possible who will stand in the way of all regressive legislation. As a civic action group Co-op City Indivisible (which at this point remains a virtual entity) promotes progressive causes. As Co-op City WF/Indivisible members, we do both. We embrace progressive values by modeling inclusion, respect, and fairness in all of our actions; we work to make Co-op City a stronger community; and we insist our representatives serve as our voice in Co-op City, in the Bronx, in Albany, and in Washington, D.C. Next Meeting of Co-op City Working Families Our latest goal is to join the efforts of our parent organization, WFP New York, in challenging the DINOs in the State Senate (Democrats in name only) in the 2018 primary season. Watch this space to learn how. The next meeting of the WFP is scheduled for Tuesday, January 16th at 7:30 p.m. in room 35, Einstein Community Center, Section Five. WF meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month, through June. All progressives are welcome. For more information, please email mpjazz@optonline.net. Happy Holidays! —Kelly Canzoneri

Happy Holidays!!! Guess the theme, win a prize. Please be informed of the following dates: Think Tank, Fridays, 8:30 p.m. (in The Gathering Room) Friday, December 29th – CLOSED Friday, January 5th – OPEN Holiday Decorations will be left up to be enjoyed through Saturday, January 6th (The Epiphany/Little Christmas). Decorations come down: Monday, January 8th – 5 p.m. Annual Toast to the New Year! January 8th after the decorations are stored. All are welcomed. 21 Association General Session Meeting (Note: 4th Thursday, EACH month): Thursday, January 25th, 7 p.m. (Guest: Amer Ishaq of Altice/OPTIMUM). Guess the theme, win a prize…The B-Section of Building 21 does a different holiday decorating theme, every year. In past years, we’ve done Holiday cards, Christmas stockings, etc. Last year, the theme was “Angels.” If you can guess the theme we did this year, and you show up for our Egg Nog Toast to the New Year (every year after the decorations come down), we’ll have a special prize just for you. “Everyone” will be allowed to guess one time. Write your answer on a piece of paper. We will read them all and award the winner on January 8th after the decorations come down starting at 7 p.m. in “The Gathering Room” located in the rear of the B-Section. You must be present to win. 21 Association Rewards Point Program Is Still “21 Strong” Those 21 Association members who wish to earn valuable points and a chance to win prizes, have many ways to do so. Note: A member is ANY shareholder who has paid their annual $5 dues to the Building 21 Association. Prize monies are made and saved for that purpose from activities (i.e., 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, September 28th. 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 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. Do you have questions regarding The 21 Association? You have three ways of gaining information. Email: 21association@gmail.com. Call: 347.504.1821. Attend the monthly general 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…” Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Hanukkah to you and to all of those you hold near and dear. See you around the neighborhood! —Michelle Marbury

NYS Department of Transportation Holiday Traffic Advisory: Bronx County Bronx River Parkway – 12/26/2017 – 12/27/2017 • Left lane closed N/B from Mosholu Parkway/Allerton Avenue to Gun Hill Road from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Complete Survey) • Left lane closed S/B from Gun Hill Road to Mosholu Parkway/Allerton Avenue from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Complete Survey) Bruckner Expressway – 12/26/2017 • One lane closed S/B at Burr Avenue from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Retaining Wall Repair) 12/26/2017 – 12/29/2017 • One lane closed S/B at Crosby Avenue from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (Retaining Wall Repair) Cross Bronx Expressway – 12/26/2017 – 12/27/2017 • One lane closed Both Directions at Alexander Hamilton Bridge from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Major Deegan Expressway – 12/26/2017 • One lane closed S/B at Park Avenue from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Retaining Wall Repair) 12/26/2017 – 12/28/2017 – • One lane closed Both Directions between East 138th Street and East 161st Street from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Co-op City Times / December 23, 2017

Velocity Track Club New York Velocity Track Club New York had ance Armory on 168th Street. Medals an outstanding Week 1 at the 44th were given to the top three athletes in Annual Colgate Women’s Games! their event / division. Therefore, medals The Colgate Women’s Games is the were hard to earn, but VTC was able to nation’s largest amateur track series muscle out eight medals. The following athletes medaled: In open to all girls from elementary school the 11/12 age division, Girls: Olyvia through college and beyond. CompetiBurrell, 2nd in the long jump. Tiarra tors participate in preliminary meets Jackson, 3rd in the 3000 meters. (Boys) and a semi-final to determine finalists who will compete for trophies and eduDontae Lindo, Julian Caldwell, Khalil cational grants-in-aid from Colgate-PalMitchell and Kyle Reinosa took 3rd in molive Company. Their goal is to prothe 4 x 200-meter relay. Dontae also vide an athletic competition that helps took 3rd place in the 3000 meters run. the participating young girls and In the Girls 13/14 age division, women develop a strong sense of perJanelle Overton took 3rd in the shot put. sonal achievement, self-esteem, instill Congratulations! the importance of education and proOur next meet will be on Wednesday, December 27th, at the Ocean vide a training ground for those who Breeze Holiday Festival at the lovely might not otherwise participate in an Ocean Breeze Recreation facility in organized sport. The Colgate Women’s Games week Staten Island, NY. Come out and see 1 was held Friday – Sunday at Pratt your future Olympians! Athletic Recreation Center in Brooklyn, NY. The competition was fierce with athletes traveling from as far as Maryland to compete. The top 12 girls earn points and the top six received medals! I’m pleased to note that VTC had 9 girls earn points and 10 medals! The following girls earned points: High School division: Tryneese Davis, shot put, 12th place. Middle School division: Hannah Gadpaille, 55-meter dash, 2nd place. Olyvia Burrell, 200 meters dash, 11th place. Elementary B Division: Dakota Hickman, 55-meter dash, 5th place. Jada Clarke, 55-meter Colgate Women’s Games Week 1 Point earners. hurdles & high jump, 2nd place. Velocity Track Club New York is a Elementary A division: Brianna Burrell, 55 & 200-meter dash, 1st place. 501(c)3 not-for-profit. One hundred percent of your donation will go Shyenne Blake, 55-meter dash, 4th place & 200-meter dash 3rd place. towards helping our children. Support Hannah Deflorimonte, 55-meter dash, our youth so they can continue to do 5th place & 200 meters, 8th place. great things! For additional information, you can go to our website, VelocJanelle Bryan, 55 meters dash, 9th itytrack.org, or contact me, Coach place. Great job to all who competed! Winston Dinkins at 914-441-6196 or On Sunday, December 17, the rest of email watclt@aol.com. the team competed at the Armory Youth —Winston Dinkins Classic at the Armory of the New BalPlease Drive Slowly and Cautiously in all Co-op City’s Parking Facilities!

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Co-op City Little League Sets Free Clinic/ Registration Dates

Co-op City Sports

If you missed the Co-op City Little League Winter Registration dates, do not worry!!! We have confirmed our free baseball clinic dates to be held at Truman High School beginning in January. The free baseball clinics are open to all children from ages 4-16 and will be held at Truman H.S. gym 750 Baychester Ave. (rear entrance). You can also register your child for the upcoming 2018 Little League season at any of these clinics. The dates and times are as follows: January 7th, 21st, 28th; February 4th and 18th and March 11th. Times for children ages 9-16 years old are from 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and for children ages 4-8 years old are from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Please note that registration will only be held on the dates of the clinics. Should you need another time to register, please reach us at coopcityll@yahoo.com. Also, please like us on Facebook! —Joe Roman

African American Association

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 after school program, 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. Also 1st and 3rd Tuesdays in Einstein, Section #5. Call Cynthia, 917-903-7073. Institute of Youth/Adult Study Group – Meets every 2nd and 4th Monday, Dreiser Center, room #15, 7 p.m. Contact Haru Maat, harumaat@msn.com. Music, Rhythm & Dance – Most Fridays, 7:30 p.m., Dreiser Center, rm. 15; most Saturdays, 10:00 a.m., Dreiser Center, room #2. Call Keith, 917-5616211. 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 718671-8364. Yoga And Zumba – Classes on Saturday start at 9:30 in Dreiser Center, room #2. General Membership Meeting – The next meeting will be Tuesday, January 9th. If you are unable to attend the meeting, please read our weekly column for updates. Also, if you wish to join or update your membership, please send a check or money order (DO NOT MAIL CASH) of $15 for a single membership or $25 for families to: African-American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475. Donations are welcomed. Like us on Facebook: CoopcityAfricanamericanassoc/email us at: aaaccpower@gmail.com. —Kevin Lambright

Co-op City Times / December 23, 2017

Open Door Ministries The Glorious Impossible “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). Matt. 1:23 I love Christmas because of what it celebrates. The name Immanuel means “God set up his tent among us.” God saw our need and rather than being a distant landowner, he moved into our neighborhood. He could have lived in a different place or come at a different time, but he chose to come to the Middle East, to a first century Jewish family. It is hard to understand how God would leave the splendor of heaven to live in the confines of human flesh. He who spoke the world into existence didn’t come during a time of modern conveniences such as microwaves, cars, airplanes, or Amazon. Paul described the incarnation in this manner: “he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!” (Phil 2:7-8) The incarnation is God’s gift to humanity. It is an expression of how much he loves us. Our prayer is you will experience God’s love and presence this Christmas Season. —Daryl Eldridge Glorious Impossible - Gaither

Vocal Band See the Virgin is delivered In a cold and crowded stall Mirror of the Father’s glory Lies beside her in the straw He is Mercy’s incarnation Marvel at this miracle! For the Virgin gently holds The Glorious Impossible Love has come to walk on water Turn the water into wine Touch the leper, bless the children Love both human and divine Praise the wisdom of the Father Who has spoken through His Son Speaking still, He calls us to The Glorious Impossible He was bruised for our transgressions And He bears eternal scars He was raised for our salvation And His righteousness is ours Praise, oh praise Him, praise the glory Of this lavish grace so full Lift your souls now and receive the Glorious Impossible! Sunday services are at 11 a.m. in Bartow Community Center, room 28. Open Door Ministries’ Therapeutic Mentoring Program offers free counseling. Contact Pastor Luis by text 917334-4407 or email opendoorministries.net. Blessings in Christ. —Pastor Luis Ramos

Lost in Service and Losing Joy

American Legion Post 1871

Thank You -- Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Post 1871 had its last meeting for the calendar year 2017 on Saturday, December 16th. Members of the Post were present in an event that witnessed several members donating their own recipe to make the event a fun-filled engagement. Legionnaires trooped to the place in numbers to laugh, joke and reflect on the journey of the year 2017. I want to personally use this opportunity to thank all the veterans, especially the executive committee members who always find time to come to meeting at the first Wednesday of the month. I wish you ALL a befitting holiday celebration. Always endeavor to dress warm with layers. I hope to see you all in the New Year in good health. Take time out to be with your family members and do events with your grandchildren. Oratorical Contest The last day to register for this competition is Monday, December 25. The competition for the Bronx County will be held here in Co-op City on Friday, December 29 by 5 p.m. Eligible students are encouraged to participate by reaching out to the chairman (Toba Lacrown, 347-327-6288) and obtain the form or do so by going online. Students from grade 9 through 12 are eligible to participate in the contest. Over $138,000 in college scholarships can be awarded each year. The overall national contest winner gets an $18,000 scholarship. Second place takes home $16,000, and third gets $14,000. Any student who will be taking part in the contest will have to make their intention known on or before Friday, December 22nd. The NORTHPORT VA will be opened to “Other than Honorable” discharged veterans as part of the campaign to reduce the number of veteran suicides. Research currently shows that 20 veteran suicides occur daily, 14 of those were veterans who were not connected with the VA. Thus, we are hoping that these OTH veterans will benefit greatly for pushing this campaign. Interested veterans in this category can call the Veteran Crisis Line, 1-800-273-8255, and/or VAMC Northport Emergency Room at 631-261-4400, ext. 2380. Once this campaign gets through, it will provide the following services, follow-up outpatient, residential, and inpatient mental health and substance use disorder to the veterans for up to 90 days, with social work engagement and non-VA covered community transition to longer care appropriate transition of medical needs. NJ Income Tax Exemption I was recently informed by concerned Legionnaires about the possible tax cut for veterans. With wide consultation and due consideration, it was found out that the Income Tax Exemption is going to be for only NJ veterans. With this tax exemption, NJ residents are eligible for a $3,000 exemption on their 2017 Income Tax return if they are a military veteran who was honorably discharged, or released under honorable circumstances from active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States by the last day of the tax year. The question remains, will NYS offer the same tax cut for its veterans? —Lsjc Adeyemi LaCrown O'toba, MSA

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. On Wednesdays, there is a very short midday service starting promptly at 12 noon. 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 24, (Christmas Eve), when we will celebrate The Fourth Sunday of Advent. Our Supply Priest, Father Simeon Johnson, will be the preacher and celebrant. Please note that there will be no service on Christmas Day. Please remember to submit your Pledge Cards that are now due for 2018 as soon as possible. Outreach Program: We continue to collect non-perishable food for the feeding program at Grace Episcopal Church in West Farms. Please remember to donate. As we celebrate Christmas, we wish you peace, good health and an enjoyable holiday season and to our neighbors, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Kwanzaa. For additional information on all of the above, please call the church at 718-320-0844, or visit our website: http://www.stjosephs epcbronx.org “You spoke once in a vision and said to your faithful people: * “I have set the crown upon a warrior and have exalted one chosen out of the people”. –Psalm 19:19 —Pearline Lawrence

Black Forum

Defensive Driving Course Next course: January 13, 2018, 8:50 a.m. - 3 p.m., Dreiser Center, room 1. Lower your liability insurance cost by 10% and remove up to 4 points from your driver’s license. Please make checks of $35, payable to ‘Black Forum of CO-OP City,’ and mail to 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 20, Bronx, NY 10475 at least 1½ weeks before class. Walk-ins are welcomed, but only a $35 cash payment will be accepted the day of the class - no checks. Call by noon Friday to register and assure seating. Please bring your current driver’s license and a pen. (718) 320-8035. Nordic Lodge & Foxwoods Casino Trip Join us Saturday, August 18, 2018, for an amazing dining experience at the award winning Nordic Lodge, in Charlestown, Rhode Island. Enjoy 2hours of an All-You-Can-Eat seafood-plus buffet with lobster, prime rib, specialty desserts and more! The excitement continues at Foxwoods Casino. $165 includes dining, shopping & round-trip coach transportation. Three payments of $55 due 1/26/18, 2/16/18 and 3/16/18. Please make checks payable to ‘Black Forum of CO-OP City,’ and mail to 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 20, Bronx, NY 10475. NO REFUNDS. Pick-up and drop-off at Dreiser, Asch Loop and Section 5. Please call 917-209-5334 or 718320-0033 if you have questions. Emergency Food Program (10475 residents only) Please bring a current photo ID to register. ONLY accepted IDs are driver’s and non-driver’s licenses, and the ID NYC card. Bring four clean shopping bags and cart (if you have one). You'll be issued a card that must be shown on every visit in order to pick up food. Buildings 27, 28, 29, 32 and 33 must pick up food on Thursdays at the New Vision Church, 115 Einstein Loop, 11 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Buildings 26, 30, 31, 34 and 35 must go to the Evangelical Church, 2350 Palmer Avenue, 11 a.m.- 12:45 p.m., also on Thursdays. Other buildings and townhouses must pick-up at Dreiser, room 20. Dreiser food distribution hours are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m. - 12:45 p.m., room 20. Pilot Program: Dreiser hours extended Tuesdays, 5 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. Added Dreiser hours on the following Saturdays: January 13, 2018, February 10, March 10, April 14, May 12 and June 9. All hours are subject to change based on demand. New and currently registered guests are welcomed to participate in extended hours. Attention: All participants are required in January 2018 to show a current photo with address ID card for re-certification. This confirms residence in 10475. Guests who lost their pantry card can reapply to the program in January 2018. Re-certification is during the regular business hours of your assigned week: Section 1 (Bldgs. 1-8), week of Jan. 1, 2018; Section 2 (Bldgs. 9-14), week of Jan. 8; Section 3 (Bldgs. 15-20), week of Jan. 15; Section 4 (Bldgs. 21-25), week of Jan. 22. Contact:Reach out to us if you have questions, (718) 320-8035 or coopcityblackforum@gmail.com. —Tony Illis

Co-op City Times / December 23, 2017

Building 19 Association

Community Protestant Church

Hello, Building 19 family. This month is halfway done and we’re getting closer to starting a new year. First, I want to wish our Jewish neighbors a belated Happy Hanukkah. I hope that you spent it with family and friends and that it was filled with love and joy. Speaking of holidays, I want to give a big shout-out to the cooperators who participated in the annual holiday decorating of the lobby on December 9th. As you can see, our building is more than ready to celebrate Hanukkah (which started at sundown on December 12th), Christmas, and Kwanzaa.

Cooperators come together to celebrate the holidays at the Building 19 Association’s End-of-the-Year Party held on December 15th. Happy holidays from the Building 19 Association!!!

And speaking of celebrating, I want to thank those who attended and brought a dish to our End-of-the-Year party last Friday in the association room. The event was a great opportunity for neighbors to get together and have a good time. And a good time we had (responsibly, of course). Congratulations to the winner of our holiday party $25 raffle prize: Sonia Feliciano. May Presidents Jackson and Lincoln bring some extra cheer to your holiday. Thank you, Building 19 family, for giving to the association’s annual collection for the building staff. As you already know, the association has been collecting donations for the porters, Maintenance man, and lobby attendant for the past two weeks. This labor of love is our way of collectively thanking the building personnel for all the hard work that they do for the cooperators of this building each year. Thanks to your generous giving, the building staff will have a VERY happy holiday. Please remember to mark your calendar for the following events next month in the association room: Tuesday, January 9th: Steering Committee meeting at 7:30 p.m. Friday, January 26th: General meeting at 7 p.m. On behalf of the executive board of the association, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Kwanzaa. —Leon Tulton

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

Prayer, Praise and Testimony. Refreshments will be served. RSVP: (718) 862-9172. Tomorrow, Sunday, December 24th at the 11:00 a.m. Service, the Sunday School will present its Christmas Program, which will include a performance by our Angels in Christ Liturgical Dance Ministry. Please come out and support our children and enjoy a wonderful holiday program. Please Note Special Services At Community Protestant Monday, December 25 – Christmas Day Service will begin at 9:00 a.m. Sunday, December 31 – Year’s End Service/Candlelight service will begin at 6:30 p.m. In this glorious season of the year, Community Protestant wishes you a blessed Christmas and bids a warm welcome to all to worship with us as we remember … When Love Came Down “The world was blessed at Christmas with a miracle of love … A guiding star and angel choir rejoicing from above. They pointed to a tiny babe within a cattle stall – A Saviour bringing peace on earth – the greatest gift of all. Celebrating the humble birth of our glorious Saviour and wishing you a season full of overflowing joy and peace.” 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

Happy Holidays!

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Co-op City Times / December 23, 2017

Bartow

Einstein

Dreiser

Room 31 unless otherwise noted

Room 49 unless otherwise noted

Room 7 unless otherwise noted

Alternate Kosher Meals are also available

Mon., Dec. 25

Word Games: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Walking Club: 10:30 a.m. Bingo: 12:30-2:00 p.m. Caregiver Support Group: 1:00 p.m., 1st and 3rd Tues. Card Games: 2-4 p.m. Dominoes: 2:30 p.m.

Fri., Dec. 29 Thu., Dec. 28

Wed., Dec. 27

MERRY CHRISTMAS MERRY CHRISTMAS MERRY CHRISTMAS JASA CLOSED JASA CLOSED JASA CLOSED

Tues., Dec. 26

Kosher

Blood Pressure: Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday 9-10 a.m. Games 9:30-11 a.m. Stay Well Exercise 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Line Dancing 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Bingo 1-2 p.m. Card Games 2-4 p.m. Dominoes 2:30 p.m. Smartphone Class Bartow Main office Beginner – 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Intermediate 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Library 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Word Games 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Crochet & Knitting 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Spanish Class 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Bartow Main Office Chat Session 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Bingo 1-2 p.m. Card Games 2-4 p.m. Dominos 2:30 p.m. Men’s Line Dancing 9-10 a.m. Word Games 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Women’s Line Dancing 10-11:30 a.m. Chat Session 10 a.m. Piano Sing-along 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Bingo 1-2 p.m. Card Games 2-4 p.m. Dominoes 2:30 p.m.

Dominoes 10 a.m. Matinee Movie 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Karaoke by Steven 1-2 p.m., Rm. 45

Walk Group 9:30 a.m., Rm. 40 Dominoes 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Spelling Bee 10 a.m. Spanish Practice Class 10:30 a.m., Computer Lab Zumba 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 45 Dominos 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Grandparent Connection 1st Thurs., Rm. 35 10:30am Arthritis Exercise 11 a.m., Rm. 45 Spelling Bee 11 a.m. Word Search 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Karaoke by Steven 1 p.m., Rm. 45 Dominoes 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Art 10 a.m., Rm. 45 Bingo 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Card Games 2-4 p.m. Pokeno 2-4 p.m., Rm. 35 Blood Pressure 2nd & 4th Fri. 10-11:30 a.m., Rm. 45 (New) Free Oil Painting Classes Rm. 38 10:00 -11:30 a.m.

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

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

Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session 9:30-10:30 a.m. Alert & Alive On Vac. Until Jan. 9, 2018 Cultural Dance 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m., Aud. B Mind Teasers 12-1 p.m., Rm. 4 Zumba 1-2 p.m., Aud. A Afternoon Movie 1 p.m. Computer Class – Rm. 13; Beginner 1011 a.m.; Intermediate – 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Only 6 seats available. Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session 9:30-10:30 a.m. Sewing On vacation til Jan. 17, 2018 Tai Chi 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Mind Teasers 12 p.m.-1 p.m., Rm. 4 African Brazilian Dance 1 p.m., Rm. 2 Art Class 1-3 p.m. Yoga 2 p.m.-3 p.m., Rm. 2

Non-Kosher

MERRY CHRISTMAS MERRY CHRISTMAS JASA CLOSED

JASA CLOSED

Orange juice Breaded Chicken cutlets Mashed butternut squash Whole wheat bread Fresh Fruit Alt: Egg salad

Turkey drumsticks Cole slaw Roasted sweet potato fries

Orange Pineapple Juice Pepper steak White rice Asian cabbage Whole wheat bread Alt: Veggie Cutlet w/hot sides

Baked breaded fish Italian blend vegetables Roasted potatoes

Orange juice, Baked Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session Fillet of sole fish, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Blood Pressure 10-11:30 a.m. 1st & 3rd, Rm. 8 Moroccan style sauce, Line Dancing 10-11 a.m., Aud. A Cous cous, California Piano Sing Along 11 a.m.-12 p.m. blend vegetables, Drama Club 1:30-4:00 p.m. Whole wheat bread,

Chicken breast & rice Steamed kale

Alt: Arroz con Pollo Crochet & Knitting 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Apple juice Library, Exercise Bike, Chat Session Spanish style roasted 9:30-10, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. chicken Meditative Moments 11 a.m.–12 p.m., Roasted potatoes Rm. 8 Green beans & tomaPokeno 3rd Fri., 1-2:30 p.m. Bingo 1-3 p.m. toes, Challah bread Card Games, Dominoes 2-4 p.m. Alt: Gefilte Fish

Beef Lasagna Garden salad

Fee for lunch is $2.00 & $5.00 for guest

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

Upcoming Events/Trips JASA WELCOMES EVERYONE AGE 60 $13; Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9;45 a.m. & AND OLDER! Payments for trips can be made Dreiser, 10 a.m. at all three centers. Trip registration policy: There Thursday at the Movies – Jan. 11 at 2 p.m. will be no refunds for all trips. All trips include in back of the Bartow main office. Feature film is roundtrip transportation! All trips must be paid in “SELMA.” Light refreshments served. advance – JASA will not accept checks under $5. JASA is Closed – Mon., Jan. 15, in obser(FREE) LiveOn NY – SCRIE/SNAP (Food vance of Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday. Stamps) Assistance – Fri., Jan. 12th, 26th, Feb. St. Mary’s Pool – Fri., Jan. 12; Fri., Jan. 26 & 9th, 23rd, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., JASA Main Office, Mon., Jan. 29; $3. Pool aerobics for seniors, 10 2049 Bartow Ave. No appointments. Walk-ins! a.m.–12 p.m. Bartow, 8:30 a.m.; Einstein, 8:45 First come! First served! Please make copies of a.m. & Dreiser, 9 a.m. There is a $25 yearly fee your documents before coming to the office. to use the facility. JASA is closed Monday, Dec. 25, Christmas Aldi – Tues., Jan. 16; $2. Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; Day – Happy Holiday! Einstein, 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 10 a.m. Coat Drive – Dreiser Senior Center, 177 Fairway – Thurs., Jan. 18; $3. Bartow, 9:30 Dreiser Loop, rm. 7; Now thru January 3, 2018. a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 10 a.m. Drop off: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Target – Fri., Jan. 19; $2. Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; JASA is Closed New Year’s Day, January 1, Einstein, 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 10 a.m. 2018. Happy New Year! Shoprite – Mon., Jan. 22; $3. Bartow, 9:30 Stew Leonard’s – Mon., Jan. 8; $5. Bartow, a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 10 a.m. 9:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 10 a.m. Empire – Tues., Jan. 23; $5. Bartow, 9:30 Empire – Tues., Jan. 9; $5. Bartow, 9:30 a.m.; a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m.; Dreiser, 10 a.m. Einstein, 9:45 a.m.; Dreiser, 10 a.m. Ridgehill – Wed., Jan. 24; $7. Bartow, 9:30 Wal-Mart – Wed., Jan. 10; $15. Bartow, 8:30 a.m.; Einstein, 9:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 10 a.m. a.m.; Einstein, 8:45 a.m. & Dreiser, 9 a.m. Beginning Tues., Jan. 9 – New Computer Central Avenue – Christmas Tree Store, class at Dreiser; Tuesdays, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.. rm. Trader Joe’s & Amazing Savings, Thurs., Jan. 11, 13.

THE FUTURE OF MEDICARE

Do you know the possible roadblocks that lie ahead to the future solvency of the Medicare program? Will Medicare be there for you when you reach your 60s? Tuesday, January 16, 2018, 7 p.m. Grace Episcopal Church Hall, 116 City Island Avenue Join us for a non-partisan presentation co-sponsored by City Island Indivisible and PSS Senior Services. Three experts* in the field will offer insights and information into costs and other issues that may affect the future of the federal program. Admission is free; to reserve a seat, send an email to futureofmedicare@gmail.com. Send any questions you might have to futureofmedicare@gmail.com.

*Neal Lane is the former director of the New York State Office for the Aging and is widely recognized as an innovator for aging services. *Michelle Kimball has led a national, non-profit, non-partisan national physician advocacy organization that is taking on the insurance industry on behalf of both patients and physicians. *Joe Baker, president of the Medicare Rights Center, recently completed two terms as a member of the Advisory Panel on Outreach and Education for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Co-op City Times / December 23, 2017

Scheduling Activities Calendar

Goose Island Seniors We wish all our members and friends a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday. Resort Casino – Thursday, February 15th, 2018, in Atlantic City, NJ. Price is $35. More information soon. A full refund, to another casino trip, will be given if bus company cancels. We are happy to announce that some time in January 2018, Stephen Roberts will be sworn in as president of Goose Island Seniors working alongside our current president Ann Schlanger. We are saddened to announce that Mary Pilla is stepping down from her position as president. Mary has worked very hard as president alongside Ann Schlanger and has brought so much to Goose Island. Her untiring service for many years has brought Goose Island where it is today and we want to thank her so much. We would like to have (members only) a cover dish party on that day. Bring your favorite dish for us to taste. More information will soon be available. 2018 – Thing to look forward to. Introducing Dominos and Spades along with Kalooki and Mahjong from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., (certain days during the week), 1:30 p.m. Movie Night one day a month, 1 hr. cell phone and computer questions and answers, 4 p.m. after Bingo on Wednesdays, Wi-Fi and more, so come and join us for $15 per year. We need volunteers to help out anywhere they can. Sister Act – The Westchester Broadway Theatre, Elmsford, NY, Friday, June 15, 2018. Come and enjoy a delicious lunch and a terrific show. Prices went up, but we feel we can still keep the price for this trip at $79. This price includes a show, luncheon and transportation. A small deposit of $5 or more will reserve your seat at the theatre. You can pay a

little at a time so by June you’ll be all paid up. See Ann, Mary, or Stephen. Bingo – Wednesday, December 27th, at 1:30 p.m., with Stephen in our club room #39. Members only. Admission, $5 for three cards, 12 games and Jackpot. Extra cards are 25 cents each. Refreshments and snacks will be served. To all members: Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary to all members who celebrate their day in the month of December: Adele Lawrence and Barbara Owens. We are now collecting $15 for your 2018 dues. Please be paid up by January 1, 2018. Starting the first of January anyone who has not paid their dues will not participate in any club activities until all money is paid. No exceptions. See Ann, Mary, or Stephen. Our Lounge – Come sit and relax, read a book from our large library, play cards every Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. ($1 is collected for refreshments and snacks). Play Bingo every Wednesday and last Sunday of each month for only $15 per year. Also, come with us on wonderful trips. Note: Call Ann, Mary, or Stephen at Goose Island Seniors, 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. To call Stephen, it’s 347-847-1941. Visit Stephen in room #39, every Mon. & Fri. from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.; Wed., 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. and Tue. & Thurs., 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Good health to all. —Mary Pilla

AARP Chapter #4997 FYI: The Social Security Administration has announced a benefit increase for 2018 as follows: 2% Cost-of-Living adjustment (largest increase in 6 years); $27 monthly increase for the average retired worker (now receiving $1,377); and $128,700 maximum earnings subject to Social Security tax (up from $127,200). Happy New Year! Heartfelt Condolence to Bartu Cottle on the loss of her son-in-law, Henry B. Williamson. Good & Welfare: Please contact our Good & Welfare coordinator, Frances Wilson, 718-6715493, if you have a family member who has passed or one of our members who is sick, in the hospital or in a nursing home. 2017 Tour Activities December 29, 2017-January 2, 2018: Swingin’ New Year’s Eve Celebration in Savannah (GA) – Motor coach trip (2-night lodging to & from Savannah); 4 breakfasts; 2 full course dinners, including a Riverboat Dinner Cruise; guided tour of Savannah, historic Davenport House, and Savannah’s River Street District; New Year’s Eve Show & Party at the Savannah Theater; New Year’s Day Buffet Lunch. NOTE: Bring an overnight bag as baggage handling is not included the first night. Bus leaving from Asch Loop (in front of the library) at 7:00 a.m.; arrive at 6:30 a.m. for baggage tags & seat assignments. Contact Judith, 718-3793370. 2018 Tour Activities February 8, 2018: WarmDaddys & Sugar House Casino (Philadelphia, PA) – Motorcoach trip; enjoy downhome culture & live Blues & Jazz music; Southern style delicious dinner; 5-hours at Sugar House Casino w/bonus, $125. Contact Hannah, 718-379-7962. April 10, 2018-April 11, 2018: Sight & Sound Theatre & Sands Casino – Motorcoach trip to Sands Casino with casino bonus and shopping; next day (after breakfast) to Sight & Sound spectacular production of “Jesus” to experience the greatest rescue story of all time (reserved seating); dinner & breakfast coupons. $309/person – Double; $395 – Single; $295/person Triple. $50/per person deposit + optional Travel Protection; $34/per person due ASAP; Final payment due February 23, 2018. Contact Judith, 718-379-3370. May 14- 19, 2018: Windsor, Ontario (Canada) – C-A-N-C- E-L-L-E-D. Contact Judith, 718-379-3370. Attention: When signing up for the above trips, please give your name, phone number and a deposit. Checks/money orders made payable to AARP Chapter 4997 with the name of the trip in the memo section of your check/money order. Room O (Dreiser Community Center) is opened Monday or Thursday, noon – 3 p.m. for checks to be dropped off (in an envelope w/Group/Trip Leader name). They may be mailed to the Group/Trip Leader. —Delores Debnam

Einstein Cancer Fund I’d like to thank everyone for their support of Einstein Cancer Fund these past 14 years that I have served as the finance secretary. I pray that the members and officers will keep on supporting the organization. They are Annie Eutsy who is the vice president, and Marlene Gantward, as well as all the members of the organization. I pray that they will be able to sustain this valuable organization, Einstein Cancer Fund. It has been a pleasure and an honor to have been one of the officers of the Fund, bringing it to fruition. Thank you all. Have a healthy New Year and many more to come. This is my last article to you. As always, good health and healing are wished to all. Remember to give a call to those who are home-bound or in nursing homes. Your calls will cheer them up and they will know that they are in your thoughts and prayers. —Lydia Ruas

Co-op City Times / December 23, 2017

Co-op City Baptist Church

Traditional Synagogue

Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invite you to join us tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. for worship service. Sunday School for children and adults is held at 9:15 a.m. We invite you to worship, study, and pray with us. The Co-op City Baptist Church is located at 135 Einstein Loop, lower level, room 50. Our telephone number is 718-320-3774. And, be sure to extend your worship with us today and every Saturday, 4 – 5 p.m. on Principle Centered Living Radio, redeemradiofm.com. Also, learn more about our pastor and the principles of our church, while enjoying a laugh or two on Facebook (Principle Centered Living with Rev. Sheldon Williams). Please “Like” the page and share the posts. Only those who “LIKE” the page will qualify for upcoming contests and rewards. Midweek worship service and all Bible Study classes will be suspended due to the Christmas holidays. Wednesday Worship service and Bible Study classes will resume on Wednesday, January 3, 2018. Friday Prayer Service will also be suspended for the Christmas holidays. Friday Prayer Service will resume on Friday, January 5. Today, Saturday, December 23 at 10:00 a.m., the Sunday School is presenting their Christmas Program. Everyone is invited to join us as the Sunday School brings us the story of Christmas. On New Year’s Eve, Sunday, December 31 at 10:30 p.m., we will have Watch Night Service. All are invited to come join us as we start 2018 in the house of the Lord. We welcome all to join us on Sunday, December 31, at 10:30 p.m. at our Watch Night Service as we celebrate the New Year with praises to the Lord. The Co-op City Baptist Church family extends wishes for a Merry Christmas. Happy Kwanzaa and a Happy, Healthy and Blessed New Year to all. 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

Chanukah Luncheon: Last Sunday, December 17th, we celebrated Chanukah. We served corn beef, turkey breast, pastrami, potato pancakes, and all the trimmings, and jelly donuts. The rabbi lit the Chanukah candles, we sang Chanukah songs. Had a 50/50 raffle, and Bingo. Everyone had a good time. I want to thank all who helped to make the luncheon successful. General Information: The Traditional Synagogue is located in Section 5, 120 Erdman Place in the rear lobby of Building 27B. Phone #: 718-379-6920. Office hours are Thursday and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. Please call the office before you attempt to come over. If no one is in the office, please leave a message. The Synagogue has Services Saturday morning at 9 a.m. After services, we always have a nice kiddush. All men and women are invited. Come to services and pray and then have a nosh. Our services are open to all Jewish men and women in Co-op City. Sabbaths ends on Saturday, December 23rd at 5:19 p.m. Candle Lighting for Friday, December 22 is at 4:18 p.m. Good & Welfare: We sell tree certificates in honor or memory of a loved one. The cost is only $15 per tree. Mazel Tov to all having simchas. If you’re ill, wishing you good health. If you asked the rabbi to say prayers for a sick person, you should make a donation to the synagogue. Happy birthday wishes to Gary Schwartz, Robert and Sheila Linder. Last Saturday, December 16th, Sol Silber, a long-time member of the synagogue, died. We wish his daughter, Ellen, and her brothers, no more sorrow. Your support of the Traditional Synagogue and Men’s Club is greatly appreciated. Wishing all our members and friends peace and good health, and a happy holiday season. —Gary Schwartz

NAACP Co-op City Branch #2210

“It’s still good news” 20 I never shrank back from telling you what you needed to hear, either publicly or in your homes.21 I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike—the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus…24 But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. -Acts 20:21;22;24 (NLT) On the night of Jesus’ birth, angels appeared to shepherds who were guarding their flocks of sheep. They told the shepherds that they had good news, news that would bring great joy to all people. “The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! (Luke 2:8-12) Christmas comes the same time every year. For most people, it’s just another holiday to gather with friends and family, eat good food, exchange some gifts, and do it all over again the following year. But what if I told you that Christmas happens over and over again every day? It happens in large cities, and small towns. It happens day in and day out all over the world, even in countries where Christianity is illegal! It happens regardless of your social or economic status, your age, or your gender. You see, the good news that the angels announced over 2,000 years ago, is the same good news we have today…Christ the Savior is born. He is the only one who can save us from our sin. When a person who is far away from God hears and accepts that good news, Christ the Savior is born in their heart and life. That’s the miracle of the new birth, grace and second life. I pray that this Christmas you receive the greatest gift of all…The gift of Jesus. Allow Him to be born in your heart, and you will never be the same! This Christmas Eve, we invite you and your family to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior. This interactive service is for the whole family, complete with Christmas carols, a special message from Pastor Mike, traditional candle lighting, and more! This Sunday’s Schedule • ATTENTION…We moved locations! New Location: 135 Einstein Loop (room 45) Christmas Eve Celebration: Sunday, 10 a.m. (ONLY) For more information about Newsong Church, our beliefs, or our ministries, please go to our website, www.newsongchurchnyc.org. —Pastor Mike Tolone

“Civil Rights Never Sleep”

718-320-3210/naacpccity2210@gmail.com Jerome L. Rice, Branch President NYC Council Police Reform Legislation: The Right To Know Act (Intro 182 And 541) The Co-op City Branch urges the New York City Council to pass the Right to Know Act comprised of Intro 182 which requires police officers to identify themselves and provide reasoning for stopping citizens on the street, and Intro 541 which requires police officers to tell citizens of their right to refuse a search when there is no legal justification for a search. The Right to Know Act is not an anti-police bill. We are aware, and commend those officers who carry out the mandate of their job on a daily basis without violating citizens’ rights. INTRO 182: Requires police officers to identify themselves and to provide the reason for stopping citizens on the street. Consistent with long-standing police accountability requirements, the Right To Know Act simply requires the police officer to identify him or herself to the person he or she is interacting with and to provide the reason for such interaction. The identification practice will allow citizens to identify and hold accountable, those officers engaged in unlawful police behavior. It will not in any way interfere with those officers who are lawfully carrying out their duties. INTRO 541: Requires police officers to tell citizens that they have a right to refuse a search where there is no legal justification for a search. This will not prevent or interfere with a police officer’s ability or lawful authority to engage in legal searches, such as those backed by a search warrant, hot pursuit, probable cause car searches, or citizens in distress. This bill will protect citizens from unconstitutional searches and seizures. Call the Council to support this bill. No Co-op —Jerome Rice City Times? Call 347-439-5632 on Saturday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Newsong Church Advent-Week Four

Co-op City Times / December 23, 2017

Evangelical Church of Co-op City – UMC

Faith In God Church & Bible Institute

Open Doors, Open Hearts and Open Minds

Pastor & Evangelist Vernon Little greet everyone in the name of Jesus, that name which is above every name. We want you to know that you are welcome in this house of the Lord! It is His house by ownership: it is our house by stewardship: and it can be your house by membership; so come on in and join with us. May God bless you in this house! God’s hand is a hand of comfort. God also multiplies the impact of His comfort by calling us to use the memory of the comfort He gives us to comfort others in similar situations. Let’s look at scripture to support this. 2nd Cor. 1:3-7 says: 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 5 For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 6 If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. 7 And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. Invitation: Sweet Hour of Prayer is today at 3 p.m. Sunday School is tomorrow at 10 a.m. Our Sunday Morning Worship Service is at 11 a.m. Every 3rd Sunday following the morning worship, we serve Holy Communion. Vernon Little just released a new single ‘The Chance To Tell You’ on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, etc. It’s a fusion of R&B, Rap and Gospel. https://www.amazon.com/Chance-Tell-You-Vernon-Little/dp/B071ZFJQ29. He also has videos on YouTube. You will be blessed, encouraged, and inspired. We are located at 171 Dreiser Loop in Section 1. Our phone # is (347) 2764925. Jesus loves you, and so do we! —Evangelist Vernon Little

Come & Visit Us – We welcome you to God’s House – Your House – One Family in Christ. We are a congregation with spirit-filled worship, offering a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship and service to God and our community. We are a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and bilingual congregation and all are welcome. Services are at the church at 2350 Palmer Avenue, across the street from Building 30. Parking is available. Our phone number is (718) 320-3795, and leave a message if there is no answer. Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve Services: Our Christmas Eve service will be on Sunday, December 24th and will be a bilingual service. Our New Year’s Eve service will be on Sunday, December 31st and will be a bilingual service. Both services will be at 10 a.m. We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah and Happy Kwanza to all celebrating in our community and a very Happy & Healthy New Year. “Jesus” in Lancaster Pa.: Come join us on March 30, 2018 to see “Jesus” at Sight & Sound Theater (their newest show), shopping at Bird in Hand Farmers Market and dinner at Miller’s Smorgasbord. Cost is $175/person and $120/child 12 and under. If you are interested in going, call Barbara at 347603-7473. If no answer, leave a message and someone will get back to you. Hurry to reserve your spot, seats are going fast. Sunday Services – Come and receive a blessing. The first Sunday of the month is a bilingual service with communion at 10 a.m. Each Sunday, the English Service is at 10 a.m. and the Spanish Service is at 12:30 p.m. Children: Sunday School time will be at 10:30 a.m., bring your children, they will have a great time while learning God’s word. Sunday morning Bible Study for adults at 8:45 a.m. Prayer Night (English) & Prayer/Bible Study Afternoon (Spanish): The Lord said, “Whenever two or more are gathered in my name I am in the midst of them.” —Matthew 18:20. Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday mornings at noon to 1 p.m. Come and bring your prayer needs so we can pray together. Remember that prayer brings many blessings, which God has promised to all his children that have a personal relationship with Him. Friday Family Night: starts at 7:30 p.m. Come and enjoy the different groups for parents, young adults, teens and children. Learn the Bible and also other activities. It’s a fun time for all. God Bless. —Barbara Penn

Pentecostal Tabernacle The Pentecostal Tabernacle invites everyone to attend worship service at 100 Co-op City Blvd., Building 22A (main lobby). Sunday School for all age group starts at 10:30 a.m. Midday worship service begins at 11:45 a.m. Wednesdays: Prayer and fasting service will be held at 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Bible study and prayer meeting will also be held Wednesday evening starting at 7:30 p.m. Fridays: Youth service will be held every Friday evening starting at 7:30 p.m. Focus: Grace is divine power that causes the heart to rejoice and reflects in the lives of those who find favor with God. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. (Acts 4:33) The promises of God are given by His grace. Peter explained that the outcome of God’s grace working in our lives is the giving of ‘great and precious promises’’ Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (II Peter 1:1-4) At a glance, we may credit these promises to God’s power, but a closer examination of scripture reveals that all scriptural promises are ultimately the result of God’s grace. Apart from his grace, we would not receive any promises from God. It should not be a strange thing for one who has experienced the grace of God to ask for more. Although there are several means of obtaining more grace one way is through seeking a greater knowledge of Jesus Christ from the study of his word. Grace allowed us to enjoy God’s unmerited favor, gave us a gift that we did not deserve. This is the true love of God that supersedes the love of human as John 3; 16 stated: For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. His love towards us is so strong that He was willing to give up his life for us. 1st Corinthians 13:4 speaks of charity suffers long, and is kind, charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, it not puffed up. It is very important that we try to love one another just as God loves us, love is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil. 1st John 4:8 states: He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. For further information, please call 718-320-4218 or 718-324-0334. —Rev. R. Sibblies

If you have news to share with your neighbors, please let us know at (718) 320-3300, Ext. 3375/6; email: cctimes@riverbaycorp.com or fax (718) 320-2595.

Co-op City Times / December 23, 2017

CCPD

(Continued from page 7)

Opportunities

(Continued from page 7)

In New York State, the Expanded “Move Over” law has been in effect since January 1, 2012. This law makes it a violation to fail to move over a lane when approaching a service vehicle, such as a tow truck or a stopped emergency vehicle with or without its warning lights on. This violation carries a fine of up to $150.00 and up to two points on your license. The purpose of this law is to protect emergency responders and other service vehicles. The holiday season is a good time to think about those with disabilities, especially those disabilities which are not visible. The holidays can be a difficult time for persons suffering from physical or mental illness. Those who suffer from depression or those who have had a difficult year may feel like life is perfect for everyone else. The holiday season is an excellent opportunity to reach out to friends, family and neighbors who may need someone to speak to. If you feel as though you need someone to speak to, there is always someone willing to help (775) 7848090 or 1 (800) 273-8255 are Crisis Support Hotlines which are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. You can even TEXT “ANSWER” to 839863 if texting is how you prefer to communicate. Just speaking to someone can help you put problems into perspective and obtain assistance you may need. Have a safe and healthy New Year 2018. Also be sure to buckle your seatbelt and avoid distractions when driving. If you plan to consume alcoholic beverages be sure to leave your car at home or designate a driver who will not drink or call a taxi. Always remember, if you see something, say something. Call 9-1-1 and the Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050 or online at www.ccpd.us. Callers may remain anonymous when giving information. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety would like to thank all persons who have called in suspicious activity. It is by your actions that the crime rate remains low and a high quality of life is maintained.

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Band looking for a drummer. Must have kit and transportation. We have a rehearsal spot. 12/30 Telephone # (917) 327-5109 Records Wanted

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Call Joe 917-952-4408

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Co-op City Times / December 23, 2017

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• Basic Cleaning $90 • Deep Cleaning $130 • Non-Medical Senior Care $80 • 4 Hour Min. + 8.78% tax • Bonded • 7 Days • Cash, Pay-Pal www.spoonercleaning.com (718) 320-5112 1/27/18

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• RANGE HOODS We BEAT • LIGHT FIXTURES Any • KITCHEN CABINETS • CABINET REFACING Quote! • COUNTERTOPS • CUSTOM CLOSET MIRROR DOORS • CUSTOM WALL MIRRORS

Grout & Carpet Cleaning Co-op City Resident Specials

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CO-OP SALES BLINDS! Vertical, Mini, Wood, Pleats

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Computer Consultant, Sales & Repair JB RYAN COMPUTER REPAIR & UPGRADE

Decorator

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Repair - Upgrade - Trouble-shooting - Data Recovery Virus Removal - Laptop Overheat - Cracked Screen Broken Power Jack. Call James 646-281-4475 • 718-324-4332

PAINT PRO GENIUS Bronx’s Favorite Painter! 347-780-1002

6/25

Co-op City Times / December 23, 2017

NYS DIESEL INSPECTION STATION

AUTO DIAGNOSTIC CENTER

THE ONLY ORIGINAL BEAR IN THE BRONX 2180 WEBSTER AVE. (at 182 St.) W E ’ L L P A Y T H E TA X W I T H M O S T R E PA I R S ! with this ad

TOWING AVAILABLE!

TRANSMISSION OIL CHANGE SPECIAL TUNE-UP Maintain Your Transmission and Prevent Costly Repairs with New Transmission Fluid (Filter and Pan Gasket Additional). Most American Cars. Most Front Wheel and Rear Wheel Drive Vehicles.

MOST AMERICAN 4 CYL. CARS • WITH AD

Synthetic Oil Change Available

NEW VEHICLE WARRANTY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE •Basic Tune Up •PCV Valve •Cooling System •Antifreeze & Service •Tire Rotation •Clean & Adjust Brakes

•New Spark Plugs •Air Filter •Adjust Idle & Timing •Oil Change & Filter •Transmission Service •Repack Wheel Bearing

159

RADIATOR FLUSH $2995

• Up to 5 quarts of CASTROL Motor Oil • Premium Oil Filter • Lubrication • INCLUDES Road Test and FREE 21 point Vehicle Inspection.

• Replace with up to 1 Gallon Anti-freeze • Check Belts, Hoses, Clamps, Thermostat MOST CARS

FUEL INJECTION CLEANING

INCREASE YOUR CAR’S PERFORMANCE

Parts Included

BRAKE SPECIAL DISC or DRUM

Replace pads and/or shoes (semimetallic pads extra). Cut drums or rotors. Repack wheel bearings, inspect hydraulic system. Add fluid if necessary, road test.

Front or Rear Brakes Most American Cars

COMPUTERIZED WHEEL ALIGNMENT

9995

MOST CARS $149.99 INCLUDES INSTALLATION

AXLE SPECIAL

COMPLETE CV AXLE INSTALLED MOST CARS

Most Cars

WE ARE AUTHORIZED GE CAPITAL ARI & PHH DEALERS.

WE HONOR MOST EXTENDED WARRANTY PLANS.

MONDAY - FRIDAY: 8 AM - 6 PM SATURDAY: 8 AM - 3 PM

ELECTRONIC IGNITION TUNE-UP

29 $ 3499 $ 99 39 $

4 cyl

6 cyl

8 cyl

• New Spark Plugs • Adjust Timing & Carb when needed • Inspect Emission Control • Inspect Cables & Hoses • Most American Cars • Foreign Plugs Extra

CAR CARE PACKAGE

Most Cars

HID HEADLIGHTS $

(718) 365-5300

Most American Cars (6 cyl. & 8 cyl. Slightly Higher)

Service on Limos & Oversized Vehicles Now Available

NYS INSPECTION STATION

WE DIAGNOSE & REPAIR: • CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS • ELECTRICAL SHORTS

WE NOW SERVICE LARGE VEHICLES: STRETCH LIMOS, TRUCKS, VANS

• Spark Plug Replacement • Oil Change & Filter • 4 Tire Rotation • Drain & Fill Radiator w/up to 1 gal. anti-freeze • Check Thermostat • Complete Vehicle Inspection 6 CYL. & 8 CYL. SLIGHTLY HIGHER

95 95 59

Most American Cars

Is Your CHECK ENGINE Light On?

COMPUTERIZED ENGINE DIAGNOSTIC

FREE

INCLUDING PRINTOUT *Most U.S. Cars

*with most Related Repairs. $39.95 Diagnostic only.